Rogers Middle School
February, 2026
From the Principal
Dear Students and Families,
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, this is a natural and important time for students and families to pause and reflect on both academic successes and challenges. Middle school is a period of tremendous growth, and progress rarely follows a straight line. Reflection helps us understand what is working well and where we may need to adjust our approach moving forward.
We encourage students and families to take time together to consider the habits that are contributing to academic success and ensure those routines remain consistent. For many students, this includes completing assignments on time, studying ahead of assessments rather than cramming, and breaking larger projects into manageable chunks to allow for thoughtful work and reflection without becoming overwhelmed. For families, continued support through checking backpacks, monitoring homework completion, and helping students stay organized plays a critical role in reinforcing these habits.
At the same time, reflection also means honestly identifying areas for growth. If a student is struggling, this is not a setback—it is an opportunity to adjust habits, seek support, and strengthen skills. Open communication between students, families, and teachers is essential, and we encourage you to reach out if questions or concerns arise.
In addition to academics, we ask families to reflect on students’ social habits outside of school, particularly for those with access to electronic devices and social media apps. At this age, students are still learning how to navigate friendships, boundaries, and communication. Electronic platforms can sometimes embolden behavior and lead to unhelpful or unhealthy interactions. Ongoing conversations at home about respectful communication, decision-making, and balance are incredibly important in supporting students’ social and emotional development.
Finally, as the snow begins to melt and weather permits, we will do our best to provide students with outdoor recess opportunities. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the season and has access to a jacket, hat, and gloves so they can safely and comfortably enjoy time outside.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Working together, we can help our students reflect, grow, and finish the year strong.
Richard A. MacAllister
Principal
Rogers Middle School
Upcoming Events
Feb 2 - Shamrock Classic Signup Form Sent To 8th Graders
Feb 4 - Term 2 Grades Posted
Feb 4 - Bulldog Buddies 2:40pm
Feb 4 - School Council Mtg 3pm
Feb 5 - Early Release 11:25am
Feb 9 - Curriculum Leadership Team Mtg 2:50pm
Feb 11 - PAC Mtg 5:30pm
Feb 13 - Shamrock Classic Shirt Forms Due
Feb 16-20 - February Vacation: No School
Feb 18 - Dining For A Cause: Domino's Pizza
Feb 24-25 - Mid Year Academic Awards - Virtual Only
Monthly Calendar
New Schedule!
Shamrock Classic Fan Shirts - Support RMS!!!
Multi-Language Learner CPAC Mtg
Harlem Wizards Are Back!!!
8th Grade Parent Night with Rockland High School Guidance
The RHS Guidance Department will be holding a presentation for parents/guardians of 8th grade students on Wednesday, March 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the RMS/RHS Lecture Hall.
Details can be found here.
We will send a reminder out after February vacation, along with a Google form where parents/families can list any specific information they would like or questions they have.
We look forward to seeing you on March 4th.
Para uma tradução em português deste documento, clique aqui.
Regards,
The RHS Guidance Department
Rockland Softball
Honk!
Shout out to the cast and crew of, "Honk" who performed Thursday, January 15th. AMAZING JOB!!!
Cape Cod Collaborative Academic Studies and Leadership Program
Concert and Art
Congratulations To Our 5th and 6th Grade Band & Chorus Students!!!
Name the Courtyard Drawing
Thank you to Officer Schnabel and Kinley for helping us draw the winners!
Warming Up With Some Hot Chocolate
DESE Integrated Monitoring Review
Energy Drink Concerns At RMS
Energy drinks have become an increasing concern at Rogers Middle School. Per school policy, students are allowed to bring only clear water to school. If they walk to school and buy them at Richdale or you drive them to Dunkin in the morning, they must be finished before coming into the building or they will be thrown away at the door.
We have seen an increase in behaviors, anxiety, stomach upset, elevated pulse and blood pressure in our school population. Some drinks contain as much caffeine as 2-4 cups of coffee. That is 80-240 mg of caffeine per can. Some of these drinks contain herbal supplements that can interfere with digestion, metabolism, sleep and other prescribed medications that your children may take. Please read the following information regarding energy drinks and how they affect teenagers.
Caffeine and Other Stimulants:
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system.
They may also contain other stimulants, such as taurine and guarana.
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations.
Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners:
Energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
High sugar intake can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
Artificial sweeteners may have long-term health effects that are not fully understood.
Other Ingredients:
Energy drinks may contain additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.
Some of these ingredients may interact with medications or have other potential health risks.
Health Risks:
Consuming energy drinks regularly can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure.
They can also contribute to dehydration, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
In extreme cases, energy drink consumption can lead to seizures or coma.
Recommendations:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teenagers avoid consuming energy drinks.
If a teenager does consume an energy drink, they should limit it to one small can per day.
Teens should also avoid mixing energy drinks with alcohol or other stimulants.
Parents should talk to their teenagers about the risks of energy drinks and encourage them to make healthy choices.
Popular energy drink brands
Monster Energy: A very popular brand with a wide variety of products. 160mg of caffeine.
Red Bull: Another market leader known for its original formula.80 mg of caffeine.
Celsius: Gaining popularity, with versions like Celsius Heat containing 300 mg of caffeine.
Rockstar: A major player in the energy drink market.160 mg of caffeine.
Bang: Known for its high caffeine content, with many products containing around 300 mg per can.
Reign: Another popular brand in the energy drink category.
Ghost: A well-known brand that is popular among consumers.
Prime: A more recent and popular entry into the energy drink market.
Incoming Freshmen From RMS
There will be an informational meeting for students and parents about the 2028 trip to Spain and Portugal for the Rockland High School Travel Club on Monday, December 1, at 7 p.m. in RHS room 121.
Current grade 8 students, who will be in grade 10 at the time of the trip, are eligible to attend.
Please RSVP at this link or email kwalsh@rocklandschools.org for more information.
https://bit.ly/48OF21c
Kristen Walsh
English Teacher
Travel Club Advisor
National Honor Society Advisor
Advisor for The Veritas
Rockland High School
kwalsh@rocklandschools.org
Twitter and Instagram @RHSTravelWalsh
Recess Reminders
Dear Students and Parents,
We hope to get kids outside to recess as long as weather permits. With that being said, please make sure your 5th and 6th graders are coming to school dressed for outdoor recess - Jackets, Gloves, and a Hat should be brought to school each day.
Thank you!
From The Office
· CHROMEBOOKS: Please make sure your child brings their Chromebook and charger to school every day.
· RMS EMAIL: To report an absence, tardy, or to send a medical note, please email: rmsabsences@rocklandschools.org.
· DISMISSALS and MEETINGS: Please remember to bring your up-to-date photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, green card) into the office when picking up your student for early dismissal, coming in for a meeting, or dropping off something to the Nurse. If one of your contacts is picking up your child for early dismissal, please let them know they need to bring one of these forms of ID.
Please note for dismissals: we will call your child down when you arrive. We are unable to call them down ahead of time.
· VOLUNTEERING: If you plan to chaperone an RMS field trip or volunteer for an RMS event, you must have a valid CORI on file. Please come in to the Main Office with your driver's license or US passport and fill out the form. It can take a week or so for the CORI to come back. If you are unsure if you have a CORI on file, or if your CORI is still current, please call the office at 781-878-4341 and we will look it up.
· WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL: If you are withdrawing your child from Rockland Public Schools, you must complete and return a withdrawal form. You can come in to get the form, or email pdriscoll@rocklandschools.org for one to be emailed to you.
· ADDRESS CHANGE: If you need to change your address that we have on file, please email pdriscoll@rocklandschools.org or call 781-878-4341 for the info that is required (lease/mortgage/Form 5, bill, etc.).
From Guidance and Adjustment Counselors
The middle school years can be a tricky maze for students and parents. Students are changing socially, emotionally and academically all at once. For some, it can be a roller coaster of a ride sometimes. Communication between home and school is an important part in helping our students navigate their way through Middle School.
Our support staff focuses their skills, time, and energy on direct and indirect services to students. Direct services are in-person interactions between school counselors and students to support academic, social and emotional growth. This includes classroom lessons and counseling in small group or individual settings. Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the support staff's interactions with others including referrals for additional assistance, consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators and other educators.
We are here to support you and your students throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, our contact information is below. We look forward to working with all of you throughout the year.
Important information:
We will hold our 8th annual college awareness day on Friday October 24th Please join us in our early college awareness initiative. On Friday October 24th, staff here at RMS will be representing the college they attended or a college a family member attended. Join us in wearing college gear representing a college of your choice. It could be a school that someone in your family went to, a school you may want to attend or a school that you may like for another reason. 8th Grade
Rockland High School Open House - October 22nd @ 6pm
South Shore Vo Tech - October 25th 10am-1pm
Norfolk Agricultural High School- Open House October 5th 1pm-4pm
Elizabeth McDonald
Grade 6 & 8 Counselor
Kristen Collins
Grade 5 & 7 Counselor
Lawrie Donovan
School Adjustment Counselor
Reminders from Nurse Kemp
Winter is here!
We are having dangerously low temperatures this week with wind chills that can cause frostbite in minutes. Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate apparel for school, Please send your children to school dressed for the winter weather. The 5th and 6th grade will go outside for recess as the weather allows and it is cold out there.
While we are talking about clothing, a refresher about dress code. Being a parent myself, I understand that sometimes your daughters may leave home in one outfit and arrive at school in another. Shoulders and abdomens must be covered. No spaghetti straps or half shirts. No booty shorts or spandex unless they are part of a uniform and they are participating in a sporting event.
Sneakers must be worn for gym class. They are also suggested for recess.
Children who are sick with fever, vomiting or diarrhea should not be in school. Students must be free of fever without fever reducing medication, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. Students that are sent home for any of these reasons cannot return the next day.
The nurse’s office has Tylenol, Advil and Tums, which will be given if parents have signed off on the emergency contact form that student may have them. At this point in the school year, we have sent this paper home multiple times if it has not been returned. There are no other medications for illness in the nurse’s office.
Cologne, body spray or anything with fragrance is not allowed to be used in school. Deodorant for gym class is acceptable but other fragrances should not be brought to school.
No energy drinks, coffee or sports drinks. Only clear water is allowed at school.
Please review the school handbook or reach out if needed to clarify any of the above policies.
Thank you!
Amy Kemp BSN, RN, NCSN
781-871-8436
akemp@rocklandschools.org
Book Club with Ms. Moscone and Ms. Ferrante
For More Details Please Reach Out To...
Ms. Moscone: nmoscone@rocklandschools.org or
Ms. Ferrante jferrante@rocklandschools.org
Inside RMS
Quick Links
Richard A. MacAllister, Principal
Rogers Middle School
rmacallister@rocklandschools.org
100 Taunton Ave
Rockland, MA 02370
