Rockport Middle/High School

Happy Friday, RMHS Students & Families,

We are in the midst of May with so many things happening across schools and grade-levels. A huge congratulations to the middle and high school theater departments for putting together two amazing shows over these past two weeks. RMS Drama performed last weekend, wow'ing the crowd at DramaFest, winning a variety of student accolades and awards. This weekend, the RHS Drama Llamas present three performances of the 'Tuck Everlasting', wrapping up the weekend with a tribute to the seniors as they perform their final show at RMHS this coming Sunday. These experiences will last a lifetime for our students and their families and I am extremely grateful to the staff for putting them together and making them happen in such a meaningful way.

Spring sports are in full effect, with a number of senior games/matches coming up over the coming week/s. The Junior/Senior Prom is this coming Friday, May 15th at the Hellenic Center in Ipswich. I will hold a mandatory meeting for all students attending the prom on Tuesday at the start of Assembly block (9:25). Thank you to Ms. Zuis and Mr. Smoker for organizing this annual event for our students this year.

In the world of testing, the high school is in the midst of AP testing, with one week down, and one more to go! Thank you to Ms. Price, and the Guidance Department for coordinating these experiences for our students. We continue with the season of MCAS this coming week with Grade 8 Science. Thank you to Ms. King and the 8th grade team for your work to make it all happen. Please see below for more details on the upcoming exams over the coming weeks.

Here's to a great week ahead! 😎

-Ms. Rose

Amy Rose, Principal

Rockport at the Applied Learning Showcase in Boston in THREE programs: PLTW Engineering, PLTW Computer Science, and PLTW Gateway. These kids are killing it!

Tuesday, May 12th & Wednesday, May 13th: Grade 8 STE MCAS

Thursday, May 14th: MFA Field Trip

Friday, May 15th: 1/2 day, for Students Promenade @ 4:30 & Prom

Tuesday, May 19th & Wednesday, May 20th: Grade 10 MCAS

Tuesday, May 19th - Friday, May 22nd: 8th Grade Washington, DC Trip

Tuesday, May 19th - No HS Assembly due to MCAS

Thursday, May 21st - HS Assembly in the GYM (Senior Internship Expo)

Monday, May 25th: Holiday No School

Tuesday, May 26th & Wednesday, May 27th: Grade 8 Civics MCAS

Wednesday, May 27th: Credit for Life (Grade 11 field trip) 8:30-12:30

Friday, May 29th: Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony @ 5 pm

Monday, June 1st: AP US History Plymouth Field trip 6:45-12:00

Monday, June 1st: Incoming 6th Grade Visit @ 12:30 pm

Tuesday, June 2nd: Grades 10 & 11 - Day of Service (No Regular Classes will run that day for students in grades 10 & 11)

Tuesday, June 2nd: Incoming 6th Grade Orientation @ 6 pm in the AUD

Tuesday, June 2nd & Wednesday, June 3rd: Grade 9 Physics MCAS

Thursday, June 4th: Grades 9-11 Awards Ceremony at 8:15 in the AUD

Saturday, June 6th: RHS DECA Car Wash

Tuesday, June 16th: 8th Grade Recognition Night @ 5:30 pm in the AUD

Wednesday, June 17th: Last Day of School 1/2 Day

Senior Week dates will be held as follows:

Friday, May 15th: RHS Junior/Senior Class Prom

Tuesday, May 19th: Senior Showcase @ Rockport Shalin Liu Performance Center

Thursday May 21st: Mandatory Internship Showcase at 9:20 am (Final Project/Presentation)

Friday, May 22nd: Final Day of Formal Classes/Internships for Seniors (Final Deadline to submit any work and community service)

Tuesday, May 26th: Spring Athletic Awards Night @ 6pm

Wednesday, May 27th: Senior Banquet (Elks in Gloucester @ 6:00pm)

Friday, May 29th: RHS Graduation Ceremony @ 5pm

The Week of Monday, May 25th is Senior Week! 🎉🎓

Graduation Rehearsals are scheduled for:

• Monday, May 25th: Holiday

• Tuesday, May 26th: 8 am - 10:30 am

• Wednesday, May 27th: 8 am - 10:30 am (Caps and Gowns Distributed, only if Obligations fulfilled. RPS Parade of the Graduates at 10:15 am).

• Friday, May 29th: 8 am - 10:00 am

• Friday, May 29th: Graduation @ 5:00 pm

Please note that all seniors must meet their academic, community service, and financial obligations by Friday, May 22nd, in order to participate in the RHS Graduation Ceremony scheduled for May 29th, 2026. All seniors are required to attend all graduation rehearsals the week of Senior Week if they plan to participate in the ceremony.

Promenade Details:

Date: Friday May 15, 2026
Time: 4:30
Location: RMHS Gymnasium

Prom Details:

Date: Friday May 15, 2026

Time: 6ish to 10ish
Location: Floriana Hellenic Center, 117 County Road, Ipswich, MA

Tickets Sale: April 13 - 17 & April 20 - 24 during Lunches.

Cost:

$85 (Underclassmen)

$80 (Seniors)

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, parents and caregivers of students in grades 8–12 should expect to see Physical Education (PE) included on their child’s schedule. The district is working to ensure that all students in grades 8 through 12 receive Physical Education instruction annually, as required by Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 71, §3) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Because PE is a state-required subject and a graduation requirement, it cannot be waived or replaced with an elective course. Please contact your child's counselor with questions.

We’re excited to begin a new chapter for our school garden in collaboration with the Rockport Garden Club. Together, we will relocate our vegetable garden and create a beautiful new pollinator garden—a space where students can learn, explore, and connect with nature.

These gardens will become living classrooms where children can discover how food grows, observe bees and butterflies at work, and experience the joy of caring for the earth.

We’re looking for volunteers to help bring this vision to life by:
• Assembling raised garden beds
• Preparing the new garden space
• Relocating the vegetable garden
• Planting and establishing a pollinator garden for bees and butterflies

Whether you love gardening or simply want to support a meaningful project for our students, your help will make a lasting impact.

If you’re interested in being part of this exciting project, please share your contact information by clickling the link below so we can reach out with upcoming dates and details.

RPS Community Volunteer Form - Spring 2026

Together, we can create a vibrant garden that will inspire students for years to come!

Happy Spring!!! (Almost)

-Darlene Trumbour

RES Health & Wellness Teacher

ALL STUDENTS:

• The first week of AP Exams was a success and exams will continue through May 19th. A reminder that students who are testing need to know their College Board username and password on the day of the exam. Invoices have been mailed to the student’s home address. Timely payment is appreciated.

• Salem State University will allow up to five students to take a free dual enrollment college course in the Fall of 2026. Details can be viewed on the SSU website: https://www.salemstate.edu/dualenrollment. Interested students should see their school counselor to discuss the program and application. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks and any required instructional materials.

Seniors, Class of 2026:

• IMPORTANT!! Update ALL of your college outcomes (accepted, denied, and waitlisted and SELECT your ATTENDING college in Naviance. Scholarship Committees are asking, and Guidance needs this data. Thank you!

• Senior obligations need to be fulfilled before receiving your cap & gown. Ask your Class Officer or Advisors for details.

Juniors, Class of 2027:

• Your Uniqueness Form/Brag Sheet is OVERDUE! Please check your email from rprice@rpk12.org for the link to the Google Form.

Please see the chart below for a breakdown of counseling assignments at the high school level. The alphabet breakdown is based upon student last name:

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

Rockport Middle School is excited to announce our summer reading program for 2026! Building a culture of literacy and dialogue: our program brings students and staff together through the power of a shared story, turning individual reading into a collective experience.

Summer reading should be an opportunity to:

• connect with high interest titles,

• understand different perspectives,

• develop excitement about books,

• support academic skills,

• create a community of readers and learners, and

• facilitate dialogue around selected book(s)

After utilizing multiple sources (book lists, librarian and English teacher input, and staff preferences), we have selected a diverse group of titles that we hope will engage a variety of readers. Please note that the proposed books may not be appropriate for all readers. Commonsensemedia.org provides a good overview of the specifics regarding mature topics that may be helpful for families to review. Given the wide variety of content, themes, and language usage, please support your child in making a decision that makes the most sense for your family. If you need guidance, please reach out to Samantha McAuliffe (email below). We hope that you find a compelling read among this list.

Please take some time and explore these book options carefully. Students will use a Google Form to sign up for a title of interest in school. Your child will be expected to read this book and complete Book Notes for Community Reading 2026 to prepare for the community discussion which will occur on September 9th, 2026.

Happy Reading,

Samantha McAuliffe

6-12 English Curriculm Coordinator smcauliffe@rpk12.org

Kriisten Fauci

6th and 7th ELA Teacher kfauci@rpk12.org

Keith McCarthy

8th ELA Teacher kmccarthy@rpk12.org

Grade 10 Math MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th & Wednesday, May 20th

Grade 8 STE MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th & Wednesday, May 13th

Grade 9 Physics MCAS is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2nd & Thursday, June 3rd

Grade 8 Civics MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th & Wednesday, May 27th

A few reminders as you prepare for these important dates in your educational career:

• MCAS is computer-based once again this year. Teachers have been having you practice during class. Please be sure you are taking advantage of this practice and asking questions if you have concerns about the platform.

• Please make sure to be in school and on time on testing days - Showing up is half the battle!

• Do your best work possible and come in with a positive attitude.

• Listen/read carefully to all test-taking directions and ask questions if any directions are unclear.

• Breathe, take your time and do the best you can. You have the skills you need to be successful on this exam so come in with a clear and open mind! I have full faith you will all do well

It is essential that you come to school prepared and ready to take the exam. If you have any questions about the MCAS subject matter, please contact your subject-specific teacher. If you have questions about attendance or other procedural aspects of the exam, please contact Ms. King

Everyone is welcome!! No signing up, come when you need to, and leave when you are done !!

Morning hours: 6:30-7:25 Monday- Friday

Afternoon hours: 2:10-3:00 Monday - Thursday

If you have any questions or concerns, please email me, Michelle, at melwell@rpk12.org

There will be NO AFTERNOON Homework Club from Tuesday May 19th- Thursday, May 21st

Being in school and on time are extremely important to your child's success. When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they stay engaged in their learning, build strong relationships, and develop solid study habits. Please help us by making sure your child gets to school on time each day. The cafeteria and library are open at 7:00 am and free breakfast is available in the cafeteria for all students. The main hallways and classrooms open at 7:25 am.

School nurses are here to help and answer questions or any concerns that you may have!

*PLEASE reach out to your school nurse if:

• Your child has tested positive for COVID-19, or FLU
• You have any questions or need more guidance .

General Guidelines:

Generally speaking, any child with a fever of 100.0 and above or an illness with fever that produces chills, muscle aches, sore throat, or sweating should remain at home until 24 hours after the fever has resolved without using fever reducing medicine (ex: Tylenol/Acetaminophen, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Aleve/Naproxen)

Strep-throat, Conjunctivitis or impetigo (a rash with pustules) requires 24 hours of medication as prescribed by the physician before a student returns to school.

A child with a rash or skin condition that is undiagnosed by a physician should remain at home until all lesions are healed, or the child is seen and cleared by their physician.

Parents whose children have had any of the above conditions should contact the school nurse so that we may ease the transition back to school after an illness and implement communicable disease control in the school or classroom.

Generally speaking, your child may attend school with a cold, however, if your child has copious amount of nasal drainage or persistent coughing that interferes with the ability to participate in class they should stay home. Children with persistent cold symptoms should see their primary care physician.

The School Nurses do not have cold medicine in the school. If your child requires cold medicine before school, chances are that will wear off by lunchtime. If you feel that your child will need another dose of over the counter medicine while at school, please call the school nurse, plan to bring the medicine in, and fill out the Medication Authorization form.

If a mid-day dose of antibiotics is required, no-problem! Call the school nurse and we can accommodate your child's needs. You can print the Medication Authorization Form from the web-page. A responsible adult (age 18 or older) must bring medicine to school.

Your child may attend school if he/she needs short-term inhalers or nebulizers for acute Reactive Airway Disease/Asthma or Cold. Please fill out the Student Asthma Action Plan Form and have your child's physician sign it. More pediatricians are prescribing inhalers for persistent cold symptoms. Ask your pediatrician for an extra inhaler for school or call the school nurse to make arrangements. While your there, ask your pediatrician for a spacer (Aerochamber), it makes it easier for you child to inhale the medication and its more effective.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school a healthy place to learn.

Please use the main number for routine inquiries: 978-546-1234. For a more detailed chart of counselors, and other support personnel, please use the chart below to help navigate our team of people and systems.

Breakfast is an important way to start a productive day. We encourage all students to arrive early enough to get breakfast before school begins if possible. For those students not able to get to school early on any given day, we will provide a set time in the morning to be sure breakfast is accessible to all. Breakfast and lunch continue to be free for students this year.

• In order to strengthen the home/school partnership at RMHS, we will be providing a number of resources for families to keep you informed of important information and events. Resources include:

  • The Principal’s page on the RMHS website.

  • The “RMHS Viking News” emailed to all students and families beginning the first week of school.

  • Your child’s Aspen account and Google Classroom pages for the most up-to-date information within individual classes.

  • Routine email communication for parents to guide and inform important upcoming events, school-related expectations, and/or happenings.

The school campus is closed to the public when school is in session and after 10:00pm nightly. This includes the use of the tennis courts, track, playgrounds, athletic fields and all other parts of the campus. This does not include families and community members attending school events in our schools or on our school grounds. We appreciate the community's understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety of RPS students and staff.