The Rock Creek Parent Reader
September 2025
Home of the Raptors
Dear Rock Creek Families,
Welcome to September! We are off to a wonderful start to the school year, and it has been such a joy to see our students learning, growing, and settling into routines.
đڏââď¸ Theme of the Year: Heroes in the Making
This year, our school theme is âHeroes in the Making.â At Rock Creek, we believe every child has the power to make a difference through kindness, perseverance, and hard work. Throughout the year, weâll celebrate the everyday actions that show what it means to be a hero, whether thatâs helping a friend, trying something new, or showing courage in the classroom.
đ Family Fitness Night â Thursday, September 25
Mark your calendars! Join us for Family Fitness Night on Thursday, September 25, from 4:30â6:00 PM. This fun-filled evening will include games, movement activities, and ways for the whole family to stay active together. Itâs a great chance to connect with other families, spend quality time, and model healthy habits for our kids. We hope to see many of our Raptors and their families there!
đ PTO Appreciation
We are so grateful for our amazing PTO and the many ways they support Rock Creek! Their time, energy, and creativity help create wonderful opportunities for our students, families, and staff. Please join us in celebrating PTO Appreciation Day on September 25 and thanking our PTO team:
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President: Mikayla Carhaus
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Vice President: Lacey Smith
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Secretaries: Taryn Palmer & Dani Detweiler
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Treasurers: Rachel Gardner & Laura Pierson
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Committee Members: Clerissa Seamons, Brigid Glasheen, & Hannah Hobbs
Thank you for your continued support of Rock Creek Elementary. Together, we are building a school community where every child can soar.
With gratitude,
Principal Lisa Gebbie
Rock Creek Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedures
We have nearly 600 students at our school, and safety is our highest priority. Please take a moment to carefully review the pick-up and drop-off guidelines designed to keep both students and staff safe.
To ensure the safety of all students and keep traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these important procedures:
Pull forward as far as possible in the drop-off/pick-up lane. If a staff member signals you to move forward, please follow their direction.
Always use the crosswalk for your safety and to model safe behavior for students.
Do not let students exit from the left lane. This is unsafe.
The side parking lot and bus lane are for buses only. Do not use this area for drop-off or pick-up.
Be respectful and courteous to others during busy times. Our children are watching!
Only park in handicap spaces if you have a valid permit. These spaces are reserved for those who truly need them.
Never leave your vehicle unattended in the drop-off lane.
Parents must remain outside the gate. You're welcome to wait behind the fence and observe, but please do not enter the playground.
If someone else is dropping off or picking up your child, please share these procedures with them.
Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the school administration.
Important Dates
Friday, Sept. 5th- First Spirit Day of the Year. Let the battle for the grade-level spirit sticks begin!
PTO is selling $1 fidget toysđđ
Tuesday, Sept. 9th- Jersey Mike's Spirit Day! Go into Jersey Mike's between the house of 10:00 AM-9:00 PM and Jersey Mike's will donate a portion of the profit back to Rock Creek.
Friday, Sept. 12th- Data Day for Teachers: NO SCHOOL
- Caps and Kinders Meet me at the 50, CRHS 7:00 PM (see below for more details)
Tuesday, Sept. 16th-
- Hearing & Vision Screener for Students in Grades K, 2nd, and 5th
- After School Choir Begins for 3rd-5th Grade from 3:00-4:00 PM in the music room. Purple permission slips are required to join. đľđś
- In-Person Back-to-School Night for Grades K-1st from 4:30-6:00 PM. Grades 2-5th will be virtual.
Thursday, Sept. 18th- Fall Picture Day (Individual Pictures Only- Class Pictures to Be Done in the Spring)
Sept. 22nd-26th- Kindness Week!
Monday, Sept. 22nd- First Day of Autumn đ
Thursday, Sept. 25th- PTO Appreciation Day!
- Rock Creek Family Fitness Night from 4:30-6:00 PM. Thank you, Clif Bar, for your generous contribution!
Thursday, Oct. 2nd- National Custodian's Day (THANK YOU to Robert, Sheila, & Marivel)
Thursday, Oct. 9th- ALICE Emergency Barricade Drill at 2:15 PM
Friday, Oct. 17th- End of 1st Quarter. Early Dismissal at 12:45 PM
Oct. 20th-23rd- Parent/Teacher Conference Week
Thursday, Oct. 30th- Fall Choir Concert at 7:00-7:30 PM in the Gym
Calling all Rock Creek Kindergarteners!
Help us make 'Meet At The 50' a success! This heartwarming program brings together our senior class and kindergarten students for a special moment on the football field. At this event, our graduating seniors and kindergarteners met at the 50-yard line, symbolizing the connection between the beginning and end of their educational journeys.
This new tradition is designed to create lasting memories and highlight the shared bond within our school community. Thank you to everyone that comes out and shows your support!
Personal Electronic Communication Devices
TFSD Policy No: 3735
We are off to a great start this school year and have had little to no concerns so far! As a reminder, the TFSD policy regarding the use of personal electronic communication devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, and similar devices) remains in effect. To keep our classrooms focused and productive, these devices are not to be used for communication or entertainment during the school day.
For more details about the policyâincluding exceptions, disciplinary procedures, and answers to frequently asked questionsâplease visit our Personal Electronic Communication Device Policy page. Thank you for your continued support in helping us create the best learning environment for all students.
Click HERE to read the policy in it's entirely or visit the our district website using the link below.
Attendance
School Hours:
Mondays (early release EVERY Monday): 8:00AM-2:00PM
Tuesday - Friday: 8:00AM-3:00PM
Breakfast opens at 7:35 AM daily and supervision on the playground begins at 7:35 AM.
Safety First:
For your childâs safety, please donât drop off before 7:35 AM, and remember to pick up right at dismissal time.
Why Attendance Matters:
Every day in school is a building block for your childâs success. Being here means theyâre learning new skills, connecting with friends, and gaining confidence. Students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve their goals and feel good about school.
Little Moments Add Up:
Even a few minutes late can have a big impact:
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1 day a month = nearly 2 weeks of missed learning in a year.
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2 days a month = almost an entire month lost.
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5 minutes late each day = 3 days missed in a year.
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15 minutes late each day = 2 weeks missed.
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30 minutes late each day = nearly a full month missed.
⨠Letâs work together to make every day countâyour childâs future is built one school day at a time!
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
We đ Volunteers!
We love and value our parent volunteers! Your support plays an important role in making Rock Creek a welcoming and successful place for students. At this time, parent volunteers are welcome in the building and on school property, but please remember to check in at the front office upon arrival.
All parents who wish to volunteer, assist with Vertical Teaming, or chaperone field trips must complete a background check at least two weeks before the event.
Click the link below to get started:
https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjYyOmVuLVVT
We appreciate your time and partnership!
School Breakfast & Lunch
Free & Reduced Meal Applications Now Open for 2025â2026
Lunch to not free or reduced to all students at Rock Creek. The Free and Reduced Meal Applications for the 2025â2026 school year are now available! These applications must be completed every year, even if you qualified last year. If you are seeking meal assistance this year, it is crucial to submit your application as soon as possibleâthere is no back payment for days prior to approval.
Why Apply?
Submitting the application ensures your child has access to nutritious meals at school free of charge, which supports their academic success and overall well-being.
How to Apply:
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Apply online: Free & Reduced Application
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Print an application: English | Spanish | Other Languages
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Read application instructions: English Instructions | Spanish Instructions
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Review income guidelines: Click Here
Important Reminders:
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Youâll need your childâs student ID number to complete the application.
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Lunch is not free to all students at Rock Creek unless a Free or Reduced Application is approved.
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Unpaid meal balances carry over each yearâplease keep accounts current to avoid large bills.
Meal Prices at Regular Rate:
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Breakfast: $1.65
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Lunch: $3.00
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Extra Milk: $0.75
You can also add money to your childâs meal account or pay off balances online using the same site linked above.
Need Help? Contact Jennifer Hutton at 208-733-0134 or huttonje@tfsd.org for questions, assistance with the application, or your childâs student ID.
Nominate Your Teacher đ
Know an extraordinary Rock Creek teacher who goes the extra mile for students? Nowâs your chance to recognize them! Your nomination not only celebrates their dedication but also inspires excellence throughout our schools.
We canât help but celebrateâRock Creekâs very own Ms. Meredith Haney was honored as the Elementary Teacher of the Year at the Twin Falls Education Foundationâs Red Apple Gala this past April!
Who Can Be Nominated:
Any Kâ12, vocational, or special education teacher in the Twin Falls School District.
Who Can Nominate:
Students, parents, colleagues, businesses, and community organizations.
Why Nominate?
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Shine a light on the outstanding work happening right here at Rock Creek.
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Encourage excellenceâwho will follow in Ms. Haneyâs footsteps?
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Celebrate educators who make daily differences that matter.
Recognition & Rewards:
Winners are acknowledged monthly and honored at the Red Apple Gala. Plus, all awardees become contenders for the Teacher of the Year title.
Letâs celebrate the legacy started by Ms. Haneyâand discover the next educator whoâs making a lasting impact. Click HERE to nominate your favorite Rock Creek teacher today!
Reach out!
Email: gebbieli@tfsd.org
School Website: rc.tfsd.org
District Website: tfsd.org
Location: 850 Federation Road, Twin Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208)732-7565, Fax: (208)732-7566
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prfile.php?id=100063781904437
Rock Creek's Student Handbook: Click HERE