The Rock Creek Parent Reader

Dear Rock Creek Families,

March is off to a great start at Rock Creek! Our classrooms are full of energy as students continue building strong routines and making meaningful progress toward their academic and social goals. This time of year is always exciting as we see growth really begin to shine.

As we head into March, Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. As in years passed, we will be holding Student-led conferences, which means students will play an active role in sharing their learning, goals, and progress with you. Because of this, it is important that students attend the conference with their parents. We are excited for you to hear directly from your child about their growth and accomplishments. More details are in this newsletter below.

Rock Creek is participating in One District, One Book. A district-wide reading initiative centered around the shared novel "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo. Each family has now received a copy to enjoy reading together. We look forward to the conversations and connections this story will inspire across our Rock Creek school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to a wonderful March filled with learning and growth at Rock Creek! Pay close attention to the calendar. It's shaping up to be a busy month.

Sincerely,

Principal Lisa Gebbie

March 16th-19th

Spring conferences at Rock Creek are Student-Led Conferences, which means your child plays an active role in sharing their learning. Instead of the teacher doing most of the talking, students will guide the conversation by explaining their goals, progress, strengths, and areas for growth using work samples and learning data. Parents may sign up for conferences online using the link: https://ptcfast.com/schools/Rock_Creek

What to Expect: Students should attend conferences with their parents. This is their opportunity to take ownership of their learning and celebrate their growth. Teachers will be there to guide the conversation, clarify information, and provide additional insight as needed.

During the conference, students may:

Share a portfolio of work (writing, math, projects)
Explain their academic goals in kid-friendly language
Reflect on what they are proud of
Identify one or two areas they want to improve
Show growth data (i-Ready, reading levels, math facts, etc.)
Answer simple reflection questions

Parent Input Survey: We value your feedback! Families are asked to complete the Parent Input Survey, which is now open and will close on Thursday, March 19th. This survey is an important part of our continuous improvement process. We encourage 100% parent participation. You may complete the survey at home or during conferences. Survey link: https://app.smore.com/n/fx9er

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your child’s growth!

March 2nd-6th- Read Across America Week

Wednesday, March 4th- Idaho Day 🥔

Spring Hands-On 4th Grade Fundraiser from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Cafeteria (more info below)

Thursday, March 5th-

Class Picture Day
ALICE Drill at 2:10 PM
Choir Concert at 7:00 PM

Friday, March 6th- Spirit Day & Wacky Dress Up Day

Sunday, March 8th- Daylight Saving Time Begins

Monday, March 9th- Vertical Teaming. We would LOVE your help! Sign up HERE

Friday, March 13th- End of the 3rd Quarter (Early Dismissal at 12:45PM)

Monday, March 16th-Thursday, March 19th- Student Led Parent/Teacher Conferences & Book Fair in the Library

Tuesday, March 17th- Dads & Donuts in the Gym from 7:15-8:00 AM 🍩

Wednesday, March 18th- PTO is Providing Dinner for Teachers. Want to help? Sign up HERE

Thursday, March19th & Friday, March 20th- No School

March 23rd-27th- Spring Break 🔆🌷

Monday, March 30th- School Resumes

Tuesday, April 14th- 5th Grade Science ISAT

Thursday, April 16th- ELA CAT ISAT for Grades 3rd-5th

Monday, April 20th- PTO's Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser

Tuesday, April 21st- ELA Performance Task ISAT for Grades 3rd-5th

Thursday, April 23rd- Math Performance Task ISAT for Grades 3rd-5th

Test Time Tips: Helping Kids Do Their Best

Testing season is coming, and we want to help our students feel confident and prepared. Here are some ways you can support your child at home:

Before the Test:

Encourage effort, not scores. Example: “Just do your best!”
Keep routines normal: plenty of sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving on time.
Build confidence by reminding your child of their learning and successes.

During the Test:

Remind your child to read directions carefully, take their time, and skip a question if needed and go back to it later.
Encourage deep breaths when feeling nervous. A simple strategy: “Stop. Breathe. Think.”

After the Test:

Focus on effort and growth, not just the score. Example: “Tell me something you felt good about today.”
Celebrate learning, progress, and effort. Every child grows at their own pace.

Most importantly: tests show what your child knows today. They don’t define who they are.

Continue Learning at Home with i-Ready!

What is i-Ready? i-Ready is an online reading and math program that helps teachers identify student needs, personalize instruction, and monitor progress throughout the year. Lessons adjust to each student’s responses, providing instruction at just the right level in a fun, interactive way.

Students can also access i-Ready from home to practice skills and build confidence. Just a few minutes a day makes a big difference! Contact your child’s teacher for login information and directions.

Family Fridge Tips for i-Ready Lessons At-Home (CLICK HERE)

Helpful Reminders

As illnesses continue to circulate, we encourage students to practice healthy habits like frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. These simple steps go a long way in keeping our Rock Creek community healthy.

Even with illness going around, we are proud to share that Rock Creek has maintained the highest average daily attendance in the Twin Falls School District last month. Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and commitment to student learning.

Parents are encouraged to provide a doctor’s note when their child is seen by a medical provider, as these absences are excused and do not negatively impact attendance records. If a doctor’s visit does not occur, please contact your child’s teacher to verify the absence. Please note that verified absences still count toward a student’s total number of absences.

School Hours

Mondays (early release every Monday): 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Breakfast opens at 7:35 AM daily, and playground supervision also begins at 7:35 AM.
Safety First: For your child’s safety, please don’t drop off before 7:35 AM, and be sure to pick up students promptly at dismissal time.

We 💙 Volunteers!

We truly value our volunteers. Your support helps make Rock Creek a welcoming and successful place for students. Volunteers are welcome in the building, but please bring your ID, check in at the front office, and wear a visitor badge at all times to help us keep everyone safe.

Parents who plan to volunteer, participate in Vertical Teaming, or chaperone field trips must complete a background check at least two weeks prior to the event. Field trip season is coming up. Don't be left in the dust!

Click the link below to get started: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjYyOmVuLVVT
Click HERE to Sign Up to be a lap counter for The Morning Mile!

We appreciate your time and partnership!

Volunteer Opportunity: Vertical Teaming Explained

Lunch is not free for all students at Rock Creek. The 2025–2026 Free and Reduced Meal Applications are now available and must be completed each year, even if you qualified last year. Submit your application promptly, as assistance only applies after approval.

Free & Reduced:

Apply online: Free & Reduced Application
Print an application: English | Spanish | Other Languages

Meal Prices at Regular Rate:

Breakfast: $1.65
Lunch: $3.00
Extra Milk: $0.75

Need Help? Contact Jennifer Hutton at 208-733-0134 or huttonje@tfsd.org for questions, assistance with the application, or your child’s student ID.

Pay online: https://www.tfsd.org/departments/federal-programs/food/

School Lunch & Breakfast Menus

Know a Rock Creek teacher who goes above and beyond for students? Nominate them for Teacher of the Month and help recognize the dedication and excellence that make our school such a special place.

Didn’t see your nominee selected this time? Nominations can be submitted anytime. Let’s continue celebrating the amazing work happening at Rock Creek!

👉 Click HERE to nominate your favorite teacher!

Have You Ordered Yours Yet?

This year marks a first in Rock Creek history! We’re creating our very first RC Yearbook. Capture the memories, smiles, and special moments from this unforgettable school year. Families can pre-order now to guarantee a copy for their student. Don’t miss out on this keepsake! CLICK HERE

All drivers are expected to follow traffic laws and make safe choices. Police officers regularly patrol during pick-up and drop off. Please remember that we are role models for our students and are expected to demonstrate patience, kindness, and respect. We also ask that families share these procedures with any relatives or friends who may be picking up students so everyone understands and follows our expectations.

To ensure everyone’s safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these 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 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 (this has been happening a lot)
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 helping us keep our school safe, positive, and welcoming for everyone. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school administration.

Pick-Up/Drop-Off Procedures