Rye Junior High School

501 Washington Rd.

Rye, NH 03870

(603) 964-5591

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30-3:30

September 17, 2026

Principal Updates

Open House

The RJH Open House is next Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-6:30. Students of all ages are invited to attend with their families. We hope you can come check out our amazing building and meet our talented teachers.

"Give Like Dolly Day"

Next Friday, RJH is celebrating Dolly Parton and the unofficial "Give Like Dolly Day" (it's 9/25, after all!) by collecting gently used or new children's books to donate to Seacoast Reads, a UNH group that offers free tutoring and reading support to children in the Seacoast community.

As many people know, Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, a gifting program that provided monthly books to children at birth through age five. After starting in Tennessee, the Imagination Library has expanded into the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Ireland. The impact of one person really can make a difference, and we are hoping that our students can take part in a similar effort on a smaller scale.

Please check your home book collection, and feel free to send in any new or gently used children's books for donation in Dolly's memory!

Meet Chef John!

John Benouski, or Chef John to our students, runs the RJH kitchen as part of the outside agency that provides food service for Rye schools. He has worked at RJH as part of the Witson company for six months, and been in the food industry for 34 years. He recently moved to the area and loves living in the Seacoast with his wife Kim and Stanley, the cat. He enjoys cooking, barbecuing, cycling, and enjoying the various local restaurants.

When asked about RJH students, Chef John made it clear that he understands the unique nature of middle school students. He enjoys putting a smile on their face by joking around and remembering individual small details. When he figures out what they like, he makes sure they have it- even if it is a single student's love of red peppers. Every day, Chef John demonstrates his understanding that making connections with students also makes him approachable.

We love having you as part of our team, Chef!

RJH reminders

* Please remind your students that no outside drinks from their favorite morning 'coffee run' are permitted at RJH. Additionally, no energy drinks in cans or bottles are permitted. Reusable water bottles are welcomed and encouraged!

* All lunches from home should be in a plain or reusable lunch bag. Please do not drop off outside food in branded bags (ie Chick-Fil-A).

Team newsletters

Please click to view each newsletter

Important dates

Wednesday, September 23: Rye School board meeting, 5:30 at RJH

Thursday, September 24: RJH Picture Day

Thursday, September 24: 5:30-6:30: RJH Open House

Wednesday, September 30: Early release for students at approximately 12:40

RJH Picture Day!

RJH picture day is right around the corner on Thursday, September 24. Please see the above flyer for purchasing information, including the RJH code when purchasing online.

PTA Updates

PTA Fall Mum Sale (Now through Sunday, 9/20)
Don't miss your opportunity to purchase beautiful flowers grown at Wentworth Greenhouses.
Pick-up: Friday, September 25th at RJH from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (or choose delivery for a small fee).
- Order here: my.cheddarup.com/c/rye-pta-fall-garden-mum-sale-2026

PTA Membership Renewal Drive
Thank you to everyone who has already signed up! Our membership drive runs through mid-October.

Please note that your membership will be valid for the 2026/27 school year.
- Sign up here: my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-27-annual-membership

Trunk-or-Treat
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 25th, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. More details and sign-ups will follow soon.

Volunteers Needed
We have exciting events planned for this year, including Trunk-or-Treat, an Election Day bake sale in November and Teacher Appreciation Week among lots of other things. We need your help to make them a success. Please keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer sign-up sheets, or reach out to me directly at ryenh.pta.president@gmail.com if you are interested in helping co-chair or coordinate any of these events.

Community Events (not school sponsored)

Check in to see any community events!

RES newsletter

Please check out this week's RES newsletter.

Anne Gilbert, Principal

agilbert@sau50.org

RJH website
Phone: 603 964-5591
Check out our socials:

Rye Schools Instagram

Rye Schools Facebook page

Principal News and Notes

#MotivationMonday

September 17, 2026

Principal Updates

Open House

"Give Like Dolly Day"

Meet Chef John!

RJH reminders

Team newsletters

Please click to view each newsletter

Important dates

RJH Picture Day!

PTA Updates

Community Events (not school sponsored)

RES newsletter

Anne Gilbert, Principal

September 17, 2026 September 17, 2026

Principal Updates Principal Updates

Open House

"Give Like Dolly Day"

Meet Chef John! Meet Chef John!

RJH reminders RJH reminders

Team newsletters Team newsletters

Please click to view each newsletter

Important dates Important dates

RJH Picture Day! RJH Picture Day!

PTA Updates PTA Updates

Community Events (not school sponsored) Community Events (not school sponsored)

RES newsletter RES newsletter

Anne Gilbert, Principal

September 17, 2026

Principal Updates

Meet Chef John!

RJH reminders

Team newsletters

Important dates

RJH Picture Day!

PTA Updates

Community Events (not school sponsored)

RES newsletter