The Rock Creek Parent Reader
December 2025
Dear Rock Creek Families,
December is here at Rock Creek, and with it comes a season of celebration, connection, and continued gratitude. As we wrap up the year, we’re reminded once again of how lucky we are to have such caring students, supportive families, and dedicated staff who make our school community shine.
A huge thank you to our families for donating over 300 books in November for the Project Succeed Book Drive! Your generosity will put books into the hands of students, building classroom libraries, spread the joy of reading.
Our students exceeded expectations during PTO’s Coin War, surpassing the schoolwide goal with incredible teamwork. As a result, Mrs. Mette and I will be duct taped to the wall during the December 5th assembly. This is a moment we know students will thoroughly enjoy.
As temperatures continue to drop, we also want to ensure all students are dressed appropriately for the cold weather. Coats, hats, gloves, and warm layers help keep everyone safe and comfortable during recess and arrival/dismissal times. If your family needs assistance securing winter gear, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help.
As mornings and afternoons remain busy, we appreciate your continued help keeping drop-off and pick-up safe and smooth. Please remember to drive slowly, follow staff directions, and model patience. Our students learn so much from the way we navigate these daily routines.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for the kindness and generosity you model at home. Together, we are helping our students learn, grow, and lead with heart. Wishing you and your family a joyful December filled with warmth and connection.
Happy Holidays,
Principal Lisa Gebbie
Easy December Learning Moments
As we head into the magic of December, it’s a great time to blend holiday fun with light, meaningful learning at home. Even a few minutes of low-stress practice can keep skills sharp while building family connection.
Holiday Helper Reading: Have your child read gift tags, cards, or simple decorating directions.
Winter Writing: Start a “Holiday Highlights” journal or write cards and notes together.
Cozy Game Nights: Games like Boggle, Monopoly, or memory games boost math, vocabulary, and strategy.
Storytelling Time: Take turns sharing holiday memories or creating silly winter stories.
Shopping Math: Let your child compare prices, estimate totals, or round amounts while shopping.
Countdown Learning: Use an advent/countdown calendar to practice patterns, sequencing, or counting backward.
Winter Walk Observations: Go on a wintery walk and describe what you see using rich vocabulary.
Twinkle-Light Reading: Make reading special with blankets, soft lights, and winter-themed books.
A few minutes of shared time each day keeps learning strong—and makes the season even more meaningful.
Roblox: What Parents Need to Know
We know many Rock Creek students enjoy spending time on Roblox, but it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential risks that come with the platform. While it offers creativity and fun, Roblox can expose children to strangers through chat features, user-generated games that may include inappropriate content, and spending temptations like loot boxes and in-game purchases. Parental controls only work when accounts are set up accurately, so staying involved, setting clear limits, and talking with your child about safe online behavior can go a long way in keeping their experience positive and protected.
'Tis the Season to Spread Germs
With illness running rampant right now, we kindly remind students to practice healthy habits such as regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. This helps keep our school community healthy.
Parents are encouraged to send a doctor’s note anytime their child is seen in a clinic. These absences are excused and will not impact a student’s overall attendance record. If a child is not seen by a doctor, please be sure to contact your child's teacher to verify the absence. Keep in mind that verified absences still count toward a student’s total number of absences.
School Hours:
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Mondays (early release every Monday): 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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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.
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:
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Apply online: Free & Reduced Application
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Print an application: English | Spanish | Other Languages
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
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.
Know an outstanding Rock Creek teacher who goes above and beyond for students? Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve! Your nomination highlights their dedication and inspires excellence throughout our school.
Last year, we celebrated Ms. Meredith Haney as Elementary Teacher of the Year at the Red Apple Gala. Let’s keep that tradition of excellence going!
Nominated your teacher but they didn't win the first time? No problem! You can submit nominations as often as you like. Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening every day at Rock Creek!
With close to 600 students, it takes all of us working together to keep our school safe. Thank you to the many families who consistently follow our drop-off and pick-up procedures and help us maintain a safe, smooth, and respectful environment.
Important Reminder: Safety and Courtesy During Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We’ve recently seen an increase in traffic violations, unsafe behaviors, and even instances of unkind or rude conduct from adults during drop-off and pick-up. Please remember, we are all role models for our students, and they learn from the way we handle busy and stressful moments. Let’s work together to demonstrate patience, kindness, and respect.
To ensure everyone’s safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these procedures:
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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.
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Always use the crosswalk for your safety and to model safe behavior for students.
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Do not let students exit from the left lane—this is unsafe.
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The side parking lot and bus lane are for buses only. Do not use this area for drop-off or pick-up.
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Be respectful and courteous to others during busy times. Our children are watching!
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Only park in handicap spaces if you have a valid permit. These spaces are reserved for those who truly need them.
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Never leave your vehicle unattended in the drop-off lane.
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Parents must remain outside the gate. You’re welcome to wait behind the fence and observe, but please do not enter the playground.
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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.
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
