THE WEEKLY WILDCAT UPDATES 2015-2016
Below are important reminders to help you stay involved and engaged with your student’s
upcoming events at Rocky Hill Middle School.
Follow us on –https://twitter.com/RockyHillPRIN
NEW bell times
Please note the new school times: school begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Students may
enter the school building each day at 7:50 am. The first bell rings at 8:10 and school starts at 8:15
am. PLEASE do not drop your child off any earlier than 7:50 am since there is no adult
supervision before 7:50 am. Please also pick up your child in the afternoon no later than 3:10 pm.
Rocky Hill Events/ Information:
Monday, Sept. 28, -23456
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Afternoon Show-TV Studio-1:45pm
Tuesday, Sept. 29, -71234
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Drama -Shrek (the musical) –Rehearsal- 3:10pm
Golf Club-3:10pm
Fantasy Football (rm 149)
Wednesday, Sept. 30, - 56712
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Drama -Shrek (the musical) –Rehearsal- 3:10pm
Field Hockey Intramural- 3:10pm
Boys softball @ Neelsville- 3:10pm
Cross Country @ Neelsville – 3:10pm
Girls Softball vs. Neelsville- 3:10pm
Chess Club- (rm 164)-3:10pm
Thursday, Oct. 1, -67123
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Drama - Shrek Jr.-Rehearsal – Room 105-3:10pm
STEM (rm 164)-3:10pm
Field Hockey-3:10pm
Dodgeball – 3:10pm
Fantasy Football (rm 149)
Friday, Oct. 2, -45671
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Half Day for Students-Dismissal is at 12:30pm
NO afterschool activities
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Rocky Hill MS Portrait Day: Attention Parents & Guardians, Rocky Hill MS
Portrait day is Thursday, October 1 and portrait flyers/payment envelopes were sent
home Thursday and are available on line under Weekly Handouts tab! Our school
has contracted Lifetouch Photography as our official portrait and yearbook photographer
for the 2015/2016 school year. Lifetouch offers a variety of portrait packages and
background styles for your selection. Each student will receive a picture day flyer with
payment envelope approximately 1 week prior to picture day. If your child does not
receive this flyer additional copies will be made available in the school office. In the
interest of security, check or money order is the payment type recommended. Parents
preferring to pay with credit card may prepay on line by visiting MyLifetouch.com.
Simply follow the on line instructions for making credit card payments. If cash is your
preferred method of payment, please include the exact amount in your payment
envelope. Photographers will not be able to open payment envelopes to make change for
cash customers. ALL students will need to be photographed for yearbook and
administrative purposes, but only those submitting a completed order form to the
photographer on picture day will receive a portrait package.
Lifetouch Photography can provide additional information regarding picture day directly
to parents and guardians by calling toll free 800-445-1189 Monday through Friday
8:30am – 5:00pm or via e-mail at [email protected]
See Flyer- Below
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/news/homer
oom/Lifetouchflyer.pdf
SSL Information
Event #1
Maryvale Elementary is hosting its 12th Annual Fall Fling Silent Auction and Carnival on
Saturday, Oct 10. Set up is 11-1. Working games is 1-5 {they pick the hours}. Clean up 5-6.
Anyone interested can email Anne-Marie Simcox at [email protected]
Event #2
We are a theater group within Congregation Har Shalom (a pre-approved SSL non-profit
organization in Montgomery County) and are putting on a stage production of Arthur Miller's
All My Sons in October. We are looking for students to work backstage during the run of the
production. All performances take place at Har Shalom.
This play was chosen for the scope of the moral issues it addresses; these issues written in the
context of World War II, are no less relevant today. It is especially appropriate at this time of
year as we examine our consciences and struggle with conflicting choices in determining the
paths we take. (For more information see Lin Below)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/news/SSLopportuni
tiesOctober2015.pdf
Montgomery College Workforce Development & Continuing Education YOUTH
PROGRAMS
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting writing
programs for youth at Montgomery College.
A DAY OF WRITING WITH AUTHORS
Register NOW! This one-day writing program is offered for students, grades 6 – 9, who
love to write. The program is held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
on the Rockville campus of Montgomery College. Students will participate in two
workshops with traditionally published authors who will focus on different types of
writing. Receive a free copy of your workshop author’s book. A book signing will be held
at the end of the program.These workshops are filling very quickly, so register NOW! For
additional brochures or registration information, contact YOUTH PROGRAMS
at 240-567-7264 or 240-567-7917 or access brochure online at
http://www2.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/wdce/youthpdf/y_authors.pdf
SAFETY UPDATES:
We appreciate everyone's cooperation with the morning and afternoon car rider lines. Our lines
are moving with more efficiency as we have more cooperation from parents about the car rider
line guidelines. Please follow all directions from staff about the car rider line, as we are working
with you to keep all of our student’s safe at school. In an attempt to provide maximum safety for
our students, we have established specific guidelines for parents to follow when dropping off or
picking up their children in the morning and afternoon. We are asking that parents to show
kindness in the drop off circle and a commitment to safety by following these guidelines:
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All car riders need to be picked up from the car rider line—not the parking lot or on
Brick Haven Way or Little Seneca Pkwy.
Please do not drive down the parking lanes, and for safety, do not allow your child to exit
the car and walk through the parking lot.
When entering the parking lot, immediately turn right and then follow the outer lane
ALL THE WAY around the top of the car rider circle down to the drop-off area at the
“student drop off” sign.
Please do not park in the parking lot and have your student walk to your car or you get
out and the parent walk them over. There have been a few times where cars have almost
hit students and staff in our parking lot.
Please do not drive around other vehicles in the car rider line – students should be
dropped off immediately upon entering the circle which will allow for a continuous flow
of traffic out of the parking lot.
Last but not least: please do not drive over the cones we have placed in the parking lot.
MCPS PARENT ACADEMY
The MCPS Parent Academy offers parents and community members the opportunity to
attend FREE workshops that provide information, resources, tools and tips to support their
children’s success in school. Don’t miss the fall season of workshops, which will be offered
on a range of topics, including cybersafety and social media, advocating for your special
education child, religious diversity and teen substance abuse. Childcare and interpretation
services are provided at all sessions. A full list of courses is available on the Parent Academy
website. (See link)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/workshops.aspx
IMPORTANT BEGINNING OF SCHOOL FORMS:
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PARENT CHILD REUNIFICATION FORMS (PCR): Please be sure to return your
(PCR) form to the main office. This information is used to contact families in case of an
emergency. (PCR Form -See Link below)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/about/paren
t_reunification0910.pdf
MAIN OFFICE UPDATES:
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The main office hours are 7:30am until 4:00pm. A reminder that the main office for our school
closes at 4:00 pm each day. The phones are not answered after this time and all messages left will
be picked up the following morning.
6th grade, and new 7th/8th grade parent Edline activation codes were mailed by MCPS 8/31/2015.
If you have questions about Edline, please contact Ms. Laurie Abita-Gramatges
at [email protected].
RHMS has a new attendance procedure this year. To report an absence for the day, please leave a
voice message on the new attendance phone line at 301-601-3195 OR email the Attendance
Secretary at [email protected]. Please include the full name and grade of your
child. For questions about absence calls you may have received, please also call the attendance
line (301-601-3195) and leave a message with your name, your student’s name and your phone
number. In the event that you have an unexpected early dismissal, please call 301-353-8282. (See
Link Below)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/news/homeroom/AT
TENDANCENOTE_revSept2015doc.pdf
EARLY DISMISSAL/ABSENCE SAMPLE FORM: Parents wishing to pick up their children at
any time, prior to the 3:00pm dismissal, must send in a note with their child to be processed in
the main office at the beginning of the day. Rocky Hill has prepared a form for your convenience.
(See Link)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/news/EarlyDismissa
lAbsenceForm.pdf
PARENT/STUDENT SCHOOL CHECKLIST: A checklist has been created to minimize
forgotten items. We encourage the use of this checklist, as it will help cut down on class
interruptions. As Staff, Teachers, and Parents we are committed to assuring that instruction is
not repeatedly disturbed due to classroom interruptions. (See link below)
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/news/homeroom/Par
entStudentChecklist(1).pdf
ROCKY HILL PTA UPDATES:
Volunteering on the Hill.....
Please check out our PTA volunteer needs and help to ensure that the various programs and
events here at RHMS are successful. For additional information please
visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49aea729a5fb6-20152016/28151730
HOLIDAY VENDOR BAZAAR
A Holiday Vendor Bazaar will be held at RHMS on December 4th. If you are interested in CoChairing this event or being a part of the planning committee, please contact Alicia Wilson at
[email protected]
PROGRAM & EVENT VOLUNTEERING
Please check out our PTA volunteer needs and help to ensure that the various programs and
events here at RHMS are successful. For additional information please visit
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49aea729a5fb6-20152016/2815 1730
Rocky Hill Middle School Proudly Presents ~ M.O.R.E.
(Men Organized to Raise Engagement)
The M.O.R.E. Program is responsible for raising the level of engagement between “young men
and the important men in their lives.” The distinguished gentleman of M.O.R.E. will organize
and create opportunities to serve as a conduit for greater father and significant male
involvement, resulting in positive outcomes and successful relationships for young men, parents,
schools and communities.
All Rocky Hill Middle School Young Men are Encouraged to Join the Distinguished
Gentleman who represent M.O.R.E.
Meeting Dates: September 30th, October 14th & 28th, November 18th, December 2nd & 16th,
January 6th & 20th, February 3rd & 17th, March 2nd & 16th, April 6th & 20th, May 4th & 11th
For additional information please contact one of the MORE Chairs, Mr. Sullivan Philips at
[email protected] Or Mr. Raymond James @ [email protected]
WILDCATS FOR TROOPS ~ MILITARY MAGAZINE DRIVE
RHMS is collecting any appropriate, current/timely magazines in good condition. The
magazines will be delivered to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to be
enjoyed in the various clinics throughout the hospital and areas on base. Drop boxes are located
on each level of the school. Please remove any mailing information.
Thank you for your donations and for supporting our troops and their families!
FUND THE BUS! Please support the PE department and help (Fund The Bus). During PE class the PE
department is selling water to support the Activity Bus during the month of May. Our support is key.
With our help the students will be able to play intramural sports in the spring. Help us Fund the Bus!
Wounded Warriors: Don’t forget to bring in your gently used and up to date or
new magazines for our Wounded Warriors. We are collecting them on each grade level floor!
Look for your decorated box at the top of Pride Parkway! Help us help our wounded soldiers feel
a little better by having something to read. All magazines will be going to the Walter Reed Army
Medical Center.
THE CARPOOL LINE NEEDS YOU!!
Please consider volunteering to help move cars along in the carpool line!
Volunteers are needed in the morning from 7:30 – 8:10am and in the afternoon from 2:45 –
3:25pm. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!! When MCPS Schools are closed – SO IS CAR
POOL! When MCPS schools are delayed, please check the school web site for specific start
times. Upon your arrival at school, please check in with the Main Office. For additional
information and to sign up, please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054ca9ae2ca1fd0thecar
JOIN THE RHMS FAMILY FOR OUR FIRST EVER COLOR RUN!
What is the color run?
Otherwise known as, “The Happiest 5k on the Planet”, the Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed race in which the participants, or “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe in
different colors at each kilometer. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow:
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Wear white at the starting line
Finish plastered in color!
The first Color run was founded in March 2011 to promote community spirit and healthy living.
Our Color Run is a fun walk / run through a course planned by staff members around Rocky Hill
Middle School. This event is themed as a 5k “run”, however, participants can walk, run, ride
scooters or be pushed or pulled around the course. This is meant to be a fun event celebrating
the community, diversity and fellowship of Rocky Hill families against a background of wildly
splashing color!
How do I sign up? Go to RHMS website and click on Color Run link on home page, then click
on link to RHMS Color Fun Run Registration Flyer.
Sign up by October 2nd to be guaranteed a T-shirt for participating. The T-shirt will feature a
logo on the front commemorating our first RHMS Color Run, with various sponsors listed on
the back.
If you sign up after October 2nd, a T-shirt will have to be provided by the participant.
Registrations will also be accepted during the morning of the event with participants providing
their own T-Shirts.
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/rockyhillms/pta/RHMSColorFu
nRunRegistrationFlyer.pdf
Event Date/Time: The Color Run will be held on October 24th at RHMS starting at 9:00 am
Registration starts at 7:30am. Warm-up starts at 8:30 with help from two of the sponsors
The Grand Finale:
As participants cross the finish line they will be greeted with cheers and music and a final
dousing of Color. For additional information please contact Robin Turner Gray, Color Run
Chair at [email protected]
Media Center Volunteers Needed: Mrs. Gramatges and Mrs., Heidary in the Media Center are
in need of parent volunteers for the entire school year in the mornings from 7:45 to 8:10 AM to
help out with checking out books, handing out passes, checking contest answers and just being
an adult presence in the Media Center. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
(See Link) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49aea729a5fb6-parent
*Chess and STEM clubs begin September 16th & 17th. Don't forget to turn in your registration
forms on or before these days as not to miss the first sessions. Registration forms can be
downloaded from the PTA website. For additional information, please contact, Craig Harris,
Chess and STEM Chair, @ [email protected]
*Membership Matters ~ Greetings from Diana Encinas, Membership Chair. Thanks to all of our
parents, staff and community members who have joined our PTA. We TRULY APPRECIATE
ALL OF THE SUPPORT!! However, we still aren't quite near our goal for this year, this year we
would love to have at least 500 staff and parent members join the PTA. The PTA is doing a lot of
new things this year and we need your help, so please consider joining if you haven’t already. If
you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email Diana Encinas at [email protected] or
at 301-370-2116. Thank you so much and keep sending those membership forms in!
Junior Achievements: This October, the 6th grade students at Rocky Hill will be participating
in the Junior Achievement program during their Social Studies classes. Volunteers will visit their
classrooms to teach them about financial literacy; topics range from career planning, budgeting,
credit cards versus debit cards, credit score and insurance. We’re looking to get parents involved
to volunteer in the classroom. Volunteers are provided with pre-developed curriculum to guide
students through games and activities that will illustrate the concepts. Volunteers are given a
kit and training is provided by JA staff to orient volunteers on how to work with students in the
classroom. On-going support is given in the classroom by a professional educator at all times.
Volunteers visit the classroom once a week for 5 weeks to deliver the material. This is a prime
opportunity to give back to your community by sharing your economic life lessons. You do not
need to have a background in finance or teaching to be a successful volunteer. All you need is
enthusiasm for working with students and a willingness to share your story. Please consider
supporting our students and building your community by volunteering to teach! To learn more
about opportunities or ask a question, email Amanda Parsley, JA Education Manager,
at [email protected] or call 301-838-0471. If you’re ready to sign up, check out the SignUp
Genius Form to reserve the class that works best for you. You can also check out this
short video to learn what JA is all about!”