Upcoming Dates:
February 8: Family Town Hall - Return to School, 8:30 AM
Join HERE or cut and paste this link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/1d9cf90d47264ddaa7033e6a7a54e81f
February 10: Hispanic Family Meeting #2, 9:15 AM
February 15: President's Day, School Holiday
February 16: New Bell Schedule begins (see below)
March 1: SEL Parent Coffee #3, 9:30AM (Link coming)
View events on our school website.
Return to School Timeline
Students who have elected to attend in person will return to school on the following schedule:
February 16: Selected Students in special programs
March 2: 8th Grade
March 9: 7th Grade
Rocky Run's revised bell schedule will be from 7:30-2:00 and will start on February 16th (pending SB approval).
A Note from Dr. Goodloe
Dear Rocky Run Families and Students,
It has been a great week at Rocky Run MS. I continue to be so proud of the work of our students and staff in the online learning environment. This week, we welcomed about 20 students back to school this week in-person and they have done a great job getting acclimated to the building and accessing their classes from the building. Some of our teachers have also been teaching from the building and were able to present concurrent lessons to students both in-person and online. We are looking forward to expanding the student support sessions to additional students next week and also preparing for larger groups of 7th and 8th graders to return in March.
Return to School Listening Sessions:
Town Hall - February 4, 2021
View slides
View recording
I will host another Return to School session at 8:30 AM on February 8, 2021. This will be a repeat of the session shared above. As we get closer to student return, we will offer family sessions to share information regarding transportation, orientation, and school routines.
Monday Check-in reminder:
Please note that students are required to complete the online check-in / attendance form on Mondays for the remainder of the year. All FCPS schools are required to note attendance on Mondays. Students are expected to check in and work through asynchronous assignments each Monday. Teachers will offer optional office hours for student support. Teachers will report attendance and students will be marked with and unverified absence if they do not complete the form.
Black History Month:
Like school systems across the nation, Fairfax County Public Schools is celebrating Black History Month in February. Governor Northam reminded us that “Black history is American history, but for too long, the story we have told was insufficient and inadequate.” During this month, and throughout the school year, we are dedicated to telling a more complex and inclusive story of our shared past by acknowledging and honoring Black lives. FCPS believes Black Lives Matter. Highlighting the contributions of Black and African American people to our collective past is a way to keep equity at the center of our work.
During the month of February, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month by affirming African American accomplishments, milestones, and contributions to our nation’s history. We will continue our efforts to see, hear and engage all members of our community. In the words of Amanda Gorman, “History has its eyes on us.”
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions, concerns or feedback.
Sincerely,
Amy Goodloe, Principal
atgoodloe@fcps.edu
@DrGoodloe
Together WE can do VIRTUALLY anything!
Meet the Rocky Run MS Staff: View our Staff Directory.
Student Services Updates
World Language Credit Exam
The 2021 Credit Exam for World Languages will take place in March of 2021. Students who take the credit exam have the opportunity to earn up to three (3) credits, based on demonstrated proficiency.
Thirty (30) languages will be assessed via the FCPS Credit Exam. In order to offer the test in all languages while maintaining a safe testing environment, some languages will be tested online and some will be tested in person.
Registration opens Monday, February 8, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, 2021. All students must register for the exam through their school counselor by February 26, 2021. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Details are available at the Credit Exam for World Language webpage.
TJ Admissions
For any students and parents interested in applying to TJ, here is a link to their Freshman 2021 Presentation video.
SEL Parent Coffee and Book Talk
On Monday, March 1, at 9:30AM, Counselors will be hosting our third SEL Parent Coffee. We will be discussing the book "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel. The link to our live virtual discussion will be shared in the upcoming weeks.
College Partnership Program
The College Partnership Program (CPP) assist high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education by providing students with monthly sessions and workshops.
8th graders can now apply for this program for 9th grade. Please review the website for program and application details.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
At Rocky Run we started this month off with a schoolwide Rock Time lesson on “The Danger of a Single Story.” Students had the opportunity to watch this video featuring Chimamanda Adichie, a Nigerian writer, and then had time for discussion and reflection. We encourage you to continue these important conversations at home, perhaps by watching this video as a family and then sharing your own experiences and connections to Adichie’s message.
If you are interested in learning more, here are a few additional resources to get you started, shared from the Center for Racial Justice in Education:
Information from our Librarians
View these opportunities offered through the Fairfax County Public Library. All events are free but some require registration ahead of time.
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Kwame Alexander virtual visit! Monday, 2/22 2:30-3:15pm. It’s an interactive program geared toward younger readers: We’re encouraged to have participants ready to ask Mr. Alexander questions.
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Teen Mic Night on Tuesday February 23rd, 4-6pm
- Teen Art Contest from Monday, 2/8 through Friday 2/26
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Rocky Run Middle School - 40 Years Strong magnet
Show your school pride with this new Rocky Run Middle School magnet - 40 years strong. Limited quantity only. While supplies last.
Magnets purchased will be distributed last week of February at Rocky Run Middle School. Purchase here:
https://rockyrunms.memberhub.store/store
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Hispanic Family Meeting
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Hispanic Student and Family event virtually for our RRMS community! Please plan on joining us on either Thursday, 2/4 at 6:30pm or on Wednesday, 2/10 at 9:15am. Families will have a chance to meet our Rocky Run staff and learn about Academic Advising process. We will also share some tips on how to support your students. We hope both adults and students will attend. Contact one of our counselors, Mr. Z at mzishhan@fcps.edu or Spanish speaking Parent Liaison, Ms. Bolivar at cbolivar@fcps.edu with any questions.
BBCU Meeting Links:
Réunion Virtual para padres hispanos, 4 de febrero, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/bdebac132a28466ea62c9658684019b0
Réunion Virtual para padres hispanos, 10 de febrero, 9:15 -10:15 AM
https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/70d7f0e09f614a648718b8e4b47c1349
TJHSST Admissions Update
The Fairfax County School Board voted to enact several changes to the admissions policy for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). The Board sought to develop an admissions policy that recognized and addressed cultural and socioeconomic barriers to access while maintaining the high standards for which the school is known.
The new criteria, which will be used to select the class of 2025, is based on a holistic review aimed at improving diversity and access at the school. The changes to the current process include the following:
- Increase of the capacity of each admitting class to 550 from 480;
- Elimination of the Quant-Q, ACT Aspire Reading and Science tests;
- Elimination of the application fee;
- Elimination of the teacher recommendations;
- The top 1.5 percent of eighth-grade students at each public middle school who meet the minimum standards will be offered admission
The holistic process will evaluate students on
- grade point average (GPA)
- a student portrait sheet where students will need to demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st Century Skills
- a problem-solving essay
- experience factors – which include provisions for economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, special education students, and/or students who are currently attending underrepresented middle schools.
The Application Window will begin on Feb. 1 and close on Feb. 26 at 4PM. Please refer to their website or reach out to our TJ liaison, Dr. Karl Gussow (KSGussow@fcps.edu) by email for any questions.
Diversity in STEM Talks!
Presented by The Diversity Committee of the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology PTSA
Monday, February 8, 2021, 6:00—6:45 p.m.
For students grades 4-8
Guest speakers: Anthony Nunez, CEO INF Robotics Inc. and Carla Rodriguez, Head of Operations INF Robotics Inc.
Hear from people working in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field!
- What sparked their interest in STEM?
- What did they study in school?
- What is happening in the field of robotics?
- How are robotics and technology used in health care?
- What else would you like to know?
Parents, register at this Zoom link: http://bit.ly/TJStemTalk2
Submit questions in advance here: https://bit.ly/tjdiversitytalks
View flyer (English)
View flyer (Arabic)
View flyer (Spanish)
Attendance:
If your child will be absent for any part of the day please report to the school through one of the following:
Attendance is taken 5 days a week.
Parent Digital Tool Permission Application
In an ongoing effort to protect student data, FCPS is required to secure parental permission for student use of software/applications for which FCPS does not have a confidentiality agreement. An online process has been developed to collect this information digitally and provide school-based reporting. This process has been designed to meet the legal requirements for authenticating parent identities under FERPA.
Please complete the digital tool permission application if you have not done so. This form was included in our beginning of year forms.
Thank you!
RRMS 2021 Yearbook
RRMS Parents and Students:
The RRMS Legends 80 page all color 2021 yearbook sale is in full swing!! Yearbooks are distributed at the end of the year, but you can preorder yours now!
There are 2 ways to order online:
The book is available for a special early bird price of $25. This price is good until January 1, 2021. After January 1 the price is $30.
Email lkkaplan@fcps.edu with any questions.
After School Information
Click here for the after-school schedule for the week of February 8th.
3rd Quarter Club Updates – We have added new clubs and opened up spots in some of our clubs that were previously closed. Even if your student hasn’t yet participated in the after-school program, it’s not too late! We have something for everyone. Students should look at the Ramsville google site (it is an icon on their desktop) for all after-school information, which includes announcements, schedules, club descriptions, and enrollment links.
Congratulations to our Science Olympiad team on winning 2nd place at their regional tournament this past weekend! Many of our students also won at least one medal. They have earned a spot in the state tournament. We are very proud of their hard work, dedication and this achievement.
Shannon Campbell
After-School Specialist & Building Use Coordinator
Rocky Run MS
703-802-7830
Positivity Project - Supporting Others When They Struggle
This week's Positivity Project theme is Other People Mindset: Supporting Others when they struggle. This means that when other people are facing challenges, you do your best to help them out. There are many different approaches to support others: listening, taking action, or simply being there.
Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." As we think about the Positivity Project theme of Supporting Other People, consider how you can give your time and attention to others to help them in their time of need.
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