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1. Important Dates

February 13 - No After-School Program (all students depart at 2:15 dismissal)

February 16 - No School (Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day)

February 17 - No School for Students (Teacher Workday)

February 20 - Yearbook Club Photos, All Day

February 27 - Rocky Run vs Franklin Basketball Game at Chantilly HS, 5 - 8 PM

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

Middle school hallways are always an interesting place to be on Valentine's Day, and this year was no exception! Candies, balloons, flowers, etc. all made appearances at Rocky Run this week. This week, we also kicked off the second semester by hosting restorative circles. Four of our six each interdisciplinary teams were able to participate, with the final two taking place next week. The conversation focused on Students Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) and the impact of words. These were powerful meetings where students were able to see how the words and phrases that they commonly use can impact their peers. Spend a few moments this week talking with your students about the restorative activity. 

We also reminded students about the qualifications to remain a "Ram in Good Standing". These students have no disciplinary or technology violations, passing grades, and no more than three tardies to class. As I wrote in a message a few weeks ago we are tracking this data during the month of February to determine the students that are eligible to attend the rivalry basketball game against Franklin Middle School on February 27. We appreciate your partnership in enforcing these expectations with the students. 

Speaking of partnership, I hope that you've all had the opportunity to participate in the PTA's No Fuss Fundraiser! This is the primary fundraiser for the PTA this school year. The PTA will give prizes to the student and team that generate the most donations. If you have not done so, please use this link to begin the registration process.

Enjoy the upcoming four day weekend in celebration of President's Day and Lunar New Year. Presidents Day, officially recognized in the United States, is celebrated on the third Monday in February each year. It is a time to honor and remember the birthdays and achievements of the country's most distinguished leaders, and to reflect on the president's role in shaping the nation's history and development. Students should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and enduring learning experiences that explore the remarkable history and impactful contributions of American presidents. On Lunar New Year, people across Asia (and beyond) ushered in the Year of the Snake. Lunar New Year is typically marked by family gatherings, eating traditional foods, time spent honoring ancestors, and the exchange of small gifts, including money given in traditional red envelopes. Each Asian culture has its own traditions, which may also include a thorough cleaning of the house, lighting firecrackers, performing dances, and wearing traditional clothing. We wish all RRMS families who celebrate Lunar New Year happiness and fortune. Classes will resume on Wednesday, February 18 (Gold Day).

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

🏃‍♀️ Parents, Let’s Sprint into Fun! 🏃‍♂️

Rocky Run Middle School is getting ready to sprint into an exciting Spring 2026 Track and Field season, and we need energetic parents to join us in the action as Assistant Coaches. Practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 beginning April 7, with Saturday meets starting April 25, times TBD. It is a great way to cheer on our student athletes, enjoy some fresh air, and be part of the fun, fast-paced spirit of track season. If you are ready to help our Rams run, jump, and throw their way to success, please contact Katy Speir, Athletic Coordinator (krspeir@fcps.edu), for more information.

Ramadan Meal Kits

From February 18 to March 19, 2026, students fasting during the school day may request take-home meal kits through a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch, which are intended to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information:

• Kits are charged based on the student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast kit and one lunch kit per day.
• Students are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day if they eat a meal at school during the day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must personally pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Weekly Request Deadlines:

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the following deadlines to receive meal kits for the corresponding week. Forms must be submitted on time.

Please access the form on the FCPS FNS website.

Fasting Rooms and Prayer Rooms

Please remember that if you wish for your child to be able to use the fasting room and prayer room during Ramadan you must complete this form so that we can make passes for them to utilize the spaces during the school day.

PTA No Fuss Fundraiser

Last week in Rock Time, students learned about the PTA’s No Fuss Fundraiser. Slides explaining the fundraiser and how to register can be found in the All Student Schoology course. If you are willing to participate, please follow the steps in the slides to register. Students will need to be logged in to their FCPS Google accounts to view the slides. Thank you for supporting our awesome PTA!

Career Day Speakers Needed

Rocky Run's Career Day will take place on Friday March 27, 2026. We need your help to make it a success!

Please use this form to sign-up to share your career or job with Rocky Run students. The event will run from 8:00am-12:00pm, but volunteers do not need to commit for the entire time frame. We will be in touch closer to the date to confirm your available times. Presentations may be to small groups, large groups, on a panel, or in a career cluster fair. At this time please let us know if you are willing and available to present and save the date on your calendar!  

Please reach out to Halissa Jacobson at hdjacobson@fcps.edu or Anna Slevin agslevin@fcps.edu if you have questions or would like more information.  Thank you!

https://forms.gle/PFk33CVm5xUYK46k7

4. Student Celebrations

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

At Rocky Run, students can earn RAISE the Ram cards for exhibiting our RAISE attributes: Rams are Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged. At the end of each week, we randomly select one winner from each team.

Congratulations to this week's RAISE the Ram card winners:

Meteors: Manual Chavarria (Engaged)

Platinum: Miles Davis (Respectful and Engaged)

Emerald: Lucy Means (Engaged)

Kryptonite: Noah Schwake (Engaged)

Tiger's Eye: Kathryn Bishop (Respectful and Engaged)

Sapphire: Kaya Magwire (Accountable, Inclusive, and Engaged)

Great job Raising The Ram this week!

2026 Spelling Bee

Last week, Rocky Run hosted its annual spelling bee and the competition was fierce. We had 25 spellers compete in round 1, a written test, and 15 students advanced to round 2, the speaking part, where they had to spell words aloud for the judges. Congratulations to Aadhya V., who prevailed after 15 rounds with the word, construe. She will represent Rocky Run at the Fairfax County Spelling Bee in March. The runner up is Spoorthi R. who is our alternate for the county spelling bee. Congratulations to all spellers on a great Spelling Bee season!

5. Student Services Updates

SEL Screener Information

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school.  The SEL Screener is given in the Fall and Spring to all students.  Rocky Run Middle School students will again be participating in this screener this Spring during the week of March 9^th.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE. Opt-out information was previously sent with the parent notifications and can be updated in the Parent Digital Consent application or by filling out the form that was included with the notifications.  You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

7th Grade Academic Advising for SY26-27

Starting Wednesday, February 18, counselors will meet individually with our 7th grade students to assist them in selecting courses for next year and entering their choices into SIS. Parents/guardians will be able to review their child’s course selections in SIS to ensure all courses have been entered accurately.

Please support your child by encouraging them to come prepared with any questions they may have prior to their individual academic advising session.

Rocky Run MS Academic Advising Site

6. After School Program Information

After-School Schedule for the week of 2/16

• NEW Clubs *COMING SOON*
  • Volleyball Tournament - students need to sign up using the form on schoology - form closes on 2/20
  • Cursive Club - starts on 2/25 during 2nd session - no sign-up required
  • Aerospace Engineering - interest meeting on 2/24 during 2nd session - no sign-up required 

KUDOS:

• Congratulations to our SCIENCE OLYMPIAD team as they earned 2nd place overall at the Regional Tournament and will be advancing to the State Competition! This year, three teams made up of 45 students represented Rocky Run, and all teams placed in the top 12 — an incredible achievement showcasing the depth of talent across the program. Our students brought home an outstanding 24 medals along with a team trophy for the school, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. We are proud of you! 
• Congratulations to our Math Counts team for earning 3rd place in the Fairfax division of the regional tournament last weekend.  Great job!! 

Current after-school club offerings - More clubs will be added throughout the year so check back frequently.

Review the late bus routes that are posted on the After-School Schoology Course

For now, here are some steps to complete:

1. Review this general After-School Information.
2. ALL families must complete the After-School Consent Form (via the Parent Digital Consent System).  Students cannot stay after until this is submitted.  Almost all of our Rocky Run students will stay after at some point this year, so please make sure the form is completed ASAP so your student has the flexibility to participate.

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at SLCampbell@fcps.edu. 

Spring Track & Field

• A student interest meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4, during all lunches. Meeting slides and important dates will be shared with families after the interest meeting.
• Track & Field Registration Google Form 
• Middle School Sports Physical- one page requires a doctor's signature, so do not delay!  If your student submitted a sports physical packet for Cross Country or Basketball, that same packet will work for Track & Field.  Not sure if you submitted one this year?  Email Shannon Campbell to check your student's status.

Rocky Run vs Franklin Annual Basketball Game - TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON MYSCHOOLBUCKS! 

Mark your calendar! Rocky Run will take on Franklin MS in our annual basketball games on Friday, February 27th.  The event will take place at Chantilly High School.  Doors open at 4:30 PM, staff play at 5:00 PM, girls play at 6:00 PM, and boys play at 7:00 PM.  All students must be picked up no later than 8:00 PM.  All spectators will be required to purchase a ticket ($5 cash at the door or on MySchoolBucks starting on February 6th).  Players will get in for free.  Concessions will be available for purchase (cash only).  Students must be Rams in Good Standing to attend.  More information on that will be sent to students and families soon.  We hope to see you there! 

7. Community Corner

2026 CTE Summer Academy

CTE Summer Academy is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to dive deeper into CTE program areas, and encourages skill development and career exploration.

Students choose 4 classes each week they participate and learn new content, discover interests, and build their skills.

• Eligibility: Current 6 to 11 graders
• Time - 8:30 am to 2 pm* *Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm
• Location - Robinson SS- Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
• Cost - $300 per week Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
• Dates - Week 1: July 6 - 10, Week 2: July 13 - 17, Week 3: July 20 - 24, Week 4: July 27 - 31

Students will choose four (4) classes each week to build their own specialized summer learning program. Courses are available in all CTE program areas: Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical, Marketing, Technology and Engineering, and Trade and Industrial.

Classes offered through CTE Summer Academy are introductory and do not require previous knowledge of the content. 

Registration is open from February 2 to June 5, 2026.

Visit the CTE Summer Academy webpage for more information or to register!

For questions, please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu.

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or rockyrunmiddle.attendance@fcps.edu 
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