|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
1. Important Dates
March 20 - No School (Holiday - Eid al-Fitr)
March 27 - End of 3rd Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release, No After-School Program
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break
April 6 - No School (Teacher Workday)
April 7-9 - 8th Grade Finance Park Field Trips
April 9 - PTA Meeting, 7 PM, Library
April 10 - No School (School Planning Day)
April 13 - Rising 9th Grade Activity Fairs - more info coming soon!
April 21 - No School (Teacher Workday/Elections)
2. A Note from the Principal
Dear Rocky Run Families-
As we move through the vibrant and ever-changing month of March (especially weather-wise), I'm thrilled to share some of the exciting happenings at Rocky Run Middle School. Our students and staff continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, making our school truly a special place. I've had the pleasure of visiting numerous classrooms this week, witnessing firsthand the engaging and innovative instruction our teachers provide!
We recently celebrated Pi Day (one day early) on Friday, March 13. This is absolutely my favorite "non-holiday" holiday. Pie is my favorite dessert! I had wedding pies instead of wedding cake, and my oldest child was born on 3/14 (seventeen years ago). Switching gears, happy St. Patrick's Day this Tuesday to all that celebrate! One of my fondest memories of my childhood was my mother dubbing herself "Candy O'Kownacki" on March 17 to allow her Irish heritage to shine through. I look forward to making corned-beef and cabbage and soda bread for my own family to continue the tradition. As a school, we're looking forward to a day filled with green (which is a nice blend of the blue and yellow of RRMS).
We have a busy week ahead as we march towards spring break. On Monday, March 16 of this upcoming week, 8th grade students will participate in the Integrated Reading Writing Test (IRW) during a learning seminar. Please be sure that students have their fully charged laptops and chargers on the day of the assessment. All students will start the day in their 8th period Rock Time class at 7:30. While 8th graders are participating in the IRW, 7th grade students will be digging deeper into the writing process.
As we head into the final stretch of the third quarter, I encourage all students to stay focused on their academic goals. Please remember that our teachers and counselors are here to support you every step of the way.
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
Family Engagement Survey Now Open
Participate today! Your voice matters!
Share your thoughts around important topics impacting your student’s success.By participating in the Family Engagement Survey, parents/caregivers are making their voices heard. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
Help us better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
TAKE THE SURVEY!
Visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information.
We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
On Monday, April 6, parents and guardians of Rocky Run Middle School will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:
✅ Instructional leadership
✅ School climate
✅ Management (human resources and organizational)
✅ Communication and community relations
✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
✅ Professionalism
The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email invitation, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!
 |
|
FCPS CARES Nominations
Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated!
|
4. Student Celebrations
Punctual on Purpose Zero Tardy Winners
Each week, we randomly select one student from each team who had zero tardies during the previous week! This week's PoP winners were:
Meteors: William Olson
Platinum: Jane Lee
Emerald: Jayden Kim
Kryptonite: Juzer Faizullabhoy
Tiger's Eye: Romaisa Khan
Sapphire: Benjamin Blaeuer
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: Camden Gross (Respectful, Accountable, and Engaged)
Platinum: Hannah Reeder (Accountable and Engaged)
Emerald: Mustafa Aziz (Accountable and Engaged)
Kryptonite: Garrison Shields (Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged)
Tiger's Eye: Amelia Price (Respectful, Accountable, and Engaged)
Sapphire: Gitansh Golukonda (Accountable and Engaged)
Great job Raising The Ram this week!
5. Student Services Updates
Summer 2026 Online Campus Courses
Registration for the Summer 2026 Online Campus courses is available until Friday, June 5. Courses are open to middle and high school students who meet prerequisites. The Online Campus provides an opportunity for students to take one high school level course for new or repeat credit over the summer.
Students need to have a computer and make sure their computer is ready for the online course. Students will not be able to take online courses using tablets and smartphones.
Course and assessment dates cannot be adjusted for vacations, travel, etc. Students must complete course work and assessments as they are scheduled.
Online Campus courses and classes may be cancelled if they are under enrolled. If a course or class is cancelled, students will be notified using the registration contact information, and a full refund will be given.
Please note that students wishing to enroll in a summer course must notify their counselor in order to ensure a seat in the desired course for 26-27 school year.
Summer FCPS CTE Camps
Registration is open for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students! Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is now open through Friday, June 5.
CTE summer camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
-
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas.
-
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Rising 9th Graders
High School Activity Fairs on Monday, April 13
- 8th graders received information and a permission slip from their science teacher this week. Information was also sent via an e-notify email on 3/9.
- Be sure to sign the permission slip and have your student return it to their science teacher by Monday, March 23.
Sports Interest Meetings
- Interest meetings will be scheduled through the After-School Program as Mrs. Campbell hears from the high school coaches. Watch for updates!
- First up - Chantilly HS Football (Monday, 3/16, during 2nd session in Room 84 at Rocky Run) and Centreville HS Football (Monday, 3/16, during lunches in Rocky Run's cafeteria)
6. Instructional Updates
7. After School Program Information
After-School Schedule for the week of 3/16
Congratulations to the Rocky Run chapter of TSA (Technology Student Association) for their successful regional competition on Feb. 28. Students had many top ten finishes, including three trophy winners. Additionally, Sanah & Devanshi earned first place in their event. Students will move on to compete in the state competition this spring. Great job, team!
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:
- Review this general After-School Information.
- 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.
VIP Summer Camp
What are your rising 7th and rising 8th grades doing this summer?! The FCPS Middle School After-School Program & Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services are again teaming up to offer our 5 week camp. Students will be engaged in sports/games, fitness, art, STEM, field trips, and plenty of other activities.
- VIP Camp information can be found here.
- Registration opens on March 17 at 6 PM - do not delay as this will fill up QUICK
- Details were sent to you via a Western Fairfax VIP Camp News You Choose message (check your junk folder if you have not seen the email from 2/27 in your inbox). The registration link will be sent from the same sender.
- July 1 - July 31, 8 AM - 4 PM (no camp on July 3)
- This year, the Western Fairfax VIP Camp will be held at Liberty MS. Transportation will be provided.
- Email Shannon Campbell (SLCampbell@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Spring Track & Field
- A student interest meeting was held on Monday, March 9. Here are the meeting slides and important dates.
- 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.
8. Community Corner
RRMS PTA No-Fuss Fundraiser – Register Today!
The No-Fuss Fundraiser is underway, and all six teams have already started fundraising. See how your team is doing!
Don’t forget:
• The team that raises the most will win a Chick-fil-A Party.
• The top fundraising student on each team will receive a gift card.
Register here: https://app.givebacks.gives/rrmsnofuss
PTA Executive Board Volunteers Needed (2026–2027)
We need a few awesome parents to join the RRMS PTA Executive Board next year! Open roles: President, Vice President, and Secretary.
No experience required, just a good sense of humor and a willingness to help make great things happen for our school.
To learn more, email us at: rockyrunmspta@gmail.com
Reading Opens the World: Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair
30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Teachers!
-
Arrival: Books are limited. Arrive early to get yours.
-
Families: Parents and guardians can choose 10 free books per child. (Maximum: 30 books per family).
-
Teachers: Educators and school staff can choose 50 free books for their classrooms.
-
Activities: Fun for families! Includes a DJ, arts, and crafts.
-
LEGOs: Hundreds of LEGO brick boxes are available until they are gone.
When: Saturday, March 14
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Lorton Community Center – 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton VA 22079
Lectura Abre el Mundo: Colecta de Libros y Feria de Lectura Familiar
¡30,000 LIBROS GRATIS para familias y maestros!
-
Llegada: Los libros son limitados. Llegue temprano para recibir los suyos.
-
Familias: Los padres y tutores pueden elegir 10 libros gratis por niño. (Máximo: 30 libros por familia).
-
Maestros: Los educadores y el personal escolar pueden elegir 50 libros gratis para sus salones de clase.
-
Actividades: ¡Diversión para toda la familia! Habrá DJ, arte y manualidades.
-
LEGOs: Cientos de cajas de bloques LEGO disponibles hasta agotar existencias.
Cuándo: Sábado 14 de marzo
Hora: De 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m.
Dónde: Centro Comunitario de Lorton (Lorton Community Center) – 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
-
Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
-
Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
-
Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
-
Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
-
Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Chantilly High School Cultural Night
We invite all Rocky Run families to our Cultural Night!
When: Friday, March 13
Time: 5:30-8:30pm at CHS
Admission: FREE!
There will be cultural displays and live performances. Food will be available for purchase (cash only). We hope to see you there!
Invitamos a todos las familias de Rocky Run a nuestra Noche Cultural.
Cuando: el viernes 13 de marzo
Hora: 5:30 p. m. a 8:30 p. m. en CHS.
Entrada: ¡GRATIS!
Habrá exhibiciones culturales y presentaciones en vivo. Habrá venta de comida (solo efectivo). ¡Los esperamos!
Westfield HS Girls Basketball Summer Camp
- July 6 - 10, July 13 - 17
- 9 AM - 3 PM
- $200 per week
|
