Rochester Middle School

What’s the one thing that helps students thrive in school? Consistent attendance! September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we want to remind everyone that showing up every day makes a huge difference. Regular attendance not only boosts academic performance but also builds confidence and a sense of belonging. Let’s work together to make sure every student is present and engaged.

Today is Native American Day. We recognize and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Native American people. This day serves as an important reminder to reflect on the past and commit to continued learning and fostering strong relationships with our local Indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to learn more about the Native American heritage that shapes our state and region.

Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15? The date is significant because it's the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries! The traditions, languages, and unique perspectives enrich our classrooms. Our district is proud to be a place where we can learn from and honor the traditions, achievements, and stories of our Hispanic and Latino families.

Happy National IT Professionals Day! We want to give a huge shout-out to our amazing IT team, Jon and Josh. They're the unsung heroes who keep our district running smoothly. With over 5,000 pieces of equipment and more than 280 staff members to support, their work behind the scenes is invaluable—especially during this busy time of year.

Thank you, Jon and Josh, for your tireless efforts. We truly appreciate you!

We are excited to introduce our new School Resource Officer, Deputy Mancuso! He’s already been making his rounds at all of our schools, getting to know staff and students, and we’re thrilled to have him join the Warrior team. And yes—what better way to kick off the school year than with a super cool backpack and a Mickey Mouse lunch pail? Welcome to the team, Deputy Mancuso! #WarriorPride #RochesterStrong

Welcome Back, Warriors! We’re so excited to kick off another great school year with all of you! To help make the transition smooth, here are a few important links for parents and guardians:

🚌 Bus Routes → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/bus-routes
⏰ School Hours & Numbers → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-hours-and-phone-numbers
📱 Download the New “R”ochester App → https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/rooms-support

Here’s to a year full of learning, growth, and Warrior pride!

Today we honor the hard work and dedication of all workers, including our incredible staff who give so much to our students and community. We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday with family and friends! 💙💛

On Monday, our 6th graders had the chance to get a head start on their middle school journey! They met their teachers, explored their classrooms, reconnected with friends, and wrapped up the day with pizza.

A big thank you to our amazing staff for welcoming this group and helping them feel at home in their new school.

Success Conferences are happening today, Wednesday, August 27, and tomorrow, Thursday, August 28!

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time—log in to Q or call your student’s school to schedule. School hours and phone numbers can be found here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-hours-and-phone-numbers.

Please see the attached flier for information on schedules for the 25-26 school year!

A big thank you to the Thurston County Sheriff's Community Service Unit (CSU) for their generous donation of 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for our students! It was a pleasure meeting Sgt. Dave Odegaard, Capt. Cyndi, and Lt. Diane during the delivery earlier today. We’re so grateful for their continued support and kindness toward our schools and families. Thank you for being amazing partners in student success!

This August there will be two vaccine clinics where required and recommended school immunizations will be provided free of charge: Weds, Aug 13 @ Thurston County Resources Hub – 929 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98502 from 11:00AM – 4:00PM and Thurs, Aug 21 @ ROOF-10140 US-12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. These clinics are a great opportunity to make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations before the new school year begins.

Surplus Auction Now Live! We’re currently holding a surplus auction through July 28! Browse and bid on a variety of items by visiting: https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/rochestersd,wa/list/current?orgid=188254 Take a look—you never know what you might find!

District Office Summer Hours: Monday – CLOSED to Public Tuesday - Thursday – 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday – CLOSED to Public Thank you for planning ahead and enjoy your summer!

We are saying goodbye to another beloved member of the RMS family—Andrea Friedman. After more than 11 years of dedicated service as the Rochester Middle School counselor, Andrea is moving on to a new chapter. Her compassion, support, and commitment to our students and staff have made a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed. Thank you, Andrea, for everything you’ve given to RMS. We wish you all the best in your next adventure!

After 23 incredible years at Rochester Middle School, science teacher Sue Holmes is retiring! Sue has inspired countless students with her passion for science, her dedication to learning, and her unwavering support for the RMS community. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and she will be deeply missed by staff, students, and families alike. Please join us in wishing Sue all the best as she embarks on this well-deserved new chapter. Enjoy every minute of your retirement, Ms. Holmes—you’ve earned it!

After years of incredible dedication and leadership, it's time to celebrate two outstanding educators as they move on to their next chapters! Rochester Middle School is saying farewell to Principal Mr. Maus and Assistant Principal Mr. Tveten. Mr. Maus is officially retiring after 19 years of committed service to RMS, and Mr. Tveten is heading off on a new adventure after 21 remarkable years in the Rochester School District. Together, this dynamic duo has made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community. Their leadership and unwavering support will be missed more than words can express. To honor them, boosters presented each with a custom one-of-a-kind Rochester Hockey Jersey featuring their last name and years of service—and a special plaque now hangs above the gym doors in tribute to their love of hockey and legacy at RMS. Please join us in thanking and congratulating Mr. Maus and Mr. Tveten! Your Rochester family will miss you terribly and we wish you nothing but the best. #RochesterWarriors #ThankYouLeaders #OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior

Dear Middle Schoolers - This year, you’ve taught us that “Is this for a grade?” is the national anthem of middle school. We’ve learned that your slang changes faster than the weather, and that sometimes, eye rolls are a form of communication. But we’ve also watched you grow—your courage, your questions, your kindness. You’ve faced challenges, lifted each other up, and found your voice in ways that fill us with pride. So, as you head off to new adventures, know this: We see your potential, your strength, your light. Keep shining. Keep asking questions (yes, even “Is this for a grade?”). And remember: the world is waiting for your unique story. Your teachers!!