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Today, we celebrate the remarkable 40-year career of Dr. Jennifer Bethman as she retires from education following four years of dedicated service as Superintendent of the Rochester School District.

During her four years in Rochester, she led the collaborative development of our Strategic Plan, bringing together students, staff, families, and community members to help shape the future of our district. She also spearheaded two successful levies, securing critical investments that will benefit Rochester students for years to come, and so much more.

One of Jennifer's greatest strengths was her commitment to being present. Whether visiting classrooms, attending athletic events, celebrating student achievements, or connecting with staff and families, she made it a priority to know and support the people who make Rochester such a special place.

As she closes this chapter and begins a well-earned retirement after 40 years in education, we are grateful that Rochester was part of her journey. Please join us in thanking Jennifer for her service to Rochester and congratulating her on an incredible career.

#OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior

about 4 hours ago, Rochester School District
A woman stands smiling in a yellow jacket against a blue background. Text reads "Thank You Jennifer Bethman" in gold cursive.
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Debbie Jarbo!

After 20 years of dedicated service at Rochester Middle School, Debbie Jarbo is retiring and leaving behind an impact on generations of Warriors.

Debbie began her journey with Rochester School District as a substitute Educational Assistant and went on to spend two decades supporting students and staff at RMS.

The positive relationships Debbie built and the encouragement she provided have made a difference in our students over the years. Her dedication to helping students succeed has been deeply appreciated by the Rochester community.

Please join us in thanking Debbie for her 20 years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Debbie, and thank you for all you have done for Rochester students! 💙💛

#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouDebbie #RetirementCelebration
10 days ago, Rochester School District
A woman smiles for a photo with a blue background. Gold text reads "Congratulations!" and "20 Years" with golden foil numbers.
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Heidi Collins!

After more than 40 years in nursing, Heidi Collins is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable impact of care and service.

Although an ESD employee, Heidi has been an important part of the Rochester School District community for the past four years, serving students and staff at RMS and RHS. Her organization, expertise, and commitment to student health have been invaluable in supporting the well-being of our students.

Please join us in thanking Heidi for her many years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Heidi, and thank you for your dedication to caring for others! 💙💛

#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouHeidi #RetirementCelebration
11 days ago, Rochester School District
A woman wearing glasses smiles at the camera, with "Congratulations! 40 Years" in gold text on a blue background.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for Rochester School District students! As we wrap up another great school year, please note our early dismissal schedule for Wednesday, June 10:

🔹 RMS: 10:10 AM
🔹 RHS: 10:25 AM
🔹 RPS & GMES: 11:15 AM

#RochesterSchoolDistrict #LastDayOfSchool #SummerBreak
22 days ago, Rochester School District
Blue background with white text. A paper pinned with a paper clip. Text reads: "Reminder: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Wednesday, June 10 Dismissal Times."
Congratulations to the Rochester High School Class of 2026!

Today, 118 graduates crossed the stage and celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their journeys take them next.

Thank you, families, staff, and community, for supporting these students along the way.

Go Warriors!
23 days ago, Rochester School District
A group of women in blue gowns and caps stand next to each other in a room.
Two students in blue caps and gowns walk in a row, one wearing gold, another with white, amid seated audience.
A woman in a blue gown shakes hands with a man in a black gown, both smiling. They are at a graduation ceremony.
A group of eight students in blue graduation gowns and caps pose in front of arched windows.
Two women in blue and yellow graduation gowns and caps. One holds a golf bag, and the other holds a golf ball.
A young man in a cap and gown, wearing a lei, holds a gift bag and stands with two children. A crowd of people stands behind them, some wearing hats and glasses.
Three young men in graduation caps and gowns, two wearing blue and gold, smile and pose for a picture.
Woman in blue graduation gown, smiling. Wearing lei, holding cap, book, and toys. People and trees in the background.
Three women in graduation robes with blue tassels and blue caps. Two hold certificates. The woman on left has a lei.
Two men in blue gowns and gold stoles smile at the camera. One wears a blue graduation cap and a necklace.
🏆 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! 🏆

The Rochester High School Drone Team has done it—they are FIRST IN THE NATION!

After competing throughout the week at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, Zach Hubbard and David McConnell learned during the awards ceremony that they earned the Gold Medal and the title of National Champions in Commercial sUAS Drone.

This achievement represents countless hours of hard work over a number of years. Strong dedication, problem-solving, a lot of hard work, and teamwork led to the National Title.

Congratulations to Zach and David on this outstanding achievement! A special thank you as well to their advisor, Mr. Kuss, for his leadership and support throughout their journey.

Please join us in celebrating these remarkable students and this historic accomplishment for Rochester High School!

💙💛 Go Warriors! 💙💛
24 days ago, Rochester School District
Three men, each wearing white shirts and black pants, stand together. The middle person has glasses and a watch. They wear medals and stand before a building.
Group of people on a stage with a banner behind them that reads "Commercial SuAs Drone High School".
Can't make it to Rochester High School's graduation ceremony in person? Join us online!

The RHS Class of 2026 graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on Sunday, June 7, at 2:00 PM so family and friends near and far can celebrate this special milestone.

Tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/@RochesterSchoolDistrict

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓
26 days ago, Rochester School District
Blue background with bold white and yellow text. It reads "RHS GRADUATION SUNDAY, JUNE 7 LIVE STREAM @ 2PM". Below it, "SCAN ME" is written with a QR code.
📢 Reminder for Rochester School District Families:

Friday, June 5, is not an ACT Friday. Schools will follow their regular dismissal schedule:

🕑 RMS – 2:10 PM
🕝 RHS – 2:25 PM
🕞 RPS & GMES – 3:30 PM

#RSDWarriors #RochesterSchools
27 days ago, Rochester School District
A white page pinned with a paperclip on a blue background contains a yellow text. It reads "Reminder Friday, June 5 is NOT an ACT Friday. Regular Dismissal Times".
Today, our graduating seniors took part in the Parade of Grads! Seniors visited RPS, GMES, and RMS, walking the halls in their caps and gowns while younger students and staff cheered them on. It was a special opportunity for our graduates to reflect on how far they have come and for our younger students to see what is possible through hard work and perseverance.

Graduation is Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Martin's University. We are incredibly proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them and their families.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go Warriors!
28 days ago, Rochester School District
A line of people in blue caps and gowns walk on a path with trees and a building.
A young person in a blue graduation gown walks through a hallway, with children reaching out to greet them.
A group of students in blue graduation gowns and caps, smiling and posing for a picture.
Graduates in caps and gowns walk down a hallway. Younger children reach out to touch the graduates' hands.
Five girls in blue caps and gowns smile at the camera outside a building. They wear necklaces and leis.
A group of graduates walk through a school corridor, holding hands. Some wear caps and gowns, and one holds a hula hoop.
Two women, both in blue gowns and caps, stand smiling. One wears a sash, and the other a white shirt.
Three individuals wearing graduation gowns and caps stand in front of a building with a crowd of people.
Three women in blue caps and gowns smile in front of a building. One wears a blue and yellow lei.
A male in a blue graduation gown holds a handwritten card that reads, "I hope you have a good day."
Calling all future Rochester Middle School students and families!

Grand Mound Elementary 5th grade students and families are invited to Parent/Student Tour Night at Rochester Middle School on Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 PM.

Come take a tour, ask questions, and get excited for the next chapter in your middle school journey! We look forward to welcoming our future Warriors! 💙💛
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Two posters with blue and white designs. One reads "5th Grade Students" and "Parent/Student Tour Night!" The other says "5th Grade" and "Noche de Visita para Padres/Estudiantes".
This past week, through the end of May, the Centralia College Career & Technical Education mobile classroom is at Rochester Middle School!

RMS students are being provided the opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways through hands-on virtual learning experiences. Students will participate in simulations, including operating a forklift and bulldozer, harvesting logs, loading logs onto a log truck, and welding.

Experiences like these help students connect learning to future careers while exposing them to high-demand skilled trades and technical fields. Thank you to Centralia College for partnering with Rochester to provide this opportunity for our students!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
White trailer with "Centralia College Career & Technical Education Mobile Classroom" text parked on road with trees and cloudy sky.
Person seated in a chair, operating a steering wheel, surrounded by monitors, laptops, and cables on a counter.
A person in a black cap and sweatshirt plays a video game on a laptop in a room.
Two people seated at a desk with laptops, working in a room with posters on the wall.
A person in a cap sits at a desk, using a laptop and a  simulation controller.
Two individuals sit in chairs, operating a steering wheel and laptop. A gray wall with papers and a photo is in the background.
A red and black device with a screen displaying a blue background. Two posters are above the device.
A person sits at a table, using a controller to interact with a computer display. A gray wall is behind them, with posters and various items attached.
SUN Bucks Program Available for Families This Summer!

Washington families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefits program that provides $120 per eligible school-age child to help purchase food while school is out for the summer.

Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations that accept EBT benefits.

Many families who already receive SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meal benefits will automatically qualify. Other families may need to apply through the SUN Bucks website or complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit application through their school district.

Families should also make sure their mailing address is up to date with DSHS or their child’s school to ensure benefits are delivered correctly.

Learn more at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks?utm_source=chatgpt.com
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
A flyer titled "Learn How SUN Bucks Can Help Your Family!" with an image of a smiling child holding a food item.
A white page with text instructions on enrolling a child in SUN Bucks. Small photos show people interacting with children. QR code, phone number, and website link are included.
Text overlays images of children and adults in food stores. Titles in Spanish, including "Conozca como SUN Bucks puede ayudar a su familia!" and "¿Cómo funcionan SUN Bucks?"
An informational document displays text and images of families and children. QR codes are located at the bottom.
Mrs. Hubbard took a group of students to Northwest Trek on Wednesday where they got to have close up encounters with many different species of animals including raccoons, buffalo, and they even saw a brown bear!
about 2 months ago, JEREMY BAIRD
NW Trek Group!
Rochester High School Drama invites you to 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.' A hilarious and heartwarming musical packed with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and plenty of spelling fun! Join us for this crowd-favorite production and cheer on the competitors as they battle it out one word at a time. Audience volunteers may even get the chance to participate in the bee!

📍 Rochester High School
📅 Showtimes: Fri, May 15 at 7:00 PM, Sat, May 16 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Mon, May 18 at 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $12 Adults, $10 Students, ASB, Military/First Responders, Seniors, RHS Staff, & Children 10 and under

Come support our talented RHS Drama students and enjoy a night full of laughter, music, and spelling surprises!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
A flyer for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Musical. It features bees, showtimes, and ticket prices.
RMS and RHS students had a great experience at the “Try a Trade” event at New Market Skill Center!! Students had the opportunity to explore different career pathways, ask questions, and learn directly from professionals working in the trades. Thank you to everyone who helped make this hands-on learning opportunity possible for our students!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Two people in safety vests stand by a red excavator. One person is seated on it. A building is in the background.
Three workers in a cherry picker on a sunny day. Two are in hard hats, one wears a reflective vest.
Two people in construction gear, including hard hats, stand in front of a building. They hold a tool box and bags.
Orange excavator operating in a gravel area with orange traffic cones. Yellow caution tape is placed in the background.
Crowd at a trade event with a tent, tables, and people in outdoor setting. Trees in the background.
People are at a construction site, working on a project. A woman in a jacket and hard hat stands next to a man in a green hoodie.
Crane vehicle parked in a paved area with two people inside. Yellow caution tape marks the ground near the vehicle.
Just a reminder that the deadline to turn your ballot is April 28. Ballots can be dropped off at the Grand Mound Center and Fire Station on Albany Rd. If you’d like to learn more about the Water System Capital Levy, please visit: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy.
2 months ago, Rochester School District
A poster encourages voting with text "Please Vote" and a blue box labeled "Vote." Deadline is April 28. Ballot drop-off sites are Albany Rd Fire Station and Grand Mound Center.
🎶 You’re Invited! 🎶

Join us for a fun evening of music, food, and community at Alice in Jazzyland on Friday, April 18 from 6–9 PM at Rochester High School!

Enjoy live performances from our talented RHS and RMS Jazz Bands, along with a spaghetti dinner, raffle, and auction-all in support of our amazing student musicians.

🎷 $5 per person
🎷 $20 per family

Bring your friends and family and help us celebrate and support our jazz band students. We hope to see you there!
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Event flyer for Rochester High School's "Alice in Jazzyland" featuring a saxophone. Floral background. Details include date, time, location, and ticket prices.
Welcome back, Rochester students and staff! We hope you all had a great spring break and are feeling refreshed for the final stretch of the school year. (RMS/RHS Students — don’t forget to charge up your Chromebook so you’re ready to go!)

Let’s finish the year strong, Warriors! 💙
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Sunflowers in a field at sunset with the text "Welcome Back, Warriors!" in front of a logo.
Hey Rochester Community! Just a quick reminder—we have two chances left to learn about the RSD Water System Capital Levy: Monday, April 13 at 6:30 PM and Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00 PM. Both sessions are in the RHS Library.

Come ask questions and get the details! For more info: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Flyer shows three images: water tank, water body with algae, and a pipe. Text reads "WATER SYSTEM CAPITAL LEVY INFORMATION SESSIONS".
🌸 Spring Break Reminder 🌸

There will be no school April 6–10 for Spring Break. We hope all of our Rochester families enjoy a well-deserved break, get some rest, and spend quality time together!
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Bright blue sky with "R" logo. Text reads, "Have a great Spring Break, Warriors!" Dates: April 6-10. Sunflowers in background.