10/10 RRMS School Updates

Learn more about events at RRMS!

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1. Important Dates

October 10 - No After-School Program (all students depart at 2:15 PM)

October 13 - Staff Development Day - No School for Students

October 15 - Family Learning Walks, 7:45-8:45 AM

October 17 - No After-School Program (all students depart at 2:15 PM)

October 20 - Diwali - School & Office Closed

October 24 - PTA Trunk or Treat, 5 - 7 PM

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release (students depart at 12:15 PM)

November 3-4 - No School for Students

November 5 - Fall Family Night, 5:30-7 PM

November 5-6 - Fall Pictures (through students' PE classes)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had another great week (and busy week) of learning at Rocky Run. By far the highlight of my week was popping into math classes and watching teachers utilize station rotations as an instructional method to increase student engagement, discussion and reflection. Be sure to ask your students about this strategy used by many teachers at RRMS.

I also REALLY enjoyed participating in our Mentor Kickoff and Military Connected Welcome events. These groups will meet throughout the year to foster community within our school, based on connection and share experiences. Thanks to all the staff members that helped to organize two amazing kick-offs.

On Friday, I had an absolute blast riding in the Chantilly HS Homecoming parade with the other principals from the pyramid. It was energizing to see so many students and families lining the parade route, in celebration of the Chantilly pyramid. This is truly a special place to learn, work and raise a family. Also- sorry for the sugar-high that many students experienced due to the amount of candy I threw from the parade!

Looking ahead, Indigenous Peoples' Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 13. This holiday honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples, past and present. Students will enjoy a three-day weekend, while staff members participate in a day of professional development (and retirement recognition ceremony for Mr. Raecke and Ms. Bartling who will officially retire from FCPS on 10/31). While students are enjoying the three-day weekend, I encourage them to spend some time thinking and examining one of the more than 2000 tribal groups that are indigenous to North America. Each one has a unique culture and way of life that span history up to and including present 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

Please join us for Family Learning Walks on Wednesday, October 15 from 7:45-8:45am! This is an opportunity to visit during the school day and see our amazing students and teachers in action! You'll hear about our initiatives for the year, visit classrooms, and have a chance to share your feedback! We hope to see you there! Let us know you're coming here!
Rocky Run’s annual Day of Service will be held on October 31. This is a memorable and meaningful day for ALL students, and community support is needed to make it a success. Please click here to see how you can support your child and all Rocky Run students in giving back to their community and earning 5 of their required service hours.

No Cost Meals Available for Students on October 13 at Select Schools

FCPS will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13, at participating schools. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on October 13.

Here’s what you need to know:

Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.

We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope that many of our families will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.

Save the Date for Fall Family Night

Please join us for Fall Family Night on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:30-7:00pm. All families, adults and students, are welcome!

Sessions include:

How to Help Your Student with Technology Use and Misuse
Preview of 7th and 8th Grade Advising
Math Sequence (7-12) Presentation
Sneak Peek at High School Programming

We hope to see you there!

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: Jillian Mauck (Engaged)

Platinum: Xander Meadows (Accountable)

Emerald: Brayden Smoot (Accountable)

Kryptonite: Priya Sanapuji (Engaged)

Tiger's Eye: Mikey Ross (Engaged)

Sapphire: Azan Hamid (Respectful and Inclusive)

Great job Raising The Ram this week!

Punctual on Purpose (PoP) Student Winners

Each week, we randomy select one student from each team who had zero tardies during the previous week! This week's PoP winners were:

Meteors: Jacob Cuti

Platinum: Liaq Altaf

Emerald: Kasim Atwa

Kryptonite: Anisha Marrapu

Tiger's Eye: Ella Corliss

Sapphire: Meryem Dilsiz

5. Student Services Updates

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Rocky Run Middle School will give the Fall 2025 SEL Screener on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in the SEL Screener please make sure you’ve opted out of the SEL Screener in the Digital Consent System. Log in with your SIS Parent username and password. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.

World Language Credit By Exam

Students who are proficient in a language other than English can assess language proficiency and earn up to 3 high school world language high school credits by taking the World Language Credit by Exam assessment. To learn more about the exam and how earned credits work, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit by Exam website.

If you and your student would like to register for the exam, please fill out this Google Form and your child’s counselor will submit the registration. Expect to receive a registration confirmation email within 1-2 school days of submitting the form.

Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to make sure you and your student know what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements. Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have any questions.

Opportunity for Future Centreville Students

October 14 - PTSA Meeting, “Thriving at CVHS” Student Panel: The Centreville High School PTSA invites you to their next meeting on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM in the Centreville High School Library for a special student panel, "Thriving at Centreville High." Hear directly from current juniors and seniors as they share their unique journeys and tips for making high school both successful and enjoyable. As a future Wildcat, this panel is a great opportunity to gain insight, ask questions, and feel inspired. All students and families are welcome!