Knightly News: November 15, 2021

News from the Principal

The most wonderful time of the year has officially begun at Rockwood Valley because Turkey Smash 2021 is underway! Turkey Smash is a very special tradition at RVMS when our community comes together to celebrate our school spirit. In keeping with tradition, the festivities began with the first donations being dropped into the coin drive collection jars in support of our Adopt-A-Family program. Because it was such a success last year, we are again offering an online donation option this year. Students are welcome to share this link to the RVMS Coin Drive 2021 with anyone who wants to be part of our efforts to take care of others this holiday season and throughout the year. Be sure to indicate the student’s name and team when making donations to make sure the spirit points go to the correct team!  

In addition to asking for every spare coin you have, your kids may also start asking you for odd, random clothing items in order to put together their spirit day outfits. Included below are the spirit day themes so you can help start brainstorming some creative looks. Also busily underway are team banner decorations and the finalization of team cheers.  Soon you too will know the cheers because teachers will be working hard to make sure the students get the chants firmly stuck in their heads! 

We hope this next week is as fun for you to hear about as it is for the kids to experience. Be sure to check in with them to learn their perspectives on who is leading the competitions and which team will be crowned the champions of Turkey Smash 2021! Thank you for supporting their participation in all of the festivities. Now, smash away, smash away, smash away all!!

Spirit Days:

Thursday, 11/18 = Country vs Country Club Day

Friday, 11/19 = Decades Day (1910-1990)

Monday, 11/22 = Pajamas Day

 

With much gratitude,

 Karen Hedrick, Ed.D. 

 

Announcements

 Fall Play: Rockwood Valley’s Opening Knight Productions is proud to present Frozen Jr. as our fall play. We are very excited to welcome back a full audience for each of the evening performances on Thursday, November 18th at 7pm and Friday, November 19th at 7pm. Tickets remain available for both shows and can be purchased online.

https://mo-rockwood-lite.intouchreceipting.com/.  

Pediatric Vaccination Information: As part of our Rockwood Safe Together mitigation efforts, we have been encouraging all staff members and eligible students to get vaccinated to keep students and staff healthy and in school. Now that all Rockwood students are eligible to receive the vaccine, we are requesting that parents voluntarily disclose* when their child has been fully vaccinated. This is strictly voluntary, but it will save everyone valuable time in contact tracing. As a reminder, those who are fully vaccinated are not subject to quarantine if they are determined to be a close contact with a positive case, as long as they are not exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. Providing your child’s vaccine information will also help us have a measure of vaccination rates within our school community and guide how Rockwood might adjust our policies to promote a safe learning and working environment.

 

This information is secure and will be accessible only by contact tracers with a need to know. Again, this is strictly voluntary! Even if you have already submitted this information to your school nurse in conjunction with contact tracing, we ask that you upload it via this new form so we have all the information in one place. 

*Please note: Rockwood is utilizing a new form provider, and we have information posted on our website about how to log in the first time.

Coat Collection: Two RSD students, one from Rockwood Valley and one from Wildwood, are holding a coat collection drive. They have set a goal to collect 1,000 new or gently used coats or sweatshirts for kids and teens of all sizes by November 20. RVMS will serve as a donation site for their collection. If you have coats that your kids have outgrown, this collection is a great way to pass those coats along and help someone in need this winter. 

Tell us how we’re doing: The Rockwood Heartbeat check-in is an ongoing process to solicit feedback to meet the needs of all members of our school community.  These checkpoints will be used to support re-entry transitions as we identify and respond to the needs of our students, staff and families. As part of these activities, parents/guardians are asked to complete an online questionnaire (3-5 questions) that encourages you to reflect on your own mindsets and experiences connecting with our school (view questions).

Complete one form for each middle school student
Use this link https://bit.ly/parent68 to access the survey.
Make sure to select Rockwood Valley and the grade(s) that your children are currently in. 

A Message from the PSO

PSO invites you to participate in our annual Adopt-A-Family program!   

Each year our school comes together to provide a dazzling holiday season for several families in the Rockwood community. We provide both needs (clothing, food, help with utilities, household items) and wants (games, toys, opportunities for family time) for each family member. Please look through the list of items and find something that sparks your holiday spirit of giving.  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044aafab28a5fc1-adopt5

If you choose to participate, please help us out with the following:

All unwrapped items should be turned in to the RVMS Welcome Center by November 29.
Each item (other than gift cards) on the signup list will be identified by a NUMBER. PLEASE attach a label with that number on it to any gift you turn in. This is critical in helping us make sure your gift gets to the correct person.
All gift cards should be turned in to Stacey Scott or Zana Phillips in the Guidance Office. Please write the dollar amount on the gift card.
Please include gift receipts for all clothing items in case they need to be exchanged for a different size.
If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, please contact Stacey Scott at scottstacey@rsdmo.org or at 636-733-4270 

The Wrap Party is December 7th right after school. Details and volunteer sign up coming soon!

 

 

Upcoming Events

Mon, 11/15 - Mon, 11/22: Turkey Smash Coin Drive & Spirit Week

Tues, 11/16: PSO Dine to Donate @ El Maguey, Wildwood 2-10pm

Wed, 11/17: RVMS Band Concert @ LHS, 7pm

Thur, 11/18 & Fri, 11/19: Fall Play -- Frozen Jr, 7pm

Wed, Nov 24 - Fri, Nov 26: No School - Thanksgiving Holiday