Rochester Primary School
Know, Value, and Support Every Student
The Force is strong at RPS! We had so much fun celebrating May the 4th at lunch recess today. Check out our calendar for upcoming events!
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
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
🔹 RMS: 10:10 AM
🔹 RHS: 10:25 AM
🔹 RPS & GMES: 11:15 AM
#RochesterSchoolDistrict #LastDayOfSchool #SummerBreak
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!
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!
🏆 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! 💙💛
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! 💙💛
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! 🎓
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! 🎓
📢 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
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
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!
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!
Wednesday night, we celebrated the end of the year with our Dual Language Family Night, and what a wonderful evening it was! Over 200 family members, students, and staff attended the celebration.
Our Dual Language kindergarten and first grade students did an amazing job performing for the crowd, and our second grade students were recognized with medals as they completed the Dual Language program at RPS and prepare to continue their journey at GMES.
It was a special night celebrating student learning, growth. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success!
Our Dual Language kindergarten and first grade students did an amazing job performing for the crowd, and our second grade students were recognized with medals as they completed the Dual Language program at RPS and prepare to continue their journey at GMES.
It was a special night celebrating student learning, growth. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success!
Incoming 3rd grade families-we’re excited to welcome you!
Grand Mound Elementary invites you to join us for a special evening on June 3 at 6:00 PM. Come meet our 3rd grade teachers, learn more about the school, and get a preview of the upcoming year.
We look forward to meeting you and helping your student feel confident and ready for 3rd grade!
Grand Mound Elementary invites you to join us for a special evening on June 3 at 6:00 PM. Come meet our 3rd grade teachers, learn more about the school, and get a preview of the upcoming year.
We look forward to meeting you and helping your student feel confident and ready for 3rd grade!
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
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
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!
📍 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!
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.
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! 💙
Let’s finish the year strong, Warriors! 💙
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
Come ask questions and get the details! For more info: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
We are proud to share that Rochester Primary School was recently represented at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Salt Lake City!
Mrs. Kernutt and Mrs. Whitehead had the honor of presenting alongside partners from Ukeru Systems, sharing the impactful work happening right here at RPS and across our district to support students with compassion, dignity, and safety.
This presentation highlighted a powerful approach focused on shifting mindsets around restraint and seclusion-responding to student needs with understanding, connection, and care. Through this work, we continue to grow in how we support all learners, especially during challenging moments, by leading with empathy and intention.
We are incredibly grateful to be part of a larger community committed to making a difference for students. Together, we are learning, growing, and showing that when we center relationships and trauma informed practices, meaningful change is possible.
Mrs. Kernutt and Mrs. Whitehead had the honor of presenting alongside partners from Ukeru Systems, sharing the impactful work happening right here at RPS and across our district to support students with compassion, dignity, and safety.
This presentation highlighted a powerful approach focused on shifting mindsets around restraint and seclusion-responding to student needs with understanding, connection, and care. Through this work, we continue to grow in how we support all learners, especially during challenging moments, by leading with empathy and intention.
We are incredibly grateful to be part of a larger community committed to making a difference for students. Together, we are learning, growing, and showing that when we center relationships and trauma informed practices, meaningful change is possible.
🌸 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!
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!
We invite our community to join us for an upcoming Water System Capital Levy Community Forum to learn more, ask questions, and stay informed.
📅 Forum Dates:
• Tuesday, March 31 @ 5:30 pm
• Monday, April 13 @ 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, April 15 @ 5:00 pm
📍 Location: Rochester High School Library
This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand the current condition of our water system, understand the proposed improvements, and hear how this impacts our schools and community.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
We hope to see you there!
📅 Forum Dates:
• Tuesday, March 31 @ 5:30 pm
• Monday, April 13 @ 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, April 15 @ 5:00 pm
📍 Location: Rochester High School Library
This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand the current condition of our water system, understand the proposed improvements, and hear how this impacts our schools and community.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
We hope to see you there!
Mother Nature has definitely been keeping us on our toes this season! Between rainouts, reschedules, and surprise sunshine appearances, our athletes in girls golf, softball, baseball, track, and boys soccer are ready to play… whenever the weather decides to cooperate!
If you’re trying to keep up, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Be sure to check the updated schedule here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/athletics
Go Warriors! 💙
If you’re trying to keep up, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Be sure to check the updated schedule here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/athletics
Go Warriors! 💙
The School Board has selected four finalists to move forward to the interview stage.
Interviews will take place on March 23 and March 24. We will be hosting two candidates each day. The candidates will each spend 9.5 hours participating in interviews, forums, and activities within the school district. As we enter this phase, it’s important to remember that while the finalists are working to make a strong impression on our district, we are also representing Rochester and want to make a positive impression on them.
As part of the process, staff and community forums will be held on both Monday and Tuesday (3/24 & 3/25) in the RHS Library. The community forums are at 5:45 and 6:30 pm. The forums are an opportunity for you to meet the candidates, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback to the school board.
Your voice is an important part of this process, and we encourage you to attend if you are able.
Interviews will take place on March 23 and March 24. We will be hosting two candidates each day. The candidates will each spend 9.5 hours participating in interviews, forums, and activities within the school district. As we enter this phase, it’s important to remember that while the finalists are working to make a strong impression on our district, we are also representing Rochester and want to make a positive impression on them.
As part of the process, staff and community forums will be held on both Monday and Tuesday (3/24 & 3/25) in the RHS Library. The community forums are at 5:45 and 6:30 pm. The forums are an opportunity for you to meet the candidates, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback to the school board.
Your voice is an important part of this process, and we encourage you to attend if you are able.
