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.
Our Rochester High School GEAR UP students recently visited the Lewis County Courthouse to learn about different career opportunities. They met with judges, county commissioners, and staff, and observed the opening statements of a trial. Students also had time to ask questions and left with a better understanding of careers in the legal field.
🌸 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!
Today, RHS seniors participated in a powerful Distracted Driving Mock Accident Simulation led by West Thurston Regional Fire Authority.
Fire Chief Nathan Drake, a proud RHS graduate, spoke with students about the real dangers of distracted driving and the lasting impact it can have on lives, families, and communities. He also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in public safety and emergency response.
Students then experienced a realistic, live simulation of a serious accident. They witnessed firefighters using the jaws of life to extract victims, EMS teams transporting patients by ambulance, and even a helicopter landing for an emergency airlift. Law enforcement demonstrated a sobriety test and arrest, reinforcing the very real consequences of impaired driving.
After the simulation, students had the opportunity to connect with first responders, ask questions, and learn more about both safety and career pathways.
This was more than a demonstration; it was a powerful reminder that a split second of distraction can change everything.
We are incredibly grateful to West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and Airlift Northwest for providing this impactful learning experience for our students.
A huge shout-out to Andrea Reynoldson from West Thurston Regional Fire Authority who made this simulation a reality!!
Fire Chief Nathan Drake, a proud RHS graduate, spoke with students about the real dangers of distracted driving and the lasting impact it can have on lives, families, and communities. He also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in public safety and emergency response.
Students then experienced a realistic, live simulation of a serious accident. They witnessed firefighters using the jaws of life to extract victims, EMS teams transporting patients by ambulance, and even a helicopter landing for an emergency airlift. Law enforcement demonstrated a sobriety test and arrest, reinforcing the very real consequences of impaired driving.
After the simulation, students had the opportunity to connect with first responders, ask questions, and learn more about both safety and career pathways.
This was more than a demonstration; it was a powerful reminder that a split second of distraction can change everything.
We are incredibly grateful to West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and Airlift Northwest for providing this impactful learning experience for our students.
A huge shout-out to Andrea Reynoldson from West Thurston Regional Fire Authority who made this simulation a reality!!
RHS ASB students knocked it out of the park with the first annual Spring Fest! 🌸
From the Easter Egg Hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny, to community booths, games, and great food—there was something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful Saturday.
Thank you to our ASB students for the planning and effort that made this event a success. What a great day for our community!
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!
Read-a-Thon Assembly✨️
Thank you to GMES Boosteers and all who helped with the read-a-thon! Special thank you to Weyerhaeuser for providing books for all of the students! 💙💛
✨️Asamblea del maratón de lectura✨️
¡Gracias a todos los que han colaborado en el maratón de lectura! ¡Un agradecimiento especial a Weyerhaeuser por los libros para todos los estudiantes! 💙💛
Thank you to GMES Boosteers and all who helped with the read-a-thon! Special thank you to Weyerhaeuser for providing books for all of the students! 💙💛
✨️Asamblea del maratón de lectura✨️
¡Gracias a todos los que han colaborado en el maratón de lectura! ¡Un agradecimiento especial a Weyerhaeuser por los libros para todos los estudiantes! 💙💛
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! 💙
What started as a great learning experience turned into something even more special for our students!
Two weeks ago, Ms. Parsons welcomed members of the Chehalis Tribe into her classroom to teach about Billy Frank Jr. Day. Then last Friday, students had an unexpected and incredible opportunity,, Billy Frank Jr.’s son, Willy Frank Jr., visited and spoke with students.
He was joined by Dr. Larson, a professor from The Evergreen State College and tribal historian. Together, they shared powerful history, stories, and perspectives that brought learning to life in a meaningful way.
Dr. Larson also left college materials for our Native American students, helping connect them to future opportunities.
It was a memorable and impactful day. One that our students won’t soon forget.
Two weeks ago, Ms. Parsons welcomed members of the Chehalis Tribe into her classroom to teach about Billy Frank Jr. Day. Then last Friday, students had an unexpected and incredible opportunity,, Billy Frank Jr.’s son, Willy Frank Jr., visited and spoke with students.
He was joined by Dr. Larson, a professor from The Evergreen State College and tribal historian. Together, they shared powerful history, stories, and perspectives that brought learning to life in a meaningful way.
Dr. Larson also left college materials for our Native American students, helping connect them to future opportunities.
It was a memorable and impactful day. One that our students won’t soon forget.
The Grand Mound students who competed in the Future Chef Competition did an AMAZING job!! 🍳👩🍳👨🍳
Six talented contestants showcased their cooking skills and shared some truly delicious recipes. From crepes and Churro Bites to Lumpia with Sweet Chili Sauce, Street Tacos, Polish Spaghetti, and Chicken Quesadillas -- the food was incredible. The judges' scoring was very close in determining our winners!
After tasting and judging, our winners were:
🥇 1st Place: McKinley Heggie – Grandma’s Polish Spaghetti
🥈 2nd Place: Freddie Hays – Street Tacos
🥉 3rd Place: Madison Graves – Chicken Quesadilla with Pico de Gallo
A huge thank you to our amazing food service team and Sodexo for organizing and supporting this event. Their work made this opportunity possible for our students.
We are proud of all of our young chefs for their creativity and willingness to share their cooking talents. Their future is bright—and delicious! 👏
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.
Rochester High School Student Ariel Maekawa Sanborn created this AWARD-WINNING Chalk Pastel titled Sunday Afternoon. It was selected as a Central Washington University Scholarship Winner!!! The piece captures the warm, abundant serenity of a quiet, slow Sunday afternoon. The neutral tones of the fruit, contrasting the vibrant pinks and blues, demonstrate peace in the midst of chaos.
Mario Day fun at RPS! Our RPS Warriors powered up their recess with Mario-themed activities, laughter, and lots of connection with friends.
RHS Students Explore Oregon State University! During a recent three-day field trip, Rochester High School students had the opportunity to visit Oregon State University and experience college life firsthand.
One of the highlights of the trip was an unexpected and inspiring moment—running into RHS alumna Kyra Smith on campus! Our students were able to spend time talking with Kyra, asking questions, and hearing about her journey and experiences as a college student. Seeing one of our own thriving at the university made the visit even more meaningful.
While on campus, students also had the chance to sit in on college classes and explore two areas of study: The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the College of Forestry, where students participated in activities such as Tree ID and learning about Forest Management.
It was a great opportunity for our students to see what their futures could hold and to imagine themselves on a college campus.
This week we celebrated Education Support Professionals Week, and we want to give a big thank you to the classified staff who help make our schools run every day!
From welcoming students each morning, supporting learning in classrooms, preparing meals, keeping our buildings clean and safe, assisting in our offices, and so much more — our Education Support Professionals play a vital role in the success of our schools.
Your dedication, care for students, and commitment to our district do not go unnoticed. The relationships you build and the support you provide help create a positive environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Join us in thanking our Education Support Professionals!
From welcoming students each morning, supporting learning in classrooms, preparing meals, keeping our buildings clean and safe, assisting in our offices, and so much more — our Education Support Professionals play a vital role in the success of our schools.
Your dedication, care for students, and commitment to our district do not go unnoticed. The relationships you build and the support you provide help create a positive environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Join us in thanking our Education Support Professionals!
RHS Students Explore College Campuses on GEAR UP Field Trip
Recently, Rochester High School juniors and seniors participated in a three-day GEAR UP field trip, visiting several colleges and universities across Oregon. During the trip, students explored campuses at: University of Portland, Lewis & Clark College, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Linfield University, and George Fox University.
Students had the opportunity to experience each campus, ask questions directly to admissions staff and student guides, tour facilities, and explore different academic programs.
It was an inspiring and educational experience that helped students gain a clearer vision of the many opportunities that can await them after high school.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more highlights from this trip, including some memorable moments from the visits!
Recently, Rochester High School juniors and seniors participated in a three-day GEAR UP field trip, visiting several colleges and universities across Oregon. During the trip, students explored campuses at: University of Portland, Lewis & Clark College, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Linfield University, and George Fox University.
Students had the opportunity to experience each campus, ask questions directly to admissions staff and student guides, tour facilities, and explore different academic programs.
It was an inspiring and educational experience that helped students gain a clearer vision of the many opportunities that can await them after high school.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more highlights from this trip, including some memorable moments from the visits!
On Monday, our 7th grade Washington State History students in Ms. Parsons’ and Mr. Svoma’s classes took time to learn about the life and legacy of Billy Frank Jr..
Students learned about his work protecting tribal treaty rights and about the statue being created in his honor to represent Washington in the U.S. Capitol. They also had the opportunity to taste smoked salmon as part of the day’s learning experience.
Members of the Chehalis Tribe joined the class to share their knowledge, and parents were invited to participate as well.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this a meaningful learning experience for our students!
Students learned about his work protecting tribal treaty rights and about the statue being created in his honor to represent Washington in the U.S. Capitol. They also had the opportunity to taste smoked salmon as part of the day’s learning experience.
Members of the Chehalis Tribe joined the class to share their knowledge, and parents were invited to participate as well.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this a meaningful learning experience for our students!
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Christopher Clark to Rochester! We are pleased to share that Mr. Clark has been offered and has accepted the position of Rochester Middle School Principal, pending School Board approval.
Mr. Clark brings more than 14 years of administrative experience and most recently served as Assistant Principal at Yelm High School. He will begin at RMS in July.
Mr. Clark brings more than 14 years of administrative experience and most recently served as Assistant Principal at Yelm High School. He will begin at RMS in July.
A great turnout at Future Freshman Orientation! Students select their courses for freshman year beginning Thursday!!
Rochester School District is now accepting applications to the Dual Language Program for the 2026-2027 school year.
