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
7 days 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 "ÂżCĂłmo funcionan SUN Bucks?"
An informational document displays text and images of families and children. QR codes are located at the bottom.
The RHS theater team has on more performance of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". Don't miss it Monday 5/18 at 7:00 pm. It is a great show!!
4 days ago, Rochester School District
Girls smiling together
cast taking a bow
two cast members celebrating
ending scene of the show
the winner has the trophy
two cast members taking bow
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!
5 days 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.
🎭 Don’t miss the Rochester High School production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! The show opens this weeknd!

Our talented students have been working hard to bring this fun, energetic, and hilarious musical to the stage. Come out and support our RHS performers, crew, and directors for an entertaining evening!

đź“… Show Times:
• May 15 – 7:00 PM
• May 16 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• May 18 – 7:00 PM

We hope to see you there!
6 days ago, Rochester School District
Four children, one with a crown, seated on stage with a blue curtain in the background.
Woman in red dress speaking into a microphone on a stage; two people sit at a table behind her.
Five individuals wearing costumes and bibs stand on bleachers, raising their hands and smiling. A blue curtain is in the background.
Three women sitting at a table. The table has a purple banner that reads "Judges" and "SPELLING BEE" on it.
Six young people, wearing numbers 2, 7, 13, 25, and standing on a stage with a dark backdrop.
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
đź“… 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!
9 days 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!
13 days 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.
The GMES 4th graders did a great job presenting at the Natural Disaster Showcase today. They learned so much!!
21 days ago, Rochester School District
wildfire Project
tornado project
tornado project
Hurricane project
natural disaster project
earthquake project
volcano project
volcano project
natural disaster project
natural disaster project

Personal Bests at Montesano! Our Track & Field athletes had an outstanding meet in Montesano yesterday, setting numerous personal bests across multiple events. Their hard work, determination, and commitment are paying off!

Congratulations to all of our student-athletes who achieved new PRs! Keep up the great work, Warriors! 💙💛

29 days ago, Rochester School District
A sports poster shows personal bests for girls and boys in track events. Girls’ events include shot put, discus, and long jump. Boys’ events include 300m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, and 3200m.
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.
29 days 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.
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! 💙
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Sunflowers in a field at sunset with the text "Welcome Back, Warriors!" in front of a logo.
The water system that provides water for RHS, GMES, and RPS is failing. For more information about the Capital Levy, watch this video: https://youtu.be/2XTjUPGin5g
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
A flyer with yellow and blue borders contains text and images of workers. The text mentions a new water system, capital levy, and dates for information sessions.
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
about 1 month 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".
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.
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Four women stand on a beach. The woman on the right takes a selfie. Behind them is water.
Three women stand in front of a conference presentation screen. The text reads "Safety First Then Comes Culture."
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.
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
A group of nine individuals, including students, stands in a room with wooden desks and a flag.
Four girls in various outfits stand in a room with a wooden counter, flag, and plaque.
Two women seated at a desk with computer monitors. One has long hair and the other has short hair.
🌸 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!
about 2 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.
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!!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Emergency responders in yellow and white uniforms surround two damaged cars on a grassy field. Trees and a purple helicopter in the background.
People gather on a paved area, with a person on a platform at the front. Trees and a car are in the background.
Two people on a grassy field, one kneeling. A helicopter is landing. A car is parked, and trees surround the area.
A crowd of people are standing on the road. Some wear backpacks. A helicopter is parked on a grassy field with trees in the background.
A group of firefighters are tending to an injured person near a damaged blue car on grass.
Group of firefighters in uniform posing for a photo in a grassy field with pine trees in the background.
People gathered on a grassy field with trees in the background; two individuals in conversation.
A group of uniformed people, including firefighters and police officers, are conversing on a grassy area, with trees in the background.
A helicopter with purple and blue colors, landing on a grass field. People watch as someone climbs inside.
A group of people in various clothing stand in a grassy area, with trees in the background. One man wears a fireman's uniform.
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!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Easter bunny
Easter egg hunt
Easter egg hunt
Easter egg hunt
Easter bunny
Easter bunny
RHS Basketball coach as an eater bunny
We invite our community to join us for an upcoming Water System Capital Levy Community Forum to learn more, ask questions, and stay informed.

đź“… 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!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
A poster announces three Water System Capital Levy Community Forum dates. Visuals include a ladder, a person, and pipes.
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! 💙💛
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
A gym with spectators seated in bleachers and on the floor. The floor has bags and boxes.
Many people seated on a basketball court, possibly attending an event. Blue banners and a basketball hoop in background.
A group of children and adults sit and stand in a room. A projector screen shows a lesson.
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! đź’™
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Sports logo on blue background. "Spring Sports Are in Full Swing" in white text. Symbols of soccer ball, softball, and a runner.