Rochester School District
Know, Value, and Support Every Student
🎉 Calling all incoming 6th graders! 🎉
Get ready to kick off your middle school journey at Rochester Middle School's 6th Grade JumpStart on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Register online scanning the QR code on the flyer.
This fun-filled event gives students a chance to:
🏫 Explore their new school
👩🏫 Meet teachers and staff
🏒 Learn floor hockey
🎮 Play games
🍕 Enjoy free pizza
🤝 Connect with fellow 6th graders
This event is for students only. Transportation is available with early registration. We can't wait to welcome the RMS Class of 2033 and help make the transition to middle school a great one! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #RMSJumpStart #ClassOf2033
Get ready to kick off your middle school journey at Rochester Middle School's 6th Grade JumpStart on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Register online scanning the QR code on the flyer.
This fun-filled event gives students a chance to:
🏫 Explore their new school
👩🏫 Meet teachers and staff
🏒 Learn floor hockey
🎮 Play games
🍕 Enjoy free pizza
🤝 Connect with fellow 6th graders
This event is for students only. Transportation is available with early registration. We can't wait to welcome the RMS Class of 2033 and help make the transition to middle school a great one! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #RMSJumpStart #ClassOf2033
🗳️ Don't Forget to Vote!
Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, is Election Day and the deadline to return your ballot. If you haven't turned in your ballot yet, be sure to drop it off by 8:00 p.m. at one of Rochester's official ballot drop boxes:
📍 Rochester Fire Station (off Albany Street)
📍 Grand Mound Center parking lot
Your voice matters, and every vote counts. Be sure to get your ballot in on time!
#RochesterSchoolDistrict #ElectionDay #Vote
Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, is Election Day and the deadline to return your ballot. If you haven't turned in your ballot yet, be sure to drop it off by 8:00 p.m. at one of Rochester's official ballot drop boxes:
📍 Rochester Fire Station (off Albany Street)
📍 Grand Mound Center parking lot
Your voice matters, and every vote counts. Be sure to get your ballot in on time!
#RochesterSchoolDistrict #ElectionDay #Vote
🐇🦃 Our Rochester FFA students are bringing home the ribbons at the Thurston County Fair! 🐐🐖
We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship our students have shown throughout fair week. Congratulations to these Rochester FFA exhibitors on their outstanding accomplishments!
🏅 Cody Galpin – Grand Champion Market Turkey; Reserve Champion Novice Turkey Showmanship
🏅 Colton Hart – Reserve Champion Market Turkey; Grand Champion Novice Turkey Showmanship
🏅 Enrique Rodriguez – Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pen; Reserve Champion Novice Rabbit Showmanship
🏅 Emerson Rivers – Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship; Best Cinnamon FFA Rabbit
🏅 Alexa Thompson – Reserve Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship
🏅 Izzabella Crawford – Best Market Single Fryer Rabbit
🏅 Brooklynn Lane – Reserve Champion in Dairy Goat, Sheep, and Pig Showmanship
🏅 Shelby Rozar – Mid-Weight Class Winner, Market Lamb
The Thurston County Youth Market Sale begins TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. If you're at the fair, stop by the auction and help support these hardworking students as they celebrate the results of months of dedication and care.
Congratulations to all of our Rochester FFA exhibitors-we're so proud of you! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #RochesterFFA #ThurstonCountyFair #WarriorPride
We are proud of the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship our students have shown throughout fair week. Congratulations to these Rochester FFA exhibitors on their outstanding accomplishments!
🏅 Cody Galpin – Grand Champion Market Turkey; Reserve Champion Novice Turkey Showmanship
🏅 Colton Hart – Reserve Champion Market Turkey; Grand Champion Novice Turkey Showmanship
🏅 Enrique Rodriguez – Grand Champion Market Rabbit Pen; Reserve Champion Novice Rabbit Showmanship
🏅 Emerson Rivers – Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship; Best Cinnamon FFA Rabbit
🏅 Alexa Thompson – Reserve Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship
🏅 Izzabella Crawford – Best Market Single Fryer Rabbit
🏅 Brooklynn Lane – Reserve Champion in Dairy Goat, Sheep, and Pig Showmanship
🏅 Shelby Rozar – Mid-Weight Class Winner, Market Lamb
The Thurston County Youth Market Sale begins TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. If you're at the fair, stop by the auction and help support these hardworking students as they celebrate the results of months of dedication and care.
Congratulations to all of our Rochester FFA exhibitors-we're so proud of you! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #RochesterFFA #ThurstonCountyFair #WarriorPride
Have you noticed something happening at Rochester Middle School?
If you've driven along Highway 12 this week, you've probably spotted a lot of activity on the roof!
The original roof, installed when the building opened in 2003, has faithfully protected our students and staff for more than two decades. After years of Washington weather, the shingles have reached the end of their lifespan, making this summer the perfect time for a much-needed replacement.
By tackling this project while school is out, we're protecting our community's investment, helping prevent future issues, and ensuring there are no disruptions to learning once students return this fall.
It's not the flashiest summer makeover, but it's definitely one of the most important! We're excited to see this long-overdue project completed and ready to protect RMS for many years to come.
If you've driven along Highway 12 this week, you've probably spotted a lot of activity on the roof!
The original roof, installed when the building opened in 2003, has faithfully protected our students and staff for more than two decades. After years of Washington weather, the shingles have reached the end of their lifespan, making this summer the perfect time for a much-needed replacement.
By tackling this project while school is out, we're protecting our community's investment, helping prevent future issues, and ensuring there are no disruptions to learning once students return this fall.
It's not the flashiest summer makeover, but it's definitely one of the most important! We're excited to see this long-overdue project completed and ready to protect RMS for many years to come.
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
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Jane Runge!
Jane Runge may have joined GMES this year as a Special Education teacher, but she brought with her more than 30 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for serving students.
While her time in Rochester was brief, the care and support she provided to students and staff at Grand Mound Elementary will not be forgotten. Her compassion, expertise, and commitment to meeting the needs of every student have made a difference in the lives of those she served.
Please join us in thanking Jane for her many years in education and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Jane, and thank you for your dedication to students throughout your career! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouJane #RetirementCelebration
Jane Runge may have joined GMES this year as a Special Education teacher, but she brought with her more than 30 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for serving students.
While her time in Rochester was brief, the care and support she provided to students and staff at Grand Mound Elementary will not be forgotten. Her compassion, expertise, and commitment to meeting the needs of every student have made a difference in the lives of those she served.
Please join us in thanking Jane for her many years in education and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Jane, and thank you for your dedication to students throughout your career! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouJane #RetirementCelebration
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Debbie Jarbo!
After 20 years of dedicated service at Rochester Middle School, Debbie Jarbo is retiring and leaving behind an impact on generations of Warriors.
Debbie began her journey with Rochester School District as a substitute Educational Assistant and went on to spend two decades supporting students and staff at RMS.
The positive relationships Debbie built and the encouragement she provided have made a difference in our students over the years. Her dedication to helping students succeed has been deeply appreciated by the Rochester community.
Please join us in thanking Debbie for her 20 years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Debbie, and thank you for all you have done for Rochester students! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouDebbie #RetirementCelebration
After 20 years of dedicated service at Rochester Middle School, Debbie Jarbo is retiring and leaving behind an impact on generations of Warriors.
Debbie began her journey with Rochester School District as a substitute Educational Assistant and went on to spend two decades supporting students and staff at RMS.
The positive relationships Debbie built and the encouragement she provided have made a difference in our students over the years. Her dedication to helping students succeed has been deeply appreciated by the Rochester community.
Please join us in thanking Debbie for her 20 years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Debbie, and thank you for all you have done for Rochester students! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouDebbie #RetirementCelebration
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Heidi Collins!
After more than 40 years in nursing, Heidi Collins is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable impact of care and service.
Although an ESD employee, Heidi has been an important part of the Rochester School District community for the past four years, serving students and staff at RMS and RHS. Her organization, expertise, and commitment to student health have been invaluable in supporting the well-being of our students.
Please join us in thanking Heidi for her many years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Heidi, and thank you for your dedication to caring for others! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouHeidi #RetirementCelebration
After more than 40 years in nursing, Heidi Collins is retiring, leaving behind a remarkable impact of care and service.
Although an ESD employee, Heidi has been an important part of the Rochester School District community for the past four years, serving students and staff at RMS and RHS. Her organization, expertise, and commitment to student health have been invaluable in supporting the well-being of our students.
Please join us in thanking Heidi for her many years of service and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Heidi, and thank you for your dedication to caring for others! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouHeidi #RetirementCelebration
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Kevin Wilson!
After 20 years in education, including 12 years serving Rochester School District, Kevin Wilson is retiring and leaving behind a lasting impact on our students and schools.
Kevin began his Rochester journey as Assistant Principal at Rochester High School before taking on the opportunity of growing the H.E.A.R.T. High School program. Through his leadership as administrator, teacher, and CTE Director, Kevin helped shape H.E.A.R.T. into a program that provides students with meaningful opportunities, personalized support, and pathways to future success.
His dedication to student achievement, innovative thinking, and commitment to meeting students where they are has made a difference in the lives of countless students and families.
Please join us in thanking Kevin for his years of service and leadership and wishing him all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Kevin, and thank you for all you have done for Rochester students! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouKevin #RetirementCelebration #
After 20 years in education, including 12 years serving Rochester School District, Kevin Wilson is retiring and leaving behind a lasting impact on our students and schools.
Kevin began his Rochester journey as Assistant Principal at Rochester High School before taking on the opportunity of growing the H.E.A.R.T. High School program. Through his leadership as administrator, teacher, and CTE Director, Kevin helped shape H.E.A.R.T. into a program that provides students with meaningful opportunities, personalized support, and pathways to future success.
His dedication to student achievement, innovative thinking, and commitment to meeting students where they are has made a difference in the lives of countless students and families.
Please join us in thanking Kevin for his years of service and leadership and wishing him all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Kevin, and thank you for all you have done for Rochester students! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouKevin #RetirementCelebration #
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Belinda Hollander!
After 42 years of dedicated service to Rochester School District, Belinda Hollander is retiring from Rochester High School.
Throughout her career, Belinda served in several Educational Assistant roles, impacting countless students, staff, and families along the way. She holds a unique place in Rochester history as the only current employee who worked in both the old and current Rochester High School buildings.
For more than four decades, Belinda's commitment, knowledge, and care have been an important part of the Rochester High School community. Her dedication has helped shape generations of Warriors, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Belinda for her service and wishing her all the best in this next chapter of life. Congratulations, Belinda-you have truly earned it! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouBelinda #RetirementCelebration
After 42 years of dedicated service to Rochester School District, Belinda Hollander is retiring from Rochester High School.
Throughout her career, Belinda served in several Educational Assistant roles, impacting countless students, staff, and families along the way. She holds a unique place in Rochester history as the only current employee who worked in both the old and current Rochester High School buildings.
For more than four decades, Belinda's commitment, knowledge, and care have been an important part of the Rochester High School community. Her dedication has helped shape generations of Warriors, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Belinda for her service and wishing her all the best in this next chapter of life. Congratulations, Belinda-you have truly earned it! 💙💛
#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouBelinda #RetirementCelebration
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 class 2026!! Here are more pictures of our graduates.
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! 💙💛
Good luck to our Rochester High School Trap Team as they compete in the WA Clay Target League State Championship today at Evergreen Sportsmen's Club!
Seventeen Warriors will represent RHS against teams from across Washington in pursuit of state honors. We are proud of their hard work and dedication throughout the season and wish them the best of luck on the range!
Go Warriors! 💙💛
Seventeen Warriors will represent RHS against teams from across Washington in pursuit of state honors. We are proud of their hard work and dedication throughout the season and wish them the best of luck on the range!
Go Warriors! 💙💛
Congratulations to the Rochester H.E.A.R.T. Class of 2026!
Tonight we celebrated a remarkable group of graduates who persevered, overcame challenges, and achieved an important milestone. Each graduate's journey has been unique, and we are incredibly proud of the determination, resilience, and growth they demonstrated along the way.
Congratulations to our H.E.A.R.T. graduates and their families. We can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you. Go Warriors!
Tonight we celebrated a remarkable group of graduates who persevered, overcame challenges, and achieved an important milestone. Each graduate's journey has been unique, and we are incredibly proud of the determination, resilience, and growth they demonstrated along the way.
Congratulations to our H.E.A.R.T. graduates and their families. We can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you. 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! 🎓
Last Friday, Rochester Middle School's Top 40 i-Ready Lesson Passers earned a well-deserved field trip to South Sound Speedway to celebrate their hard work and learning throughout the year!
Students had the opportunity to tour the speedway, meet drivers, collect autographs, see race cars up close, and learn about the many jobs that help make race day possible. The day concluded with food, fun, and time together, celebrating their accomplishments.
We are proud of these students for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to learning. Their success is a great reminder that hard work pays off!
Special congratulations to Daniel Lachine, who passed an incredible 226 i-Ready lessons this year, and Callista Kauffman, who finished close behind with 219 lessons passed.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this memorable experience possible. Congratulations to all of our Top 40 students!
Students had the opportunity to tour the speedway, meet drivers, collect autographs, see race cars up close, and learn about the many jobs that help make race day possible. The day concluded with food, fun, and time together, celebrating their accomplishments.
We are proud of these students for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to learning. Their success is a great reminder that hard work pays off!
Special congratulations to Daniel Lachine, who passed an incredible 226 i-Ready lessons this year, and Callista Kauffman, who finished close behind with 219 lessons passed.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this memorable experience possible. Congratulations to all of our Top 40 students!
📢 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
Remember the Egg Drop? It's a tradition that continues at GMES! Yesterday, our 5th-grade students put their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to the test as they designed and built containers to protect an egg from a high drop.
We are happy to report that there were a lot of successful landings! Activities like the Egg Drop provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply science, engineering, and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.
Great job, 5th graders! We loved seeing your creativity and perseverance on display.
We are happy to report that there were a lot of successful landings! Activities like the Egg Drop provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply science, engineering, and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.
Great job, 5th graders! We loved seeing your creativity and perseverance on display.
