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




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!!






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!
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!




🎠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!
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!
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!
📍 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!

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!







The GMES 4th graders did a great job presenting at the Natural Disaster Showcase today. They learned so much!!










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! 💙💛

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! 💙

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

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.


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.
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!
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!

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! đź’™
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’™

