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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!!
Our Unified Basketball team will take on the Tenino Beavers in an exciting league matchup at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, and we would love to see our community fill the stands in support of these athletes.
Unified Basketball, in partnership with Special Olympics, brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete side by side—building inclusion, teamwork, and friendships through sport.
Let’s pack the gym and show our Warrior pride!
We are proud to celebrate Brooklyn Alfonso, a senior at Rochester High School, who has signed with Saint Martin's University to compete in track and field as a javelin thrower!
Brooklyn will graduate in June with her associate degree from Centralia College, an incredible accomplishment—and will begin studying exercise science at Saint Martin’s this fall.
We are so proud of Brooklyn’s hard work and dedication, both in the classroom and in athletics. Congratulations on this exciting next chapter—we can’t wait to see all you accomplish!
We are proud to share that RHS student Bruce Phillips has been named Video Game Programming Student of the Quarter at New Market Skills Center!
Bruce represents the high school with excellence through his hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the program. His recent Unity game projects are among the best in the class, and he is currently programming enemy behaviors for a regional SkillsUSA team project.
Congratulations, Bruce! We are proud of you and this well-deserved recognition.
📍 Where: Tacoma Dome
📅 When: Friday 2/20 & Saturday 2/21
⏰ Time: Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m. both days
We are proud of their hard work and dedication and wish them the very best as they represent our school and community on the state stage!
We’re proud to celebrate students who take initiative and explore opportunities like this — congratulations, Bree!
February District Newsletter: https://rochestersdwa.edurooms.com/engage/rsd/newsletters/rsd-community-newsletter-feb-2026
Boys Basketball – Last Home Game & Senior Night! Join us as our boys basketball team takes on the Grizzlies in their final home game of the season TONIGHT—and help us celebrate Senior Night! We’ll be honoring our basketball players, managers, choir, band, and bowling seniors.
Game Times:
C Squad – 5:30 PM @ GMES,
JV 5:30 PM @ RHS
Varsity – to follow at RHS - Senior recognition will take place just before the varsity game.
Come out and show your support for our players and seniors on their big night!
Congratulations to 12 of our FBLA students who have earned their way to the FBLA State Competition in April through their outstanding performances at competition. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
Individual & Team State Qualifiers include: Claire Hawes • Naomi Hayden • Zachariah Hubbard • Brooklynn Lane • Ariel Maekawa • Connor Rapp • Jayleen Totten • Lizeth Venegas • Chloe Verd • Lillianna Young - Plus team events in Broadcast Journalism, Graphic Design, and Sales Presentation.
Please join us in congratulating these students when you see them—best of luck at State!
