RMHS Viking Weekly News 8/31/2026

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (02:10 PM)

Rockport Middle High School

Viking Weekly News

August 31, 2026

Dear RMHS Families,

We are so excited to welcome our students back to school on Wednesday, September 2nd! For those families new to the middle/high school, this weekly newsletter serves as a way to communicate the most vital information in hopes of assisting students in planning for the “week ahead”. This does not cover everything that goes on at the middle/high school but is rather an overview of the major events or changes to the schedule that may impact your child. A copy of each week’s email is also posted on the RMHS website.

My favorite part of being the 6-12 principal is watching the growth of our students, and forging partnerships and connections with families that last a lifetime. We kicked off this past week by meeting our incoming 6th, 9th graders and new students through orientations. The energy and excitement for the new year was contagious and we are so excited to see all of our students on Wednesday, September 2nd. Students will report directly to their A block on Wednesday morning. Class lists will be posted on boards throughout the school and people will be in the hallways to support everyone finding their first class. All students will receive their schedules and go through an orientation at that time.

Here's to a great first week ahead! 😎

-Ms. Rose

The Week Ahead...

Wednesday, September 2nd: First Day of School for students - All students should report to A Block to start the day.

Wednesday, September 2nd Assemblies:

Seniors will meet with Ms. Rose at 7:50 am in the AUD after checking into A block for attendance and a brief orientation.
HS students will meet with Ms. Rose during FLEX for an opening day assembly.

Thursday, September 3rd: MS students will meet with Ms. Rose during FLEX in the AUD for an opening week assembly.

Friday, September 4th: No School

*School runs from 7:35 am to 2:10 pm each day. Please see the link to the school calendar below to assist with your planning for the year.

Looking Ahead...

Tuesday, September 8th: HS Summer Reading Groups (Extended FLEX 9:24 am - 10:10 am).

Wednesday, September 9th: MS Summer Reading Groups (Extended FLEX 9:24 am - 10:10 am)

Tuesday, September 22nd: Half Day for Students (PD for Faculty/Paraprofessionals)

Wednesday, September 23rd: Senior Post-Secondary Planning @ 6 pm

Thursday, September 24th: RMHS Open House @ 6 pm

Monday, October 12th: No School (Holiday)

Tuesday, October 13th: No School for Students (PD for Faculty/Paraprofessionals)

Wednesday, November 11th: No School (Holiday)

Wednesday, November 25th: 1/2 day for Students & Staff (Thanksgiving Holiday)

Tuesday, December 8th: 1/2 Day for Students (PD for Faculty/Paraprofessionals

Wednesday, December 23rd: 1/2 Day for Students & Staff (Last day before Winter Vacation)

Monday, January 4th: Welcome Back!

Welcome to New RMHS Faculty & Staff

RMHS is excited to welcome the following new staff members to our team for the 2026-2027 school year:

Assistant Principal: Amy Natola
Director of Athletics, Intramurals & Extracurriculars: Mia Muzio
Athletic Trainer: Chris Mailhiot
English Teacher (9-12) (1-Year): Katherine Cook
Full-Time Substitute (6-12): Alba Aguirre-Williams
Physical Education Teacher (6-12): Janda Ricci-Mann
Science/Physics Teacher (8,9): Becky Dean
Spanish Teacher (6-8): Caleb Perry

Important Phone Numbers & Contact Information

To simplify the communication process for families, we have streamlined all communications to run through the RMHS Main Office. Please use the main number for routine inquiries: 978-546-1234. For a more detailed chart of counselors, and other support personnel, please use the chart below to help navigate our current team of people and systems available to support you and your child throughout their academic journey.

Why Attendance Matters

Being in school and on time is extremely important to your child's success. When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they stay engaged in their learning, build strong relationships, and develop solid study habits. We appreciate your partnership with this and encourage frequent communication if there are obstacles that exist throughout the year.

The cafeteria and library are open at 7:00 am and free breakfast is available for all students. The main hallways and classrooms open at 7:25 am.

RMHS Student Technology Use Update

In accordance with the recent Massachusetts legislation banning cell phones in schools, the Rockport Public Schools adopted a new cell phone policy and technology requirements for the 2026-2027 school year. All students will be provided with school-issued devices that they are expected to use throughout the year. Students should not bring personal computers to school. Chromebooks (students 6-8) or MacBook Neos (students 9-12) will be issued to all students over the first few days of school.

RMHS Specific Expectations & Procedures

Students are encouraged to leave their devices at home.
At the start of the school day, students must place their device(s) in the school-provided case at the beginning of the day as instructed by their first block teacher. Students will keep the locked case on their person throughout the school day.
At the conclusion of the school day, students will regain access to their device(s) by using the magnets mounted in each classroom to unlock their case.
Students are required to have their case with them in school each day. In the event that a student does not bring their case with them to school, they will be required to leave their device in the main office until the end of the school day.

School Supplies

Students in grades 6-9 who ordered supplies via the Shoptkits are all set! The orders will be shipped directly to the school and provided to your children on the opening days of school. For those families who missed the deadline or opted not to order through this vendor, links to the school supply lists by grade level are provided below.

High School students in grades 10-12 should come to school on the first day with a writing utensil, and a notebook. Computers will be provided to all students on opening days, and it is a requirement for students to use the school-issued devices this year. Requirements for school supplies vary depending on your child’s teacher and classes. Teachers will spend the first two days outlining their specific class requirements and expectations. There is no need to buy school supplies in advance to avoid purchasing unnecessary items. We highly recommend that you wait until after the first two days to buy the appropriate supplies for your unique schedule.

RMHS School Supply List (6-9)

Student Schedules

Middle school schedules are available in Aspen and students will receive hard copies on the opening day of school. If you have questions about your child's schedule, please email Ms. Stapleton, 6-8 Counselor (cstapleton@rpk12.org).

High School schedules were made available to students and parents in June through Aspen. You can continue to access your child’s schedule through Aspen at your convenience. Guidance counselors will hold add/drop periods starting in late August if you and/or your child would like to make a change to your existing schedule.

Please note that counselors will work diligently to respond to all scheduling requests. Due to the volume of requests, this may take some time. Students will have a two-week add/drop period once school begins in order to ensure all scheduling issues are resolved.

2026 Summer Reading

Grades 6 through 8 Summer Reading

Book Options

Parent Letter

Book Selection Form

Grades 9 through 12 Summer Reading

Book Options

Book Selection Form

AP LIT

RHS AP English Literature & Composition Summer Assignments 2026

Literary Theory An Introduction

RMHS Open House

The RMHS Annual Open House is scheduled to held on Thursday, September 24th at 6:00 pm. Save the date on your calendars and stay tuned for more information to come!

Families of Seniors - Save the Dates!

Senior Cruise - Monday, August 31st 6pm - Rose's Wharf, Gloucester

Senior Breakfast - Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30 am

Post-Secondary Planning Night (Grade 12 students & families) - Insert Date

Graduation! - Friday, June 4, 2027 @ 5pm

RMHS Master Schedule

2026-2027

The RMHS schedule provides a variety of ways to support your children by creating routine and structured ways to reinforce the academic and social-emotional curricula 6-12. We look forward to sharing more about these built-in opportunities with your students on opening days.