RMHS Viking Weekly News 9/7/2026

Posted Date: 09/03/26 (02:10 PM)

Rockport Middle High School

Viking Weekly News

September 7, 2026

Dear RMHS Families,

The first week was short but mighty as we welcomed everyone and shared the exciting work that has been done since students and staff left in June. Opening days continue to be my favorite time of the year as they bring us hope and excitement for the coming year and the goals and habits we can set for ourselves. Our goal as a school system is to help our students and families navigate the challenges ahead and to feel inspired to be better tomorrow than we are today.

The seniors have come together on several occasions already to kick off their final series of 'lasts'. Most notably, we cruised into senior year with a sunset cruise earlier this week and gathered before school for the annual senior breakfast at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant in honor of the 'last first day of school'. As we opened the doors for another school year, I was filled with gratitude and excitement watching the growth from 6th to 12th grade. It continues to be an honor to work with such an amazing community and a school full of the best students and staff in the world (in my humble and unbiased opinion 😉).

Opening days can feel exciting, but also exhausting! I hope you can take the time to step away over the long weekend to relax and prepare for the upcoming week ahead.😊

Here's to a great first week ahead! 😎

-Ms. Rose

Senior Cruise

The senior class cruised into their 'last first week' of the year on Monday. It was a beautiful night to celebrate this major milestone with family, friends, and faculty. Thank you to Ms. Zuis and Mr. Thom for organizing it, and to Cape Ann Whale Watch for hosting us again this year! Congratulations, Class of 2027!

Senior Breakfast

A huge thank you to the Brackett family for hosting the annual senior breakfast at Brackett's Oceanview this year. It was a fantastic way to kick off the seniors' last first day of school!

Opening Day Fun!

The Week 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)

Looking Ahead...

Monday, September 14th: School Picture Day!

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!

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 Cell-Phone 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 pouch as instructed by their first block teacher.
At the conclusion of the school day, students will regain access to their device(s) by using the magnets mounted in each classroom.

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!

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.