Week #2- August 25, 2025
MES had a relatively smooth first two days as students returned from Summer Break. The first few days can bring some surprises and logistical complications, but things ran well for the most part. The timing of parent drop-off and bus arrival is a little off through the first few days, but that should naturally improve. The instructional day starts at 8:15 AM. The goal is to have all students in the building and in class, or the cafeteria for breakfast, by this time. I will continue to monitor the mornings and see if any adjustment is necessary.
Students were very excited, attentive and responsive as teachers reviewed expectations and started setting routines the past two days. For returning students, especially the older students, the return to school routines is very quick. If your child is struggling with school, reach out to the teacher or office. We are generally aware of these situations, but do not want to assume we have a handle on all situations.
Thank you for doing your part to help MES have a great start to what will be a great year!!
Have a great week and let me know if you have questions or concerns.
Over the next few weeks, I will highlight certain aspects of school operations. If you have not already done so, please review the information found in the link below regarding arrival and dismissal procedures.
MES Car-Riders Morning Drop off and After School Curbside Pick-up
This week’s tip: For Afternoon Pick-up by the cafeteria, please note these helpful tips:
Curbside pick up will take place in the back of the building near Door #10. When picking up your child, please make sure the car rider tag is visible on the dashboard of your vehicle.
I encourage, as your family schedule allows, to arrive at 3:05 or 3:10 in the afternoon. If some of our parent pick-ups can delay a bit in arriving, it prevents traffic from backing up onto McGaheysville Road.
Please stay in your vehicle and keep the line moving, Do not park across from the school and walk over to retrieve your students. This actually delays the dismissal process.
If younger riders need to be buckled, please load, then pull up under the tree out of the line of traffic to finish that procedure. This will allow staff to continue loading other vehicles and keep the line moving.
If you have special circumstances, please contact Mr. Baker.
Thank you for your help in keeping all of our students safe during arrival and dismissal!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
Outside food, wish as cupcakes and treats, present a challenge to many of our classrooms where there may be students with allergies, food sensitivities, or dietary restrictions. The social dynamic and/or emotional impact of these situations can be challenging. Please do not send in or bring food without having a conversation with the classroom teacher first. The teacher can advise you of known conditions and work together to make a plan. The school nurse may also be part of these conversations.
Attendance Note: Regular attendance is important for student success. Virginia code and school board policy has guidelines and requirements promoting good student attendance in order for student success and learning to occur. Additionally, the state has made chronic absenteeism part of the school accreditation process. MES staff will be working with families to support positive attendance habits.
If your child is absent, please use our attendance email mesattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us (if you are able, this the preferred option as the phones tend to be busy) or call 540-289-3004.
Policy JED addresses student attendance and provides guidance for absences due to vacations or trips. The policy was revised by the School Board this summer. Please note specifically the following information from the policy:
“A written request for a pre-arranged absence must be given to the principal at least fourteen days prior to the planned absence. The school administrator has the discretion to excuse or unexcused the pre-arranged absence request, based on the student’s prior school absences, whether or not the student has a current attendance improvement plan and the academic standing of the student. The student is responsible for securing any and all make-up work from their teachers prior to the pre-arranged absence(s).”
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION:
In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, we are making our yearly notification that our school building contains asbestos containing material. An operation and management plan was developed in 1988, and all 3-year follow-up inspections have been conducted to help us manage the materials in a manner that eases the safety of our students, employees, and vendors. You may examine the O & M plans located in the division maintenance office from 8 – 4 Monday through Friday, or you may contact the division Asbestos Coordinator at 434-4434.
Hello MES Families! Our MES library is excited to welcome students back for another wonderful year of reading and learning. You can explore all the great books we have available by visiting the MES Library Catalog through the MES Library Webpage. If you would like to receive an email notification each time your child checks out books, or if you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out at bbreeden@rockingham.k12.va.us or via Seesaw. I’m looking forward to sharing a year full of stories, discovery, and a love of reading with your children!
Happy Reading!
Brandi Breeden, MES Librarian
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications for the 25-26 school year are now available. You may submit an application online now at www.myschoolapps.com or by returning a paper application to your child(ren)'s school. Paper applications will be distributed to all households, as well as be available at your child(ren)'s school main office. A new application must be submitted each school year.
Student Meal Prices: Breakfast $1.50 and Lunch $2.50
The online payment system is now active for the 25-26 school year. Parents and guardians may deposit money into their child(ren)'s meal account online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Check and cash is also accepted at each school.
The MES Parent/Student Handbook 2025-2026 Open the link to review the handbook.
MES has several opportunities for parents/guardians to represent MES on various committees and advisory groups. If you would like to know more about volunteering in this way, email Mr. Baker. (dbaker@rockingham.k12.va.us)
Activities & Events at MES:
MES PTO Meeting- August 27 at 4 PM (virtual)
Schools Closed for Labor Day- September 1
MES Schoolwide Fundraiser Kick-Off- September 8
MES Fall Literacy Night- September 11
MES PTO Family Movie Night- September 19