Lower School Week Ahead

Header photo: Amanda Hovey (Miss Amanda)

Enjoy the long weekend and week ahead!

This Week…
Catch a glimpse of what’s happening in Lower School!

Rocky Hill School closed in observance of
Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day
Monday, October 9

Rocky Hill School Spirit Week
Tuesday, October 10-Friday, October 13
Lower School students are invited to dress-up according 
to the daily themes.
Tuesday: Fan Day (fan of anything–sports, movies, food, etc.)
Wednesday: Pajama Day
Thursday: Farm Day (farmers, animals, scarecrows, crops, etc.)
Friday: Blue & White Day

Globally-Minded Students
Students in Grade K-2 are beginning the Global Read Aloud with Mrs. Silva during their Library classes. They will be reading books by Author Mem Fox and collaborating with schools in Canada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, California, and Iowa, as well as participating in a postcard swap with schools around the world.
With the theme, “Connecting Communities and Cultures”, Grade 3-5 students are participating in the International School Library Month Book Mark Swap (Grade 3 with a school in Croatia, Grades 4 & 5 with school in China).

Rocky Hill Enrichment Academy (RHEA) Courses
Tuesday: Basketball (Grades 3-5) with Caity MacDonald

Lower School Gathering (for Students & Faculty)
Wednesday, October 11
8:25 a.m.-8:45 a.m. | Perkins Hall (Amphitheater or Blue Room TBA)
Formerly our Lower School Assembly, this Preschool-Grade 5 gathering is facilitated by our 5th grade leaders. Hats off to our 5th graders for revamping and renaming this weekly community building opportunity!

ACE Biweekly Reports 
Wednesday, October 11

Rocky Hill Mini Mariners Robotics Team Meeting
Wednesday, October 11
3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mr. Laurent’s Classroom/Perkins Hall

10th Annual Blue & White Soccer Classic
Friday, October 13
4th & 5th grade students apply the soccer skills developed during their PE soccer units!

All-School Pep Rally
Friday, October 13
Our culminating Spirit Week event leading to Homecoming day!

Rocky Hill School Homecoming
Saturday, October 14
Join us for this fun-filled, all-school family day! Bring extended family and friends!

Rocky Hill School Hosts the Annual Juvenile Diabetes 5K Walk
Sunday, October 15
Many thanks for your support!

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!

Rocky Hill School Admissions Open House
Sunday, October 22
Do you know of family or friends who would love to have their children at RHS? Encourage them to join us! Have them visit www.rockyhill.org/oh to RSVP

Preschool Pumpkin Carving Night
Tuesday, October 24
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | By-the-Bay Preschool

Lower School Halloween Festivities
Friday, October 27
Morning: Healthy Haunted House
Afternoon: Halloween Parade, Class Celebrations; Families welcome!

Important Notes & Reminders…
Need more information?  Feel free to email Patty Pontarelli

Have you registered for Grandfriends’ Day?
Invitations will be distributed shortly, so please be sure your child’s Grandfriend has registered and provided a current mailing address. Hard copies of registration forms were sent home this past Friday. You may also  click here to register on-line!

Boo-tiful Box Tops
Halloween-themed Box Tops sheets are being distributed to Lower School students in all grades.  Once a sheet is filled with Box Tops, students should return it to school to be added to our collection count. A Box Top collection goal will be set for Lower School, and  a prize will be awarded to each student if that goal is reached by October 25th!  See it and Clip it for RHS! Thank you for supporting this fundraising effort. Click here to learn more.

Request for Homecoming Donations and Volunteers
The PTL and Upper School Student Council have set up a Sign-up Genius for parent  volunteers and donations to support our Homecoming next Saturday. All donations should be dropped off in Mike Lawson’s office on the 1st floor of Hopelands.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4CADA728A13-homecoming 

Healthy Haunted House Volunteers Needed
Here are the details on behalf of  Sue Wood:
SET UP: On Thursday, Oct 26th around 8 AM we start; the gymnasium is transformed with seasonal decorations and sounds, especially those of the Halloween holiday.  It includes nine stations of athletic challenges with Halloween themes: 1. Monster Shoot Out (basketball shots) 2. Black Cat Bowling  3. Witches Hat (ring toss)  4. Bat Cave (scooter boards)  5. Haunted Trail (obstacle course)  6. Soccer Ghoul (soccer goal shots)  7. Spider ball (volleyball)  8. Rattle the Bones (fleece ball toss)  9. Pumpkin Toss

We do reuse a lot of the seasonal decorations but they are on the worn side.  If anyone has items they would like to contribute, that would be great to help freshen things up. I unfortunately cannot guarantee the safe return of items due to the nature of the event.  Things can get broken.  Also, please nothing to scary. Some examples of previous years include real items like bales of hay, corn stalks,pumpkins, mum flowers and orange helium balloons that were tied to mark the start of each station was a super visual. I bring some of my sons’ old Halloween costumes and stuff them with paper for added 3-D effects.  More would be welcomed, (also newspaper for stuffing).  We do string lights around the perimeter and have some stand-alone battery operated lighting but the gym is such a large space to light so more is always welcomed.  Every year more light do burn out as well.  One of the biggest challenges we have is hanging the string lights on the walls, masking tape does not hold the weight and duck tape would leave marks.  The command hooks or tape worked great in the past and we use close to 100.

BREAK DOWN: On Friday, the event is in the morning before lunch.  We start breaking down immediately after. Parents come and go, so they can attend the parade and classroom parties, etc.

Take a Look…

Parents as Learners…
Gain insight into your child’s social-emotional and academic experiences.

With so many acts of violence occurring in our world today, Rocky Hill School’s Director of Counseling and Wellness, Traci Fairchild, shares the following article, from the National Association of School Psychologists, to help parents (and teachers) appropriately maneuver through difficult conversations with children at various grade levels. 

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers  

Mindful Moment…
Mindfulness has found a positive, peaceful, and valuable niche within our Lower School community.

Learn how the meditative practice of  guided imagery uses visualization and imagination to reduce a child’s stress and create calm mindful moments.
Guided Imagery: Use these scripts to help children cope with anxiety and

The Rocky Hill School Core Competencies
Our Graduates are Bold Learners,
Prepared to Navigate a Complex and Changing World.
A Rocky Hill Student is a
Navigator,
Critical Thinker,
Citizen,
and Communicator,
who is
Innovative,
Self-Aware,
Ethical,
and Globally-Minded.

Download the free RHS Mobile App!
Download Rocky Hill School’s new mobile app from the iPhone App Store or Google Play. This free app is full of useful information and features! Click here to learn more

Header photo: Mrs. P

October is a month filled with many exciting events and activities, and we look forward to having families join us for many, so mark your calendar.  It’s also the ideal time to be mindful of being “present” to enjoy each moment with your child.
Wishing you many “mindful moments” this week…and month!

This Week…
Catch a glimpse of what’s happening in Lower School!

Rocky Hill Enrichment Academy (RHEA) Courses
Monday: Bike Club (Grades 3-5) with Eric Wyzga; Soccer (Grades K-5) with Steph Cruff
Tuesday: Basketball (Grades 3-5) with Caity MacDonald

Rocky Hill School Flu Clinic* – open to all family members (3+)!
Monday, October 2
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Campbell Conference Room
*Lower School students must be accompanied by a parent or parent-designated adult.
Register Online at www.schoolflu.com
If you have insurance, please bring your card.
No out-of-pocket cost for anyone; no money will be collected

Rocky Hill Mini Mariners Robotics Team Meeting
Monday, October 2 & Wednesday, October 4
3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mr. Laurent’s Classroom/Perkins Hall

New Family Coffee
Tuesday, October 3
8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. | Hopelands Living Room
RSVP to PTL Mentor Chair, Rachel Burnett.
We look forward to seeing new families and new family mentors!

4th Grade Field Trip to Wickford Cove
for Environmental Exploration
Tuesday, October 3
9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. | Wickford

5th Grade Girls’ Lunch Group
with Ms. Fairchild, Director of Counseling & Wellness
Tuesday, October 3
Lower School Lunch | Outdoor picnic tables near Hopelands

Photo Retakes with Ruth Clegg
Tuesday, October 3
12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. | RHS Campus

5th Grade Boys’ Lunch Group
with Ms. Fairchild, Director of Counseling & Wellness
Wednesday, October 4
Lower School Lunch | Outdoor picnic tables near Hopelands

3rd Grade Visit with Innovator-in-Residence, Susan Fonseca
Wednesday, October 4
2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Mrs. Gustavel’s Classroom
With Ms. Fonseca as their guest, 3rd Graders will discuss their upcoming PBL project pertaining to the United Nations’ 17 Global Goals, particularly Goal 5 focusing on gender equality.

It’s Fire Safety Week!
Preschool & Kindergarten Fire Department Visitors
Thursday, October 5
10:00 a.m. | RHS Campus

Kindergarten Swim-Session I
Friday, October 6
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Absolute Fitness, East Greenwich

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!

Rocky Hill School closed in observance of
Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day
Monday, October 9

Rocky Hill School Spirit Week
Tuesday, October 10-Friday, October 13
Lower School daily attire themes will be finalized and announced
in our next LSWA!

10th Annual Blue & White Soccer Classic
Friday, October 13
4th & 5th grade students apply the soccer skills from their PE soccer units!

All-School Pep Rally
Friday, October 13
Our culminating Spirit Week event leading into Homecoming day!

Rocky Hill School Homecoming
Saturday, October 14
Join us for this fun-filled, all-school family day! Bring extended family and friends!

Rocky Hill School Hosts the Annual Juvenile Diabetes Walk
Sunday, October 15
Many thanks for your support!

Rocky Hill School Admissions Open House
Sunday, October 22
Do you know of family or friends who would love to have their children at RHS? Encourage them to join us! Have them visit www.rockyhill.org/oh to RSVP

Lower School Halloween Festivities
Friday, October 27
Morning: Healthy Haunted House
Afternoon: Halloween Parade, Class Celebrations; Families welcome!

Important Notes & Reminders…
Need more information?  Feel free to email Patty Pontarelli

Volunteer Opportunities!
Healthy Haunted House Volunteers: If you are available to volunteer to help set-up (throughout the day Thursday, October 26) and disassemble (late morning Friday, October 27) for our Annual Healthy Haunted House, please contact Lower School PE & Health teacher, Sue Wood. Here are the details on behalf of Sue Wood:
SET UP: On Thursday, Oct 26th around 8 AM we start; the gymnasium is transformed with seasonal decorations and sounds, especially those of the Halloween holiday.  It includes nine stations of athletic challenges with Halloween themes: 1. Monster Shoot Out (basketball shots) 2. Black Cat Bowling  3. Witches Hat (ring toss)  4. Bat Cave (scooter boards)  5. Haunted Trail (obstacle course)  6. Soccer Ghoul (soccer goal shots)  7. Spider ball (volleyball)  8. Rattle the Bones (fleece ball toss)  9. Pumpkin Toss

We do reuse a lot of the seasonal decorations but they are on the worn side.  If anyone has items they would like to contribute, that would be great to help freshen things up. I unfortunately cannot guarantee the safe return of items due to the nature of the event.  Things can get broken.  Also, please nothing to scary. Some examples of previous years include real items like bales of hay, corn stalks,pumpkins, mum flowers and orange helium balloons that were tied to mark the start of each station was a super visual. I bring some of my sons’ old Halloween costumes and stuff them with paper for added 3-D effects.  More would be welcomed, (also newspaper for stuffing).  We do string lights around the perimeter and have some stand-alone battery operated lighting but the gym is such a large space to light so more is always welcomed.  Every year more light do burn out as well.  One of the biggest challenges we have is hanging the string lights on the walls, masking tape does not hold the weight and duck tape would leave marks.  The command hooks or tape worked great in the past and we use close to 100.

BREAK DOWN: On Friday, the event is in the morning before lunch.  We start breaking down immediately after. Parents come and go, so they can attend the parade and classroom parties, etc.

Have you registered for Grandfriends’ Day?
Click here to register on-line

Box Tops For Education: See it & Clip it!
Our Lower School is once again collecting Box Tops to raise money for Rocky Hill School. Students in each grade will maintain a running total of their collection. More details to come! Thank you for supporting this fundraising effort. Click here to learn more.

Take a Look…

Parents as Learners…
Gain insight into your child’s social-emotional and academic experiences.

Creating and maintaining a healthy balance of parental involvement has lasting benefits. Take a look…
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Parent Involvement?
Based on a report from Southwest Educational Development Laboratory
Abandon Parenting, and Just Be a Parent
A interview with Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley
Stepping Back from Overparenting: A Standford Dean’s Perspective
A podcast by Julie Lythcott-Haims, Dean of Freshman at Stanford University
The Homework Dilemma: How Much Should Parents Get Involved
An article from Education World

Mindful Moment…
Mindfulness has found a positive, peaceful, and valuable niche within our Lower School community.

How can you bring the benefits of mindfulness into your home?  Begin with self-care and being present in the moment!
The 5 Main Tenets of Mindful Parenting
8 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids

The Rocky Hill School Core Competencies
Our Graduates are Bold Learners,
Prepared to Navigate a Complex and Changing World.
A Rocky Hill Student is a
Navigator,
Critical Thinker,
Citizen,
and Communicator,
who is
Innovative,
Self-Aware,
Ethical,
and Globally-Minded.

Download the free RHS Mobile App!
Download Rocky Hill School’s new mobile app from the iPhone App Store or Google Play. This free app is full of useful information and features! Click here to learn more

Header photo: Dr. Tracy 

We hope everyone enjoyed Parents Night in the Lower School and found it both informative and inspiring! We look forward to sharing more information about our Rocky Hill School Core Competencies and Project Based Learning (PBL)!

The Rocky Hill School Core Competencies
Our Graduates are Bold Learners,
Prepared to Navigate a Complex and Changing World.

A Rocky Hill Student is a
Navigator,
Critical Thinker,
Citizen,
and Communicator,
who is
Innovative,
Self-Aware,
Ethical,
and Globally-Minded.

Navigator: curious and self-directed, approaching learning with nimbleness, adaptability, perseverance, and resilience.
Critical Thinker: asks meaningful questions, develops important knowledge, and uses research, analysis, and interpretation to evaluate evidence, arguments, and beliefs.
Citizen: a responsible and engaged member of communities, seeking ways to lead and model good citizenship through kindness and respect for others, in physical and digital domains.
Communicator: a poised and resourceful communicator, able to skillfully express themselves in many modalities for a variety of audiences.
Innovative: a bold thinker, generating new and creative ideas, and willing to take risks to solve complex problems, individually and as part of a group.
Self-Aware: empowered by the confidence in personal strengths, honors health and well-being, and is attentive to their needs and empathetic to others.
Ethical: acts with honesty, integrity, and a focus on social responsibility.
Globally-Minded: values diversity and different perspectives, understands global issues, and approaches the world with an open mind.

Have a fabulous week ahead!

Important Notes & Reminders…
Need more information?  Feel free to email Patty Pontarelli

Box Tops For Education: See it & Clip it!
Our Lower School is once again collecting Box Tops to raise money for Rocky Hill School. Students in each grade will maintain a running total of their collection. More details to come! Thank you for supporting this fundraising effort. Click here to learn more.

Extended Day Notification
Please contact Patty Pontarelli and Amanda Hovey, prior to dismissal time, when drop-in Extended Day services may be needed for your child. 
Thank you for your ongoing support!

Volunteer Opportunities!
Kindergarten Swim Program Chaperones: If you are available to volunteer as a chaperone for our Kindergarten swim program, please contact Lower School PE & Health teacher, Sue Wood.
Library Volunteers: Anyone who is available to volunteer in the Library should contact our Librarian and Technology Integration Specialist, Darshell Silva.
Your help is greatly appreciated!

Have you registered for Grandfriends’ Day?
Click here to register on-line.

Parents as Learners…
Gain insight into your child’s social-emotional and academic experiences.

You have heard us refer to it often, so how would you respond to the question,
What is the Responsive Classroom Approach?

This Week…
Catch a glimpse of what’s happening in Lower School!

RHEA Courses*
Tuesday: Basketball (Grades 3-5) with Caity MacDonald
                   Fall Arts & Crafts (Grades 2-5) with Lisa Reimer Cancelled
Wednesday: Nature Club (Grades 3-5) with Wendy Fachon Cancelled
Thursday: Adventures in Engineering (Grades 2-5) with Holly Babij Cancelled
Final opportunity to enroll! Minimum of 5 students needed per course.  APPLICATION
*Families will be notified if courses are cancelled due to low enrollment.

Admissions Visitors
Tuesday: Grade 1 parent tour

Rocky Hill School Fall Classic
Monday, September 25
5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Quidnessett Country Club, North Kingstown
The dinner for this event is a casual and wonderful way to connect with other Lower School families, as well as faculty. Call Missy Walker at 401-884-9070 ext. 296  if registering after September 22.

Need a babysitter? Rocky Hill students are a great resource for babysitters. If you are looking for a sitter for Monday or any other time, please contact Missy Walker for a list.
Click here for more information

Lower School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 27
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Perkins Hall Blue Room

Biweekly Reports for ACE Students
Wednesday, September 27
Families of ACE students will receive access to biweekly reports written by ACE Teachers (biweekly), as well as Classroom and Virtuoso Teachers (monthly).

Rocky Hill Mini Mariners Team Meeting
Monday, September 25 & Wednesday, September 27
3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Mr. Laurent’s Classroom/Perkins Hall

4th Grade Field Trip to Smith’s Castle
Friday, September 29
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | North Kingstown

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!

Flu Clinic*
Monday, October 2
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Campbell Conference Room
*Lower School students musts be accompanied by a parent.
Register Online at www.schoolflu.com.
If you have insurance, please bring your card.
No out-of-pocket cost for anyone; no money will be collected

New Family Coffee
Tuesday, October 3
8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. | Hopelands Living Room
RSVP to PTL Mentor Chair, Rachel Burnett.
We look forward to seeing you!

Header photo: Caity MacDonald

We are looking forward to seeing you on Monday for Parents Night in the Lower School! You will have the opportunity to mingle with other parents, catch a glimpse of your child’s classroom and Virtuoso experiences, as well as learn more about our vision, Core Competencies and the role of Project Based Learning (PBL)  positively impacting all divisions. Please note that this evening is for adults only.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Important Notes & Reminders…

What’s your number?
Having up-to-date emergency contact information is extremely important.  If you have not already done so, please complete and submit a white emergency card, as soon as possible. If you need a card, simply notify your child’s classroom teacher or Patty Pontarelli.

Extended Day Notification
With our increased enrollment, we ask that families please inform, prior to dismissal time, when Extended Day services may be needed for your child. Please email Patty Pontarelli and Amanda Hovey.  This will enable us to determine, and notify you, if we are at capacity on any given day.  This applies to drop-in and/or occasional attendance for limited periods of time, rather than for those families who have a daily, long term Extended Day contract.  Also, to limit the number of additional children needing to go to Extended Day, please continue to make every attempt to adhere to our dismissal time. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Helping Hands
Kindergarten Swim Program Chaperones: If you are available to volunteer as a chaperone for our Kindergarten swim program, please contact Lower School PE & Health teacher, Sue Wood.  Swim classes will be held for 6-week sessions in the fall, winter, and spring.  Two chaperones each week are required and travel on the RHS mini bus with Mrs. Wood and students. The bus departs at 1:30 p.m. and returns by 3:00 p.m. You do not need to be a kindergarten parent to volunteer. Chaperones make this program possible!

Library Volunteers: Anyone who is available to volunteer in the Library should contact our Librarian and Technology Integration Specialist, Darshell Silva. Any support you can offer shelving returned books will be appreciated!

Thank you for your support!

Registration is underway for Fall 2017 RHEA Courses!

Your child will enjoy participating in our engaging and fun after school enrichment program! Courses include: Bike Club (Grades 3-5), Soccer (Grades K-5), Basketball (Grades 3-5), Fall Arts & Crafts (Grades 2-5), Nature Club(Grades 3-5), and Adventures in Engineering (Grades 2-5).
Sign-up now. Some courses begin the week of September 25th!
 APPLICATION
All courses require a minimum of 5 participants to run.

Have you registered for Grandfriends’ Day?
Click here to register on-line.

Final Call for RHS Fall Classic Class Basket Donations!
All items must be dropped-off on Monday.  Baskets will be assembled Monday evening. RHS Fall Classic: Class Baskets.
Thank you for your support and generosity!

This Week…

Admissions Visitors
Wednesday: Preschool  parent tour

Parents Night in the Lower School
Monday, September 18
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Beginning in Perkins Hall and Preschool
Doors open at 6:00. Come early and mingle with other Lower School parents and faculty. Take a quick peek in each of our classrooms. Then, be ready to begin our evening program promptly at 6:30. See you then!

4th Grade Field Trip POSTPONED/RESCHEDULED DATE TBA
Tuesday, September 19
9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Chafee Nature Preserve & Wickford Cove Environmental Exploration

All School PTL Meeting RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Wednesday, September 20
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Flynn Lecture Hall

Rocky Hill School Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, September 21

Kindergarten Swim Program-Session I
Friday, September 22
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.| Absolute Fitness, East Greenwich

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!

Rocky Hill School Fall Classic
Monday, September 25
Quidnessett Country Club, North Kingstown
The dinner for this event is a casual and wonderful way to connect with other Lower School families, as well as faculty. Register now!
Click here for more information

Lower School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 27
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Perkins Hall Blue Room

New Family Coffee
Tuesday, October 3
8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. | Ho pelands Living Room
RSVP to PTL Mentor Chair, Rachel Burnett.
We look forward to seeing you!

Header photo: Charlie Laurent

We’re on our way!
We had a wonderful first week in Lower School, with a “thumbs-up” from students, as well! Our Lower School schedule and routines, with Classroom Teachers and Virtuosos, are now underway.  We look forward to a fabulous year for all.
Have a great week!

Important Notes & Reminders…
As we head into our first full week of the school year, please take some time to review the policies and procedures outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook. Sections of particular importance include attendance procedures, arrival and dismissal, absences and tardiness, and the dress code. Our students are also reviewing relevant information within their respective classrooms, in order to create a harmonious atmosphere in our Lower School.

Registration is underway for Fall 2017 RHEA Courses!

Your child will enjoy participating in our engaging and fun after school enrichment program! Courses include: Bike Club (Grades 3-5), Soccer (Grades K-5), Basketball (Grades 3-5), Fall Arts & Crafts (Grades 2-5), Nature Club(Grades 3-5), and Adventures in Engineering (Grades 2-5).
Sign-up now. Courses begin later this month!
 APPLICATION
All courses require a minimum of 5 participants to run.

Have you registered for Grandfriends’ Day?
Click here to register on-line.

Donations are being accepted for RHS Fall Classic Class Baskets!
Here’s the link to the Sign-up Genius. RHS Fall Classic: Class Baskets.
Thank you for your support and generosity!

Mindful Moment…

At our first Lower School Assembly, Preschool-Grade 5 students listened to the story Mind Bubbles: Exploring mindfulness with kids by Heather Krantz, M.D. This story compared the many thoughts and feelings that float around our minds to bubbles that pass by and eventually pop.  By focusing on our breath when many “mind bubbles” surround and overwhelm us, we are able to be “present in the moment” to enjoy it and remain calm. Following the story, our Lower School students enjoyed blowing and popping their own “happy bubbles”!

If you’ve been thinking that Mindfulness Is All the Rage–But Does It Work?  Learn what the research continues to show regarding stress and academic performance of students of all ages. Click here

Photos: Charlie Laurent, Patty Pontarelli

This Week…
Admissions Visitors
Thursday: Nursery half-day visit

Lower School Community Assembly
Monday, September 11
11:25 a.m.-11:45 a.m. | Perkins Amphitheater

Kindness ROCKS at Rocky Hill School!
During this week’s Lower School Community Assembly, Lower School students will write kind and inspirational messages on the rocks that have been collected and painted. They will then place the rocks around our campus for members of our community to find and hide as a way to spread kindness.  Our 2nd grade teacher, Stephanie Cruff, suggested we bring the The Kindness Rocks Project to Rocky Hill School:
I was inspired to bring the Kindness Rocks project to RHS when my family and I started finding #SouthCountyRocks around our hometown.  The idea of finding painted rocks around town and passing them on to other people, or hiding them for someone else to find, was very exciting and heartwarming.  My children learned what random acts of kindness were and how they made you feel.  I knew Rocky Hill would be the perfect place to start a project like this.  The Lower School students will be working with one another to get the rocks ready for their campus debut.  If you happen to find one, feel free to pass it on or hide it somewhere else!

Keep your eyes open for kindness rocks…find one and hide one!

Rocky Hill School Convocation
Friday, September 15
1:30 p.m. | Hopelands Lawn
Our first all school community event will officially kick-off our 2017-2018 school year!

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!
Parents Night in the Lower School
Monday, September 18
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Beginning in Perkins Hall and Preschool

All School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 20
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Campbell Center Conference Room

Rocky Hill School Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, September 21

Join us! 
Rocky Hill School Fall Classic
Monday, September 25
Quidnessett Country Club, North Kingstown
The dinner for this event is a casual and wonderful way to connect with other Lower School families. Register now!
Click here for more information

Lower School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 27
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Perkins Hall Blue Room

New Family Coffee
Tuesday, October 3
8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. | Hopelands Living Room
RSVP to PTL Mentor Chair, Rachel Burnett.
We look forward to seeing you!

Header photo: Ruth Clegg

Welcome Lower School families!  

We enthusiastically await the arrival of our Lower School students and the start of an exciting school year ahead. Our Lower School Week Ahead (LSWA) will be distributed via email at the end of each week. It will focus on Lower School highlights for the upcoming week, significant “save the date” announcements, and other timely details.
Have a wonderful week!

Important Notes & Reminders…

Our Fabulous Lower School Faculty for the 2017-2018 School Year!
Preschool: Lisa Reimer & Amanda Hovey
K-2: Sarah Marcus, Ashley Lee & Stephanie Cruff
3rd Grade: Wendy Gustaval
4th Grade: Charlie Laurent
5th Grade: Caity MacDonald
Science: Eric Wyzga
Library & Technology Integration: Darshell Silva
Art: Trixie Dumas
Performing Arts: Emily Serotta
Physical Education & Health: Sue Wood
Spanish: Nancy Maguire-Rambo
5th Grade Band: Jack McNamara
ACE: Amy Laurent, Holly Cotta, Whitney Barker
Extended Day: Amanda Hovey

Registration is underway for Fall 2017 RHEA Courses!

Your child will enjoy participating in our engaging and fun after school enrichment program! Courses include:
*Bike Club (Grades 3-5)
Eric Wyzga, Lower School Science Teacher
*Soccer (Grades K-5)
Stephanie Cruff, Lower School Teacher
*Basketball (Grades 3-5)
Caity MacDonald, Lower School Teacher 
*Fall Arts & Crafts (Grades 2-5)
Lisa Reimer, Lower School Teacher 
*Nature Club(Grades 3-5)
Wendy Fachon, Environmental Educator 
www.netwalkri.com 
*Adventures in Engineering (Grades 2-5)
Holly Babij, Lantern Enrichment Group
Sign-up now!
 APPLICATION 
All courses require a minimum of 5 participants to run.

This Week…
Let’s Kick-off the School Year!

Lower School Orientation
Tuesday, September 5
9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Perkins Hall/Sharpe Gymnasium
All Lower School students (Preschool-Grade 5), families and faculty will gather together to kick-off the start of a fantastic school year ahead! Stop by the table outside Perkins Hall for a name tag, then proceed to the Sharpe Gymnasium for our warm welcome, highlights of the morning schedule and a community activity!
We look forward to seeing everyone!

First Day of School
Wednesday, September 6
8:10 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Early Bird with Mr. Mike (K-5) 7:45 a.m.-8:10 a.m. (Perkins Hall)
Extended Day with Miss Amanda (Preschool-5) 3:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Preschool Building)

All-School PTL Meet & Greet Social
Wednesday, September 6
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Campbell Conference Room

Smile!
Lower School Picture Day
Grades 3-5 
Thursday, September 7
Preschool-Grade 2
Friday, September 8
Click here for details!

Looking Ahead…
Save the date, more details to come!
Rocky Hill School Convocation
Friday, September 15
1:30 p.m. | Hopelands Lawn

Parents Night in the Lower School
Monday, September 18
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Beginning in the Flynn Academic Center Nautilus

All-School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 20
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Campbell Center Conference Room

Rocky Hill School Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, September 21

Rocky Hill School Fall Classic
Monday, September 25
Quidnessett Country Club, North Kingstown
Click here for more information

Lower School PTL Meeting
Wednesday, September 27
8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Perkins Hall Blue Room