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Rockport Public Schools

RES Weekly Update 11/13/26

Posted Date: 11/13/26 (03:15 PM)

RES Weekly Update

Caregiver Newsletter

November 13, 2026
It has been another wonderful week of hard work and learning across our school! Students are putting forth their best effort in the classroom, and even our youngest learners are setting a great example with their respectful hallway behavior as they transition between rooms throughout the day. 

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, join Ms. Canniff and Mrs. Tetreault this Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a fun afternoon of indoor and outdoor activities—or come early for a community hike at 11:00 AM (see the flyer below for more details!). Looking ahead to next week, our 5th graders have been working diligently to wrap up their research projects for the Ye Olde Colony Faire, taking place next Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the 5th-grade classrooms—all families are warmly invited to stop by and see their hard work on display! 

As the weather continues to cool, please also remember to send your children to school with warm layers for outdoor recess, and label all jackets, hats, and mittens with your child's name so we can easily return any misplaced items. Wishing all of our families a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
Amy
 
Flipping pages of a calendar

Upcoming Events


November 14th-PTO Holiday Fair, 9-1pm RMHS
November 15th- Play Day-See flyer below for more information
November 16th-19th: RPS Super Summit(Band, Chorus & Orchestra)-See music section for more information
November 17th: Ye Olde Colonial Faire-Gr 5, 4-6pm
November 25th: 1/2 day of school
  • PK Dismissal 11:30am
  • K-5 Dismissal 12pm
November 26th: No school-Happy Thanksgiving
November 27th: No school, Buildings closed
 
PTO Holiday Fair, Nov. 14,9-1pm

PTO is looking for volunteers.

Click here to volunteer
Please contact rockportptoholidayfair@gmail.com with any questions
 
Play Rockport
Play Day Schedule
 

Lost and Found

Lost and Found clothing
With the temperatures dropping we are beginning to collect lots of sweatshirts and light weight jackets.  All items remaining will be donated during the Thanksgiving long weekend..
 
Before and After school activities
Click on image for full schedule

Questions, email Mrs. Gale, ngale@rpk12.org
Bank image
Gr 3-5, click on image for more information

For questions regarding the Saving Makes Cents program, please reach out to the Bank’s program leader, Glenda Zink with Cape Ann Savings Bank at 978-283-0246..
 

Save the Dates

Rockport Public Schools Art Show
Saturday, February 27 – Sunday, March 7, 2027
Reception: Tuesday, March 2, 2027, 5:30-7:00pm
(NAHS Induction Ceremony: 5:00-5:30pm)

MCAS Testing Dates
April 6-7, 2027-Gr. 3-5 ELA
May 4-5, 2027-Gr 3-5 Math
May 18-19, 2027-Gr 5 STE
 

News from Student Services

SEPAC:  Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 5:30pm-RES Library


What is SEPAC?
A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council.

Since 1986, every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC. Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs. Membership is open to all district parents of children with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans) and other interested parties.

SEPAC works with the Director of Student Services, School Committee, district leadership, and teachers to advise and promote a successful educational environment for our children.

SEPAC is dedicated to ensuring all children have equal access to educational opportunities in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The Rockport SEPAC sponsors monthly meetings, family events, and presentations throughout the year. All events are open to the public.

What is SPECIAL EDUCATION?
Special Education is a term used to describe services beyond the general classroom education and curriculum. It is implemented for students with qualified identified disabilities Types of disabilities include health, developmental, physical, sensory, intellectual, neurological, emotional, speech & communication, and specific learning disabilities. Special Education services and support vary and consist of specifically designed instruction.

Massachusetts law requires special education plans provide “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE) in the “least restrictive environment” (LRE).


Student Services
 
RPS Health Services Logo

Notes from the Nurse

Please continue to follow the link to review RES Illness and COVID Protocol for this school year.

If your child will need a medication, inhaler, or Epi-Pen in school for the 2026-2027 school year, new forms are required to be filled out. The Medication Administration form, Authorization To Treat form, Asthma Action Plan form (for inhalers), and Allergy Action Plan form are all available under the Health Services link on the District website.

Please contact your pediatrician’s office for a copy of your child’s most recent immunizations or log on to your pediatrician’s office portal and look for the “school letter” or “school forms” tab.

You can fax this to me at (978) 546-3805 OR send it to me via email at tbarry@rpk12.org

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to email me at tbarry@rpk12.org or call our RES Health Office at (978) 546-1223.

Thank you,
Nurse Tara RN, BSN
RES School Nurse
 

From the Rockport Board of Health

Nicotine Free Generation Information

Rockport's Nicotine Free Generation

Click on image to enlarge
Community Health Survey

Community Health Survey

Click on image to participate in the survey.
 
November Breakfast Menu
November Lunch Menu
 

RES Morning Music

November 16-19-RPS Super Summit(Band, Orchestra and Chorus)-Information sent directly to music families from the music department.
November 19: Super Summit Finale Concert-6:30pm, RMHS Auditorium


Before school music contacts:
Orchestra-Mr. Cohen, ncohen@rpk12.org
Band-Ms. Weaver, dweaver@rpk12.org or Ms. Shaw-Reese, kshaw@rpk12.org
Chorus-Ms. Shaw-Reese, kshaw@rpk12.org


Get more involved in music
In addition to music classes during the school day, there are lots of avenues to take lessons, hear concerts, and participate in ensembles outside of school.

Gloucester Music Works is a brand new brick and mortar music school started by the Brace Cove Foundation on Maplewood Ave in Gloucester. They offer free lessons and instrument use to those in financial need. Their opening session of lessons starting in November is free to all! For future sessions, if you don’t qualify for assistance through them, reach out to music teacher Nathan Cohen at ncohen@rpk12.org and he may be able to help you get access to scholarship lessons there. See their info flier and map for more info or reach out directly at lessons@glostamusic.org, call them at 351-217-6599, or visit their website.
Alexandra Grace Music Studio offers private instrumental and vocal lessons, group classes, and songwriting and recording workshops. They also offer internships. Located on Railroad Ave in Rockport, you can contact them at alexandra@alexandragracemusic.com, 978 879-7179, see their info flier or visit their website.
Independent Instructors are available as well, either in home studios or after school at RPS. Speak to one of the music teachers at RPS for help finding an appropriate teacher.
Ensemble Opportunities are available outside of RPS. Cape Ann Youth Chorus, which is open to students 8-18 years old, is directed by Thom Smoker and Kristina Martin and rehearses Monday afternoons at the Shalin Liu Center. Rockport Legion Band rehearses Thursday evenings and is directed by Logan LaRue. Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras meet Mondays and have multiple ensembles available to wind and string players at different ability levels.
Live Music and Educational Opportunities abound through organizations like Rockport Music and Cape Ann Guitar Society. In addition to the world-class music that Rockport Music brings into RPS classrooms, students under 18 years old can receive free tickets to almost every concert at the Shalin Liu Center. Call the box office at 978 546 7391 and ask for free tickets!
 

Rockport PTO

Rockport PTO Board
Sarah Brown, Co-Chair
Maria DiStefano, Co-Chair
Gaby DeBenedictis, Membership Chair
Katie Elwell, Fundraising Chair
Kristine Ellingsen, Secretary
Alyssa Teixeira, Treasurer

All board members can be reached at ptorockport@gmail.com

Don't have Venmo and want to donate?
Send a check or cash to either school in an envelope marked PTO (checks payable to Rockport PTO)
Rockport PTO QR code
PTO Calendar of events
 
Cell Phone Policy

Click on picture to read policy


Student Drop of and Pick up procedures

RES Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

  • Click on image to read 
 
School Safety reminder
The school campus is closed to the public when school is in session and after 10:00pm nightly. This includes the use of the tennis courts, track, playgrounds, athletic fields and all other parts of the campus. This does not include families and community members attending events in our schools or on our school grounds. We appreciate the community's understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety of RPS staff and students.
Parking reminder
When visiting RES please park in the visitor spots(#'s 46-48) as you enter the lot from Ramsden Way or the visitor spots located outside of the Superintendent's office. We thank you for understanding.
 
Rockport Hall of Fame QR code

Rockport Hall of Fame

The Rockport Public Schools are excited to announce the launch of the Rockport Hall Of Fame! The Hall Of Fame currently showcases past yearbooks, student athletes, In The Loop editions and the performing arts. We will be working to expand the showcase throughout the year so check back often! Scan the QR code to be taken to the Hall of Fame.
Employment QR code

RPS Employment Opportunities

  • Any elementary, middle, or high school positions that are open in Rockport Public Schools are posted here.
     
     
  • Click here or scan our QR code to see all available positions
 

Parent Resources and Local Events

Click the links below to access the various resources:

RES Facebook link
RES Instagram link
RES X link