Week #1- August 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the energy of welcoming so many of you back from the summer break Monday night. Thank you for being an active and engaged part of the MES community. MES is a great school, with a level of care and commitment that is tough to match.
Teachers and staff are making final preparations for the new year. On Thursday, with great excitement and an energy that hopefully can match that of the students, the MES staff will welcome students back for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Each week, I will be sharing a family message that will provide information that relates to the entire, or great majority, of the school. Teachers will communicate grade level information through their own weekly newsletters and/or SeeSaw messages. Email and SeeSaw messaging will be the primary means of communication from MES.
Last year, I sent a parent message most often on Sunday afternoon. I sent a text message to let you know the message had dropped. This year, as part of an effort to reduce the frequency of messaging from the school, I will be scheduling the Family Update to be emailed every Friday afternoon. I will do my best to keep this schedule and will not send the text message along with the email. I trust that by having a deliberate schedule for the weekly communication you will feel informed and welcomed into the MES community.
I appreciate the meaningful conversations I have already had with many of you and look forward to many more. Please reach out if you have questions.
Have a great first day on Thursday everyone!!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
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.
MES Car-Riders Morning Drop off and After School Curbside Pick-up
Please review the information at this link prior to the first day of school.
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 has been updated and shared. 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:
First Day of School for Students- Thursday, August 21, 2025
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