Today, we celebrate the remarkable 40-year career of Dr. Jennifer Bethman as she retires from education following four years of dedicated service as Superintendent of the Rochester School District.

During her four years in Rochester, she led the collaborative development of our Strategic Plan, bringing together students, staff, families, and community members to help shape the future of our district. She also spearheaded two successful levies, securing critical investments that will benefit Rochester students for years to come, and so much more.

One of Jennifer's greatest strengths was her commitment to being present. Whether visiting classrooms, attending athletic events, celebrating student achievements, or connecting with staff and families, she made it a priority to know and support the people who make Rochester such a special place.

As she closes this chapter and begins a well-earned retirement after 40 years in education, we are grateful that Rochester was part of her journey. Please join us in thanking Jennifer for her service to Rochester and congratulating her on an incredible career.

#OnceAWarriorAlwaysAWarrior

12 days ago, Rochester School District
A woman stands smiling in a yellow jacket against a blue background. Text reads "Thank You Jennifer Bethman" in gold cursive.
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Jane Runge!

Jane Runge may have joined GMES this year as a Special Education teacher, but she brought with her more than 30 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for serving students.

While her time in Rochester was brief, the care and support she provided to students and staff at Grand Mound Elementary will not be forgotten. Her compassion, expertise, and commitment to meeting the needs of every student have made a difference in the lives of those she served.

Please join us in thanking Jane for her many years in education and wishing her all the best in retirement. Congratulations, Jane, and thank you for your dedication to students throughout your career! 💙💛

#RochesterWarriors #ThankYouJane #RetirementCelebration
21 days ago, Rochester School District
Woman wearing glasses and a black cardigan smiles against a blue background with golden "Congratulations! 30 Years" text.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for Rochester School District students! As we wrap up another great school year, please note our early dismissal schedule for Wednesday, June 10:

🔹 RMS: 10:10 AM
🔹 RHS: 10:25 AM
🔹 RPS & GMES: 11:15 AM

#RochesterSchoolDistrict #LastDayOfSchool #SummerBreak
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Blue background with white text. A paper pinned with a paper clip. Text reads: "Reminder: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Wednesday, June 10 Dismissal Times."
Congratulations to the Rochester High School Class of 2026!

Today, 118 graduates crossed the stage and celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see where their journeys take them next.

Thank you, families, staff, and community, for supporting these students along the way.

Go Warriors!
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
A group of women in blue gowns and caps stand next to each other in a room.
Two students in blue caps and gowns walk in a row, one wearing gold, another with white, amid seated audience.
A woman in a blue gown shakes hands with a man in a black gown, both smiling. They are at a graduation ceremony.
A group of eight students in blue graduation gowns and caps pose in front of arched windows.
Two women in blue and yellow graduation gowns and caps. One holds a golf bag, and the other holds a golf ball.
A young man in a cap and gown, wearing a lei, holds a gift bag and stands with two children. A crowd of people stands behind them, some wearing hats and glasses.
Three young men in graduation caps and gowns, two wearing blue and gold, smile and pose for a picture.
Woman in blue graduation gown, smiling. Wearing lei, holding cap, book, and toys. People and trees in the background.
Three women in graduation robes with blue tassels and blue caps. Two hold certificates. The woman on left has a lei.
Two men in blue gowns and gold stoles smile at the camera. One wears a blue graduation cap and a necklace.
🏆 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! 🏆

The Rochester High School Drone Team has done it—they are FIRST IN THE NATION!

After competing throughout the week at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, Zach Hubbard and David McConnell learned during the awards ceremony that they earned the Gold Medal and the title of National Champions in Commercial sUAS Drone.

This achievement represents countless hours of hard work over a number of years. Strong dedication, problem-solving, a lot of hard work, and teamwork led to the National Title.

Congratulations to Zach and David on this outstanding achievement! A special thank you as well to their advisor, Mr. Kuss, for his leadership and support throughout their journey.

Please join us in celebrating these remarkable students and this historic accomplishment for Rochester High School!

💙💛 Go Warriors! 💙💛
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Three men, each wearing white shirts and black pants, stand together. The middle person has glasses and a watch. They wear medals and stand before a building.
Group of people on a stage with a banner behind them that reads "Commercial SuAs Drone High School".
Can't make it to Rochester High School's graduation ceremony in person? Join us online!

The RHS Class of 2026 graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on Sunday, June 7, at 2:00 PM so family and friends near and far can celebrate this special milestone.

Tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/@RochesterSchoolDistrict

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
Blue background with bold white and yellow text. It reads "RHS GRADUATION SUNDAY, JUNE 7 LIVE STREAM @ 2PM". Below it, "SCAN ME" is written with a QR code.
📢 Reminder for Rochester School District Families:

Friday, June 5, is not an ACT Friday. Schools will follow their regular dismissal schedule:

🕑 RMS – 2:10 PM
🕝 RHS – 2:25 PM
🕞 RPS & GMES – 3:30 PM

#RSDWarriors #RochesterSchools
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
A white page pinned with a paperclip on a blue background contains a yellow text. It reads "Reminder Friday, June 5 is NOT an ACT Friday. Regular Dismissal Times".
Remember the Egg Drop? It's a tradition that continues at GMES! Yesterday, our 5th-grade students put their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to the test as they designed and built containers to protect an egg from a high drop.

We are happy to report that there were a lot of successful landings! Activities like the Egg Drop provide students with hands-on opportunities to apply science, engineering, and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.

Great job, 5th graders! We loved seeing your creativity and perseverance on display.
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
An event with balloons in air, a person on a platform, and people under a tent. Orange traffic cones and a yellow caution tape.
People under a tent, including adults in hats, with one holding a clipboard and writing, and another holding a pen.
A crowd sits on the grass in front of a building with people standing and an elevated platform.
A group of people stand outside a building with a blue lift. One person stands on the lift.
People under a canopy. A woman in a blue shirt helps a boy with a hat on.
Person on platform dropping balloons; white tent; orange traffic cones; tables with items; building with doors.
A group of people under a tent, one person wearing a hat is holding an object.
Many people seated on grass, some under umbrellas, and trees in the background.
Today, our graduating seniors took part in the Parade of Grads! Seniors visited RPS, GMES, and RMS, walking the halls in their caps and gowns while younger students and staff cheered them on. It was a special opportunity for our graduates to reflect on how far they have come and for our younger students to see what is possible through hard work and perseverance.

Graduation is Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Martin's University. We are incredibly proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them and their families.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go Warriors!
about 1 month ago, Rochester School District
A line of people in blue caps and gowns walk on a path with trees and a building.
A young person in a blue graduation gown walks through a hallway, with children reaching out to greet them.
A group of students in blue graduation gowns and caps, smiling and posing for a picture.
Graduates in caps and gowns walk down a hallway. Younger children reach out to touch the graduates' hands.
Five girls in blue caps and gowns smile at the camera outside a building. They wear necklaces and leis.
A group of graduates walk through a school corridor, holding hands. Some wear caps and gowns, and one holds a hula hoop.
Two women, both in blue gowns and caps, stand smiling. One wears a sash, and the other a white shirt.
Three individuals wearing graduation gowns and caps stand in front of a building with a crowd of people.
Three women in blue caps and gowns smile in front of a building. One wears a blue and yellow lei.
A male in a blue graduation gown holds a handwritten card that reads, "I hope you have a good day."
Wednesday night, we celebrated the end of the year with our Dual Language Family Night, and what a wonderful evening it was! Over 200 family members, students, and staff attended the celebration.

Our Dual Language kindergarten and first grade students did an amazing job performing for the crowd, and our second grade students were recognized with medals as they completed the Dual Language program at RPS and prepare to continue their journey at GMES.

It was a special night celebrating student learning, growth. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Large group of people seated at tables in a school cafeteria. Overhead projector displays "Bienvenidos! Welcome to RPS".
People gather in a gymnasium, a woman holding a yellow rope, while children and adults walk around, with a scoreboard in the background.
A classroom with children in various outfits standing in a line, one gesturing. In the background, colorful posters with "5 Miles" and "10 Miles" are visible.
Two girls play with a long, yellow hula hoop in a gymnasium with others seated and standing.
Several people stand in front of a projector screen while others sit in chairs. A woman speaks to the group.
A classroom with children in various colored clothing, lined up for a dance or activity.
Group of children standing in a school gym with an adult; one child holds a microphone.
A group of children in a gymnasium, some holding a hula hoop, while others watch or participate.
Several people are gathered indoors. Some stand on stage with posters behind them. One person holds a microphone.
Calling all future Rochester Middle School students and families!

Grand Mound Elementary 5th grade students and families are invited to Parent/Student Tour Night at Rochester Middle School on Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 PM.

Come take a tour, ask questions, and get excited for the next chapter in your middle school journey! We look forward to welcoming our future Warriors! 💙💛
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Two posters with blue and white designs. One reads "5th Grade Students" and "Parent/Student Tour Night!" The other says "5th Grade" and "Noche de Visita para Padres/Estudiantes".
Incoming 3rd grade families-we’re excited to welcome you!

Grand Mound Elementary invites you to join us for a special evening on June 3 at 6:00 PM. Come meet our 3rd grade teachers, learn more about the school, and get a preview of the upcoming year.

We look forward to meeting you and helping your student feel confident and ready for 3rd grade!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Poster for Grand Mound Elementary's Welcome Evening for incoming 3rd graders, with kids, school, rainbow, and owl.
🎭 Don’t miss the Rochester High School production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! The show opens this weeknd!

Our talented students have been working hard to bring this fun, energetic, and hilarious musical to the stage. Come out and support our RHS performers, crew, and directors for an entertaining evening!

📅 Show Times:
• May 15 – 7:00 PM
• May 16 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• May 18 – 7:00 PM

We hope to see you there!
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
Four children, one with a crown, seated on stage with a blue curtain in the background.
Woman in red dress speaking into a microphone on a stage; two people sit at a table behind her.
Five individuals wearing costumes and bibs stand on bleachers, raising their hands and smiling. A blue curtain is in the background.
Three women sitting at a table. The table has a purple banner that reads "Judges" and "SPELLING BEE" on it.
Six young people, wearing numbers 2, 7, 13, 25, and standing on a stage with a dark backdrop.
SUN Bucks Program Available for Families This Summer!

Washington families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefits program that provides $120 per eligible school-age child to help purchase food while school is out for the summer.

Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations that accept EBT benefits.

Many families who already receive SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meal benefits will automatically qualify. Other families may need to apply through the SUN Bucks website or complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit application through their school district.

Families should also make sure their mailing address is up to date with DSHS or their child’s school to ensure benefits are delivered correctly.

Learn more at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks?utm_source=chatgpt.com
about 2 months ago, Rochester School District
A flyer titled "Learn How SUN Bucks Can Help Your Family!" with an image of a smiling child holding a food item.
A white page with text instructions on enrolling a child in SUN Bucks. Small photos show people interacting with children. QR code, phone number, and website link are included.
Text overlays images of children and adults in food stores. Titles in Spanish, including "Conozca como SUN Bucks puede ayudar a su familia!" and "¿Cómo funcionan SUN Bucks?"
An informational document displays text and images of families and children. QR codes are located at the bottom.
Rochester High School Drama invites you to 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.' A hilarious and heartwarming musical packed with quirky characters, unexpected twists, and plenty of spelling fun! Join us for this crowd-favorite production and cheer on the competitors as they battle it out one word at a time. Audience volunteers may even get the chance to participate in the bee!

📍 Rochester High School
📅 Showtimes: Fri, May 15 at 7:00 PM, Sat, May 16 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Mon, May 18 at 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $12 Adults, $10 Students, ASB, Military/First Responders, Seniors, RHS Staff, & Children 10 and under

Come support our talented RHS Drama students and enjoy a night full of laughter, music, and spelling surprises!
2 months ago, Rochester School District
A flyer for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Musical. It features bees, showtimes, and ticket prices.
The GMES 4th graders did a great job presenting at the Natural Disaster Showcase today. They learned so much!!
2 months ago, Rochester School District
wildfire Project
tornado project
tornado project
Hurricane project
natural disaster project
earthquake project
volcano project
volcano project
natural disaster project
natural disaster project

Hello GMES Warrior Families!

Next week, our students will begin an important opportunity to demonstrate their learning—the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). They have been working hard all year, and this is their chance to show us what they have learned!

We all share the same goal: helping your child do their very best. Here are a few ways you can support them in coming to school prepared and ready to succeed:

Prioritize rest: Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night. A consistent bedtime routine, at least 8 hours of sleep, and limiting screen time before bed can make a big difference.
Fuel their day: Ensure your child eats breakfast on testing days—whether at home or school—to stay focused and energized.
Be on time: The playground and breakfast open at 8:30 AM, and the tardy bell rings at 9:00 AM. Students should be in their classrooms by 9:00 AM so they can begin testing promptly.
Keep up good habits: Continue encouraging your child to read 20 minutes each night and practice multiplication facts.
Follow testing expectations: Cell phones and smart watches must be turned off and stored in backpacks during testing. Use of these devices will invalidate a student’s test and must be reported to the state.

Attached is our testing calendar for the month of May. Please refer to it if you have questions about which subject is being tested each day.

Please reach out to our testing coordinator, Madison Newman, if you have any questions about testing schedules or rules.

Thank you all for your support and please remind your child to DO THEIR BEST ON THE TEST!!!

Madison Newman
360-858-1824 (office)
360-764-0914 (cell)
mnewman@rochester.wednet.edu

2 months ago, MADISON NEWMAN
Do Your Best on the Test!
SBA Testing Schedule May 2026
Just a reminder that the deadline to turn your ballot is April 28. Ballots can be dropped off at the Grand Mound Center and Fire Station on Albany Rd. If you’d like to learn more about the Water System Capital Levy, please visit: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy.
3 months ago, Rochester School District
A poster encourages voting with text "Please Vote" and a blue box labeled "Vote." Deadline is April 28. Ballot drop-off sites are Albany Rd Fire Station and Grand Mound Center.
Welcome back, Rochester students and staff! We hope you all had a great spring break and are feeling refreshed for the final stretch of the school year. (RMS/RHS Students — don’t forget to charge up your Chromebook so you’re ready to go!)

Let’s finish the year strong, Warriors! 💙
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Sunflowers in a field at sunset with the text "Welcome Back, Warriors!" in front of a logo.
Hey Rochester Community! Just a quick reminder—we have two chances left to learn about the RSD Water System Capital Levy: Monday, April 13 at 6:30 PM and Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00 PM. Both sessions are in the RHS Library.

Come ask questions and get the details! For more info: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
3 months ago, Rochester School District
Flyer shows three images: water tank, water body with algae, and a pipe. Text reads "WATER SYSTEM CAPITAL LEVY INFORMATION SESSIONS".