August 29, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Students, families and staff are integral to fostering a culture of respect within all educational institutions. Students and their families bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning environment, while staff members provide the support and guidance necessary for personal and academic growth. Mutual respect among students, families and staff creates a positive and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels valued, heard and perhaps, most importantly, safe. This dynamic partnership not only enhances collaboration and productivity but also helps in building a strong sense of community, encouraging empathy, and promoting the overall well-being of all members of our school.
Last spring (2024), the staff and students worked together to develop plans to provide every child a rewarding experience at the RCS Middle School. Among the outcomes of this planning we will begin using “Respectful Ways” in the fall of 2024. This is a research-based social-emotional learning program with engaging lessons that address the following:
Bullying
Conflict Resolution
Emotional Regulation
Personal Safety
If you would like to learn more about this program, please go to this parent page for more information.
In addition to this new program, RCS MS administration and staff commit to the following:
Continue the MS Advisory Committee where teachers meet 1-2 times per month to review current building issues and develop plans to address those issues.
Develop a “Principal’s Advisory Group” which will consist of students from each grade level and who will also review current building issues and provide input into the planning process to address those issues.
Provide ongoing parent input through the PTSO meetings, which occur monthly.
Address all issues through the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), as well as the district code of conduct and develop child-specific plans for children who continue to struggle with being the best versions of themselves.
Presentation to the Board of Education in October of 2024, offering updates on interventions and behavioral trends.
We encourage families to be a part of this work as we implement these changes and continue to develop a strong, safe school environment for everyone. Best wishes for an exciting and rewarding school year!
Denise Capece
Principal
View a PDF of this letter here.