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Parent Updates: 2025–2026 School Year

 

Parent Updates: 2025–2026 School Year

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we get ready to welcome students back, we want to share key updates for the new school year. This year’s theme is "From Vision to Action. United in Purpose…Where Everybody Knows Your Name." It is intended to remind us that every name matters, every voice counts, and every student belongs.

🙌 Thank You

We thank our custodial, technology, clerical, and administrative staff who worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our schools. Their dedication ensures we are ready for a strong start.

🕒 New Rotating Drop Block Schedule

September 4th we welcome new and returning students with the launch of our 4-day Rotating Drop Block Schedule.  This schedule offers longer classes, a rotating “drop” period, flexible-time, a common 56-minute unit lunch, and additional privileges for senior students. The goal is to deepen learning, reduce daily stress, and give students more opportunities to grow skills needed for college and careers.

📝 Student Schedules & Forms

Student schedules will be released on Monday, August 25th in Genesis, but only once all required parent forms are completed.

  • Completing these forms helps us fulfill our responsibility in loco parentis—to care for and protect your children during the school day.
  • If forms are not completed before the first day, students must pick up a paper copy of their schedule at the school’s designated area.
  • Students will also be considered not to have parental permissions (e.g., senior privileges, late arrival/early dismissal).

👩‍🏫 New Staff and Mentors

We are excited to welcome many new teachers, staff, and leaders. We also support our mentor teachers, whose guidance is essential in helping them thrive in our district.

📚 Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is critical for academic success, personal growth, and student well-being. Updates to the Regulation of our Attendance Policy include:

  • Students are “present” if they attend at least half a day (in person or approved off-site/virtual).
  • New state-approved civic event absence: one per year for grades 6–12 (e.g., poll worker service, Veterans Day events).
  • Locally excused absences (court, family illness/death, college visits) will not count toward intervention thresholds.
  • Unexcused absences result in: Notification at 4, Action plan at 12, Denial of credit at 16 (full-year) or 8 (semester).
  • Teachers will provide assignments for up to 4 consecutive missed days.

We truly miss our students when they are not in school, and we are committed to partnering with you to support strong attendance.

📅 Key Dates

Parent Form Access Available in Genesis: Aug. 25  Note: completion of forms allows access to student schedule and Parent Portal

New Staff Orientation: Aug. 26–28

Orientations for Freshman and New Students at RHS:  Aug. 27

Orientations for Freshman and New Students at IHHS:  Aug. 28

Rotating Drop Block Webinar (Zoom): Aug. 27 at 7:00 PM Register Here

Staff Professional Days: Sept. 2–3

First Day of School - Anchor Day (All Classes Meet): Sept. 4

Rotating Drop Block Schedule Day 1:  Sept. 5.

Here is the  Full Schedule for the 25-26 SY.

🙌 Thank You

We thank our custodial, technology, clerical, and administrative staff who worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our schools. Their dedication ensures we are ready for a strong start.

🤝 Together, We Succeed

This year, our vision becomes action, made possible by staff dedication, parent partnership, and student effort. Thank you for joining us in this year’s mission:  United in Purpose…Where Everybody Knows Your Name.

Cheers!

 

Yours in Education,

 

Shauna C. DeMarco
Superintendent of Schools