Happy Fall! I am so grateful for the weather is now starting to also believe it is time for autumn!
Priority 3: Engaged Families and Community
One of our campus goals at Rushing is to strengthen home-school connections (you can see all of our campus goals in the foyer when you come to visit or here.) There are so many opportunities for parents of all our students (6th, 7th, and 8th grade parents) to get involved in our Rushing community (scroll down to sign up for Guardians of the Nest and PTO).
This past week, we had our 6th Grade Open House and Fall Mixer. Despite the rain, we had pizza, vendors, PTO, Guardians of the Nest, PTO sponsors, and Rushing staff (plus a surprise visit from Richland HS principal, Dr. Croy!) ready to greet 6th grade parents and students. Our goal was to deliver grade-specific tools for helping both kids and adults navigate the transition to middle school, complete with take-home digital tools!
In about a week, we can't wait to welcome 7th and 8th grade parents and students to participate together in your very own version of the Open House and Fall Mixer. When the Class of 2028 did their final walk through the halls of Rushing to meet their families on the football field last semester, we saw HUNDREDS of families on campus celebrating our students. Don't wait until your kiddo's final 8th grade walk to come to Rushing- come with your student on November 18th to learn how you can partner with us in supporting your student with their continued academic success, complete with take-home digital tools to provide additional support.
You can see pictures from our 6th grade Open House & Fall Mixer below!
Priority 2: Equipped and Empowered Educators
Something special is happening at our school that makes my heart swell with pride. Our staff doesn't just come to work each day – they come together as a team, determined to help every single student learn at high levels. What does this look like in action? Picture teams of teachers meeting during the school day (and sometimes before and after), learning about what works in each others' classrooms, and supporting each other to try new strategies that will encourage all students to grow. This dedication is making a real difference in your students' lives.
Let me share just one example that shows the impact of our incredible staff: In our 7th grade classrooms, over the course of a year, students transformed into even more confident problem-solvers, with proficiency rates improving from 59% to 81% at the beginning of the year. This growth represents our teachers' commitment to ensuring every student reaches their highest potential and keeps growing.
To build on this momentum, 19 of our staff members participated in additional professional learning over the last two months around being a Professional Learning Community, bringing back fresh ideas and strategies to share with their colleagues. They're doing this because they believe in our school's mission to help every student learn at high levels.
It has been a great week at Rushing, and I hope everyone is ready to come back on Monday and make it another incredible week. And, if you are a member of the United States Armed Forces, thank you for the sacrifices you have made for our country. We appreciate your service! 🗽
