Rochelle School of the Arts is committed to doing “Whatever It Takes” to provide an enriched and rigorous curriculum through the arts and academics in a challenging environment.
Latest News & Announcements
Second Semester Updates
All health and safety protocols will continue in the second semester of the school year. This includes masks worn by all, additional sanitizing, and distancing as much as possible. Visitors and volunteers will not be on campus and large group performances will not occur inside.
Rochelle Gives Back....in a BIG Way!
Thanks to the generosity of the Rochelle community, almost $1,100 was donated to assist families in our community over the holidays. Thank you for your contributions and for blessing the lives of others!
School Pictures for e-Learners
Mark your calendar for Friday, Feb. 5. We will provide an opportunity for eLearners to come to the campus to have a photo taken by the school’s picture company so the student will be included in the school yearbook and have an individual school picture from this year. Information will be distributed to eLearners regarding the times and procedures so everyone will remain safe for the event. eClasses will have adjusted schedules to allow time for the student to come to the school for pictures.
Virtual Parent Education Night
Thank you to all the families who participated in our Virtual Parent Education Night....and to all our e-Learning families who drove thru to receive their materials. We hope you were able to learn some easy ways to help support your elementary child in Reading and Math. We'd love to get your feedback. Please take a minute to complete our Evaluation at https://forms.gle/frrtyiTiCscX3YPX8.
Performance Alternatives
Many thanks to our Arts Teachers who found creative ways to offer students performance opportunities in December. Some Band ensembles and Dance groups performed in outdoor spaces on campus for our students during the last week before the winter holidays. Chorus students had an evening Zoom videoed concert, and the Handbells ensemble offered a performance on the lawn in the front courtyard of the school one evening. Stay tuned for updates regarding spring performance or exhibit experiences. We are striving to provide these opportunities for the students while meeting all safety guidelines.
What's Ahead
- Jan. 18th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
- Jan. 19th - 6th grade Scoliosis Screening & Vision Screening; start of the 3rd Nine Weeks
- Jan. 20th - Early Dismissal; AR NUT Pass for 2nd Nine Weeks
- Feb. 3rd - Early Dismissal
- Feb. 5th - Report Cards distributed; school pictures for e-Learners
Per the Department of Health...anyone who has come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID must isolate for 10 days from the time of contact. If this will impact the students' attendance, the parent should notify the office (Mr. Brackman for middle school, Mrs. Bryant for elementary) so that we can communicate with the teacher(s) regarding assignments. If the student develops symptoms, the student will need to remain out of school for 10 days from the date of symptom onset.
Thank you for your continued diligence in practicing appropriate safety measures (wash your hands, wear your masks and stay socially distant).
All families of students in elementary were invited to participate in our Virtual Parent Education Night. Materials were sent home to families who requested them and e-learners were able to drive thru and see their teacher, face-to-face, as well as receive their materials. Videos from each grade level are posted on our YouTube channel. Click here to view the videos and learn how to use the materials to help support your learner!
Have a Heart Friday
Everyone in the Rochelle community has an opportunity on Friday, Dec. 11 to bring in a donation of any amount to contribute to our “Rochelle Kettle”. All funds collected will be used to provide gifts, food, or other essential needs to families in our community for the holidays. Contributions can be a single coin or bill, up to larger donations that can be by check to Rochelle School of the Arts. We realize 2020 has had a significant impact on many in our area and we hope to provide some support and encouragement to those in need.
Open Enrollment
The Open Enrollment period for all magnet and choice schools continues through Jan. 12. Parents must complete an online application through the Parent Portal. If you know of students who would flourish in the arts-focused curriculum at Rochelle, please encourage families to visit the school board website for more info: https://polkschoolsfl.com/schooloptions/
Virtual Parent Education Night
Parents of students in elementary school have an opportunity to join us for a Virtual Parent Education Night, beginning Wednesday, December 16th. Videos will be posted (on our social media, website and YouTube channel) from each grade level, showing strategies and materials families can use at home to support learning. If you are interested in receiving the materials to use at home, please click here to complete the interest survey. eSchool students will be able to pick up their supplies at our December Drive Thru, Wednesday, Dec. 16th from 9-11am in the bus loop.
Bells Will Be Ringing
Mr. Hansen and the students in our Handbells group will be performing on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6:00 pm in the front courtyard at Rochelle. Admission is free, but all audience members are required to wear a mask. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy lovely holiday music under the stars!
Holiday Gift Giving Ideas
Looking for fun gift giving ideas that will also provide intellectual stimulation for your child that doesn’t include screen time? Here are a few thoughts:
- puzzles
- sports equipment
- board games
- animal/pet supplies and books about care
- books or book series
- craft supplies (crocheting, knitting, sewing)
- writing supplies (journals, markers, special pens, note cards)
- visual art supplies
- items that support an Art area of interest (dance attire, musical instrument items)
- building activities (Legos, Wooden Blocks, Erector Sets, Magnet Sets)
What's Ahead in December
- Dec. 16, 9-11am - Virtual Parent Education Night drive thru (eschool students only)
- Dec. 15-17 - Jingle Jog (modified to include walking) at PE for elementary students
- Dec. 21 - Jan. 4 - Winter Holidays
- Jan. 5, 2021 - Students return to school
- Jan. 15, 2021 - End of the 2nd Nine Weeks Grading Period
A Message from Mrs. Ward
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to offer heartfelt gratitude to our Rochelle families for the kindness, understanding, and consideration you have extended this fall as we have all tried to “do school” in ways we had never imagined. Thank you for your efforts to keep not only your own children safe and healthy, but you have been conscientious of efforts and requirements to keep all students and staff healthy. Our staff has gone above and beyond to maintain healthy campus environments and engaging eLearning classrooms. We recognize there have been a few bumps in the road, but the combined efforts of parents, students, and staff have been wonderful. We love our Rochelle community and are grateful for the ongoing collaborative efforts to educate our students!
Open Enrollment
Do you know someone who would love the amazing Arts program at Rochelle? Perhaps someone would be attracted to the option of remaining at the same school for K-8th grade? Let your friends and neighbors know about the Open Enrollment period for the 2020-2021 school year that runs Nov. 10, 2020 – Jan. 12, 2021. Parents must apply for the magnet or choice school through the Parent Portal on the school district’s webpage (www.polkschoolsfl.com).
Rochelle families with an incoming Kindergartner should have completed the sibling surveys during October, but it is also a requirement to fill out the Open Enrollment application as listed above.
Great American Teach In
The Great American Teach-In is an annual event coordinated by the PCPS Department of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships to celebrate American Education Week. During this event, members of the community are invited to speak to students about their careers, travel and hobbies, and how their early educational experiences relate to their current lives. Students enjoy the opportunity to hear real stories from real community members. In previous years, volunteers have come in costume, shown students their work-related equipment, performed songs, dances and plays, offered potentially life-saving information, showed off their pets, discussed career options, shared precious souvenirs, talked about other parts of the world, or discussed starting their own business. This year, the Great American Teach-In will be virtual, with volunteers presenting through Zoom. If you are interested in participating in Rochelle's Virtual Great American Teach-In on 11/19/2020 please email Kimberlee.Mayes@polk-fl.net.
What's Ahead in November
- Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day Holiday (no school)
- Nov. 12 - Report Cards - A paper copy will be distributed to Campus Learners. An electronic copy will be sent to the primary email on file with the school to all families, including eLearners
- Nov. 17 - Picture Retake Day - students who returned to campus for the 2nd 9 weeks will have their picture taken. Any students who want to retake their photo from Sept. may return the first picture and retake the picture. There will be a spring opportunity for any remaining eSchool students to have pictures taken.
- Nov. 19 - Great American Teach In
- Nov. 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 21-Jan. 4 - Winter Break
8th graders....high school will be here before you know it. Click here to watch this informational video to learn more about your options for next year.
Florida Arts
Model School
