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August 6

Welcome Back, Students!
We’re off and running into a brand new school year!
It’s only the first day, but we’re already filled with joy seeing your kids back on campus — full of energy, smiles, and excitement.
 
This weekly update will keep you in the loop with important details, helpful reminders, and upcoming dates. You’ll find those in the middle of this email, and a quick list of what’s ahead at the bottom.
 
As always, you can revisit past updates anytime by checking the Current Families tab on The Rock School website under the Weekly Email Archive section. 

💻  Bark for Schools
We take digital safety seriously! As your students get older, they gain access to more technology for school purposes.  We partner with the parents to make sure our students stay safe.  Take a moment and read this letter detailing The Rock School's approach to digital safety, and why we use Bark for Schools.
🏐  TRS Athletics
At The Rock School, our Athletics Program is designed to nurture students' physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  We emphasize GRIT - growth, resilience, integrity, and tenacity - attitudes we aim to develop in the classroom, on the court or field, and beyond.
 
If you're new around here, we'd love to give you a quick overview of the various athletics programs we offer to our TRS Families.  Any questions about the program details, participation costs and schedules can be directed to Walt Darty.  Reminder - all home games are free for TRS Students! 
 
Fall Sports (Aug - Oct):
🏐 Girls Volleyball
  • middle school
  • JV
  • varsity
⚽️ Co-ed Middle School Soccer
🏈 Co-Ed Elementary Flag Football - Registration open now through August 15!
 
Winter Sports (Oct - Feb):
🏀 Boys and Girls Basketball
  • middle school
  • JV
  • varsity
  • National Team
🏀 Co-Ed Elementary Basketball
 
Spring Sports (Jan - Apr):
⚽️ Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer
 
 
Fall Sports Tryouts  |  Aug 11-12
Students in grades 5-12 are invited to tryout for TRS fall sports teams on August 11-12 after school. A completed participation packet, including a new annual physical, must be submitted prior to trying out.  Find the form at therock.school/sports.
  • MS Soccer (co-ed)
  • MS Volleyball (girls)
  • JV Volleyball (girls)
  • Varsity Volleyball (girls)
📔 MYP & DP Orientation  |  August 14th
We’re hosting an orientation to share how we will partner with families to help students flourish academically in our Upper School IB programs this year.
 
For the Middle Years Program (MYP) we'll have a 6pm session for
  • Families of 6th graders
  • Families who are new to The Rock School and have students in grades 6-10
  • Families of returning students in grades 6-10 who'd like a refresher on the MYP
For the Diploma Program we'll have two concurrent sessions at 6:30pm:
  • Families of 11th Graders - Introduction to the Diploma Program. Led by Mr. Bowlin, DP Coordinator (Main Auditorium)
  • Families of 12th Graders - Finishing the DP and applying for college for families.  led by Mrs. Basford, Academic Advisor (Design Room, accessible through the Main Auditorium)
Students are welcome and may find the information helpful, but these sessions are geared toward parents.

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Announcements
 
🍎 Collab Parent Volunteers
We’re looking for a few amazing TRS parents to help in the Collabatory this year! If you’re available before school, during lunch, or after school, we’d love to have your support. Whether you can commit to a regular time slot or just help occasionally, your presence makes a big difference in keeping the space running smoothly and helping students thrive. Submit your availability here! 
 
🍔 School Lunches - We will have the same vendors for school lunch ordering this year. We use Boonli for student lunches.  You can review the ordering system by clicking this link!
Lunch Vendor Schedule:
  • Monday - Chick Fil A
  • Tuesday - I Love New York Pizza (everything but pizza)
  • Wednesday - PDQ
  • Thursday - Mi Apa
  • Friday - I Love New York Pizza (Pizza Day)

Upcoming Dates
Aug 14  |  DC 2026 Parent Interest Meeting (Lunchroom)  |  5:30p
Aug 14  |  MYP/DP Orientation Night (Aud)  |  6p
Aug 26  |  Strategic Plan Town Hall  |  7p
Sept 1  |  School Closed - Labor Day Holiday

 
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9818 SW 24th Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32607, United States of America