Vision Statement
To have a 21st Century culture that promotes high academic achievement, safety, and a collaborative learning environment that prepares students to become college, career and community ready.
Mission Statement
The Rock Terrace community will provide authentic and safe learning opportunities for students to think critically, problem solve and effectively communicate to become independent citizens.
A Message from the Principal,
Mrs. Kathy Lertora
Dear Rock Terrace Families,
We hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to Winter Break. The best part of the holiday season is remembering to appreciate all the important individuals in our lives. At Rock Terrace, we appreciate our students, families and staff. Our relationships with families is incredibly important in making a difference in our students’ lives and futures. Thank you to all the families for your ongoing support and communication. We also want to share our appreciation for those who supported the November Bake Sale and who will support the December Holiday Bake Sale and the Horticulture Poinsettia Sale; it is a great way to enjoy the efforts of our students and staff. Finally, the staff at Rock Terrace are very appreciative of the PTG and parents for providing a special luncheon this month.
December is a busy month at Rock Terrace. Our next PTG meeting is Monday, December 12th at 9:15 am. All parents are welcome! We are also looking forward to seeing Rock Terrace students shine at the Winter Chorus Concert on Tuesday, December 20th at 10 am. Under the direction of Ms. Bayer, the students will perform music from the 1970’s and a few holiday songs. We will end our month with a Rockers Celebration on Friday, December 23rd in the afternoon from 2:15- 3:15 p.m.
We wish all of you a wonderful Winter Break and look forward to a fabulous 2017. Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Quist or me with any questions or suggestions.
Kathy and Dr. Quist
What to find in this issue of the reporter
December/January Happenings
Thursday, December 08, 2016
Best Buddies Chapter Meeting (for US & HS students)
Monday, December 12, 2016
PTG Meeting, Bistro, 9:15-10:15am
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Winter Concert, Gym, 10:00-11:00am
Friday, December 23, 2016
Rockers
Monday, December 26, 2016 through Monday, January 2, 2017
Holiday-Winter Break, No School for Students & Teachers; Monday 12/26/16 & Friday, 1/02/17 only - Offices & Schools are closed
Monday, January 09, 2017
PTG Meeting, Bistro, 9:15-10:15am
Monday, January 16, 2017
Schools & Offices Closed, Holiday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Friday, January 20, 2017
Schools & Offices Closed, Holiday, Presidential Inauguration
Thursday, January 26, 2017
PTG Movie Day, Media Center, 3:30-5:30pm
Friday, January 27, 2017
No School for Students and Teachers, Professional Day
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Rockers
Counselor’s Corner
Dear Rock Terrace Families,
We are always working to improve communication! Here are some suggestions from an article from www.friendshipcircle.org on ways to encourage communication written by Becca Eisenberg. The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that provides individuals with disabilities with friendship and unique experiences. If you want to learn more information about the Friendship Circle, please explore their website.
Use favorite foods, specific toys, movies, shows, a friend, family member or neighbor as motivation.
A great speaker once said, “Take your children to Target and see where they go. That is their motivation. Don’t question it. Everyone has a different motivation.” Understanding what motivates a child can help to promote language and communication. The child is more likely to respond to a request when it involves a person or thing they love. If your child loves interacting with a specific family member, use this motivating person to encourage communication. You can also use a picture of the family member to encourage your child to request a visit with this person.
Label feelings as they occur.
Modeling a feeling can happen when your child is excited, sad, hurt, happy, etc. For example, as your child expresses their excitement, say “I see you are excited”. If you have a picture of “excited” it can reinforce the concept more. The more your child hears a particular feeling with a specific behavior, the better they will be able to understand that feeling. There is a communication app, Go Talk Now on the iPad that you may find helpful.
Assume competence.
Assuming competence for any child is a form of empowerment. Assuming that your child CAN do it and WILL do it is powerful. This can be a strategy that can be very helpful when telling others how to speak to your child.
Model Language.
If your child wants water at the dinner table and indicates that to you in a way that you understand, say “I want water.” Giving the model will help improve your child’s receptive and expressive language. You can also use your body to communicate (e.g. gestures, facial expressions, sign language, etc.). Using pictures for communication is not going to take away any gestures or speech that the person is using. None of us communicate with just speech. Encourage all modes of communication.
My email address is . I look forward to hearing from you!
Physical Education
Winter and Holiday Activity Helpers
Do you need help with keeping students staying active and happier during the Holidays and Colder Months? The Montgomery County provides low cost or free accessible leisure, educational and personal development activities for individuals with disabilities through inclusion (mainstreaming) and adaptive programs. Through activities that include arts, crafts, games, team sports, and special events, Therapeutic recreation programs helps individuals to gain confidence, have fun and make an impact in their lives. Companions can often be provided: Here's the Website:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/thingstodo/therapeutic/
Best wishes for a happier winter and holiday season! My e-mail address is . I look forward to hearing from you!
Lost & Found
We have numerous items in our lost and found which is located in the cafeteria. To avoid losing your valuable clothing and other items, parents are asked to clearly label all personal belongings with the child’s name so that lost items may be returned promptly.
If your child is missing a sweater, jacket, etc., please check our “Lost and Found” periodically. Many items remain unclaimed.
Culinary Arts News
The Culinary Arts classes are happy to announce that they will be preparing homemade holiday (winter) baked goods! There are various pies, cakes, and breads for you to choose from. Order forms were sent home this week, one is also attached. Please order/return your form along with payment no later than Wednesday, December 14th. Orders will be available for pick-up (or sent home with your child) on Thursday, December 22nd. Enjoy!
Yearbooks
Yearbook sales are off to a good start. This year's book has lots of pictures, more pages, and has all the Rock Terrace students represented. Please order a yearbook for $31.00 as a keepsake for your student (or as a donation for a student that may not be able to afford one). The yearbook is a great opportunity to see your child in action! If you have any questions please contact Ms. Karen Schultz.
My e-mail address is . I look forward to hearing from you!