1. Important Dates

February 27 - Rocky Run vs Franklin Basketball Game at Chantilly HS, 5-8 PM

March 12 - PTA Meeting, 7 PM, Library

March 20 - No School (Holiday - Eid al-Fitr)

March 27 - End of 3rd Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release, No After-School Program

March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break

April 6 - No School (Teacher Workday)

April 10 - No School (School Planning Day)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it is jam packed with celebrations and holidays. On Tuesday, February 17, we celebrated Lunar New Year. On this holiday, people across Asia (and beyond) ushered in the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year is typically marked by family gatherings, eating traditional foods, time spent honoring ancestors, and the exchange of small gifts, including money given in traditional red envelopes. Each Asian culture has its own traditions, which may also include a thorough cleaning of the house, lighting firecrackers, performing dances, and wearing traditional clothing. Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year!

Also, Ramadan began at sundown on Tuesday, February 17. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad. If you have any questions regarding accommodations that we have set up for students at Rocky Run Middle School (lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces, and instruction) please feel free to reach out to me.

Finally, on Wednesday, February 18, we recognize those in our community observing Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is observed as a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services, at which churchgoers receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of penance.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

FCPS CARES Nominations

Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated!