Dear Rock Creek Forest Families,
Welcome (back) to school, Tigers!
I’m Sandra Maldonado, your PTA President for the 2025–2026 school year. I’ve been part of the RCF community for years, as a parent, a volunteer, and a PTA leader, and I’m excited to kick off another great year with you.
Whether you’re new to RCF or returning, we’re so glad you’re here. Rock Creek Forest thrives because of the strong partnership between families, staff, and the PTA. Our PTA Board and Committee members are ready to work with you to make this an amazing year. You can find out more about our PTA volunteers here, and join the PTA yourself here.
Good news: the PTA Event Calendar for the entire year is ready! We’re bringing back favorite events like the Book Fair, Multicultural Night, and the Spring Fair, along with Literacy Night, Talent Show, and STEAM Night. First up: Popsicles on the Playground, a welcome back event for all families, on August 19th
Stay connected throughout the year with our PTA newsletter (via listserv) and our WhatsApp community for event reminders and parent-to-parent connection. Everything you need—newsletter signup, WhatsApp link, website, spiritwear, and more—is on our PTA Linktree. New this year we will send out biweekly newsletters via the listserv.
Of course, we’re better when we work as a team. Whether you volunteer at an event, attend a meeting, or share ideas, your support is critical. Every bit helps make RCF a great place to learn and grow. Check out our volunteer interest form here.
Finally, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Jennifer Raikes, our new Assistant Principal. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her and know you’ll be proud to have her at RCF. She’s dedicated, considerate, and truly approachable. Oh, and fun fact—she’s actually an RCF alum!
Let’s make this year meaningful, joyful, and community-filled together.
Warmly,
Sandra Maldonado
RCF PTA President 2025–2026
president@rcfpta.org
P.S. The best way to start supporting our school? Join the PTA!
P.P.S. Do you run a small business or know someone who does? We’re looking for business sponsors from our RCF community to support our work and help us do even more for our students and staff. Sponsorship is a great way to stay involved and give back. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at fundrasing@rcfpta.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click here for the EVENTS CALENDAR
| DATES | DETAILS |
| August 19 | Popsicles on the Playground 4:00-6:00 p.m. |
| August 22 | Open House 10:00-10:30 K-2nd, 10:40-11:10 3rd-5th |
| August 26 | First day of school |
| September 9 | Back to School Night (K-2nd) (6:00-8:00 pm) |
| September 16 | Back to School Night (3rd-5th) (6:00-8:00 pm) |
IMPORTANT LINKS
- PTA List Serve: Share this email with other families new to RCFES – encourage them to email Emily Mallozzi (our new Corresponding Secretary) and she’ll add them to the listserv – secretary@rcfpta.org
- RCF PTA WhatsApp Community – This helps parents connect by grade level, ask questions, and build a stronger school community. Occasional PTA updates and volunteer requests may be shared. Sign up here: RCFES WhatsApp
- PTA: Join the PTA today and pay your annual dues
- RCFES Website: Rock Creek Forest Elementary School
- RCF PTA Landing Page: PTA info (getting updated as we speak)
- Check Grades: Parent Vue – must have an account. Here’s a video tutorial on how to use it.
- Stock the Staff Room – Support the staff with snacks, coffee, and other supplies to create a welcoming space for staff to recharge. Purchase items via our staff wish list.
- Volunteer: Please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and a volunteer will be in touch.
- Become an RCF Sponsor – Are you a small business owner in our community? We’d love to partner with you! RCF is full of creative, talented parents and caregivers, and we want to find ways to showcase and support that. Reach out if you’re interested in becoming a PTA sponsor – email Sunny Widmann.
- Before/After School Enrichment – Our wonderful enrichment volunteer has already set up enrichment courses for the fall. You can always find out what is new here. Information will also be shared via the PTA Listerv.