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PTA Updates

PTA Newsletter October 20, 2026

At a Glance

  • Oct 23 – Fall Festival (2:30-3:15 PM in classrooms – Room Parents only)
  • Nov 9–13 – Book Fair (Library)
  • Nov 23 – Early release for students (1:20 PM)
  • Nov 24 – Early release for students (1:20 PM)
  • Nov 25 – Early release for students (1:20 PM)
  • Nov 26 – Thanksgiving – no school for students
  • Nov 27 – Thanksgiving – no school for students
  • Dec 1 – PTA Meeting #2 (7:00 PM, Virtual)
  • Sponsor Spotlight: Kids Up Reading Tutors
  • PTA Meeting #1 Recap
  • Stocking the Staff Lounge
  • How to Get Involved

Quick Note

Thanks to everyone who joined us for PTA Meeting #1 on October 6th! Here’s a quick recap, plus info about Fall Festival, Book Fair week and how to get involved, and more!

What’s Happening

Oct 23 – Fall Festival!

Over 60 room parents from across the school have been hard at work planning fun fall activities for students! Students will be making slime, creating fall crafts, decorating leaves, dipping apples, and more!

Nov 9–13 – Book Fair Week Signups Coming soon!

Book Fair returns to the Library November 9–13! Below are the daily hours:

  • Monday, Nov 9: 10am – 7:30pm
  • Tuesday, Nov 10: 8:30am  – 5:00pm (Open House)
  • Wednesday, Nov 11: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Open House)
  • Thursday, Nov 12: 8:30am – 7:30pm (Literacy Night) 
  • Friday, Nov 13: 8:30am – 4:00pm

We need volunteers to help with setup, cashiering, and classroom shopping trips throughout the week. Sign up available soon!

Dec 1 – PTA Meeting #2 

Mark your calendar for our second General Meeting of the year, 7:00 PM, virtual.

Sponsor Spotlight: Kids Up Reading Tutors

Kids Up Reading Tutors helps students in grades 1–12 become confident readers and spellers with 1-on-1, evidence-based instruction. Every lesson is tailored to your child, and families receive clear goals and weekly updates.

  • Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham
  • 45- or 60-minute online sessions via Zoom
  • Reading and spelling support for all learners, with and without dyslexia/dysgraphia 
  • Flexible scheduling, including weekends

Learn more at KidsUpReadingTutors.com or email Daniela@KidsUpReadingTutors.com.

PTA Meeting #1 Recap

Thank you to all who attended our first General Meeting of the year. The October 6 PTA meeting highlighted record membership of nearly 194 (targeting 200) and ongoing conservative financial management.

School & Academic Updates from RCFES Leadership

  • Staffing & Safety: Hiring is underway for two paraeducators and a lunch aide. School fields will reopen once staff is in place alongside upgraded security cameras. Parent lunch and recess volunteering begins in late October under updated MCPS protocols.
  • Academics & Leadership: Led by Acting Principal Ms. Tsonis, administrative roles are streamlined. Montgomery County is initiating effortful-thinking walkthroughs, preparing inclement weather plans, and administering math assessments via Amplify Desmos. Student patrols, SGA, and Tiger News are resuming.

Key Dates & Programs from the PTA

  • Events: Open Houses are scheduled for Oct 12 (grades K–2) and Nov 11 (grades 3–5). The Book Fair runs Nov 9–13, the Read-a-thon spans Nov 13–Dec 1, and the next meeting is Dec 1.
  • Community & Volunteering: The NAACP Parent Council is organizing boundary discussions, a Black Family Breakfast (Dec 4), and a museum trip. Room-parent vacancies remain for Williams, Joseph, and Beard, alongside business and t-shirt sponsorship drives.

Meeting notes and slides are now posted on the PTA website. 

Stocking the Staff Lounge

Show some love to our amazing teachers and staff! Every Monday, a committee member brings snacks, drinks, and coffee to the staff lounge – but we need your help to keep it going. The easiest way to contribute is through our Amazon Wishlist or MyRegistry list.

You can also drop off drinks or fresh fruit. Contact us to coordinate a time, or join the Staff Appreciation Committee via the volunteer interest form.

How To Get Involved

We’re looking for individuals to join our PTA committees this year. No experience needed. We’ll guide you along the way, and there are flexible ways to help.

Thank You

As always, thanks for being part of RCF. Whether you join events, volunteer, or simply stay informed—you make a difference.