RMMS New Family Update
May 18, 2022
Dear New RMMS Families,
Welcome to the RMMS community! We are excited to get to know you and your child in the coming weeks as we prepare for school in the fall. We are sharing this newsletter in an attempt to provide any information that you might find useful as you plan for the next school year. We hope that we will still be able to connect with new families and support our new students before the first days of school.
Below is a list of what you can expect from us in the coming weeks, months:
June 2nd and 3rd
- Kindergarten student screening at the RMMS upper parking lot.
June 10th
- You are invited to join our community at our Multicultural Dance Festival at Waterford Beach Park from 5-7 p.m. Rain date is June 13th. Our students will be performing dances from countries represented in our school. This is the first time we have had this event again since Covid. It is a great chance to get to know our community!
July 5th, 21st, 27th
- Tours at 1 p.m. or by appointment
August 3rd-
- Popsicles with the principals & new families
August 25th & 26th
- Goal setting meetings with families, students, and teachers
In the meantime please reach out anytime to Laureen, our Manager of Recruitment at lpierandi@rmms.k12.ct.us, and follow us on Social Media to see what’s happening at RMMS now!
https://www.facebook.com/RMMS7775/
Twitter: @RMMSNewLondon
Instagram: RMMS_IB-World School
MEET THE TEAM!
Mariana Reyes- Principal
Thank you for choosing RMMS as your child's home away from home for the next six years! I have called RMMS and LEARN home since 2010 in many different roles including as a special education teacher, student support services supervisor, assistant principal, and now principal. I was born in Costa Rica and grew up in New London. I have always been passionate about international studies and social justice issues, having received my bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University in Washington D.C., then participating in the New York City Teaching Fellows program. I currently live in the area with my family including my two children who also attend our school. I feel so honored to be able to lead RMMS as we foster change agents for a more just and peaceful world!
Please reach out to me if you have any questions!
Andrea Mea- Assistant Principal
I can't wait to meet all of you! This is my third year as the RMMS Assistant Principal. Previously, I taught kindergarten from 2009-11, 4th grade from 2011-18, and 5th grade right before coming to RMMS. I also am a certified literacy collaborative coach. I am a proud UConn graduate and received my 6th-year degree from Sacred Heart University. When I am not multitasking at RMMS, I am chasing my 4-year-old twins. I can't wait for them to be incoming Kindergarteners!
Please reach out to me with any questions.
APRIL CHRISTIANSEN- STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES SUPERVISOR
Hi families! I am excited to work together to create individualized education plans for your child. Prior to becoming a supervisor, I taught special education for 13 years in CT. In addition to supporting staff and students at RMMS, I provide statewide training for staff in how to write high quality IEPs. I look forward to collaborating with you at your child’s planning and placement team meeting.
Please reach out for any questions related to your child's individual education plan (IEP) or specialized services.
Yelena Bergman- Office Manager
Welcome to RMMS! I have been the office manager at RMMS for over 15 years. I love this school and our community. My own children attended RMMS and one now works here!
Please contact me directly with any questions about registration or transportation.
Patty Betancourt- Front Desk Secretary
Laureen Pierandi- Recruitment, Enrichment and Volunteers Manager
Thank you for choosing our school! I am happy to walk you through the process of officially joining the community. Please email me with any questions regarding registration.
Registration
Kindergarten screening & visit
We look forward to meeting all students and families for a short visit at RMMS that will take place in our staff parking lot. Screenings will take place on Thursday, June 2nd and Friday, June 3rd.
-For incoming Kindergarteners, our wonderful instructional leaders will conduct an assessment called the Early Screening Inventory to gather some information about your child that will help us be proactive in their classroom placements and supports.
While your child is engaged in those few activities, you will have a chance to visit three stations:
-Meet with Ms. Kendra, our school nurse, to discuss any health needs and learn about our health and safety practices.
-Meet with Ms. Yelena, our bilingual office manager, to complete any registration materials or inquire about transportation.
-Meet with Ms. Susan, our TESOL teacher, as she provides information about our dual language program, PUENTES, and English Learner supports at our school. At this point, you can choose to enter the lottery for the PUENTES program.
-After your child has completed the assessment, you will be able to meet the screener and discuss any important information, concerns, or provide other helpful information for his or her teacher.
-Your child will receive an RMMS Class of 2028 t-shirt!
Below is the link to sign up for a slot on either of our screening days. We can't wait to meet you all.
Magnet Kingdom Summer 2022 Program
To register for Magnet Kingdom simply complete the enclosed registration form and return it along with a $30 nonrefundable registration fee, to Adriana DeGrafft by June 3rd.
Magnet Kingdom depends on timely and consistent payments of weekly fees to operate. The fees for the 2022 Magnet Kingdom Summer Program are outlined in the tables below. By registering for the program, you commit to paying these weekly fees.
Early Care: 6:30am-9:00am
$35.00 $25.00 (if your child receives Reduced Lunch)
$15.00 (if your child receives Free Lunch)
Regular Care: 9:00am-5:00pm
$185.00 $150.00 (if your child receives Reduced lunch)
$120.00 (your child receives Free lunch)
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Questions & Answers:
What is the contact information for RMMS?
One Bulkeley Place
New London, CT 06320
www.facebook.com/RMMS-NewLondon
twitter.com/RMMSNewLondon
RMMS Phone: (860) 437-7775
Attendance Line: (860) 437-7775 press 4
Magnet Kingdom – Ext 7340
School Nurse – Ext 7364
Library – Ext 7380
What are the RMMS hours of operation?
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday
School Hours:
Regular School Days: 8:40 AM – 3:10 PM
Early Dismissal Days: 8:40 AM – 12:35 PM
Car Line time: 8:30 AM to 8:40 AM
Breakfast time: 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM
Magnet Kingdom Hours (Before and After-School Childcare)
Before School: 6:45 AM - 8:30 AM
After School: 3:10 PM – 6:00 PM
Car Line:
Regular School Days: 3:10 PM – 3:45 PM
Early Dismissal Days: 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM
No Pick-Ups Allowed
Children should not be picked up between 2:40 PM and 3:10 PM on regular school days or between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM on early dismissal days.
Where can I find more information about the PUENTES program?
When can I apply for the PUENTES (bilingual program)?
How do I apply for free/reduced meals?
Does my town provide transportation?
Below is the list of the 2022-23 transportation plans for our districts. The transportation plan is at the discretion of each district and can change year to year. We will pass on any updated information we receive from districts.
- East Haddam: No Transportation.
- East Lyme: Hub at East Lyme High School.
- Groton: Two routes with several hubs.
- Ledyard: Local Transportation with a hub at Gales Ferry School Parking Lot.
- Montville: LEARN with two hubs at Walgreens and Lady of Our Lake Church Parking Lots.
- New London: Local transportation with three routes.
- North Stonington: LEARN with a hub at Movie Theater Parking Lot.
- Norwich, Bozrah, Colchester, Griswold, Plainfield, Sprague, Voluntown, Windham: LEARN with two Hubs at Walmart and Big Lots Parking Lots.
- Old Lyme: No Transportation.
- Preston: No Transportation.
- Salem: No Transportation.
- Stonington: Local Transportation with one route.
- Waterford: LEARN transportation with three hubs (Waterford Walmart, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church & Ocean State Job Lot)