Rochester High School
Know, Value, and Support Every Student
🧡 Every Child Matters 🧡
Earlier this week, Rochester High School came together in orange to recognize Every Child Matters and honor the importance of every child, every story, and every community.
Thank you to ALL of our Warriors across the district for showing the support and helping keep this message visible. 🧡
#EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #Warriors
Earlier this week, Rochester High School came together in orange to recognize Every Child Matters and honor the importance of every child, every story, and every community.
Thank you to ALL of our Warriors across the district for showing the support and helping keep this message visible. 🧡
#EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #Warriors
🏈 HOMECOMING FOOTBALL IS TONIGHT! 🏈
It’s Homecoming at Rochester High School, and we’re ready to celebrate with our Warriors! 💙💛
Join us tonight at 7:00 PM as Rochester takes on the Hoquiam Grizzlies!
👑 Homecoming Court recognized at halftime
💙💛 Grab some Warrior swag at the Booster Shack
🏈 Vintage football jerseys for just $5!
🍿 Concession stands will be open and ready to serve
Come out, bring the family, wear your Warrior gear, and help us fill the stands! Let’s go, Warriors! 🏈💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
#RochesterWarriors #Homecoming #FridayNightLights
It’s Homecoming at Rochester High School, and we’re ready to celebrate with our Warriors! 💙💛
Join us tonight at 7:00 PM as Rochester takes on the Hoquiam Grizzlies!
👑 Homecoming Court recognized at halftime
💙💛 Grab some Warrior swag at the Booster Shack
🏈 Vintage football jerseys for just $5!
🍿 Concession stands will be open and ready to serve
Come out, bring the family, wear your Warrior gear, and help us fill the stands! Let’s go, Warriors! 🏈💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
#RochesterWarriors #Homecoming #FridayNightLights
Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day!
Today we’re giving a BIG thank you to our custodians! This year, they’ve been going above and beyond to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming even as our custodial teams have been stretched thin.
We see the long days and all the things you do behind the scenes to keep our schools running. Your work matters every single day, and we are grateful for the care you bring to our students and staff.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and taking such good care of our schools. We appreciate you! 💙
#CustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYouCustodians
Today we’re giving a BIG thank you to our custodians! This year, they’ve been going above and beyond to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming even as our custodial teams have been stretched thin.
We see the long days and all the things you do behind the scenes to keep our schools running. Your work matters every single day, and we are grateful for the care you bring to our students and staff.
Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and taking such good care of our schools. We appreciate you! 💙
#CustodianAppreciationDay #ThankYouCustodians
School Board Vacancy – Director District 5
The Rochester School District is seeking a qualified community member to fill a vacancy on the Rochester School Board representing Director District 5.
Are you a U.S. citizen, a qualified voter, and a resident of Director District 5? If so, you may be eligible to apply.
Interested candidates will be asked to provide:
• A brief biographical sketch
• A statement explaining your interest in serving on the School Board
Not sure whether you live in Director District 5? View the district map here: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/apps/auditor-election-maps/school-districts/auditor_school_district_map_rochester.pdf
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 14
Candidates will be interviewed during the October 28 School Board Business Meeting, and the interviews will take place in open public session.
The School Board will appoint a candidate to fill the vacancy following the interview process.
Interested in serving your community and helping support Rochester students and schools? Learn more about the vacancy and application process here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/school-board-director-vacancy.
A New Adventure for Heather Harris
After serving our community as a member of the Rochester School Board, Heather Harris will be leaving the area to begin a new adventure. With that move, she is no longer able to continue representing Director District 5.
Heather shared that this decision was not made lightly. Her time serving the Rochester School District and community has been deeply rewarding, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Rochester family.
We are incredibly grateful for Heather’s time, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Please join us in wishing Heather and her family all the very best in this next chapter!
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
After serving our community as a member of the Rochester School Board, Heather Harris will be leaving the area to begin a new adventure. With that move, she is no longer able to continue representing Director District 5.
Heather shared that this decision was not made lightly. Her time serving the Rochester School District and community has been deeply rewarding, and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Rochester family.
We are incredibly grateful for Heather’s time, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Please join us in wishing Heather and her family all the very best in this next chapter!
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
🚨 WE NEED YOU, WARRIORS! 🚨
Our custodial crew is working hard to keep our schools clean, safe, and ready for our students every day, but right now, we could really use some extra hands!
Do you like staying busy? Do you take pride in a job well done? Do you want to help your local schools? Do you want to be part of the Warrior team? We are looking for custodial substitutes to help fill in when our regular custodians are out. Even if you can only help occasionally, YOU can make a difference!
And let's be honest… our floors, tables, and trash cans aren't going to take care of themselves.
👉 Apply to become a Rochester School District custodial substitute and help us keep our schools running strong! https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/page/job-openings
💙💛What a special night for Rochester!💙💛
On Saturday evening, family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and community members came together to celebrate and honor some of Rochester’s most deserving Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. Please join us in congratulating our newest inductees:
🏆 Jack Erwin
🏆 Lowell Deguise
🏆 Kevin Wilson
🏆 Aaron Wagner
🏆 Davina Serdahl (Bergman)
🏆 Lucas Eastman
🏆 Joni Guerrero (Lancaster)
The evening was filled with laughter, tears, memories, and stories, but most importantly, it captured the true meaning of being a Warrior and the lasting impact these individuals have had on our Rochester community. Congratulations to our 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees! We are proud to celebrate you and the legacy you have created in our community.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
On Saturday evening, family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and community members came together to celebrate and honor some of Rochester’s most deserving Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. Please join us in congratulating our newest inductees:
🏆 Jack Erwin
🏆 Lowell Deguise
🏆 Kevin Wilson
🏆 Aaron Wagner
🏆 Davina Serdahl (Bergman)
🏆 Lucas Eastman
🏆 Joni Guerrero (Lancaster)
The evening was filled with laughter, tears, memories, and stories, but most importantly, it captured the true meaning of being a Warrior and the lasting impact these individuals have had on our Rochester community. Congratulations to our 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees! We are proud to celebrate you and the legacy you have created in our community.
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.
Friday, September 25 is Native American Day.
We are fortunate to have a community that includes students and families from many different tribal backgrounds. We also recognize the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, our closest tribal community, and the history and connection they have to this area.
On Native American Day, we honor the many tribes and Native communities represented in our schools and beyond. It’s a good day to learn more about Native history, cultures, traditions, and the contributions of Native people in our communities.
#NativeAmericanDay
We are fortunate to have a community that includes students and families from many different tribal backgrounds. We also recognize the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, our closest tribal community, and the history and connection they have to this area.
On Native American Day, we honor the many tribes and Native communities represented in our schools and beyond. It’s a good day to learn more about Native history, cultures, traditions, and the contributions of Native people in our communities.
#NativeAmericanDay
🎉 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH! 🎉
It’s time to celebrate the start of another great school year, and we’re kicking things off with a fun-filled evening for our Rochester community! 💙💛
Join us this Friday from 5–7 PM at Grand Mound Elementary for our Back to School Bash! Come enjoy: 🎪 Local vendors from our own community, 🎮 games & prizes, ⛳️ putt-putt golf, 🎨 face painting, 🍔 FREE FOOD…and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends, families, and our Warrior community!
Bring the whole family and come celebrate with us! We’d love to see you there! 💙💛 And the fun doesn’t have to end at 7! 🏈 After the Back to School Bash, head over to RHS for Friday Night Football as the Warriors take on Rainier High School at 7 PM.
Start your evening with us at GMES for the Back to School Bash, then end your night cheering on the Warriors under the lights!
#BackToSchoolBash #WarriorPride #GoWarriors
Come cheer on the Warriors next week!
💙💛 What a FIRST WEEK, Warriors! 💙💛
The 2026–27 school year is officially underway, and our Warriors are off to a GREAT start! From welcoming families at Howdy Family Night, getting our 6th graders ready for middle school during Jumpstart, and kicking things off with our RSD All-Staff Breakfast, there has been so much happening across the district!
📚 Classrooms are buzzing
🎒 Students are settling into new routines
🤝 Staff are building connections and relationships
🏫 Schools are full of energy
💙 And that Warrior spirit is already shining bright!
Every event, classroom, conversation, and connection is part of what makes our district special. It all comes back to our promise: We promise to know, value, and support every student.
And if the first week is any indication, we’re off to an incredible start! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, Rochester! 💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
The 2026–27 school year is officially underway, and our Warriors are off to a GREAT start! From welcoming families at Howdy Family Night, getting our 6th graders ready for middle school during Jumpstart, and kicking things off with our RSD All-Staff Breakfast, there has been so much happening across the district!
📚 Classrooms are buzzing
🎒 Students are settling into new routines
🤝 Staff are building connections and relationships
🏫 Schools are full of energy
💙 And that Warrior spirit is already shining bright!
Every event, classroom, conversation, and connection is part of what makes our district special. It all comes back to our promise: We promise to know, value, and support every student.
And if the first week is any indication, we’re off to an incredible start! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, Rochester! 💙💛
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior!
The Class of 2030 is kicking off their high school journey TODAY!
Our freshmen are officially in the building for their first day at Rochester High School, and we’re excited to see all the energy and excitement that comes with a new school year! Let’s make it a great one, Warriors!
Reminder: All remaining RHS grades will join our freshmen for their first day tomorrow, September 3.
Meanwhile, our K–8 students and families are taking part in Success Conferences today and tomorrow. We’re officially getting this school year underway!
Next week's events!
Good morning!
There has been a change in how we begin school. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of our Warrior Reports here are the essential elements.
Monday, August 31 - Freshman Orientation
Wednesday, September 2 - FRESHMEN ONLY - First Day
Thursday, September 3 - ALL RHS Students begin school
Friday, September 4 - ALL RHS Students attend... this is a full day with release at 2:25.
If you have any questions please contact the office.
Have a great weekend!
There has been a change in how we begin school. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of our Warrior Reports here are the essential elements.
Monday, August 31 - Freshman Orientation
Wednesday, September 2 - FRESHMEN ONLY - First Day
Thursday, September 3 - ALL RHS Students begin school
Friday, September 4 - ALL RHS Students attend... this is a full day with release at 2:25.
If you have any questions please contact the office.
Have a great weekend!
2026–27 Bus Routes Are Posted!
Bus routes for the upcoming school year are now available on our website! Families can check their route information here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/bus-routes
Questions about bus routes? Please contact First Student at 360-273-0292 or 360-273-5055.
Bus routes for the upcoming school year are now available on our website! Families can check their route information here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/bus-routes
Questions about bus routes? Please contact First Student at 360-273-0292 or 360-273-5055.
Well…That’s One Powerful Squirrel.
We owe everyone a big thank you for your patience and understanding last Thursday and Friday as our district experienced an unexpected internet and phone outage.
The culprit? A squirrel. 🐿️
Apparently, one tiny critter decided to take on a rather ambitious construction project near the corner of the District Office and managed to chew through approximately 750 feet of wiring. Yes…750 feet.
Who knew something that could fit in the palm of your hand could create such a HUGE headache for our staff and families? Thankfully, everything has been fully restored and we’re happy to report that the district is now fully up and running!
Thanks again for your patience while we got things back online. We appreciate our staff, students, and families for rolling with the unexpected adventure!
Lesson learned: Never underestimate a squirrel.
We owe everyone a big thank you for your patience and understanding last Thursday and Friday as our district experienced an unexpected internet and phone outage.
The culprit? A squirrel. 🐿️
Apparently, one tiny critter decided to take on a rather ambitious construction project near the corner of the District Office and managed to chew through approximately 750 feet of wiring. Yes…750 feet.
Who knew something that could fit in the palm of your hand could create such a HUGE headache for our staff and families? Thankfully, everything has been fully restored and we’re happy to report that the district is now fully up and running!
Thanks again for your patience while we got things back online. We appreciate our staff, students, and families for rolling with the unexpected adventure!
Lesson learned: Never underestimate a squirrel.
A little back-to-school kindness goes a long way!
We are so thankful to Rochester Chiropractic for putting together backpacks filled with school supplies and for making a monetary donation to help support our Rochester students as they head back to school.
We love seeing our community come together to support one another and make a difference for our students. Thank you so much, Rochester Chiropractic, for your generosity and continued support of our schools and families!
REMINDER: Our BIG Annual Back-to-School Supply Fair is TOMORROW! Join us from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM behind the District Office. There will be school supplies and community resources available to help Rochester families get ready for a great school year!
We can't wait to see you there!
#RochesterWarriors #RochesterCommunity #BackToSchool
We are so thankful to Rochester Chiropractic for putting together backpacks filled with school supplies and for making a monetary donation to help support our Rochester students as they head back to school.
We love seeing our community come together to support one another and make a difference for our students. Thank you so much, Rochester Chiropractic, for your generosity and continued support of our schools and families!
REMINDER: Our BIG Annual Back-to-School Supply Fair is TOMORROW! Join us from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM behind the District Office. There will be school supplies and community resources available to help Rochester families get ready for a great school year!
We can't wait to see you there!
#RochesterWarriors #RochesterCommunity #BackToSchool
Welcome, Class of 2030!
Hello, Freshman Warrior Families!
The countdown is on! We are just 12 days away from Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We are incredibly excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to Rochester High School!
Freshman Orientation is designed to help students begin their high school journey with confidence. Throughout the day, students will have opportunities to meet their classmates, build new connections, get comfortable in the RHS building, and learn what it means to be a Warrior. Our staff has been working hard to create a fun and welcoming experience, and we can't wait to see our newest Warriors!
Transportation is available if needed. If your student needs transportation to or from Orientation, please contact the RHS Main Office at 273-5534 or First Student at 273-0292.
~An Exciting First Day for the Class of 2030!~
We are also excited about a change to our school schedule designed specifically to help make the transition to high school as smooth and successful as possible.
The first day of school for freshmen will be Wednesday, September 2 (TWO WEEKS AWAY!!!). We have planned a special day filled with speakers, activities, opportunities to connect, and a modified academic schedule. Our goal is to help ease those first-day nerves, build confidence, and give students a positive start to their high school experience.
~Parent Night~
We would also love to welcome our families to Parent Night on Thursday, September 3, at 6:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity to learn more about RHS, hear important information, and ask questions as your student begins this exciting new chapter.
We strongly encourage you to attend!
Starting high school is a big milestone, and we want our students and families to know that they are not making this transition alone. Our entire RHS team is ready to welcome, support, encourage, and celebrate the Class of 2030.
We are so excited to welcome your child to the Rochester High School family! The next four years will bring new friendships, challenges, opportunities, accomplishments, and memories—and we are honored to be part of the journey.
Welcome to RHS, Class of 2030!
Once a Warrior, ALWAYS a Warrior!
Mid-Summer Warrior Report
“It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” ... Meister Eckhart
August 13, 2026
Greetings, Warrior Families!
I would like to apologize to all of you. I sent this newsletter out with timely information and unbeknownst to me it did not reach you. I was notified last night and the system has been fixed.
Summer is flying by, and in just five short weeks our halls will once again be filled with the energy, excitement, and laughter of students. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for another incredible year at Rochester High School!
For the Class of 2030, this is an especially exciting time. In just five weeks, you'll have completed your very first day as Rochester High School Warriors! Our staff has planned an engaging Freshman Orientation and first-day experience designed to help every incoming freshman feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their high school journey. We can't wait to meet you and help make your transition to RHS a great one.
This school year, we will continue building on the important work we began last year. Our focus remains on preparing every student to graduate with confidence and the skills needed for a successful future. Every lesson, activity, and opportunity is designed with that goal in mind.
You may have heard recent conversations from the State Superintendent regarding student cell phone use during the school day. Rochester High School will continue with our current cell phone expectations. We believe one of our responsibilities is helping students develop healthy habits with technology by learning when, where, and how to use it appropriately. This approach aligns with our mission of preparing students for success beyond high school. We encourage families to partner with us by discussing your own expectations for cell phone use at school before the year begins.
Fall is one of the most exciting times of the year at RHS, and our athletic programs are getting ready to kick off another great season! Football practice begins August 19, and all other fall sports begin August 24. We offer opportunities for students to get involved through:
*Football
*Boys Golf
*Volleyball
*Cheer
*Girls Swimming
*Girls Soccer
*Boys & Girls Cross Country
If your student plans to participate, please complete the registration process through FinalForms by visiting our Athletics webpage:
https://rhs.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rhs/page/athletics
Getting involved in athletics, clubs, activities, and school events is one of the best ways for students to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories. We encourage every student to find something that helps them connect with our Warrior community.
Most importantly, below you will find significant dates that are important at RHS. If you need more information please feel free to contact the office after August 17 when our office staff returns. Also, you are always welcome to contact me via email with any questions that you may have.
Freshmen Orientation: August 31 (Transportation will be available)
First Day of School: Class of 2030 - September 2
First Day All Students: September 3
Homecoming Week: September 28 - October 3 (Stay tuned for more information!)
Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences: Week of October 19 - 23
Non-School Day: November 2
Veteran’s Day: November 11
Thanksgiving Break: November 26 & 27
Winter Break: December 21 - January 1
MLK Day: January 18
Presidents’ Day: February 15
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences: March 29 - April 2
Spring Break: April 5 - 9
Memorial Day: May 31
Senior Week: June 7 - 11
Graduation: June 13, 2:00 PM, Saint Martins University, Marcus Pavilion
Last Day of School: June 15 - 10:25 Release
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and celebration with our Warrior families. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
WARRIOR PRIDE… Grounded in our common beliefs, the following core values shape our school: Warriors are POSITIVE. Warriors are RESPECTFUL. Warriors have INTEGRITY. Warriors are DETERMINED. Warriors are ENGAGED.
See you soon! Once a Warrior. Always a WARRIOR!
Kevin Theonnes - Principal
ktheonnes@rochester.wednet.edu (360) 273-5534
Rochester School District Promise Statement
We promise to know, value, and support every student, ensuring they graduate with confidence and skills for a successful future.
Rochester High School Values:
– We believe all students have value
– We believe opportunities to learn & grow are everywhere
– We believe all students are capable of learning & enjoying all subjects
– We believe all students have the ability to develop skills to lead a productive life
A Huge Thank You to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office!
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office dropped off a TON of school supplies for our Rochester students, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity!
These supplies will be available to families at ROOF’s Back-to-School Supply Fair on August 20 and will also be available through our schools to support families throughout the school year. We appreciate the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and their continued support of our Rochester students and families. Community partnerships like this make a real difference, and we couldn’t reach all of our families without you!
Thank you for helping make sure our students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn!
