There will be no school April 6–10 for Spring Break. We hope all of our Rochester families enjoy a well-deserved break, get some rest, and spend quality time together!

Fire Chief Nathan Drake, a proud RHS graduate, spoke with students about the real dangers of distracted driving and the lasting impact it can have on lives, families, and communities. He also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in public safety and emergency response.
Students then experienced a realistic, live simulation of a serious accident. They witnessed firefighters using the jaws of life to extract victims, EMS teams transporting patients by ambulance, and even a helicopter landing for an emergency airlift. Law enforcement demonstrated a sobriety test and arrest, reinforcing the very real consequences of impaired driving.
After the simulation, students had the opportunity to connect with first responders, ask questions, and learn more about both safety and career pathways.
This was more than a demonstration; it was a powerful reminder that a split second of distraction can change everything.
We are incredibly grateful to West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and Airlift Northwest for providing this impactful learning experience for our students.
A huge shout-out to Andrea Reynoldson from West Thurston Regional Fire Authority who made this simulation a reality!!



Today Rochester High School is hosting a demonstration by our Thurston County Fire Department, in partnership with multiple agencies, to demonstrate the importance of driver safety.
Our students are excitedly participating and the agencies have a large number of response vehicles on campus to assist in the demonstration.
We would like to thank everyone participating for their support. Our students wellness and safety are our top priority and RHS is leveraging all resources available to us on their behalf.
Have a great day!











📅 Forum Dates:
• Tuesday, March 31 @ 5:30 pm
• Monday, April 13 @ 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, April 15 @ 5:00 pm
📍 Location: Rochester High School Library
This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand the current condition of our water system, understand the proposed improvements, and hear how this impacts our schools and community.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/capital-levy
We hope to see you there!

Spring Fest, Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Join us for food and games!


If you’re trying to keep up, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Be sure to check the updated schedule here: https://www.rochester.wednet.edu/o/rsd/page/athletics
Go Warriors! 💙

Interviews will take place on March 23 and March 24. We will be hosting two candidates each day. The candidates will each spend 9.5 hours participating in interviews, forums, and activities within the school district. As we enter this phase, it’s important to remember that while the finalists are working to make a strong impression on our district, we are also representing Rochester and want to make a positive impression on them.
As part of the process, staff and community forums will be held on both Monday and Tuesday (3/24 & 3/25) in the RHS Library. The community forums are at 5:45 and 6:30 pm. The forums are an opportunity for you to meet the candidates, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback to the school board.
Your voice is an important part of this process, and we encourage you to attend if you are able.

Rochester High School Student Ariel Maekawa Sanborn created this AWARD-WINNING Chalk Pastel titled Sunday Afternoon. It was selected as a Central Washington University Scholarship Winner!!! The piece captures the warm, abundant serenity of a quiet, slow Sunday afternoon. The neutral tones of the fruit, contrasting the vibrant pinks and blues, demonstrate peace in the midst of chaos.

RHS Students Explore Oregon State University! During a recent three-day field trip, Rochester High School students had the opportunity to visit Oregon State University and experience college life firsthand.
One of the highlights of the trip was an unexpected and inspiring moment—running into RHS alumna Kyra Smith on campus! Our students were able to spend time talking with Kyra, asking questions, and hearing about her journey and experiences as a college student. Seeing one of our own thriving at the university made the visit even more meaningful.
While on campus, students also had the chance to sit in on college classes and explore two areas of study: The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the College of Forestry, where students participated in activities such as Tree ID and learning about Forest Management.
It was a great opportunity for our students to see what their futures could hold and to imagine themselves on a college campus.



From welcoming students each morning, supporting learning in classrooms, preparing meals, keeping our buildings clean and safe, assisting in our offices, and so much more — our Education Support Professionals play a vital role in the success of our schools.
Your dedication, care for students, and commitment to our district do not go unnoticed. The relationships you build and the support you provide help create a positive environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Join us in thanking our Education Support Professionals!

Do you have a student-led conference scheduled?

Recently, Rochester High School juniors and seniors participated in a three-day GEAR UP field trip, visiting several colleges and universities across Oregon. During the trip, students explored campuses at: University of Portland, Lewis & Clark College, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Linfield University, and George Fox University.
Students had the opportunity to experience each campus, ask questions directly to admissions staff and student guides, tour facilities, and explore different academic programs.
It was an inspiring and educational experience that helped students gain a clearer vision of the many opportunities that can await them after high school.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more highlights from this trip, including some memorable moments from the visits!





A great turnout at Future Freshman Orientation! Students select their courses for freshman year beginning Thursday!!


See you there!!!

We look forward to seeing you soon!


Our Unified Basketball team will take on the Tenino Beavers in an exciting league matchup at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, and we would love to see our community fill the stands in support of these athletes.
Unified Basketball, in partnership with Special Olympics, brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete side by side—building inclusion, teamwork, and friendships through sport.
Let’s pack the gym and show our Warrior pride!

