Science is best learned outside! 🔬🌿 Our 5th grade students partnered with Friends of the Rappahannock this week for some incredible hands-on environmental education. By conducting field observations alongside Friends of the Rappahannock experts, our students aren't just reading about environmental science—they are actively doing it. Thank you to Friends of the Rappahannock for helping us nurture the next generation of scientific thinkers and problem solvers!
Students started in the classroom with inquiry-driven activities—building a "Wonder Wall," mind mapping, and using hexagonal thinking to examine how geography, local economy, and ecosystems connect across our region. To bring these concepts to life, students took a field trip to Tangier Island! Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier provided a firsthand look at shoreline erosion and the heritage of local watermen who depend on a healthy Bay.
What's next for our LEAP researchers? Native Species Research: Students are currently studying native species and creating presentations on how each species supports food webs and water quality. Deltaville Maritime Museum Trip: An upcoming visit to explore local boatbuilding history and the traditional deadrise hulls. Recycled Electric Boat Challenge: Putting STEM principles to work by designing, building, and testing their own motorized boats out of recyclable materials to study circuits, energy, and hydrodynamics!
We are so proud of our students for representing Middlesex County so well and for taking active roles as future stewards of our waterways.
A huge thank you to our School Board, school leaders, families, and community partners for supporting these hands-on experiential learning opportunities!
We are thrilled to celebrate Middlesex Elementary School, which has been officially designated as a distinguished and fully accredited school! 🌟 This is a huge achievement that reflects the incredible dedication, hard work, and heart that our educators, staff, students, and families pour into our community every single day.
Take a look at how Middlesex Elementary is making waves in Superintendent Region 3:
📈 Top 20 in Gains: Out of all schools in Region 3, Middlesex Elementary made the Top 20 for the biggest improvements in overall SPSF scores, jumping up by an impressive 11.01 points compared to last year!
🌟 Top 5 in Gains: When it comes specifically to elementary excellence, Middlesex Elementary is officially in the Top 5 Gains in Overall SPSF Score, ranking 2nd in the entire region for growth!
The "Distinguished" status is a testament to the commitment to academic progress, student growth, and overall success, while being "Fully Accredited" shows students are meeting and exceeding the highest standards set by the Virginia Department of Education.
THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to the entire Middlesex Elementary team. Keep shining, Colts! 💙
October is a great time to slow down, reconnect, and support one another as we settle into the rhythm of the school year. 💛
October is also Bullying Prevention Month, making this month’s Parent Guidance Newsletter an important read for families. Inside, you’ll learn about:
👀 The four types of bullying
⚠️ Warning signs to watch for
💬 How to talk with and support your child
🤝 Ways to strengthen connections and promote well-being
Take a few minutes to read this month’s newsletter and discover simple ways you can help your child feel safe, supported, and connected.
🎉 SURPRISE! Today is Attendance Day! 🍦
Grab your goggles and splash into today because it's a Surprise Attendance Day, and we are diving Under the Sea! Every student present today gets a FREE icy popsicle during lunch to cool off and recharge.
Plus, just by being here today, all students are automatically entered into our Surprise Attendance Day Prize Drawing! 🎟️✨
💡 Hint: We’ll be hosting several surprise attendance days throughout the year, so make sure you’re here every day—you never know when the next surprise will land!
#SchoolCommunity #AttendanceMatters #SurpriseAttendanceDay #PopsicleParty
Interim reports are heading your way!
Early voting starts TODAY — September 18!
The November 3, 2026 General Election is approaching, and Middlesex County voters will have a proposed 1% general retail sales tax referendum on the ballot. The referendum asks whether the county should add the tax to provide revenue solely for the construction or major renovation of Middlesex County Public Schools.
📋 What’s on the ballot?
Our graphics provide a closer look at the referendum and where it appears on the sample ballot.
📅 Early Voting: Begins September 18, 2026
🗳️ Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
🔎 Before you vote: Review your sample ballot and make sure you understand the questions and candidates appearing on your ballot. Virginia’s Department of Elections provides voter registration, polling-place, and ballot information through its Citizen Portal.
Parenting comes with big questions, everyday challenges, and plenty of moments when you could use a little guidance. Parent Guidance provides practical resources and real answers to help families navigate the moments that matter.
💬 Real answers for real parenting moments.
Whether you’re looking for support, strategies, or simply reassurance that you’re not alone, Parent Guidance is here to help.
📲 Get started today! Visit CookCenter.info/Coaching
Friday, September 4th, 2026 & Monday, September 7th, 2026
On Tuesday, November 3, our community will vote on implementing this proposed sales tax for the modernization of Middlesex High School, built in 1949.
A comprehensive study has documented significant aging, safety, accessibility, code, and infrastructure needs at MHS.
If approved, the tax would be paid on taxable purchases by residents AND nonresidents, helping to address the urgent need while relieving some of the burden on property tax payers.
For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/46lsFal
child or family. It's confidential, flexible, and here for you. Register here:
https://cookcenter.info/coaching
Our Colts crushed their first week back. Between mastering the art of hallway line-ups, making new friends at recess, and diving headfirst into brand-new learning adventures, the energy in our halls has been unbelievable.
Scroll through to catch a glimpse of the big smiles, brave moments, and first-day magic! 📸👇
Each hygiene bag contains:
🪥 Toothbrush
🦷 Toothpaste
🦷 Dental floss
🧼 Soap
🧴 Deodorant
🫧 Hand sanitizer
🧴 Lotion
🧻 Tissues
🧽 Body wipes
✨ Q-tips
If a child is in need of a bag or would like to receive one, they can reach out to the school nurse, office, or guidance counselor.
We appreciate your support, Kinsley!
