Parent Resources

Activities, Tips, and Resources Developed by RCDS Educators

Academic excellence, the emphasis on critical life skills, character, and community, form the foundation for truly great, N-8 independent education at The Rumson Country Day School. Developed by RCDS educators who create “aha” moments for our students every day, the guides offered below are educational, fun, and a good way to experience portions of our curriculum.

The Big Idea Activity Guide

THE BIG IDEA ACTIVITY GUIDE: 20+ INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FROM RCDS CLASSROOMS, iLAB, SCIENCE LABS, ART STUDIOS & STAGE

Children Engage with Big Ideas Every Day at RCDS

We’ve compiled 20+ interactive activities — science, technology, the arts, mathematics, academic enrichment, and more — in the Big Idea Activity Guide. Geared to kids age 3 and up, activities involve materials you can find at home or easily source. Try one or all!

Download your FREE copy today.

The Executive Functioning Guide

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING GUIDE: HOW TO BOLSTER 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS STUDENTS USE FOR A LIFETIME

Executive Functioning Begins Early at RCDS

Executive Functioning (EF) — the set of skills like planning, organization, time management, perseverance, and more — starts early at RCDS. In fact, from grades N-8, we integrate EF into the curriculum to build and reinforce an essential skillset that sets students up for success in high school, college and beyond.

Try our definitive guide to get started. Discover the 10 fundamentals of Executive Functioning, plus 5 easy-to-do activities you can do at home that foster EF skills, and other helpful tips. Developed by RCDS faculty, the lessons and activities are geared to children ages 2 and up.

Download your FREE copy today.

The Social Emotional Learning Guide

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING GUIDE: how to foster social emotional growth plus 14 activities & Techniques

Happiness Matters at RCDS

Future success depends on more than the development of academic skills learned in school like critical thinking and problem-solving. Research has shown that social emotional maturity plays a significant role in children's success in and outside of school.

A robust Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program equips children to:

• be more confident
• make responsible decisions
• understand and manage emotions
• set and achieve goals

Learn the basics of SEL, its long-term benefits, plus 14 easy-to-do activities, developed by our experienced faculty to bolster these skills at home.

Download your FREE copy today.

Newly Enrolled Family Resources

Newly enrolled? We are here to make your transition as smooth as possible. Please see below for some important information that will come in handy while preparing for the school year! Feel free to reach out to Director of Advancement, Tracey Wetmore at twetmore@rcds.org with any questions.

2023-2024 Tentative School Calendar - Major Dates

**Dates subject to change.**

August
Monday-Thursday, 8/28-31: Faculty Meetings
Thursday, 8/31: 8th Grade Orientation; New Student & Beginners Orientation

September
Tuesday, 9/5: First Day of School for Beginners-7th Grade; 8th Grade Wilderness Trip; 12:30 pm Dismissal
Thursday, 9/7: First Day of School for Nursery & PreK
Monday, 9/25: NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur

October
Monday, 10/9: NO SCHOOL
Friday, 10/20: NO SCHOOL for Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences

November
Monday-Friday, 11/20-24: NO SCHOOL for Students - Thanksgiving Break
Monday-Tuesday, 11/20-21: Professional Development for Faculty

December
Tuesday, 12/19: Holiday Concert
Wednesday, 12/20: Nursery-2nd Grade Holiday Programs; 12:30 pm Dismissal
Thursday, 12/21: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break Begins

January
Thursday, 1/4: School Reopens
Monday, 1/15: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February
Friday, 2/2: NO SCHOOL for Lower School - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Monday, 2/19: NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, 2/20: NO SCHOOL - Phi Beta Kappa Day in honor of Nicole Molnar ’15

March
Wednesday, 3/13: NO SCHOOL for Upper School - Student led Conferences
Friday, 3/8: 12:30 pm Dismissal; Spring Break Begins
Monday, 3/25: School Reopens

May
Friday, 5/3: NO SCHOOL for Lower School - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Monday, 5/27: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

June
Monday, 6/3: 12:30 Dismissal begins for the rest of the school year
Thursday, 6/6: Last Day for Nursery & PreK
Friday, 6/7: Class Day* for Beginners - 8th Grade at 8:15 am; 8th Grade Commencement at 4pm

*Parents are invited to Class Day. School is dismissed at the end of the program (approx. 9:30/10 am). Bussing is provided to school only. Parents provide transportation home at the end of Class Day. There is no child care on the last day of school.

**Dates subject to change.**

Arrival Dismissal Details

Please click here to download the detailed description of drop-off and pick-up procedures and review carefully as some of our procedures have changed.

After reviewing the 23-24 arrival and dismissal details, please click here to indicate your dismissal choice for students in Beginners-Grade 8 by Friday, August 25.

If you select the "Walker" dismissal choice, you must print, sign and return this walker permission slip to the main office by August 25. If you have any questions regarding dismissal please contact Sue Leslie at sleslie@rcds.org.

Dress Code Guidelines

Dress Code Guidelines
Dress Code for Early Childhood Center (Nursery & Pre-K): Uniforms are not required for students in the Early Childhood Center. However we ask that students are dressed to reflect the following dress code guidelines:
• Neat serviceable clothing.
• No jewelry.
• No open-toe shoes or shoes without backs (including “Crocs”).
• Socks or tights must be worn. Sneakers may be worn.
• Students must have a change of clothes available in their cubbies on a regular basis.

Uniform Requirements for Beginners-8th Grade

**PLEASE MARK YOUR CHILD’S NAME ON ALL ARTICLES OF CLOTHING**

Vendors: Our uniform vendors are Lands' End (School Code: 9000-8558-0) and Corey Uniform (School Code: 718-967-1388). For a list of approved uniform items, please reference the lists below by grade level. These lists are meant for quick reference. Please visit Lands' End and Corey Uniform online for a more comprehensive listing. Please keep in mind that shirts, sweaters and vests must be embroidered with the school logo.

Clothing: All clothing except slacks, socks, shoes, and blazer must carry the RCDS logo. Pants should be in the style of the Lands’ End khakis that have traditionally been part of the uniform. The RCDS logo is no longer required on the uniform pants. While this does make it possible to purchase pants from different manufacturers, please use the pictures available on the Lands’ End website as your guide. Appropriate pants are still available for purchase from Lands’ End.

Shoes: A traditional dress shoe is required for grades 2-8. Beginners and 1st graders may wear sneakers. Shoes may be tan, brown, black, blue, or gray. Boat shoes with laces are permitted. Shoes should be no higher than the ankle. No boots, no sneakers, or other athletic looking shoes are permitted for grades 2-8. NONE of the following are permitted: shoes with heels over 1 ½ inches, platform shoes, backless or open-toed shoes, sneakers or other athletic look shoes for Grades 2 - 8, boots, sandals.

Popular Shoe Options 2nd-8th Grade: Loafers, Mary Janes, Merrell Jungle Moc, OluKai: Moloa, Sperry: Gamefish, Tevin, Bahama or Songfish, Vans: Classic Slip-on

• For boys, socks are permitted to have school appropriate patterns and logos. There can be no additional attachments to socks and they should be crew length. Socks must be worn.
• For girls, leggings, tights, knee-socks must be navy blue, forest green, white, gray or black. socks are permitted to have school appropriate patterns and logos. There can be no additional attachments to socks and they should be crew length. Ankle socks must come up at least 3 inches above the ankle bone. (Fleshcolored pantyhose is not allowed.) Socks, tights, etc. must be worn.
• Skirts, jumpers, and skorts must be modest and appropriate in length, approximately 2 inches above the knee.
• No hats, bandannas, or headscarves are permitted unless they serve a religious or medical reason.
• Students in Grades 1 – 4 are required to wear a smock or shirt to Art or Crafts class to protect their clothing.
• Jewelry should be small and classic and must not interfere with any school activities and should not be too valuable to lose in school. Only one earring is allowed per ear.
• When wearing a sweater or blazer, shirts must be tucked IN.
• Students in Grades 5-8 who are not in dress code may receive a “general detention”. No student will be allowed to call home for a change of clothes once he/she is in school.

Uniform Requirements by Grade Level

Lower School Boys (Beginners-4th Grade)

The uniform for boys in Beginners through Grade 4 is uniform shorts or uniform slacks, uniform polo shirts or uniform turtlenecks, and socks (at least 3 inches above the anklebone). A uniform sweater (cardigan, pullover, or vest) or fleece may be worn. Dress shirts, ties, belts, and jackets are not required for boys in B-4.

Item	Style	Color
Polo Shirt	Mesh or Interlock	White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink
Sweater	Crew, Full Zip, or V-Neck	Evergreen, Navy
Fleece Jacket	Full or Quarter Zip	Evergreen
Shorts/Pants	Chino (any brand)	Navy, Khaki
Socks	Crew or Ankle	Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black

Upper School Boys (5th-8th Grade)

The RCDS school uniform for boys in grades 5-8 consists of uniform slacks, uniform blazer and/or uniform cardigan, pullover or sweater vest, or fleece, uniform button down dress shirt – long or short sleeve, and neatly pressed uniform slacks, a tie, belt, and socks that are at least 3 inches above the anklebone. Pants should be in the style of the Lands’ End khakis that have traditionally been part of the uniform. The RCDS logo is no longer required on the uniform pants. While this does make it possible to purchase pants from different manufacturers, please use the pictures available on the Lands’ End website as your guide. Appropriate pants are still available for purchase from Lands’ End. (Boys may choose their own ties, belts, and socks, as the uniform company does not offer them.)

Item	Style	Color
Polo Shirt	Mesh or Interlock	White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink
Oxford Dress Shirt	Long or Short Sleeve	White, Blue
Blazer		Navy
Sweater	Crew, Full Zip, or V-Neck	Evergreen, Navy
Sweater Vest	V-Neck	Evergreen, Navy, Maize
Fleece Jacket	Full or Quarter Zip	Evergreen
Shorts/Pants	Chino (any brand)	Navy, Khaki
Socks	Crew or Ankle	Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black
Tie	Any Style	Any Color or Pattern

Lower School Girls (Beginners-4th Grade)

The uniform for girls in Beginners through Grade 4 consists of uniform polo shirts or uniform blouses, (short, long or ¾ sleeves). Uniform skirts, uniform jumpers, uniform skorts, or uniform slacks, and uniform ankle socks, knee socks or tights/hose. (Girls in Beginners through Grade 2 may also wear uniform shorts.) Uniform fleece, pullover or cardigan sweaters may be worn.

Item	Style	Color
Polo Shirt	Mesh or Interlock	White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink
Sweater	Cardigan, Zip Front, or V-Neck	Evergreen, Navy, Maize (cardigan only)
Fleece Jacket	Full or Quarter Zip	Evergreen
Jumper	Pleated or Solid	Navy, Khaki
Skirt	Pleated, A-Line, or Solid	Navy, Khaki, Green
Formal Skirt	Corey Solid	Gordon Plaid
Shorts/Pants	Chino (any brand)	Navy, Khaki
Socks	Crew or Knee-High	Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black

Upper School Girls (5th-8th Grade)

The uniform for girls in grades 5-8 consists of polo shirts, turtlenecks, or blouses with skirts or slacks, and optional fleece, sweaters, pullover sweaters or sweater vests, all of which must be purchased from either Lands’ End or Corey Uniform company. Girls must also wear socks, leggings (with socks) or tights with shoes.

Item	Style	Color
Polo Shirt	Mesh or Interlock	White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink
Sweater	Cardigan, Zip Front, or V-Neck	Evergreen, Navy, Maize (cardigan only)
Fleece Jacket	Full or Quarter Zip	Evergreen
Jumper	Pleated or Solid	Navy, Khaki
Skirt	Pleated, A-Line, or Skort	Navy, Khaki, Green
Formal Skirt	Corey Plaid	Gordon Plaid
Shorts/Pants	Chino (any brand)	Navy, Khaki
Socks	Crew or Knee-High	Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black

Casual Dress Day Guidelines:

• Clothing must be modest, clean, and not torn or ripped.
• Midriffs must be covered.
• Students may wear jeans, leggings, capris, or joggers. In the case of tight pants such as leggings, shirts must reach to mid-thigh. Shorts must be no more than 3 inches above the knee. There should be no writing on pants.
• Leggings made of both synthetics and cotton are permitted with solid fabric throughout. There can be no cut outs or see-through fabric. Design can range from any school appropriate pattern to solid color. Logos must be small and indiscrete.
• Gym type sweatpants are not allowed.
• Shirts must have sleeves; writing (if any) on t-shirts must contain no references to drugs, alcohol, sex, or any inappropriate language.

• Shirt length must be at least two inches below the waistband of any pant or legging, and when arms are lifted in the air, no skin should be shown.
• Footwear must be safe and appropriate and cover both heels and toes.
• Sneakers may be worn.

*Casual dress day is usually scheduled for the first Friday of each month. Please refer to the online calendar and Gator Bytes for the official casual dress days.

Formal Dress Day Guidelines for Lower School (Beginners-4th Grade): follow the usual dress code.

Formal Dress Day Guidelines for Upper School (5th-8th Grade):
• Boys must have their usual uniform with blazers and white shirts. (No sweaters) Tie of their choice. Traditional black or brown shoe.
• Girls must a white blouse or polo shirt, plaid skirt, navy blue knee-socks, and a traditional black or brown shoe.

Warm Weather Dress for Upper School (5th-8th Grade):
• Shorts - Shorts must follow the color and style of our regular dress code, i.e. traditional khaki or navy blue shorts. Colored shorts, cargo and similar outdoor wear shorts are not acceptable. Shorts are not required to have the RCDS logo. Shorts must be modest in length and ride on the hips. For all students, they should fall approximately two inches above the knee. Shorts should not extend below the knee or expose the midriff. All students should wear belts with their shorts. Shorts may be worn during warm weather dress as indicated on the school calendar.
• Polo shirts with the school logo should be worn with the shorts. Polos should be appropriate in length: neither too long or too short that the midriff is exposed. Dress shirts are not acceptable with shorts.
• Shoes & Socks - Students should follow the same guidelines as the regular dress code. Boat shoes, such as Sperry Topsiders are recommended. Sneakers are not allowed. Socks must be worn. They must be solid in color without excessive designs. Ankle socks are acceptable.

Physical Education Clothing and Dress Code for Lower School (Beginners-4th Grade): We have no athletic locker facilities for these students, and the children in these grades are not required to have a school uniform for physical education classes. We do recommend, however, that all of the children keep a pair of sneakers, a sweat suit, shorts and extra socks in their lockers for use on the playing fields or in the gym. (No slip-on sneakers are permitted, as they fly off their feet when they are running or kicking a ball.) A suitable place to change will be provided.

Physical Education Clothing and Dress Code for Upper School (5th-8th Grade): There is a required gym uniform. The uniform, consisting of a T-shirt, shorts, sweatshirt and sweatpants is included in your tuition. Any replacement or additional gym clothes needed throughout the school year will be billed to you by the school. All students are required to have sneakers and athletic socks. We ask that parents help us and make sure that the gym clothing is laundered on a regular basis.

Gently Worn Uniform Store:

The GWUS provides uniforms for our students at a fraction of the price. As children grow out of sizes, parents donate items to the Gently Worn Uniform Store, which are then sold to our greater school community. If you would like to visit the GWUS , please contact our parent volunteers at gwus@rcds.org to set up an appointment.

Health Portal, Forms, and Information

Magnus Family Health Portal

The following health requirements will be in your RCDS student’s account. All the necessary requirements will need to be updated annually. All Nursery-4th Grade Health History Forms and the 5th-8th Grade Pre Participation Physicals are good for one calendar year from the date of the physical. Nursery and Pre-K students will have to complete a state mandated 2023-2024 flu shot form by December 31, 2023. Only flu shots administered after August 2023 will be approved. All 6th Grade students will need to be complete a state mandated Tdap and Menactra vaccine form by September 30, 2023.

Consent to Treat Form

Nursery-4th Health History Form

5th-8th Grade Pre Participation Physical Evaluation Form

5th-8th Grade Concussion and Head Injury Form

Over the Counter and Prescription Medication Form

Action Care Plans for Asthma, Epilepsy, Food Allergies and Diabetes Form

Nursery and Pre-K Flu Shot Form

6th Grade Tdap and Menactra Vaccine Form

Bus Forms

All students in Beginners-8th grade for the 2023-2024 school year must submit a B6T form to Alana Kirman in the main office.

You will be notified by your public high school sending district or the county (MOESC) as to your eligibility for bussing or aid in lieu of bussing by mid to late August.

Please note that there are two links to B6T forms below. One is for families living in Rumson or Fair Haven. The other form is for families living in any other town. If you do not want bussing, please place an X in the highlighted notation on the top right corner of the form.

Click here to download the form for Rumson/Fair Haven Families.

Click here to download the form Families in all other towns.

Summer Reading Lists

Lower School (Beginners-4th Grade) 2023 Summer Reading

At RCDS we love to live our four pillars: Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful. Last year, students read a book themed on Honesty, and this year we are moving on to the theme of Responsibility. We ask that all students in Beginners-4th grade read, The Good Egg by Jory John. Some students will read the community book with their parents, while others will breeze through it on their own. We will then kick off the school year with this focus and discuss responsibility and how it impacts all of us at school and around the world.

In addition to the required reading we are asking students to read and enjoy as many books as they can. Students should tally their count on the summer reading log that was distributed at the end of the year (also accessible for download here). Below are lists of additional suggested titles for the Summer Reading Challenge by grade level.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Fallon at lfallon@rcds.org.

Lower School Summer Reading by Grade Level

Lower School Summer Reading by Grade Level

Upper School (5th-8th Grade) 2023 Summer Work

Below are the Upper School summer reading lists and math packets by grade level. In the case of reading and math, we recommend distributing this work over several weeks. This makes the work itself less of a burden, of course. But it also builds the habits of reading and problem solving as daily, even hourly, endeavors that can be an enjoyable part of life. Even in the summer.

Tip: It is always a good idea to read one or two of the selections that your children are reading. They are good books and worth reading on their own merits. They may also provide opportunities for conversations.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Bill Lamb at blamb@rcds.org.

Upper School Summer Reading by Grade Level
Upper School Summer Math by Grade Level

One 1 and ½ inch binder for 5th & 6th Graders; Two 1 and ½ inch binders for 7th & 8th Graders
One package of heavy-duty plastic dividers with pockets
One binder pencil pouch
One portable hole puncher
One package of hole punch reinforcements
One plastic accordion folder with eight subject sections
Pens
Highlighters
Mechanical pencils, if preferred

Nav Tier

In This Section

Search Menu

Explore