Middle School In the Know

Photo packages ordered through Strawbridge Studios will be distributed to students by the end of next week. 

If you would still like to order portraits, visit strawbridge.net. Those who took photos during the makeup day on October 14 will be able to purchase photos in the next few weeks. 

On Friday, October 30, 2026, the Middle School will host its annual Halloween costume contest. Because this date falls during our grade-level experiential learning trips, the contest will take place Friday afternoon, following the sixth-grade students’ return from their morning trip to the State Park. As students prepare their costumes, please ensure that all costumes are appropriate for our school community and adhere to dress code modesty guidelines. Costumes that may be considered excessively frightening must be approved in advance. Inflatable costumes are not permitted, and masks and hats must be removed during class. Political or culturally offensive costumes are not allowed, and all costume weapons and weapon accessories must be left at home. If you have any questions about costume appropriateness or the event, please contact us at middleschool@rabungap.org. Thank you for helping us make this a fun, festive, and respectful celebration for our Middle School community!

Due to the Homecoming Pep-Rally on October 23, 2026, there will be no afterschool activities for the middle school. Students will dismiss from the main campus at 3:30pm. If you pick your student up via carpool, please make arrangements to pick them up from the main campus carpool line in front of the A&T building.

Due to grade-level experiential learning trips, there will be no after-school activities during the week of October 26–30. As students will be traveling off campus at various times throughout the week, please ensure that your student has transportation arrangements in place to be picked up or take the bus at 3:30 p.m. on any days they are on campus.

Due to the Homecoming Football game, there will be no aftercare, no afternoon activities, and no evening 6 PM bus on Friday, October 23. The 3:30 PM bus will run as scheduled. 

Demystifying Mood Swings

If you have ever felt like you walked into the kitchen speaking to a cheerful child, only to have them storm out two minutes later over a simple question, you are not alone.

Middle school is a period of rapid transformation. Alongside physical growth spurts, your child’s brain and hormonal systems are undergoing massive restructuring. Naturally, this often leads to sudden shifts in mood. But as parents, it can be challenging to determine what is a normal part of growing up and when a mood change might signal a need for extra support.

Thus, we want to help demystify middle school mood swings and provide clear guidance on how to navigate them at home.

Click READ MORE below to read the full message.

Don't miss our Homecoming Spirit Days on October 21-23! Wacky Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Green & Gold Spirit Friday! Click READ MORE for all the details!

All students interested in participating in the RGNS Middle School’s production of Frozen Jr., are invited to audition! The show will run February 11-14, 2027. Middle school students should prepare an audition song of their choice, no longer than two minutes in length. Auditionees need not sing an entire song, they may feel free to prepare a partial song, as long as the excerpt is no longer than two minutes. 

Auditions for Middle School students will take place the week beginning November 2. In addition to their chosen song, students will learn a dance number with Miss Qui, learn music with Mrs. Keeny, and read from the script with Mr. Keeny and other potential cast members. Callback information will follow at a later date. 

Please keep in mind that if you would like to be a part of our production, but you aren’t comfortable being on stage, you are welcome to join the technical crew! If you like to build or paint, or if you would like to learn about sound and lighting for theatrical productions, please let us know! Theatre is a world that has a place for everyone! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Jonan Keeny (jkeeny@rabungap.org).

The Admission Office and Lower School are hosting a Trunk or Treat at 6:15 pm on Friday, October 30 before the home football game! This is a great opportunity to bring a friend to experience the Rabun Gap community! Prospective families who RSVP will get a concessions voucher. Share with families, neighbors, and friends! Prospective families should RSVP at 

https://www.rabungap.org/admission/admission-events/admission-tailgate-event.

During the week of October 26, students across all grade levels will participate in off-campus experiential learning trips tailored to their curriculum. Each grade will travel to unique destinations, and all trips will include an overnight component designed to foster independence and teamwork. Below is a brief outline for each of the trips by grade level:

6th Grade: Students depart Tuesday, October 27, at 8:45 a.m. for the Nantahala Outdoor Center and will spend the night. Wednesday includes a visit to Cherokee, NC, with students returning to campus in time for the 6:00 p.m. bus. Thursday and Friday are day trips to Foxfire and Black Rock Mountain Lake, respectively, with return to campus by the 3:30 p.m. bus.

7th Grade: Students depart Monday, October 26, for Chattanooga, TN, and will spend three nights away. Activities include the Tennessee Aquarium, river fishing, a night hike, Ruby Falls, Chickamauga Battlefield, and team-building activities. Students return to Rabun Gap by 3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 29. On Friday, October 30, students will attend the middle school at their normal time, participating in trip reflections and introductions for their Watershed Projects.

8th Grade: Students depart Tuesday, October 27, at 9:00 a.m. for a three-day overnight trip through Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta, exploring key Civil Rights sites. Students return to Rabun Gap by approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 29. Friday is a regular school day featuring the introduction of Project: Be the Change.