The Prowler

Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Students,

This week marks the conclusion of the 4th Six Weeks grading period. Starting Monday, February 24, 2025, through Thursday, February 28, 2025, we will be administering the Spring 2025 Benchmark assessments for all tested grades and subjects. These assessments are an important tool in measuring student progress and will provide valuable insights into areas of strength and areas that may need further attention. The results from these benchmarks will play a crucial role in shaping instructional strategies for the remaining time leading up to the STAAR 2025 state assessments. Teachers will use this data to refine their teaching approaches, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the state exam.

We would like to remind and encourage all parents to continue prioritizing consistent daily attendance for their children. Regular attendance is crucial to student success, and we are committed to maintaining a school-wide attendance rate of at least 96% throughout the year. Your support in achieving this goal is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your efforts.

To further motivate and celebrate student participation, RHMS administration will be offering exciting weekly incentives for any grade level that reaches an attendance rate of 96% or higher during the week. These incentives are designed to encourage students to remain engaged and present, reinforcing the importance of being in school every day. Together, we can ensure that our students have the best opportunity to succeed, both academically and personally. Thank you for being an essential part of this important effort!

Keep abreast of all the great things happening at RHMS via our weekly newsletter, THE PROWLER! #WeAreBobcats #OurKidsAreGreat

Monday, February 24, 2025

• RLA Spring Benchmark (5th-8th Grade)
• After School Tutorials Cancelled

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

• Math Spring Benchmark (5th-8th Grade)

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

• Science Spring Benchmark (5th & 8th Grade)
• After School Tutorials Cancelled

Thursday, February 27, 2025

• Social Studies Spring Benchmark (8th Grade)
• College/University Day

Friday, February 28, 2025

• Spring Benchmark Make-Up Testing
• RHMS Bobcat Spirit Day
• CTE Campus Tour at Rio Hondo High School (8th Graders)
• End of 4th Six Weeks

Saturday, March 1, 2025

• RHMS Track Meet @ Lyford

The Rio Hondo Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees recently honored seven exceptional students from the Rio Hondo Middle School (RHMS) Band for their impressive achievements in earning spots in the highly regarded ATSSB (Association of Texas Small School Bands) All-Region Band. This recognition highlights the students' dedication, talent, and hard work in the competitive world of music performance. This recognition from the Board of Trustees also serves as a reminder of the power of extracurricular activities like band to shape students' character, discipline, and work ethic. It further emphasizes the importance of supporting students in their artistic and academic endeavors, helping them achieve their full potential. Pictured from left to right are: Issai Barraza, 5th Chair Euphonium; Jacob Z. Perez, 7th Chair Tuba; Allison Garza, 7th Chair Percussion; Genevy Duran, 7th Chair Clarinet; Jamie Zepeda, 6th Chair Clarinet; Melanie Medina, 5th Chair Alto Saxophone; and Diana Pena, RHMS Band Director. Not pictured: Blakely Ochoa, 2nd Chair Clarinet.

The RHISD Board of Trustees took a moment to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of RHMS students who participated in the UIL Academic Invitational and District meets. Their hard work, determination, and impressive results are a testament to the dedication they have shown throughout their academic journey. The Board is incredibly proud of their achievements and the perseverance they demonstrated in such a competitive environment.

Equally deserving of recognition are the coaches, whose relentless efforts played a key role in revitalizing the UIL Academics program at RHMS. After several years of hiatus caused by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of this program is an inspiring example of resilience and commitment. Thanks to their tireless work, these students were given the opportunity to excel in academic competitions once again, and we are grateful for the coaches’ unwavering support in guiding them through this process.

The Board acknowledges that these collective accomplishments reflect the collaborative spirit of students, teachers, and staff, all of whom have worked together to foster an environment where academic excellence is not only encouraged but achieved. We look forward to supporting the continued success of these students and the program as a whole in future meets.

Pictured with the RHISD Board of Trustees from left to right are: Mrs. Gloria Ahmu, RHMS Coordinator, Aria Gonzales, Gracelyn Guzman, Jaclyn Kleypas, Mia Castilla, Ms. Itzel Alonso, UIL Coach; Juan Castillo, UIL Coach; Antonio Martinez, Lani Tamez, Nicole Gallegos, Mercedes Barragan, Leonardo Cavazos, Francisco Galvan, and Isaac Cardoza.

A friendly reminder to all our RHMS parents...If you have not yet done so, Mr. Moreno highly encourages all parents to join the Remind App. Information regarding upcoming activities/events, The Prowler newsletter, and other important campus information is shared weekly via Remind. Here are the codes you need by grade level:

5th Grade: Text: @9cee34c To: 81010

6th Grade: Text: @ahg2db To: 81010

7th Grade: Text: @gk3dd3 To: 81010

8th Grade: Text: @mrmorenorh To: 81010

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE REMIND CODES ARE FOR PARENTS ONLY.

“Teach like the future depends on it, because guess what, it does! Make each connection meaningful and be passionate about it. Kids respond to real, not scripted scenes.” #TeachersRock @liv_holstein

“What do teaching and a roller coaster have in common?” It looks like all fun from the outside. Once you’re on it, it’s both frightening and full of surprises at the same time. There are ups and downs, there are turns and spins. Sometimes it feels like you might fly off the rails. But at the end, you look back and realize what an amazing ride it was, and just can’t wait to go again.” @Bored_Teachers