RTS Middle School News

Happy New Year, RTS Community!

I hope everyone has had a chance to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends over the holiday break. The return to school after a significant break is the perfect time to refocus on learning and set goals for the new year. January offers a fresh start for all of us, and at school, we are prioritizing our efforts to help students grow and succeed.

Students will be taking midterms or final exams during the month of January, depending on whether their courses are full-year or half-year. Additionally, on January 30th, students will participate in a brief NYS-required computer-based testing simulation. This simulation is designed to help students practice the logging-in process and become familiar with the computer tools they will use for the state tests scheduled for the end of April and May.

This next stretch before state assessments is critical, as it’s when we see the most growth in our students. We’ll be reviewing mid-year progress, tackling challenges, and preparing students for their future success.

I also want to express my gratitude to all the teachers, students, and RTS families who came together during the holiday season to support those in need. Your generosity and kindness made a difference and truly embody the spirit of our Saber community.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! We’re excited about what 2025 has in store.

Warm regards,
Laura Karlson
Principal, RTS Middle School

January Reminders for RTS Families

Welcome back to school! As we start 2025, here are a few important reminders for students and families:

• Attendance Matters: Students are expected to be in their homerooms by 7:40 AM. If a student is late or absent, a written excuse must be submitted within 48 hours of their return. Regular attendance is key to academic success!

• Respect for Teachers and Staff: A positive school environment starts with mutual respect. Students are reminded to follow directions, show kindness, and communicate respectfully with teachers, staff, and classmates. Together, we can create a supportive and productive learning space for everyone.

• Dress Code: Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for school. Clothing should be safe, not disruptive, and must align with our dress code guidelines, including covering undergarments and avoiding inappropriate messages or imagery.

• Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off upon entering the building. If students need to contact home, they should visit the Main Office.

• State Assessments: The long stretch before state testing is a great time for students to focus on learning and growth. Encourage them to stay organized, complete assignments on time, and seek help if needed.

• Lost and Found: Check the lost and found in the Main Office for any misplaced items from before the break.

We are excited for a great start to 2025 and look forward to seeing our students thrive in the months ahead!

Ed Swartwout

Assistant Principal, RTS Middle School

Hello RTS Families!!

My name is Rhonda Ruhm and I have worked as a school counselor for 32 years. My

new job as a Prevention Specialist is where I can combine my knowledge of the last 3

decades with my passion for helping students and families. We have begun work with

our youngest Elementary School Sabers teaching about the dangers of tobacco/nicotine,

especially around e-cigarette use. In the Spring semester, I will begin work with 6th and

7th graders on the same!

Conversations at home are very important protective factors for children.

Nationally and locally, we have seen trends with earlier use of vapes and we are

working to educate and empower students to make healthier choices for their physical

health and wellbeing. I wanted to share some information we know about vapes with

you from the American Lung Association:

• Vape liquids come in fruit flavors that are appealing to youth but are illegal in

New York State.

• Vapes almost always contain harmful ingredients that can harm both the brain

and lungs.

• Nicotine is a very addictive substance found in vapes and can harm the

developing brain.

• Nicotine can negatively affect a teen's attention, learning, and memory which can

also impact their success in school.

• Coughing, wheezing, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness from the chemicals

found in vapes can also be experienced.

• Conversations begin with calm and non judgmental openers like “Hey, what do you know

about the dangers of vaping?"

Please feel free to reach out to me at the email below if you have any questions or

I can be of help to you as we partner to reduce the use of tobacco by our Middle School

Sabers!

Sincerely,

Rhonda I. Ruhm M.S.Ed., C.A.S.

Community Schools Prevention Specialist

CVCSD and SVCSD

rruhm@btboces.org

1-800-LUNG-USA

(1-800-586-4872)

Now's the time to order your SV Spirit Wear! Visit: https://svstudentgov.itemorder.com/

Key Details:

• Order Deadline: Ensure your orders are in by 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2025. Late orders will not be accepted.

• Delivery Timing: Expect your orders to arrive around the week of February 6th, 2025.

• Unavailable Items: If any item is out of stock, you will be notified, and your credit card will be refunded.

• Payment: Your credit card will be charged upon placing your order. Please allow approximately three weeks after the store closes for delivery.

For questions or concerns, reach out at: customercare@wwsport.com or call: 607- 821-3600

Pick-Up/Shipping Options:

1. Free Pick-Up at Worldwide Sport Supply: Collect your order at 2809 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY.

2. Free Bulk Pick-Up by Coordinator: The store coordinator will gather orders and distribute them at school.

3. Direct Shipping to Your Home (additional charge): Have your order shipped straight to your home for a fee.

Get your SV Spirit Wear today and proudly display your school spirit!

Susquehanna Valley CSD is looking for a Part-Time Cook to help our team at Richard T. Stank Middle School prepare nutritious meals for our students. Position offers a 5.5 hrs./day schedule with summers off. Visit our Employment Opportunities web page for more information on qualifications for this opening and to find application forms: www.svsabers.org/EmploymentOpportunities.aspx

*8th grade students will be going to SPARK at SUNY Broome on January 22nd, hosted by the Broome County Chamber of Commerce. This event is targeted to 8th grade students in the Greater Binghamton area to expose them to career choices in the area. SPARK provides a hands-on immersive experience for students to explore career options. Career exploration in middle school is crucial to the future success of students.

*Quarter 2 ends on January 24th. Report cards will be mailed out on January 31st.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your student's academic progress, please contact the Guidance Office at 607-775-9132.

Our RTS Annual Holiday Luncheon was held on December 17th and was another huge success!! Thank you to all staff, students, and community members who took part in making our annual event a special one for our senior citizens.

If you missed out on this year's luncheons, please give us a call to be notified of next year's!! We are collecting addresses to send reminder postcards.

Band and Orchestra students and Parents:

Orchestra and 7/8 Band are taking a trip to Darien Lake Amusement Park on Saturday, May 31st! We'll be performing for judges and enjoying a fun day in the park. If you have not turned in your commitment letter and deposit, please contact your music teacher to get one, so your child can participate. We're going to have a great time!

Hadestown is a musical that retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice written by Anaïs Mitchell wrote the music, lyrics, and book for Hadestown. The musical is set in the depression era, in a New Orleans-inspired meeting house. It's infused with blues, jazz, Dixieland, and modern American folk music. In 2019, it received 14 nominations (the most that year) and won eight, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

• The musical is about a young couple, Orpheus (Grey Milligan) and Eurydice (Janeva Mazil), whose love story takes place in a reimagined underworld.Representing the Greek chorus, the three Fates (Ryleigh Stewart, Maddie Zitzmann and Grayden Everson) give foreboding advice to the young couple. In spite of the warnings, Eurydice accepts a job in Hadestown, an underground factory, run by Hades (Rylan Everson) and his wife Persephone (Peyton Tobler). Eurydice goes “way down under” in order to escape poverty. Orpheus, a singer-songwriter, sets out to rescue her. The musical explores themes such as doubt, faith, love, fear, and industry versus nature. It also tells a story about the working class’ potential to overthrow the ruling class. The workers are led by Alexandria Stewart, Madison Turner, and Basil Kutalek. The rest of the ensemble is played by Lily Hollenbeck, Paul Howard, Hailey Litster, Reilly Miller, Sophia Sousouris. They are joined by eighth grade students: Ruby McEwen, Shaina Onishea, Riley Olds, Sophia Landers, Jenna Hogue, Hailey Gorton and Isaiah Wdowiak. Stage crew includes: Ava Palmer, Demetrius Morelock,Victor Piester, Sonora Grant, Jonathan Dieppa, Samantha Gale, Jatiana Field, and Jenna Fazzi

Stage direction is by Shirley Goodman. Our musical director, pit conductor and producer is Jenn Perkins. Sonny Dewitt, Karen Everson, and Shirley Goodman will be building the sets designed by Mr. Dewitt. Peg Collins is getting the backstage crew in shape as stage manager. Costumes are assembled and organized by Erin Goodman and Megan Howland. Finally, we have Hannah Merrell sharing her dramatic talents as assistant director and Nina Varano teaching choreography. Light design by Shirley Goodman, with the assistance of Gabby Button, with Terri Schneider and Rita Foran at the light board running cues.

Hadestown Teen Version is an epic tale that asks each one of us to find beauty not only in “the world we dream about, but also in the one we live in now.” Tickets will be $10 and can be purchased online starting

February 7th is the RTS Valentine's Semi-Formal from 5:30-7pm. More information to follow.

February 14th-17th- President's Day weekend- No School

February 21st-23rd- Saber Stage performance of "Hadestown".

March 3rd- end of 25 weeks. Interim reports will be mailed the following week.

March 14th- No School- Superintendent's Conference Day.

March 20th- National Junior Honor Society Induction 6pm. More information to follow.