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River Bend Middle

Home of the Ravens | October 13, 2024

River BendMiddleHome of the Ravens | October 13, 2024

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Follow River Bend Middle School on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and our school website for more of what's happening at “The Bend!”


News & Upcoming Events

Bus Changes

Starting Tuesday morning, October 15th, the LCPS Department of Transportation will implement changes to several bus routes. Specifically, these changes may affect buses 945, 879, 399, 2178, and 2052. The adjustments aim to ensure that buses arrive no later than 8:40 am, as several have been arriving just minutes before the school day begins at 8:50 am. Parents and students are encouraged to check ParentVUE and StudentVUE on Monday for updated times and bus numbers. For any questions or concerns, please contact Transportation at (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation.


PTA News

  • Our first PTA fundraiser of the school year, Music BINGO & Trivia with a LIVE DJ, is on Friday October 18th from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Cafeteria. Tickets are available online and will be available for purchase on Wednesday-Friday (10/16-18) during all lunches and at the door on the night of the event. To volunteer, please use the sign-up genius link HERE.


MSAAC

We are seeking a representative for our school on the Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee (MSAAC). MSAAC collaborates with LCPS, parents, and the community to advocate for and support the needs of minority students. The committee works to foster a school system that is culturally and socially aware, ensuring fair and equitable learning opportunities for all students. If you are interested in serving as our school’s representative, please email president@rbmspta.org.


Upcoming Field Trips

  • Monday, October 21: 7th Grade Field Trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo (Permission Form Link)
  • Tuesday, October 22: 6th Grade Field Trip to Harpers Ferry (Permission Form Link)
  • Monday, November 11: 8th Grade Field Trip to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and Museum of the American Indian (Permission Form Link)


Upcoming Events (LCPS Calendars / A & B Days)

  • Monday, October 14 = No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
  • Monday, October 14 - Friday, October 18 = Digital Citizenship Week
  • Wednesday, October 16 = Due Date for 8th Graders to Apply for the Academies of Loudoun
  • Thursday, October 17 = LCPS Celebration Day
  • Friday, October 18 = Fall PTA Fundraiser - Music Beats Bingo & Trivia Night at 6:00 pm (Tickets)
  • Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25 = Mobile STEM Lab
  • Monday, October 21 = 7th Grade Field Trip to the Smithsonian's National Zoo
  • Tuesday, October 22 = 6th Grade Field Trip to Harper's Ferry
  • Thursday, October 24 = 8th Grade & Potomac Falls HS Orchestra Concert - Spooky Serenade at 7:00 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
  • Friday, October 25 = Potomac Falls HS Homecoming Game at 7:00 pm
  • Saturday, October 26 = Potomac Falls HS Homecoming Dance at 8:00 pm
  • Monday, October 28 = Wear Orange Day (Bullying Prevention Awareness and "Pumpkin" Day)
  • Tuesday, October 29 = Halloween Spirit Day
  • Tuesday, October 29 = End of Quarter #1
  • Wednesday, October 30 = No School (Teacher Workday)
  • Thursday, October 31 = No School (Teacher Workday)
  • Friday, November 1 = No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
  • Saturday, November 2 = LCPS Intramural Championship for Flag Football (at Heritage HS)
  • Monday, November 4 = No School (LCPS Professional Development Day)
  • Tuesday, November 5 = No School (Countywide Staff Development Day/Election Day)
  • Wednesday, November 6 = NJHS Applications Open (8th Graders)
  • Wednesday, November 6 - Friday, December 6 = School Fundraiser
  • Thursday, November 7 = Masked Singer Event at 6:00 pm
  • Friday, November 8 = Q1 Ravens of the Week Breakfast (Library) at 7:45-8:15 am
  • Friday, November 8 - Saturday, November 9 = All-County 6th Grade Chorus
  • Monday, November 11 = Veteran's Day
  • Monday, November 11 = Fall Donut Date Sponsored by the PTA at 7:30-8:15 am
  • Monday, November 11 = 8th Grade Field Trip to the Air & Space Museum and Museum of American Indians
  • Wednesday, November 13 = Fall Makeup Pictures & READ Pictures
  • Wednesday, November 13 = 6th Grade All A Honor Roll at 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 13 = 6th Grade A/B Honor Roll at 7:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 14 = 7th Grade All A & A/B Honor Roll at 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 14 = 8th Grade All A & A/B Honor Roll at 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday, November 19 = Intramural Interest Meeting (Volleyball)
  • Tuesday, November 19 = First Day for Q2 Clubs & Activity Buses
  • Thursday, November 21 = PTA Meeting (Virtual Link - Coming Soon) at 6:30 pm
  • Friday, November 22 - Saturday, November 23 = Potomac Falls HS Fall Play
  • Monday, November 25 = BLOOM
  • Monday, November 25 = Staff Thanksgiving Luncheon
  • Tuesday, November 26 = NJHS Applications Due (8th Graders)
  • Tuesday, November 26 = No After-School Clubs or Intramurals
  • Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 = No School (Thanksgiving Break)
  • Wednesday, December 4 = Strings 6 | Day in the Life of Orchestra ("River" Group) at 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 4 = Strings 6 | Day in the Life of Orchestra ("Bend" Group) at 7:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 5 = Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) Event at 6:00 pm
  • Friday, December 6 = Pop Strings Morning Performance at 8:15-8:45 am
  • Friday, December 6 = Last Day for the School Fundraiser
  • Monday, December 9 - Friday, December 13 = Book Fair (RBM Library)
  • Monday, December 9 - Friday, December 13 = National Computer Science Education Week
  • Wednesday, December 11 = Club Pictures
  • Thursday, December 12 = No After-School Clubs or Intramurals
  • Thursday, December 12 = School Musical: Matilda Jr. at 6:00 pm (Ticket Link - Coming Soon)
  • Friday, December 13 = School Musical: Matilda Jr. at 7:00 pm (Ticket Link - Coming Soon)
  • Saturday, December 14 = School Musical: Matilda Jr. at 2:00 pm (Ticket Link - Coming Soon)
  • Saturday, December 14 = School Musical: Matilda Jr. at 7:00 pm (Ticket Link - Coming Soon)
  • Monday, December 16 = In-School Musical Performance: Matilda Jr. at 1:00 pm
  • Tuesday, December 17 = Guitar 8 & PFHS Guitar Combo Concert at 7:00 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Staff Luncheon Sponsored by the PTA
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Band 8 Winter Concert at 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 19 = Jingle Jam Concert (Music Clubs) at 6:00 pm
  • Friday, December 20 = PFHS Music Ensembles for 8th Graders (Block 8)
  • Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 = No School (Winter Break)

Order Your Yearbook Now

Don’t miss out on the 2024 2025 River Bend Middle School Yearbook, filled with all the unforgettable memories of this school year. Our yearbooks sell out every year, so be sure to order yours as soon as possible. Right now, you can take advantage of our early bird special and get your yearbook for just $30. To reserve your copy, CLICK HERE and enter our school code 25178. Act now to secure your yearbook and relive all the best moments of River Bend!

School Attendance

Per School Board Policy 8120 and School Board Policy 8140, each parent/guardian is responsible for their child’s regular and punctual attendance at school as required under provisions of the law (Code of Virginia,§22.1-254).


A parents/guardian of a student who is absent must inform the school of the reason for the absence on the morning of the absence. The preferred method is to report the absence using ParentVUE (start date, end date, reason, note). If a parent is unable to access ParentVUE, a parent/guardian may also call the 24-hour absentee line at (571) 434-3222.


Per School Board Regulation 8140, if a student accrues five (5) or more unexcused absences or otherwise demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism during the school year, a parent/guardian will be contacted and intervention steps will be implemented by a school-based team.


A student is considered chronically absent when their total number of excused and unexcused absences reaches ten percent (10%) or more of the school year. On average, a student should not miss more than four (4) days per quarter.


To comply with state record keeping requirements, students shall be withdrawn from LCPS student membership after fifteen (15) consecutive days of absences regardless of whether their absences are excused or unexcused.


Late Arrivals: Any student arriving after the official start of the school day (8:50 am) will be considered late. When students arrive late to school, they must check in at the main office. Records regarding tardiness will be maintained and appropriate consequences imposed for recurring tardiness.


Early Dismissals: When a student leaves the school premises prior to the end of the school day (3:38 pm) for any reason, a parent/guardian must provide advanced notice and permission. If a parent/guardian reports the early dismissal in ParentVUE, the parent/guardian does not have to check in at the main office. If an early dismissal is not reported in ParentVUE, a parent/guardian must check in at the main office for the child to be released early from school. Because our administrative assistants are involved with transportation at the end of the day, early dismissals after 3:20 pm will only be allowed in the case of an extreme emergency.

Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

The LCPS Middle School Intramural Sports Program has expanded to all 18 middle schools for the 2024-25 school year! We are offering a variety of sports, including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Teams can be co-ed or single-gender, depending on the preferences of the participants.


The timeline and details for each sport are as follows:

  • First Quarter (Season One): 7-on-7 Flag Football
  • Second Quarter (Season Two): 6-on-6 Volleyball
  • Third Quarter (Season Three): 3-on-3 Basketball
  • Fourth Quarter (Season Four): 7-on-7 Soccer


To register, visit https://lcps-ar.rschooltoday.com/home, scroll down and click on the button representing your middle school. Please ensure that the registration form is completed and submitted for each participant.


For more information about Middle School Intramurals, please visit the LCPS Intramurals Page.

Academies of Loudoun

The Academies of Loudoun 2024 Fall Admission Cycle is now open and will run until Wednesday, Oct. 16. This cycle is for 8th grade students enrolled in Algebra I or higher who wish to apply for ninth-grade entry into the Academy of Engineering & Technology or the Academy of Science for the 2025-2026 school year.


Four fall admissions information sessions will be held for eighth-grade students and their parents or guardians. These sessions will cover details about the Academies' programs and the application process. The sessions are scheduled for:


  • October 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at River Bend Middle School


For more information, visit the Academies of Loudoun Admissions website or contact the admissions office.

Technology

Cellphones

The LCPS School Board recently passed Policy 8655 regarding Student Personal Device Use. Students at River Bend Middle School may not use personal devices including cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and personal gaming devices between 8:45 am – 3:38 pm. Students must keep their devices silent and not visible, stored in their locker during the school day. Personal devices may only be used before or after the school day. Other important information includes:

  • Inappropriate use of social media, images, text messages, or videos shall not be permitted at any time on school property, during a school-sponsored activity, or on LCPS school transportation. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated in any form. Any violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SR&R and Student Code of Conduct, as well as Policy 8210.
  • LCPS recognizes parents need to know how to contact their child in case of an emergency. If there is an emergency, parents may contact the main office of their child’s school.
  • Per School Board Policy, the school and its staff are not liable for students’ cell phones or other personal devices.


Social Media & Games

Social media sites and non-educational games will be blocked on student-issued Chromebooks by our Lightspeed content filter. The filtering matrix will be updated to reflect these changes and can be found here: https://www.lcps.org/o/ddi/page/information-security More information on the Lightspeed Parent Portal can be found here: https://www.lcps.org/lightspeed

PTA

2024-2025 RBMS PTA Executive Board Members

Music Beats Bingo & Trivia Night

Friday, October 18 at 6:00 pm


DJ Sonia will be MCing Music Bingo and Trivia for a fun night to raise funds for the PTA to support the purchase of Chrome TV Boxes for the school, Honor Roll Parties, Teacher Luncheons and more!

Order your tickets here, join the fun and win some great prizes! https://riverbendmiddleschool.givebacks.com/store

Transportation

Transportation

  1. Log into ParentVUE (mobile app)
  2. Click on your student
  3. Click on "Student Information"
  4. Scroll to the bottom and click on "Additional Information"
  5. Still need help? Call (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation


Track Your Child's Bus

  • Did you know that there is an app (Stopfinder) that gives you access to know exactly where your child’s bus is, including specific pick up/drop off times? CLICK HERE for details.


Questions about Transportation


Bus Expectations

In collaboration with the LCPS Transportation Department, we are emphasizing the following rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers:


  • Remain seated: Passengers must stay seated while the bus is in motion to prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Keep aisles clear: It's important to keep aisles clear of bags, feet, and other items to facilitate safe passage during emergencies.
  • Use inside voices: Loud noises can distract the driver and disturb fellow passengers. Conversations should be kept at a reasonable volume. Students may listen to music using earphones or Air Pods, but playing music aloud is not permitted.
  • No eating or drinking: Consuming food or beverages on the bus can create messes and pose choking hazards during sudden stops or turns.
  • Follow the driver's instructions: Passengers must always adhere to the driver’s directions for their safety and the safety of others.
  • No vandalism or graffiti: Defacing the bus or its interior is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
  • Respect others: Bullying, harassment, inappropriate language, or any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable will not be tolerated.


We urge all families to review these expectations with their child, even if they are not regularly assigned to a school bus. It is essential to remind students as there may be instances where students are removed from a bus due to violations of School Board Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.


Arrival

For those of you who do not utilize bus transportation or have children who walk or bike to school, we wanted to again provide guidance on the best time and location to drop off your child.


Drop-Off Timing:

Before 8:15 am: Please do not drop off your child before 8:15 am as there is no supervision available at that time.

  • 8:15 – 8:30 am: This is the best window for drop-off, as traffic tends to be light.
  • 8:30 – 8:45 am: Traffic is heaviest during this time as it coincides with bus arrivals.
  • After 8:45 am: Please avoid dropping your child off after this time, as they may be tardy. Students need to be in their first class by 8:50 am.


Drop-Off Location:

  • Side of the Building (Kiss and Ride): This is the designated drop-off area for all students.
  • Front Parking Lot: Drop-offs here are reserved only for families with Handicap passes or if your child has an injury (e.g., a broken leg).

Need Help? 2024-2025 Contacts

David Shaffer
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