Thundercat Weekly

Parent Newsletter - September 5-- September 8, 2023

Newsletter Contents

RTMS Parents To-Do List
Important Dates
Thornton vs Baines Flyer
2023-24 Thundercash Campaign
3rd Party Food Deliveries
Level Down Process
Gifted and Talented Newsletter
Student Council Meeting Info
Walk Watch Repeat Sign up
Athletic Game Expectations
A Message from the FBC Sheriff's Office
Cross Country
Sports Physicals
Picture Orders

Picture Day Flyer
Student Dress Code
Yearbook Information
RTMS Yearbook Cover Competition
Yearbook Ads
Cell Phone Policy
Attendance News
Clinic & FBISD Medication Policy

Parent To-Do List

1. Submit a 2023-24 FBISD Volunteer Application HERE

2. Add money to School Café Account https://www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd

3. Log on to Skyward to review your child’s grades in all classes

4. Sign up for Walk, Watch, Repeat

Important Dates

September 11- Day of Remembrance

September 13 - Picture Day

September 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month begins

September 28 - Turn it Gold (Wear Gold to bring awareness to childhood cancer)

September 29 - No School

Thornton vs Baines Flyer

2023-24 Thundercash Campaign

3rd Party Food Deliveries

Only parents or guardians may drop off food for their children. Parent deliveries should NOT be for friends of your child. All 3rd party deliveries will be turned away and not delivered. RTMS is not responsible for refunds.

Level Down Process

Dear Thornton Parents:

Requests to level down from a high school credit course or AAC course will begin on August 28, 2023.

FBISD Policy governs this process. These requests will be accepted only if space is available in the new class and all requirements are met. Please be aware that the exact grade from the AAC class shall transfer to the on-level course with no grade adjustments. RTMS will follow the FBISD steps listed below.

Prior to requesting a change to level down:

1. Student must have a 74 or below in the AAC course.

2. Student must have completed all assignments

3. There must be a documented meeting with the teacher, student, and parent to develop a plan for success (the meeting can be via phone or an email.) The plan for success will be documented by the teacher on the parent teacher conference report.

4. The teacher will monitor and check in on the plan of success for a minimum of 3 weeks.

Next Steps

5. If the teacher and student feel the plan has been followed, all assignments have been completed, and still has a 74 or below, you can now request a level down.

a. The student and parent will complete the RTMS request for level change form

b. Obtain the appropriate signatures (an email acknowledgment is acceptable)

c. Return the form to the counselor’s office

6. If the student has a 75 or above the student will remain in the AAC course.

If you are interested in leveling down, please contact the teacher directly to begin the process.

Gifted and Talented Newsletter

The September Edition of the Gifted and Talented newsletter is now available

Links: https://www.smore.com/bhn8d-celebrating-gifted

Student Council Meeting Info

Student Council will have their first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 8:25 in the library. Students of all grade levels are welcome. For more information or to obtain a pass to the meeting, please contact Coach Barger – dana.barger@fortbendisd.com

Walk Watch Repeat Sign Up

Walk.Watch.Repeat. is back at Ronald Thornton Middle School this school year to provide extra sets of eyes, ears and feet on campus!!!

Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA5A928A1F58-walk

for information about the volunteer program and joining our team!

Direct any questions or concerns to the Walk.Watch.Repeat. Parent Champion, Elizabeth Fowler, at arana.elizabeth@gmail.com with a copy to walkwatchrepeat@gmail.com

Athletic Game Expectations

Remember all athletes are children – be supportive and encouraging to all involved.
No taunting, heckling, or calling out any players, coaches, or referees.
On game days, all students must go home first before returning for an after-school event.
Students must follow the FBISD Code of Conduct at any campus event at RTMS or any other school.
Students must have a ride home promptly at the conclusion of the game.
Any disrespectful, unruly, or inappropriate behavior may result in the student (or spectator) being sent home and not allowed to attend future games in addition to potential disciplinary action for students.

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A Message from Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Please refrain from parking in the neighborhood across from Ronald Thornton Middle School for pick up after school. Violators will be ticketed.

There has been reports of the cars blocking the passage of homeowner cars, trash left out, and students cutting through lawns.

Cross Country

Cross Country will begin the week of October 10. All interested in participating in Cross Country must have a physical dated after 4/1/23 uploaded to Rank One and all Rank One forms filled out. We are not accepting paper copies of physicals this year. For more information contact Coach Barger - dana.barger@fortbendisd.com

Sports Physicals

Are you a 7th or 8th grader interested in playing sports this year? Don’t forget to get your physical first! All students need a valid and up to date athletic physical on file before they can participate in extracurricular activities. Student athletes will need to provide an FBISD Physical Form completed by a physician and dated April 1, 2023 or later for the 2023-2024 school year. The physical will be valid for the entire school year. You will need to scan a copy of this and upload it to RankOne for approval prior to tryouts. RankOne forms must be completed and submitted PRIOR to tryouts for the intended sport.

RankOne Forms

FBISD Physical Form

Picture Orders

Dear Parents,

Picture Day is coming soon and Photo Texas Photography Houston is committed to capture your student’s most important moments! Fall Picture Day is September 13. All orders are Prepay with satisfaction Guaranteed. When we return to photograph absent and new students, we are more than happy to retake any student’s photo. We do not email proofs.

Orders will ship to the address provided. Shipping charges will apply.

Order Fall Pictures NOW! The Prepay Link remains active for 1 WEEK after Picture Day. Any order received after the Prepay period is considered a late order and is shipped to the address provided. Shipping charges will apply. Please contact Customer Service for assistance placing late orders.

We know that every student in front of our camera is the most important child in the world to someone. It is our sincerest pleasure to photograph yours! Thank you for the opportunity! PTP

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001037498#login

Picture Day Flyer

Save The Date

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Student Dress Code

The District believes the Student Dress Code shall promote the attributes of the Profile of a Graduate. Therefore, students are expected to dress in a way that promotes respect for self and others, a safe learning environment, and honors the diversity of the learning community. Students and parent/guardians may determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided they comply with the general guidelines set forth in this Code and Board policy FNCA (Local). Generally, students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat, does not cause distraction from learning, and that does not disrupt the learning environment.

The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other prohibited substance.

Students must comply with the following dress and grooming standards, including in online learning platforms.

Shirts, Blouses, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Vests

•Shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests that expose undergarments and/or midriff are prohibited;

•Shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests must not depict or reference alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, nudity, gang affiliation, death, violence, vulgar or obscene language or images, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, or other emblems or writing that may be expected to cause a material or substantial disruption of, or interference with, normal school operations.

Dresses, Jumpers, Skirts, Shorts, Skorts, Pants, and Jeans

•Dresses, jumpers, skirts, and skorts may be worn at a length that is slightly above mid-thigh;

Shorts, jeans, and all pants shall be worn at the hip or higher and must cover undergarments; •Shorts may be worn at a length that is approximately above mid-thigh; and

•Athletic wear, which may include yoga pants, stretch leggings and fitness tights, are permissible as long as they do not reveal undergarments, do not have sections of seethrough material, or are worn with a shirt that covers the posterior, or are not disruptive to the school environment.

Shoes

•Shoes shall be worn, and if designed to be tied shall be properly tied; •Elementary students shall not wear flip-flops or shoes with no back/heel strap;

•Unsafe footwear is not permitted (i.e., house shoes, slippers); and

•Appropriate shoes must be worn during PE/athletics classes, as well as during lab activities in science, CTE, etc.

Hair

•All hair, including facial hair, shall be neat, clean, and well groomed, and worn in a style that is not distractive;

•Mustaches, beards, or goatees shall be neat, clean, and well groomed, and worn in a style that does not display derogatory remarks, symbols, or statements that disrupts the learning environment. Hair markings must not depict or reference alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, nudity, gang affiliation, violence, vulgar or obscene language, or images that substantially disrupt or interfere with normal school operations. Drawings, icons, and/or other markings cut into the hair, including eyebrows, and not associated with required religious markings or hairstyles are not permitted.

Miscellaneous

•Proper undergarments shall be worn at all times;

•Revealing clothing of any type may not be worn;

•No clothing that has been ripped, torn, or cut in a way as to reveal undergarments, midriff, chest, or posterior;

•Clothing including face coverings with profanity, obscene patches, references to alcohol, drugs, weapons or tobacco, or anything that may be construed as violent, vulgar or obscene

language or images, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, or other emblems or writing that may be expected to cause a material or substantial disruption of, or interference with, normal school operations.

• Any attire, tattoo, icons, or markings on body, e.g. bandanas, shoelaces, chains, t-shirts, etc., that is distractive, causes a disturbance, or identifies a student as part of an unauthorized group, gang, or society are not permitted that includes but is not limited to virtual background choices. No pajama wear of any type except on-campus designated days;

• Body piercings that are distractive or that pose a safety concern are not permitted;

• No hats, caps, doo-rags, wave caps, bandanas or hoods worn indoors, except on campus designated days or during designated times permitted by the campus; and

• No sunglasses may be worn inside the building unless there is a medical note on file.

Yearbook Information

Don't miss out on early bird pricing for RTMS' 2023-2024 yearbook. Follow this link to Get yours now!" --> https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A07634896

RTMS Yearbook Cover Competition

Yearbook Ads

Yearbook ads are now for sale. Visit www.rtmsyearbook.com to purchase a yearbook and a yearbook ad.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2751030/Ronald-Thornton-Middle-School/2024-Yearbook/2023062204184907073/CATALOG_SHOP

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Cell Phone Policy

We are a cell phone-free school.

Reminder: All cell phones/earbuds/air pods must be put in students' backpacks before they walk into RTMS.

Cell phones may be used for educational purposes with the teacher's permission. Students not adhering to cell phone expectations may have devices confiscated for the day. Third confiscation will result in a $10 fine through RevTrak. The parent/guardian may then retrieve the device at the campus during normal school hours after the fine has been paid.

Please speak to your child about the cell phone expectations at RTMS.

Clinic & FBISD Medication Policy

CLINIC & FBISD MEDICATION POLICY

We are pleased to help oversee any medication administration that must occur during school hours. However, we must comply with Texas State Law, and therefore the following restrictions apply to student medicine management while at school.

All medications must be brought in by a parent/guardian in the original container. This includes prescription and non-prescription drugs, including cough drops. The child should not be sent to school with medications to bring to the clinic. Students are not allowed to carry their own meds to and from school. Please do not send loose pills in a baggy in your child’s lunch kit or backpack. If your child must take prescription medications at school and at home, please ask your pharmacist to dispense them in two separate, properly labeled containers so that we may keep one at school.
All medications must be kept in the clinic office. For the protection of all students, medications may not be kept by students, including inhalers and cough drops, unless given written permission by their personal physician.
All medications must be submitted with written instructions from a parent. All prescription medications also need a signature of a physician. An appropriate medication administration form must be completed by the parent or guardian and should include the child’s full name and amount of medication to be taken, reason for taking the medication, and the time it is to be given. Over-the-counter medications (such as Advil or Tylenol) can only be given according to the label directions for your child’s age and weight unless accompanied by a note from a physician. Any medication needed for more than 15 school days requires a note on file from a physician. Medications needed three times a day should be given at home around school hours ~ check with your child’s physician.
School personnel will not give any medication unless provided by the parent. We do not house OTC meds that can be given randomly for fevers or pain.
Medications must be picked up at the end of the school year by an adult. They cannot be sent home with the students or housed over the summer. Any meds left in the clinic at the end of the year will be discarded per district policy.

Attendance News

Thank you for reaching out to the Ronald Thornton Middle School Attendance Office! Here are some frequent Q’s & A’s and resource information that may help address your concerns even faster:

1. What should I do if my child is absent?

If your child is absent from instruction, please attach your documentation to an email within 5 days of the absence to attendancertms@fortbendisd.com

2. I believe my child was incorrectly marked absent.
Please contact the teacher who marked the absence. If it is incorrect, the teacher will either edit the attendance or contact the attendance office to make a correction.

3. What do I do if I need to pick my child up early for an appointment?
Sign in at the Front Office with your sate issued I.D., you will get a Visitor’s Badge to the Attendance Office. Sign your student out from the Attendance Office. Please remember to bring a doctor’s note back to school the next day to allow the absence to be excused. Please make sure if you (parent or guardian) are sending another person to pick-up your student/s, they are listed on the emergency contacts. Students will not be released if they are not on the emergency contact.

4. What if I need to add someone on my student/s emergency contact for early pick-up?

Email Christine.gruber@fortbendisd.com the name, number and relationship to student/s with a copy of your ID.

5. What is the latest I can pick-up my student?

Student pickup is suspended from 3:30 p.m-4:10 p.m.

6. Do I need to call when my student is absent?

No, calls are considered a courtesy but not an excuse please follow up with a written note or medical note in order for absence to be excused.

7. Why is the absence still showing unexcused?
Once documentation is submitted, it can take up to 48 hours to show in Skyward.

8. What information should be included in the absence note?

Please include first name and last name, grade level, reason for absence.

9. How many days can my student be absent before they need a Medical Note?

According to the FBISD Parent/ Student Handbook, a student can be absent 3 consecutive days with a parent written excuse after the 4th day a medical note will need to be provided.

10. My student is sick and leaving from the clinic, do I need to sign out from the Attendance Office?

You will sign your student out from the Clinic only if the nurse or nurse’s assistant has spoken with you. The nurse will let the Attendance Clerk know and your student will be excused for the missed classes.

If the Nurse or Nurse Assistant does not inform you to pick your student up from the clinic then you will need to sign your student out from the Attendance Office and the student will be called from class.

11. Can my student wait for me in the entrance, if they know I am coming to pick them up?

Due to safety reasons and constant flow of entering and exiting the building, please DO NOT have your student wait for you in the entrance of the school.

12. My child forgot an item (lunch, band instrument, technology, etc.) at home, how can I get it to them?

We do not deliver items to students. Student will not be called out of class to retrieve items. A table is set up in the vestibule, where you are able to drop the item off, text your student the item is at the front of the school on the table. If allowed by the teacher they may come or during passing period to pick item up.

#AttendanceCounts