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The Raptor Report
RHAM Middle School
6/3/2024-6/7/2024
Message from the Principal
6/7/2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It’s the final countdown… a week left! Our Award Ceremonies wrapped up on Wednesday and I want to congratulate all the students who were recognized for the extra effort that they put into their classes this year. I also want to congratulate all of our middle school students, we have all seen how much you have each grown over the course of the year.
8th grade promotion rehearsal will be on Monday. The 8th grade students should all be here for promotion on June 14th at 7:20am, so that we are ready to start promotion right at 8am. Please see 8th Grade Promotion Corner below for all the promotion details.
As a reminder, there is no late bus after Monday. Monday is our last full day of school and starting on Tuesday we will be running an early release schedule (please see End-of-year schedule below) for the remainder of the year with June 14th being our last official day of school.
Please remember that all 8th grade outstanding obligations (including lunch balances) must be paid off in order to participate in the middle school promotion ceremony. Final locker clean out will be on Monday 6/10, so please have your student bring in extra bags if they have lots to bring home!
Have a Great Weekend,
Michael Seroussi
Promotion Rehearsal
8th Grade Promotion Rehearsal
Promotion is around the corner! Promotion Rehearsal is on Monday, June 10th from 12 PM -1 PM. We ask parents/guardians to arrange appointments around the Promotion Rehearsal.
8th Grade Promotion Information
6/14/2024 at 8 AM
Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 8 Students:
Please join us in celebrating the promotion of our eighth grade students on Friday, June 14, 2024. The ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 AM on the High School outdoor softball field (weather permitting) and should last approximately one hour.
General parking will be available in the High School Gym/Auditorium Parking lot or across the street in Veteran’s Park. Handicapped parking ONLY will be on the north side of the building closest to the softball field (a golf cart will be available to those who may need assistance getting to their seats).
Attendance at the ceremony will not be limited outdoors. Should it become necessary to move the ceremony indoors because of rain, the seating in the RHAM High School Gymnasium is limited to four guests per student (Yellow Tickets Enclosed). Although we understand how this restriction may cause your family some difficulty, it is the only way we can accommodate the immediate members of every student’s family. The ceremony will be live streamed. You will be able to find the link on the following links-
- RHAM Middle School website rms.rhamschools.org
- www.youtube.com/watchv=irJ7wsx3VdQ&list=PLiKMPT4wwssxJybY9vUursHPTwH96TjEw&index=1
On the morning of the promotion, eighth graders are to come to school on time via their regular buses or parent drop off, dress appropriately for the ceremony, and report directly to the Middle School cafeteria upon arrival. Students must arrive by 7:20 A.M. to organize for the procession. Parents may arrive after school opens. Traditionally, eighth graders may leave with their parents/guardian at the completion of the program.
Please do not hesitate to contact either administrator if you have any additional questions. We look forward to seeing you on June 14th.
Last Week of School Schedule
📆Upcoming Important Dates📆:
- June 10- Promotion Rehearsal (12:00 - 1:00 PM)
- June 11- Exams/ Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
- June 12- Exams/ Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
- June 13- Exams/ Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
- June 14- 8th Grade Promotion (8:00 AM)
- June 14- Last Day Of School/ Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
*All dates are subject to change*
**Sport and activity dates can be found under appropriate labeled sections below**
📰News and Notes📓
Lost and Found
Summer Middle School Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fridays
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Please call office at 860-228-9423 with any questions or to confirm any hours for any particular day. **Hours subject to change**
Attention Parents and Students
From the School Nurse
The end of the school year is quickly approaching. If your child keeps medication in the nurse’s office, please remember to pick up your child’s medication(s) on the last day of school, Friday June 14th by 2:00pm. If you are unable to pick up your child’s medication by 2:00pm on Friday, June 14th, please speak with the school nurse by email lucy.bernier@rhamschools.org to make alternative arrangements.
· No medications will be held over until September.
· Any medications left in the Health Office will be discarded.
· Students are not permitted to pick up or transport medications from/to school.
It has been a pleasure to work with your children this year and I hope you all have a very happy and healthy summer. Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Lucy Bernier
School Nurse
RHAM Job Opportunity
RHAM Schools are looking to fill multiple paraeducator openings for the 2024-25 school year. We welcome individuals who are caring, compassionate, and committed to student success to apply. RHAM strives to provide students with a positive learning experience in a supportive environment and paraeducators play a huge role in accomplishing this goal.
As a paraeducator, you will:
- provide instructional support of lesson plans, under the direction of a classroom teacher
- serve as a positive and nurturing guide for students
- supervise students in both instructional and assessment activities
- model professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, staff, and the community
- attend to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs, providing assistance when necessary
- establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students and staff
The required skills and qualifications include:
- HS diploma
- Effective communication skills
- An understanding of the basic principles of child development
- Associates degree or higher OR passing of theParaPro assessment
**Click the picture to access the website**
News From Guidance
Grade 7: We will be looking for students to help us out at our Walk Around Days on August 15th and 20th by volunteering to be tour guides! A sign up form has been shared with 7th graders in their School Counseling Classroom allowing them to sign up to help us out on one or both of the days. This is a great opportunity for our soon to be 8th graders to show some leadership.
Grade 8: As the end of middle school comes to a close, we wanted to wish our 8th graders and their families all the best! It has been amazing getting to know and work with you and your children!
Grades 7 & 8: Guidance is looking for some help with making our end of the year bulletin board come to life! We are looking for pictures of RHAM students making middle school memories with their RHAM friends! If you have pictures of your child and their RHAM friends that you wouldn't mind being displayed on our end of the year bulletin board please email them to Alicia Gove at alicia.gove@rhamschools.org.
The end of quarter 4 and the end of the school year is coming fast! Please check in on your child's grades and encourage them to work hard through June 14th! If your child is in danger of failing or is failing two or more classes for the year they may need to attend summer school. If your child does fail two or more classes for the year their School Counselor will reach out with more information regarding summer school. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your child's teacher and/or School Counselor.
Incoming 8th Grade Summer Work
Summer Reading and Math:
With summer upon us, please review the summer reading and math information below.
Math - Current 7th Graders/Rising 8th Graders have summer work to complete online in Khan Academy. Students have been getting their log in information from their math teachers as the year draws to a close. Please ask your student about it and write down their username and password somewhere safe! There is no online summer work for rising 9th graders attending RHAM High School.
Grade 7 students currently in Math 7 or Math 7 Honors:
Please see "Khan Academy Instructions" for the student instructions. You should be enrolling during class time before the end of the school year. While working, students need to complete the “Summer Math Reflection” sheet (included in the linked handout). This reflection sheet will be collected by the 8th grade math teacher when school begins.
Grade 7 students currently in Algebra 1 and taking Geometry Honors in 8th grade next year:
The summer work for incoming Geometry Honors 8th is included in the "Geo Assistments Instructions." While working, students need to complete the “Summer Math Reflection” sheet (included in the linked handout). This reflection sheet will be collected by the 8th grade math teacher when school begins.
Grade 7 students currently in Math 7 and leveling up to Algebra 1 in Grade 8:
Students leveling up from regular Math 7 to Algebra 1 in 8th grade will work on ALEKS over the summer. Mr. LaChance sent account information home via parent e-mail addresses. Students will be expected to make at least 90% progress in the Pre-Algebra curriculum in ALEKS. (These students will be exempt from Khan Academy work described above.)
English/Reading - Current 6th and 7th/Rising 7th and 8th Graders should read at least one book this summer that is of interest to them and of an appropriate challenge level for their grade and reading ability. Students should keep a notecard or piece of paper with relevant details like: character names, conflicts, setting, basic plot information, and questions the book makes them think about (this can be done for nonfiction books as well). Students will be asked about summer reading in the early weeks of school!
Rising 9th Graders - if your student is moving up to RHAM High School, they may have summer work to complete. All of this information can be found in the RHAM High School Summer Reading 2024 packet, published on the RHAM High School Media Center page. Please check the list below:
- Honors English 9 - Please read Great Expectation by Charles Dickens. Check your student email from a message from Mrs. Erami with a link to the assigned work. Read it carefully and email her with any questions!
- Honors General Science/9th Grade - Please see the suggested list of science-based summer reading to expand your knowledge of the scientific world.
DATTCO Bus Update
We are pleased to share an enhanced feature related to the transportation services provided by DATTCO for students in Regional School District 8. Parents & families are now able to monitor the progress of the bus that transports their child(ren) to and from school in real time using a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. In order to access this service, parents/guardians will need to register with their child(ren)’s student ID number (found in Powerschool Parent Portal), create a profile, and follow the instructions provided below. Please note that the monitoring of bus progress will be restricted to the families of students riding their assigned bus. Please use this link to access the access information: Transportation Information
This service is only available for DATTCO buses at this time. It is not available for EASTCONN transportation services or any other transportation provider utilized by the district.
Chromebook Repairs
We have seen an uptick in damage being done to Chromebooks. Students are reminded to treat their Chromebooks with care. Chromebooks are the property of Regional School District 8 and damage determined by the IT department to be intentional or through negligence will be charged at the following rates.
Summer Basketball Scrimmage Camp
Anyone interested in basket ball scrimmage camp would register at the Hebron Parks & Rec web site . We have weeks available for both boys and girls and it’s open to all in grades 6-9.
Douglas Library
Wednesday Teen Time @ the library! Beginning June 5th, and every Wednesday from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, we'll have activities, crafts, and programs for teens ages 12-17. Check out the calendar at douglaslibrary.org to find out what's happening each week, or for more information email elliot@douglaslibrary.org.
Clubs and Activities
Club & Activities - New Dates & Times have been updated for the 2023-2024 school year:
It is never too late to join a club or activity. Even if a club has already started, most clubs have the ability for you to jump right into. Please see the office or club advisor for details
Drama United: Drama United is a program designed to dissolve typical barriers between youth through transformative, school-based performing arts. Students with and without disabilities, of all backgrounds, come together as equals to put on a production entirely organized, written, and directed by students to put the spotlight on ability. Start date is September 7th (Peers Only) September 12th (Full Cast) Drama United will be running Tuesdays and Thursdays (Full Cast) Wednesdays (Peers Only) from 2:15 to 3:30 in the High School Auditorium. Any questions please contact Ms. Spodobalski or Ms. Emma Filosa.
Card and Game Club: is an after school club for card games and board games. Start date is October 5th. The club meets every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 in room 103 Mr. Conroy’s room. Any questions please contact Mr. Conroy.
The Drama Club: Will be holding auditions for 'Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic' on Wednesday, September 6th and Friday, September 8th after school in the auditorium. All those interested may pick up an audition packet from the main office. Any questions please contact Ms. Emma Filosa
Jazz Band: Jazz Band is an ensemble for students in Band who want to learn and perform Jazz Music. It meets every week for the year, with many performances throughout the year. Students who sign-up should plan to participate for the year. Will be held every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
Literary Magazine: Interested in creative writing, graphic design, artwork, poetry, music, formatting, editing, web design, or just creating content for an online magazine? If so, Rhamblings is for you! Rhamblings is RHAM MS’s online literary and art magazine. We produce two issues a year and are always looking for contributors as well as those who just want to help publishing and web design. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you at our next meeting! This club starts on September 26th and meets once a month on Tuesdays from 2:15 to 3:15 PM.
Ski and Snowboard Club: The club takes 5 trips each year to Ski Sundown in New Hartford. Signups start in October for the trips that start in January. The trips are starting after the new year and buses leave the school at 2:15 pm and return at 8:15 pm. All students are welcome. Lessons and rentals are available. Please see the announcement above with links to forms and information.
Student Council: Serves as an advisory group for the student body to the administration. All students are volunteers and have been chosen already for this year. Students discuss current issues concerning the schoolhouse climate, activities that are school-wide and special events. Students may be involved in planning special events for the 7th or 8th grade class separately as the need arises.
F.P.S (Future Problem Solvers): FPS develops problem solving skills through creative and critical thinking while learning about world issues, preparing students to compete against other schools in Connecticut and around the world. This club meets Monday evenings at RHAM High School Lecture Hall (Rm 115) from 6:30 - 8:15 pm starting on September 11th. For more information, contact Sherri Pelletier at sherri.pelletier@rhamschools.org
Home Economics Club: Do you like cooking? Maybe cooking from around the world? Do you like crafting and doing different hands-on projects? How about learning some cool life skills?! Then the home economics club is for you! We are having our first official meeting on October 18th, after school in room 226. We will be celebrating el Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and are making a craft and cooking something exciting! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Barber or Mrs. Gonzalez for more information! It meets every other Wednesday until approximately 3:30pm.
World Language Club: The World Language Club provides students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge about the Spanish and French language and culture. We explore and experience various aspects of different cultures by participating in food tastings, holiday celebrations, foreign film viewings, music, dance, and much more. Our club meets every other Thursday after school from 2:20 pm until 3:00 pm in rooms 200 and 201. Please see Mrs. Sanady or Mr. Ndao if you have any questions. All students are welcome to join! First meeting will be Thursday September 21st.
Environmental Club: Interested in helping out the environment, supporting wildlife and green spaces? Then the Environmental Club is the place for you! Come join us in room 110 every other Wednesday from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm starting on September 28th. All students are welcome.
Math Club: It meets every other Wednesday from 2:15 - 3:30 pm in Room 100. Starting on Wednesday September 27th.
Math Lab: Math lab is a quiet working time for students who are looking for extra help or enrichment in their math classes. It is a drop-in program after school on Tuesdays. Students do not need to sign up in advance to attend. You may drop in any Tuesday or Thursday from 2:20 - 3:30 in Mrs. Kane’s room 101 and Ms. Wang's room 217.
GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) Club: The Gender Sexuality Alliance, or GSA, is a club for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. We participate in a combination of advocacy and social fun activities every other Thursday throughout the school year. This club meets in the Team Room every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 PM starting September 28th.
Lego League/ Club: Are you a Lego Master? Do you enjoy building Lego structures? Want to hang out with other Lego builders? Come to Lego Club. Lego Club is the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:20 to 3:30 PM in Room 123. 10/18/2023
TSA/VEX Club: Students interested in Robotics, Computer programming, Aerodynamics come to the TSA/VEX Club. TSA/VEX is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in rooms 122 and 123. 10/25/2023.
RHAM Alt. Energy Race Team MS: Looking on how to build and gear a vehicle that is powered by batteries? This is the Club. The Race Team will race their vehicles in May 2024. This Club will run on Thursdays from 2:25 to 3:30/3:45 PM in room 122. Start date of this club is 10/19/2023.
Newspaper Club: Students help create and publish the RHAM Middle School newspaper. Please see Mrs. Sue Lynch (Rm 142) for more information. This Club meets every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:30/4:00 PM.
Yearbook Club: Please join us in creating the 2023/2024 Middle School Yearbook. This club runs every other Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:30 PM in room 123.
- Footnotes: Footnotes is a group voice lesson club available to anyone who would like to learn how to sing solo! From pop music, to classical - we cover anything you'd like to sing! Footnotes meet on Wednesdays 2 times a month from 2:15 to 3pm in the Chorus room 229. Starting date September 13, 2023.
- Art Club: Interested in art? Want a space to be creative? Come join us in the art club for a space to create art, explore different media, and connect with other creatives. Start date is October 17th. The club will meet every other Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm in room 237, Mrs. Gradie’s art room. Space is limited so please contact Mrs. Gradie to sign up for or for more information.
- SOAR Youth Leadership Group: Welcomes students from RHAM Middle School and RHAM High School who would like to make positive changes on the RHAM campus through service and education by planning small events and activities that focus on mental health awareness and healthy lifestyle choices. Google Classroom Code: fpkati3
- Writing Lab – Writing lab is a quiet working time for students who are looking for extra help or enrichment with their writing. It is a drop-in program after school on Wednesdays. Students do not need to sign up in advance to attend. Students please check the morning bulletins to see dates on when this lab is running. Start date February 14, 2024.
Notes from the Nurse
Attention 8th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 8th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.
Attention 7th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 7th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024. Please submit your child's physical to the school nurse as soon as possible. Link for a blank copy of health assessment is found below. Students can bring the paperwork to the nurse's office or you may email them to Lucy Bernier at lucy.bernier@rhamschools.org. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the nurses office.
Attendance - Absent/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal
Late Bus Information
Late buses run Monday - Thursday (No Fridays).
Students are picked up at the Middle School around 4:00pm.
There is 1 bus per town.
Bus routes are determined at the time of pickup, based upon how many students are on the bus and student locations, the amount of time it takes to get home will vary. You might not be dropped off at your actual home, you could be dropped off up to 1 mile away.
You will report to the library after your activity or event and wait there doing school work, etc until the late bus arrives.
You must be staying after school for an event or activity.
Spring Athletic Information
Good Afternoon RHAM Middle School Families,
Please see information below regarding RHAM Middle School Spring Athletics and Registration. Thank you.
RHAM Middle School Student-Athlete Pre-Season Participation Checklist
- Complete FamilyID Registration:
- Complete and submit registration via RHAM Middle School FamilyID. (https://students.arbitersports.com/rham-middle-school-athletics/rham-middle-school-spring-2024-athletics-registration)
- If you have an account already, log in and use previous information to register for current season.
- If this is you or your family’s first time registering for athletic participation through FamilyID, create a new account and register for the current season. Your information is now saved and will make future registrations easy.
- Submit a valid State of CT School Health Assessment Record Form to the Athletic Director’s Office.
- Page 1-Completed and signed by parents.
- Page 2-Completed and signed by medical provider.
- CT Health Assessment Record Link: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/HAR3.pdf
***YOUR PHYSICAL EXAM FOR ATHLETICS EXPIRES AFTER 13 MONTHS. AN EXPIRED PHYSICAL WILL RESULT IN INELIGIBILITY***
- Complete a concussion baseline test. These expire every two years. If you do not have an up to date concussion baseline test, you will not be able to participate. Upon registering on FamilyID, you will be able to check the expiration status. If no information is listed, email daniel.trudeau@rhamschools.org to notify.
- If you’re test is expired you may retake it at home by following the instructions
AT HOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING-RHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Go to: https://www.impacttestonline.com/htmllauncher/
- Enter customer code: 2fc3a5690f
- Click “Validate” and then “Launch Baseline Test”
- Register and follow instructions to take Impact Test.
**NO TALKING, CELL PHONES, OR ANY OTHER DISTRACTIONS WHILE CONDUCTING TEST.**
- Complete the test and check result. If taking test for first time, your result needs to read “Baseline”. If it reads “Baseline++”, a second test needs to be taken. (A loud or distracting environment can result in a “Baseline++” reading.) Once completed, close browser and the record is automatically logged in our software.
**TEST CANNOT BE TAKEN ON A CELL PHONE**
THESE STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE
**All times subject to change. Coaches will provide updates.**
Where Can I Find the Menu?
We like to remind everyone that, because of allergies, no nut products are allowed in school. There are times when families find themselves in need of some support to ensure that their children are able to get lunch at school. If you feel that you are in need of some support then please see the Free/Reduce information under the parent tab and then click on food service. (https://rms.rhamschools.org/parents/FoodService/free_and_reduced_info )