RAMS Newsletter

• NEW: Grade 6 Survival Guide

• UPDATES: RAMS 2024-2025 Student Schedule Information & Supply Lists

• Wellness II Offering: An Opportunity for Students

• RAMS Athletics

• RAMS Summer Reading

• RAMS Think it Over

Dear Parents and Families of Rising 6th Graders,

We are thrilled to announce that our veteran teachers, Mrs. Ditto-Kustwan and Mrs. Going, have created a new resource for rising 6th graders and families, designed specifically to support your transition into Robert Adams Middle School! Please check out the website and explore the valuable information we’ve prepared for you. We are super excited to welcome you and your child to our community! Stay tuned for the next edition of our newsletter, coming in early August, which will provide all the details for our Open Building Day at RAMS. This event will offer another opportunity to tour the school and ask any questions you may have.

Student Schedule Information: The schedule release date will be included in our next edition of the RAMS newsletter in early August. Counselors will be available by email on Thursday, August 22. Every effort will be made to ensure that scheduling adjustments are reflected in student schedules by the start of school. Please note that emails will not be returned prior to August 22 and responses may be delayed depending on the volume of requests.

Counselor assignments are as follows:

Grade 6, Mrs. Smith - smithk@holliston.k12.ma.us

Grade 7, Mrs. Gavan - gavana@holliston.k12.ma.us

Grade 8, Mr. Powers - powersj@holliston.k12.ma.us

School Adjustment Counselor, Mrs. Duggan - dugganl@holliston.k12.ma.us

Supply Lists: We're excited to share that the updated class supply lists will be in the next edition of our newsletter in early August! Our teachers are updating the lists, and we’re also incorporating gently used binders collected from the Billion Binder Blowout for upcycling. A big thanks to the Green Team for providing valuable recycled resources!

We are delighted to share information about Wellness II, a course that has quickly become a favorite among students since its inception in the 2023-24 school year at RAMS. With small class sizes and a highly skilled teacher, Wellness II offers a unique and engaging opportunity for students to focus on their personal well-being and achieve their goals. During the school year, students may move in and out of this course as they meet their individual objectives, providing flexibility and tailored support.

This course can replace a Unified Arts (UA) option, such as art or computer, for those who elect to take it, presenting an exciting opportunity for students interested in enhancing their wellness journey. Wellness II is open to all students at RAMS. If you are interested in enrolling your student in this innovative program, please fill out the attached form. For any questions, feel free to contact Karen Manning, Assistant Principal at RAMS, at manningk@holliston.k12.ma.us.

Below is a detailed description of the Wellness II course.

Course Description:

Wellness II (6, 7, 8) is a non-traditional Wellness offering based on the Wellness standards taught in 6-8. This course focuses on more targeted areas of support around students' Social, Emotional, and Physical well-being. The class size will be 7-12 students with topics/activities ranging from yoga, meditation, executive functioning, mental health strategies, social pragmatics, stress and anxiety prevention, and peer conflict.

Dear RAMS Students & Families,

I would like to take a quick moment to introduce myself as the new Athletic Coordinator here at RAMS. For the past 3 years I have been working at Holliston High School as an Athletic Assistant covering all aspects of the athletic department, and will be continuing to do so while also covering middle school athletics. My goal is to create a joint athletic department between the middle & high schools to foster a more efficient, streamlined system for all Holliston sports. I look forward to meeting you this coming fall and to continue building an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all of our student-athletes.

Sincerely,

Justin Arbour

The Fall 2024-2025 Interscholastic Athletic program at RAMS includes:

Cross Country for grades 6, 7, and 8.

Field Hockey for grades 6, 7, and 8.

Volleyball for grade 8

(Once we fill the Assistant Volleyball Coach position, spots will be open to Grade 7 students, date TBD).

Interested in one of the most unique coaching experiences EVER? Come over to RAMS!

We are in search of coaches for this fall at RAMS. The following positions are open:

• Volleyball Assistant Coach

• Field Hockey Head Coach

• Field Hockey Assistant Coach

If you are interested in filling a position, splitting a position with another person, or if any names come to mind please do have them reach out to manningk@holliston.k12.ma.us and I will answer any questions.

Fall Sports Night for parents will be held in early September. The date will be shared in our next newsletter.

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, and Caretakers:

At Robert Adams Middle School, we understand the importance of both academic and recreational reading. As studies have proven, when students read for pleasure, they benefit in all subjects, not just English. Recreational reading improves vocabulary, spelling, reading fluency, and background knowledge. Additionally, we hope to build a community of readers, where all students can see themselves reflected in the characters, discuss the inspirational experiences of respective protagonists, find excitement and connection in shared readings, and support one another in their reading.

To encourage summer reading, as well as prepare students for start-of-the-year activities and community-building experiences, the summer reading requirements are as follows:

REQUIRED:

ALL STUDENTS 6-8 must read at least two books of their choice before returning to school in September.

For 8th GRADERS ONLY: choose one fiction book and one nonfiction book.

ALL STUDENTS 6-8 must turn in the Summer Reading Form to their English teachers.

OPTIONAL:

ALL STUDENTS 6-8 have the option to complete the extra credit activities and submit their work to their English teachers.

Students may opt to buy books; however, books, audiobooks, ebooks, and downloadable audiobooks are available from the Holliston Public Library and through the Minuteman Library Network. You might also check out Overdrive, SORA, and Hoopla which also offer access to free audiobooks and ebooks.

When your child completes reading the two books this summer, please print and fill in the Summer Reading Form, and submit it to their English teacher during the opening weeks of school. English teachers will announce a final due date for their classes. Parents will need to sign off that students completed their summer reading.

The optional extra credit must also be turned in for credit. Your child's English teacher will let them know how to submit their optional extra credit work when school starts in August.

We hope you have a wonderful summer filled with magical books!

Happy July! See you soon:)