Welcome to the RCS Middle School
RCS Middle School Principal's Office
I hope this letter find you in good health and high spirits. As we embark on a new academic year, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all our students, both new and returning and new, along with their families to RCS Middle School. It is with great anticipation and excitement that we begin this journey together, with a shared commitment to educational excellence and growth.
As we move forward, I assure you that the well-being, safety, and educational progress of our students remain our top priorities. We have implemented comprehensive measures and protocols to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff has been working diligently to prepare for the academic year, designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our students.
This year, we will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect within our school community. We believe in the power of teamwork and the significance of a strong partnership between home and school. I encourage you to actively engage in your child’s education, maintain open lines of communication, and participate in school activities and events whenever possible. Together, we can provide the support and guidance our students need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I encourage you to stay connected with our school through Thrillshare, SchoolTool parent portal, district website (www.rcscsd.org), social media channels, and regular communication updates. These platforms will provide you with important announcements, academic resources, and information about upcoming events. Additionally, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff members (see button below labeled "Middle School Staff Directory") should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. We value your feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.
Once again, welcome back to RCS Middle School. Let us embrace this new academic year with enthusiasm and a determination to achieve greatness. Together, we will overcome any obstacles, celebrate achievements, and create a thriving learning community where every student can flourish.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead.
Denise Capece
Please Welcome Our New RCS Middle School Staff
Sara Buchter - English Teacher
Lily DeMarco - Building Aide
Joe Jaskolka - Science (returning from AWB)
Brian Garrity - Assistant Principal
Emily Krompier - Special Education Teacher
John McNally - Special Education Teacher (joined us in the middle of the 2023-2024 school year)
Matthew Olivucci - Special Education Teacher
Tristen Spinelle - Technology Teacher
Middle School Cell Phone Policy
As of Monday, May 20, 2024, the cell phone policy in the middle school changed and that change will continue throughout the 2024-2025 school year. As a summary, the policy is as follows. For the full letter that was sent out to parents and guardians on May 14, 2024, please click here.
As of Monday, May 20, 2024 and continuing for the 2024-2025 school year, students are not permitted to have their phones out, have AirPods/headphones, or smart watches anytime during the school day. As per the student handbook, we ask that phones remain in student lockers. Additionally, students are not to bring phones to the bathroom with them.
Students will not receive warnings regarding cell phone use in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, or playground. If a student is in possession of any prohibited electronic device, it will be confiscated. The electronic device(s) will be placed securely in the main office for the remainder of the school day. Failure to comply and/or repeated student offenses of this nature will result in disciplinary consequences.
FAQs
When will I receive my child's schedule?
6th grade - schedules will be handed out during orientation on August 29, 2024
7th & 8th grades - students can pick up schedules on August 29, 2024 between 12:00 & 1:00 pm. Chromebooks will be handed out in September, through each student's science class.
Any student unable to get their schedule on August 29 will receive their schedule on the first day of school.
*The bell schedule can be accessed below*
What are the school hours?
7:30 am - 2:02 pm (10th period is 2:05 pm -2:40 pm)
What time will my child be considered late?
First period begins at 7:30. Therefore, students are considered late starting at 7:31 am.
What is 10th period?
During 10th period, students stay to get enrichment from their teachers. Some extra-Curricular Clubs/Activities also take place during this time.
*No 10th period on Fridays*
Where do I drop off/pick up my child?
Please click the button below labeled "Map of MS Parent Drop-off/Pick-up Locations"
*Parents must sign their child in and out of school*
When and how does my child sign up for clubs and activities?
Please contact the advisor for each club directly for information about sign ups, meeting dates, etc. There is a list of advisors below. I have also attached the Clubs and Activities handbook which describes each club and activity.
If my child gets extra help, will they lose out on classes such as art?
While we try to avoid this, it is possible that a student's schedule may not have "extra" time for extra help and parents will work with the school counselors to find the best time to fit in the extra help.
Can we supply our child with a lock for their locker that we purchased?
In most cases, students are expected to use school-issued locks. If you feel that your child needs a lock that is different than the one provided for by the school, please contact the guidance office to discuss the specific situation.
Will my child be able to carry their backpack throughout the day?
No. All backpacks will need to be stored in each student's locker during the day.
Where do students place their instrument if they are in band?
Students should use one of the "cubbies" that are available in the band room. More information will be provided by the band teacher.
Can my child attend a JV or Varsity game without a parent or guardian?
No. Middle school students must have a parent or guardian with them to attend games.
My child needs to stay after school in order to go to practice. What should my child do until practice starts?
Student athletes should find a teacher to stay with until 2:40 pm. At 2:40, they should report to the cafeteria, where they will wait for their coach to meet them.
Additional questions not answered here?
Go to the form below to submit your question!
PTSO Meetings (MS Library) 6:00 PM
- September 18, 2024
- October 23, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- December 18, 2024
- January 15, 2025
- February 12, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 30, 2025
- May (no meeting being held)
- June 4, 2025
Would you like to attend virtually? Please contact rcsmsptso@rcscsd.org
MS Concert and Performance Dates
Location for all performances: HS Auditorium
6th and 7th/8th Grade Band and Chorus Winter Concert
- December 5, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
MS/HS Select Ensembles Concert
- January 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
6th-12th MIOSM Instrumental Concert
- March 13, 2025, 7:00 pm
6th-12th MIOSM Vocal Concert
- March 27, 2025, 7:00 pm
MS Drama Production
- May 1, 2025
- May 2, 2025
- May 3, 2025
MS/HS Select Ensembles Concert
- May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm
6th and 7th/8th Band and Chorus Spring Concert
- June 3, 2025, 7:00 pm
Calendar Events
6th Grade Orientation - August 29, 2024 - 10 am - 12 pm
Fall Baseline Fastbridge Testing - September 9-13, 2024
MS Open House - September 26, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Lifetouch Pictures - Fall - October 2, 2024
Q1 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - November 25, 2024 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
Lifetouch Pictures Retakes - November 20, 2024
1st Quarter GROW Celebration - November 22, 2024
Mid-year Fastbridge Testing - January 6-10, 2025
2nd Quarter GROW Celebration - January 31, 2025
Q2 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - February 10, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
Lifetouch Pictures - Spring - March 26, 2025
3-8 ELA Testing - April 9-10, 2025
3rd Quarter GROW Celebration - April 25, 2025
Carnival/Dance: April 25, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Q3 Honor/Merit Roll Recognition - May 5, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 7:30pm
3-8 Math Testing - May 7-8, 2025
8th Grade Science - May 13, 2025
National Jr. Honor Society - May 13, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Art Show - May 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Science Fair - May 20, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
End of Year Fastbridge Testing - June 2 -6, 2025
4th Quarter GROW Celebration - June 13, 2025
Algebra I Regents Exam - June 18, 2025
7th/8th Grade Semi-Formal: June 6, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
MS 8th Grade Moving up Ceremony - June TBD, 2025 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
World Languages Assessment - TBD
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Middle School
Email: dcapece@rcscsd.org
Website: www.rcscsd.org
Location: 2025 Route 9W, Selkirk, NY, USA
Phone: (518) 756-5200 x3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCSschools