3-28-2024

Dear Parents/Guardians,

A big congratulations to all the students and their teachers who put together and participated in the Middle School Music & Arts Coffee House. The performances and artwork were outstanding!!

We are getting close to Spring break…let the countdown begin! Next Friday is an early release day and the following week is our Spring Break. The district’s updated school calendar for the remainder of the year can be found below.

There have been a few questions about the end of the year. Right now we are set to finish the year on Friday, June 14th. The last four days of school will be half days. We are still waiting to confirm the date for our 8th grade promotion ceremony until we are certain that there will be no additional weather days that would change the end of the year calendar.

Just a reminder that if you have not done so, then please make sure to fill out the School Climate parent/guardian survey that you received this past Monday. The goal of the survey is to provide us feedback on the strengths and areas where we can improve our school/district’s social/emotional climate and we appreciate you taking a few minutes to provide your feedback.

That’s all I have for now.

Have a great weekend.

Michael Seroussi

• March 29- Good Friday (No School)
• April 3- Quarter 3 Ends
• April 4- Quarter 4 Begins
• April 4- Incoming 7th Grade Parent Orientation Night (6- 7 PM)
• April 5- Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
• April 8-12 Spring Recess (No School)
• April 17- NGSS Testing 8th Grade Only
• April 17- Spring Athletic Photos
• April 19- Drama Production; Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief (HS Auditorium 7:00 PM)
• April 20- Inquiry Team At Marlborough Art Center
• April 20- Drama Production; Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief (HS Auditorium 2 & 7 PM)
• April 23- Marlborough/Andover 6th Grade Student Orientation (Students Visit)
• April 25- Hebron 6th Grade Student Orientation (Students Visit)
• April 25- All Town Jazz Concert (7:00 PM)
• April 26- Inquiry Team Field Trip to Boston

*All dates are subject to change*

**Sport and activity dates can be found under appropriate labeled sections below**

Colin McNamara, Superintendent, is continuing one of his goals to meet as many parents and community members as possible. To help in this effort, he has added new opportunities this semester for "Coffee and Conversation" with community members at the dates listed below. We hope you are able to attend one of the listed times. Please watch for any updates due to weather or other circumstances.

• Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM in the Middle School Media Center
  
• Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM in the High School Media Center
  
• Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 in the Middle School Media Center

Grades 7 & 8: Children hear about what's going on in the world social media, friends and adults' conversations. Sometimes the news can be uplifting, but other times the news may be worrisome and children might need an adult to help them make sense of what's happening. These conversations with our children can be difficult. To learn some tips on having hard conversations about the news check out this article.

Grade 8: School Counselors will be looking for students who are interested in being tour guides and/or sitting on the question/answer panel for our upcoming 6th grade Orientations! Students can express their interest by completing a Google Form that has been shared with them in their Grade 8 School Counseling Google Classroom. Filling out the form will not guarantee a spot as a tour guide since we can only use so many students. Once they have expressed interest, School Counselors will review the list with their team of teachers and tour guides will be selected.

Incoming 7th Graders: We are starting to plan for the 6th graders to come visit us for their RHAM MS Orientations and we're excited to meet them! Marlborough and Andover will be coming during the school day on April 23rd and Hebron will be coming on April 25th. During orientation they will get a chance to hear from administration, counselors and current RHAM MS students! They will also get a tour of the building led by some of our student tour guides.

The RHAM Middle School Inquiry Academy will be holding a presentation of Native American storytelling and Indigenous art at the Marlborough Art Center (231 North Main St.) on Saturday April 20th, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Native American children’s stories will be read from 12:00-1:00. Presentations on Indigenous art and essays on Native oral traditions will continue from 1:00-2:00 and there will be an open gallery of student art from 2:00-3:00. On display will be student examples of Molas, an artistic tradition of the Kuna people of Panama, as well as Boruca masks from Costa Rica.

Our online registration program for all incoming 7th grade students will remain open for a short extended period of time. Registration directions were emailed out by the elementary schools and also can be found attached. All of this information is also available on our website (https://rms.rhamschools.org/home). Under the Parent tab (Incoming 7th grade Information). Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the middle school office or call or email, Mrs. Gail Beaulieu at 860-228-9423 ext. 4704 or gail.beaulieu@rhamschools.org

**Click on picture to access directions**

The Rhamblings 2024 Winter Edition is ready to view by clicking the link below. This issue highlights a variety of talented writers, painters, poets, digital artists, pencil artists, sculptors, and photographers throughout the Middle School. We hope you enjoy this issue and we look forward to receiving many new submissions for our Spring publication. If you are interested in submitting work for the Spring publication, please speak to or email Mrs. Connors in MS Room 110 or Julia Celona on Inquiry Team.

https://sites.google.com/rhamschools.org/rhamblingswinteredition2024/main-cover

This week, there was no change in the standings for the Tournament of Books. Purple team is still in 1st place, with Inquiry in 2nd place and Red team in 3rd place. The Tournament of Books will be ending April 26th, so there’s a month left for students to earn points for their team. It’s currently March Madness- fiction books count for double points!

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.
  

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.

FRIENDLY REMINDER - If your child is going to be absent from school, arriving late, or dismissing early, you must report to the school by either filling out the Nurse's Office Form or calling (860)228-9423 X4008 by 8:30 A.M. The link can also be found on the RHAM Middle School website under the “Parents” tab.

• 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.

You can’t leave the school grounds then come back to take the late bus.

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

1. Complete FamilyID Registration:
   1. Complete and submit registration via RHAM Middle School FamilyID. (https://students.arbitersports.com/rham-middle-school-athletics/rham-middle-school-spring-2024-athletics-registration)
   2. If you have an account already, log in and use previous information to register for current season.
   3. 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.
2. Submit a valid State of CT School Health Assessment Record Form to the Athletic Director’s Office.
   1. Page 1-Completed and signed by parents.
   2. Page 2-Completed and signed by medical provider.
      1. 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***

1. 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.
   1. 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

1. Go to: https://www.impacttestonline.com/htmllauncher/
2. Enter customer code: 2fc3a5690f
3. Click “Validate” and then “Launch Baseline Test”
4. Register and follow instructions to take Impact Test.

**NO TALKING, CELL PHONES, OR ANY OTHER DISTRACTIONS WHILE CONDUCTING TEST.**

1. 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

RHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS MEETING AND TRYOUT INFORMATION:

**All athletes will meet their coach in the RHAM MS GYM at time of tryouts**

SOFTBALL | TRYOUTS: 4/1, 4/2, 4/3 (if necessary) | TIME 2:30-4:30 PM | Vet's Park | rich.veilleux@rhamschools.org

BASEBALL | TRYOUTS: 4/1, 4/2, 4/3 (if necessary) | TIME TBA | RHAM MS Baseball Diamond | john.risley@rhamschools.org

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD | FIRST PRACTICE SESSION: 4/1 | TIME TBA | RHAM HS Track | cole.paquin@rhamschools.org

**All times subject to change. Coaches will provide updates.**

Where Can I Find the Menu?

https://www.fdmealplanner.com/

We have two lunch waves, the first one starts at 10:35 am and the second one starts at 11:20 am. We know that students often get hungry either before/and or after lunch so they bring a snack to keep in their locker.

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 )

SOAR Leadership Youth Group

On March 19th 2024, SOAR Youth group members welcomed guest speaker and Hebron resident/business owner Michelle Nicholson. SOAR members enjoyed delicious treats from the Flour Girl Bakery while listening to Michelle’s inspirational story of how the Flour Girl came to be! Middle school students are welcome to join us for some fun, snacks, games and prizes at our next SOAR meeting on April 16th at the RHAM fishbowl from 2:20-3:30. Please RSVP to Aprils SOAR meeting by emailing Ashlee Parks at ashleep@ahmyouth.org

Kids vs Cops Basketball Game

The Kids vs Cops basketball game will take place at RHAM High school on Friday April 19th from 6-7pm (doors will open at 5:30). Resident State Troopers from Troop K will face-off in a friendly basketball game against student athletes from RHAM High school. The goal of this event is to bring students, community members, and law enforcement together in a casual, fun and uplifting environment. Additionally, as an educational component for parents/caregivers, a mock bedroom set up by Hidden in Plain Sight will be set up to highlight how drug paraphernalia can be hidden in bedrooms by teens.

Hebron Earth Day Clean-up Walk

AHM Youth and Family Services in collaboration with the Hebron Green Community is excited for the upcoming Hebron Earth Day Cleanup Walk taking place on April 20, 2024. The walk will kick off at RHAM High school at 10am and end when volunteers drop their collected trash off at the Hebron Town Hall by 1pm. We are calling upon students, parents and Hebron community members to volunteer for the walk! If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at https://forms.gle/RCpjmnP6Mn9p2NuN6 The first 25 volunteers to register for the walk will receive a t-shirt to wear at the event! This is a great opportunity for students to complete service hours!

In preparation for the walk, we invite you to test your knowledge on how much you know about the trash found in our community and its impact on the environment. Take this quick ten-question pre-walk survey at https://forms.gle/9QiARXPXNMUqQrzV8 Everyone who completes the pre-walk survey has a chance to WIN a gift card to a local restaurant! Direct questions about the Hebron Earth Day Clean-up Walk to AHM Prevention Coordinator, Ashlee Parks at ashleep@ahmyouth.org .