Thundercat Weekly
Parent Newsletter - October 16-- October 20, 2023
Newsletter Contents
- RTMS Parents To-Do List
- Important Dates
- PSAT Test Day Reminders
- October Edition of the Gifted and Talented newsletter
- Attention Parents of 8th Grade Students
- Thundercat TV Episode 6
- Faculty vs. Student Volleyball Game
- RTMS Thundercat Productions Presents
- Cross Country
- End of Year Awards
- Highschool Programs of Choice
- Student Passwords
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes Meeting
- Student Council Meeting
- 6th Grade Social
- Girls basketball Info
- 3rd Party Food Deliveries
- Red Ribbon Week Themes
- Level Down Process
- Walk Watch Repeat Sign up
- Sports Physicals
- Student Dress Code
- 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
5. Update Student Passwords and/or challenge questions
Important Dates
October 17 & 18 - RTMS Theater Production
October 18 - PSAT at RTMS for 8th Grade
October 18 - Chicken Salad Chick PTO Spirit Night
October 20 - 6th Grade Social, 6-8 pm
October 23-27 - Red Ribbon Week
October 25 - Band Fall Concert 6:00 pm
November 10 ~ No School
November 17 - Faculty v. Students Volleyball Game
November 20-24 - Thanksgiving Break – No School
PSAT Test Day Reminders
1. Students should arrive on campus between 8:30 a.m. -8:45a.m. to ensure they are not late for testing.
2. Come prepared. Students may bring an approved calculator (see link) or utilize the calculator built into the testing system. PSAT Calculator Policy
3. College Board policy requires staff to collect phones and electronic devices, including wearable technology (ex. Phones, Apple Watches, fitness trackers, or ear buds). Devices must be powered off or in airplane mode before collection.
4. Phones on or under the desk are considered in their possession. A phone or other prohibited devices that makes noise could result in score cancellation. For further details, please visit Collegeboard.org.
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/whats-on-the-test/math/calculator-use
October Edition of the Gifted and Talented Newsletter
Description: The October Edition of the Gifted and Talented newsletter is now available.
Links: https://www.smore.com/qgext
Attention Parents of 8th Grade Students
Greetings from your 8th Grade Counselor!
There are some important information that you will need to know about your student's 8th grade year leading into high school. Please watch the video linked below, in its entirety, to be in the know about all things 8th grade. At a later date, I will have a Questions and Answer session in case you have any questions. Enjoy!
Thundercat TV
Staff vs. Students Volleyball Game
On Friday, November 17th the RTMS Dance Team will host our
Staff vs. Students Volleyball game.
Only 350 tickets will be sold via RevTrak, Monday, November 13th @ 6:00 p.m.
The link will be sent out via email and placed on our campus webpage Monday, November 13th.
In order to purchase a ticket, your child cannot have any discipline referrals in Skyward from October 17th – November 17th.
No refunds if tickets are purchased and your child has a referral.
Again, we only have 350 tickets available.
RTMS Thundercat Productions Presents
Cross Country
Cross Country will have practice on Monday, Oct 16 and Thursday Oct. 19 at 7:30 am, In order to attend practice you must have a physical uploaded in Rank One and all electronic forms filled out. https://fortbendisd.rankonesport.com/New/NewInstructionsPage.aspx
Join our SportsYou for more info- ELZQGSBQ
Meets will be held on the following Dates-
Oct. 25- Dual Meet vs Baines @ Baines
Nov 2- @ SL Memorial Park
Nov 7- @ Ridge Point HS
Nov 14- DISTRICT MEET @ SL Memorial Park
Practices - 7:30 am- drop off at gym doors, meet in girls gym- Students will be done by 8:20 to go to locker room to get ready for school.
Oct 16
Oct 19
Oct 23
Oct 30
Nov 6
End of Year Awards
End of the Year Awards 2024
The following awards will be presented at the end of the year. Students receiving awards will be personally invited to the awards ceremony for their grade level. 6th and 7th grade awards will be presented during the school day. 8th grade awards will be presented during an evening ceremony. 6th grade awards will be May 20, 2024 at 9:00am. 7th grade will be May 21th at 9:00am and 8th grade will be May 21st at 6:00pm. All ceremonies will be by invitation only. All awards ceremonies will be held in the RTMS Commons. All academic and attendance awards are based on the Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3.
· Academic Excellence: Students who have maintained an A average in all their classes during each grading period of the 23-24 school year.
· AB Honor Roll: Students who maintained an A or B average in all their classes during each grading period during the 23-24 school year.
· Perfect Attendance Award: Students with zero absences for the school year. School related absences such as field trips are not considered an absence from school.
· PRIDE Award: Each teacher chooses one student, per course they teach, who exhibits the characteristics of the RTMS Core Beliefs.
o People and relationships matter.
o Respect in all we do.
o Inclusion is our priority.
o Diversity is our strength.
o Effort fuels our Growth.
· P³ (Passion, Practice and Perseverance) Award: Each teacher chooses one student, per course they teach, who exhibits grit and perseverance throughout the year.
· Thunder Clap Award – Students who exhibit significant improvement in academics and/or behavior. Teachers can select 1 student per course they teach.
· Athlete of the Year – Each Athletic Coordinator choses one female and one male athlete that competes in three of five of the available sports and is a contributing member toward team success.
· Thundercat Spirit (8th Grade Only) – One male and a female student athlete who shows leadership and work ethic on and off the field/court.
· Outstanding Fine Arts Student of the Year – Each fine arts department choses 2 students per grade level that exhibits excellence in their program.
· Most Improved Fine Arts Students – Each fine arts department choses 2 students per grade level that exhibits significant improvement, grit, and perseverance in their program.
· Ronald Thornton Award (8th Grade Only) – A student that exhibits the qualities of the RTMS Vision, Mission and Core Beliefs; who practices Passion, Practice and Perseverance; and lives by attributes of the FBISD Profile of a Graduate in school and in the community.
High School Programs of Choice
Hello RTMS 8th grade Students and Parents,
We’re getting closer to course selection and endorsements time, and I wanted to provide you with information regarding high school Academies, Early College and P-Tech. Below you will find information, including the website and videos pertaining to the aforementioned high school options. Applications will open on November 1st, 2023. Information regarding applications will be sent closer to the opening of the applications.
Also, High School Programs of Choice will be on our campus on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, during lunches to discuss and promote P-Tech, Early College, and Academies with 8th grade students.
The Mariachi Band Program is only available to those students zoned to Willowridge or Marshall for their high school career.
Program
Website
Video Link
Digital Media Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/3046
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1978342596
Engineering Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2399
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1960499862
Global Studies Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2400
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1975840988
International Business and Marketing Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2401
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1975840988
Math and Science Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2402
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1962547165
Medical Science Academy
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2404
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1978342596
P-Tech: Hightower HS
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/114850
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1969781001
P-Tech: Willowridge HS
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/114851
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1969748078
ECHS: Marshall HS
https://www.fortbendisd.com/domain/15898
https://www.wevideo.com/view/2002576800
Piano Technician: Marshall HS
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/132290
https://www.wevideo.com/view/2007526897
Mariachi Band Program
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/132638
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wgCcCZRMFDXgzDvxdUP1i-QLUXWsPgMd/view?usp=sharing
Student Passwords
Beginning September 9, 2023, middle and high school students will be forced to change their passwords upon first login to a district computer.
To obtain your username and password, please go to the appropriate grade level section below.
Instructions for Students:
Student Password Information for Students (Returning 7th thru 12th graders)
Returning 7th thru 12th graders use your last year’s username and password. If you are having trouble signing in with your previous username and password, follow the instructions below:
- Click here if you have forgotten your username or password. If you have not set your challenge questions you will not be able to reset your password.
- Click here if you would like to update your password and Challenge Questions & Answers.
- Click here if you would like to update your Expired Student Account Password.
- If you are still having trouble signing in go to Trouble Signing In section.
Student Password Information for Students (EE thru 6th and all students new to Fort Bend ISD)
Parents/Guardians will need to assist students by following the instructions stated in the section Student Password Information for Parents.
Instructions for Parents/Guardians:
Student Password Information for Parents (Guardian On Record Login ID and Password Required)
Parents please follow the instructions below to obtain the Student password Information as soon as possible allowing you some time to help prepare our students for their start of school. Please use the Login ID and Password of the Guardian on record to sign in.
Click here for Grades EE thru 6th and all new students 7th thru 12th grades
Trouble Signing In
In the event your student is having trouble signing in with the provided password information, you have the following options:
- Self-help: Your password may have expired, follow these steps and reset your own password. (Recommended)
- Contact Campus: Teacher, Librarian, ADA or Data Clerk for assistance.
Please ensure the following information is readily available when contacting your campus or the Student Support Center:
- Student ID #
- Date of Birth
- Home Address
- Parent Name (Guardian on record)
- Parent Phone number (Guardian on record)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Meeting
FCA will meet on Friday, Nov. 3 in the library at 8:10.
Student Council Meeting
STUDENT COUNCIL will have a poster making party on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 4:20- 5:00 in the Girls Gym. You must have a ride home at 5:00 to attend.
6th Grade Social
Our 6th Grade Social – sponsored and hosted by our PTO will be held in our RTMS Commons
Theme: Flannel and Friends (RTMS 6th grade students only)
Friday, October 20, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dress: Casual attire with fall colors or flannel
No cost to our students, just have great behavior
In order to attend, students cannot receive a disciplinary referral in Skyward from 9/20/23 – 10/20/23
RTMS Girls Basketball 2023-24
GIRL’S BASKETBALL STARTS OCT. 23, 2023
Please fill out form below if you plan on trying out-
THERE WILL BE AN OPEN GYM ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY OCT 17 and 19 from 4:20- 5:30. This is completely optional and not required to try out. You must have all Rank one Paper work completed and a physical uploaded to attend.
Tryouts will be held Oct. 23, 24, 25
- All athletes must have a physical exam turned in and all FBISD Electronic Forms completed.
- An athlete must be present all days of tryouts to be considered for a team.
- Athletes will be given a numbered shirt for tryouts. They can wear their own black or purple shorts.
- Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday morning for 8th grade and after school for 7th grade.
- No practice on Wednesday mornings, this is a game day.
- Athletes are only allowed to wear their RTMS Girls Gold and Purple Athletics uniform during practice.
- Athletes are allowed to ride home with parents from a game after they have signed out with a coach.
Mandatory Items in order to tryout-
Physical Examination Uploaded to Rank One and Electronic Forms Filled out
https://fortbendisd.rankonesport.com/New/NewInstructionsPage.aspx
For more information, contact Coach Barger – dana.barger@fortbendisd.com
3rd Party Food Deliveries
Red Ribbon Week Themes
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.
Guidelines for Exiting an AAC Course Exit processes are necessary to assist students in making sound course selection decisions. Please be aware that the exact grade from the AAC class shall transfer to the on-level course with no grade adjustments. These grades will be included in calculating the on-level course grade and may impact UIL eligibility.
Prior to requesting a change to level down:
- ·Students are expected to seek support when needed to be successful in a AAC course. Actions taken should include tutorials and conferencing with the teacher.
- Requests to level down will be considered after the first three (3) weeks of school and only if space is available in the new class. Prior to requesting a change in level, the student and parent must have met with the teacher and put in place a plan for success. If the teacher and student feel the plan has been followed, and the student has completed all assignments, a request for a conference to discuss removal may be made.
- Success in a AAC course is defined as having a grade of 75 or above.
- Students who earn an F in a AAC course at the end of a grading period may be removed from the class unless otherwise recommended by the teacher and administrator. Students assigned to DAEP may lose their AAC class.
How to Request to level down
- Student must have a 74 or below in the AAC course.
- Student must have completed all assignments.
- 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.
- The teacher will monitor and check in on the plan of success for a minimum of 3 weeks
Next Steps
- 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.
- The student and parent will complete the RTMS request for level change form.
- Obtain the appropriate signatures (an email acknowledgment is acceptable)
- Return the form to the counselor’s office.
- 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.
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
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.
Student Dress Code
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.
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
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 is considered Tardy, Late, and or Absent within the day?
Tardy: 19> minutes since class starts
Late: <20 minutes since class starts
Absent (W): <40 minutes since class starts
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. What is the latest I can pick-up my student?
Student pickup is suspended from 3:30 p.m-4:10 p.m.
7. 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.
8. Why is the absence still showing unexcused?
Once documentation is submitted, it can take up to 48 hours to show in Skyward. If note, is turned in 5 days after absence date, the absence is still considered unexcused.
9. What information should be included in the absence note?
Please include first name and last name, grade level, reason for absence.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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
Links and Resources
Links & Resources
FBISD Instructional Calendar (2023-2024)
FBISD Volunteer Application & Background Check
PE Uniforms https://fortbendisd.revtrak.net/FBISD-Schools-1082/ms/thornton-ms/rtms-pe-uniforms/#/list
Immunization Information - FBISD Health Services Webpage
Connect to RTMS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RTMSThundercats
Website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/rtms
RTMS PTO https://www.rtmspto.net/
Ronald Thornton Middle School
Website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/rtms
Location: 1909 Waters Lake Boulevard, Sienna, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 327-3870
Twitter: @RTMSThundercats