Dear RMS Community:
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” - John R Lewis
In preparation for Civil Rights Day on Monday, and as a bulwark against the upheaval we have all felt, we spent Wednesday morning meeting examining ways to make small differences in the lives of others. Prompted by the following short video https://vimeo.com/480933758, provided by our student council, we all identified a concern in the world or in ourselves that we wanted to work to overcome. Students and staff identified over 20 causes including mental health concerns, issues of racial and gender equity, food access, the climate crisis, aid for veterans, religious freedom, and an end to all forms of discrimination. We wrote our cause to overcome, along with various inspirational quotes (mine was the John Lewis exhortation above), on strips of paper. Later we combined all the causes into a large paper chain which we will display in the lobby. As always, the thoughtfulness, caring, and willingness to serve others showed itself strongly at RMS.
Our identification of what “we shall overcome” not only served to focus discussions of Civil Rights on the future rather than the past, but also reminded us that during this time of isolation and upheaval many experts identify service to others as an important part of maintaining mental health. As we get ever closer to our “anniversary” of end of in person classes last year, we are noticing a marked pandemic fatigue among students and staff. In addition, recent events in the country have raised anxiety for everyone. The exercise on Wednesday reminded us that helping others is a good way both to make a difference, and to make ourselves healthier. When we work for others we can feel in control of a plan with attainable goals, and these small successes can help the world make sense again. Witness Representative Kim’s reaction to the events of January 6th - to help clean the capitol building. We should all take some time during this long weekend to help ourselves by helping others. It is good for all of us, and shows again that we are better together. (Hopefully we will be able to shovel some snow to help neighbors). Enjoy the day away from school.
As always, we welcome any and all comments and concerns. Please be well, stay safe, and take care of each other.
Warmly,
Important Dates
- Friday, Jan. 15th - End of Q2
- Monday, Jan 18th - MLK Day, no school
- Tuesday, Jan 19th - Start of Q3
- Friday, Jan 22nd - RMS Talent Show available for viewing
- Monday, Jan 25th - Report Cards available
- Monday, Jan 25th - Parent Check-In meetings for 6th and 7th Grade.
(announcement and zoom link for meetings to follow under separate cover)
- Wednesday, Jan 27th - Parent Check-In meeting for 8th grade and a make up meeting.
Please Help the Yearbook!
Hello Richmond families,
We are reaching out to you for help with the yearbook. As you know, this is the year of everything being different.
Because of mask rules, and distancing we don't get to see the faces of our students. Thus, our options at school are limited. We are hoping to collect photos from home also. Family groups, students doing things– ski trips, sports, maybe a group shot of your "bubble", pets, hobbies– all are welcome. We will select any and all that work for the book.
Photos would be used for the yearbook and for our lobby slideshow. There will be no internet accessible use.
For the yearbook, we may include notable quotes, strange observations, artwork, and poetry. This will be ongoing into spring.
Later on we will ask for baby pictures... a favorite section of the yearbook every year.
Please send any submissions to this email address:
rmsyearbook@
Win and iPad with Math
For the fifth year the Dartmouth Mathematics Department is sponsoring an Essay Contest on "Biographies of Contemporary Women in Mathematics." We are very excited to share this program with our community and hope to receive some outstanding essays. In the past we have had quite a few students receive recognition or win the national AWM Essay Contest, including RMS students!!!! See the links to past winners on the website below.
This contest is open to ALL 6-8 and 9-12 students (all genders) in the Upper Connecticut River Valley, including home schooled students. The grand prize will be an iPad for each of the two age groups. Depending on the quantity and quality of essays there could be additional prizes. While the subject of the essay is "women in mathematics" the contest is open to all genders.
https://math.dartmouth.edu/~
See Mrs. Lepene with any questions. Good luck winning an iPad or more!
PTO News
Together We Read: Parent / Child (RMS Student) Book Group
Middle Grades Book Discussion with RMS and the Marion Cross 6th Graders
Join us for a book club that brings together parents and kids to talk about some fun books that everyone will enjoy. Our conversations with parents and kids (together and in small groups based on parent or kid status) will invite everyone to think, share and explore. Here’s the schedule. All conversations will be from 7-8 pm.
January 28 – The Perfect Score by Rob Buyea
Click this link to RSVP.
These books are available at libraries and you also have the option to purchase the books at a discount contact Tracey Hayes at traceyhayeswarren@gmail.com, I have 8 copies left.
March 25 – From the Desk of Zoey Washington by Janea Marks
May 13 – A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Dollhopf-Brown at edollhopfbrown@gmail.com or 585-406-1634.
Sponsored by the Richmond Middle School PTO.
If you have any questions, please contact Austin Jacobs
RMS does offer a lunch program for families who may need assistance or special needs. Please contact Robin Morley-Ploof in the office for more information.
RMS Health Office Updates
COVID Update
We understand that the current COVID-19 situation leads to anxiety, questions and worry when one hears rumors regarding cases. We notify students and staff when they are considered close contacts to a person who has tested positive. Although one may learn of cases first-hand or through others, we would like to remind you that it is imperative that you maintain strict confidentiality regarding these cases. Information of this nature may not be shared with others. It is important that we remain respectful of the privacy of all members of our community.
Prescription Medications
Does your child need to take a prescription medication during school hours? Students must keep all prescription medications in the health office and have a signed medication form as well. The medication form and additional information can be found here: Health Office Website
Parent Resources
Links to parent resources aimed specifically at Middle School aged students.
How to talk to your student about gender
RMS is committed to building an inclusive school environment, and beginning discussions around identity for all students. This article can help you join those discussions with your student.
