Friday Focus

Frances C. Richmond Middle School

Friday, October 18, 2019

 

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

 

As I walked the halls of RMS this week I kept coming back to this one piece of student work in the 8th-grade hall.  The quote speaks eloquently of the mission of a middle school. We work to guide students toward a distant harbor, helping them navigate the varied waters and currents of various events, but ultimately the journey is their own.

 

  

This week saw some rough waters for the RMS community.  Thank you to all who have come together to offer support to our students and community members who are dealing with a loss.  The assistance we have received is remarkable.

Into this stormy time we are happy to bring Screenagers to RMS next week, which will allow us to specifically address the issue of resilience in today’s modern world.  Please join us next Tuesday for our screening, and continue to reach out to each other in support.  

As we move toward the end of October we continue to look for times of joy - our dance next week, a pumpkin carving contest, and an orange and black spirit day on October 31st.  Please have a great weekend, enjoying the wonderful fall colors while they last.   

Warmly,

Tim Boyle
Principal
@TimBoyle_RMS
timboyle@hanovernorwichschools.org

Anissa Morrison
Associate Principal
anissamorrison@frms.org
@AnissaVT

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RMS News

 

Picture Retakes

Monday, October 21st.  If your student was absent or you were not happy with your pictures, please return your original package to have new photos taken.  Check the Lifetouch website (mylifetouch.com) and use the code VJ019010Q1   to place your order. Paper forms are available in the office.

 

Screenagers - The Next Chapter 

Circle Up! and the Howe Library are proud to present Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. There will be a free community showing of this important documentary on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:30 PM in the RMS Auditorium. Parents, caregivers, community members, and students grades 6-12 are invited to come. Following the film, Bill Hammond will be moderating a panel of experts for Q & A. Experts include Dr. Nina Sand-Loud, Sue Pullen, MSW, Dr. James Craig, and Devyn Agett (10th grade health teacher at HHS). We anticipate that the program will run until 8 PM.

 

 

We will also show the film to the entire RMS staff and student body during the day on Tuesday. Please read a summary of the film and the program that we will offer here. 

 

Author Visit

On November 4th the RMS Library is hosting author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka.  Jarrett wrote and illustrated the graphic novels in the Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy series, as well as many other graphic novels. In 2018, his graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo, about growing up with addiction in the family, was a finalist for the National Book Award.  Jarret hoped his autobiography would shine a light on the issues faced by children of addiction in our society.  His presentation will discuss his memoir, as well as the process of writing, illustrating, and publishing such a highly personal work.  His books are available for students to check out in the library. If your child would like to purchase a book to be signed by Jarrett Krosoczka, please click here for an order form, or pick up a paper form in the library.  The order form, along with a check made out to The Norwich Bookstore, is due back to the library on Tuesday, October 22nd.

 

Library Information

As you know from Open House, the library sits at the heart of RMS, both in space and in philosophy.  More than just a place to put books, the library serves as a home for all of us. Learn all about the library and its resources and programs here.  

 

Fabrics Class - Please donate

The fabric/textile/sewing class(es) this next (wintry) quarter will focus on crocheting scarves and designing "ugly" winter sweaters.  Please consider donating any of the following items to the class  

• Crochet hooks: Not the teeny, tiny ones please.
• Yarn
• Sweaters: need to clean out your closet? The plainer the better, all sizes.

Please send donations to Zea Luce.  Thank you. 

 

Performance Calendar

Please see here for the schedule of concerts throughout the year.  

 

RMS News

Check out the latest version of our student-run RMS news here.

 

Volunteer News 

We still need 2 chaperones for the next RMS Dance, which will be held on Friday, October 25. Chaperones keep an eye on the lobby area from 6:50 - 9:00 p.m.  If you are interested in volunteering, please sign-up here.

 

 

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RMS Health Office Updates

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

 

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Upcoming important dates

• Monday, October 21st - Picture Retake day.
• Tuesday, October 22nd - 6:30 - Screening of Screenagers
• Tuesday, October 22nd - Q2 Arena Scheduling
• Friday, October 25th - RMS Dance
• Friday, November 1st - End of Q1
• Monday, November 4th - Author visit by Jarrett Krosoczka 
• All School News and Events (RMS website has a calendar with events and dates/times)

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Parent Resources 

Links to parent resources aimed specifically at Middle School aged students.  

 

Circle Up! 

Circle Up! is a parent-motivated community partnership in the Dresden School District. Our goal is to ensure our community supports safe and healthy development for our children, including reducing the likelihood that they will be hurt by substance misuse and other risky behaviors. Circle Up! is building their Listserv to include more Dresden families.  If you would like to receive Circle Up! news and event information, please send your name and email address to UVCircleUp@gmail.com. Expect to receive 1-2 Circle Up! emails a month. 

 

Staying Connected With Your Teen 

This class, offered through the Women’s Health Resource Center of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, provides dedicated time in a comfortable setting for parents and caregivers of preteens and teens to explore their relationship with their child, learn about some of the factors that affect that relationship, and develop concrete skills to build and/or maintain positive bonds.

Tuesday evenings in Sept and Oct at the Women’s Health Resource Center (free).  Please follow the link for sign up information.

 

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. 

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Community Interest can now be found here.