Friday Focus

Well, we know the end of the year is coming - the final projects are starting to appear.  Take a moment and ask your students about the many amazing things that have been created during the past few weeks, and those that are upcoming.  It is natural for this age group to become less forthcoming, but still like to share what they have done (it doesn’t make sense, but that is the surreal world of middle school).  We have seen numerous projects in all classes, are preparing to watch multiple performances, and are genuinely enjoying the growth and joy that students bring to the ending days of school.  With the end of school come updates, more to follow. 

 

June 11th - 8th grade celebration, last day for 8th graders.  The celebration will be livestreamed and recorded, but will be limited to school personnel only. 

 

June 14th will be a ½ day.  Currently we are coordinating bus transportation between the schools, but the tentative ending time is noon.

 

Library Renovation Update:  RMS has raised more than 80% of our total project cost for the library renovation.  We are hoping to order shelving next week and are anticipating the volunteer hours that will be needed to relocate books from our old to new shelving.  We couldn't do any of this without our supportive and encouraging community.  Future donations will be allocated the remainder of Phase 1 (shelving and carpeting) and Phases 2 and 3 (makerspace and classroom areas).  Please see the plans for the library and instructions on how to give here.  

 

Thank you to everyone who completed the parent survey.  We will share results with the school board on Tuesday and with the wider school community next week.  We continue to be thankful for your support this year.  Students received a similar survey this week, we hope to share that data as well next week. 

 

Thank you again for all of your support this year.  Stay hydrated this weekend.  Be safe, stay well, and take care of each other.  

 

Warmly,

Tim Boyle

Principal

 

Anissa Morrison

Associate Principal

---

---

 

RMS News

Tickets are now available for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

View the trailer here!

 

See details below

https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/51542

 

The link above will take you to our event page where you can get tickets, see the show playbill, and get more information. Once you have gotten your ticket, you will receive an email with a private link just for you and instructions on how to access the show on the performance night you have chosen. Tickets are by donation and all donations support the RMS Theatre Department. We can't wait for you to see the show!

*Please note that the link you receive for viewing will only work for one device so anyone viewing in a different location or on a different device will need to get a ticket for their own private link.

If you would like to add a pre-performance message for the cast/crew, you can submit a "Virtual Shout Out" - no charge for RMS staff!

(Click here for "Virtual Shout Out" form)

 

 

Yearbook NEWS!

The RMS Yearbook is available now!  Go to: https://store.shopyearbook.com/rms-yearbook-20-21. 

Users can create an account and purchase using a credit card. Estimated shipping is about $7. Or you can download a digital version for free. 

Parents who want prints of their student's portraits should contact Teal Parker

https://www.tealparkerphotography.com/. Secure online ordering is available. Contact link is at the bottom of her homepage.

 

Materials Still Needed

We are still looking for lumber - especially any quantities of exterior grade wood.  We intend to expand our outdoor spaces and would love any quantities of teak, cedar, or black locust wood to start our plans.  Thank you in advance for this and any other donations of lumber.

 

RMS CAFE

Price List - May Menu is here.

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.

 

PTO News

Dear RMS Community,

Wow!   We are wrapping up the school year, there is so much to be grateful for.... 

We have definitely worked in line with our mission of building community through communication, socials and partnerships. 

+ Created "Together We Read" and held 3 book discussions with students and parents;

+ Gathered generously donated funds and hosted a Dec. and a Feb. Teacher Appreciation events and a May event thanking over 120 appreciation of all staff, bus drivers/ monitors and crossing guard. 

+ Welcomed new to district families with RMS ambassadors to ease the transitions with answering simple questions about local resources and just a local contact. 

+ Hosted virtual socials for parents to get acquainted.

+ Built organizational capacity, starting from scratch building an official organization r and bank account so that we can start to offer spirit wear and more. 

 

Special shoutouts to the following PTO officers and volunteers at Richmond Middle School PTO. 

+Thank you to RMS administrative team and staff, 

+SAU Karen Wright and Emma Cottage,

+ Parents: Anna Adachi-Mejia, Amber Barnato, Hayley DeLugach, Beth DeSimone, Stephanie Durand,  Elizabeth Dollhopf- Brown, Erin Green, Kelly Healey, Karen Hsu Blatman, Jennifer Jerit, Sunny Keiser, Melanie Michel, Sunny Nam, Emily Ryckman, Iresema Saucedo, and  Janice Starkey.

Wow!  Well done all!  Reach out to anyone one listed about their experiences and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and to connect within the community.  

Per our new bylaws, all RMS staff and guardians/parents of RMS students are PTO members. No membership fee, donations accepted. 

Stay tuned via subscription to richmondmiddleschoolpto.org (updates sent automatically to your email) or send an email richmondmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com.

 

---

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

 

---

 

Parent Resources 

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

 

Struggling with Anxiety and mental health in the Pandemic?  

Check out this resource from the director of Screenagers.  https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog

 

How to build resilience during the pandemic

Check out this article

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. 

---

Community Interest