Friday Focus

Frances C. Richmond Middle School

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Welcome to the Friday Focus on a Thursday.  Hopefully, everyone is looking forward to a 4-day weekend and enjoying the foliage and football that mark the season in the Upper Valley.  

As I walked around the halls and grounds of RMS this week, I was struck again by the multiple levels of learning and instructions I saw.  Students quietly working math problems by themselves in a class next to students engaged in vigorous conversation with peers and teachers.  Children reading quietly before school as others played ball in the gym. Teachers diligently engaged in one-on-one instruction while others patiently guided students in exercises of discovery.  Learning takes on many guises, and the lessons offered at RMS are many. We continue to search for learning wherever it takes place, and nurture it as we find it. Please join me this long weekend in being thankful for the community of learners at the Richmond School, and get some rest.  

We are about to enter a six week stretch of classes with one day off before Thanksgiving - the longest stretch of the year until May - so rest will be at a premium.  As always, thank you for your support of our community, and please contact us with any questions or concerns.  

Have a great weekend. 

Warmly,

Tim Boyle
Principal
@TimBoyle_RMS
timboyle@hanovernorwichschools.org

Anissa Morrison
Associate Principal
anissamorrison@frms.org
@AnissaVT

---

RMS News

 

Screenagers - The Next Chapter 

We are excited to offer a premier showing of the new movie by the makers of the original Screenagers movie.  Please plan to join us in the RMS auditorium for the screening of the film on October 22nd, at 6:30 PM. This installment examines the interaction of social media, anxiety, and resilience in the lives of our adolescents.  We encourage parents and middle school students to plan on attending. View the trailer here.

 

 

Congratulations

Former student Luke Szczepiorkowski recently received his award for his work last year. Luke was a national finalist at National Geographic’s GeoBee. Congratulations again Luke. 

 

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.  

 

Haunted Costumes Class - Please donate

We are looking for the following items for our "Haunted Costumes" class for our spooky performances on 10/31. If anyone is able to donate, please contact zealuce@hanovernorwichschools.org.  Thank you.  Needs include:

• white high heels - size 6 
• blue jacket (for police officer in a play)
• brown/tan vest
• brown gloves

 

Performance Calendar

Do you have a student in a music performance class?  Please see here for the schedule of concerts throughout the year.  It is always good to plan ahead.  

 

Volunteer News 

Three Spots Still Available!  We are looking for six parent/guardian 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.

 

The SAU 70 School Board is seeking Hanover and Norwich residents to volunteer to join the SAU 70 Strategic Planning Committee.

There are four subcommittees for participation: Education, Finance, Governance, and Operations.  Those interested are encouraged to send a letter detailing their interest and qualifications to Superintendent Jay Badams (jaybadams@sau70.org)

 

---

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

 

---

Upcoming important dates

 

Monday, October 14th - Indigenous Peoples Day - Thanksgiving in Canada - NO SCHOOL (homework free long weekend) - See STEM@Nugget opportunity below.

Monday, October 21st - Picture Retake day.

Tuesday, October 22nd - 6:30 - Screening of Screenagers

Tuesday, October 22nd - Q2 Arena Scheduling

All School News and Events (RMS website has a calendar with events and dates/times)

 

 

---

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. 

 

WISE hints for parenting for prevention - Talk about relationships with your pre-teen.

• Read, Does Your Child Need a Checkup? https://www.scarleteen.com/article/relationships/does_your_relationship_need_a_checkup

• Watch, The Mask You Live In and Miss Representation on Netflix.

 

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.