“The Ringgold Middle School Experience”

1. “The Ringgold Middle School Experience” Presented by: Mr. Mike Sholl Created by A’LisaRatledge, Media Specialist

2. RMS Administration

3. The goal of this presentation is to answer many of the questions that students and families may have about Ringgold Middle School.

4. Topics Covered • Middle School Teams • Middle School Day • Middle School Classes • Middle School Grades • Middle School Activities • Middle School Safety • Middle School Attendance • Middle School Expectations

5. Middle School TEAMS

6. Team Information • Each middle school grade is divided into teams. • A team consists of several subject area teachers who teach the same group of students. • Each team includes students of all ability levels. • Each class averages 28 students. • A middle school team teacher teaches approximately 85-115 students each day.

7. What's a typical day like at RMS?

8. The Day • The middle school day is in session from approximately 8:00A.M. to 3:25P.M. • Students will travel to different classrooms throughout the day. • The academic subjects consist of Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts/Reading and one 80 minute Connections classes. • The 70 min. connections classes may be Band, Physical Education, Chorus, Art, and Computer Literacy. • One 50 min. projects class the last block of the day.

9. Connections Classes There is one Connection period. Beginning in 6th grade, students are eligible for Band. Students will be required to rent, borrow, or purchase an instrument. (A very limited number of large instruments are available in each school.) Band and Chorus classes are voluntary. Students not in Band or Chorus are randomly assigned to Connection classes.

10. Sorry… no recess in middle school!

11. Middle School CLASSES

12. Class Information • Students are placed in the Renaissance Program based on their first nine weeks grades. • Horizon classes are available to those students who qualify.

13. Renaissance @ RMS …e x c e l l e n c e

14. Renaissance Requirements GOLD – A’s BLUE – A’s and B’s WHITE- A’s, B’s and C’s

15. Middle School GRADES

16. Grading Scale • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 74-79 C • 70-73 D • 69-below F

17. Grades Continued… • A progress report is issued each 4 1/2 weeks. • Each nine-week report is considered the end-of-quarter report card. • The nine-week reports will determine honor rolls, promotions and retentions. • Concerns about grades should be directed to your child’s teacher or counselor. • Check IC regularly to keep up with your child’s progress.

18. Middle School ACTIVITIES

19. Academic competition teams • Clubs • Band • School Sports • Chorus • Art

20. ~Offerings~ Softball Track Basketball Golf Baseball Football Swimming Cheerleading Dance Team Soccer Cross-Country Wrestling Volleyball Cheerleading

21. To Play A Sport, You Must: • Have a CURRENT physical on file • Medical Release • Have Insurance • Make GOOD grades • Have GREAT behavior

22. Our Guidance Counselors are great! • Making and keeping friends • Children coping with divorce • Middle school issues • Dealing with grief and loss • Anger Management Group topics may include:

23. Middle School SAFETY

24. Important Safety Issues • Teachers are scheduled to arrive at 7:30. • All visitors must sign in at the front office. • All Catoosa County schools have adopted a “Zero Tolerance” policy which prohibits the use or presence of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and/or weapons on any school property. • All Catoosa County schools adhere to a strict policy prohibiting harassment and/or bullying. • Students are expected to follow the Catoosa County Student Code of Conduct.

25. Ringgold Middle School Nurse • RMS has a full-time nurse on campus. • Students who are ill or need medical attention can meet with her in the office. • Together, the school nurse and parent will determine whether or not the child is sick enough to leave school.

26. Attendance • Good attendance is important for your child’s success at middle school. • There is a correlation between a student’s attendance and standardized test scores. • For excused absences, students will be allowed the same number of days to make up work that they were absent. Example: 2 days excused absence = 2 days to make up work.

27. EXPECTATIONS & Miscellaneous Info.

28. Behavioral Expectations RMS students are EXPECTED to be: • PROMPT • PREPARED • POLITE *Being polite includes keeping your hands and feet to yourself.

29. Lockers • Students will be assigned a locker in their teams and in their PE class. These lockers have a combination lock provided by the school. • Students are NOT ALLOWED to share lockers! • Additional locks are not permitted. • Before 6th grade, it is a good idea to practice working a combination lock.

30. Dress Code • All students are expected to dress in a manner which demonstrates respect of the learning environment. • Please refer to the Catoosa County Code of Conduct for specifics related to dress code.

31. Lunch & Breakfast • Middle School lunch costs are $1.95 and breakfast is $1.05. • Many additional items are available for purchase. • You will have a lunch account in the Dining Hall. • It’s students’ responsibility to know the status of their account.

32. Media Center • The Media Center will be available from 7:45 to 3:45 every school day after it opens. • Students may check out two items at one time. • Items may be checked out for 2 weeks or more if renewed.

33. Supplies • Basic school supplies include pencils, blue and black pens, 3-ring binders, pocket folders with brads and white loose-leaf paper. • In addition to general school supplies, each teacher or team may have individual requirements. • Teachers will have a printed supply list for you.

34. Additional Expenses These may include school dances, vocabulary books, year books, field trips, and a limited number of donation programs.

35. Buses • Bus service is provided for students living beyond a distance of 1/2 mile from the school. • Bus routes are posted about a week before school begins. • Students need to know their home address and phone number in addition to their bus number by the end of the first day of school. • Have your child ride the bus the first day and week so he/she will know the bus number and procedures. • A parent note is required in order to change the “way a student goes home.”

36. Car Riders • Car riders may be dropped off no earlier than 7:00 A.M. • Car riders are expected to report to the gym immediately upon arrival. • Expect traffic delays after 7:30 A.M. • Please drop students off in front of the main office.

37. Homework • Be sure to log into Infinite Campus to check your child’s progress. • A sixth grade student can expect to average an hour of homework each night. • Homework grades are included in the student’s academic average!

39. Each student will be issued a student agenda to record all assignments. • Teachers may use this agenda to communicate to parents. • Make sure that you check IC or your student’s agenda daily. It’s an excellent way to communicate with your child’s teachers. • Please provide a valid phone number & email address for communication purposes.

40. Organization One key for being successful in the middle school is being ORGANIZED. Follow the teachers’ guidelines or check with the counselor for suggestions.

41. Adolescents undergo many emotional, physical, and social changes throughout the middle school years. The faculty and staff at RMS are sensitive to adolescent changes. New friends, big kids, and changing classes can be overwhelming. We are here to share in the responsibility of making this a smooth transition for you and your child.

42. We're GLAD You're Here!The Ringgold Middle School website is:http://www.catoosa.k12.ga.us/rms/