Robertsville Review
April 16th
Success Starts Here - Brian Solmonson
Years at RMS: 1999-2003
Nickname: “Randy Moss” – coined by Gaston Mitchell.
After Robertsville and graduating high school, I went to college at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY from 2008-2012. Upon graduation, I was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. While in the Army I served in Colorado and Georgia, and completed a nine month deployment to southern Afghanistan. After finishing five years of service in the Army, my family and I transitioned into a new civilian career where I now work at the world’s leading IT research and advisory company servicing mostly Department of Defense personnel.
It took me four attempts to pass Ranger School. When I continued to fail, it crushed my confidence in myself, my abilities, and my identity as a soldier. But these trials and tribulations led to a better understanding of myself and showed me that failing did not make me a failure. I realized how I reacted when I failed was more important than failure itself, and these experiences enabled me to learn from failure instead of become crippled by it. Those “failed attempts” at Ranger School and what I learned from it has built me into a better man and leader because of it.
I graduated in the top 15% of my class at West Point. While at the military academy, I visited over nine countries studying abroad, completed military training exercises, and participated in other academic events. While serving on active duty, I completed one of the most grueling combat schools in the military (Ranger), jumped out of Airplanes (Airborne), rappelled out of helicopters (Air Assault), and was one of the 21 Soldiers of 650 participants to attain an Expert Infantryman Badge at my unit. My career culminated in the Army leading an organization of over 200 personnel.
I took school and sports seriously while at RMS, but I didn’t take my faith (Christianity) seriously at all. This led to a lot of spiritual and emotional issues in high school and college, so I would tell the “younger me” to prioritize seeking this Truth as well. I would also tell the “younger me” to respect and honor my parents, because to this day I still regret how I treated them during this time. Lastly, I would tell the “younger me” that character and integrity are paramount in life, and that I should pursue building both of these in addition to my spiritual, academic, and physical sides.
Favorite memory at RMS: My favorite memory revolves around the copious amounts of push-ups I did in Coach Scott’s class with Travis Davis. The “Solmonson-Davis” rule resulted from our continual failure to follow instructions; this led to us becoming intimately familiar with the push-up.
Special Olympics!!
2018 Buddy Book Project Underway
By Abbriella Strickland and Emily Tate, Robertsville Rambler Reporters
The Buddy Book Project is a partnership between Ms. Kinder’s group of eighth grade creative writers at Robertsville and Mrs. Dalton’s class at the Oak Ridge Schools’ Preschool. Each eighth grader is paired with a little buddy at the preschool. The eighth graders are collaborating in pairs to create a picture book about their two little buddies. The project is being done this year as an after-school club, but next year the eighth grade Journalism and Creative Writing elective class will once again take over the project.
The middle school group will be going to the preschool in May for the Buddy Book Literacy Celebration. Right now, they are making the books and soon will be Skyping with the younger kids to “meet” and learn more about them. At project’s end, students (both preschool and middle school) will get to keep printed and bound copies of the created books.
This year is the sixth annual partnership between the two schools, and many of the students making the books are already enjoying the experience. Alyson Warneke says one of the things she is enjoying about it so far is “the creative freedom involved in this project.” Another student, Caroline Peplow, is excited to know that “at the end of this I will get to see the happy face of my buddy.”
The leader of the project, 8th grade teacher Julie Kinder-McMillan, says her students “get to have writing practice and a good collaborative experience between different ages and schools.” RMS students participating in the project also enjoy the ability to hang out with their friends, be around little kids, and get a free t-shirt.
For the first time, the BBP has its own original logo which was designed by ORHS graduate Liza Kochan, a former participant in the BBP at RMS. A $925 literacy grant from the Altrusa and Rotary Clubs of Oak Ridge is funding the project.
Oak Ridge’s Robertsville Middle Chosen As ‘Comcast Cares Day’ Site
Those Interested in Volunteering are Encouraged to Attend
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – April 4, 2018 – On April 21, 2018, more than 1,500 local Comcast NBCUniversal employees and their families, friends and community partners will “make change happen” as they volunteer at different projects across East Tennessee as part of the 17th annual Comcast Cares Day, the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer event.
Oak Ridge’s Robertsville Middle School has been chosen as a project site for this annual event. Robertsville students have designed planters that will be constructed and filled during the activity. Volunteers will also help with general landscaping and clean up around the school grounds.
Robertsville students and parents, community groups, and additional volunteers are needed and encouraged to attend a project. For more information on how to get involved and to register, visit the Robertsville Middles School Clean Up Day link here: https://www.comcastinthecommunity.com/Project/Detail?projectId=10415
Comcast Cares Day is more than just a day – it’s the culmination of Comcast NBCUniversal’s commitment to volunteerism that began when the company was founded more than 50 years ago. From using technology to create positive change, such as wiring community centers and libraries and teaching digital literacy skills, to mentoring youth, to beautifying parks, Comcast NBCUniversal employees volunteer on this day, and throughout the year, to make a lasting impact.
“Our Comcast Cares Day volunteers continue to spread positivity, build bonds, strengthen the community and make a lasting impact on others,” said Doug Guthrie, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast. “At Comcast, giving back is in our DNA and we are proud to partner with such impactful organizations and incredible people to make a difference in our community.”
The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to local community partner organizations across the country on behalf of everyone who volunteers on Comcast Cares Day. The grants will help Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year. To date, the Comcast Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants to local non-profit organizations who have served as partners on Comcast Cares Day.
Comcast has been committed to serving local communities since our founding more than 50 years ago. For more information on Comcast NBCUniversal volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit www.comcast.com/community.
Follow us on Twitter @ComcastSouth and share Comcast Cares Day stories and photos using the hashtag: #ComcastCaresDay.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About the Comcast Foundation
The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified nonprofit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities—expanding digital literacy, promoting community service, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated $176 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.
News
Author Jason Reynolds Visited Robertsville
Jason Reynolds, an award-winning author of books for children and teens, visited Robertsville Middle School on Monday, April 2. Mr. Reynolds has written ten books for middle school readers. His novels have been recognized with such prestigious awards as the National Book Award Finalist, the Kirkus Prize, the Coretta Scott King Award, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Walter Award. His most recent novel, Long Way Down, won a Coretta Scott King Honor, an Odyssey Honor, a Newbery Honor, and a Printz Honor at the ALA Media Awards in February. In April, he will publish a book of poetry and the third book in his Track series.
During his visit to Robertsville, Mr. Reynolds spoke to over 500 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and staff members about his life and his books in the auditorium. Throughout his talk, he spoke about the importance of reading, school, and family as well as perseverance. After his presentation, he signed over 200 books for 100 RMS students.
To learn more about Jason Reynolds, please visit his web site at www.jasonwritesbooks.com.
Rising 9th Grade TUA/CELA forms
We are very excited to welcome the Class of 2022 to Oak Ridge High School next year!! As your family prepares for this transition, the high school invites everyone to fill out their online computer distribution form via the parent Skyward account. Moving to the high school, you will find an additional item regarding the stylus on your Technology User Agreement. We felt it was important to share how heavily this instrument is used at ORHS, particularly in math and sciences. There will be an opportunity to check the permission box for your rising freshmen to obtain a stylus when the computer is issued prior to the beginning of school. Due to the large number of students who are issued their own stylus, we have very few classroom sets available to teachers.
Should you have any questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Harvey charvey@ortn.edu Mrs. Witick nwitick@ortn.edu or Mrs. Thompson sathompson@ortn.edu
We look forward to welcoming our RISING FRESHMAN TO ORHS - EQUIPPED AND READY TO LEARN!
Daddy/Daughter Dance 2018
Dance tickets will be $10 in advance or $15 at the door (tickets can be purchased online at www.CASAtnh.org or in person at Peters Jewelers at 1159 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN.
TCAP Testing Schedule
Wednesday, April 18th
Grade 5 ELA – Subtest I (80 min)
Grades 6-8 ELA – Subtest I (85 min)
Thursday, April 26th
Grade 5 ELA Subtest 2 (40 min)
ELA Subtest 3 (40 min)
Grade 6-8 ELA Subtest 2 (50 min)
ELA Subtest 3 (50 min)
Friday, April 27th
Grade 5 ELA Subtest 4 (40 min)
Math Subtest 1 (45 min)
Grade 6-8 ELA Subtest 4 (45 min)
Math Subtest 1 (40 min)
Monday, April 30th
Grade 5 Math Subtest 2 (30 min)
Math Subtest 3 (40 min)
Grade 6-8 Math Subtest 2 (35 min)
Math Subtest 3 (50 min)
Tuesday, May 1st
Grade 5-8 Social Studies Subtest 1 (50 min)
Social Studies Subtest 2 (50 min)
Wednesday, May 2nd
Grade 5-8 Science Subtest 1 (48 min)
Science Subtest 2 (47 min)
Thursday, May 3rd
Make-up testing for all subjects
Friday, May 4th
Make-up testing for all subjects
Events
TCAP Testing - ELA Part 1
Wednesday, Apr 18, 2018, 07:30 PM
245 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
Rams Track vs Anderson County
Monday, Apr 16, 2018, 04:30 PM
Anderson County High School, North Charles G Seivers Boulevard, Clinton, TN, USA
Bulletin
Next week at RMS
Daily Bulletin for Monday, April 16
- RAMS Track/Anderson County at Anderson County High School at 4:30
- Geography Bee Club in Room 228 at 2:45
- Interact Club in room 207
- Talent Show Auditions in the Auditorium from 2:45-4:30
Daily Bulletin for Tuesday, April 17
- 5th/6th Titans Club in Room 120 at 7:05
- Student Council Campaign Permission Forms Due
- Chess Club in the Library at 2:45
- Rammaroo Kick Off on WRAM
- RMS Track Practice at 3:00
- TSA in the STEM Lab at 3:00
Daily Bulletin for Wednesday, April 18
- TCAP Testing - ELA Part 1
- Naka Shi 3rd Orientation Meeting in Room 209 from 2:00 until 4:00
- RMS Track Practice at 1:00
- SECME Club in Room 218 at 7:05
- Talent Show Staff Act Invitation in the Auditorium from 1:00-2:00
- TSA in the STEM Lab at 1:00
Daily Bulletin for Thursday, April 19
- TCAP Testing - Make Up Day for ELA Part 1
- Lighthouse Club in Room 120 at 7:05
- RMS Track Practic from 3:00-4:30
- Robotics Club in Room 233
- Tech Titans Club in Room 120 at 2:45
Daily Bulletin for Friday, April 20
- TCAP Testing - Make Up Day for ELA Part 1
- 7th/8th Titans Club in Room 120 at 7:05
- RMS Track Practice at 3:00
About Robertsville
Robertsville Middle School Vision Statement:
To be a great school
Mission Statement:
Every child will be successful
Belief Statement:
- We believe all students can grow academically.
- We believe in a safe and secure learning environment.
- We believe that our school culture is built on respect.
- We believe in teacher collaboration in conjunction with community resources to provide students support.
Contact Information
Phone Numbers
Main Office: 865-425-9201
Counseling Center: 865-425-9202
Library & Computer Help Desk: 865-425-9153
Instructional Technology Coach: 865-425-9214
Cafeteria: 865-425-9235
Clinic: 865-425-9196
Fax Numbers
Main Office: 865-425-9247
Counseling Center: 865-425-9236
Website: www.ortn.edu/robertsville
Location: 245 Robertsville Road, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Phone: 8654259201
Twitter: @RMSortn