Thundercat Weekly
Living the message behind Thundercat P.R.I.D.E.
Upcoming Events
9/21: RTMS Spirit Wear Pick Up
9/24: Crime Stoppers Cyber Security Outreach Day
9/23-9/25: Asynchronous Instruction
10/01: Self-Care Pic
10/01: Biggest Fan Pic
10/5 6th Grade Students Return Face to Face
10/7 7th Grade Students Return Face to Face
10/9 8th Grade Students Return Face to Face
9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month
10/16: Day of the Dead Altar Pic
Principal's Principle
Hispanic Heritage Month
Students will continue to learn about Hispanic Heritage month in their weekly advisory lessons now through October 15.
Students learned about the history during advisory on 9/15/2020! Check out the PowerPoint below!
Asynchronous Instruction
September 23-25 will be Asynchronous instructional learning days in preparation for teachers and students returning to campus.
On these days students will log in to Schoology during their regular scheduled time and working on an asynchronous assignment for these days. Please follow the regular on-line schedule during these days.
Attendance will be taken.
Need a Flu Shot?
Contact Nurse Andria Lee for more details.
Counselor's Corner: Leveling Down
Dear Thornton Parents:
Requests to level down will begin on September 11th.
FBISD Policy EED-R governs this process. These requests will be accepted only if space is available in the new class and all requirements are met. RTMS will follow the FBISD EED-R steps listed below.
Steps to Level Down:
1. Student must have a 74 or below in the Pre-AP course.
2. There must be a documented meeting with the teacher to develop a plan for success. (The meeting can be with the parent or student. The meeting can be via phone or an email.) The plan for success will be documented by the teacher on the parent teacher conference report.
3. The teacher will monitor and check in on the plan of intervention for a minimum of 3 weeks.
4. Follow up meeting with the parent, teacher and grade level administrator at the end of the 3-week period.
a. If the student has a 75 or above the student will remain in the Pre-AP course.
b. If the plan was not successful and the student has a 74 or below, during the meeting the student and parent will complete the request for level change form, obtain the appropriate signatures (an email acknowledgment is acceptable) and return the form to the counselor’s office.
If you are interested in leveling down, please contact your counselor directly to further discuss this process.
RTMS Counselors
6th Grade Ms. Jefferson- 281-327-3879 ayana.jefferson@fortbendisd.com
7th Grade Mrs. Torres- 281-327-3880 regina.torres@fortbendisd.com
8th Grade Dr. Brice- 281-327-3881 andriel.brice@fortbendisd.com
Counselor's Corner: Needs Assessment
Dear Parent/Guardian,
As educators, we understand student mental health plays a key role in their ability to succeed in school. Fort Bend ISD is committed to working with you, not only in the academic education of your child, but also to ensure students reach their full potential socially and emotionally.
Each year, we provide students an opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings and social/emotional needs using a Needs Assessment. It is our priority to ensure students have timely, responsive, and effective social and emotional support continuously throughout the school year. The Needs Assessment allows us recognize and respond to student’s social/emotional needs as well as promote wellness and development all students.
The Needs Assessment addresses the following areas:
· Social/Emotional supports
· Sense of belonging
· Safety
· Post-secondary readiness
· Mental health stressors
· Thoughts of harm (self and others)
The Needs Assessment may pinpoint a concern, offering us the ability to secure additional assistance for students. This means that the assessment results may be shared with targeted campus and district staff if the assessment results reveal a potential concern. All assessment results will be kept confidential, stored separately from academic records.
Ronald Thornton Middle School will make the Needs Assessment available to students using NAVIANCE (directions on how to access will be coming soon) from October 19th to October 30th. Prior to its release, students will receive information about the Needs Assessment from their school counseling staff.
If you desire to opt-out of your child completing the Needs Assessment, please use this link: Opt-Out Form
Thank you for your continued partnership as we address the needs of all students.
Sincerely,
RTMS Counselors
6th Grade Ms. Jefferson 281-327-3879
7th Grade Mrs. Torres 281-327-3880
8th Grade Dr. Brice-281-327-3881
RTMS Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear Distribution: Monday, 9/21/20 (4:00pm-6:00pm) and Tuesday, 9/22/20 (4:00pm-6:00pm)
Pick Up Location: RTMS Bus Ramp (near the Gym)
Please place a sign with your student’s name (Last, First) in the front windshield of your car. A PTO member will check your name off the list that you have picked up your spirit wear and bring the order to your vehicle.
If you have any questions, please contact dmhooks@me.com
Crime Stoppers Cyber Security Outreach Day
Crime Stoppers of Houston is hosting their Cyber Safety Outreach Day on September 24th at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this virtual event is to empower parents to stay on top of their families' safety through education on important safety precautions and potential online dangers kids are exposed to in today’s society. Click the flyer link below with short videos for more detailed information about this event.
Questions? Email: steven.shiels@fortbendisd.com
RTMS Welcomes New Orchestra Director- Ms. Kim
· Why do you love music / orchestra ?
I love music and orchestra because they have always been the glue to my life! I have met the most incredible people through music, and it is where I have been able to grow into myself and become the person I am today.
· What do you like to do in your free time ?
In my free time, I love swimming, hiking, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, going to baseball games, and cheering on my Seattle Seahawks!
· What excites you about moving to Texas and RTMS ?
I have always wanted to live in Texas, so I'm excited to have this opportunity to try a new state and city (where it doesn't get colder than Mars like it does in Chicago!), and be part of such a warm and welcoming community that is FBISD, and help develop a new orchestra program at a new school.
New to Thundercat Country
Ms. Gruber is our new data clerk! Her office is in the counselor's suite.
Ms. Grantham is our new administrative assistant! Her office is next to Canchola's.
RTMS Library News
September Wellness Challenge
We want to challenge all Thundercats:
1)Practice self-care; see calender for suggested activities!
Submit your water log and self-care picture to Mrs. Canchola by 10/01!
Check out the flyer for details.
Thundercat Spirit Challenge-EXTENDED
We hope you enjoy and participate in the upcoming the activities! If you have a social-related idea, please email Mrs. Canchola!
September Challenge
We want to challenge all of the FANATICS out there! Person with the most team spirit wins! Submit your picture to Mrs. Canchola by 10/01! Check out the flyer for details.
RTMS PTO
The Thornton PTO Thunderchat Newsletter goes out each Tuesday and keeps RTMS Parents informed of all PTO involved events at school, fundraising opportunities and volunteer opportunities. Please click on the link below to receive the PTO publication.
Día de Los Muertos Ofrenda (Day of the Dead Altar)
This is optional to participate in!
Submissions due 10/16 and winners (1 per grade level) will be announced 10/29!
PSAT-10/28/2020
District has released PSAT date for Oct. 28th. We will test face-to-face students, any one that is home schooled, and online learners will have an option to come to school that day and be tested. The district will release more information about how the online learners will be tested.