The STORM Report
September 16, 2022
RIDGELINE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Craig Curry, Principal
Anthony Quichocho, Asst. Principal
& Athletic Director
10605 Carter St. SE
PO Box 476
Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-1100 Fax: 360-400-1256
Successful ~ Trustworthy ~ Organized ~ Respectful ~ Motivated
Message from the Principal
Dear Ridgeline Families,
It’s been a great start to the school year at RIdgeline! Teachers spent the first few days engaging students in interest surveys or other activities to get to know their students, as well as teaching the routines and procedures of our school and each classroom. Assistant Principal, Mr. Q, challenged all teachers to memorize all their students' names in the first four days of school, and several teachers met that challenge!
It is important to us to know all of our students by name, strength, and need. Knowing our students well helps us to leverage those relationships to maximize learning and growth for all students. We look forward to getting to know parents and families as well!
Our Booster Club had their first meeting on September 13, and they would love for more parents to be a part of it. October 11 is the next Booster Club meeting. Email rmsboosterclubinfo@gmail.com to find out how you can help.
Another way to get involved is our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program. On September 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the RMS library, we will have our Watch D.O.G.S Information Night. We invite all positive male role models who would be willing to spend a day this year at school supporting our work and learning more about what we do. While the program is focused on getting more male role models into school, we welcome all parents who would like to be involved. Hope to see you there on September 20!
On September 22, Ridgeline will conduct a school wide Evacuation Drill to our rally point at St. Columban Catholic Church parking lot, which is about a half-mile walk one-way. Students are taught that they need to know the route to our rally point in case of an emergency in which we need to leave campus. Students will make the walk with their Homeroom class. Please notify us if your student needs to stay back from this drill for health reasons. It will take place between 7:30 and 9:30 on Thursday, September 22.
Please ensure that your student is bringing his or her chromebook and charger every day to access their learning and curriculum. When chromebooks are left at home, we do not have many extras to provide for student use. Thank you for your help in this matter.
We appreciate all the students and families who have perfect attendance into the second week of school. Attending school every day is important to your student’s learning and growth. Research shows that missing two or more days of school per month. (or 18 or more days in a year) has a significant negative impact on the student’s learning and achievement in school. We appreciate your efforts to get your child to school every day and on time. Thank you!
Lastly, please call or email us with any questions or needs you might have. We are happy to help all families and want to ensure that your student feels safe, supported, and successful at Ridgeline. My email address is: craig_curry@ycs.wednet.edu
Thank you for your support in helping get Ridgeline off to a great start to the school year!
Sincerely,
Craig Curry,
RMS Principal
NEWS and NOTES
Student ID's
Late Start Wednesday
“Coffee with the Principal”
Friday, September 23, at 7:00 am, will be our first “Coffee with the Principal" of the year, in our Library.
This is a special monthly event to enjoy a donut and cup of coffee. This meeting time provides a round-table discussion opportunity for parents/guardians to come and meet with Mr. Curry.
All new and returning families are welcome!
Restorative Center Introduction
Welcome to the 2022 - 23 School Year!
The new RMS Restorative Center is available to help your student work through any school-based conflicts or concerns they have. The staff in the Restorative Center work with students to discuss and resolve concerns, to repair harm done by conflict, and to help build community. Our restorative conferences and circles can involve peers, staff, and possibly other members of the school and local community. We will work with students to come up with ways to strengthen advocacy skills, share emotional support needs, and navigate the learning and social experiences that make up middle school life for our community here at Ridgeline Middle School.
The Restorative Center is staffed by two educators. Mr. Keith McLaren, our Restorative Specialist, and Mr. Brandon Thompson, our Restorative Center Assistant. Both work with staff and students to find ways to build strong relationships, to build community, and to support students’ social and emotional development at school. Not only will our team be available in the Restorative Center, we’ll also be pushing into classrooms, working with Family Circles, and providing support during common student times, such as before school, lunch, and dismissal times.
Please encourage your student to seek out the support of the Restorative Center if they are dealing with conflict and/or concerns at school with peers and/or staff. We’re here to support your student with having the most successful experience at school possible. If you or your student would like to know more about our program, please feel free to contact Mr. McLaren by e-mail at keith_mclaren@ycs.wednet.edu or by phone at (360) 458-1100. If students are looking for the room, our Restorative Center is in Room 523A. We are also present during lunch times and before and after school times, too.
Attendance is important!!
Regular attendance at school helps your child get the most out of middle school. We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child attends school on a regular basis. There is no substitute for being in class—students need to be present to hear teachers explain concepts, to participate in group projects and class discussions, and to ask questions.
Set a reasonable bedtime and make sure he puts away electronic devices so he isn't tempted to stay awake to read messages or play games. It will be easier to get up on time if she has a good night’s sleep every night.
As much as possible, please schedule doctor and dentist appointments before or after school.
Of course, if your child is ill, please keep him/her home to help them recover and to help minimize the spread of covid, flu and other viruses. Prevention messages are the same: wash hands frequently, avoid ill individuals, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home when ill.
If your student is going to be tardy or absent, please remember to call the Ridgeline Attendance Line at 360-458-1100, or email Mrs. Whited, RMS Registrar at rms_attendance@ycs.wednet.edu.
Health Room Info…
Please remember the following for medication at school:
All medication taken at school requires a signed doctor’s order and must also be signed by the parent. This includes over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, cough drops, etc. Forms are available in the office and most doctor’s offices have them as well. Parents or guardians my come in to the nurse’s office and personally give medicine to the student if necessary.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the health room at 360-458-1100.
2022-23 Resource Request Form
This year, to help families in need of resources, we are making a transition to a district-wide needs assessment form. To help make it easier for families to access school and community resources, including school supplies, weekend food bags, holiday meals, gifts, etc. This form is completely optional for families and is only a tool to help identify families in need of resources.
We are encouraging families to complete the form digitally, using the QR code. The digital forms will make things quick and easy but we will gladly accept the printed version, considering we have many families who don't have access to do it online. When physical forms are returned to your building, please send the completed forms to our Community Outreach Specialist, Haylee Bratcher at haylee_bratcher@ycs.wednet.edu for questions.
Thank you!
Ridgeline Middle School and YCS Employment Opportunities
If you are looking for employment with Yelm School District, please click on this link to be transferred to our Human Resources Site: JOIN OUR TEAM
Ridgeline has positions open if you are interested!
College Bound Scholarship WA
Mark your Calendar:
September 19
Pirate Day (Argh...)
September 20
Watch D.O.G.S Information Night
September 21
Late Start Wednesday ~ School begins at 8:30a.m.
September 22
All school Evacuation Drill to St. Columban Church
School Board Meeting, 6:00pm, DO
September 23
"Coffee with the Principal", 7:00 a.m., RMS Library
September 28
Late Start Wednesday ~ School begins at 8:30 a.m.
September 30
RMS Fall Run/Walk
PARENTS: Opt in for Text Messages - Text YES to 67587
Thank you to our school-community business partners!
We want express our gratitude for the continued support from our wonderful school and community business partners. This support has played a key role in the success of our students and makes such a difference in their lives.
WE APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH!
RIDGELINE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Office Professionals:
Kim Gosney, Principal's Secretary
Carli Byrer, ASB and Athletics
Beckie Whited, Registrar and Attendance
Counselors:
Melanie Keller, (Students with last name beginning A-Li)
Stacey Jansen, (Students with last name beginning Ll-Z)
RMS Library Technician:
Marjie Hicks, Email: marjie_hicks@ycs.wednet.edu
Phone: 360.458.1100
Fax: 360.400.1256
Newsletters are always available online at www.ycs.wednet.edu/ridgeline
Email: craig_curry@ycs.wednet.edu
Website: www.ycs.wednet.edu/rms
Location: 10605 Carter St. SE Yelm, WA 98597
Phone: 360-458-1100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YCSnews
Twitter: @Ridgeline_MS
Nondiscrimination Statement
Yelm Community Schools does not discriminate in any programs, activities or employment opportunities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights: Julie Mondry, 360-458-1900, julie_mondry@ycs.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Cadero-Smith, 360-458-6120, lisa_cadero-smith@ycs.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: Shannon Powell, 360-458-6124, shannon_powell@ycs.wednet.edu. Address: 107 First St N, PO Box 476, Yelm, WA 98597.