Rice Middle School eNews
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
The Sweet Sound of Success!
We are pleased to report that all five of our participating bands did very well at the Beach Within Reach Festival last week. Unlike most festivals in which 10-20 bands are competing, Beach Within Reach is a four-day festival on two different campuses with more than 130 middle school bands participating. The judges’ comments were exceptionally complimentary of our students’ performances. At the conclusion of the contest, our results were as follows:
Beginning Festival Band—Best in Class
Concert Navy Band—Best in Class
Concert Maroon Band—1st Runner Up in Class
Symphonic Band—1st Runner Up in Class
Wind Ensemble—4th Runner Up in Festival
Congratulations to these musicians, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Reyna, and Mrs. Moore on their achievements!
National History Day State Texas Contest Results
A CM Rice student will representing the State of Texas in the 2018 National History Day Contest in Maryland on June 10-14, 2018. This past weekend (April 28, 2018) in Austin, Texas, Madhalasa Iyer (7th grade) earned the 1st place in Junior Individual Performance category. Below is a picture of Madhalasa wearing her award.
Congratulations, Madhalasa! We wish her luck as she moves on in the competition!
Rice News
A. Spring Exam Schedule--Absences
If your student will be absent during last week of school, please fill out a Student Absence Request form and return it to the front office as soon as possible. You will also need to contact your child's counselor--the counselors will arrange dates/times for your student to make up his/her final exams. Here is a link to the Absence Request Form; a paper copy can also be obtained from the Main Office. You will find a link to the final exam schedule above this announcement.
B. May STAAR Testing Dates
Please keep these dates in mind as you are scheduling appointments in May. Students cannot leave the building and return later to complete their test. If your child has an appointment on any of the testing days that affects him or her, please try to change the appointment.
Upcoming STAAR TESTING Dates:
- May 9: Algebra EOC--UPDATED*
- May 14: 6/7th Grade Math and 8th Grade Math Retake
- May 15: 6/7th Grade Reading and 8th Grade Reading Retake
- May 16: 8th Grade Science
- May 17: 8th Grade Social Studies
*Algebra I EOC has been moved to May 9th. All students currently in an Algebra I class or 7th grade Math Rocks will take the Algebra I End Of Course exam on May 9th. This exam takes the place of STAAR Math 7 and 8. If you have questions, please contact your child’s counselor.*
C. 8th Grade Celebration, May 19th!
The Rice Middle School 8th graders are high school bound, and it’s time to celebrate! Join us for an evening of fun with a DJ, Gym, Game room, Snacks, Photo booth and Gift card Raffles!
WHO: All Rice 8th Graders are invited to the 8th Grade Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, May 19th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM
WHERE: Carpenter Rec Center – 6701 Coit Rd, Plano, 75024
Click here for more detailed Information: 8th Grade Celebration Flyer
*Please note that only currently enrolled Rice MS 8th Graders will be admitted to the party .
*Please make plans to get your 8th grader to/ from the party - No transportation will be provided.
D. Lunch Accounts
Parents, as we come to the end of another school year, please be mindful of your child’s lunch account. No student can be left with a negative account at the end of the year.
Please feel free to contact Kathy Moore at 469-752-6008 if you have questions.
E. Important Dates for 2018-2019 School Year
Many of you like to make summer travel arrangements. So you may better prepare, the following dates have been determined by the district:
- Middle School (Grades 6, 7 and 8) Registration is July 26, 27 & 30
- New students should contact their schools beginning July 16 to schedule registration appointments. Appointments will be scheduled July 26, 27 & 30 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Middle school counselors will return July 23.
- Middle School Schedule Pick-up is Wednesday, August 1, 2018
- 6th Grade is 8am – 10am
- 7th grade is 11 am – 1pm
- 8th grade is 2pm – 4pm
- First day of school is Monday, August 13, 2018
Guidance News
High School Summer School
Packets are available in the counseling office. Parents can also register their students on-line. All online registration needs to be pre-approved by Ms. Edwards. Students can stop by to see her or parents can email her requesting classes to be pre=approved. Remember that 8th grade students can only take PE, Health and Communications during summer school. https://www.pisd.edu/summerschool
eSchool
Students cannot register until the last week of 8th grade. All registration goes through the eSchool website. You will list Ms. Edwards as your counselor and she will receive an email to approve your course. https://www.pisd.edu/eschool
CBE
- The deadline for the June CBE dates is 4:00pm on May 14th. This is a HARD DEADLINE. No forms will be accepted after 4:00pm on this date.
- The deadline for the July CBE dates is 4:00pm on May 25th. This is a HARD DEADLINE. No forms will be accepted after 4:00pn on this date.
- Student can pick-up CBE forms in the counseling office before or after school or any time during the day.
PTA News
A. Meal for our Mentors Donations Still Being Accepted
Rice PTA is collecting donations to provide a “Meal for our Mentors.” The goal is to help make one night a little less hectic for those who help our children reach their potential every day! Providing a staff meal (casserole, salad and cookies) from Whole Foods will cost $20 per staff member and we have 105 staff we would love to serve. PTA will arrange to have meals available for take home for the staff in early May. Donations are due May 6. Visit https://ricemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/home, log into your account, click the Order Here tab and select “Money for a Meal” to make a donation.
B. Looking for a Great Mother’s Day Gift?
We’re asking our Rice families to support our Mixed Bag fundraiser. Purchase any item from the new spring catalog and Rice PTA receives 40% of the proceeds, which directly benefit school programs and our students. All items will be shipped directly to you. Check out the amazing items online and order today: http://www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Rice-Middle-School
C. Purchase PE Uniforms, School Supplies, PTA membership for 2018-19
Membership Toolkit is now open to begin ordering PE/Athletic Uniforms, School Supplies and purchase a PTA membership for the 2018-19 school year.
- PE/Athletic Uniforms: Rice coaches ask that students wear uniforms during their PE class and Athletic. The PE shirts will be a silver dri-fit type (Augusta brand) with the logo shown above on the front and the Athletic shirts will be navy with the same logo. These uniforms can be used all three years at Rice, so you might want to order at least the T-shirt a little larger than normal.
- School Supplies: Buying the school supply pack, makes it easy to get all of the supplies at one time. Packs are put together with the help of Rice teachers from each grade level. Orders must be placed by June to guarantee delivery at Schedule Pickup in August.
- Rice PTA Membership: When you join the Rice PTA, you join a community that encourages student achievement and believes in building partnerships between families and school. Membership has many benefits, including supporting educational programs and assemblies, education and training for Rice teachers and staff, wish list items for classrooms, security guards the first few days of the school year, two social events for students, 8th grade celebration for outgoing 8th graders, Reflections, Teacher Appreciation Week and support for clubs and student programs like band, choir, orchestra and more.
Visit https://ricemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/home, log into your account, click the Order Here tab and select the category you’d like to purchase.
Please visit Rice PTA’s website at https://ricemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/ for more PTA news and like the Rice PTA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RiceMSPTA/ to stay informed about PTA activities
News from Nurse Yang
A. DFW Care Van® Program
Mobile/Community Outreach Program providing Free Immunizations for eligible children, 2 months through 18 years of age in April and May at various locations. Please click on the link below for more information.
DFW CARE VAN Informational Flyer
B. Attention Parents of 6th Graders,
Please read the attached letter regarding additional immunization requirements for 7th grade entry in the 2018-2019 school year. The due date for the required vaccinations is May 31, 2018.
Immunization Requirements Letter
C. Cold and Flu Prevention
Parents and students can help reduce the impact of the cold and flu season by following these simple tips:
- Get a flu shot!
- Keep your children at home for fever of 100˚F or more for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can easily enter the body this way.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cough and/or sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not into your hand.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work, and school, especially if someone is ill.
- Practice other good health habits such as being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and eating nutritious foods.
If you want more information on influenza please visit these helpful sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
Texas Department of State Health Services: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/influenza/
Club News
A. Attention All 2018 NJHS Inductees & their Parents
The 2018 Rice NJHS Induction ceremony will be held in the Rice gym Monday, May 7th at 6:30. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria after the ceremony.
B.Gateway Academy Summer Camp Registration Is Now Open!
- We are offering three camp sessions at Renner MS, Schimelpfenig MS and Otto MS.
- Each session is four days long (Mon. – Thurs.) Students can only attend one session.
- Camp program time is from 7:45 am–11:45 am.
- Tuition is $95.
- Each session is limited to 25 students. It is intended for incoming 7th and 8th grade students only.
- Camp locations are Renner, Schimelpfenig and Otto.
- We will plan for new curriculum/projects from last year since we anticipate having returning students that attended last summer. The main projects will revolve around robotics.
- T-Shirts will be provided for all participants.
- Each camper will be given a Certificate of Completion on the last day.Campers will take home the projects they complete during the camp (if applicable).
- The last hour of each session will be a student showcase/show and tell for parents to come in and see what the campers did during the week.
**See informational flyers above for more information.
Session #1 – Monday, June 11 – Thursday, June 14
Session #2 Monday, June 18 – Thursday, June 21
Session #3 Monday, June 25 – Thursday, June 28
For more information about camp or to register, you can visit http://k-12.pisd.edu/gateway .
C. Athletics & Spirit Wear
Fancloth has provided a catalog of new spirit wear for Rice family and friends.
The coaches are encouraging students who will be in PE next year to consider purchasing the drawstring bag Item (# 17) to transport their P.E. clothes to and from school.
Girls and Boys Athletics programs are encouraging the following items to be purchased:
Lady Ravens:
#4, #13, #1, #10
Ravens:
#2, #7,#10,#19
Items can be purchased through the catalog order form that is available in the gym, online at https://shop.fancloth.com/75025/375234 or Send at text to: 559.900.3222- Message in text: 375234
Miscellaneous Information
A. Plano West Tennis Tryouts!
There will be an informational meeting on May 8th at 6pm in the Plano West Cafeteria for all kids who will be in grades 9-12 next year (and their parents) who are interested in trying out for the Plano West Tennis Team. Packets with required paperwork will be distributed and all questions concerning tryouts and the Plano West Tennis Team will be answered. For more information, please contact Morgen Walker at Morgen.walker@pisd.edu .
B. Summer Tennis Camps
There will be 2 tennis camps held at Plano West this summer for kids 7-16 years old. The dates are June 4-8, and July 23-27.
Choose one of the following options to register:
1. Call High Point at (972) 941-7170, Option 5
2. Register in person at Highpoint Tennis Center, 421 W Spring Creek Pkwy
3. Register On-line .Search “Tennis Camp,"and select your week.
Email Coach Walker for details at morgen.walker@pisd.edu
C. Plano East Golf Tryout Announcement 2018-2019
Attention 8th graders attending the Williams Health Science Academy or the Plano East IB World School: If you are interested in trying out for the Plano East Boys or Girls Golf Team next year, there is a MANDATORY Parent/Athlete meeting at Plano East in the cafeteria on Thursday, May 10th at 6:30 pm. We will be discussing tryouts and the golf program. If you cannot attend, you must contact Coach Engelking at jon.engelking@pisd.edu.
D. Middle School Wrestling
Learn more about Wrestling or strengthen what you have learned with upcoming camps and clinics for the spring and summer. Feel free to share with your friends and new wrestlers.
Plano West Wrestling Summer Clinic through the City of Plano. Camp starts June 11th - information sheet can be found here. For beginners in 4th - 8th grades; advanced in 6th - 12th grades. Registration starts April 2nd.
E. 2018 Plano West Summer Girls & Boys Basketball Clinics
Available to boys and girls entering 1st–9th grades in the fall of 2018, these clinics are designed to include competitive drills, various competitions for prizes, and plenty of scrimmaging. The Plano West basketball staff is focused on building a strong foundation for future development of all athletes. Click on the link below to learn more about this opportunity!
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