Raymond Park
Ranger News, Week of January 6, 2020
From the Principal
Ranger Patrons,
Before we leave 2019 behind, RP would like to congratulate CORE students-of-the-day for the month of December. These students were selected by staff for consistently showing Civility, Order, Respect and Excellence: Macenzie Hickle, Dominique Cornett, Devan Johnson, Skylar Froman, Chris Hubbard, Le'Shaun Bigsbee, Isabelle Burke, Desiree Thurman, Myah Henderson, Elijah Brinegar, Brian Santibanes, Mark Harper, Aitza Romero-Villasenor, and Aziah Deal.
And now on to 2020, where there are still 92 days of learning yet to take place in the 19-20 school year! There are also outstanding opportunities for Ranger students including trips that are planned this spring for each of our grade levels. The 8th grade overnight trip to Washington DC has been well advertised, and the roster for this March trip has been established. However, registration is now open for the following day trips to Louisville (5th grade), Cincinnati (6th grade) and Chicago (7th grade). These trips are scheduled to occur in May. Trip information can be found later in this letter along with associated behavioral guidelines. Hard copies of trip information for 5th, 6th and 7th grades will also be sent home with students later this week.
The "School Rules that Some Students Find Inconvenient" topic of electronic devices is an intentional carryover from the last Newsletter. Transitioning back into the formal learning environment of school after 16 days of leisure (and immediate access to electronic devices for many) can be a challenge for adolescents. Thank you in advance for helping to set your child up for a successful return to RP where learning is the focus!
On behalf of the Raymond Park staff, I wish you a happy new year! RP looks forward to partnering with you in making the second half of the 19-20 school year a smashing success!
John Kleine, Ed.D.
Principal
School Rules that Some Students Find Inconvenient
This section of the newsletter is for the purpose of helping parents and guardians support students in understanding the need for guidelines that the adolescent mind often seeks to test. This week's focus is personal electronic devices.
School Safety Measure: Personal electronic devices (including cell phones) are not to be used/accessed during the school day without adult authorization.
Rationale: Electronic devices take focus from teaching and learning during class and serve as an unnecessary distraction during passing periods and lunch. Social media applications are also popular with adolescents, and irresponsible social media posts can lead to confusion and hurt feelings.
Inconvenience to Students: Students are seemingly increasingly connected to electronic devices and have the desire to engage at the expense of maintaining a focus on learning.
Consequence: Confiscation of device for parent pick-up.
Most Common Student Excuses: 1. fell out of pocket, 2. turning it off, 3. checking the time, 4. parent was texting/calling me, and 5. didn't know that it was a rule.
School Allowances: Chromebooks are located in most classrooms to allow students connection to the internet for learning activities. Students may contact parents when needed and permission is granted by using a classroom telephone. Parent messages given to the office will be relayed to students.
Would you like to know more? The RP Electronic Device Policy may be found on page 15 of the Student Agenda.
Class Trip Information
5th Grade - Louisville (Friday, May 8th)
6th Grade - Cincinnati (Friday, May 15th)
7th Grade - Chicago (Tuesday, May 26)
RPI&MS 5th -8th grade 19-20 Yearbooks on sale now!
Order your 5th -8th grade combined RPI&MS yearbook today!!!
You can order online at ybpay.lifetouch.com - yearbook ID code is 10818420
You can also order by sending in a check made payable to Lifetouch.
A basic paperback yearbook costs $20 and is only a $5 charge to add a hardcover!
Please see Mrs. Simala or Mr. Brooks with your yearbook questions.
Morning Student Arrival Information
As the weather becomes increasingly colder, it is important to review our morning drop-off procedures. Recently, we have had a large number of students on campus prior to 8:30 a.m. This presents a safety concern as those students are standing outside in frigid temperatures and are left unsupervised.
- Students are not able to enter the building until 8:30 a.m. This is the earliest we can guarantee appropriate adult supervision.
- Students should NOT be dropped off prior to 8:30 a.m. each day; if they are, they will be standing in cold temperatures until staff supervision arrives and students are let in to the cafeteria.
- Given that school begins at 8:55 a.m. for 5th and 6th grade students and 9:02 a.m. for 7th and 8th grade students, the school is allowing families an additional 25-30 minutes of time for their student to be supervised by inviting students in the building at 8:30 a.m.
- Please use this information and follow the Car Line Procedures (below) to create the car-rider line safety for morning and afternoon travel.
- Please also follow the instructions of all staff members outdoors as they direct and supervise parking lot and drop-off line areas.
The safety and supervision of your student and our staff is always our top priority - we ask for you support in helping us with these efforts.
From the Office of Exceptional Learners:
Homework Help!
If your student needs Math or Science homework assistance, they can call AskRose. Please see information below:
Tutors are available by phone Sunday - Thursday, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm (ET) at:
877-Ask-Rose (877-275-7673)
RPI&MS PTSA News
Don't forget to join our Parent Teacher Student Association and support all of the wonderful student activities and events throughout the school year! Your $7 membership earns you a weekly PTSA electronic newsletter and membership incentives. Our PTSA sponsors Back To School Night treats, Warren Homefest, the quarterly CORE Celebrations, teacher reimbursement for school supplies, open gym nights, family bingo night, field trip fundraisers, end of year celebration treat for all students, 8th grade celebration gift, and staff appreciation days. Our PTSA coordinates the school-PTSA joint fall fundraiser, grade level fundraisers, weekly slushy sales, RP-AMC monthly family movie events, Box Top collection contests, quarterly roller skating parties at the Roller Cave and Sonny Day Community Center volunteering nights. We have over 400 members this year! Join us!!
Congratulations to our 5th grade students and staff for winning our PTSA membership contest this year!
Please contact our PTSA for more information: rpims.ptsa@gmail.com
Useful Links
SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLICATIONS/NEWS MEDIA USE
Contact Us
Dr. John Kleine - Principal
Mrs. Jina Simmons - 5th Grade Level Administrator
Mr. Andrew McAulay - 5th Grade Counselor
Mrs. April Price - 6th Grade Level Administrator
Ms. Katie Piatt - 6th Grade Counselor
Mr. Bill Halpin - 7th Grade Level Administrator
Mrs. Iris Parrish -7th Grade Counselor
Dr. Leondra Radford - 8th Grade Level Administrator
Mrs. Adrienne Mathews - 8th Grade Counselor
Lisa Stewart - Nurse
Website: http://raymondpark.warren.k12.in.us
Location: 8575 East Raymond Street Indianapolis, INĀ 46239
Phone: 317-532-8900
Twitter: @RangerPrincipal