The Raptor Report

11/17/23

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This week brought a bit of normalcy back to the school, as last week we had quite a bit of hustle and bustle with schedule changes, conferences and our Veteran’s Day Celebration. We have also been fortunate that our chilly mornings have turned into beautiful Fall afternoons. Basketball tryouts have wrapped up, our winter sport teams are set and we are ready for a banner season! The Drama club is gearing up for their upcoming show, Puffs (see ad below) and all our other clubs are in full swing. I know that everyone is looking forward to the Thanksgiving break. Please remember that Wednesday is an early release day.

PSAT 8 scores are in. Please see below in the Guidance Section on how to have your child set up a college board account and receive the PSAT 8 scores.

That’s all I have for this week, there are a few additional notes/reminders below. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Enjoy the long weekend.

Thank you.

Michael Seroussi

• November 22- Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
• November 23-24- No School (Thanksgiving Recess)
• December 1- Puff's Drama Production 7:00 PM
• December 2- Puff's Drama Production 2:00 PM
• December 2- Puff's Drama Production 7:00 PM
• December 2- Killing Intermediate ERMS Auditions
• December 6- Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
• December 13- Ski Club Safety Meeting (Directly after school)
• December 15- Caroling Field Trip
• December 22- Early Dismissal (11:45 AM)
• December 23 - January 1- No School (Winter Recess)

*All dates are subject to change*

**Sport and activity dates can be found under appropriate labeled sections below**

Grade 7: School Counselors will be teaching a Defining Harassment & Student Legal Rights Lesson to grade 7 students in November. School Counselors will teach from a Google Slide presentation, which is available for you to view by clicking here. This lesson covers Bullying vs, Harassment, Sexual Harassment (Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment), what to do if a student feels they are being harassed and what their rights are. Specific dates for when the lessons are being taught will be shared with you as soon as those dates are finalized. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's School Counselor.

Grade 8: School Counselors have taught a goal setting lesson to all 8th grade teams at this point. During this lesson students learned ahy setting goals for ourselves is important and they should have set a personal goal, a social goal and an academic goal for themselves in Naviance. Feel free to have your child log into Naviance and show you their goals!

Grades 7 & 8: Kids of all ages can get flooded by news from a variety of places, including social media, friends and home. This information can be overwhelming, difficult to understand and decipher, and even overwhelming since they are often hearing different perspectives and seeing graphic images/videos. Knowing how and when to talk to your kids or just listen can help. Check out this article for tips on how you can navigate this with your children.

In order to view your students PSAT scores they must create an account on the College Board website: www.collegeboard.org. Students must use their SCHOOL email address when creating an account because this account will stay with them through high school. Please refer to the slide presentation below for IMPORTANT instructions on creating a College Board account. Your child's College Board account must be created AT HOME WITH YOU because students will need information about you.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OO-iwb73asCr0-KTZ7kjgqdZDxVx07A1t3MDfYwt8PQ/edit?usp=sharing

Club & Activities - New Dates & Times have been updated for the 2023-2024 school year:

It is never too late to join a club or activity. Even if a club has already started, most clubs have the ability for you to jump right into. Please see the office or club advisor for details

• Drama United: Drama United is a program designed to dissolve typical barriers between youth through transformative, school-based performing arts. Students with and without disabilities, of all backgrounds, come together as equals to put on a production entirely organized, written, and directed by students to put the spotlight on ability. Start date is September 7th (Peers Only) September 12th (Full Cast) Drama United will be running Tuesdays and Thursdays (Full Cast) Wednesdays (Peers Only) from 2:15 to 3:30 in the High School Auditorium. Any questions please contact Ms. Spodobalski or Ms. Emma Filosa.

• Card and Game Club: is an after school club for card games and board games. Start date is October 5th. The club meets every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 in room 103 Mr. Conroy’s room. Any questions please contact Mr. Conroy.

• The Drama Club: Will be holding auditions for 'Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic' on Wednesday, September 6th and Friday, September 8th after school in the auditorium. All those interested may pick up an audition packet from the main office. Any questions please contact Ms. Emma Filosa

• Jazz Band: Jazz Band is an ensemble for students in Band who want to learn and perform Jazz Music. It meets every week for the year, with many performances throughout the year. Students who sign-up should plan to participate for the year. Will be held every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm.

• Literary Magazine: Interested in creative writing, graphic design, artwork, poetry, music, formatting, editing, web design, or just creating content for an online magazine? If so, Rhamblings is for you! Rhamblings is RHAM MS’s online literary and art magazine. We produce two issues a year and are always looking for contributors as well as those who just want to help publishing and web design. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you at our next meeting! This club starts on September 26th and meets once a month on Tuesdays from 2:15 to 3:15 PM.

• Ski and Snowboard Club: The club takes 5 trips each year to Ski Sundown in New Hartford. Signups start in October for the trips that start in January. The trips are starting after the new year and buses leave the school at 2:15 pm and return at 8:15 pm. All students are welcome. Lessons and rentals are available. Please see the announcement above with links to forms and information.

• Student Council: Serves as an advisory group for the student body to the administration. All students are volunteers and have been chosen already for this year. Students discuss current issues concerning the schoolhouse climate, activities that are school-wide and special events. Students may be involved in planning special events for the 7th or 8th grade class separately as the need arises.

• F.P.S (Future Problem Solvers): FPS develops problem solving skills through creative and critical thinking while learning about world issues, preparing students to compete against other schools in Connecticut and around the world. This club meets Monday evenings at RHAM High School Lecture Hall (Rm 115) from 6:30 - 8:15 pm starting on September 11th. For more information, contact Sherri Pelletier at sherri.pelletier@rhamschools.org

• Home Economics Club: Do you like cooking? Maybe cooking from around the world? Do you like crafting and doing different hands-on projects? How about learning some cool life skills?! Then the home economics club is for you! We are having our first official meeting on October 18th, after school in room 226. We will be celebrating el Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and are making a craft and cooking something exciting! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Barber or Mrs. Gonzalez for more information! It meets every other Wednesday until approximately 3:30pm.

• World Language Club: The World Language Club provides students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge about the Spanish and French language and culture. We explore and experience various aspects of different cultures by participating in food tastings, holiday celebrations, foreign film viewings, music, dance, and much more. Our club meets every other Thursday after school from 2:20 pm until 3:00 pm in rooms 200 and 201. Please see Mrs. Sanady or Mr. Ndao if you have any questions. All students are welcome to join! First meeting will be Thursday September 21st.

• Environmental Club: Interested in helping out the environment, supporting wildlife and green spaces? Then the Environmental Club is the place for you! Come join us in room 110 every other Wednesday from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm starting on September 28th. All students are welcome.

• Math Club: It meets every other Wednesday from 2:15 - 3:30 pm in Room 100. Starting on Wednesday September 27th.

• Math Lab: Math lab is a quiet working time for students who are looking for extra help or enrichment in their math classes. It is a drop-in program after school on Tuesdays. Students do not need to sign up in advance to attend. You may drop in any Tuesday or Thursday from 2:20 - 3:30 in Mrs. Kane’s room 101 and Ms. Wang's room 217.

• GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) Club: The Gender Sexuality Alliance, or GSA, is a club for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. We participate in a combination of advocacy and social fun activities every other Thursday throughout the school year. This club meets in the Team Room every other Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 PM starting September 28th.

• Lego League/ Club: Are you a Lego Master? Do you enjoy building Lego structures? Want to hang out with other Lego builders? Come to Lego Club. Lego Club is the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:20 to 3:30 PM in Room 123. 10/18/2023

• TSA/VEX Club: Students interested in Robotics, Computer programming, Aerodynamics come to the TSA/VEX Club. TSA/VEX is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in rooms 122 and 123. 10/25/2023.

• RHAM Alt. Energy Race Team MS: Looking on how to build and gear a vehicle that is powered by batteries? This is the Club. The Race Team will race their vehicles in May 2024. This Club will run on Thursdays from 2:25 to 3:30/3:45 PM in room 122. Start date of this club is 10/19/2023.

• Newspaper Club: Students help create and publish the RHAM Middle School newspaper. Please see Mrs. Sue Lynch (Rm 142) for more information. This Club meets every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:30/4:00 PM.

• Yearbook Club: Please join us in creating the 2023/2024 Middle School Yearbook. This club runs every other Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:30 PM in room 123.

• Footnotes: Footnotes is a group voice lesson club available to anyone who would like to learn how to sing solo! From pop music, to classical - we cover anything you'd like to sing! Footnotes meet on Wednesdays 2 times a month from 2:15 to 3pm in the Chorus room 229. Starting date September 13, 2023.
• Art Club: Interested in art? Want a space to be creative? Come join us in the art club for a space to create art, explore different media, and connect with other creatives. Start date is October 17th. The club will meet every other Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:15 pm in room 237, Mrs. Gradie’s art room. Space is limited so please contact Mrs. Gradie to sign up for or for more information.
  
• SOAR Youth Leadership Group: Welcomes students from RHAM Middle School and RHAM High School who would like to make positive changes on the RHAM campus through service and education by planning small events and activities that focus on mental health awareness and healthy lifestyle choices. Google Classroom Code: fpkati3
  

Attention 8th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 8th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.

Attention 7th grade parents - This is a friendly reminder that every 7th grade student is required to have a physical during their 6th or 7th grade year. The physical must be dated between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024. Please submit your child's physical to the school nurse as soon as possible. Link for a blank copy of health assessment is found below. Students can bring the paperwork to the nurse's office or you may email them to Lucy Bernier at lucy.bernier@rhamschools.org. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the nurses office.

FRIENDLY REMINDER - If your child is going to be absent from school, arriving late, or dismissing early, you must report to the school by either filling out the Nurse's Office Form or calling (860)228-9423 X4008 by 8:30 A.M. The link can also be found on the RHAM Middle School website under the “Parents” tab.

• Late buses run Monday - Thursday (No Fridays).

• Students are picked up at the Middle School around 4:00pm.

• There is 1 bus per town.

• Bus routes are determined at the time of pickup, based upon how many students are on the bus and student locations, the amount of time it takes to get home will vary. You might not be dropped off at your actual home, you could be dropped off up to 1 mile away.

• You will report to the library after your activity or event and wait there doing school work, etc until the late bus arrives.

• You must be staying after school for an event or activity.

You can’t leave the school grounds then come back to take the late bus.

Good Afternoon RHAM Middle School Families,

Below is a registration/eligibility reminder for Middle School Student-Athletes planning to participate in Winter Sports. At the middle school level, we offer Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling, and Cheerleading in the Winter. The coaches for each team will schedule an informational meeting to check eligibility, go over tryouts, and communicate practice schedules. This will be announced to students and sent out to parents as well. Thank you.

Wrestling is after school Monday-Friday 2:30- 4:30 PM

**Late Bus only runs Monday- Thursday. Athletes have the ability to take the late bus at the coaches discretion.**

**All times subject to change. Coaches will provide updates.**

RHAM Middle School Student-Athlete Pre-Season Participation Checklist

1.) Complete FamilyID Registration:

a. Complete and submit registration via RHAM Middle School FamilyID. (https://www.familyid.com/rham-middle-school-athletics/rham-middle-school-fall-2023-athletics-registration)

b. If you have an account already, log in and use previous information to register for current season.

c. If this is you or your family’s first time registering for athletic participation through FamilyID, create a new account and register for the current season. Your information is now saved and will make future registrations easy.

2.) Submit a valid State of CT School Health Assessment Record Form to the Athletic Director’s Office.

a. Page 1-Completed and signed by parents.

b. Page 2-Completed and signed by medical provider.

i. CT Health Assessment Record Link: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/HAR3.pdf

***YOUR PHYSICAL EXAM FOR ATHLETICS EXPIRES AFTER 13 MONTHS. AN EXPIRED PHYSICAL WILL RESULT IN INELIGIBILITY***

3.) Complete a concussion baseline test. These expire every two years. If you do not have an up to date concussion baseline test, you will not be able to participate. Upon registering on FamilyID, you will be able to check the expiration status. If no information is listed, email daniel.trudeau@rhamschools.org to notify.

a. If you’re test is expired you may retake it at home by following the instructions

AT HOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING-RHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL

1. Go to: https://www.impacttestonline.com/htmllauncher/

2. Enter customer code: 2fc3a5690f

3. Click “Validate” and then “Launch Baseline Test”

4. Register and follow instructions to take Impact Test.

**NO TALKING, CELL PHONES, OR ANY OTHER DISTRACTIONS WHILE CONDUCTING TEST.**

5. Complete the test and check result. If taking test for first time, your result needs to read “Baseline”. If it reads “Baseline++”, a second test needs to be taken. (A loud or distracting environment can result in a “Baseline++” reading.) Once completed, close browser and the record is automatically logged in our software.

**TEST CANNOT BE TAKEN ON A CELL PHONE**

THESE STEPS MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE

Food Services

Kate Caselli, General Manager

Email: Kathleen.caselli@rhamschools.org

Office: 860-228-9474 ext. 3710

Welcome to RHAM!

Where Can I Find the Menu?

https://www.fdmealplanner.com/

It will also be included in the weekly Raptor Report.

We have two lunch waves, the first one starts at 10:35 am and the second one starts at 11:20 am. We know that students often get hungry either before/and or after lunch so they bring a snack to keep in their locker.

We like to remind everyone that, because of allergies, no nut products are allowed in school. There are times when families find themselves in need of some support to ensure that their children are able to get lunch at school. If you feel that you are in need of some support then please see the Free/Reduce information under the parent tab and then click on food service. (https://rms.rhamschools.org/parents/FoodService/free_and_reduced_info )

SCREENAGERS Growing Up In The Digital Age

AHM Youth & Family Services is hosting a free viewing of the award-winning documentary, SCREENAGERS Growing Up In The Digital Age on Thursday, December 7 beginning at 6:30 PM. This movie was created for parents to watch together with their children in 6-12th grade to start the conversation and to see things through the other persons’ eyes. Open to Connecticut residents. Pizza snack will be provided by Wicked Slice (Hebron) and movie-style popcorn by AHM. Please RSVP to jenniferb@ahmyouth.org with number of adults and youth attending. Learn more at www.screenagersmovie.com. For additional information please see included e-flyer.

SOAR Youth Leadership Group November Meeting!

SOAR is accepting new members from the middle school and high school who are looking to bring more positivity to the RHAM campus!

The November meeting is Tuesday, November 21 in the RHAM High School Fishbowl (near cafeteria) from 2:20 - 3:20 PM where we will make friendship bracelets and have a discussion about life stressors. Check out our calendar of activities and campus-wide events for the year at the end of this newsletter! Leadership and community service opportunities are available throughout the year-great resume boosters! Advisors: Jenn Boehler (AHM Prevention Coordinator) and Carol Rusch (RHAM High School, School Psychologist).

Important Announcement for Members of Peer Helpers

Peer Helpers is now a subgroup of SOAR Youth Leadership Group! Members of Peer Helpers are encouraged to come to SOAR's monthly meetings as their schedule permits. Going forward please direct questions regarding Peer Helpers to jennifer.boehler@rhamschools.org or carol.rusch@rhamschools.org.