Raymond Park
Ranger News, Week of February 24, 2020
From The Principal
Focus - noun, The center of activity or interest. Focus can be a concept that is difficult for middle level learners to grasp. The developmental period known as adolescence has always been marked by increased influx of emotion and the desire to seek the approval of peers. Today's adolescents have also grown up in a world that is saturated with stimuli. They have many choices to feed their interests, on-demand television and social media being two of the more popular choices. Then, the changing season from winter to spring adds an additional layer of restlessness to the equation. These factors combined can make the ability to concentrate on learning very difficult during this time of year!
This weeks WRPIMS broadcast reminds students of the enemy to focus - distraction. Considering the factors of adolescence described above, distractions in a building of 1200+ "tweenagers" and teenagers can be numerous. Teachers work hard to plan and execute lessons designed to keep students engaged while advancing learners in the curriculum. Care is taken to consider student interests in the teaching and learning process. However, learning activities are not always exciting, and distractions created by students can derail their learning. These times require students to develop the ability to focus so that learning can continue.
Looking for ways to help your student develop the ability to focus? I found this online article to provide simple steps that can be taken at home that can also carryover into school.
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This is a busy week for RP! The swimming, wrestling and girls basketball teams are all in action. In addition, the 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra have a concert on Tuesday evening beginning at 7pm in the Ranger Field House. Finally, STEM Night is scheduled to occur this Thursday, February 27, 6-7pm. Students and families are invited to participate in a variety of STEM activities. Stations include paper airplanes, robotics, roller coasters, and more. Come join the fun spending time with friends and family and learning about STEM!
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Please note the dates of statewide ILEARN testing later this spring - the testing window opens April 20 and runs through mid-May. If your child will need to have medical or other appointments during this time, we encourage you to schedule those outside of school hours or before or after the testing window. Students perform best when they take the test within the established schedule. Therefore, it is imperative that students are present during testing time!
John Kleine
Principal
Raymond Park Athletics
Boys and girls track and field practice will start on Monday, March 9th. Practice will be after school until 5:45 pm. Reminder that track is open to all students in 5th through 8th grade.
Girls tennis tryouts will begin on Monday, March 10th. Tryouts will be after school until 5:30 pm. Reminder that tennis is open to all students in 5th through 8th grade.
7th and 8th grade baseball and softball tryouts will begin on March 10th, 11th, and 12th at Raymond Park Middle School. Tryouts will be after school until 6:30 pm.
All athletes will need a ride home. Girls are picked up at door 24 and boys are picked up at door 2. Reminder that if you are going to participate in any of these spring sports, you must have a physical on file with Mr. Grayson. Do not wait until the last minute to get a physical. Be sure to get that taken care of before the week of March 9th.
Spring Scholastic Book Fair
Dates: March 2-12
Time: 9:30-4:00
Place: RPI&MS Media Plex
Details: Each student that purchases a book will receive 2 C. O.R.E. dollars!
Check out this interactive book fair flyer:
http://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/flippingbooks/S20-MS-booklist/S20-MS-bookl
Give your student a secure, cash-free way to shop the fair. Simply create a free account, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available.
eWallet English:
https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=5831064261001
eWallet Spanish:
https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=5831064261001
New and Improved Scholastic Book Fair App:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/articles/app.html
Class Trip Information
5th Grade - Louisville (Friday, May 8th)
6th Grade - Cincinnati (Friday, May 15th)
7th Grade - Chicago (Tuesday, May 26)
RPIMS Class Trip Behavior Contract
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