The Raptor Report
RHAM Middle School
Week of 5/29 - 6/2, 2023
Message from the Principal
6/2/2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our spring sports have wrapped up for the season and all of our teams trained hard and that showed in their performances. We are now two weeks away from summer break and you can feel the students' excitement in the air. Next week is our last full week, and at the end of the week (Friday 6/9) we start the exam/end of year schedule (see schedule below). Team award ceremonies started this morning with the Inquiry team, and will continue next week for the other teams (see calendar for schedule) .
The 8th grade promotion will be on June 15th at 8am. This is a reminder that all 8th grade outstanding obligations (including lunch balances) must be paid off in order to participate in the middle school promotion ceremony.
That is all I have for now.
Have a great weekend
Michael Seroussi
Upcoming Important Dates:
June 5 - Red Team Award Ceremony (HS Auditorium) 8:00-9:30 AM
June 6 - Green Team Award Ceremony (HS Auditorium) 8:00-9:30 AM
June 7 - Gold Team Award Ceremony (HS Auditorium) 8:00-9:30 AM
June 8 - Purple Team Award Ceremony (HS Auditorium) 8:00-9:30 AM
June 9 - 8th Grade Promotion Dress Rehearsal 12:00-1:00 PM
June 12 - Early Dismissal 11:45 AM
June 13 - Early Dismissal 11:45 AM
June 14 - Early Dismissal 11:45 AM
June 15 - 8th Grade Promotion 8:00 - 9:30 AM (Outdoors) / 8th graders may leave after
June 15 - Early Dismissal 11:45 AM / Last Day of School
All dates are subject to change due to any weather closings.
Download an Updated Calendar Here
8th Grade Promotion Corner
8th Grade Promotion Rehearsal - 6/9/2023 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
8th Grade Promotion Details - 6/15/2023 from 8:00 - 9:30 AM
- High School outdoor softball field
- If inclement weather, ceremony will be moved inside to High School Gymnasium
- 4 tickets per student for indoor ceremony only
- Outdoor ceremony unlimited attendance
- Students must arrive by 7:20 AM and report directly to the Middle School Cafeteria
- General/Handicapped parking located at the High School
- Promotion letter and tickets have been mailed out
- Dress appropriately for the ceremony
End of Year Schedule 6/9/2023 - 6/15/2023

News and Notes
Attention Parents and Students Just a reminder that many students continue to have outstanding lunch balances and/or outstanding obligations from missing items that were lost or damaged. Please note that for 8th grade students, all outstanding obligations (e.g., lunch balances, lost items, etc) must be paid off by Friday, June 9th, so that they can participate in our promotion ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact the office. | Team Award CeremoniesInquiry Team: June 2nd 8:30-10:00 AM Red Team: June 5th8:00-9:30 AM Green Team: June 6th 8:00-9:30 AM Gold Team: June 7th 8:00-9:30 AM Purple Team June 8th 8:00-9:30 AM All ceremonies will be held in the High School Auditorium. Parking/Handicap parking will be available at the High School and officers will be on hand to direct traffic. Please use the Auditorium entrance. | Lost 'n' Found Lost & Found has collected quite a bit of clothing, lunch boxes and water bottles. With the end of the school year approaching, tables will be getting set up in the main lobby to display lost and found items and make it easier for the students to locate anything that they may be missing. At the end of the school year, any remaining items not claimed will be donated. |
Attention Parents and Students
Team Award Ceremonies
Inquiry Team: June 2nd
8:30-10:00 AM
Red Team: June 5th8:00-9:30 AM
Green Team: June 6th
8:00-9:30 AM
Gold Team: June 7th
8:00-9:30 AM
Purple Team June 8th
8:00-9:30 AM
All ceremonies will be held in the High School Auditorium.
Parking/Handicap parking will be available at the High School and officers will be on hand to direct traffic. Please use the Auditorium entrance.
Lost 'n' Found

Message from Guidance...
Grade 7: Is your student interested in being a tour guide for the incoming 7th graders this summer? We are looking for some help on August 17th and/or 21st. On those dates, we ask that the tour guides be here for 9:30am. Incoming 7th graders have the opportunity to come in anytime between 10-2 to tour the building. If your student is interested, they should complete the form posted in their Grade 7 School Counseling Classroom.
Grade 8: This week 8th graders had the opportunity to meet with high school counselors. They were able to take a look at their 9th grade schedules and resolve any conflicts in their schedule with the school counselors.
Incoming 7th Grader: August 17th and August 21st will be our Walk Around Days. Between 10-2 on these dates, students will have the opportunity to come into the building with their schedules and walk around to find their classrooms, try to open their lockers, and take part in a student-led tour if they'd like! This is a great chance for students to start to become familiar with our building.
AMH Youth and Family services and the RHAM Middle School guidance team are happy to announce Mental Health Awareness Fridays. During Fridays in May, students are invited to participate in mental health awareness activities in the Middle School Team Room. Topics will include kindness, mindfulness, and positivity. Mental health resources will also be shared including school resources and mental health strategies for promoting kindness, mindfulness and positivity.
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Chromebook Damage - Repair Costs
There has been an increase in damage being done to Chromebooks. Students are reminded to take care of them because they are property of the school. Students that damage a Chromebook intentionally will be charged to repair the Chromebook.
Click HERE for the student presentation and repair costs.

Notes from the Nurse
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, 2021 and June 30, 2023. 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.
8th Grade Parents - Health Authorization Update
Attendance - Absent/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

https://sites.google.com/view/rhamathletics/about-us/rham-middle-school-athletics
Family ID link:
https://www.rhamschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=290952&pageId=27794863
RHAM High School Soccer
Next Thursday there will be a RHAM girl's soccer informational meeting from 2:15-2:45pm in the High School Gym. The meeting is for all incoming 9th through 12th graders interested in playing Girls Soccer next year.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on:
- summer opportunities
- pre-season fitness expectations
- anticipated roster sizes/tryouts/cuts
- pre-season (starts 8/24)
- fall season
Attending the meeting is strongly encouraged - if you cannot make it please let Coach Cameron know in advance. His email address is matt.cameron08@gmail.com. Everyone should bring a notebook and something to write with.


Student Clubs and Activities!
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 the activities. Please see the office or club advisor for details.
Contact Club Advisor for current information or questions:
- Art Club - Meets every Tuesday from 2:15 - 3:15 pm in Room 237. Please contact Mrs. Gradie for more information.
- Home Economics Club - Meets every other Wednesday 2:15 - 3:30pm. Contact Mrs. Gonzalez or Mrs. Barber with questions.
- GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) - This all inclusive club plans different activities to help spread equality and inclusion for all. The club could paint murals, play games and engage in other school wide awareness activities. Meets every other Thursday from 2:10-3:15pm in the Team Room.
- Newspaper Club - Students help create & publish a school newspaper - See more info HERE. No need to be a member to submit articles. Send your article to Mrs. Lynch. Meets Thursdays 2:15-3:30pm in Room 142. Contact Mrs. Sue Lynch for more information.
- Math Club - Meets every other Wednesday from 2:15-3:30pm in Room 100. All grades, all levels of math abilities are welcome!
- Card Game Club - Meets alternate Thursdays from 2:15-3:45pm in Room 103. Card games and board games of all kinds are welcome and encouraged! Contact Mr. Conroy for more information.
- Environmental Club - The goal of the club is to work together to make our school and community a greener place to be. Students will decide what projects and activities they would like to undertake. Contact Mrs. Nipper for more details.
- Brass Band Meets every Wednesday from 2:25-3:00pm.
- Jazz Band - Meets every Tuesday from 2:15-3:30pm. Students should sign-up on the bulletin board in the Music Hallway.
- Yearbook Club - Please contact Ms. Sinosky or Mrs. Allard for more details.
- Drama Club (RMS) - Meetings continuing through the school year. Contact Ms. Filosa for more information.
- Lego Club - Meets every other Wednesday from 2:15-3:30 pm in Room 123. Come build with your friends where Everyone is a Master Builder! Contact Ms. Sinosky for more information.
- RHAM Race Team - (formally Alternative Energy Race Team) Meets every Thursday from 2:15-3:30 pm in Rm 122. Contact Ms. Sinosky for more information.
- Future Problem Solvers Club - Meets on Wednesday evenings at RHAM High School Room 115 from 6:45-8:00 pm. For more information, please contact Sherri Pelletier at sherri.pelletier@gmail.com.
- TSA/VEX - (Technology Student Association) If you are interested in Co2 Cars, Programming, Public Speaking, Problem Solving and/or VEX Robotics, this club is for you. Meets every other Wednesday from 2:20-3:30 pm in Room 123. Contact Ms. Sinosky for more information.
- RHAMblings - Student literary magazine. Meets once a month (dates TBD). Please contact Ms. Golas for more information and details.
- World Language/French Club - Meets every other Thursday after school in Room 201. Please contact Mr. Ndao for more information and details.
Ongoing After School Help:
- PM Study - Meets Tues/Wed/Thurs afternoon. Please contact school counselor for a PM Study Contract if interested.
- Math Lab - Meets every Tuesday in Room 208 or 217 with Mrs. Laccavole or Mrs. Ouellette and on Thursdays, Room 101 with Mrs. Kane
- Writing Lab - Meets every Wednesday, Room 203, Mrs. Banks

LUNCH UPDATE
FUEL April Newsletter | School Menu WebsiteIf you would like to look up the menu for either Breakfast or Lunch options, please use the website below. School Menu Website: | NEW - Share Table A new Share Table is now available to encourage sharing of unwanted items to reduce food waste in our community. Students can place unopened food and drinks that they chose not to eat or drink. Read further HERE. |
School Menu Website
If you would like to look up the menu for either Breakfast or Lunch options, please use the website below.
School Menu Website:
NEW - Share Table
Read further HERE.
Effective March 1, 2023, school breakfast and lunch meals will be available at no cost to all students through the remainder of the current school year. It is important to note the following information specific to free meals:
Only one school breakfast meal and one lunch meal per day will be provided at no cost for each student. A complete breakfast meal will consist of two servings of grain and one serving of fruit, at minimal. A complete lunch must consist of between 3 and 5 meal components; one of which must be a fruit or vegetable. It is not mandatory that students select milk.
Students will be charged for a la carte items or additional meals. A la carte items consist of secondary or partial meals as well as snack and beverage items, such as chips, cookies and ice cream. These range in price from $0.50 to $3.80. Second slices of pizza are always charged as a la carte.
Families are encouraged to ensure adequate funding is in their child’s My School Bucks account to cover the costs associated with additional meals and/or a la carte items. Funds can be deposited at the following link https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home
Please Note - Families are responsible for meals purchased between January 11 and February 28, and notices will be sent home to alert families of any negative balances.
Families who may qualify for free or reduced meals are encouraged to submit an application if that has not already been done. Applications can be completed by contacting Jen Choma at 860-228-9474 ext. 3401, or by going to the following link. https://rhs.rhamschools.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=67022564
The link below provides a video with instructions on how to complete an application for free and reduced price meals or free milk. https://vimeo.com/777367788
The link below provides information regarding information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Nutrition/NSLP/Forms/FreeRed/AddendumC.pdf
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
MySchoolBucks - Set Up Account
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Food Service Manager, Kate Caselli at either kathleen.caselli@rhamschools.org or at 860-228-9474 ext. 3710.
Lunch Menu - June 5th - June 9th

COMMUNITY NEWS / EVENTS
AHM Youth Services
PROJECT GRADUATION PLANNING GUIDE
AHM Youth Representatives Wanted!
If you're interested in becoming a Youth Representative on the AHM Board of Directors - Click HERE for the flyer.
SOAR Youth Group:
SOAR is a student-based group allowing RHAM Middle School and RHAM High School students the opportunity to make positive changes at RHAM through service and education.
Check out the upcoming Events & Activities for the group!
LATE BUS - General Information
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.
You must sign up in the After School Binders if you are staying after school, which can be found in front of the office during the day or in your lunch waves.
All students staying after school whether you are walking home, getting picked up or taking the late bus MUST sign up in the After School Binders.
If you are on a sports team and need to take the last bus, you MUST also sign up in the late bus binder.