The Raptor Report

RHAM Middle School

Week of 3/13 - 3/17, 2023

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,


It has certainly been an interesting week. Having a Northeaster come our way, then having the temperature rise to 60℉, makes for a unique week of weather. We are glad that all this only resulted in an early release day on Tuesday. Right now next week looks a little more typical for March and we are hopeful that we will not add another snow day to June.


There have been a few questions about the end of the year. Right now we are set to finish the year on Thursday, June 15th. The last four days of school will be early dismissals (June 12th - 15th). We are still awaiting final confirmation for the date of our 8th grade promotion ceremony, just in case additional weather days change the end of the year calendar.


As part of a district-wide initiative, we will be having a whole school assembly on March 23rd on Student Equity. Further information about the assembly is below.


Please remember that next Friday, March 24th is a professional development day for staff (no school for students).


As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

Have a great weekend,

Michael Seroussi

Upcoming Important Dates:

  • March 23 - Student Equity Assembly
  • March 24 - NO SCHOOL (Staff Development)
  • March 30 - Music Dept. Coffeehouse Night 6:00 PM
  • March 31 - End of Quarter 3
  • April 6 - Early Dismissal 11:45 AM
  • April 7 - NO SCHOOL
  • April 10-14 - NO SCHOOL
  • April 21 - Middle School Dance 7:00 - 9:00 PM
  • April 25 - Smarter Balance/NGSS Testing
  • April 27 - Latin Day Field Trip
  • April 27 - All Town Jazz Concert 7:00 PM
  • April 28 - Smarter Balance/NGSS Testing

All dates are subject to change due to any weather/snow closings.

UPDATED RHAM School Calendar 22-23

Download an Updated Calendar Here

Info: Student Equity Presentations

In the wake of the unfortunate incidents which occurred over the last few months at RHAM High School, the district hosted a community conversation through an evening event in early February for all members of the school community. This event enabled those in attendance to gather and share reactions and feelings related to the incidents. The district feels it is important to provide a similar opportunity during the school day for students to engage in dialogue which will emphasize the importance of building an inclusive environment and engendering understanding. School wide student assemblies have been scheduled for March 23rd to provide this opportunity.


The program will be structured into three major sections:

· Facts - Identifying what we know, what we don’t know, and what we need to know

· Feelings - How we feel and how others feel

· Actions - What can we do with our feelings

Coffee & Conversation - Join Us!

As the Superintendent, one of my goals is to meet as many parents and community members as possible. To help in this effort, I am hosting monthly opportunities for coffee and conversation with community members at the dates and times below:


  • 4/19/23: 9:30-10:30 AM Middle School library

  • 5/25/23: 6-7 PM High School library


I hope you’re able to attend.

Colin McNamara

Superintendent

News and Notes

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Message from Guidance...

Grade 7: If your student hasn't selected their Unified Arts courses for next year yet, they should see their School Counselor. They can make an appointment by stopping by Guidance, or by emailing their School Counselor.


Grade 8: If your 8th grader hasn't selected their courses for grade 9 yet, they should make an appointment with their School Counselor as soon as possible by emailing them, or stopping by Guidance. They can make an appointment by stopping by Guidance, or by emailing their School Counselor.


Grades 7 & 8: RHAM Middle School, Hebron Interfaith Human Services, and AHM Youth and Family Service is proud to announce the opening of the Middle School Raptor's Nest, a community food pantry at RHAM Middle School. In conjunction with RHAM High School Raptor's Nest, the middle school pantry will include lunch, snacks, and dinner options for all middle school students in need. Students are welcome to visit the pantry, now open in the guidance office, on the first floor of the middle school.


Have you seen the new season on Outer Banks?! This show has become super popular with our middle schoolers. Is it right for your child? What should you know about this show? What's it about? Is it any good? Want to know some things you might want to talk to your child about if they watch it? Click here for more information.


Incoming 7th Grade: If you have an incoming 7th graders for next year and you have not completed your registration please do so as soon as possible. If you have not received your Unified Arts link please contact Gail Beaulieu in the Guidance Office.

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K-12 Student Art Show at Marlborough Art Center!

March is Student Art Month and we’re celebrating with a student art exhibit at the Marlborough Arts Center!


The exhibit will run from March 4th to March 19th. We would like to invite you to visit the show and enjoy the artwork. The Marlborough Arts Center is located at 231 North Main Street, Marlborough, CT. While the Arts Center has a parking lot you may need to use the additional parking available on Lake Road nearby.


You can also find more information about the arts center and the exhibit on their website www.marlborougharts.org or check out their Facebook page.


Sincerely,

The RHAM High & Middle School Art Department

Gallery Opening Times and Dates:

Sat. March 18, 1 – 4

Sun. March 19, 1 - 4

Media Center - Overdue Materials

The library catalog system will now send overdue notices to student emails each week and a paper copy of overdue items will be given to every homeroom teacher once a month. Students are reminded to check their email often for any overdue notices.

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.

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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

It’s that time of the year when we need updated required health authorizations. Please click on the link and follow the instructions to update your student’s health information via your PowerSchool Parent Portal, so that we may better serve your child’s health needs. Thank you!


Health Update Instructions Link

Attendance - Absent/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

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.
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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 to confirm start date of club:

  • 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. Meets every Tuesday from 2:15-3:00pm in Room 115.
  • 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 - Meets every Tuesday after school until 3:30 pm in Room 123. All are welcome, 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 (opposite weeks of Spanish Club) 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
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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 - Mar. 20th - Mar. 23rd (No School 3/24)

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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.