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RINCON VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
F A L C O NN E W S L E T T E R
4650 Badger Road Santa Rosa, California 95409 (707) 528-5255
Visit our website at http://www.rvms.srcs.k12.ca.us January 2010
DATES TO NOTE…
.Jan. 11 – Volleyball and Wrestling
TryoutsJan. 18 – MLK Day NO SCHOOLJan. 21– Cookie Dough Fundraiser
AssemblyJan. 28– Volleyball@RVMS
Wrestling @ ComstockJan. 28- STPC mtg. 7pm LibraryJan. 29– Cookie orders due
Feb. 1-5 – Oral Grade WeekFeb. 2–10 Pre Valentine SalesFeb. 2– Volleyball @ Slater
Wrestling @RVMS Feb. 4– Volleyball @ RVMS
Wrestling @Santa RosaFeb. 8– Lincoln’sB-day NO
SCHOOL Feb. 11– Volleyball @ Slater
Wrestling @RVMS Feb. 15– President’s Day NO
SCHOOLFeb. 16– Volleyball @ Comstock
Wrestling @ RVMSFeb. 18– Volleyball @ RVMS
Wrestling @ SlaterFeb. 23– Volleyball @ Santa Rosa
Wrestling @ RVMSFeb. 24- RVMS Showcase min. dayMar. 29-Apr.2 – Spring Break
REMEMBER TO
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents & Friends,
With all the doom and gloom about municipal and school budgets, we’re still shining and working wonders with students. While the budget cuts that are coming will be felt deeply, we will make every effort to meet the challenges before us. The RVMS staff is committed to providing an excellent education for all our students; we’ll just have to get very creative. During the upcoming school year, we will need to lean more heavily on our parent group, the STPC, for our educational needs. I have tremendous faith that our parents will rise to the occasion and support us in these trying times.
At the end of this month, February 24, RVMS is once again putting on our annual “Showcase” event for incoming students. This is a minimum day, and school will be out at 12:28. If you know of anyone who will be a new student to RVMS, please remind them about this event. The showcase will start at 6:00pm and close at 8:00pm. The showcase is a wonderful way to get a look at RVMS and see what we’re all about. Everyone from the community is welcome to attend, but we ask that current students stay home because of limited space.
As many of you know, we will be taking the STAR test the week of April 12th. We will be on a Monday bell schedule the entire week. In today’s competitive educational environment, it is very important that all our students take the test seriously and give it their best effort. Schools are also using the STAR test results now to help determine if students will have an elective class, or academic support class, the following year. During this critical week for our school, we ask that families do not miss
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
school for any reason other than a doctor’s appointment; and we’d appreciate it if even those could be scheduled for another
week. I don’t like the fact that so much rides on this one indicator of student achievement, but that is the reality we live in. The staff at RMVS greatly appreciates your support during the week of STAR testing.
Principal’s message continued from previous page
Believe it or not, we are already planning classes for next year. February is also the month when MCHS counselors come to RVMS and talk to 8th graders about their educational choices for next year. The MCHS counselors will be visiting 8th grade history classes on Thursday, February 18th. Please make sure you review with your student next year’s course offerings and guide them in making choices. Student course selection sheets are due back in the counseling office no later than Friday, March 5th.
On Wednesday, March 3rd, our counseling department is offering an 8th grade parent night for our eighth grade parents who will soon be dropping their students off at the high school. This event is designed to inform parents what to expect at the high school and helpful hints about making the transition go smoothly. The 8th grade parent night will be held in the RVMS library from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Finally, on Tuesday, March 9, our counseling team will be visiting 7th grade science classes to talk about elective choices for the 8th grade year.
All my best,
Matt MarshallPrincipal – RVMS_____________________________________________
Counseling Office NewsOffice Hours – 7:30 – 3:00 Phone - 528-5257
Counselor Dan Evans – Mon., Wed., Thurs. morning and Fri. afternoon. Last name alphabet is A – I. [email protected]
Counselor Robin Wilkins – Mon. thru Fri. Last name alphabet is J – Z. [email protected]
Academic Support Counselor Michele Craig-Morales – Thursday a.m.
[email protected] or voice mail number 528-5074 ext.2358
The Counselors oversee the following programs: Honor Society Homework Hotline Conflict Management Program Support Counseling Safe School Ambassador Program
Honor Society- The spring semester of Honor Society is open to both 7th and 8th graders based on their December report card semester grades:
o Students need12 points to be eligible o Each “A” is worth 3 points o Each “B” is worth 1 point
A list of eligible students is posted in the marquee adjacent to the Counseling Office.. If you do not find your name on the list, please contact your counselor.
Honor Society meets before field trips. Meetings will be announced on the morning announcements and posted outside the Counseling Office in the marquee. Our next meeting is Monday, February 1.
Remember, you need to attend Honor Society meetings in order to participate in the upcoming field trip to UC Berkeley on Wednesday, March 3.
Homework Club – Homework Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 3:10 – 4:10. Homework Club is in the Library and it’s FREE ! Students must stay for the entire time, unless they have a note from their parent to leave earlier. Two to three teachers are available during this time
to assist students who need help.
Homework Hotline –[email protected]
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
Have you checked out the Homework Hotline website? This website is a great tool to make sure you are getting all of your homework written down in your planner. The hotline is updated daily by 3:00 p.m. and is offered as a convenience for students who were absent from class or for parents who would like to check homework assignments.
Weekly Progress Reports
Progress Reports are available in the Counseling Office on Mondays, between the hours of 7:30 to 8:00 a.m.
If there is a Monday holiday, students can pick up Progress Reports on Tuesdays between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Progress Reports are not available for the weeks of quarter grades and semester grades.
8th Grade Parent Nights at RVMS
Join counselors Dan Evans and Robin Wilkins for a presentation about the following topics:
High School NightTuesday, March 2, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. RVMS Library
Discussion Topics:high schools pathways
4-year plangraduation requirements
College/University NightTBD Discussion Topics:Collegesuniversitiesfinancial aidscholarships
Please call 528-5038 to reserve your place as space is limited.
2010-2011 Registration
The RVMS Counseling Office and a few RVMS students will be visiting our partner elementary schools the third week of February to talk with 6th graders about 7th grade at Rincon and hand out enrollment packets.
If you have a 6th grader at one of the following partner schools, please check his or her backpack for an enrollment packet. Our partner elementary schools are:
o Austin Creeko Binkleyo Kenwood o Madrone o Riebli o Santa Rosa Accelerated Chartero Sequoia o Whited
Be sure to complete the registration packet and return it to RVMS on the evening of Showcase (Wednesday, February 24th).
For Future 7th and 8th grade Students and Parents
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2009
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6:00 School Tours – Meet at the flagpole6:20 7th gr. Band – RVMS Gym6:30 Welcome to Rincon Presentation –Gym7:00 Showcase/Performances – Open to the
Public
7th & 8th gr. Curriculums, electives, support classes and enrichment activities
8:00 Parent Night closes
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – 7th grade Writing Test
April 12 – 16, 2010 STAR TEST
RE: Parent/Teacher Conferences Suggestions
RVMS hopes for all students to succeed. If you are concerned about your child’s progress in one or more of their classes, please complete the following tasks prior to scheduling a parent teacher conference. This process makes the conference far more effective and is beneficial for your child:
1) Ask to see your student’s planner every day for a week and have them show you their completed homework. a. If it is not complete, create a place
for them to sit down and get it finished.
b. If your child is not filling in the planner, have them start to get a teacher signature each day in their planner to confirm that it is accurate. If your student does not get the signatures, give them a consequence (example: no cell phone, no computer time, or no TV) until they start getting the required signatures.
2) Have your student pick up a weekly progress report. Do this for at least two weeks. When your student brings the progress report home, have them explain any missing work or low scores.
Please use the strategies above prior to scheduling a parent teacher conference. This will help clarify your child’s needs. We look forward to working to address your concerns.
Sincerely,Dan Evans, Robin Wilkins and Michele Craig-MoralesRVMS Counseling Office – 528-5257
[email protected] (Last name alphabet A – I)
[email protected](Last name alphabet J – Z)
[email protected] Academic Support Counselor (Thursday mornings)
Homework Hotline: www.rvms.srcs.k12.ca.usHomework Club: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:10 to 4:10, RVMS Library
7th Grade Girls Basketball NewsCongratulations to the girls 7th grade basketball team. They are Co- Champions of the Santa
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
Rosa City Middle Schools Basketball League. The girls had an excellent season, playing tenacious, smothering defense and unselfish team offense. Defensively, the girls only allowed their opponents an average of 11 points per game. The girl’s only loss was to Slater by 1 point. The team worked hard at practice to improve their basketball skills and work together as a team.
Malia Donovan Shelby FechterMiranda Gonzalez
Sarah HollyLondyn Inskeep
Jamie LynnMegan McConnell Skyler StokesJenna Tiewater Brooke WhiteRaegan Williams
Congratulations girls on a very successful season. We are very proud of you!
Athletic Reminders:Volleyball and Wrestling have just begun their season. Good luck to both teams!
Third Quarter Sports: 7th & 8th Grade Girls Volleyball and Wrestling
Fourth Quarter Sports: 7th & 8th Grade Track and Field
Remember to turn in a completed Athletic Packet to Mrs. Wade during the week prior to tryouts. (This includes a physical and a $30 athletic donation.) If you have already turned in a packet, you must still turn in an Athletic Up-date Form. The Athletic Packet and the Up-date Form can be picked up in the main office or from your P.E. teacher at any time.
Keep those grades up. Students must have a 2.0 GPA in the quarter previous to trying out for a team.
Questions??? Call Mrs. Wade at
528-5543.
Notes from the STPC
STPC MeetingsRVMS Library – 7 p.m.
Jan 28th, 2010Feb 25th Mar 26th- No meeting, spring breakApr 22nd Elections and roundtable reviewMay – No meeting, busy last month
The 8th grade team would like to get the help of parent volunteers with the Race Through High School game involving all 8th grade students and 12 students from Maria Carrillo High School. 8-10 parent volunteers are needed. Date: Tuesday, March 2 Time: 7:30 am Training in Mr. Ian Myers RoomEvent runs from 8:00 - 9:20 in Café and Gym. If you are able to help with this event, please contact Ms. Penny Sirota at: [email protected]
Thank you in advance for your help.
Mousa AbbasiRVMS STPC Volunteer Coordinator_________________________________________
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
The 8th grade winning color teams would like to get the help of parent volunteers for Movies at Rialto event. Date: March 2515 Volunteers neededMovies at Rialto for winning color teamsFollowed by Pizza lunch at RVMS If you are able to help with this event, please contact Ms. Laurel VarnBuhler at [email protected] Time for the March 25 event to be confirmed by Ms. VarnBuhler - it should be from about 9:00am - 1:15 p.m._________________________________________
NEWS FROM THE NURSESCOLIOSIS SCREENING
I will be doing the scoliosis screening in April. Screening is done during P.E. classes. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine. It affects one of every 50 children, and usually appears between the ages of 10 to 15 when the child is growing rapidly. Girls are more likely to have scoliosis than boys. Most curves are small and require no active treatment other than continued observation by your doctor.
Michele Scudero R.N. School Nurse
STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
If your child needs to leave during the school day, your students must bring a note to the Attendance Office BEFORE SCHOOL to get a Permit to Leave. This will allow your student to get all their necessary school work/supplies and minimize classroom interruptions. Remember students need to always be signed out from the attendance office when leaving early or signed in when arriving late.
MESSAGES/DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS
Only in the case of an EMERGENCY will the office forward messages from parents to students. Messages delivered to class cause a disruption to the learning environment. Please discuss arrangements such as transportation, appointments and other non-urgent issues in the morning, before your child leaves for school.
Deliveries to students in the classroom also cause a disruption to the learning environment. All deliveries should be brought to the main office and kept to a minimum. The student will be contacted at the end of a period, and they can get the delivery at break, lunch, or after school.
Please do not call your student on their cell phone during school hours. This is a violation of school policy, and could result in disciplinary action being taken against the student.
OFFICE PHONE USE BY STUDENTSIS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY
This includes health or medical issues, missed or delayed First Student buses, and unforeseeable events.
ATTENDANCE & ACTIVITIES
Students must be in school all day if they wish to participate in any extracurricular activity. For
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
example, if there is a school dance, an athletic game, homework club, or an evening awards ceremony, a student must attend all six classes to participate in that activity.
Adults on CampusPlease remember that if you come on campus during the school day between 8:00 and 3:00, you must sign in as a guest in the main office and receive identification. This is for the protection of all our students.
MEDICATIONS POLICY
Students requiring medication during school hours must have a permission form on file for the school year. This form must be completed and signed by the doctor and parent/guardian. Forms are available in the Main Office. Your doctor may fax written instructions to the Health Office at 528-5644. All medications must be kept in the Health Office unless otherwise stated by your doctor. If you have question, please call 528-5255.
Tammi Leggins – Health TechnicianMichele Scudero, RN, Dist. Nurse @ RVMS
Sonia Bhatt - Ms. BrinerEvan Marquez - Ms. BrinerBrandon Bone - Ms. BrinerRachel Black - Ms. Briner
Barrett Iodence - Mr. VarnBuhlerJenna Docher - Mr. VarnBuhlerAlex Bleyhl - Ms. CheneyMarisol Farias - Ms. CheneySarah Sullivan - Mrs. VarnBuhlerSeth Camilli - Mrs. VarnBuhlerHannah Cardinalli - Mr. Eagle
Miguel Berlanga - Ms. BrinerKevin Barth - Ms. BrinerLeif Dinger - Mrs. SandholmJulia Willmers - Mrs. SandholmHunter Volpi - Mr. EagleAlexis Honighausen - Mr. EagleJoseph Byun - Mrs. VarnBuhlerClaire Wheeler - Mrs. VarnBuhlerErica Calderon - Mr. VarnBuhlerJose Delgado-Aguilar - Mr. VarnBuhler
Shaina Dowell - Mr. VarnBuhlerChris Jamerson - Mr. VarnBuhlerCarlos Martinez-Solis - Mrs. VarnBuhlerSophia Lassen - Mrs. VarnBuhlerJenna Docher - Mrs. MacchiaLucas Azcarraga - Mrs. MacchiaLainey McCaffrey - Ms. Briner
Students of the Week December 7-11, 2009
Students of the Week December 14-17, 2009
Students of the Week January 4-8, 2010
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
Coulter Adams - Ms. BrinerCianna Crawford - Ms. BrinerTurner O’Brien - Ms. BrinerAnthony Fisicaro - Mrs. BrewJacob Leras - Mrs. Brew
8th Graders Keep Busy
Ask your child a question about the Bill Of Rights or the Constitution, find out if they can explain how atoms form the wide variety of matter that we experience every day, or put on some music and have them show you a square dance step or two.
At lunch we finished the basketball tournament with the Blue Beasts taking first place. Now we are playing volley tennis. This Intramural program benefits from students who volunteer to referee and the generous donations from the STPC.
Additionally, student volunteer mentors work with Mr. Myers, Mrs. Kubiak and Ms. Briner to improve the grades for students who need a little extra support. We are fortunate to have a very involved 8th grade class.
Color Teams continue with Pink holding on to first place. Again, eight motivated and organized students act as color team captains and lead their color team in academic, athletic and school spirit events. This competition culminates
with a movie and pizza prize donated by the Rialto Theater and the STPC.
Yes, 8th graders are active and healthy and doing well academically. Rincon teachers are proud of the 8th graders’ level of leadership and achievement!
For Future 7th and 8th grade Students and Parents
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 20096:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
6:00 School Tours – Meet at the flagpole6:20 7th gr. Band – RVMS Gym6:30 Welcome to Rincon Presentation –Gym7:00 Showcase/Performances – Open to the
Public
7th & 8th gr. Curriculums, electives, support classes and enrichment activities
8:00 Parent Night closes
Physical Education Hot Topics
How safe is your home? Do you have a safety plan for an emergency? Are your children trained in Self Defense? The seventh grade students are participating in a Self Defense Unit and learning important tips on avoidance skills, escapes and takedowns. The most important part of Self Defense is to not put yourself in an unsafe situation and be aware of your
RVMS Newsletter - January 2010
surroundings. Parents, you can help! Review safe procedures for walking to and from school, using cell phones, social networking sites, and protocol for being at home alone. The students produced posters, billboards, raps, skits and interviews to demonstrate their knowledge of self defense skills. Swing by the cafeteria and take a
look.
ThanksRita Weighall
8th grade Parent Night
Thursday, February 25, 2010 MCHS Gym
7:00 Informational Program7:30 GATE Meeting
8th graders and their parents are invited to join the MCHS staff for 2010-2011 information on:
PathwaysGraduation requirements
Extracurricular opportunitiesDepartment and program displays
Parent Involvement
TEACHER VOICE MAIL AND E-MAIL528-5074
Teacher Voicemail
E-Mail Teacher Voicemail E-mail
BLAIR 2300 [email protected] MYERS, I 2318 [email protected] 2301 [email protected] NORRIS 2357 [email protected] 2330 briner.science@sbcglobal
.netRESNIKOFF 2320 [email protected].
usBROWN 2335 [email protected] SALER 2311 [email protected] 2349 [email protected].
usSANDHOLM 2322 [email protected]
.usCHENEY 2348 [email protected] SHUBIN 2346 [email protected] 2347 [email protected] S-BOLDT 2324 [email protected] 2304 [email protected] SIROTA 2325 [email protected] 2305 [email protected]
.usTOBY 2326 [email protected]
EAGLE 6049 [email protected] VARNBUHLER J
2327 [email protected]
FORSYTH 2308 [email protected] VARNBUHLER L
2328 [email protected]
GUIDO 6050 [email protected] WADE 6046 [email protected] 2310 [email protected] WALLS 2342 [email protected] 2350 [email protected] WEIGHALL 6047 [email protected]
sHOUSE 2345 [email protected] WOLFE
(Lorange)2355 [email protected]
KING-CLAYE 2312 [email protected] WOODBURY 6048 [email protected]
KOVATCH 2313 [email protected] ZEMAN 2332 [email protected]
KUBIAK 2314 [email protected]
LONDO 2316 [email protected] COUNSELORSLUNSFORD 2317 [email protected] CRAIG-
MORALES2358 [email protected].
ca.us
MACCHIA 2306 [email protected] EVANS (A-I) 528-5257
MCCOMAS 2352 [email protected]
WILKINS (J-Z)
528-5257
CHESS FOR KIDS, Inc. at Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School!
OPEN TO RVMS STUDENTS!
CHESS FOR KIDS, Inc. will offer a six week session of chess classes at Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School! All levels of skill are welcome! Studies have found hidden rewards for students of chess:
Critical and logical thinking skills Improved concentration, pattern recognition, and memory Patience, decision-making, planning, and sportsmanship skills In addition, chess is plain FUN!
CHESS FOR KIDS, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing chess toas many young people as possible in Sonoma County.
CHESS FOR KIDS class Wednesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24.. (3:15-4:15) Room Location: Rm. 1 at SRACS Fee: $50 a child. Siblings are always half price. Scholarships will be considered.
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Name___________________________________Grade_____Phone_______________________________
Email_______________________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
Where is your child to go after class? Parent pick up____________________ Other______________
Alternate phone number:____________________________________Amount enclosed:______________
Please make checks out to CHESS FOR KIDS, Inc., and mail to:CHESS FOR KIDS 1275 4th Street, BOX 225Santa Rosa, CA 95404 SRACS (1-2010) This is not a Santa Rosa City School Sponsored Activity.
(707)527-6427 or (707)540-1831www.chessclubforkids.com