
Monday, January 25, is a Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
End of First Semester
RUCKEL SPORTS TRYOUTS -- VISIT THE PAGE FOR YOUR SPORT FOR MORE INFO!
In order to participate in ANY athletic practice, tryout, or team, students must have
their
2020-2021 Sports Participation Forms on file in Student Services.
2021 Ruckel Track & Field season is coming!
Conditioning prior to tryouts will be held from 2:45 to 3:45 pm on:
Tuesday, January 26 • Friday, January 29
Monday, February 1 • Thursday, February 4
Athletes should be picked up promptly.
Tryouts will be held Monday to Thursday, February 8 to 11.
Please sign up for Track Tryouts on the roster posted in the Gym.
All athletes attending track practices should have
weather-appropriate clothing and their own water bottle!
Ruckel Softball Team Tryouts signups start Monday, February 1
Students may either send an email to Coach Hastings or stop by his classroom.

following school.
Sign-up sheets are in the gym. Athletes must have their Sports Participation Forms
on file in Student Services by Friday, February 12, in order to try out.

Girls Team: Wednesday, February 10
Boys Team: Thursday, February 11
If it rains on either day, Friday, February 12 will be the make up date

6th Graders on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
7th and 8th graders on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Join us in Room 905 -- Everyone is welcome!
Contact Gina Piccorossi for more information

Check the FCA Page for new information
about upcoming 2021 events!
COVID-19 Information and Policies Chronicles in COVID Newsletter • See all issues HERE OCSD COVID Dashboard Ruckel Families: Keep up with school work while you're out of class for an extended period. Information Flyer HERE |

Parents and Guardians, keep your student AT HOME if they have
ANY of the following symptoms:
• Fever greater than 99.9°F -- it doesn't matter if the fever comes down using fever-reducing medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Controlling the fever does not control the infection!
• Vomiting more than once • Diarrhea
Colds and influenza are the most contagious during the first 48 hours and we ask that you please keep your student AT HOME if they are not feeling well. Thank you for helping keep our students healthy and in school!
The Okaloosa County School District wants to share important resources regarding
the Coronavirus and information regarding keeping children healthy.
OCSD information page HERE • Parent Letter HERE • Hand washing tips HERE

Superintendent's Grading Information for Parents HERE
All report cards can be viewed and/or printed using Parent Portal.
If you choose, you may view the current report card on Parent Portal.
If you do not know how to access the system, please visit the Grades Online page at www.okaloosaschools.com. Parent Portal Tips HERE
If you need assistance, please contact our school. Thank you!
Parents who
check a student out of class or sign in on campus MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE as their identification. Please complete all end-of-day student check-outs by 2:00 pm. Contact the Front Office at 833-4142 if you have questions Please update your contact list in the Front Office if any changes have occurred! . |

George E. "Bud" Day Flight Order of Daedalians sponsors a
National Flight Academy Grant Program which can provide financial assistance for students wishing ot attend the NFA.
You can download the Grant Application HERE
At that time, NHS guidance counselors will be available to answer student and parent questions via phone and email. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.

We have three designated pick up points on Ruckel Property:
• The Car Rider Ramp in front of the school • In front of the Ruckel Gym
• The parking lot on the school side of the street across from the Post Office
Please don't use the teacher parking lot behind the Cafeteria or St. Jude's Church parking lot. These are NOT designated pick up/drop off areas for students.
Thank you for your cooperation.

Parents, please remember students should not be reporting to school prior to 7:00 am as teachers are not
on duty. If your student arrives between 7:00 and 7:20 am, they are to report to the Cafeteria where a faculty member will be present. This is for the safety of your student.
First Time in Ruckel Middle School history that All Fall Sports are Undefeated and County Champions. Congratulations to these Student Athletes!
Football Team • Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams • Volleyball Team
Way to go, Rams!!

8th Grade: Jack Cary, Ben Converse, Ashlee Culbertson, Mary Varner Elder, Zivah Olivieri
7th Grade: Maddie Cook, Harper Danelly, Sydney Foggo, James Foley, Devery Harris, Asa Loicano
6th Grade: Jack Barker, Brody Bliss, Ethan Cuthbert, Courtney Gehringer, N'Datcha Gunter, Jacob Orcutt, Sarah Parker, Charlie Perkins, Lucy Toppin
Having trouble with affordable Housing? Check the latest Title IX Newsletter HERE
His work will represent Okaloosa County and hang in the Florida State Capitol rotunda in Tallahassee.

to participate in Florida's 2021 All State Band!
Sophia Cafarelli, Andrew Roberts and Isaac Nelms
Congratulations to the Ruckel Chorus Students who have been selected
as members of Florida's 2021 All State Chorus!

Emilia Pedone, Paige Randolph and Carly Riffle
Congratulations to Ruckel Student Rebekah Weber for being selected
as a member of Florida's 2021 All State Middle School Orchestra!
and to Ruckel's 2020-2021 Educational Support Person of the Year, Mr. Wright!
Paperwork is available in the Guidance Office and must be turned in prior to attending. Students will need
to have their own transportation. Bus transportation is not available at this time.

2021 Yearbook Order link HERE • Online payment plans available
To order, visit JostensYearbooks.com
Price is $60 each - Order Now!
Got photos that belong in the RamPages Yearbook?
We're looking for Football • Volleyball • Cross Country • Dances
Pep Rallies • Quarantine Fun • First Day of School -- Info Here
The Proof Card will have the access code for placing your photo order.
You may order school pictures online or by calling Bill Miller at 256-892-3150.

Sign up for the RMS Email List!
Fill out the form on this webpage to have your email address added to our distribution list! And don't forget to get our Ruckel App!
How to unsubscribe from RMS Email -- info here!
Please become familiar with our Tardy Policy and our Checkout Policy.
Has your student been absent? Read our Attendance Policy here.

We ask that you help us protect our students and staff by practicing the following prevention steps:
• Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often
• Try not to touch your face with unwashed hands
• Don't touch shake hands with ill persons
• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces • Stay home when you're sick.
School Immunizations The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend every child continues to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Vaccines are provided at no cost for children 18 years and younger at DOH-Okaloosa. Appointments are required. Call 850-833-9246 to schedule yours.SEE FLYER HERE 221 Hospital Drive NE,
Fort Walton Beach • 810 E. James Lee Blvd,
Crestview
Visit HealthyOkaloosa.com for more information
What Your Child Needs For 2020–2021 School Entry/Attendance Florida State Dept. of Health Immunization Flyer HERE |
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Nurse's Corner • Nurse Julie Riffle Visit our Nurse's Page for details on
immunization requirements and in-school medicine procedures as well as other tips for keeping our school community healthy! Click Here for more info on student flu shots |
Healthy Okaloosa Schools Newsletter Here |


Represent the Ruckel Rams AND stay healthy --
contact Coach Reece to order awesome Ruckel face masks & neck gaiters
SEE FLYER HERE


at Ruckel Middle School

Visit our Academics Page
Sign up to receive Ruckel email newsletters here! • Learn about our PTO here
![]() for parents and students. Click here for more details. Email your counselors for assistance Families with last names A-K Here • L-Z Here Visit the Ruckel Guidance Resource Page for more useful information! Title IX -- Students in Transition Newsletter |

See full details HERE
We are now offering video-conference non-medical counseling. See Flyer HERE
Letter for Military Parents to access counseling HERE

Ruckel Celebrates Patriot Day
and supports a Staff Member!
Click here to see what was
going on lately!

Any student possessing a wireless communication device while on school property or in attendence at a school function must ensure that the device is not visible and must be turned off during school hours (7:45 to 2:20) except when expressly authorized.
Consequences of violating this policy:
1st violation - student must pick up device at end of the day from Student Services
2nd violation - parent must pick up device at end of the day from Student Services
3rd violation - office referral
STUDENTS -- REMEMBER TO PLACE YOUR AIR PODS IN YOUR LOCKER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL DAY. THEY FOLLOW THE SAME RULES AS ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES!

See more details HERE
-- 2020 County Champions -- AGAIN!
Congratulations to Ruckel's Boys and Girls Weightlifting Teams!
-- 2020 County Champions!
Congratulations to the Lady Rams Volleyball Team
-- 2020 County Champions AGAIN!! --
See past Championship teams HERE

Below are some links on which your students can practice…
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing -- Lots of lessons & games to practice
www.powertyping.com -- Select "Qwerty" for correct lessons • www.typingweb.com
Practice FSA can be found at www.fsassessments.org

in a supervised school sponsored activity. Florida Statute 232.25(1)and (2)
Supervision of students by school personnel is provided:
a. During the time the student is being transported to or from school at public expense
b. During the time the student is attending school
c. During the time the student is on the school premises participating with authorization in a school sponsored activity and
d. During a reasonable time (30) minutes before and after a student is on the school premises for attendance at school or for authorized participation in a school sponsored activity, and only when on the school premises
IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA LAW, PARENTS SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE SCHOOL TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL SUPERVISION
if YOU have content to share, please email photos or information to RuckelPics@cox.net!
Messages sent to this email will only respond to RMS website issues.
Please email school administration with other questions. Thank you!

Register for Remind, a free message service, and stay in touch!
Contact Tanya Warden for more info. PTO Membership Form HERE

Everyone is welcome! Supply donations are very much appreciated!
Ruckel Speech and Debate Team Meetings are held on Tuesdays in Room 210 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Mrs. Love is the coach.
Ruckel's RoboRAMS Students interested in joining Ruckel's RoboRAMS robotics team may
contact Mrs. Nunez or Mrs. Tabor in room 704 for more information.
NEW! Theatre Club is learning backstage skills, costuming, and more!
Contact Ms. Barron for more information.
Chess Club All levels are welcome. Contact Mrs. Kempton for more information. Come every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in the Media Center and learn or improve your skills!
Builders Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month after school from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
in Mrs. Lennon's classroom #501.
Ruckel App Coding Group meets Monday and Wednesday 2:30-3:45 in Mrs. Marshall's room P02.
Contact Mrs. Marshall for more info
FCA FCA is currently unable to meet due to our large size and Covid restrictions. We will revisit this decision in January as more restrictions are lifted. Mrs. Marello is the sponsor.
Academic Team Interested 6th Grade students volunteer with your science teacher for Junior Varsity
and see Mrs. Nunez for Varsity (7th & 8th grade).
MathCounts meets each Wednesday from 7:00 to 7:30 am in Miss Bott's room, Portable 3.
Multicultural Club Meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons until 3:30 pm. The sponsor is Ms. Stalnaker.
National Junior Honor Society meets periodically to work on service projects and for induction
ceremonies. Mrs. Tomassetti is the lead sponsor.
Odyssey of the Mind provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. See Mrs. Cook.
Yearbook Staff meets after school twice a week. Mrs. Marshall is the sponsor.

Best Practices for Inclusive Education report HERE
Learn more about Inclusion resources HERE
The SAC meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 am in the Media Center.

Your bus note must include the following information:
your entire name, the student's name and address you are riding with, their bus number and their bus stop.
As always, take your note to the Front Office and a bus pass will be issued. See Mrs. Sotelo for info.
ONLINE VOLUNTEER FORM HERE Please watch some short informational videos on the OCSD website before completing your online volunteer application. |

Then download the new RMS App to stay up-to-date
with school news and announcements.
DOWNLOAD FOR FREE TODAY!
See RMS App flyer HERE
Be sure and check out our "school app" for Ruckel's current news, calendar and events. You may access this thru our website or by visiting: www.SchoolInfoApp.com. There are many links available, which you can customize to suit your needs. This is a great way to stay in touch with the latest news via your smartphone.
If you have any questions concerning the school app, you can contact Janet Simpson at 833-4142.

See Flyer Here
Services include: exams, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays,
fillings, and more.
Appointments are required. Call 850-689-5593 for an appointment.
The clinic is located at 810 James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539
Visit the Florida Health website for more details HERE

Harvest Hands Outreach
provides FREE weekend food
support for students --
donations are needed!
See Details Here

• No phone call is necessary the day your student is out; however, a written note is required to be sent with your student the day they return to school.
• The student must bring the note to the Front Office when they arrive on campus and an attendance pass will be issued. • No absence will be excused without a written note.

Learn details about school Breakfast & Lunch programs and
other facts about our Food Services!
USDA FREE MEAL PROGRAM EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021
Ruckel Lunch Menu Here • Ruckel Breakfast Menu Here


Check it out for homework help and skills development!
Check our Educational Links Page for online textbooks, typing, & more!
Visit the link to FDLRS info for parents on our Educational Links Page!
Ruckel's One-Stop Shop for Supplies & Spirit Gear! |
is available here.
In our technology-rich world, our students have access to things that we may want to protect them from. Sometimes the thing we need to protect them from is themself. Sexting is becoming a wide-spread concern among teenagers in the world. Please review the Power Point link found here and have a conversation with your teenager as you see fit to inform them about the dangers of participating in this activity.
Football Team • Volleyball Team • Boys & Girls Cross Country • Boys Weightlifting • Girls Weightlifting
Congratulations to our 2019 Ruckel District Champions
Softball • Girls Soccer • Girls & Boys Golf • Girls & Boys Track • Boys & Girls Swim
Boys & Girls Cross Country • Volleyball
Congratulations to our 2018 Ruckel District Champions
Boys Track • Softball Team • Boys & Girls Tennis • Boys & Girls Swim
Boys & Girls Cross Country • Volleyball
Congratulations to our 2017 Ruckel District Champions
Volleyball • Boys & Girls Cross Country • Baseball • Softball • Boys & Girls Tennis
Boys Swim • Girls Swim • Girls Track Team
Amazing job, Athletes, Coaches, and Parents! GO RAMS!!
areas of the county. If you are interested, please call!
North office • 689-7301 South office 833-3555 • Central office 833-4161
Don't do it! • Don't take it! • Report it if you see it! • It's that simple.
Anonymous tip line: 833-4149 • Crime Stoppers Anonymous tip line: 863-TIPS


you must pass all 12 core classes
-- that's four core classes per year (Math, Social Studies, Science, Language Arts).
Contact the Guidance Office if you have any questions.
Nixle is an on-line service that allows the Sheriff's Office to communicate with citizens in situations involving significant public safety incidents. See information flyer here.
Parents are reminded that they can sign up for the Florida Offender Alert System at www.flsexoffender.net. This
valuable and free service allows citizens to track Florida's registered sexual offenders and predators. The Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement has a letter describing this service and a brochure you can download.

Click the Ram for info!
To learn more about the school grades for the Okaloosa School District, AYP status and school report cards,
please visit the link http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/. Congratulations!
• State of Florida - School Entry Health Exam Form available here
• OKALOOSA COUNTY VOLUNTEER AFFADAVIT FORM IS NOW ONLINE!!
All volunteers will now register on line with the district. This will automatically add your name as a volunteer in the School Check In system once your completed application is approved!
• Vendor's Request to Contact Principals
OKALOOSA COUNTY UPDATED SPORTS FORMS 2020
Download the appropriate Okaloosa County Sports Forms HERE!
All current Okaloosa School Documents and Policies may be found HERE in both English and Spanish.
PUBLIC NOTICE: In compliance with Section 1012.42 Florida Statutes, this information is to inform you that several teachers are currently teaching out-of-field. More info available here.