Please take a moment and complete the School climate survey available through the
Grades On-line/Parent Portal. The climate survey can be accessed in both an English and Spanish version. You will need your child's student number, which can be found on their report card or schedule.
Grades On-line/Parent Portal. The climate survey can be accessed in both an English and Spanish version. You will need your child's student number, which can be found on their report card or schedule.
There will be a meeting for the 2014 trip to Washington DC on Tuesday, March 11, at 5:30 pm in the Ruckel Media Center. We will be discussing important fund raising information for all who are already registered and those thinking of registering.
Track Team Parent Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 17 @ 4:15 in Ruckel Gym
Meeting will be brief, but important to attend. Be prepared to:
• Sign and turn in bus permission form (so students can ride the bus to meets)
• Sign forms for contact information (e-mail and cell numbers)
• Receive/review season schedule • Review track rules/ procedures
• Pay season $30.00 fee (Checks payable to RMS)
A safety reminder to car riders: Students who are dropped off in the morning or picked up after school from the front of the school may not go out to the parking lot to meet their ride. All students must be picked up from the sidewalk;signs mark the pick up and drop off area. Parents not wishing to wait in line may meet their child at the sidewalk and escort them out to the parking lot.
To help ease congestion on Partin Drive, we ask that you always move forward as directed by the staff.
Don't Miss Sweet SoundsTuesday, March 11, at 7:00 pm in the Ruckel Gym
$5 per person at the door, children under 5 are free
Join us for fun evening of Ruckel Chorus music
and delicious homemade desserts and coffee.
Plus, we'll enjoy some tunes from Niceville High School's
elite choral group, Opus One!
All proceeds will benefit the Ruckel Choral Program.
Contact Joan Freeman for more information.
| CALLING ALL BAKERS! Bring us your best baked goods for Sweet Sounds and you could win our baking contest!! If your made-from-scratch treat is peanut-free and cut into finger-food portions, you may be our big winner!! See Flyer for Details!! |
Spring Cheer Clinicwith the Award-Winning Ruckel Cheerleaders
Girls Kindergarten to 7th Grade
Saturday, March 15 • 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Ruckel Middle School Gymnasium
$35 fee includes T-shirt, lunch, and photos!/
See Info Flyer Here!
Ruckel Middle School needs proctors for FCAT April 14, 15, and April 21 to May 2:
45 Proctors on April 14, 7:30 to 11:45 am • 30 Proctors on April 1,5 7:30 to 11:45 am
Seven Proctors each day from April 21 to May 2. They can proctor all day 7:30 am to 2:20 pm, or we can break it up with seven in the am from 7:30 to 11:30 am and seven from 11:45 to 2:20 pm.
If you don't have a volunteer affidavit on file, we can take care of that during the training.
You will need a picture ID. Training dates to be announced.
45 Proctors on April 14, 7:30 to 11:45 am • 30 Proctors on April 1,5 7:30 to 11:45 am
Seven Proctors each day from April 21 to May 2. They can proctor all day 7:30 am to 2:20 pm, or we can break it up with seven in the am from 7:30 to 11:30 am and seven from 11:45 to 2:20 pm.
If you don't have a volunteer affidavit on file, we can take care of that during the training.
You will need a picture ID. Training dates to be announced.
Ruckel IT students have earned 123 Microsoft Word industrial certifications and
63 PowerPoint certifications...so far! Go Rams!
63 PowerPoint certifications...so far! Go Rams!
Learn more about beingA RUCKEL RAM!
Zoning waivers are available!
Visit our Academics Page for curriculum details! • Sign up to receive Ruckel email newsletters here!
Third Annual Eagle Ram Tennis CenterGolf Tournament will take place
Wednesday, March 12 • 2:00 pm Shotgun Start
at the Rocky Bayou Country Club.
Contact Chris Poate at 585-6557 or online at www.EagleRamTennis.com for more info.
Join us for our Wine Fundraiser Dinner Monday, March 17 at Vin'tij Wine Boutique.
Click here for details!
Cheerleading Tryout Schedule Here | Ruckel Rockettes Tryout Schedule Here
• • •
Pre-Tryout Clinic for Cheerleaders April 25 • Flyer Here
Ruckel Rockettes Tryout Clinic May 15 to 17 • Info Here
Congratulations to the athletes representing Ruckel this spring!
Baseball Team | Softball Team
Golf Teams
Boys Tennis Team | Girls Tennis Team
• • •
Pre-Tryout Clinic for Cheerleaders April 25 • Flyer Here
Ruckel Rockettes Tryout Clinic May 15 to 17 • Info Here
Congratulations to the athletes representing Ruckel this spring!
Baseball Team | Softball Team
Golf Teams
Boys Tennis Team | Girls Tennis Team
Four Ruckel Choirs performed at the District I Music Performance Assessment in February.The DOLCE 6th Grade Beginners received the highest rating of Superior; the AMBASSADORS mixed ensemble and the CHANSON treble ensemble also made straight Superior ratings.
The TAPESTRY Beginning/Intermediate Girls Ensemble received two Excellent and two Superior ratings. Ruckel Ram Choruses Rock!
The Ruckel Jazz Band performed at District 1 MPA on March 1, at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. The band received Superior ratings from all three judges. Congratulations to these students: Meredith Freeman, Colton Williams, Mandy Martin, Jazzlyn Timper, Zachary Verzwyvelt, Julia Freeman, Emily Paulson, Ryan Mathewson, Trent Walker, John Hencinski, Marcus Larson, Daisy Riley, Hannah Reid, Ryan Murphey, Joseph Walker, and Daniel Bobbitt.Okay, Ruckel Rams...You have ONE MORE CHANCE TO...
Click on the Josten's link HERE
You will only be able to order online until Monday, March 31.
The cost is $60 -- THEN YOU WILL BE SURE YOU HAVE A YEARBOOK.
Remaining yearbooks will be sold for $60 each on a first come - first served basis when they arrive in May.
Click on the Josten's link HERE
You will only be able to order online until Monday, March 31.
The cost is $60 -- THEN YOU WILL BE SURE YOU HAVE A YEARBOOK.
Remaining yearbooks will be sold for $60 each on a first come - first served basis when they arrive in May.
During March, the Student Government Association
will be hosting the Muscular Dystrophy Association Shamrock Drive.
We are raising money for fighting Muscle diseases.
Students will be selling shamrocks to raise money MDA.
This group photo of the 2014 8th Grade Class is a fundraiser to help support the 8th graders' Celebration Day. Both a "classic" photo and a "fun" photo were taken. Order forms are going home and should be returned to their first period teacher. For only $16 you will receive the "classic" pose -- for $28 you will receive both great photos! Send in your orders as soon possible. Any questions should be sent to Pam Reho or Kim Riley-Mansfield at rmspto@gmail.com. (The watermark does not appear on photos.)
Ruckel Middle School has been recognized as the Niceville/Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
School of the Month for February. At the meeting this week, Mrs. Gunderson and four of her
Robotics Team members put on a demonstration and receive invitations to see the EOD's robots
in action and to see the robot at the hospital. Pictured with Mr. Whiddon and Mrs. Gunderson
are team members Veronica Grant, Felecity Francis, Zeke Browning Smith and Max Clifton.
Thank you to our newest Adopt-A-Classroom Sponsors!
The Topel Family
• • •
We still have 22 teachers in need of adoption!
The Topel Family
• • •
We still have 22 teachers in need of adoption!
Congratulations to the Ruckel students who won awards at the East Panhandle Regional Science and Engineering Fair! See List Here!Daniel Bobbitt, Eve Glenn, Bayley McMenimen, Camille Miles, Ryan Murphey, David Ott, and Zachary Verzwyvelt are headed to compete at the State Level this spring! Go Rams!
Team members are Trey Buck, Ryan Erickson, Jordan Richardson, Joshua Mills, and Ally Keen. They also placed first in the "Ciphering" Round and brought home two First Place trophies! They will participate in the state level competition in Orlando in March. Four of the five team members individually placed in the county top 10! Trey Buck won 1st place, Ryan Erickson earned 3rd, Joshua Mills placed 4th, and Ally Keen took 9th! Our MathCounts team coach is Jason Buck. Go Rams!
Congratulations to the Ruckel Core Value Students for First Semester.
These students exemplify ALL of the core values of Courtesy, Empathy, Respect,
Responsibility, Integrity, Cooperation, Excellence, and Honesty.
| First nine weeks | Second nine weeks | ||
| 6th | David Ott Kayla Stephensen |
6th | D.J. Tomassetti, Sara Strunk & Erica Scarborough |
| 7th | Blayne Johnson Ariana Richardson |
7th | Taylor Strickler, Hannah Sjostrom, Campbell Taylor & Noah Miller |
| 8th | Matthew Deyong, Meredith Freeman& Camille Miles | 8th | Blake Johnson Julia Freeman |
Ruckel Chess Club
All levels of players are welcome. Please enter quietly
through the doors closest to the bus ramp.
NO MEETINGS DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH!
Ruckel Chess Tournament will begin Thursday, April 10
For more information, contact Ms. Swift at swiftl@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
Student Illnesses • Flu SeasonPlease keep your child home if they are sick.
The rule is that they must be fever-free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Motrin and throw-up-free for 24 hours. Students will have five days to make up work they miss AFTER they come back to school.
Ruckel Band director Eddie Steadman served as clinician and conductor for the Santa Rosa County All County Middle School Honor band on Friday, January 24. Congratulations, Mr. Steadman!
The Ruckel Rockettes competed in a National Dance Competition in Orlando the first weekend of February. They placed 5th in the Nation, which is a huge accomplishment for this caliber of competition. There were 12 dances represented by Okaloosa County schools and only three of the routines made it to the final round. Our Rockettes were also the only middle school in our county to make it to the final round. Way to go Rockettes!!
The Ruckel Rockettes dance team won STATE CHAMPION in January! They competed in the Small Junior High Jazz division and brought home a First Place trophy. In addition to the First Place trophy, they were awarded the Sportsmanship Award, which was a huge honor. These girls represented our school and Okaloosa County extremely well.
2014 Ruckel Rockettes Tryout Clinic May 15 to 17; Tryouts on May 17 -- Details Here
Next Early Release Day is
Thursday, April 3, at 11:35 am
More info on our Calendar Page.
More info on our Calendar Page.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2013-2014 Ruckel Science & Engineering Fair!
List of winners here!
Okaloosa County In School Suspension (ISS) Policy -- details here
SUCCESS CENTER TUTORING IS AVAILABLE
Monday through Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 pm in the RMS Media Center. Please contact the Guidance Office for an application. There is no cost for this service. A bus is available for after-Success Center transportation.
Monday through Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 pm in the RMS Media Center. Please contact the Guidance Office for an application. There is no cost for this service. A bus is available for after-Success Center transportation.
Would you like Ruckel Middle School news delivered
straight to your Inbox?Sign up for the RMS Email List!
Click Here and fill out the form to have your email address added
to our distribution list!
Do you need to unsubscribe from RMS Email? Click here for info!
What Not to Wear...Ruckel Edition! • Ruckel Dress Code Policies
Ruckel Middle School Mobile Device
Acceptable Use Practices! -- Updated!
This form must be signed and returned to your First Period teacher.
Nurse's Corner
All medications must be brought by the parent to the nurse’s office. The parent must fill out and sign a consent form and turn it in with the medication to the nurse. No student is allowed on campus with any medication. If the student brings in medications, it can result in a discipline referral -- this is a county regulation. Download the Dispersion of Medication Form here.
ALL upcoming 7th graders need to have their TDaP prior to the first day of school and the documentation must be turned in to Joyce Hayes in the Front Office. No 7th grade student can start school without proof of current immunzation status on file in the office: NO EXCEPTIONS! 6th grade students should receive this vaccine as soon as possible & bring it to the office. Schedules will not be issued to 7th grade students next year if they do not have proof of vaccine. Students who do not have this documention will be sent home. Questions? Call the School Nurse, Cynthia Bowers, RN, at 833-4201. 7th Grade Immunization Flyer New for 2013! School Immunization Chart New for 2013! Complete School Immunization Requirements Flyer New for 2013! For more information, visit www.ImmunizeFlorida.org
Call the Okaloosa County Health Department at 850-245-4342 for their Immunization Clinic Hours and more information. |
All medications must be brought by the parent to the nurse’s office. The parent must fill out and sign a consent form and turn it in with the medication to the nurse. No student is allowed on campus with any medication. If the student brings in medications, it can result in a discipline referral -- this is a county regulation. Download the Dispersion of Medication Form here.
Visit the RMS Student Spotlight to see what our amazing Rams are doing!
Congratulations to our 2013 Ruckel District Champions
Girls Cross Country Champs! • Boys Cross Country, Runners-up!
Amazing job, Athletes, Coaches, and Parents! GO RAMS!!
2012-2013 Ruckel Championships
Girls Cross Country Champs! • Boys Cross Country, Runners-up!
Amazing job, Athletes, Coaches, and Parents! GO RAMS!!
2012-2013 Ruckel Championships
Visit lots of useful sites from our Links Page -- here's a sample:
Need a little tutoring help at home?
TEN GREAT LINKS FOR MATH FUN -- CLICK HERE!
Check our Links Page for FCAT Explorer, online textbooks, and more!
Visit the link to FDLRS info for parents on our Links Page!
Plus mobile access to tutor.com for Military Families!
Focus: Florida Achieves is a site to assess and improve skills for FCAT and other assessment exams. You need your password from your teacher.
* CHECK FOR LINKS TO HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR COMPUTERIZED TESTS!
Need a little tutoring help at home?TEN GREAT LINKS FOR MATH FUN -- CLICK HERE!
Check our Links Page for FCAT Explorer, online textbooks, and more!
Visit the link to FDLRS info for parents on our Links Page!
Plus mobile access to tutor.com for Military Families!
Focus: Florida Achieves is a site to assess and improve skills for FCAT and other assessment exams. You need your password from your teacher.
* CHECK FOR LINKS TO HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR COMPUTERIZED TESTS!
Bullying: Stomp it out!
Don't do it! • Don't take it! • Report it if you see it! • It's that simple.
Anonymous tip line: 833-4149
Don't do it! • Don't take it! • Report it if you see it! • It's that simple.
Anonymous tip line: 833-4149
The School District of Okaloosa County adheres to a policy of prohibiting discrimination in employment,
programs, services and activities.The district strives to provide equal opportunity for all and to identify
and overcome potential barriers to recruitment, employment, training, or promotional opportunities
for its staff and applicants.Violations of this policy will not be tolerated.
programs, services and activities.The district strives to provide equal opportunity for all and to identify
and overcome potential barriers to recruitment, employment, training, or promotional opportunities
for its staff and applicants.Violations of this policy will not be tolerated.
Shop at the
7:00 to 7:45 am Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday!
7:00 to 7:45 am Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday!
Ruckel's One-Stop Shop for Supplies & Spirit Gear! |
To protect your student's instruction time, Ruckel has implemented
a Classroom Interruption Policy - More info here.
Please become familiar with our Tardy Policy and our Checkout Policy.
a Classroom Interruption Policy - More info here.
Please become familiar with our Tardy Policy and our Checkout Policy.
Club & Team Meetings
-
Academic Team: See the Academic Team page for upcoming competition and practice dates. Varsity coach is Mrs. Rhodes; JV coach is Ms. Love. Practices are held on Fridays after school -- check calendar on team page.
- Chess Club: Our first meeting isThursday, October 10 at 2:30 pm in room 102 with Ms. Swift. We will meet the second and fourth Thursdays each month from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. All levels of players are welcome - beginner to expert! For more information contact Ms. Swift at swiftl@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
-
MathCounts Varsity and JV teams meet Tuesday mornings from 7:00 to 7:35 am, in Mrs. Amos's room #302. If we do well, we will be going to the State Competition in Orlando! Go Rams! For more information, email ruckel.mathcounts@yahoo.com.
- Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. For more information, see Mrs. Duty.
- Student Government Association (SGA) meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:15 am in Room #502. Their sponsor is Mr. Chambers.
-
The Multicultural Club celebrates diverse cultures and ethnic groups. Meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons until 3:30 pm in Mrs. Beachem's room #705. For more information, check their web page.
-
The National Junior Honor Society meets periodically to work on service projects and for induction
ceremonies. Please visit their web page for more information. -
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets on the second and fourth Fridays from 7:00 to 7:30 am in classroom #909A, Ms. Brown's room near the chorus area.
-
The Yearbook Staff meets after school on Mondays and Wednesdays in Mrs. Nall's room, room 210. Meetings end promptly at 3:45 pm.
Is your club missing? Email your information to RuckelPics@cox.net!
Keep collecting those little pink squares!Watch for our next collection deadline for Box Tops & Campbell's Labels!! We're collecting Tyson Project A+ as well!
Clipping those labels means $$$! Spread the word throughout your neighborhoods!
The RMS web site is only as current as the information which is provided --
if YOU have something 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!
if YOU have something 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!
The CHOICE program is an innovative, award-winning program that allows students to earn high school credits, college credits, scholarships, and professional industry certifications,
all at the same time and at no cost to the student.
It functions as a critical link in transitioning secondary students into successful high-skill, high-wage careers in the workforce and/or postsecondary opportunities. The CHOICE team's focus is career-readiness because the workforce-ready student is in high demand.
Click the icons to explore the programs we offer and to learn more about the current job market and wages.
Congratulations to Bill Breitenbeck for being selected
as Ruckel's Teacher of the Year
• • •
Congratulations to Janet Simpson for being selected
as Ruckel's Support Person of the Year
Eligible 7th grade students are encouraged to register for the Duke UniversityTalent Identification Program (TIP) Talent Search. Info Letter Here.
Please visit the Duke TIP Web Site for details about the Talent Search.
Online registration is available and recommended.
Please call the Guidance Office at 833-4154 if you have further questions.
APPLY FOR REDUCED OR FREE LUNCH ONLINE! CLICK HERE!
Filling out your application online will have your student enrolled in our program faster than applying
with a paper form -- click above and get started!
Filling out your application online will have your student enrolled in our program faster than applying
with a paper form -- click above and get started!
Okaloosa County School District Food ServicesLearn details about school Breakfast & Lunch programs and
other facts about our Food Services!
Ruckel Lunch Menu Here • Ruckel Breakfast Menu Here
Remember, in order to be promoted from 8th grade to 9th grade,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.
See your student's grades online with the Parent Portal
Having trouble figuring out how to get your child's assignments off the new grades-on-line? Here are a couple of steps to help:
(1) Log in with your student's number. The last four digits of this number is their password.
(2) When the "report card" view comes on the screen, scroll over to the grade from the class that you would like to check. This is a hyperlink that will take you to a view of the assignments for your child in that class.
(3) To see the class work, homework, and test scores that comprise each grade (the class report page),
put cursor on grade and left click.
If you want to receive e-mail notification regarding your student’s progress, the program is a bit different now.Please log into the
Parent Portal, sign up for the report(s) you would like to receive, and provide your email information.
You will need your student's identification number, which can be found on their schedule and begins with 46. The PIN number is the last four digits of the student ID number.
After receiving a verification email, grade notification emails should begin.
You can also access the Parent Portal on your Apple devices using the iOCSD app -- click here to go to the iTunes store and download it for free!
Please call Kim Picorossi in RMS Student Services at 833-4149 if you have questions. Thanks!
Having trouble figuring out how to get your child's assignments off the new grades-on-line? Here are a couple of steps to help:
(1) Log in with your student's number. The last four digits of this number is their password.
(2) When the "report card" view comes on the screen, scroll over to the grade from the class that you would like to check. This is a hyperlink that will take you to a view of the assignments for your child in that class.
(3) To see the class work, homework, and test scores that comprise each grade (the class report page),
put cursor on grade and left click.
If you want to receive e-mail notification regarding your student’s progress, the program is a bit different now.
You can also access the Parent Portal on your Apple devices using the iOCSD app -- click here to go to the iTunes store and download it for free!
Please call Kim Picorossi in RMS Student Services at 833-4149 if you have questions. Thanks!
The Florida Department of Education has developed an online tool called Success Measures to help parents and families throughout the state learn about changes to our standards and assessments. Provide your student's grade level and courses, and learn more about the assessments which will pertain to them. 
Important info for students enrolled in advanced Math classes at Ruckel Middle School
Info about Math classes offered for High School credit here at Ruckel
Info about Math, IT, and Science classes offered for High School credit here at Ruckel
Public Safety alerts are now available from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office via the Nixle service.
Nixle is an on-line service that allows the Sheriff's Office to communicate with citizens in situations involving significant public safety incidents ranging from a missing child or crime in progress to a traffic crash that shuts down an area road. 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. he Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement has a letter describing this service and a brochure you can download.
Nixle is an on-line service that allows the Sheriff's Office to communicate with citizens in situations involving significant public safety incidents ranging from a missing child or crime in progress to a traffic crash that shuts down an area road. 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. he Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement has a letter describing this service and a brochure you can download.
These guidelines explain what's expected of every Ruckel Ram
and the order of consequences for broken rules.Click the Ram for info!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RUCKEL RAMS FOR EARNING THEIR 13TH "A" RATING IN A ROW!
To learn more about the school grades for the Okaloosa School District, AYP status and school report cards,
please visit the following link http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/. Congratulations!
To learn more about the school grades for the Okaloosa School District, AYP status and school report cards,
please visit the following link http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/. Congratulations!
Parent Resource Forms:
• State of Florida - School Entry Health Exam - Form
• Volunteer Affadavit - Form NOTE: Volunteer paper work has to be done EVERY CALENDAR SCHOOL year!
OKALOOSA COUNTY UPDATED SPORTS FORMS - effective May 1, 2013
Download the entire Okaloosa County Sports Form Packet HERE! Please dispose of any old forms.
Interscholastic Athletics Parental Permission Form
