
Sign ups are with Coach Sotelo in room 603. Practices will begin after Spring Break.
Parent Meeting Thursday, April 15 at 6:00 pm in the Gym.

Monday, May 3 • Tuesday, May 4 • Thursday, May 6 • Friday, May 7
Tuesday, May 11 • Monday, May 17 • Tuesday, May 18
Contact Mrs. Perry in the Guidance Office at 833-4142 for more information.
Parents, please take a moment to complete the following survey about your child's school. We rely on your feedback to continuously improve our schools.
It has been a challenging year, and our teachers and staff have worked hard to provide your child the best possible education in a difficult situation. You may feel that some questions do not apply this year based on your situation, but we would like your input in every area that is relevant to you and your child.
You may submit a survey for each child attending Okaloosa schools by returning to the link provided.
Bricks and Mortar and MySchool Online families are encouraged to participate. This survey will remain open through Friday, April 16.
Parent Survey Links: English • Spanish
2021 Softball County Champions!

Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to school on Fridays in honor of Children serving in Military Families.
The Child and Youth Behavioral Military Family Life Counselor (CYB-MFLC) is available to all students at Ruckel who have a family member who is active duty Military, Reserves or National Guard. Secure Zoom onlline services are also available.
See full details HERE
We are now offering video-conference non-medical counseling. See Flyer HERE
Letter for Military Parents to access counseling HERE
Practice Monday through Thursday, May 12 to May 26 • 2:30 to 4:45 pm
Sign-up Sheets are located in the Gym. Pick up the Athletic Paperwork Packet when you sign up
Questions? Contact Coach Reece. All Athletic paperwork must be returned to Student Services
in the Ruckel Front Office 24 hours before athletes may try out.
Ruckel Rockettes Dance Team Tryout Info coming soon! Stay tuned for info about Ruckel Idol!

Food Service Positions available at Ruckel Middle School. Work
during school hours, Monday to Friday.
See THIS FLYER for more details and how to apply.

2021 Yearbook Order link HERE • Online payment plans available
To order, visit JostensYearbooks.com
Price is $60 each - Order by Friday, April 30!
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
Despite this period of free breakfast and lunch offerings, we need families to continue
to complete the application for Free/Reduced Lunch to ensure federal funding
for needed programs in the future. An online application is available HERE,
or parents can request a paper copy from their school. Thank you!!
Catholic Charities Food Assistance Programs
Flyer HERE
Having trouble with affordable Housing? Check the latest Title IX Newsletter HERE
Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance for low-income households
now available -- see details HERE

Make a selection (or several) from the list and complete the purchase in your Amazon account -- you can even have the books shipped directly to Ruckel! Your donations will help keep our readers engaged and excited to keep reading!

books that are overdue from last school year.
The cost for the book, if not returned or paid for, will be charged to the student.
Please encourage your student to look for the book or bring the amount listed on the letter to the Media Center to pay for a replacement.

Spring Awards Concert
Thursday, May 27
First Baptist Church • 622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville
See Chorus Page for details

April is Autism Awareness Month
Students in Mrs. Parmer's class designed and created posters to bring awareness and focus on Autism Awareness Month during April. Students made colorful and creative posters and hung them around the school.
Visit the Good News Page to see more great posters!
Congratulations to Mr. Anderson, who has been selected Air Force Association 398 "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" for area middle schools. Mr. Anderson was awarded this honor based on all the great things that he has done with STEM practices this year.

Kai Loux, Grady Randolph and
Poalo Leatham won awards in the annual Web Design Competition in Mrs. Marshall's class.
See details HERE.

Parents -- please remember that our campus water fountains are closed for safety and that your student should bring their own water bottle to school every day.
Donations of water bottles are cheerfully accepted as there is a limited supply in the Nurse's Clinic that are given out to students when needed.
Thanks for supporting your Ruckel Rams!

Get real time updates about your student's bus!
Sign up for Bus Bulletin and receive notifications about unexpected delays or schedule changes.
You will need to know your student's bus number to complete your registration.
Click HERE for the Bus Bulletin information flyer



Visit our Academics Page
Sign up to receive Ruckel email newsletters here!
Registering a new Ruckel student? County-wide Registration portal for new students HERE Call the Guidance Office at 833-4142 for more information. 7th & 8th Grade Students Parent Letter |

Regular meetings are held on Thursdays
and will run from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
Contact Mrs. Simpson for more information!
The Rockettes competed at the Florida Dance Team Championships in January 2021 and brought home the State Championship in the Jr. High Jazz Division. They also won 2nd Place in the Jr. High Hip Hop Division.
The Rockettes will compete at the National Competition in April 2021.
Support our Dance Team Fundraisers -- Learn more HERE!

Based on our scores, our team has been invited to compete
in the NAC Virtual National Middle School Division!
Congratulations to team members Jacob Milz, Zachary Ott, Selicia Nunez,
and Camille Golden (homeschooler). Ruckel Middle School has a long tradition
of Knowledge Master success -- it's great to continue the tradition!

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
COVID-19 Information and Policies Chronicles in COVID Newsletter • See all issues HERE OCSD COVID Dashboard - Updated March 22 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
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! |

All report cards can be viewed and/or printed using 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!

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.
Student Drop-off Procedure Now in Effect
All students arriving at Ruckel Middle School BEFORE 7:20 am must be dropped off at the FRONT parking lot or the GYM parking lot. The BACK GATE of the school will not open until 7:20 am, at which time students may enter from all three locations. Updated Guidelines on Early Release to School/Work from Quarantine These new guidelines from the Dept. of Health take effect immediately. DOH-Okaloosa is still the authority for releasing employees and students from quarantine. Effective February 1, 2021 |

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
2020-2021 Statewide Assessment Schedule
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

will not be able to hold their program for Summer 2021.
This educational and fun experience that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through an immersive aviation experience should resume in Summer 2022.
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.
They plan to roll over this year's funding to next year to increase opportunities for financial assistance for more students.
His work will represent Okaloosa County and hang in the Florida State Capitol rotunda in Tallahassee.

Congratulations to the Ruckel Chorus Students who have been selected as members of Florida's 2021 All State Chorus!Sophia Cafarelli, Ella Ladd, Shaun Malonzo, Ethan Milonas, Noelle Yen,
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.
Please become familiar with our Tardy Policy and our Checkout Policy.
Has your student been absent? Read our Attendance Policy here.

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!

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 |
![]() |
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 |
![]() 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 |

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

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.
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 meeting occasionally in line with Covid restrictions. Listen to morning announcements and check the Ruckel website for updates. Contact Mrs. Marello for more information.
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 Contact Mrs. Simpson for more information about this inclusive club in many social and service activities.
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
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


-- 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.