RRMS Royal Update Knight Newsletter

As we move into May, students at River Ridge Middle School will participate in end‑of‑year (EOY) FAST and EOC State testing. These assessments are an opportunity for students to show what they’ve learned, how much they’ve grown, and how their hard work all year comes together. These tests are adaptive and the results will impact the next grade level. Testing helps teachers and schools reflect on instruction, celebrate progress, and plan for future learning, but most importantly, it allows students to shine.

We encourage students to do their best, stay focused, arrive prepared, and take pride in their effort. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, positive thinking, and confidence go a long way. Parents can support by helping students maintain routines, arrive on time, and encourage a calm, positive mindset, this is not about perfection, but about perseverance.

Please note that make‑up testing opportunities are limited, so it is important that students are present, on time, and ready to test on their scheduled dates.

How Students Can Prepare to Show What You Know

Consistent practice makes a big difference. Students are encouraged to use the following tools each week to strengthen their skills and build confidence:

• Math:
  Practice using IXL Pathways Plan — at least 2 skills per week.

• ELA:
  Complete i‑Ready and Lexia practice — a total of 60 minutes per week.

• Reading and log it in Beanstack - a total of 30 minutes per day

• Civics:
  Use myLearning Civics course page reviews, including:
  Blooket, Kahoot!, Brain Dumps, Flashcards, and Practice workbook problems

• Science 8:
  Review activities and resources posted on the myLearning Science course page.

We believe in our students and are proud of the effort they’ve shown all year. With preparation, focus, and confidence, we know they are ready to ACCELERATE EXCELLENCE & FINISH ROYAL STRONG!

Royal Scholars meet the April IXL Math Challenge - Get those skills completed with proficiency!

If you would like to request a parent teacher conference, please go to the RRMS website, and click the Parent Tab>Parent Teacher Conference Requests to complete the request form. All Parent Teacher Conferences will be held virtually through TEAMS after school at 1:40PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A Student Services team member will be in contact with arrangements.

Thank you to the 152 families who shared feedback through our recent school survey. Your voices help guide our continued growth and improvement. Below is a snapshot of what we heard.

Overall Impression

Families shared a strongly positive view of River Ridge Middle School, with 85% of respondents reporting an overall positive experience. Many families described the school as welcoming, caring, and focused on student success.

What We’re Doing Well

✅ Communication

• 84% of families agreed that River Ridge communicates frequently and with high quality.
• 90% shared positive feedback about our front office staff, noting that they are friendly, welcoming, and responsive.
• While communication is a strength, some families noted that email volume can feel overwhelming and that communication varies by teacher.

✅ School Culture

• 77% of respondents described River Ridge’s culture as positive.
• Families appreciate the school’s focus on learning and academic achievement.
• Some shared opportunities for growth around inclusivity and ensuring all students feel connected and supported.

✅ Facilities

• 83% of families feel our campus is clean and well maintained.
• Families value having safe, functional spaces for learning, activities, and events.

Areas We’re Working to Improve

📚 Academic Support

• While 79% feel River Ridge prioritizes academic success, families shared mixed feedback regarding:
  • Support for Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
  • Enrichment for Gifted learners
• Many families expressed a desire for more individualized support and additional resources for students who need extra help or advanced challenges.

🛡️ Safety and Discipline

• 72% of respondents feel the school is safe.
• Families shared concerns about:
  • Bullying
  • The need for clearer and more consistent discipline practices
  • Safety considerations related to the connection between the middle and high school campuses

Next Steps: What We’re Looking Into

Based on family feedback, River Ridge is actively reviewing and exploring ways to improve in the following areas:

• Academic Support for ESE and Gifted Students
  We are gathering more input to better understand student needs and ensure appropriate supports and enrichment opportunities.

• Safety and Discipline Practices
  Concerns around bullying and consistency are being reviewed as we work toward clearer expectations and stronger support systems for students.

• Teacher Communication
  We are exploring ways to streamline communication and ensure families receive clear, consistent, and manageable updates.

We appreciate your continued partnership and honest feedback. Together, we will continue to strengthen River Ridge Middle School as a safe, supportive, and high‑quality learning environment for every student.

Help us celebrate and recognize our amazing teachers and staff during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week - May 4th-8th! Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to our students make a difference every single day!

Families and community members are invited to support our staff by donating items from our Amazon Wishlist or by dropping off donations in person.

👉 Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R52DIJLXWLCG?ref_=wl_share

🎁 Donation Drop-Off:
River Ridge Middle School Front Office
🕖 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Every contribution, big or small, helps us show our gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for your continued support of River Ridge Middle School!

Chrissy Brando, Athletic Director cbrando@pasco.k12.fl.us

Joseph Corley, Assistant Athletic Director jcorley@pasco.k12.fl.us

All middle school students may participate in the middle school athletic program. Students must have a valid physical form and submit it through the Athletic Clearance website before tryouts. Please visit the RRMS website under Athletics for all required paperwork. Upon making the team, the following athletic participation fees apply and must be paid within 3 days of making the team:

· Athletic Participation Fee: $60 1st sport, $40 2nd sport; Family cap per school $150, Individual cap $100

All athletic tickets must be purchased on GoFan.co. We will not sell tickets at the gates. All middle school sports tickets will be $5.

For each game, if you have purchased a season pass on GoFan.co, you will be guaranteed admission to all HOME athletic events. This All-Access Pass entitles the holder to claim a single ticket for each River Ridge home game for the 2025-26 season. **This pass is not valid for FHSAA State Series events. Season passes are $60.

Free Admission passes (PCSB Employees, FHSAA passes) – We will hold back a limited number of tickets up until game time. Under-school-age children will still be let in free with parents (up to capacity).

The River Ridge MS & HS Dance Department Spring Dance Showcase tickets are ON SALE now! Don't miss out! These shows always sell out!

12PM: https://gofan.co/event/6505377?schoolId=FL78402

2PM: https://gofan.co/event/seat-selection/6505486...

River Ridge Middle School’s Royal Color Dash 2026 Fundraiser launches tomorrow—and the BIG event is happening Thursday, April 23!

Get ready for an exciting, colorful experience while supporting our school! Every donation helps us reach our goal of $15,000 to enhance technology and celebrate our amazing students and staff.

Student Incentives:

Earn more color powder & blaster bottles

T-shirts

Kona Ice

Fun hats & tutus

Mini Bluetooth speaker

Gaming gift cards

Instant camera

Nintendo Switch Lite

$5 gets you out of 6th period and lets you attend the event!

Top earning 4th period class (each grade) wins a pizza party!

Top earner in each grade gets the chance to color bomb Principal Mrs. Murphy AND their Assistant Principal!

The donation page will go live tomorrow— riverridgemsptsa.givebacks.com!

Let’s make this our most colorful and successful fundraiser yet!

Sign up at https://rrms.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=207347.

8th Grade Families: Send in your baby picture and current picture for the 8th grade video to Mrs. Baumaister at cbaumais@pasco.k12.fl.us!

https://gofan.co/event/5780266?schoolId=FL78402

Yearbooks will be on sale during the school’s Storm the Castle/Open House through December 31st and will be available online or by contacting Ms. Baumaister at cbaumais@pasco.k12.fl.us for $30. From January – April 30, the price will increase to $35. When the books arrive in May, the price will increase to $40. We will also have a yearbook signing celebration exclusively for those students who purchased a yearbook in May. Yearbooks may be purchased online through Walsworth: www.yearbookforever.com. 8th Grade yearbook ads payment will be through GoFan.co for $40.

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a Birthday Song at lunch from the Administrative Team, balloons, confetti, and an ice cream treat. Complete the form in the front office and provide Mrs. Cace with $5. All proceeds go to student and staff recognition.

Get ready to learn skills, build confidence, and have fun on the field this summer!

June 15–18

8:00 AM–11:00 AM

River Ridge Middle School Fields

Ages 11–15

T-shirt included

Cost: $100

Register on GoFan.co or pay by cash/check (payable to RRMS)

Questions? Contact Coach Adams at aadams@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Spots are limited—sign up today at https://gofan.co/event/6489529?schoolId=FL78402!

River Ridge Middle School presents 13 JR. The Musical

Calling all students who love to act, sing, dance, or work backstage!

June 22–29

Wendell Krinn Technical High School

June 30–July 3

Richey Suncoast Theatre

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Cost: $300

Open to students in the area entering 5th–9th grade

Final Performances:

July 2 & 3 at 7:00 PM

Richey Suncoast Theatre

Build confidence, make new friends, and shine on stage this summer!

Spots are limited — sign up now!

https://gofan.co/event/6489189?schoolId=FL78402

Login to your Parent Portal and Complete the Forms Required for the New Year: https://pasco.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/index.php?skipSSO

Pay Student Fees: https://www.studentquickpay.com/pasco/

Purchase Spirit Wear: GoFan.co

School Public Calendar: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/0120328c89614936bba960f250bd1e60@pasco.k12.fl.us/ab1314af30da413fb329249b680fa84b16538542546199125556/calendar.html

All students and families should be provided with the Student Code of Conduct that can be found on the Pasco County Schools' website at https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/conduct/.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new absence reporting system for our school district. Starting now, all student absences should be reported through the myStudent Parent Portal.

To submit an absence:

1. Log in to your myStudent Parent Portal.
2. Navigate to the Forms section.
3. Complete and submit the Absence Reporting Form for approval.

For step-by-step instructions and helpful resources, please visit:
👉 www.pasco.k12.fl.us/attendance/absence

We appreciate your continued support in helping us maintain accurate attendance records. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve made some improvements to the River Ridge car loop to help make arrival and dismissal smoother and safer for everyone.

To ensure all families are familiar with the updated procedures, we’re sharing an instructional video as a helpful reminder of appropriate drop-off and pick-up routines each day. Thank you for following the guidelines to keep our Royal Knights safe!

Please click on the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKmq_yprFGw

Show Your Royal Spirit with your River Ridge SWAG... new items have been added for purchase on GoFan.co at our River Ridge Spirit Store. Items can be picked up at the front office… don't miss out sizes are limited and new designs are amazing! Go Knights! #WeAreRoyal #RoyalSpiritFridays

Dr. Angie Murphy, Principal amurphy@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7208

Mrs. Emily Bourdon, Assistant Principal (6th Grade) ebourdon@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7234

Ms. Daniell Grubbs, Assistant Principal (7th Grade) dgrubbs@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7256

Ms. Kristen Martanovic, Assistant Principal (8th Grade) kmartano@pasco.k21.fl.us. 774-7238

Corporal Josh Peters, SRO jopeters@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7223

Mrs. Denise Doerrfeld, School Counselor (8th Grade) ddoerrfe@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7253

Ms. Meredith Alston, School Counselor (7th Grade) malston@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7260

Ms. Kaitlyn Mallery, School Counselor/Academic Advisor (6th Grade) kmallery@pasco.k12.fl.us

Mrs. April Addington, SSAP aaddingt@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7069

Mrs. Maria Costlow, School Social Worker mcostlow@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7259

Mrs. Kylie Owens, SBP Social Worker kowens@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7320

Mrs. Toi Taylor, School Nurse thooksta@pasco.k12.fl.us

Ms. Joanie Noe, Clinic Asst. jnoe@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7213

Mrs. Flo Cione, Bookkeeper fcione@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7216

Ms. Chrissy Brando, Athletic Director cbrando@asco.k12.fl.us 774-7187

Mr. Joseph Corley, Assistant Athletic Director jcorley@pasco.k12.fl.us 774-7326