Test March 2026 Newsletter
Updates for families from Test Intermediate
The school year has its own rhythm. When springtime starts to arrive, what can feel like a long, slow winter seems to change pace, accelerating right into the busy end of the school year. You might be looking forward to Spring Break, sports seasons, and special events.
But there is still a lot of school left! March arrives with 55 school days left! That's over 3,000 minutes of math class, and almost 5,000 minutes of Language Arts. It's over 4 dozen school lunches, 110 bus rides, and 385 hours of putting phones away in lockers!
There's lots of learning left, and teachers are working hard to make sure kids get the most out of their time at school. How can you support their learning at home?
- Ask about school! Talk about class and friendships.
- Provide screen-free time at home, and set limits and a time to turn-it-off.
- Set aside at least 20 minutes each day for reading.
- Take advantage of personalized online tools, like IReady MyPath (kids log in through Clever).
We're here to support your kid's learning, and make every minute count.
-Ms. Brazil
Band, Orchestra, Choir, Oh My!
Every student in 6th and 7th grade is able to participate in musical performing arts groups as a class during the school day. RCS is lucky to have robust Band, Choir, and Orchestra performing arts groups for students. All groups practice as a class during the school day, but also perform at concerts and special events. Being part of a music group can build confidence, self-discipline, and cooperation - it's a great way to learn!
After a concert from Richmond High School musicians, every student at Test completed a survey about their electives for next year. For 5th graders going into 6th, students may choose a musical group OR a rotation of Art and Project Lead The Way. For 6th graders moving to 7th grade at Dennis, student can continue with music from 6th grade, start a new ensemble as a beginner, or rotate through elective offerings at Dennis.
Because being part of a musical ensemble requires commitment outside the school day, all new musicians are confirmed by parents. (If Mr. Smith has sent you a message about you kid, please remember to reply!) There are fundraising opportunities available, and we work to keep instrument rental options reasonable. If your kid wants to try music but you have questions, please reach out to Mr. Ben Smith, besmith@rcs.k12.in.us
Please let us know!
Being present at school is super important for kids! But sometimes they have to miss. When that happens, please make sure you report your child's absence to the school office (765-973-3412) OR by responding to a ParentSquare message that your student was marked absent.
Mrs. Geres tracks our attendance and will communicate with families about student absences. Please help her out and report your child's absence! Her email is dgeres@rcs.k12.in.us
Teamwork builds...
...connections!
Book club after school.
Art studies...
...Spanish painter Picasso.
Spirit wear delivery!
Wellness...
...plays
...Ultimate Ball.
PLTW...
builds...
vex robots.
RHS Band,
Choir, and
Orchestra visited.
Game Night...
...brought 292...
...kids together.
Fun was had...
... and thanks to
Retro Rush for the arcade additions!
Chartwells provides optional suppers for students at the end of each school day. The packed supper is available for students to take at Door 21 at dismissal from 3:15-3:30 each day (2:25-2:40 on Tuesdays). We hope this extra nutrition is helpful to our kids! Hibberd, Dennis, and RHS are also participating in this program. If you have questions, please contact Jesse Deavers at Jesse.Deavers@compass-usa.com or 765-808-4294
Upcoming Events:
March 09-13- Bookfair
March 27 - Armstrong Classic
April 16 - Spring Dance
May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 21 - Tiger Olympics
New Healthcare Access at our School Clinic
Meridian Health, the organization that partners with RCS for our school clinics, is trying something new at Test Intermediate - healthcare provider appointments! (The service may expand, but for right now these appointments are only available at RHS and Test.)
Students at Test are now able to be seen by a provider for things that might require a trip to the doctors office... (Need a strep test? Want a provider to check something out?) Our regular nurse will continue to be available for students throughout the day, with a nurse practitioner coming over as needed for scheduled appointments. Please call our clinic if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment for your Test student! 765-973-3412
The Jungle Room (Test Family Liaison Ms. Toni Johnson)
Ms. Toni Johnson, our RCS Family Liaison, wants to make sure every child has what they need to succeed in school! She is available every day from 7:40-3:10. She is another caring adult, and her "Jungle Room" is a safe space for kids to get things they need or take a break. Ms. Johnson can help with:
- school supplies
- academic tutoring
- clothing
- hygiene items
- food
- referrals to social service agencies for assistance with bill payment
Centerstone & Meridian
Some students are already connected to counselors through Centerstone and Meridian. We have Centerstone services in the school building every day for existing Centerstone clients, and Meridian counselors frequently stop by to check on their caseloads. If you believe your student needs mental health support, we are happy to help with a referral to one of these agencies. Please contact Ms. DeDe Wright, our Test School Counselor, who can assist with this. Email pwrightdeloney@rcs.k12.in.us or call 765-973-3412.
Most of the money that funds Richmond Community Schools comes from the Indiana State Government. Local property taxes also contribute. Any money we get from the Federal Government comes through grants that supports specific goals. For example, federal money supports breakfast and lunch programs, so kids have access to food. Other programs specifically support technology (Title IV), special education (IDEA), and career education (Perkins). Title I is federal program that provides money to support academic success for students from low-income households.
Test Intermediate, like many RCS schools, receives Title I money. (Like lots of government programs, there are a lot of requirements we have to meet.) One Title I requirement is to make sure we are reaching out to parents and helping families be involved in their student's education. We would do this anyway, because it is such a good thing for kids when their adults and interested and involved in their school! Come to our Family Night on March 11, 2026 from 5:30-7 pm for some learning activities that work at home or at school.
ParentSquare
PowerSchool
You can download the app from the Apple store here
Or from the Google store here
Canvas
You can download the app from the Apple store here
Or from the Google store here
My Ride K-12
You're in the loop with direct communication channels and instant notifications. Receive updates on delays, route changes, and arrival times in real-time. Our easy-to-use platform ensures you're never left guessing. Bridge the gap between home and school effortlessly.
You can download the app from the Apple store here
Or from the Google store here
Mission Statement
“Test Intermediate School provides a caring, challenging environment where dedicated educators strive to prepare students academically, physically, socially, and emotionally to be productive members of society.”