Panther Tales

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Dear Ridgeview Families,

As we turn the page into May, it's hard to believe the final stretch of the school year is upon us. This is always a meaningful time—full of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. Our students have grown tremendously this year, not only in academics but also in character, leadership, and resilience.

This month, we are focused on finishing strong. Georgia Milestones testing is complete, and we are proud of the effort our Panthers are putting into demonstrating all they’ve learned. Next week, 6th and 7th graders will complete their end of year i-ready assessments.

We’re also looking forward to several exciting events in May, including concerts, award ceremonies, field trips, and our 8th grade promotion activities. These moments allow us to celebrate achievements and the unique spirit of our school community. Be sure to check our calendar and weekly updates so you don’t miss a thing.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Ridgeview is strong because of the collaborative efforts between our staff, students, and families. Let’s finish this school year with the same Panther Pride that has guided us all year long.

With gratitude,

Principal Thomas Garrett

• May 2nd: Spring Musical Performance @7:00 PM​. Pre-purchase tickets HERE

• May 3rd: Spring Musical Performance @2:00 PM​. Pre-purchase tickets HERE

• May 5th- May 9th: Teacher Appreciation Week - sign up HERE to donate a Gift Card!

• May 7th, 9:00 am, RCMS Media Center, General PTA Meeting

• May 7th and 8th: iReady testing (6th & 7th Graders)

• May 9th: Deadline for 8th Grade Permission Slips and Behavior Contract (Scroll for Info)

• May 9th: Jewish Heritage Club Meeting @8 AM (All are welcome.)

• May 13th: Chorus Concert ​@5:30 PM

• May 13th: Orchestra Concert @c​6:30 PM

• May 14th: Band Concert ​

• May 14th: Orchestra Banquet - After School

• May 15th: Jazz Band Concert

• May 16th: 8th Grade Awards/Promotion Ceremony

• May 17th: 8th Grade Dance ​- purchase tickets HERE. Sign up to volunteer HERE.

• May 19th: 8th Grade Picnic ​- sign up here to volunteer

• May 20-22: Olympics ​-sign up here to volunteer for t-shirt distribution.

• May 22nd: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Excuse us as we take a minute to brag about these Panthers...

Panther Alum Johan Mendoza Martinez's powerful poem, "MARTIN LUTHER KING," has earned a winning spot in the Inspirational Messages of Peace Contest! Johan will be honored at the 33rd Anniversary Celebration of the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden. We are so proud of you Johan!

A message from Burke's Parents:

Burke Bowie (aka "Burke The Brave") is a Stage IV Neuroblastoma survivor since 2016. Earlier this year, Burke was diagnosed with a secondary cancer caused by his prior treatments. Burke has been out of school since February and missing his friends- but he has continued to love designing/playing Roblox games and 3D printing. Burke started a YouTube channel (TurtlePro Gaming) which he has grown to 360K subscribers on his own! He also developed a line of Burke the Brave Merchandise to support Pediatric Cancer Research at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where he receives his treatment. "Burke is the strongest, bravest, least selfish, most caring/courageous person, and we hope everyone can be inspired by his journey and this 2nd fight (1 1/2 years of treatments). We look forward to the day when Burke can come back to school."

We are so proud of you Burke, and cannot wait till you are back at RCMS!

Support Burke The Brave by visiting his site and subscribing to his channel https://turtlepro-gaming-shop.fourthwall.com/

End-of-Year i-Ready testing will take place next week—Reading on May 7th and Math on May 8th. These assessments are an important tool for measuring student growth and helping guide class placement decisions for the upcoming school year. Please help your student prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time.

Parents—please remember that the behavior contract and dance permission slip are due by May 9th. These forms are required for students to participate in the dance, picnic, and Olympics. Let's get those forms in so every student has the opportunity to join the fun!

Donate your clean, gently used uniforms (tops and bottoms welcome!) to the clinic and earn a dress code pass valid from May 12th to May 16th! Show your school spirit and help the next generation of Panthers!

Please note: Students who earn a dress code pass should adhere to the non-uniform dress code. Olympic T-shirts/Colors must be worn on Olympic Days in order to participate and students should "dress for success" on Award Ceremony Day.

The 8th Grade Awards Ceremony promises to be a meaningful event recognizing every student.

All students will walk across the stage to receive at least one award. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. The ceremony is not a graduation, but a celebration—students should dress for success or wear their school uniform; there is no need to purchase new attire.

Following the ceremony, parents may check out their students through their homeroom teachers. Please look for the pre-event permission sign-out form that was sent home with your 8th grade student. Those who remain will follow a regular class schedule for the remainder of the day.

Dance tickets are $15 and may be purchased online by clicking HERE or during lunch May 13-15.

For the ultimate galactic glow in the dark experience, we recommend wearing white or neon colors (not required).

This event is open to Ridgeview 8th graders only.

Sign up to Volunteer HERE.

Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up, and during the event. In years past we've collected items for the event to be purchased by 8th grade parents and dropped off at a specific house. This year, the PTA is asking 8th grade parents to contribute any amount between $5-30 dollars to help cover the cost of the picnic. Please click HERE for volunteer and contribution information.

General PTA Meeting - May 7, 2025 at 9:00 am: The PTA will be voting on the board members for next year. Please come learn about how the PTA has supported RCMS during the 24-25 school year and learn about how you can get involved next year!

A ton of volunteers are needed to support all of the End of Year excitement. Below is a chronological list of ways you can lend support!

• Staff/Teacher Appreciation Week - May 5-9, 2025: Our PTA will be spoiling the staff with treats and gifts the week of May 5. Our goal is to gift every staff member a $50 gift card and we need your help to make it happen! Please sign up here for however many gift cards you would like to donate. Please reach out to Stacey with any questions via text or email (shodulich@yahoo.com).
• PBIS Celebration - May 13th & 14th: The PBIS Committee has been working hard all year to make the PBIS Store a success, allowing students to “shop” using their PBIS points. Volunteers are needed on May 13th and 14th to help bag and sort rewards so they can be distributed to students on Thursday, May 15th. Sign up here to volunteer.
• 8th Grade Awards Ceremony - May 16th: We need 4 volunteers from 6th & 7th Grade to help welcome visitors and assist families as they sign in for the 8th Grade Award Ceremony. Spanish speakers are especially needed. Sign up HERE to help during the ceremony and HERE to help with take down after the ceremony
• 8th Grade Dance- May 17th: 6th & 7th Grade parents are needed to chaperone the 8th grade dance. 8th grade parents are welcome (and encouraged!) to sign up for setup, 9am-3pm, and breakdown/cleanup, 10-11pm shifts! Click HERE to volunteer for the dance.
• Olympics Shirt Distribution- May 19th- 20th: Volunteers are needed to distribute Olympics T-shirts from 8:35 am - 9:00 am. Please sign up HERE if you can help.

Thank you to the volunteers, alumni and students who came out to help with Hands on Ridgeview. Our PTA is hard at work making improvements to and investments in our courtyard and teacher wellness lounge.

Our PTA continues to post all PTA volunteer opportunities on their website at www.ptarcms.org/volunteering. Please take a look at upcoming events and lend a hand where you can. Your support of our students, teachers, and staff is much appreciated!

If you haven't seen the musical yet- you do not want to miss it! Tickets are available on the Foundation Website by Clicking HERE. or can be purchased at the door.

$5/Student General Admission

$10/Adult General Admission

Thank you to our Corporate Partner Top Rate Diamonds and our RCMS Foundation for making the Spring Musical Possible!

RCMS has one of the largest bands in FCS and students are never turned away due to their inability to buy or rent an instrument. If you have an instrument you no longer need (even if it is need of repairs!) please donate it to help the next generation of Panthers make music!

As we wind down the 24-25 school year, the Panther Store is gearing up for the 2025-2026 school year. Be on the lookout for changes to the store and spirt wear offerings. If you have incoming students at RCMS or need to add to your current inventory, be sure to order in person by May 8, 2025 or online by May 12, 2025. Panther Store is open Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-9:00 and online at www.ptarcms.org/shop.

For spirit wear inquiries, please contact rcs.spiritwear@gmail.com

Rising 9th Graders: Riverwood Softball tryouts are scheduled for May 21-23 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm for the Fall 2025 Softball Season. Please register at the following link and reach out to Coach Davis with any questions. Softball Interest/Registration link

Basketball Camp: Spots are still available for RICS Summer Basketball camp for 3rd through 8th graders. More info available here: https://riverwoodathletics.com/2025/03/20/riverwood-basketball-camp-for-rising-3rd-8th-grade-set-for-june-2025/

Come cheer on the Raiders at Hoskyn Stadium! Riverwood’s Spring Football Game is Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Alumni Flag Football game is at 5:30 and the Jr. Raiders will play at 6:30.

Our Spring Musical is off to an incredible start. A special thank you to RCMS Parent Ken Schneiderman for capturing our Seussical Jr. cast! Thank you to Mr. Robinson and Mr. Preston for your tireless work and all RCMS Foundation supporters for making programs like our school musical possible!

Thank you to these local businesses who have chosen to support our Panthers.

Besides Panther Tales, Ridgeview Charter Middle School has several ways you can stay up-to-date on news and happenings. Follow us on our main Facebook and Instagram pages for a peek into the daily life of RCMS, plus read success stories about some of our RCMS alumni!

Email: Ridgeview@fultonschools.org
Location: 5340 South Trimble Road, Sandy Springs, GA, USA
Phone: (470)254-7710
Twitter: @RCMSPanther