Panther Tales

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Panther Tales is our primary means of communicating school information and news. Panther Tales is sent to families via email and text each Thursday. Starting August 13th, we will alternate between a full-length Panther Tales and a "Mini" Newsletter. You can also access prior Panther Tales on our School Website.

Dear Ridgeview Families,

I hope you and your family are doing well and that your child has enjoyed a successful start to the new school year. As we begin our second week, I want to thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership. It has been wonderful to see our students quickly settle into their routines, reconnect with friends, make new connections, and engage enthusiastically in learning.

Our teachers have worked tirelessly to create welcoming, structured, and engaging classrooms where every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to grow. We are committed to helping each child succeed, and we know that strong partnerships between home and school make a tremendous difference.

As the year continues, we encourage you to stay connected. If you ever have questions, concerns, or simply want to check on your child's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or a member of our administrative team. We are here to support you and your student every step of the way.

We are off to an outstanding start, and I am excited about all that lies ahead. With your continued partnership, I know this will be an exceptional year for our Ridgeview community. Thank you for entrusting us with your child each day—we look forward to an amazing year together!

Warm regards,

Thomas Garrett

Principal

Ridgeview Charter Middle School

More detailed information about the arrival and departure process can be found in Last Week's Panther Tales or on the School Website.

• Trimble Carpool Line: "First Line"- The first 30 cars in the Trimble Carpool Line should proceed past the school, turn around in the cul de sac and line up pointing South towards the school (making a right-hand turn into the carpool driveway.). The cars in this line will all go First.
• "Second Line"- After the First Line is full, cars can line up along Trimble pointing North (school on left-hand side). Cars in this line will go Second, after the First Line has cleared. See the graphic below for help. This process helps us ensure that we do not back up Trimble Road any further than necessary. Teachers and staff will help direct cars.
• Do not block busses: Please avoid stopping or parking in a way that blocks school buses. When buses are delayed, it affects transportation for many students and causes safety concerns.
• Students may not be picked up or dropped off in the parking lot, neighborhood or adjacent park. Limited Walker Passes are issued to students whose parents can demonstrate that they live within walking distance to the school and sign an appropriate waiver. Walker Passes are only to be used by that student in order to walk home.
• Students may not be dropped off at the front-office side of the school unless arriving tardy after 8:45.

August

August 7: Fall Sports Physicals Due

August 11: Band Fitting 5:30-7:00

August 12: Orchestra Fitting 5:30-7:00

August 12: Dress Down Day

August 13: Band Fitting 5:30-7:00

August 17: Chorus Meeting 6:00-7:00

August 19: iReady Night

August 27: AVID Signing Night

August 28: Honor Roll Spring 2026

August 28: RCMS Foundation Parent Party

September

September 3: Curriculum Night

These links contain the things your student needs for a successful year. If you are unable to provide any of these items, please reach out to our counselors or social worker so that we can help!

Please note that student meal prices have increased for the 2026–2027 school year.

• Breakfast: $1.85
• Lunch: $3.35

If your child qualified for free or reduced-price meals last school year, you must complete a new application for the 2026–2027 school year to continue receiving those benefits. This requirement applies to all students, regardless of grade level.

To apply for the online Free & Reduced Meal Application, please visit the link below as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in meal benefits.

Keep your eyes on the front office and cafeteria walls for our new honor roll banners celebrating current 7th and 8th graders! On Aug. 28, we will celebrate current 7th and 8th graders that earned either all A's or all A's and B's last year. Please watch for more information and congratulations!

Talented and Gifted Program Information

Please see the attached document for important details about our Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. It includes eligibility criteria, program services, and how to support your child through the identification process. Please review the information carefully.

We are proud to announce that RCMS has been recognized as a 2025–2026 National Beta School of Distinction! This prestigious honor recognizes our school's commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, character, and service through an outstanding National Beta Club program.

This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership and dedication of our Beta Club sponsors, Ms. Sinon and Ms. Wolfe. Their commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for our students has helped our Beta Club thrive and earn this distinguished recognition.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to our incredible Beta Club members. Your hard work, leadership, service to others, and commitment to excellence have made this honor possible. You continue to represent Ridgeview with Panther Pride!

Congratulations to Ms. Sinon, Ms. Wolfe, and all of our Beta Club students on this outstanding accomplishment. We are proud of you and look forward to another successful year!

As we begin a new school year at Ridgeview Middle School, we are excited to partner with our students and families for a successful and rewarding year! The middle school years are a time of tremendous growth, and we encourage families to work together to establish strong habits that support academic achievement, social-emotional wellness, and personal responsibility.

✅ Establish a Routine

Create consistent schedules for bedtime, homework, and morning preparation. Predictable routines help students stay organized and reduce stress.

✅ Stay Organized

Encourage your student to use a planner, check class assignments regularly, and keep materials organized. Good organizational skills lead to greater confidence and success.

✅ Promote Attendance

Being present every day is one of the most important factors in student achievement. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to learning and their peers.

✅ Communicate Regularly

Talk with your student about their school day, academic progress, friendships, and goals. Open communication helps identify concerns early and celebrate successes.

✅ Encourage Balance

While academics are important, students also benefit from participating in clubs, sports, arts, and other activities that help build relationships and interests.

✅ Ask for Help When Needed

Middle school can bring new challenges. Remind your student that seeking support from teachers, counselors, and other trusted adults is a sign of strength.

We are here to support students' academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being throughout the school year.

Brooke McAfee - 6th Grade Counselor

Brooke works closely with our newest Ridgeview students as they transition into middle school. She helps students develop organizational skills, navigate new experiences, and build a strong foundation for success.

Anna Aronowitz - 7th Grade Counselor

Anna supports our seventh-grade students as they continue developing academically, socially, and emotionally. She helps students strengthen goal-setting skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in their learning.

Ken Stevenson - 8th Grade Counselor

Ken works with our eighth-grade students as they prepare for the transition to high school. He supports students with academic planning, personal growth, and making informed decisions about their future goals.

We look forward to partnering with our Ridgeview families throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance. Together, we can help every student have a successful, positive, and memorable school year!

Wishing all Ridgeview students and families a fantastic start to the school year! 🎉📚💙

-The Ridgeview Middle School Counseling Department

We are excited to welcome you back for another fantastic school year! The Media Center is your space to explore, create, learn, and imagine. Whether you're looking for a great book, researching a project, discovering new technology, or simply finding a quiet place to read, we're here to support your journey.

Stop by to see what's new, check out our latest books and resources, and get ready for a year filled with learning and inspiration. Below are attachments to our reading services. We can't wait to see you!

As students spend more time online—whether for learning, socializing, or entertainment—parents play a key role in reinforcing positive digital habits at home. By being informed about topics like online safety, screen time, cyberbullying, and media literacy, parents can support their children in making smart choices and becoming responsible digital citizens.

Resources to Share:

• Common Sense Media Family Tech Planners
• Family Activity and/or Tip Sheet
• Articles and advice from Common Sense Media in English or Spanish
• SEL Family Engagement Activities
• Parenting in a Digital Age video

If your student is interested in participating in one of the athletic teams offered at RCMS, they MUST have a valid physical on file by August 8.

Fall Sports are starting soon! Check the School Website for the full tryout schedule. Please be mindful that the schedule can change due to weather or scheduling conflicts. Please have your student listen to the daily announcements for updates.

All of these sports are provided by the RCMS Foundation and are, therefore, open to students in grades 6th-8th with exceptions noted.

• Volleyball (girls)
• Volleyball (7th & 8th boys)
• Soccer (boys)
• Softball (girls)
• Cross Country (co-ed, no tryouts)

We look forward to seeing your students next week and fit them for an instrument for the upcoming year. The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• August 12: Orchestra Fitting 5:30-7:00
• August 11 and 13: Band Fitting 5:30-7:00
• August 17: Chorus Parent Meeting 6:00-7:00

Support our PTA and Foundation! Donate $5 in order to dress down - Cash only. Please send exact change! Please adhere to our Non-Uniform Day Dress Code, which you can find on the school website under "Students & Families" or by clicking HERE.

Bring your unwanted electronics to Sandy Springs Education Force’s Electronics Recycling Drive, and Novus Solutions will responsibly recycle your devices and securely wipe the data.

• When: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• Where: North Springs High School Parking Lot, 7447 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs

A $25 donation per car helps Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) provide programs and resources that enrich learning, support teachers and create opportunities for students across Sandy Springs' public schools. Thank you to Cox Enterprises for sponsoring this event.

Join us on Wednesday, August 19 from 5:30–6:30 PM for our i-Ready Family Information Night!

This informative session is designed to help families better understand their child's i-Ready Diagnostic results and how the assessment supports student learning and placement. We will explain how to interpret your child's fall, winter, and spring diagnostic scores, track academic growth throughout the year, and understand how the winter diagnostic is used to help determine course placements for the following school year.

Whether you're new to i-Ready or would simply like a better understanding of your child's results, this session will provide valuable information and an opportunity to have your questions answered. Please RSVP here.

Join us for our Annual Parent Party & Auction benefitting the RCMS Foundation. Tickets include admission to the party, drink tickets, food and -most importantly- the chance to meet and mingle with the RCMS parent community! Tickets are available on the Foundation website by clicking HERE. Foundation Members receive a discount on tickets.

Our incredible auction will be available online again this year! You do not need to attend the party to bid in the auction. If you have items to donate to the auction, please complete the Google form HERE and our committee will be in touch.

We have two parent-led organizations that provide critical support for our students and community. By having both organizations, we are able to participate as a member of the National PTA while also providing localized funding for our wonderful athletic and music programs.

If you join both organizations at the levels mentioned by August 28, the date of the RCMS Parent Party, you will receive either a RCMS pencil case or trucker hat as a thank you. We hope you will consider investing both your time and resources in support of both organizations!

Ready to join? Visit rcmsfoundation.org and ptarcms.org to donate!

All volunteers must be registered with Fulton County Schools before they can volunteer in the school. Please complete the required online training and registration process so that you can serve in our Panther Community!

Dress Down Day - Wednesday, August 12

Our first dress down day of the year is here! We will be selling wristbands on Wednesday, August 12th, from 8:30-8:50 am. Dress Down Day Wristbands are $5 each - cash/check (made out to RCMS PTA) only, we appreciate any donations! PTA is in need of volunteer support to hand out wrist bands. Sign up HERE.

Honor Roll Celebration - Friday, August 28

Volunteers are needed to help celebrate the 2026 spring semester Honor Roll recipients from 8:50 to 10:00am. Sign up HERE.

Students will arrive by vehicle, bus, or on foot and proceed directly to the cafeteria (6th grade) or gym (7th & 8th grades) until the 8:55 bell.

• First Two Weeks: For the first two weeks of school, when the 8:55 bell rings, they will go to their homeroom class. This will help us get acclimated to the new school year and connect with their home room teachers.
• After the first two weeks, students will go directly to first period when the 8:55 bell rings.
• Dismissal begins at 4:05 pm.
• If you need to pick up your student early from school for a doctors appointment or other reason, they must be picked up before 3:30 pm.

We will feature our corporate partners in each issue of Panther Tales. If you have a business (or know of one) who is interested in supporting our Panthers, please visit our Corporate Partners page and learn how you can help our students AND have your business featured here!