Panther Tales

We are excited to welcome our students and families back for another fantastic year. The information in this edition of Panther Tales is designed to answer many of your questions as we prepare for the first day of school on Monday, August 3, 2026. You can also find important back-to-school resources, forms, and updates on our school website, especially on our Back-to-School page.

Panther Tales is our weekly family newsletter and is emailed to all parents and guardians each Thursday. We alternate between our full-length newsletter, which includes school news, upcoming events, and important information, and Panther Tales Mini, a condensed edition featuring the week's most important reminders.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

We're excited to welcome our Panthers and their families to Panther Peek, your opportunity to get ready for a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year!

Event Schedule

• 6th Grade: 9:00–11:30 a.m. (students and parents will begin in the gym)

• 7th Grade: 12:00–1:30 p.m.

• 8th Grade: 2:00–3:30 p.m.

During Panther Peek, you will:

• Visit your homeroom teacher's classroom, where students report each morning between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. for Panther Time.

• Watch a welcome video from your grade-level assistant principal and school counselor.

• Receive your class schedule, locate your classrooms, and meet your teachers.

• Get assistance with back-to-school forms and important school information.

• Purchase or pick up spirit wear and P.E. uniforms (if applicable).

• Leave with everything you need to be ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 3, 2026!

To help ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone, we ask that only parents/guardians and their RCMS student(s) attend Panther Peek. We kindly request that grandparents, siblings, extended family members, and family friends celebrate this exciting milestone with your student after the event. Thank you for helping us manage the number of visitors in the building and for your understanding and support.

Dear Ridgeview Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Ridgeview Charter Middle School! I hope you and your family have enjoyed a summer filled with rest, laughter, and quality time together. As we prepare to welcome our Panthers back to campus, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued partnership and the important role you play in our school community.

At Ridgeview, we believe that the strongest schools are built on meaningful partnerships between students, families, and educators. Together, we can create an environment where every child feels valued, challenged, and supported. Whether your family is returning to Ridgeview or joining us for the first time, we are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and success with you.

This year, our work will continue to center around three key priorities:

Academic Excellence – Providing rigorous, engaging instruction that challenges students to think critically, solve problems, and prepare for success in high school and beyond.

Positive Culture & Community – Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to reach their full potential.

Family Partnerships – Strengthening communication and collaboration between home and school because we know students achieve more when families and educators work together.

Throughout the year, you'll receive information about important events such as Curriculum Night, Title I Family Engagement events, PTA activities, Foundation initiatives, and many other opportunities to become involved in our Ridgeview community. We encourage you to stay connected through our weekly Panther Tales newsletter, our school website, and our social media channels so you never miss important updates.

Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring every student has an exceptional middle school experience. If you ever have questions, concerns, or simply want to share feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. We value open communication and are here to support your child every step of the way. To help us respond as efficiently as possible, we ask that you review the communication protocol included below so your questions and concerns can be directed to the appropriate member of our team.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. It is a privilege to serve the Ridgeview community, and I look forward to an incredible school year filled with learning, achievement, and memorable experiences. Together, let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!

With gratitude,

Thomas Garrett
Principal
Ridgeview Charter Middle School

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to welcome several outstanding educators and staff members to the Ridgeview Charter Middle School family! Please join us in giving a warm Ridgeview welcome to:

• Dr. LaShonda Mills – 6th Grade Assistant Principal (joining us from College Park Elementary)
• Anna Aronowitz – 7th Grade School Counselor (joining us from Heards Ferry Elementary)
• Ian Gillham – 6th Grade TAG ELA Teacher (joining us from Decatur City Schools)
• Tonya Dolan – 8th Grade ELA Teacher (joining us from another Georgia school district)
• Susan Bilenky – 8th Grade Special Education Teacher (joining us from Gwinnett County)
• Samantha Flowers – 7th Grade Special Education Teacher (joining us from Mt. Vernon School)
• David Mallek – 6th Grade ESOL Teacher (joining us from Maryland)

We are thrilled to have these talented professionals join our Ridgeview community. Their experience, passion for education, and commitment to students will be a tremendous asset to our school. We look forward to the positive impact they will make and hope you'll join us in welcoming them to the Ridgeview family!

We can't wait for an amazing school year together!

If you are unable to provide any of the following items for your student, please reach out to your school counselor or our school social worker so we can provide help!

All students are required to have the supplies listed on our school-wide supply list. In addition, your student's teachers may provide a list of supplies needed for their specific classes at Panther Peek or by email.

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.

The online Free & Reduced Meal Application will open on July 25. Please use the attached link to submit your application as soon as it becomes available to avoid any interruption in meal benefits.

We encourage all eligible families to apply early.

All RCMS students will use a locker to store their items during the day. Unlike schools where the student provides a lock, our locks are built into the lockers but must be re-set and serviced each year for security. Families are asked to pay the fee associated with setting and servicing the locks. You can pay your child's locker fee through the School Cash Online (coming soon!). This is a new system for all Fulton County Schools.

All students are required to "dress out" in their PE Uniforms during PE Class. You can purchase your student's PE Uniform using School Cash Online (Coming Soon!). Uniforms will be passed out by the PE Teachers during the students' first week of PE. You do not need to select a size - teachers and students will ensure the correct sizing. Please Note: Dressing Out is a class requirement for all PE Students. Failing to meet this requirement can affect the student's PE grade and their eligibility/participation in both PE and RCMS Athletics.

RCMS requires a uniform for all students which is set forth in our School Uniform Policy. In addition to uniform-compliant black or tan bottoms, students may choose from "spirit-wear" tops purchased through our online Panther Store or from non-spirit wear tops (solid-colored collared shirts and sweaters with no logo) described in the School Uniform Dress Code.

Some examples of non-spirit wear uniform tops are pictured below. Popular stores with uniform-compliant options are Old Navy, Target, Gap, Amazon, and Walmart.

July 2026

July 30th: Panther Peek

August 2026

August 3rd: 1st Day of School

August 7th: Fall Sports Physicals Due

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

August 11th: Dress Down Day

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

August 28th: RCMS Foundation Parent Party

September 2026

September 3rd: Curriculum Night

If your student is interested in participating in one of the athletic programs offered at RCMS, visit our athletic webpage to learn more information. Please note that students who wish to try out for any fall sport must turn in their completed physical forms by August 7th! Sports Physical forms are available on the Athletics Website.

Tryout schedules will be posted at Panther Peek and on the Athletics Website.

We're excited to introduce our 2026–2027 RCMS Counseling Team! Each grade level has a dedicated school counselor who will support students' academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being throughout the school year.

Please join us in giving a warm Panther welcome to Ms. Anna Aronowitz, who joins Ridgeview from Heards Ferry Elementary School! We are thrilled to have her as part of our team.

Grade-Level Counselors

• 6th Grade: Ms. McAfee – mcafeeb@fultonschools.org
• 7th Grade: Ms. Anna Aronowitz – aronowitza@fultonschools.org
• 8th Grade: Mr. Stevenson – stevensonk@fultonschools.org

MTSS & 504 Support

Ms. Aubain will continue serving as our MTSS and 504 Coordinator, providing dedicated support for students with 504 Plans and overseeing the 504 process.

• MTSS/504 Coordinator: Ms. Aubain – aubainy@fultonschools.org

Panther Tales is Ridgeview Charter Middle School's primary source for school news, important announcements, and upcoming events. Families receive the newsletter each Thursday via email and text message to stay informed throughout the school year.

We alternate between two editions:

• Panther Tales – Our full-length newsletter featuring school news, events, celebrations, and important updates.
• Panther Tales Mini – A condensed version highlighting the most important reminders and upcoming events for the week ahead.

Missed an issue? Previous editions of Panther Tales are always available on the RCMS website for your convenience.

At Ridgeview Charter Middle School, we are committed to responding to questions and concerns promptly and effectively. To ensure your inquiry is addressed by the appropriate staff member as quickly as possible, we ask that families follow the communication process outlined below:

1. Contact your child's teacher first. Most classroom questions or concerns can be resolved directly with the teacher.
2. If additional support is needed, contact your child's grade-level school counselor.
3. If the concern remains unresolved, reach out to your child's grade-level Assistant Principal.
4. If further assistance is needed, please contact Mr. Garrett, Principal.

Grade-Level Assistant Principals

• 6th Grade: Dr. Mills – millslb@fultonschools.org]
• 7th Grade: Ms. Bulluck – bulluck@fultonschools.org
• 8th Grade: Mr. Young – youngk2@fultonschools.org

For urgent matters, please contact the school's front office directly for immediate assistance.

You can find contact information for all Ridgeview teachers and staff on the school's website through the Staff Directory or by logging into Infinite Campus.

Clear, accurate communication is essential to maintaining a strong and positive school community. In today's world of group texts, messaging apps, and social media, information can spread quickly—sometimes before all the facts are known.

If you hear information about Ridgeview Charter Middle School that raises questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the school directly before sharing it with others or assuming it is accurate. Our team is committed to providing timely and transparent communication. However, please understand that some situations require time to gather facts and conduct a thorough review before information can be shared.

When misinformation is circulated, it can unintentionally create confusion, anxiety, and unnecessary concern for students, families, and staff. By taking a moment to verify information through official school channels, you help us ensure that our community stays informed with accurate and reliable information.

Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to supporting clear communication and a positive Panther community. Together, we can help ensure that Ridgeview remains a place where families receive accurate information and students can thrive.

Personal Electronic Device Policy (i.e. Phones and Smart Watches)

The School Board adopted updates to its personal electronic device policy in order to adhere to Georgia House Bill 340 (Distraction-Free Education Act). The law and FCS Policy prohibit Middle School students from accessing their personal devices during the school day, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and similar technologies.

Fortunately, at RCMS, we had already adopted a policy of requiring all students to store their personal electronic devices in their lockers during the school day in order to reduce distractions during the school day. Therefore, we will continue the procedures that we put into place last year.

This list of FAQs contains helpful information for parents and students. If you need to reach your student for an urgent reason during the school day, you may contact the front office.

Optional Student Device Protection Plan

RCMS Students are provided with a district-issued laptop and carrying case. Families are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement if a device or its accessories are damaged, not returned, lost, or stolen. Families may now choose to enroll in an Optional Student Device Protection Plan. This plan provides coverage for accidental damage, loss, or theft of district-issued devices. Click here for device protection plan information to help you determine whether you wish to purchase the plan.

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!

We have two parent-run organizations that provide support to our students and community at RCMS. You will learn more about both organizations in the coming days and weeks. We hope that you will take time to learn more about both and consider supporting these important organizations.

Learn more about the PTA and join by clicking HERE.

Learn more about the Foundation and join by clicking 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.

As we prepare for the first day of school on Monday, August 4th, please check your child’s bus stop for any updates and/or changes. We ask that all parents utilize the Here Comes the Bus App. If you do not have the app, instructions can be found HERE.

To help ensure a safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up experience, please keep the following in mind:

• Morning carpool operates from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM. Students arriving after 8:45 AM may be marked tardy. Students must be dropped off in the Carpool Line (Trimble Side) and may not be dropped off on the Media-Center/Front Office entrance. Students arriving by bus will not be marked tardy, regardless of arrival time.
• Dismissal begins at 4:05 PM.
• Please remember that carpool tends to move more slowly during the first few weeks of school. We appreciate your patience and kindness as everyone learns the routine and we work together to improve the process.

Students may NOT be picked up or dropped off from the parking lot, park, or other neighborhood location. Limited WALKER passes are available through the front desk for those who demonstrate that they live within walking distance of the school. Please DO NOT have your child attempt to walk to the park or elsewhere in the neighborhood to avoid the car pool line.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) has a policy that allows students to use up to five (5) remote learning days per semester, or 10 per year. These days do not count as absences. While we always prefer for our students to be in school, these days may be used to keep students current on their work when they must be absent but are still able to complete work. Please note that work assignments must be turned in within two (2) days of the absence in order to qualify as a remote learning day.

Contact Ms. Price (pricem@fultonschools.org), front desk, to request a remote day.

Please request remote days in advance if possible. However, remote days may also be approved day-of in some circumstances.