RTS Middle School News

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am excited to begin my fourth year as principal of Richard T. Stank Middle School and my 20th year in education.

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Pete Fardon as our new assistant principal. Mr. Fardon brings a strong commitment to our students, families, and the entire Susquehanna Valley community. We are excited to work together to make RTS a safe, welcoming, and positive place for every student.

Middle school is an important time of growth and discovery. It is a time for students to explore new interests, build confidence, learn from challenges, and discover their strengths. Our caring and dedicated staff is here to guide, encourage, and celebrate each student throughout the year.

As we begin, I encourage our students to approach each day with kindness, curiosity, and determination. Ask questions, try new things, support one another, and take pride in every step of your progress. I look forward to a wonderful year filled with learning, growth, and many happy memories.

Please review the information below as a family to learn more about what you can expect at RTS Middle School this year. You can also visit our district website at www.svsabers.org for additional information.

We are so happy to welcome you back. Let’s have a wonderful year, Sabers!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Laura Karlson
RTS Middle School Principal

Our Main Office is located directly inside the main entrance of the building. Our secretary is Mrs. Kelley Stewart (kstewart@svsabers.org) and our receptionist is Mrs. Karee Remza (kremza@svsabers.org). Main office phone numbers are: 607-775-0303 or 607-775-9129.

G’Day, Saberland!

I am extremely excited to join the Susquehanna Valley community and become part of the proud traditions of both RTS Middle School and Saber Athletics.

For the past five years, I have worked at Johnson City Elementary School, first as a physical education teacher and then as an assistant principal. Prior to that, I taught in Australia at The Rockhampton Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School.

My wife, Kristin, and I met while completing our undergraduate degrees at the University at Buffalo. We have two boys, Duncan, 7, and Theodore, 5, who attend school in the Windsor Central School District.

I look forward to working with all of you to make the 2026–2027 school year successful, both in the classroom and on the field of competition.

Go Sabers!

Mr. Pete Fardon

We value open and consistent communication. Monthly newsletters and updates are sent to families by ParentSquare. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or guidance counselor at any time. ***Please ensure your contact information is current by returning the data verification sheet (yellow sheet) you received in the folder during schedule pick up. If your email address or phone number has changed, please contact the Main Office.

ParentSquare is the official communication platform for the Susquehanna Valley Central School District and RTS Middle School. This is where you’ll receive updates from the district, RTS and teachers all in one place.

Quick Start – How to Get Connected:

1. Check your email or text for a ParentSquare invitation from the district.

2. Click the link to activate your account, or go to www.parentsquare.com/signin and use the email/phone number on file with the school.

3. Download the free app (Apple App Store or Google Play) for easy access on your phone.

4. Set your preferences – choose your language, how you want to be notified, and when.

Once connected, you can:

-Receive school and district messages instantly.
-Send and receive messages with teachers and staff.

Stay informed—activate your ParentSquare account today!

When picking up Chromebooks and Yondr pouches, you were given a packet of school related information. Within the packet, there were several documents to return. Please remember to reference the "Return" portions of the packet, which included the Handbook Signature page, Emergency Contact forms, Medical forms, and Photo Opt-out form.If you would not like your student to be photographed, please complete the Opt-Out Form each school year.

Doors open at 7:15 am, first period begins at 7:40 am and the school day ends at 2:22 pm. RTS follows a nine- period schedule and includes Sabertime from 10:24-10:57 am. Sabertime provides additional support, time to complete missed work, and opportunities to make up PE, band, orchestra, or chorus classes. Our daily schedule aligns with the high school schedule. Please consult the District calendar for school closures, delayed openings, and half days. Notifications regarding weather-related delays, early dismissals, and school closures will be sent through ParentSquare.

In order to enter 6th grade, New York State requires that students have their immunization records up to date. New York State Law (Section 2164) requires certain immunizations to be on record for a student to legally enter and attend school. Specifically, this law requires proof of the Tdap vaccination for all students who are 11 years of age and entering 6th grade.

In New York State, students need physicals when they are new entrants to a school district, and for those entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grades, as well as annually for participation in interscholastic sports. A physical exam is valid for 12 months from the date it was completed.

New York State also requires the meningococcal vaccine for students entering Grade 7.

For more information about this and other immunizations or physicals, please contact our Health Office Nurse, Mrs. Lynch, at 607- 775-9136.

The school supply list was provided in the initial student folder, on www.svsabers.org and on the Susquehanna Valley CSD Facebook Page. If you need assistance with school supplies, please contact our Guidance Office at 607-775-9132.

Bus times and specific route information will be sent by the Transportation Department. You can contact transportation at 607-775-9153. Transportation will also make ParentSquare announcements regarding any transportation issues, such as late buses.

Students may only ride their assigned bus unless they recieve a bus pass from the Main Office. A written request from a parent/guardian is required. Please email requests to Ms. Remza at kremza@svsabers.org or Ms. Stewart at kstewart@svsabers.org by 1:30pm.

Subject/Teacher:

6th

English Language Arts / Ms. Howard

Math / Mr. Baldwin

Science / Mr. Vimislik

Social Studies / Mr. Valentine

________________

7th

English Language Arts / Ms. Lennon

Math / Ms. Rader/Ms. DiRenzo

Science / Ms. Zietz

Social Studies / Mr. Freije

_________________

8th

English Language Arts/ Ms. Gorton

Math / Ms. Herrick

Science / Mr. Henderson

Social Studies / Mr. Holmberg

_________________

World Languages / Ms. Poehailos-Spanish; Ms. Biancucci-Spanish; Ms. Wright- Spanish

Special Education / Mr. Gorgos, Ms. Harder, Ms. Ryder, Ms. Spry

Academic Intervention Services Math / Ms. Rader, Ms. DiRenzo, Ms. Herrick

Academic Intervention Services English Language Arts / Ms. Davies

Family and Consumer Science/ Ms. Steflik

Technology / Mr. Krueger

Health / Ms. Cass

Physical Education / Ms. Chaffee-Koch, Mr. Cook

Music / Mr. Hine, Ms. Miller, Ms. Olds, Ms. Perkins

Library / Mr. Mitchell-Lutz- Librarian; Ms. Desimone-Clerk

6th Grade Reading / Mr. Baldwin, Ms. Howard, Ms. Lennon, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Vimislik

Our school counselors and support staff are here to support students’ academic, social, and emotional success. Families are encouraged to reach out if your child is experiencing changes in academic performance, social challenges with peers, emotional stress, or needs help with organization, study skills and time management. Counselors can also assist with scheduling questions, career exploration, and connecting families to community resources. No concern is too small. If you’re unsure where to start, your child’s counselor is a great first point of contact.

• School Counselor (A–K): Ms. Shoemaker
  

• School Counselor (L–Z): Ms. Paulo
  

• Guidance Secretary: Ms. Huntley- 607-775-9132

Additional Support Staff:

School Social Worker: Mr. Kosick- 607-775-9127

School Psychologist: Ms. Cooleen- 607-775-9132

School Resource Officer: Mr. Atkinson

We will host an AIS informational meeting and an Accelerated Curriculum informational meeting, followed by Curriculum Night for all families. Parents and guardians will follow their students’ schedules throughout the evening.

• AIS Informational Meeting: 5:15–5:45 p.m., Library
• Accelerated Curriculum Informational Meeting: 5:15–5:45 p.m., Cafeteria

• Curriculum Night: 5:45–7:45 p.m.

Each student is assigned a locker. Locker use and combination security was reviewed during 6th grade orientation. Students should not share lockers or combinations with others. Locker assignments and combinations appear on student schedules. Backpacks and book bags should remain in lockers during the school day.

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students. Breakfast is a grab-and-go option upon arrival. Lunch has several options for students to choose from. A monthly menu will be shared on ParentSquare and in the newsletter. Please see the September menu below! If you have any questions, you can contact food service at 607-775-9154.

Teachers will use Google Classroom for assignments, homework, and resources. Log-in information will be provided at the start of the year.

The SchoolTool Parent Portal is the secure, online gateway where you can view your child’s grades, attendance, schedule, and assignments.

Mobile App Access

1. Download the SchoolTool Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

2. When prompted, enter the SV portal URL:
   https://scric01.schooltool.com/SusquehannaValley/

3. Enter your email and password.

4. Turn on push notifications for instant updates on grades, attendance, and more.

If you have questions please contact the Guidance Office at 607-775-9132.

At RTS Middle School, students are graded on a 0–100% scale, with 65% or above considered passing. The school year is divided into four quarters (marking periods). Families will receive progress reports approximately every 5 weeks and report cards about every 10 weeks to keep you informed of your child’s academic progress. These reports will be sent to you.

This school year, all students in grades 6–8 will participate in the Second Step Middle School curriculum, a social-emotional learning program designed to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence and build skills for success both in and out of the classroom. Through engaging lessons and activities, students will strengthen skills such as managing emotions, handling stress, making responsible decisions, developing healthy relationships, and solving problems. Second Step provides students with practical strategies they can use in their everyday lives while creating a supportive and positive school community.

Students may participate in after-school clubs, activities, and enrichment opportunities. Information will be shared during the first weeks of school.

Students in Grades 7 and 8 may participate in modified sports.

Students must wear clothing that is safe, non-disruptive to the learning environment, and free of inappropriate content. Students should wear sneakers for PE classes to maintain a safe environment for movement.

School pictures will be taken by Sean Murphy Studios during PE classes on September 22 and 23.

Picture order forms are included in the Welcome Back envelopes. If you prefer to order online, you can visit seanmurphystudios.com/school.

Questions? Please call 607-203-9043.

Thank you!

September Dates:

9/8: Modified Fall Sports begin

9/8-9/9: Superintendent's Conference Days - NO SCHOOL

9/10: First Day of School

9/11: Genius Hour Kickoff - during school day

9/16: Board of Education Meeting 6pm

9/22-9/23: School Pictures (during regular scheduled PE classes)

9/23: Curriculum Night 5:45-7:45pm/AIS Meeting 5:15-5:45pm/Accelerated Curriculum Meeting 5:15-5:45pm

Other important Dates:

4/10: 8th Grade Cap and Gown Pictures

4/28-4/29: NYS ELA State Testing

5/5-5/6: NYS Math State Testing

5/12: NYS 8th grade Science State Testing

*Yearbook sales begin in October- information will be in the October newsletter

*8th grade Moving up Ceremony is contingent on when the last day of school is determined. We will be sending out that information in April.