Hurricane Happenings

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As instructional leaders, our primary focus is supporting teaching and learning by being present in classrooms alongside teachers and students. Because of this commitment, we may not be immediately available to respond to phone calls or messages during the school day.

We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we strive to return all communication within 24–48 hours. If you have questions, concerns or need an appointment please contact our main office at 478-779-4400. Your partnership is important to us, and we are committed to maintaining clear and responsive communication.

Thank you,

Mr. Groeper, Ms. Smith & Ms. Harris

Students must be in dress code for pictures. Thank you for your understanding.

Each school in The Bibb County School District is striving for an Average Daily Attendance of 95%.

We are asking for your help to improve our attendance rates.

We are holding steady with our attendance since Week 3.

Missing 2 days a month = 10% of the school year.

Research shows that regular attendance is linked to higher test scores and grades across all age groups. Every school day is important. When a student misses even a few days of school, they’re losing valuable instructional time that can be difficult to recover. Missing even 2 days a month can have a big impact. A student who is absent twice a month will miss about 50 hours of math instruction and 50 hours of literacy instruction during their middle school years. By graduation, they will have missed over 1 year of school time in total.

The Media Center brought the books to lunch! 📚✨ Last week, we hosted a Pop-Up Library during 7th & 8th grade lunches so everyone could grab a great read—even if they haven’t visited the Media Center yet. We’re making it super easy and fun to check out books! 📖💫

📚 Middle school is the perfect time to boost reading skills! Our district is pushing for increased Lexile levels this year, and encouraging students to read daily is key. Just a little daily reading can build confidence, expand vocabulary, and open doors to learning across all subjects. Let’s inspire our middle schoolers to make reading a daily habit!

#ReadEveryDay #LexileGrowth #MiddleSchoolReads

Parents, did you know our students have free access to TWO

fantastic reading platforms through Classlink?

SORA offers a wide selection of eBooks and audiobooks from OverDrive, easily accessible via the SORA app or directly through Classlink.

Meanwhile, myON is a personalized digital library with over 7,000 enhanced books tailored to each student’s interests, grade, and reading level. With built-in close reading tools and supports, myON inspires engagement and helps boost reading achievement.

Encourage your child to check out a book from our Media Center

or explore these wonderful resources and enjoy the world of reading!

Please take a look at the article below titled What Every Parent Should Know About Reading. The article can also be located at this LINK. A Spanish version can be accessed HERE.

Sept. 10 - Football 🏈 Rutland vs Cirrus - 5:30pm | Ed Defore Sports Complex

Sept. 13 - Football 🏈 Rutland @ Miller - 11:00am | Thompson Stadium

Sept. 13 - Softball 🥎 Rutland @ Appling - 3:00pm | Ed Defore Sports Complex

Sept. 15 - Softball 🥎 Rutland @ Fort Valley - TBA

Sept. 19 - PICTURE DAY 📷📷 students must be in dress code

Sept. 27 - Football 🏈 Weaver @ Rutland - 8:00 am | Thompson Stadium

Sept. 29 - Attendance Spirit Week $2 each day* | Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow | College Shirt Day

Sept. 30 - Attendance Spirit Week $2 each day* | Great Attendance is "tie'd To Great Learning | Wear Tie-Dyed Clothing

Oct. 1 - Attendance Spirit Week $2 each day* | There is Nothing Tacky About Being On Time | Wear Tacky, Mismatched Outfits

Oct. 2 - Attendance Spirit Week $2 each day* | Good Attendance Leads To Bright Future | Wear bright, neon clothing

Oct. 3 - Attendance Spirit Week $2 each day* | I Showed Up In Crocs, Now Give Me My Props | Wear Your Crocs

* Money raised from Attendance Spirit Week will be used to purchase attendance incentives for our students.

Rutland Middle offers a Before Care Program that runs 7:15-8:35. It is held in the Art room which has access to the front carpool area between the gym and the front office. Our Before Care Program is FEE-BASED. For more information or to register: https://bcsdk12.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/1/before-after-school-vip-program

Bibb County School District's (BCSD) 21st CCLC program provides academic support and opportunities for enrichment for students in grades K-5 and 9-12. The program's staff provides tutoring and homework assistance, while supporting student growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics . Additionally, the program's schedule includes opportunities for engagement in STEM activities, the arts, cultural programs, physical education, and social and emotional learning. The aftercare program is FREE and runs September 3, 2025 to May 15, 2025. Transportation is provided. Registration begins August 15, 2025. For more information, click the LINK HERE.

There are still some spots available!

These GEAR UP opportunities are open to 7th and 8th grade students at Rutland Middle School.

For more information about GEAR UP, contact Dr. Clark at 478-779-4400.

Thank you to all the parents who joined us for our annual Title I meeting! During the meeting, parents learned how the Title I program supports our school by providing extra resources to enhance student learning, about the curriculum we use to help students succeed and the key assessments they will encounter throughout the year. Parental involvement is essential to our students’ growth, and together we can support their success every step of the way.

Middle school is an exciting time for students as they explore independence, and you can play an important role in supporting them! Research links engaged parents to higher academic success, stronger confidence, and better social skills. Volunteering at school, whether through events, clubs, or behind-the-scenes support, shows students that their education matters and strengthens our school community. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there's a place for you! Stop by the front office to complete a volunteer application and join us in creating a supportive school community.

Our students have been issued brand new Lenova 500e Chromebooks. Prior to being issued, students reviewed laptop care expectations and the Student Technology Agreement Information that is located in the Student Code of Conduct located on pages 27-29. The Code of Conduct is linked HERE. The district has accidental damage insurance. It does not cover intentional damage or negligence. The district is partnering with Smart Tech for loss & theft insurance. The Smart Tech coverage is $15 for the school year. See flyer below for more information.

It is expected that students who take Chromebooks home also charge them at home and bring them back to school daily. Parents must request a charger before they will be issued. Information went out in Parent Square about requesting a charger. In addition, Mrs. Freeman, Media Specialist, has handed out paper forms for those students requesting one.

Your child will enjoy using the same device for the next four years. Encouraging them to take good care of their Chromebook helps ensure it stays in great condition and supports their learning journey.

Please click here to access the Code of Conduct.

Do you need help with any of the following? If so, check out the link below titled Parent Portal

• Parent Portal first time user guide
• ParentSquare
• Campus Portal App

Are you employed in a Business that might be interested in becoming a Community Partner with Rutland Middle School? School Partnerships can include donation of goods, services, or monetary donations. Rutland Middle has events throughout the year to reward and recognize our students for various reasons. If you are interested in more information, please call the school and ask to speak with Ms. Bobbie Hyun, Title I Engagement Facilitator.