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

Thank you to those parents who have completed the Chromebook Home Use OPT IN / OPT OUT form sent out Monday! Approximately 40% of our students have had this short survey submitted. If you have already completed it, please disregard the rest of this message.

All students have been issued brand new Chromebooks for school use. Parents & guardians, please complete the form below to OPT IN or OPT OUT of taking the device home.

This form needs to be completed for each student in your household by Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Noon, stating your OPT IN or OPT OUT preference.

Please be reminded students will be out for Labor Day Monday September 1 and Tuesday September 2 for an Asynchronous Day. Students will be assigned computer-based assignments on the Asynchronous Day.

We have attached the Chromebook Agreement/Guidelines that your child signed for your review.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter!

Please note:

Students who want a charger for home use before Labor Day Weekend must have their parent complete the Laptop Opt In/Opt Out form by noon on Tuesday, August 26. We cannot guarantee chargers will be distributed in time for Labor Day Weekend if forms are submitted after this deadline. Thank you.

https://forms.office.com/r/Fr2R4unZjd

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.

Please ensure your child follows the school dress code. Starting Monday, August 11, students who are out of dress code will be sent to In-School Suspension (ISS) until appropriate clothing is brought from home, or until the end of the day. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a positive learning environment.

RUTLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL DRESS CODE 2025 - 2026 School Year

Bookbags • ONLY CLEAR OR MESH (SEE THROUGH) BOOKBAGS ARE PERMITTED ON CAMPUS

BOTTOMS

Pants

• Plain Khaki, Black, Grey or Blue pants are the only colors permitted to be worn.

• Jeans or Jean material (Blue, Black, Grey or Khaki) without cuts, holes or tears may be worn.

• Distressed jeans are acceptable. There should be no skin visible.

• Jeggings, tights, leggings, or athletic pants are NOT Permitted.

• Pants must be of appropriate size as designed and of at least ankle length.

• Pant legs are NOT permitted to be tucked into shoes or socks.

• All undergarments must be covered by pants.

Skirts/Skorts

• Plain khaki, black, blue, grey or denim skirts/Skorts are permitted to be worn.

• Skirts/Skorts must be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee.

• Skirts/Skorts with slits, splits or openings of any kind are not permitted to be worn.

Shorts

• Plain khaki, black, blue, grey or denim shorts are permitted to be worn.

• Shorts no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee may be worn.

• During school hours, students are permitted to wear athletic shorts for P.E. and JLC activities.

TOPS

Shirts

• Collared polo shirts in Green, Orange, Black, White and Grey are permitted. These may be long sleeved or short sleeved.

• Oxford/Button down shirts in Green, Orange, Black, White and Gray are permitted. These may be long sleeved or short sleeved.

• RMS/RHS Spirit T-Shirts are the only t-shirts permitted to be worn. Plain colored T-Shirts may NOT be worn.

• Crop tops or tied shirts are NOT permitted.

• No sleeveless shirts

• All shirts must be of appropriate size.

Jackets/Sweaters/Hoodies/Sweatshirts

The school does not legislate the color of jacket/outer garment worn to and from school. However, if the jacket or outer garment is to be worn in the classroom, they must be plain Orange, Green, Black, White or Gray.

• Jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts must be free of any design, writing, logos (except manufacturers logo i.e. Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc.) or images unless they are RMS Spirit wear.

• Students must have a dress code acceptable shirt on under their Jacket, Hoodie or sweatshirt.

• Students can not wear shirts over their Jacket, Hoodie or Sweatshirts. • Hoods are NOT permitted in the building at any time.

• Trench coats are not permitted in the school building at any time. Shoes and Socks

• Athletic shoes with laces that are tied, and the appropriate size can be worn.

• All shoes must have closed toes and heels.

• No heels or platform shoes over 2 inches.

• No Crocs, Slides or Foam shoes of any kind are permitted.

• No slippers or bedroom shoes are permitted.

Belts

• Plain Brown, Black, Khaki or white belts with buckles no wider than the belt.

• No spikes or metal designs are permitted on belts.

Headwear

• Hats, bonnets and other headwear are not permitted to be worn in the building except with an approved religious exemption.

• Headbands used to secure hair out of a student’s face is permitted.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• All other items, which in the judgement of the Principal (designee), that disrupt the teaching and learning process will NOT be permitted.

• Any items prohibited in the Bibb County Board of Education Guidelines for Success or Dress Code is Not Permitted.

Parents/students can visit or call the RMS office to order & make payment for the following Rutland spirit wear designs. The last day for orders is August 29. The order will be placed September 3 and should be back around September 17. Please see the flyer below for items and prices. PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF PRE-ORDER.

We invite our families to join us for our Annual Title I Meeting that will be held August 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The meeting's purpose is to inform parents about the Title I program, including its goals, requirements, and how parents can get involved in their child's education. It also provides an opportunity to review the school's Title I plan, parent and family engagement policy, and school-parent compact.

To RSVP (not required but appreciated for planning purposes) click this LINK.

Last week, our awesome 6th graders kicked off their media center orientation with a fun-filled Kahoot challenge! 📚✨ They rocked their background knowledge from elementary school and mastered cool facts about the RMS media center. 🏆🙌 Check out our winners in this fun collage! After the game, students checked out books and are encouraged to dive into daily reading as part of their homework. Keep those pages turning! 📖🔥

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.

The volleyball team kicked off their season this past Monday with a win against Miller and a loss to Weaver. The play again Monday August 25 at home at 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased for $8 at https://gofan.co/. You can find them under the name of the host school. Clear bag policy will be enforced and no outside food allowed.

Our football team takes the field for their first game on August 30th at 10:30 vs Cirrus Academy @ Ed Defore Complex.

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.

Currently, laptops are kept at school where they are charged each night. After Labor Day, students who wish to take them home may do so. We will be issuing chargers to those students who request them for home use. These Chromebooks use a type C charger. It is expected that students who take Chromebooks home also charge them at home and bring them back to school daily. Multiple chromebooks plugged in during the day cause a tripping hazard. More details about checking our chargers will be shared soon.

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.

Picture Day is September 19, 2025. Students must be in dress code for school pictures.

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.