Welcome to the RCS Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we begin a new academic year, I am delighted to welcome all our students—new and returning—and their families to RCS Middle School. It is with great anticipation that we embark on this journey together, united by our commitment to educational excellence and growth.

Our top priorities remain the well-being, safety, and educational progress of every student. We have implemented comprehensive measures and protocols to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff has been preparing for the year, designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of our students.

This year, we will continue to foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect within our school community. We believe in the power of teamwork and the importance of a strong partnership between home and school. I encourage you to stay actively engaged in your child’s education, maintain open lines of communication, and participate in school activities and events whenever possible. Together, we can provide the support and guidance our students need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Please stay connected with our school through ParentSquare, the SchoolTool parent portal, the district website (www.rcscsd.org), and our social media channels, as well as regular communication updates. These platforms will keep you informed about important announcements, academic resources, and upcoming events. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Middle Teacher Contact List (button below). We value your feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.

Welcome back to RCS Middle School. Let us approach this new academic year with enthusiasm and a determination to achieve greatness. Together, we will overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and create a thriving learning community where every student can flourish.

Thank you for your unwavering support. I look forward to a successful and rewarding year ahead!

Sincerely,

Denise Capece

10th period starts for ALL middle school students on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Students wishing to stay 10th period must make arrangements with a teacher prior to the end of the regular school day (2:00)

• Blanco, Alex - Spanish Teacher

• Burns, Danielle - Teaching Assistant

• Cinque, Kayleen - Building Aide

• Pomakoy, Brenda - Teaching Assistant

• Slater, Melissa - English as a New Language (ENL)

• Tardiff, Marlyna - Building Aide

In May of 2025, Governor Hochul signed into law a statewide ban of internet connected devices in all New York schools. As a result, no unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices will be permitted on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods. The District is currently in the process of drafting and building a policy to accommodate this mandate, and the middle school will develop a specific plan for guidance and enforcement, and will communicate it to families and students, as soon as possible. In the meantime, middle school students will be expected to leave all internet-connected devices (cell phones, smart watches, airpods, etc.) in their lockers unless given express permission otherwise from the building principal.

When will I receive my child's schedule?

6th grade - schedules will be handed out during orientation on August 28, 2025

7th & 8th grades - students can pick up schedules on August 28, 2025 between 12:00 & 1:00 pm. Chromebooks will be handed out in September, through each student's science class.

Any student unable to get their schedule on August 28 will receive their schedule on the first day of school.

The bell schedule can be accessed below

What are the school hours?

7:30 am - 2:02 pm (10th period is 2:05 pm -2:40 pm)

What time will my child be considered late?

First period begins at 7:30. Therefore, students are considered late starting at 7:31 am.

What is 10th period?

During 10th period, students stay to get enrichment from their teachers. Some extra-Curricular Clubs/Activities also take place during this time.

No 10th period on Fridays

Where do I drop off/pick up my child?

Please click the button below labeled "Map of MS Parent Drop-off/Pick-up Locations"

Parents must sign their child in and out of school

How can my child contact me if they need a ride home or will be staying late?

Children may call their parent from the main office.

How can I contact my child if I need to speak with them?

Parents can call the main office. Main office staff with call your child to the office to speak with their parent.

When and how does my child sign up for clubs and activities?

Please contact the advisor for each club directly for information about sign ups, meeting dates, etc. There is a list of advisors below. I have also attached the Clubs and Activities handbook which describes each club and activity.

If my child gets extra help, will they lose out on classes such as art?

While we try to avoid this, it is possible that a student's schedule may not have "extra" time for extra help and parents will work with the school counselors to find the best time to fit in the extra help.

Can we supply our child with a lock for their locker that we purchased?

In most cases, students are expected to use school-issued locks. If you feel that your child needs a lock that is different than the one provided for by the school, please contact the guidance office to discuss the specific situation.

Will my child be able to carry their backpack throughout the day?

No. All backpacks will need to be stored in each student's locker during the day.

Where do students place their instrument if they are in band?

Students should use one of the "cubbies" that are available in the band room. More information will be provided by the band teacher.

Can my child attend a JV or Varsity game without a parent or guardian?

No. Middle school students must have a parent or guardian with them to attend games.

My child needs to stay after school in order to go to practice. What should my child do until practice starts?

Student athletes should find a teacher to stay with until 2:40 pm. At 2:40, they should report to the cafeteria, where they will wait for their coach.