Ridgeview Middle School FAQ

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What is the daily schedule at RMS?

The bell schedule can be found on our website and is also available in our front office.  Students are allowed to enter the building through the north side door at 7:30 AM.  School begins at 8:20 AM, and students report to advisory classes starting at 8:10 AM.

What is Advisory?

Advisory is the first 20 minutes of the school day. It is a time for students to receive services from our counselors (guidance lessons, scheduling, career exploration, etc.).  It is also a time for students to get caught up on school work and read for their reading log minutes.

What is Panther Camp?

This is a day in early August during which 6^th grade students are orientated to Ridgeview Middle School with the help of our W.E.B. leaders. W.E.B. stands for Where Everyone Belongs. This group of 8^th grade student will serve as mentors for the students throughout the 6^th grade year. Parents may attend a parent camp that happens at the same time or just drop students off and pick them up when it is over. 

What is Academic teaming?

Each grade level is divided into four teams. Each team of students will have the same teachers for their core subjects, Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. These teachers have a common planning time during which they coordinate instruction, homework and projects. They are also available to meet with parents during this time.

What is "Don't be L.O.S.T.?"

In order to begin school on the first day with minimal distractions and anxiety, we have several days before school begins for students not to be L.O.S.T (Lockers, Organizers, Schedules and Textbooks). During this time students will receive their locker assignment, schedules and textbooks. Organizers, wellness uniforms and other Ridgeview items are available for purchase during this time as well.

What are lunches like?

There are three 40 minute lunch periods: 6^th graders eat first, 7^th graders eat second, and 8^th graders eat last.  There are several teachers/staff members who monitor students during lunch.  Students sit in advisory classes or in teams. However, based on good behavior, students are given the privilege of sitting where they choose on Mondays.

What are student ID badges and how does my child get one?

Student ID cards have a student's  picture and a student ID barcode on them.  Students must have their ID badges with them at all times when they are on campus during school hours and at school events.  ID badges are also used to check out items from the library or purchase lunches. As well as purchasing admission to PTA dances and school-sponsored events.  Each student will receive his/her ID badge for free.  However, a fee of $5.00 is required to replace lost or damaged IDs. 

Is PE required?

Yes.  Currently, in the state of Texas, students are legally required to take 2 years of PE in middle school.  However our legislature is currently in session to determine if this requirement will be changed to 3 years.  Students are required to wear a wellness uniform that can be purchased before school starts.

Which courses, other than PE, can fulfill the PE requirement?

We also offer Dance and Athletics for the 7^th and 8^th grade students.

When can a student be in Athletics and play on the sports teams?

Students may not sign up for Athletics when they are in the 6^th grade.  7^th and 8^th grade students may participate in Athletics, but may only play sports if they are passing their classes. Ridgeview offers Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Track. 

Does a student have to get a physical exam in order to participate in Athletics?

Yes.  Students must get physical exams every year before participating in Athletics.  It is the guardian's responsibility to make sure that the student has a physical exam by a doctor prior to the first day of each school year.  If a student does not get a physical exam prior to the first day of school, then he/she will be removed from Athletics.  There are several clinics that offer free physical exams, including RediClinics, located at several HEB stores in town. 

Can students receive high school credit for classes at Ridgeview?

Yes.  Students are highly encouraged to take classes that will count as high school credits.  Spanish and French, if taken and passed in both 7^th and 8^th grade, will count as one year of foreign language credit in high school.  Also, we currently offer Health, Algebra I and Geometry for high school credit.

Which math class should my student take at Ridgeview?

We encourage you to refer to the Math Flowchart, which is attached to each student's course selection sheet.  This will give you an extensive overview of the math classes available to students in both middle school and high school.  6^th grade students have the option of taking Regular 6^th Math, Accel 6^th Math or TAG 6^th Math.  Accel 6^th Math is very fast-paced, as it covers the entire 6^th grade curriculum and half of the 7^th grade curriculum.  Accel 7^th Math is similar, in that it covers half of the 7^th grade curriculum and all the of the 8th grade curriculum.  We recommend that students have both a teacher and parent recommendation to register for Accel Math.  TAG 6^th Math covers all of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade curriculum, with the intention of helping students become Algebra-ready.  Students who successfully complete Algebra I in the 7^th grade then go on to take a high school credit Geometry class in the 8^th grade. 

What is TAG?

Talented and Gifted services are available to students who qualify.  Students wishing to participate in the TAG program must take the appropriate district-mandated tests.  Their scores on these district tests, along with teacher and parent evaluations, are then taken into consideration when deciding about admittance to the program.   However, TAG classes are available for students who do not qualify for TAG per very specific criteria set by Ridgeview MS.

How can students and parents stay informed about events?

Our website and individual teacher websites are routinely updated.  We also invite students and parents to sign up for eNews on our website.  This will provide parents/students with frequent email updates about Ridgeview.  Students are also encouraged to watch the daily announcements, aired during 2^nd period of each school day.  These video announcements are placed on the main Ridgeview website, as well.  Additionally, important information will be sent home with students on Thursdays when necessary.  This includes everything from report cards to flyers.

How can I monitor my child’s progress in school?

Interim progress reports are sent home with all students.  In addition, Ridgeview teachers update their websites on a weekly basis to reflect the current homework/class work assignments due in their classes.  The Home Access Center is also available to parents.  You can sign up for HAC at your current RRISD campus or through Ridgeview.  Detailed instructions for signing up are located on the RMS website.  Please note that if you have already signed up, your password will remain the same throughout your child’s time in all RRISD school.  You must have an active email address on file with the school’s registrar in order for HAC to work.

What constitutes an A, B, C, D, or  F at Ridgeview?

• A= 90-100

• B= 80-89

• C= 75-79

• D= 70-74

• Failing= Below 70 

How long are the grading periods?                                                       

Marking periods are divided up by 6 weeks.  However, all students will receive interim progress reports (IPR) at the 3-week midpoint of a 6 weeks period.  We ask that report cards and progress reports be signed by each student’s parent or guardian and returned to the school.

Is my student safe at Ridgeview?

Yes.  We go to great lengths to ensure the safety of our students at Ridgeview.  Cameras will be installed throughout the school, which are on at all times.  In addition, faculty and staff are required to monitor the hallways before and after school and during passing periods.