RMS Student Handbook 2026-2027
Download the 2026-2027 RMS Student Handbook.
School Leadership and Support
- Sam Brotherton
Principal - Seneca Allen
Assistant Principal
Defenders, Avengers, Guardians, Warriors - Taylor Johnson
Assistant Principal
Champions, Titans, Defenders, Warriors - Dr. Lori Craig
Dean of Students - Jeremy Kane
School Counselor - Shelly Lee
School Counselor - Deborah Bertish
School Counselor
Office Personnel
- LaDonica Miller
Lead Secretary
(314) 493-6253 - Myiqua Ingram
Attendance Secretary
(314) 493-6250 - Gwendolyn Jones
Student Services Secretary
(314) 493-6254
Main Office:(314) 493-6250
Absence Hotline:(314) 493-6251
Hours of Operation
| Office Hours | Monday & Wednesdays 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fridays 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Student Arrival | 7:10 a.m. |
| School Begins | 7:30 a.m. |
| Student Dismissal | 2:25 p.m. Bus Riders 2:30 p.m. Car Riders and Walkers |
| After-School Activities | 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Only |
Faculty & Staff Roster
Champions
- Dr. Carrie Brumm, Eng. Language Arts 6
- Sara Jokisch, Math 6
- Scott Eickhoff, Science
- Dr. Ted Frigillana, Soc. Studies
- Ashley Reynolds, Math 6
- Crystal Sullivan, Eng. Language Arts 6
Titans
- Margaret Burr, Eng. Language Arts 6
- Jill Bluhm, Math 6
- Gil Beckemeier, Science 6/7
- Jason Boyd, Soc. Studies 6/7
- Ian Steinkamp Math 6/7
- Colleen Fortune, Eng. Language Arts 6/7
Defenders
- Kaylee Houston, Eng. Language Arts 7
- Max Kelly, Eng. Language Arts 7
- Ellie Gund, Science 7
- Andrea Rivera, Soc. Studies 7
- Camille Morgan, Math 7
- Anna Alder, Math 7
Avengers
- Jean Weir, Eng. Language Arts 7
- Elizabeth Green, Pre-Algebra/7th math
- Marieme Elhadrami, Science 7/8/Advanced
- Brian Schelich, Soc. Studies 7/8
Guardians
- Nikki Krbec, Eng. Language Arts 8
- Amy Toti, Pre-Algebra
- Dr. Maysoon Shiaa, Science 8
- Drew Miller, Soc. Studies 8
- Maddie Knoblauch, Eng. Language Arts 8
- Lindsey Gross, Pre-Algebra
- Amanda Drilling, Pre-Algebra/Algebra
- Christina Dury, Eng. Language Arts 8
Special Education Staff (Warriors)
- Nicole Albardao, Speech-Language Path
- Rebecca Hilgert, Paraprofessional SC
- Kimberly Clinton, ELA Resource
- Kevin Burkhart, Paraprofessional TC
- Kathy Collier, Social Worker
- Cortez Cooper, Paraprofessional TC
- Sean Winklemann, Parallel Math
- Jo Daniels, Paraprofessional SC
- Jessie Dawson, Paraprofessional SC
- Dylan Eaton, Teen Connect
- Rebecca Hilgert, Paraprofessional SC
- Dana Joerling, Math Co-Teacher
- Kim Keys, Paraprofessional
- Hannah St. Peters, Speech-Language Path
- Angela Ewing, Parallel ELA
- Madeleine Norris, Self-Contained
- LaConnie Reed-Owens, Resource ELA
- Shane Sumner, Paraprofessional
- Courtney Williams, Paraprofessional
- Vacant, Self-Contained
- Kristin Vivian, Teen Connect
- Ibrahima Bah, Math Co-Teacher
Encore Teachers (Transformers)
- Maria Alonso, World Language
- Brent Beckman, Band
- Tara Bishop, Physical Education
- Matthew Chidsey, Orchestra
- Jonathan Fingold, Physical Education
- Meredith Gabbert, Drama
- Dr. Felicia Griffin, Health
- Mandy Harvell, Project Lead the Way
- Maureen Hoeft, Project Challenge
- Mandy Koch, Choir
- Carolyn Lammert, EL Social Studies
- Fareda Lytle, EL
- Kenny Marcantel, Physical Education
- Stormi Irwin, Art
- Carin Rook, Librarian
- Ramon Rivera, EL Science
- Sean Snedeker, Project Lead the Way
- Lisa Watkins, Reading Intervention
Vision & Mission
Vision
Through strong community relationships, Ritenour Middle School will foster educational excellence, cultivate a profound sense of belonging, and empower every student with the agency to shape their learning journey.
Mission
At Ritenour Middle School, we are dedicated to fostering student growth in a joyful, supportive community where every student is seen and valued. We empower learners to become leaders who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
School-Home Communication
Teacher/Family Communication: Parents and teachers are encouraged to communicate as often as necessary to support the achievement of every student. Parents will receive regular teacher updates on their child’s academic progress, including phone calls, text messages, or emails.
PowerSchool (Attendance/Discipline): Parents are strongly encouraged to access PowerSchool for the most up-to-date information regarding their child's school schedule and attendance. Parents will also complete important Back-to-School forms from the district on PowerSchool.
For information on accessing PowerSchool, please call the Main Office at (314) 493-6250.
Empower (Grade Reporting): Parents should access Empower for all issues related to their child’s academic performance this school year. Please see below for more information about Ritenour Middle’s grading practices. This link also has a few helpful videos on the RSD website to view. Guardians receive their own login to Empower to monitor student progress.
RMS Grading Practices
Ritenour Middle School transitioned from traditional grades to competency-based education. Each course at RMS has Proficiency Scales written that identify the skills and concepts that students need to master to meet or exceed Missouri state standards. The goal for all students is to reach proficiency on each scale and to be able to articulate their learning. RMS teachers will assist students as they develop these skills using Learner Profiles, which students will maintain for each of their courses. Learner Profiles can be found within the Empower platform.
Note: The goal is for all students to reach proficiency on a standard or scale. In a Competency-Based System, proficiency is represented by a 3.0 score/grade.
Redo & Retake Policy
We know students learn at different speeds. Redos and retakes give you a chance to show what you’ve learned, even if it takes a few tries.
Redos:
You may be able to redo the classwork during small group time or after getting more help. If you're still having trouble or were absent, talk to your teacher within 2 days and fill out a redo form. Your teacher will let you know how to prepare, such as through extra practice or coming in at lunch. Then, you can try again and upload your work.
Retakes:
Want to raise your score on a test or project? You have 5 school days to complete a retake form. Your teacher will tell you what to do to get ready. You’ll need to explain the standard and show multiple examples of your learning before retaking.
Check Empower often with your family to stay on track! Your teachers are here to help you succeed.
Teachers will make every effort to support students with what they need when they need it. Students and guardians should frequently check Empower to ensure students are on pace.
Report Cards
Through Empower, Ritenour Middle School report cards will now reflect our use of standards-based grading practices. The scores on the right show a student’s current progress through the proficiency scales listed under each subject. Half scores, like 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5, are awarded when students have mastered some, but not all, of the skills at the next level. The dark grey boxes indicate learning that happened during a previous term/semester, while the light grey boxes represent growth during the current term. Comments added by teachers are listed at the end of the report card.
Grading Periods: Progress reports and report cards will be emailed to families after the end of each quarter. Families without email addresses may receive paper copies of report cards.
| Quarter/Term | Progress Reports | Last Day of Term | Report Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | October 24, 2025 | October 21, 2026 | November 7, 2025 |
| Term 2 | December 1, 2025 | January 15, 2027 | January 23, 2026 |
| Term 3 | February 11, 2026 | March 11, 2027 | March 13 2026 |
| Term 4 | April 30, 2026 | May 24, 2027 | June 2, 2026 |
What Does My Grade Mean?
Note: The goal is for all students to reach proficiency with a standard or skill. In a competency-based grading system, that is represented by a 3.0 score/grade.
| Grade | Student Descriptors |
|---|---|
| 4.0 |
|
| 3.5 | In addition to exhibiting Score 3.0 performance, in-depth inferences and applications with partial success. |
| ★ 3.0 ★ |
|
| 2.5 | Exhibiting success at 2.0 performance, but partial success at 3.0 |
| 2.0 |
|
| 1.5 | Exhibiting success at the 1.0 performance, but partial success at 2.0 |
| 1.0 |
|
RMS Attendance Goal
“If you send them, they will learn!” Attendance is one of the most reliable indicators of academic success. For that reason, Ritenour Middle School will closely monitor attendance and work with families to reach our 90/90 attendance goal. 90/90 attendance means that 90% of students are in attendance 90% of the time. Students can miss up to 4 days of school per quarter (including excused absences) to maintain 90% attendance.
Note: 90% attendance is often required for school incentives, including school dances and field trips.
Early Release Days & Power-Up Days
The Ritenour School District has designated five Thursdays a year when students will be dismissed from school at 12:15 pm for professional development (PD). The specific dates of the district's Early Release PD days can be found on the district calendar. In addition to these days, Ritenour Middle School will run an early release schedule on Power-Up Days, but students will remain in the building until 2:25 most weeks.
As previously mentioned, Ritenour Middle School is using a competency-based grading system to assess student learning and growth. Attendance is crucial to every student's success. Power-Up Days will occur throughout the year to incentivize students who meet attendance and academic goals. Academic goals for Power-Up Days will be set by teams to recognize student growth and sufficient attempts at providing evidence for their courses.
After-School Activities
Clubs/Activities: Students are encouraged to stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to participate in After-School Activities from 2:30 to 4:00 pm. An eForm Permission Slip is available on the Parent Portal and must be submitted before your students may stay after school. Bus transportation is available to students who regularly qualify. A complete list of all clubs and activities will be shared with parents in early September.
Sports Eligibility: Students cannot be behind pace in 3 or more classes in order to be eligible for participation in sports.
Homework Help: Homework Help is offered during after-school activities (ASAs). Homework Help is a focused time for students to work on academics with the assistance of an educator. Every grade level or team will share specific details about how this information will be disseminated throughout the year and how parents can find homework and assignment information (Google Classroom, Remind, etc.)
Note: Students cannot participate in after-school activities on the days when they have been suspended.
Chromebook Care
Ritenour Middle School is committed to ensuring all students can access 21st-century college and career readiness technology. At the start of each year, students are issued a Chromebook and a USB-C charger that they are expected to maintain all year. These items will be provided to all who complete the insurance process at One2OneRisk.com. Parents must either purchase or waive their insurance rights to be issued a Chromebook.
Damaged or Lost Devices
If a Chromebook assigned to a student is damaged, the following consequences will apply:
- Damaged with Insurance
- 1st Time - Complete replacement, free of charge
- 2nd Time - Complete replacement, $25 fine logged in Tyler
- 3rd Time - Complete replacement after Tech Support Plan signed by parent/guardian.
- Damaged without Insurance
- Each Time - Complete replacement, fine logged in Tyler based on damages assessed.
If a Chromebook assigned to a student is lost or stolen, the following consequences will apply
- Lost or Stolen with Insurance
- 1st Time - Complete replacement, $50 replacement fee logged in Tyler
- 2nd Time -Complete replacement after Tech Support Plan signed by the parent, $50 fine logged in Tyler
- Lost or Stolen without Insurance
- Complete replacement after Tech Support Plan signed by the parent ($250 replacement fee logged in Tyler)
Lost chargers are $40 and will be replaced only upon cash payment to the Back Office.
Note: All tech fines may be paid by cash or check payments in the RMS Main Office.
Loaner Chromebooks: Students who arrive at school without a device may be assigned a loaner from their team’s loaner Chromebook Cart. Students who accept one of these devices are responsible for its care during the school day and must return it before dismissal. The loss or damage of a loaner Chromebook will result in disciplinary action and fines as needed.
Digital Citizenship
Students are expected to use technology responsibly and will be held accountable for their digital behavior. The Ritenour School District monitors all district devices, and consequences may be assigned for misuse of technology. This policy includes technology usage off-campus and outside of school hours. Students should understand the following components of digital citizenship:
- Balanced: Maintaining a healthy balance between time spent online and offline, and understanding the importance of digital well-being.
- Informed: Being knowledgeable about digital technologies, their benefits, risks, and how to use them safely and responsibly.
- Inclusive: Fostering an online environment that respects diversity, promotes equity, and ensures equal access for all individuals.
- Engaged: Actively participating in digital communities, collaborating with others, and contributing positively to online discussions and activities.
- Alert: Being aware of potential online dangers such as cyberbullying, scams, and privacy threats and knowing how to protect oneself and others from them.
School IDs
IDs are an important part of the operation of our school. RMS provides each student with an ID at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to keep an ID on them at all times and must be able to present their IDs whenever asked. Students who misplace or forget their ID must get a pass from the office to ride the bus at the end of the school day. Any student without an ID will be charged $1 for a temporary ID badge. Replacement IDs are $5. If a student does not have the funds available, a fine will be added to their student account.
When will I need an ID?
- To ride the bus each morning and afternoon
- To scan for breakfast and lunch
- To enter school late
- To check out library books
- To attend school functions like dances, field trips, and sporting events
RMS Behavioral Expectations by Location
| Location | Be Kind | Be Responsible | Be Respectful | Be Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallways/Stairways | Use kind words Leave room for two-way traffic Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself |
Bring all of your belongings with you Use an indoor voice Always have a pass Walk with purpose, avoid disrupting other classrooms |
Follow the directions of your teacher Taking pictures or video recording, without permission, is always prohibited on school grounds. |
Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself Always walk, never run |
| Restroom | Be quick in the restroom, other people may be waiting | Use the bathroom during your team’s scheduled break times If you need to use the restroom at a different time, ask your teacher for a pass at an appropriate break in the lesson or according to your team’s bathroom plan Report any issues (behavioral or maintenance) to an adult immediately |
Place trash in garbage cans Respect others’ privacy Taking pictures or video recording is always prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms. Graffiti-free zone |
Wait in the hallway if each stall or urinal is occupied. Wash your hands Cell phones and backpacks should be left in the classroom. |
| Bus | Greet the driver Use kind words Wait patiently at your bus stop Follow the directions of your bus driver |
Store your ID in a safe place so you do not lose it Keep track of your belongings Use the correct bus stop. Keep the aisle clear for people to enter and exit the bus |
Keep your area clean Use an indoor voice and school appropriate language Follow the directions of your bus driver Taking pictures or video recording, without permission, is always prohibited on buses. |
Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself Go directly to your assigned bus Report unsafe behavior immediately Keep your body and belongings inside the bus at all times |
| Arrival | Greet your teachers as you enter the building | Grab a breakfast as you enter the building or report directly to Husky Time | Listen and respond to directions Participate in all Husky Time lessons and discussions Complete missing assignments when given the opportunity |
Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself Walk immediately into the building via your assigned entrance |
| Dismissal | Say goodbye to your teachers as you leave | Be sure to have all materials so you don’t need to re-enter the building Walk directly and quickly to your designated dismissal location. |
Do not leave your classroom until the announcement dismisses your bus or group (car riders/ walkers) | Walk, don’t run, directly to your bus Walkers and car riders walk directly to cars/off-campus |
| Offices | Greet the Office Professionals when entering the offices Explain why you are there |
Do not interrupt phone calls or adult conversations Do not insert yourself in others’ conversations |
Be polite; Speak softly Ask permission before using office supplies Office bathrooms are off-limits to students |
Do not leave the offices without permission from an adult. Wait patiently for a pass before returning to class |
| Digital Usage | Remember to THINK before you post information online 1. Is it True? 2. Is it Helpful? 3. Is it Inspiring? 4. Is it Necessary? 5. Is it Kind? |
Be responsible for my device. Collaborate on assignments and projects appropriately. |
Keep your device safe & secure at all times Only use the assigned WIFI network when you are at school |
Only go to school-appropriate websites Be safe and respectful while online All school devices are monitored |
| Guest Teachers | Greet the guest teacher Use the guest teacher’s name when addressing him or her |
Comply with instructions and requests Follow the school rules and classroom expectations |
Complete all tasks and assignments left by your teacher Respond respectfully when spoken to by the substitute |
Assist the teacher when necessary Remain in your assigned classroom seat |
| The Cafeteria | Use kind words when interacting with staff and students Say “please” and “thank you” when going through the Cafe line. |
Keep your area clean Use an indoor voice Sit in your assigned seat and ask permission to get up Report accidents immediately to an adult |
Clean up after yourself Keep all lunch food and drinks in the cafeteria Speak respectfully to your peers and adults Taking pictures or video recording, without permission, is always prohibited on school grounds. |
Walk quickly and quietly entering and exiting the cafe Stay in the cafe until you have permission to leave Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself |
Student Incentives & Rewards
PAWS for Applause and the PBIS Cart: Students who exhibit behaviors consistent with the Behavioral Expectations outlined on the previous pages (Kind, Responsible, Respectful, and Safe) can earn PAW tickets from their teachers. PAW tickets are redeemable at the PAWS Cart every two weeks. Rewards include tickets to be Principal for the Day, candy, school supplies, soda, etc.
RMS Honors: Students will be recognized by the principal for their academic achievement and meeting behavioral expectations at our Ritenour Honors ceremony. Parents will be notified by mail if their child received an award and are invited to see their child get recognized. Students to be recognized will receive one or more of the following awards:
- Academic Achievement - Recognizes students who have strong academic performance.
- 90% Attendance - Recognizes students who come to school 90% of the time in the school year.
- Good Standing Award - Recognizes students who have zero discipline referrals throughout the school year.
- Teacher Choice Award - Recognizes students for talents and honors outside of the above awards.
School Dances - School dances will be held three times throughout the school year. Students must meet the 90% or better attendance criteria and be in school on the day of the dance. Students must also have their fines/fees paid to be able to attend the dances. Students who are suspended on the day of the dance are unable to attend. The dance cost is $5 and is limited to the first 250 students to purchase tickets.
Continuum of Consequences
Teachers will utilize a Continuum of Consequences to consistently address student behavior and to support students as they prepare for high school. Teachers will utilize these proven strategies to mitigate most classroom-managed behaviors and support students. Students who negatively impact the classroom environment repeatedly may be placed on individual plans to support their needs and be subjected to more severe consequences (outlined below).
- Friendly reminder of the expectations
- 1-on-1 conversation
- Change in the environment: calming corner
- Take 5 in a buddy room (reflection sheet completed and discussed with the teacher)
- Parent contact (log in Power School)
- Teacher-assigned lunch detention or after-school detention
Severe behaviors that cause major disruptions to the learning environment or are unsafe for students and staff may result in immediate removal from the classroom/school setting. Consequences for major infractions are listed below.
- Co-Regulation Room (1-3 Days)
- Out-of-School Suspension (1-10 Days)
- Bully Reports and Safety Plans (Interventions last 6 weeks or more)
- Student Success Plan (Interventions last 6 weeks or more)
- Behavior Contracts (Implemented after a parent meeting)
- District-Level Disciplinary Hearing (Required for a suspension lasting +10 days)
Behavioral Supports
Calming Corner: Each classroom at Ritenour Middle School is equipped with a “Calming Corner.” Teachers will utilize the Calming Corner as a space for students to self-regulate and return to learning as quickly as possible. Students who temporarily move to the Calming Corner will complete a quick refocus activity before returning to their seats. Parents will be contacted if their children cannot use the Calming Corner to regulate their behavior before a discipline referral.
Buddy Rooms: Students sometimes need a mental break or an opportunity to interact with a trusted adult. The Buddy Room is a safe space for students to get back on track and, hopefully, prevent additional disciplinary actions. Students will be sent to a trusted adult for a break. They will check in with the teacher, who will encourage them and suggest strategies to calm down and stay out of trouble. The student will complete a reflection sheet and be prepared to share their strategies with their teacher when they return to class to finish the period. A buddy room is not for students to request. If students need additional SEL support, they should request to utilize the calming corner or fill out a counselor request form.
Co-Regulation Room (CRR): Students are assigned to the Co-Regulation Room for scheduled breaks as part of a support plan or as an alternative to traditional suspension. Students in CRR keep up with their class assignments and get additional help from the teacher, access to social-emotional support lessons, and 1-on-1 mentoring from a qualified adult. Topics include mindfulness, stress,coping tools, emotions, social skills, growth mindset, and empathy. Students may be required to demonstrate evidence of their emotional growth to return to the space where the original infraction occurred. Students who are receiving an in-school suspension are typically placed in CRR for 1-3 days, depending on the circumstances of the disciplinary infraction.
Behavioral Interventions: Student Support Teams, composed of each team's teachers, counselor, and grade-level administrator, meet weekly to review academic, behavior, and attendance data. Students who consistently struggle in a particular setting will be given additional support to help keep them from further discipline issues. Additional support may include hallway plans, check-in/check-out with a trusted adult, scheduled breaks, mentoring, small groups, and additional time to work on skills in the Co-Regulation Room.
RMS Library
All students visit the RMS Library with their ELA class once every three weeks. Books are due back to the library within three weeks of checkout, and students may have up to 2 books checked out at a time.
Please take good care of borrowed books! Damaged books will incur a $3.00 fine, and books that are three months overdue and considered lost will incur a $10.00 fine per book.
In addition to our physical collection, students can check out books online anytime through Sora, Epic, and Destiny Discover.
Food & Drink
Breakfast: Breakfast will be available for all students each morning on a “grab and go” basis on their way to Husky Time. Breakfast items should be consumed in Husky Time classes, and students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. All trash should only be disposed of in the large trash cans provided by the custodial staff.
Lunch: All students are given a 30-minute lunch break in their schedule, and lunches will be served in the cafeteria at no cost to families or students. Students are welcome to bring their lunches from home if they choose, and RMS has provided microwaves for students to warm their food. Food items are only acceptable in the cafeteria and should not leave the cafeteria without teacher/administrator approval.
Restricted Food Items:
- Students are prohibited from ordering food to be delivered to the school. Food deliveries for students will be turned away at the door, and Ritenour Middle School is not responsible for any delivery fees.
- Parents are permitted to bring outside food to their children, but students will not be allowed to bring outside food items to the cafeteria or the classroom out of concern for students with food allergies.
- Students are not allowed to sell or exchange food at school. Ritenour Middle School is not responsible for recovering lost or stolen food items.
- Parents should not allow their children to bring food items to school that may cause a disruption.
Bottle Filling Stations: Water fountains throughout the building have bottle refill spouts. Students are encouraged to bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Lunch Activities: Students can participate in the following activities during their 30-minute lunch break. Instances of misbehavior may result in the revocation of lunch privileges or disciplinary action at the discretion of the Assistant Principal or Dean of Students.
- Recess: Students who opt for recess during lunch must report to the Cafeteria before going to their recess space. Students will participate in various fun activities and then be dismissed to their scheduled classes. Sign-ups for recess activities will occur quarterly. Students may only participate in one activity per quarter. The frequency of activities will depend on the weather and available staff for supervision.
- Library: Schools are lively, energetic places. Students who wish to have a quiet, calm space to relax during lunch may choose to visit the library.
- Cafeteria: Students may choose to stay in the cafeteria to talk with friends, use electronic devices, or catch up on work.
- Courtyard: Students may choose to go out to the courtyard for fresh air and relaxed socialization. (Only the Sustainability Club)
- Lunch Detention: Some students may be assigned lunch detention for minor infractions throughout the school day. Failure to report to lunch detention will result in additional lunch detentions being assigned or further disciplinary action.
Student Passes & the RMS Truancy Policy
Students are monitored as they go to their classes throughout the school day. Students who need to leave the classroom for any other reason (e.g., use the restroom, see a counselor, go to the office) must request a pass from their teacher. Because tardiness and truancy result in lost instructional time, RMS applies consequences to promote timeliness. Students found outside the classroom without proper permission are subject to consequences under RMS’s Tardy/Truant Policy.
Tardy: Students are considered tardy if they are less than five minutes late to class without a pass. Students who are late four or more times a quarter will receive after-school detention and may be placed on a Hallway Restriction Plan to monitor their movement and reward punctuality.
Truancy: Students are considered truant if they are more than five minutes late to class without permission. Students more than five minutes late to class will receive lunch or after-school detention each time.
Note: All core classrooms are next door to one another, and teachers escort students to their Encore classes.
The steps outlined below will be taken once a student reaches three tardies/truancies in one class within a quarter. Students with recurring problems with punctuality may receive a Hallway Restriction Plan.
| 3rd Tardy/Truancy | Parent phone call |
|---|---|
| 4th Tardy/Truancy | Team/teacher level consequence or intervention with a parent phone call |
| 5th Tardy/Truancy | Referral for after-school detention with a parent phone call |
| 6th Tardy/Truancy | Referral to an administrator for additional support |
Personal Electronic Devices
Following Missouri Senate Bill 68, Ritenour Middle School is implementing a school-wide policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day. This plan is designed to support a focused learning environment free from distractions, while maintaining clear expectations and consequences for misuse.
The following devices are prohibited for use during the school day:
- Cell phones
- Wireless headphones (e.g., AirPods, Beats)
- iPads and tablets
- Smartwatches
- Smart glasses
- Any other personal electronic communication devices
Daily Expectations
- Upon entering the school building, all personal electronic devices must be turned off or silenced and stored in the student’s backpack.
- These devices may not be removed or used at any time during the school day, including during hallway transitions, lunch, or restroom breaks.
- Devices may be retrieved after dismissal once students have exited the building.
- Staff will monitor student entry each morning to ensure compliance and offer friendly reminders as needed.
Locker Options for Device Storage
To support secure storage:
- Device lockers will be available in the main office for students with documented device issues and device plans.
- A device locker will also be placed in the cafeteria to manage any lunchtime violations or concerns.
- Students and families may request a traditional school locker for secure storage of devices during the day.
- At the end of the instructional day, time will be provided for students to retrieve their devices from lockers before they are dismissed.
Staff Expectations
To model responsible and respectful digital behavior, staff members, including substitute teachers, are also expected to refrain from using their electronic devices for non-instructional or personal reasons during instructional time. This includes cell phone use, texting, and non-school-related browsing during class periods. Modeling these prosocial behaviors reinforces the school’s values of focus, respect, and community and sets a consistent example for students.
Consequences for Student Violations
Ritenour Middle School will follow a progressive discipline model for violations of this policy:
- First Offense:
- Verbal warning and redirection by the classroom teacher.
- Second Offense:
- The teacher contacts the parent or guardian to notify them of the violation.
- Third Offense:
- Referral to the office.
- The device will be stored in the office for the remainder of the day.
- Student and parent notified of potential consequences for future infractions. Future incidents (office referral two and three) will result in the parent needing to come to the school to pick up the device.
- Chronic Offenses (3 or more incidents):
- Parent meeting scheduled.
- Development of an individual Device Plan.
- In-school suspension (ISS) may be assigned if the student fails to follow the plan and the behavior persists.
Parent and Student Support
We recognize that some students may benefit from extra support or accommodations:
- Parents may request that their student store their device in a school-issued locker for added security.
- Students placed on a Device Plan will be required to use the main office phone lockers and adhere to daily check-in expectations.
Our Goal
Our goal is not to punish students, but to maximize instructional time, reduce distractions, and promote responsible use of technology. We appreciate our school community's partnership in supporting this effort and ensuring that Ritenour Middle School remains a place where all students are focused, engaged, and ready to learn.
Dress Code Policy
Students and their parents/guardians hold the primary responsibility in determining the student’s personal attire, hairstyle, jewelry, and personal items. Ritenour Middle School is responsible for assuring that student attire, hairstyle, jewelry, and personal items do not interfere with the health or safety of any student and do not contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment for any student.
- Students should be able to dress and style their hair for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of unnecessary discipline or body shaming
- Students have the right to be treated equitably. Dress code enforcement will not create disparities, reinforce or increase the marginalization of any group, nor will it be more strictly enforced against students because of racial identity, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity.
Bookbag Policy
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all middle school students will be required to use a clear or mesh backpack during the school day. This expectation aligns with the requirements already in place at Ritenour High School (RHS). Only clear or mesh backpacks will be permitted to use in our secondary schools. Students can have a non-clear pouch, but it must meet the dimensions 4.5" by 3.5".
Clear and mesh backpacks help support school safety by allowing staff to more easily identify items being brought into the building. This added safety measure helps create a more secure environment while still allowing students to carry the materials they need for learning.
Students must wear:
- Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, etc.)
- Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.)
- Footwear
- Clothes for the temperature, as blankets will not be permitted
Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, or personal items that:
- Contain threats, promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia
- Demonstrate hate group association/affiliation or use hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other protected groups
- Intentionally show private parts (nipples, genitals, buttocks). Clothing must cover private parts in opaque (not able to be seen through) material
- Cover the student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable, this includes Nike or other athletic ski masks (except clothing/headgear worn for a religious or medical purpose)
- Demonstrate gang association/affiliation
Anti-Bullying Policy
Ritenour Middle School has a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. When bullying is reported, the following steps will be followed to address the situation.
Bullying Cascade
- A student reports an incident of bullying, or a staff member observes it.
- RMS staff members intervene and remind the students of our behavioral expectations.
- RMS staff will contact all parents of students involved in the incident via phone or in person.
- RMS staff members will log the situation and report it to the administrator.
- An office referral will follow the second offense, and a parent/admin conference will be scheduled.
- The third offense will include a consequence, and a Student Safety Plan will be created to separate the students.
All students are expected to follow the Anti-Bullying Rules:
- We will not bully others.
- We will help students who are bullied.
- We will include students who are left out.
- If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell a trusted adult at school and at home.
| In the Classroom | For Individuals Who Bully or Who Are Bullied |
|---|---|
|
|
Clinic
Student Clinic: A school nurse is on duty five days a week in the student clinic, located near the Main Office. The nurse will apply first aid for any mishap that takes place at school. For non-life-threatening issues, students must complete a digital pass and wait to be called by the nurse to be seen. Teachers must send students with a pass to be admitted to the clinic. The student will have a pass to return to the classroom.
Going Home for Illness: Students must check in with the nurse before going home because of illness. The nurse must contact the parent for an early pick-up due to illness. Students who contact a parent before speaking with the nurse will have an unexcused absence for the remainder of the day if they are picked up.
Medication: All student medications will be kept in the clinic. With parent AND doctor’s approval, students may carry emergency medications such as an inhaler or EPI pen. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be kept in the clinic and given to the student by the nurse ONLY if a doctor’s note AND a parent's permission form are on file. Under no circumstances should students carry medication or share medication with another student.
Other Guidelines & Procedures
For all other building-wide and district-wide expectations, please see the Ritenour School District Parent-Student Handbook: Parent-Student Handbook - Ritenour School District
