New Families

ATTENDANCE

Absence, Lateness or Medical Appointments Procedures
In addition to the excuse cards to ensure the safety of your child, please report your child's absence before 9 a.m. by calling the Safe Arrival Phone Numbers 610-688-0930.

Excuse Card
Fill out the official Excuse Card and send into school with your child following every absence. Absence notes may also be submitted as an email attachment. 

Family/Non-School Trips
Fill out the Education Trip Request Form and submit to your principal. 

Learn More About Attendance in RTSD

COMMUNICATION

HAC - Home Access Center
An online database that provides parents/guardians access to their child(ren)'s class schedule and academic progress and report cards (when available). Each parent/guardian can have his/her own HAC account.

Membership ToolKit
An online database used by all 5 of the district’s Parent Teacher Organizations (RTSD PTOs) to send email communications. Register and download the free app to receive monthly PTO E-Newsletters, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and receive reminders about PTO activities. Once registered, families have the option to purchase access to the on-line student directory for all 5 schools. 

PTO Newsletter
View current and past RMS PTO Newsletters on the PTO Communications webpage.

School District Website (RTSD)
Access district and school calendars, news on district events, lunch menus, assessment and academic information, resources for families, staff contact information, photo galleries, school board activity and more.Teachers and staff members can post their own information to their respective teacher or department webpages or submit information to the District's Communications Department for possible publication on the District's website

School Messenger
Radnor Township School District’s phone, email and text message alert system used to notify parents/guardians and staff members about urgent matters such as school closings/delays and distribute information about other timely issues and events. SchoolMessenger contacts parents/guardians using the data located in HAC (Home Access Center). You do not need to register for these alerts.

Schoology
Radnor Township School District's online Learning Management System (LMS) for sharing and accessing classroom-related information and communication. Students and teachers use Schoology to organize and access classroom resources as well as communicate and collaborate. To access Schoology, register your child(ren) and the district will create a Schoology account for you as a parent within 5-7 business days. 

The Radnor Reader
The district's official electronic newsletter, keeps RTSD parents, staff, students and community members informed about events, news and other happenings going on within RTSD schools and the district. It delivers important and impactful information from the district, your school(s), and district and school groups, right to your inbox on Sunday afternoons to help you plan for the week ahead. 

Learn More About Communication in RTSD

DINING POLICIES

All RMS students are eligible to receive one nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day, at no charge,
through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). This program is available to schools and districts as part of the waivers issued by USDA on April 20, 2021. 

Breakfast
The breakfast includes a grain (such as a whole grain muffin, cereal, pancakes or bagel), fruit and/or fruit juice, and milk. Breakfast is $2.00. 

EZ SchoolPay
Once your student has registered with the school, they will receive a six-digit student number to register and fund their student(s) EZ SchoolPay lunch account.

Free and Reduced Meals
Families do not need to apply for free or reduced meals to participate in the program. However, we do encourage those in need to apply and take advantage of other opportunities, including fee waivers and discounted home internet. A Free and Reduced Meals application will be required to continue receiving free meals when this program terminates. 

Lunch Duration
The lunch bell schedule varies by grade and is found in the RMS Handbook. Each grade level is allowed a 30-minute lunch-break.  If a student finishes his/her lunch before the lunch break ends, they are allowed to go outside for recess.   

Snacks
A la carte items, including yogurt and water bottles, are available for purchase in the cafeteria. 

Learn More About Food Service in RTSD

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Schedule
Will be mailed or emailed to you in mid-August.

Here Comes The Bus
A free mobile app, supported by the RTSD, that allows for real-time monitoring location of traveling district school buses from a smartphone, tablet or computer to help students and parents/guardians get to the bus stops at the right time, every time.  

Learn More About Transportation in RTSD

OTHER

Volunteering

Volunteers are an essential component to the success of our school and students. To ensure student safety, and pursuant to Pennsylvania law, certain volunteers are required to obtain certification (to renew every 5 years). Please complete the Clearance Forms before signing-up to volunteer.

Learn More About Volunteering in RTSD

Advisory: Daily period (33 minutes on Days 1,2,4,5,6,7 and 8. On Raider Day, Day 3, Advisory is 30 minutes). A period for independent study, extra help, group meetings and makeup work. Essentials (extra support in Math or Reading) , Music Ensembles (Band, Orchestra and Chorus) meet at this time. Students are assigned a new advisory teacher and advisory classroom each year.

A.S.K. (Alliance for Safe Kids): Program of meetings run by a collaboration of parents, school administrators and Radnor Township to promote positive life choices and raise awareness about at-risk behaviors.

Assignment Notebook: Spiral notebook given to every student at the beginning of the school year. Parents should check the assignment notebook for short-term and long-term assignments.

Athletics: At Radnor Middle School, students are encouraged to participate in athletic programs and, in fact, only a few teams (basketball, baseball, and softball) limit the number of players on the team. The coaches, most of whom are RMS teachers and staff, have a middle school philosophy of safety, participation, and fun first, while still building very competitive teams in the league.

Back to School Night: Traditionally held two weeks after school starts. Also known as Parent Information Night or Open House. Hosted by RMS Administration and Faculty. Parents have an opportunity to “walk in their child’s shoes”, familiarize themselves with their schedule, briefly meet their teachers and receive an overview of the year/grade academic program.

Bell Schedule: Classes are scheduled on an 8 day cycle. Each day starts with Advisory and is followed by 8 periods of teaching, which includes 1 period for lunch. Each grade has a different period for lunch. For all grades, Period 8 is Extended Learning Time (ELT) - students receive an additional lesson in one of the classes they have already had that day. ELT also runs on a cycle. For more details please see the RMS Bell Schedule 2019-20 in the Student handbook. Students can view their schedule in HAC (Home Access Center).

Bus Loop: The semi-circular drive at the back of the school that encircles the administration building where students board buses.

Drop Off/Collection Procedures - Morning and Afternoon: If you need to update/ change your child re pick-up arrangements, please call the office and they will get a message to them.

Drop-in Centers: Learning centers/open labs for students to do catch up work , get ahead with projects in select classes.

Encore Classes: Classes scheduled two periods per day for all grades that include World Languages ( French, German, Spanish or Latin), Family Consumer and Consumer Sciences (FaCS), Tech Ed, Music, Art, P.E. and Health.

Essentials: Multi-grade support courses offered in Math and Writing.

E.L.D. (English Language Development Program): Students in the ELD program either have not had any experience with English or may need some support developing their English language proficiency. Our students are from all over the world.

Extended Learning Time (ELT): This is an extended time of learning for the four core subjects (math, science, social studies and english language arts) on a rotating schedule. Students should report to the class period listed based on the daily cycle day. Integrated program students should report to their respective integrated classes.

EZSchoolPay (paying for lunch): Register your child on EZSchoolPay if they would like to purchase food/drinks in the RMS cafeteria. The account is linked to your child’s Student ID number. Each time they make a purchase in the cafeteria they will need to use their Student ID number to log-in. You can view your child purchases and set email reminders for when you need to put more money into their account.

Parents/guardians may also send cash or check (made payable to "RTSD Food Service" with your child(ren)'s name/ID number in the memo line) to their building's main office to preload the account.

FaCS (Family and Consumer Sciences): Course offered to grades 6-8 that teaches life skills such as nutrition, cooking, childhood development, sewing, time management and conflict resolution.

Family Sponsorship Campaign (FSC): Every year, we start the school year with our largest fundraiser, the Family Sponsorship Campaign (FSC). The goal of this campaign is to raise funds in support of PTO activities with one donation, rather than multiple appeals throughout the school year.

Gym Shirts: Students are required to purchase a grey RMS gym t-shirt for their physical education class. Purchase at Open School, Back to School Night or at the school office for $5.

HAC (Home Access Center): (HAC) is an online database that provides parents/guardians access to their child(ren)'s class schedule and academic progress and report cards (when available). Each parent/guardian can have his/her own HAC account. For questions or to receive log in information, please contact your corresponding school building(s).

Integrated Programs: Nationally recognized programs that are year-long alternatives to traditional curriculum. Eligibility is based on a lottery program. Registration occurs in the spring of the prior school year. RMS offers four programs:

• Crossroads (6th grade) Combines the study of language arts, social studies and science to explore issues related to communities and cultures.
• Watershed (7th grade) Skills and concepts are integrated around the comprehensive study of a local watershed through a combination of classroom activities and site visits.
• Gateways (8th grade) An award-winning multidisciplinary team incorporating STEM education.
• Soundings (8th grade) Exploration of student-selected themes that merge their adolescent concerns with global issues.

Intramural Club: Program of faculty-led activities held Monday through Thursday after school at RMS. Club information is available in the Student Bulletin. Offerings vary from year to year but usually include athletics, dramatic arts and curriculum related subjects. Late busses are not provided.

Language Arts: Study that entails the combined instruction of English, reading and composition.

LGI (Large Group Instruction room): Located on the 3rd floor, behind the auditorium, this room is used for instructional purposes, exams and for meetings/briefings.

Lockers: Students are assigned a locker near their advisory classroom and will receive a combination lock from RMS at the Open School event. (The district security requires only school issued locks). All lockers should remain locked when not in use. Bookbags remain in lockers during the school day; students carry items to class as needed. Lockers are emptied at the end of each school year. Students may purchase a replacement school lock if needed for $10.00. Students can keep their lock for the duration of middle school.

Main Gym & Auxiliary Gym: The main gym is used for most athletic activities. The auxiliary gym is used primarily for Physical Education classes.

Media Center: Also known as the Library, RMS summer reading information is available in the link above.

MS HOPE (Middle School: Helping Our Pupils' Esteem): Student assistance program to provide support to students who are facing challenges that impede their ability to succeed in school.

Open School: All students are invited to walk through the building and see their classrooms. They are provided with a copy of their schedule. New students can get their free combination lock for their locker and purchase their gym shirt for $5. PTO merchandise is also available to purchase. A day at the end of August, the building is usually open from 1 - 6 pm.

Parent Resource Library: The school counseling department offers a library of books on parenting you may borrow.

PTO (Parent Teacher Organization): Every RMS parent is automatically a member of the RMS Parent Teacher Organization (RMS PTO). Being an active member of the PTO is a great way to make friends, connect with other families and meet RMS staff. By volunteering your time, energy and more, you can make a real contribution to your child’s education at RMS. Our mission is to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and communication among parents, teachers and administrators of Radnor Middle School and; to provide programs, financing, and other vehicles to enhance and supplement the School District's commitment to providing a high quality education to all students at RMS. Show your PTO spirit by purchasing PTO Merchandise - A Note to RMS pads, car magnets, phone wallets and more. Available to purchase at Open School, Back to School Events or the school office.

 “The Reader”: This is the Radnor Reader. Weekly RTSD online newsletter delivered into you inbox Sunday afternoons to help you plan for the week ahead. Provides parents with essential information on upcoming events, news and other happenings going on within RTSD schools and the district.

Safe Arrival Line: Call 610-688-0930 to report your child late or absent before 7:50 am. This is not the main office number. Leave your message as directed.

School Counselor: Each incoming 6th grade student will be assigned a counselor. Counselors work directly with the same group of students from the start of 6th grade through 8th grade, providing academic and social support and guiding them in their choices as they move up the school.

Schoology: Learning management system (LMS) Allows students and teachers to interact online, in and outside of the classroom. Through Schoology, teachers can post course content, provide resources for students, and review assignments. Students can login to access one calendar and class resources. They can submit assignments, take quizzes and participate in online discussions. Parents can receive teacher updates and view upcoming events through their accounts and their children's accounts.

Spirit Day: District-wide celebration of Radnor school spirit linked to Radnor High School annual football game against Lower Merion High School, one of the oldest public high school football rivalries in the United States. Spirit Day is the Friday of “LM Week” and students at the middle and elementary schools join in the fun of showing their spirit and support of the game typically by wearing their Radnor Spirit Gear.

Spirit Wear: Radnor or RMS branded apparel for purchase online. View the RMS online store Spirit Gear and show your “Radnor Pride” by wearing your gear on Spirit Days and on district-wide Spirit Day in October.

Standardized Tests: Assessment tests (for example PSSAs, Keystones) are given throughout the school year. Here you can view the names and types of test your child will be taking. Testing windows are also highlighted on the RTSD Instructional Calendar to help you plan ahead.

Student Bulletin: Student directed announcements displayed daily on a screen in the cafeteria during lunch and posted online via Schoology. Parents can also view the daily announcements on their Schoology account.

Student Handbook: For detailed information on school procedures and more, refer to the RTSD site with student program of studies and handbook.

Student ID Number: Sometimes known as “your lunch number”, all students receive a Student ID number when they register with the district. This number stays the same until they graduate High School. They will use this number to purchase lunch in the Cafeteria on their preloaded account, search for books in the library and as part of other school logins.

Student Socials: The RMS PTO hosts grade specific student social events featuring games, music, snacks and a fun theme. This is an after-school event, typically 7- 9pm held in the school Gym and Cafeteria.

Teams: A teaming approach is used to organize the student body. Teachers and students are grouped in teams for academic core classes, including math, language arts, social studies and science. Students will be in class with team members for core subjects, but will be assigned to specials with students from other teams.

• 6th Grade Teams are: Red, Blue, Yellow and Crossroads
• 7th Grade Teams are: Orange, Green, Purple and Watershed
• 8th Grade Teams are: Bronze, Chrome, Copper, Soundings and Gateways

Team Planning Time: Period scheduled each day during which faculty on the same team meet. Parents may request an appointment to meet with the faculty team at this time.

Tech Ed: Technology Education: Course offered to 6-8 grade that introduces students to the technological world around them including internet safety, typing skills, computing, coding and more. See grade-level courses under the Encore sections of the RMS Program of Studies.

Walk to Wayne: RMS students love to Walk to Wayne after school on Fridays - it is a Middle School tradition. There is nothing scheduled about this event. It is a casual, social activity. It is not supervised or sponsored by the school or the PTO.

W.E.B. (Where Everyone Belongs - mentoring program): 8th grade students mentor incoming 6th grade students to ensure a smooth transition to middle school. They come together for a WEB social hosted in the first week of school to celebrate transitioning to middle school.

World Language: French, German, Latin and Spanish are offered in 6th grade through 8th grade. See grade level course offerings under RMS Program of Studies under Encore.

Yellow Notepads: Yellow RMS ‘A Note to Radnor Middle School’ Notepads can be used by parents to write a note to inform the school about their child’s early dismissal, lateness. etc. Available to purchase at Welcome and Back to School Events and all year round the office for $5. Printed by the RMS PTO.