Our Mission is to be an exemplary 21st–century learning community whose graduates are well prepared to excel in a complex, interconnected and changing world.

Middle School hall rules go Hollywood

Hallway chaos. Golden tickets. Ms. Black as a gameshow host. Butter your popcorn. It's a film experience not to be missed!

Having trouble viewing the video? Watch it here.

FCCLA members make a 6,000 pound difference at the food bank

Twenty middle school and high school members of Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) helped out the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York on Friday, March 22. The students packaged over 6,000 pounds of food for local food banks and community services. The Regional Food Bank provides over 25 million pounds of food a year to 1,000 agencies, many of them right here in the Capital Region.

New Autism Family Support Group to meet on May 22, at A.W. Becker

The first meeting of the Autism Family Support Group will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the A.W. Becker Elementary School, 1146 Route 9W, Selkirk.

The meeting is open to all RCS families, including pre-school families. [Read more]

Congratulations to Our April Students of the Month!

[view a complete list of the middle school's students of the month]

RCS High School and Middle School Bands and Choruses Bring Home NYSSMA Awards

RCS high school and middle school music students walked away with four awards - three Gold and one Silver - during the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization Evaluation Festivals held last week. [Read More]

PBIS kicks off at Middle School

The Middle School started to introduce Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies (PBIS) to our staff and students this past week. PBIS is a systems approach for establishing a social culture with behavioral supports to help provide a more effective learning environment for our students. [Read More]

Second annual Middle School-wide
art show May 14

More than 900 works of art by RCS Middle School's talented artists--including a new mural installation created by the MS Art Club will be on display at the second annual Middle School school-wide art show will be held Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30-8 p.m.[Read More and view a sampling of images from the show]

BOGO book fair starts May 8

 The Middle School will host a special buy one get one book fair event from Wednesday, May 8 to Tuesday May 14. You can peruse the offerings and place orders in the Middle School library from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10). On Tuesday, May 14, parents and students are invited to celebrate reading and the final night of the BOGO book fair  with a special event from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Middle School cafeteria, featuring a school-wide art show, a performance by the jazz ensemble and more! 

2013-14 calendar available; May 24, 2013 is a regular school day

Check out the 2013-14 calendar approved by the Board of Education. [download PDF] PLEASE NOTE: Because of the emergency closing for the power outage on Monday, April 22, THE SCHEDULED CONTINGENT DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 WILL BE A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.

Help your student in grades 3-8 before he or she sits for the upcoming Common Core tests

There are ways to cope with the new state tests that students in grades 3-8 will take April 16-18 (ELA) and April 24-26 (mathematics). Check out this PDF brochure about tips for taking the tests and how to relieve the inevitable stress.
Check out this video about the new state tests: http://www.engageny.org/resource/video-for-parents-and-families-about-the-common-core-assessments
[Read more]

As the weather warms, please remember what you can NOT wear under the Student Dress code

Check out this flyer to show you examples of what types of clothing are NOT acceptable under the school's Student Dress Code for both boys and girls. Remember: cover the tops and cover the bottoms! [Read or download the pdf]

Wellness Community Walk scheduled for April 28

The RCS Wellness Committee is sponsoring the second annual Community Wellness Walk from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at Joralemon Park, 144 Starr Road, Ravena. The purpose of the walk is to create an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for all community members in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district. [Read more]

School sports physicals for grades 6-11 scheduled on April 30 and May 8

If you are planning on playing modified, junior varsity or varsity sports at RCS in the 2013-14 school year, you will need a physical. This is your chance. [Read more]

More than 100 RCS students to play in Solo Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19 and 20

 More than 100 elementary, middle school and high school musicians from RCS will participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo/Ensemble Evaluation Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19th and 20th. [Read more]

Congratulations to Our March Students of the Month!

[view a complete list of the middle school's students of the month]

RCS Middle School recognized by Best Buddies of the Capital Region

Best Buddies of the Capital Region named RCS Middle School as the “2012-2013 Middle School of the Year” for the second year in a row. Best Buddies, which is an international organization, helps students with intellectual or developmental abilities create friends and feel included. [Read more]

More than 50 RCS musicians to play at the Spring All-County Music Festival March 20-22 at Greenville HS

Congratulations to all of our fine RCS student musicians! The RCS Music Department is proud to announce that more than 50 middle and high school students have been selected to participate in this year’s Greene County Music Educators Association (GCMEA) Spring All-County Music Festival. [Read More]

Science Olympiad draws RCS Middle School young scientists

For several hours this weekend, RCS Middle School student teams competed in 19 science events and categories and performed tasks and solved problems about anatomy, diseases, forestry, animals, heredity and a host of other topics with students from other school districts in the Capital Region. [Read More]

Ravena Swim Club competitive program begins April 15

The Ravena Swim Club's competitive swim program begins April 15. The program is designed for swimmers ages 6 to 18 and is held at the RCS High School Aquatics Center. For registration information, check out the club's website at http://www.ravenaswimclub.com.

Sundae celebration for Honor and Merit Roll students

In an ongoing effort to focus on the positive and celebrate all our students accomplishments, all Middle School students who made the Merit Roll or Honor Roll second quarter were treated to make-your-own sundaes on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Over 250 6th, 7th and 8th grade students made either the Honor Roll or the Merit Roll. The Middle School is proud of each and every one of them.

STOP Leadership Conference

On Jan. 18, RCS Middle School students attended a STOP (Students Together Opposing Prejudice) leadership conference at Siena College with Mrs. Abelson and Ms. Santoni. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series run by the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference® Institute, aims to was to empower students to lead the fight against bigotry, intolerance and all forms of hatred in their communities.

Seasonal flu information

Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from the flu. Learn about the symptoms of influenza and find vaccine clinics and other resources to help keep your family healthy this flu season here.

Tomboys Softball to register players on Jan. 10 and 17

Already thinking about spring, Tomboys Softball will hold in-person registrations on January 10 and 17 at RCS Middle School and Bethlehem Town Hall. [Read More]

Book drive beyond successful!

The school anticipated collecting 1,000 books during the book drive - and ended up collecting 3,821! These books will be sent to libraries that are in desperate need of books and RCS middle school will benefit as well. Thanks to all who contributed!

Shop the online bookfair now!

The in-school fair will be held Dec. 12-17, but purchases can be made through the online book fair now through Dec. 19. To browse and shop online, simply visit our bookfair homepage at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/rcsms and click "shop now."

Middle School recognition awards recipients

Congratulations to our Middle School recognition awards recipients, who were celebrated at the Board of Education Meeting on Dec. 4 for achieving level four scores on their New York state exams. [Read More]

First annual Turkey Trot raises money and food for hurricane victims

On Tuesday, Nov. 20th, the Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted the first annual Turkey Trot to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. Students paid their way out of classes with cash or non-perishable food items, and ran hundreds of miles in total, raising $450 in donations to the Red Cross for hurricane victims and collecting a small mountain of food, cleaning and personal care items. The Middle School is very proud of the first Turkey Trot and looking forward to next year!

November Parent Connection

[Download the most recent Parent Connection Newsletter]

2nd annual Pins & Rims fundraiser set for Friday, Nov. 9 at the HS gym

It’s time for the 2nd Annual “Best Buddies” Pins and Rims fundraiser and tournament. This year, the game will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the RCS High School gymnasium. [Read More]

Slip into something spirited

The Middle School faculty kicked off the spirit week fun in their jammies on Oct. 29

Order your RCS Middle School yearbook now!

The RCS Middle School Yearbook 2012-2013 presale is underway!
The Yearbook Club is busy taking photos for this year’s FULL COLOR yearbook. It will include photos of all students, activities, sports and events that make our school year special. Presales end December 1, 2012. [Read More]

60 RCS Musicians Selected for GCMEA Fall All-County Music Festival

The RCS Music Department is proud to announce that 60 students from the middle school and high schools have been selected to participate in this year’s Fall All-County Music Festival. [Read More]

RCS Wins $1.2 Million District Performance Improvement Grant

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District has been awarded a District Performance Improvement grant from the New York State Education Department totaling $1.2 million over a three-year grant period. The three-year grant will fund "Shoring Up the Middle (SUM)," a program targeted to improve student performance in grades 5-8 and better prepare students to achieve success in high school and beyond. [Read More]

Introduction to Girls Competitive Swimming Sept. 27

All girls in grades 4-8 are invited to an open swim at the RCS High School on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Participants will be introduced to different aspects of competitive swimming with help from the varsity swim team, and information about local opportunities for competitive swimming will be presented to parents at the end of the open swim. No sign up is required to attend. Contact Coach Loughlin at eloughlin@rcscsd.org with any questions. Meet the varsity swim team here.

Our First Day in Film

Welcome back to the classes of 2013 to 2025!

Open House Thursday, Sept. 13

Parents and guardians of Middle School students are invited to our open house on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 6:15 p.m. Parents will have a chance to follow their school child's schedule, meet their teachers and counselors and get an overview of the year's classes and expectations. Read the invitation from Principal Pamela Black here.

Back-to-School Supply Lists Now Available

Get a jump start on stocking up for back to school! Grade 6-8 supply lists are now available here.

Parent Connection newsletter now available

The RCS Middle School "Parent Connection" June newsletter is now available online. [download pdf]

Second Step Program Discourages Bullying and Fosters Respect 

On Tuesday, May 22, the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Board of Education officially adopted district policy 7552, the Dignity for All Students Act, but for sixth graders at RCS Middle School, the Second Step program is already helping to cultivate a culture of tolerance and respect. [Read More]

Eighth Graders Tour High School for Transition Day

On Thursday, May 24, the eighth grade class visited the high school for an transition day, which offers incoming freshmen an introduction to their new school before they beginning ninth grade in the fall. [Read More and View Gallery]

Congratulations to Our 3rd Quarter Honor and Merit Roll Students

[merit roll] [honor roll]

FCCLA Members Earn Sliver Medals at State Conference

Six students from the Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Middle School in FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) attended the state conference held in Calicoon, NY. [Read More]

Science Olympiad Team Takes First Place

The RCS Middle School Division B Science Olympiad team defended its status as the No. 1 team in the Capital Region by securing a first place win in this year’s regional tournament. [Read More]

51 RCS Musicians Selected for All-County Festival

The RCS Music Department will be sending 51 talented musicians to participate in the Greene County Music Educators Association Spring All-County Festival [Read More]

Aventura de Cuentos y Musica

On Tuesday, March 13, 45 Middle School students took a trip to the Palace Theatre to see a free performance of Cuentos Del Árbol, a bilingual musical drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore.

Wear Red Day Campaign Earns $570 for AHA

Students, faculty and staff from the RCS Middle School raised $570 for the American Heart Association on as part of the Wear Red day campaign. Mrs. Fisk’s 7th grade science classes led the way by encouraging students to Wear Red and make donations to the AHA.

Parent Night Tuesday Presentation Now Available Online

In an effort to increase academic achievement for our students, the Middle School held a parent night to discuss changes to the upcoming New York state assessments on Tuesday, March 6. The full presentation is now available online. [View Presentation - PDF]

News-Herald Celebrates Teacher Contribution to Cub Scouts

Middle School Technology Instructor Jared Bevington helps Pack 1067 gear up for the Pinewood Derby. [Read More]

Submit Your Snapshots to the Yearbook

The yearbook staff invites you to submit your candid photos for the yearbook [Submission Instructions - PDF]

RCS FCCLA Creates Quilts for Kids

The RCS chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America cut, pieced and sewed three quilts for the national Quilts for Kids project, a volunteer effort which aims to give each child in a hospital their very own handmade quilt. [read more]

Order a 2012 yearbook today!

Order forms were sent home on Dec. 21 in your child’s progress report. The cost for this year’s book is $30. Checks or money orders should be made out to RCS Middle School. Please do not send cash. Just drop your payment envelope into the box in Mrs. Stott's room (240) or go to www.balfour.com to complete your order online! Final orders must be in by Feb. 17. [online ordering directions - pdf]

MS students recognized for high scores on state exams

At its meeting on Dec. 6, the Board of Education recognized 106 students from RCS Middle School who achieved a level 4 on one or more of the NY State exams taken last spring. [read more]

Students study, identify animal signs at Five Rivers

At the end of October, middle school students in Beth Rice's class played detective as they studied "animal signs" at Five Rivers in Delmar. [READ MORE]

Best Buddies program helps students grow lasting friendships

New this school year, RCS Middle School has established a Best Buddies Association where students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities are paired together to become "buddies." [READ MORE]

RCS music students of all ages to participate in Fall music festival

Fifty-five RCS students have been selected to participate in the annual Fall All-County Music Festival, hosted by the Greene County Music Educators Association (GCMEA). The festival will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 and Friday, Nov. 4 at Cairo-Durham High School. [READ MORE]

RCS combined MS/HS team raises $1,000 for breast cancer research

On Oct. 16, a team from RCS Middle School and High School, as well as several students, family and friends, participated in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in honor of the staff members at RCS who have battled breast cancer. [READ MORE]

Seasonal flu guide for parents

The New York State Health Department has released its flu guide for the 2011-2012 school year. [informational guide from nys department of health - pdf]

MS students donate handmade stuffed animals to Red Cross

Seventh grade student Emma Hughes and eighth grade student Morgan Laduke recently donated 20 handmade stuffed animals or "cuddle buddies" to the American Red Cross to be used to comfort children who lost all of their belongings in Hurricane Irene. [READ MORE]

2011-12 district calendar

In response to feedback from district residents, the 2011-12 calendar will not be mailed to households this year. The calendar will be sent home with elementary students, will be available at all school buildings, and can be download here [PDF]. This new approach is saving the district in printing, production and postage costs.