🎶 Region II Honor Band Highlights! 🎶
Sharing some amazing moments from this past weekend’s Region II Honor Band experience!
Held in Wood County, students from 10 counties came together for two days of intense rehearsal and musical excellence - practicing Friday at Williamstown High School and performing Saturday’s concert at Parkersburg High School.
Our Blazers represented us with pride:
👏 Jaelyn earned 1st chair out of 6!
👏 Truett and Kensi placed 2nd and 3rd chairs out of 13!
👏 Isela secured 2nd chair out of 15!
They auditioned for chair placements, practiced all day Friday, followed by a half day Saturday, capped with a beautiful performance that afternoon. We are so proud of their dedication, talent, and hard work! 💛🎼
#HonorBand #StudentMusicians #ProudMoment #RegionII #MusicMatters #BandLife

📚🔥 Get ready for a HOT deal at the RCMS Scholastic Book Fair! 🔥📚
📅 Dates: Monday, March 31 - Thursday, April 3
📍 Location: RCMS
🛍️ Special After-School Shopping Hours: Monday, March 31, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
💳 No Cash? No Problem! Use eWallet!
🗓️ eWallets Available: NOW - Friday, April 4
💡 What is an eWallet?
A safe, cash-free way for students to shop at the book fair
Parents set up an account and add funds online
Teachers can also build classroom libraries through eWallet donations
⚡ Reminder: You must create a NEW eWallet for each book fair!
Create EWallet Here: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/ritchiecountymidsch
Don’t miss out—once books are gone, they’re gone! See you at the Book Fair! #RCMSBookFair #BOGOBooks #ReadMore
🎉 RCMS Students Represent at the WV Capitol! 🏛️
Two outstanding RCMS students, 8th grader Zoey Lamp and 7th grader Brooklynn Deem, had the incredible opportunity to serve as Pages for the West Virginia Legislature during the February session!
As Pages, these students got a firsthand look at how our state government operates, assisting lawmakers, observing the legislative process, and representing RCMS with pride. This experience allowed them to engage in civic leadership and learn about the impact of state policies on our communities.
Congratulations to our RCMS representatives! Your hard work and dedication to learning beyond the classroom make us all proud!
#RCMSProud #WVLegislature #StudentLeaders #FutureLeaders






🍀 Attendance Matters! 🍀
We will be wrapping up the month with an Attendance Basket Drawing- and you don’t want to miss it!
✅ When? March 24 - March 28
✅ How to enter? Simply be here every day from 3/24 to 3/28, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a prize!
Good attendance = better learning + a fun reward! Don’t miss out!
#BeHere #SpringIntoSuccess #AttendanceMatters #AllinForKids

📢Cozy for a Cause! 💤💙
📅Friday, March 28th
For just $1, students can wear their coziest PJ’s to school.
All proceeds will go toward supporting a local family in need. If you’d like to contribute beyond the $1 donation, we welcome any additional support!
Let’s come together as a community and make a difference. 💙✨

🍀💚 Luck, Laughter, and Lots of Green! 💚🍀
Our students went all out for St. Patrick’s Day today! From festive outfits to big smiles, it was a day full of fun, friendship, and maybe even a little extra luck in the air. 🌈✨
Check out these awesome photos of our crew rocking their greenest gear!
#StPatricksDay #LuckyToBeHere #GoGreen #SchoolSpirit #AllinForKids
Mathletes on the Move!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our amazing Math Field Day participants who are heading to Regionals at WVU-P today! Their hard work, problem-solving skills, and dedication have earned them a spot to compete at the next level!
A special THANK YOU to Mrs. Price for generously donating her time after school to help students prepare! 💙👏
We are so proud of these students for representing our school! Wish them luck as they take on the challenge! #MathFieldDay #FutureProblemSolvers #ProudMoment #OnToRegionals
🌸🎶 Last-Minute Fun Alert! 🎶🌸
Spring is in the air, and what better way to kick it off than with a Spring Dance! 💃🕺
📅 Friday, March 21st
📍 RCMS Gym
🎟 $5 Admission
✨ 5th & 6th Grade: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
✨ 7th & 8th Grade: 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Get ready for an awesome night of dancing, a game room, and photo fun! 📸🎮 Concessions will be available for purchase.
🌼 Wear your favorite spring colors and come celebrate! 🌼

Preschool Registration for 2025-2026 school year
*Registrations will be held at the Ritchie County Board of Education Office*
May 2nd- Smithville Elementary
May 9th- Creed Collins Elementary
May 16th Harrisville Elementary
To schedule your appointment time, please call 304-643-2991 ext. 109 or 110.
New kindergarten student registration will also take place during this time. Please call to register.
Please feel free to share with anyone with a child that will be in preschool or kindergarten in the Fall of 2025.

Happy Maintenance Appreciation Day!

RCMS would like to say a big Congratulations to Jaelyn Shaffer on making All State Band! She will have 2 days of intense practice and then a concert Friday night. Way to go, Jaelyn!

🔥 Blazers in Action! 🔥
Our middle school Blazers hit the gym this week to take on indoor field hockey! 🏒💨 With teamwork, quick reflexes, and plenty of energy, they’re learning the fundamentals of stick handling, passing, and strategy—all while having a blast!
From mastering dribbles to defending the goal, these students are proving that hard work and sportsmanship go hand in hand.
📸 Check out the action-packed moments from class.
#BlazerPride #FieldHockeyFun #ActiveMindsActiveBodies





Menu Changes for Next Week:
Breakfast- All week will be Cook's Choice
Lunch-
Tuesday: Chicken Sandwich or pizza, chips and a treat.
Friday: Pulled Pork Nacho or Pizza, refried beans, rice, and churro.
The updated menu can be downloaded from our website.

This week is Read Across America Week and goes right along with Dr. Seuss' birthday. Take some extra time this week and read to a child or enjoy some reading time for yourself!

📢 Report Cards Are Out! 📢
Report cards went home today! This is a great time to reflect on progress, set new goals, and finish the semester strong. 💪
Parents, be sure to review your child’s grades and celebrate their hard work. If any challenges came up this grading period, now is the perfect time to make a plan for success moving forward!
Remember, effort and determination lead to growth—keep striving for your best! 🌟
#ReportCardDay #KeepStriving #SuccessStartsNow

Parent Guidance February Newsletter is now available on our website. February Newsletter- Raising Resilient Kids: The Role of Failure in Development- https://www.ritchieschools.com/page/family-links-copy
Follow the link- under Cook Family Resources- Download a free copy!

Attention RCMS Softball!
Join us for Flex Day Practices on:
• Tuesday, February 25 – 3:30 to 5:30 PM
• Wednesday, February 26 – 3:30 to 5:30 PM
• Thursday, February 27 – 3:30 to 5:30 PM
These practice sessions are the perfect opportunity to get ready for tryouts, which kick off next Monday, March 3 at 3:30 PM in the middle school gym. Whether you're a seasoned player or just eager to join, come out and bring your energy to represent RCMS Softball.
**Be sure to have physicals complete before practice.

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day February 22, 2025
Ritchie County Schools appreciates that our bus drivers work hard to safely transport our students. Thank you for all that you do!

ParentGuidance.org is offering Coaching for Parents. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Parent Coaching includes- no cost, confidential support, weekly or bi-weekly calls, messaging with a coach, tools & tips to support you, and guided step-by-step resources. You can scan the QR code included in the flyer or go to https://cookcenter.info/coaching for more information.

Menu Change for this week:
Tuesday- Walking Taco or Pizza
Wednesday- Orange Chicken, Rice, Stri Fry Veggies and Egg Roll
Thursday- Pepperoni Roll day! (No Pizza)

