Parent Newsletter: April 21–25

🚀 Navigator News

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📚 Language Arts

Nic Hays
nhays@dcsdk12.org

✨ Advanced Language Arts

• Students will read an excerpt from Quiet by Susan Cain, exploring the rise of the extrovert ideal in modern culture.

• We’ll connect this concept to the disguises and performances characters take on in Much Ado About Nothing.

• Begin reading Act II of the play, diving deeper into Shakespeare’s drama and wit.

🚀 Language Arts

• Continue Sci-Fi/Fantasy Unit.

• Participate in Week 1 book club discussions.

• Read and analyze the poem There Will Come Soft Rains by Sara Teasdale (setting the stage for the short story by Ray Bradbury).

• All students will complete their third and final i-Ready diagnostic assessment this week.

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🌎 Social Studies

Dave Callaway
drcallaway@dcsdk12.org

• Assessments on the lead-up to the Civil War.

• Complete Underground Railroad quilt square project.

• Study the election of 1860.

• Watch a movie with a related viewing guide.

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🔬 Science

Heather Haney
hshaney@dcsdk12.org

• Make-up tests:

  • Climate Test: Monday or Tuesday.

  • Weather Test: Complete by Tuesday.

• Begin Climate Change Unit.

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🏃‍♀️ PE/Health

Erin Millage
emmillage@dcsdk12.org

• This week is PE week: variety of games from the year.

• Reminder: Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for participation.

• Ms. Millage will be out of office all week — reach out by email for any needs; responses will come next week.

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🧠 Learning Specialist

Nancy Staiert
nastaiert@dcsdk12.org

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📅 Important Dates to Remember

• 4/25/2025 — No School

• 4/28/2025 — Professional Development — No School

• 5/22/2025 — Last Day of School for 8th Grade — Early pick-up at 1:30 PM

• 5/24/2025 — 4th Quarter Grades posted to Infinite Campus at 3:00 PM

🏀 Rock Canyon Youth Basketball Camp
Join June 2–5! Details Linked

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📣 Additional News: End-of-Year Logistics

• 5/21 — Last day of the regular all-class schedule. Final opportunity to meet with teachers for outstanding work or assessments.

• 5/22 — 8th Grade Last Day:

  • Activities throughout the last week to celebrate continuation to high school.

  • "Clap out" of RHMS ➔ Welcome ceremony at RCHS gym.

  • Dismissal from RCHS gym at 1:30 PM (must be picked up).

  • No DCSD transportation available at 1:30 PM.

  • Students needing transportation can return to RHMS until regular dismissal at 2:45 PM.

• Parents with students in multiple grades may call for early dismissal for younger siblings.

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⭐ Navigator Work Habit Expectations

Self-Awareness (Behavior)

• Come prepared and ready to learn.

• Follow classroom norms.

• Exhibit the R.O.K. Way.

Self-Management (Academics)

• Use class time wisely.

• Complete work carefully, accurately, and on time.

Self-Advocacy and Initiative (Participation)

• Share ideas and learn from others.

• Ask questions when confused.

• Communicate needs and interests respectfully and effectively.

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📊 Weekly Work Habit Grades (4, 3, 2, 1 Scale)

Score	Description
4	Limited redirects; successful behavior adjustment.
3	Expected adolescent redirects; successful behavior adjustment.
2	Multiple redirects; short-lived improvement.
1	Frequent redirects; ongoing disruption; parent contact needed.

Assignment Marks:

• T = Turned In

• M = Missing

• L = Late

• I = Incomplete

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🕰️ Bell Schedules

Monday, Tuesday, Friday	Wednesday	Thursday
Access: 7:30–7:45	Access: 7:30–8:00	Access: 7:30–8:00
Period 1: 7:48–8:34	Period 1: 8:03–9:33	Period 2: 8:03–9:33
Period 2: 8:37–9:23	Period 3: 9:36–11:07	Period 4: 9:36–11:07
Period 3: 9:26–10:12	Period 5: 11:10–11:37	Period 6: 11:10–11:37
Period 4: 10:15–11:02	Lunch: 11:40–12:05	Lunch: 11:40–12:05
Period 5: 11:05–11:32	Period 5: 12:08–1:12	Period 6: 12:08–1:12
Lunch: 11:35–12:00	Period 7: 1:15–2:45	Period 8: 1:15–2:45
Period 5: 12:03–12:19
Period 6: 12:22–1:07
Period 7: 1:10–1:56
Period 8: 1:59–2:45

Navigator News

Week of 4/14 – 4/18

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Language Arts

Nic Hays — nhays@dcsdk12.org

Advanced Language Arts
We’re kicking off our drama unit, The Art of the Disguise, exploring how people "wear masks" depending on their audience. Students will begin reading Act I of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and respond to analysis questions. We'll also take notes on verbals (gerunds, participles, and infinitives).

Language Arts
Our sci-fi unit, Beyond Reality, begins this week! Students will read Ray Bradbury’s There Will Come Soft Rains, focus on verbals in grammar, and start their sci-fi book clubs with self-selected novels.

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Social Studies

Dave Callaway — drcallaway@dcsdk12.org

This week we are introducing the Causes of the United States Civil War. Students will work on guided readings, scaffolded notes, and videos. We’ll end the week by completing an activity based on the Underground Railroad.

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Science

Heather Haney — hshaney@dcsdk12.org

• Weather Test Retakes: Students who need to take or retake the Weather Test must see Ms. Haney. Retakes are during team time this week. Students must complete the study guide and have no missing assignments to qualify.

• Upcoming: Climate Test on Friday, April 18. Study guides will be distributed in class on Wednesday.

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PE/Health

Erin Millage — emmillage@dcsdk12.org

We will begin our Human Growth and Development unit.
This week’s focus:

• Why this unit is important

• Expectations for respect and maturity

• Review of puberty and the male/female reproductive systems

Please reach out with any questions.

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Learning Specialist

Nancy Staiert — nastaiert@dcsdk12.org

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Important Dates to Remember:

• 4/16/2025: Honor Roll Celebration

• 4/18/2025: Hawaiian Luau: RHMS Spring Fling (3:00–5:00 pm)

• 4/25/2025: No School

• 4/28/2025: Professional Development — No School

• 5/22/2025: Last Day of School for 8th Grade (Pick-up at 1:30 pm)

• 5/24/2025: 4th Quarter Grades Available in Infinite Campus (3:00 pm)

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Additional News:

End-of-Year Logistics:

• 5/21/2025: Last day on regular bell schedule; final opportunity for assessments and outstanding work.

• 5/22/2025: 8th Grade Last Day — Student Pick-up at 1:30 pm at RCHS Gym.

  • No DCSD Transportation at 1:30 pm.

  • Students needing bus transportation may return to RHMS until regular dismissal at 2:45 pm.

  • Parents with students in multiple grades may arrange early dismissal for 6th/7th graders.

Rock Canyon Youth Basketball Camp

Kick off summer with the Rock Canyon Boys Basketball Program!
Dates: June 2–June 5
Details Linked: RCHS Youth Boys Basketball Camp

Spring Fling Info:

SPRING FLING INFO LINK

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Navigator Work Habit Expectations

Self-Awareness (Behavior):

• Come prepared with materials and ready to learn

• Follow classroom norms and expectations

• Exhibit the R.O.K. Way when interacting with teachers and peers

Self-Management (Academics):

• Use class time appropriately

• Complete work carefully, accurately, and honestly

• Turn in all assignments on time

Self-Advocacy and Initiative (Participation):

• Share ideas and learn from others

• Ask questions and seek clarification when confused

• Communicate needs and interests respectfully and effectively

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Weekly Work Habit Grades:

(Reported using a 4, 3, 2, 1 scale)

Grade	Description
4	Limited redirects/reminders needed.
3	Expected adolescent redirects; successful.
2	Multiple redirects; short-lived behavior change.
1	Frequent redirects causing disruption; Parent contact and intervention necessary.

Assignment Markings:

• T: Turned in

• M: Missing

• L: Late

• I: Incomplete

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Weekly Bell Schedules

Monday, Tuesday, Friday (All Classes)

• Access: 7:30–7:45
• Period 1: 7:48–8:34
• Period 2: 8:37–9:23
• Period 3: 9:26–10:12
• Period 4: 10:15–11:02
• Period 5: 11:05–11:32
• Lunch: 11:35–12:00
• Period 5: 12:03–12:19
• Period 6: 12:22–1:07
• Period 7: 1:10–1:56
• Period 8: 1:59–2:45

Wednesday (Odd Blocks)

• Access: 7:30–8:00
• Period 1: 8:03–9:33
• Period 3: 9:36–11:07
• Period 5: 11:10–11:37
• Lunch: 11:40–12:05
• Period 5: 12:08–1:12
• Period 7: 1:15–2:45

Thursday (Even Blocks)

• Access: 7:30–8:00
• Period 2: 8:03–9:33
• Period 4: 9:36–11:07
• Period 6: 11:10–11:37
• Lunch: 11:40–12:05
• Period 6: 12:08–1:12
• Period 8: 1:15–2:45

Navigator News

Week of 3/31–4/4

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Language Arts

Nic Hays
📧 nhays@dcsdk12.org

✨ Advanced Language Arts
Students will write a tribute poem inspired by I Like to See It Lap the Miles by Emily Dickinson, focusing on a modern technology shaping society.
We’ll also analyze George Gray by Edgar Lee Masters and If by Rudyard Kipling, exploring the power of fear.

🚀 Language Arts
Students will write a tribute poem reimagining a “negative” trait as positive, while making its opposite undesirable.
We will also analyze Slam, Dunk, & Hook by Yusef Komunyakaa, examining its vivid imagery and themes.

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Social Studies

Dave Callaway
📧 drcallaway@dcsdk12.org

🔹 We are continuing our study of the Reform Movements of the 1800s.
🔹 Activities this week:

• Source analysis

• Document Based Query (DBQ)

• Social Reforms Choice Activity

📚 Assessment:
There will be an open note quiz on Block Day.

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Science

Heather Haney
📧 hshaney@dcsdk12.org

🌦️ Weather Test

• The test is on Block Day (April 2nd or April 3rd).

• Study guides will be distributed on Monday and are required.

📋 Please encourage students to check Infinite Campus and complete any missing assignments from the Weather Unit!

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PE/Health

Erin Millage
📧 emmillage@dcsdk12.org

🧠 Health Focus:
This week, students will explore decision-making skills and all the steps involved in making good decisions.

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Learning Specialist

Nancy Staiert
📧 nastaiert@dcsdk12.org

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Important Dates to Remember:

📅 4/4/2025 – Career Fair
📅 4/7–4/9 – 8th Grade CMAS Testing
📅 4/18/2025 – Save the Date: Spring Fling
📅 4/28/2025 – Professional Development – No School

🔗 [Spring Fling Info Link]

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Navigator Work Habit Expectations

Self-Awareness (Behavior)

• I come to class prepared with my materials and ready to learn.

• I follow our classroom norms and expectations.

• I exhibit the R.O.K. way when interacting with my teachers and peers.

Self-Management (Academics)

• I regulate my behavior to use class time appropriately.

• I complete my work with attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity.

• I complete assignments (both in-class and homework) on time.

Self-Advocacy and Initiative (Participation)

• I share my ideas and am willing to learn from others.

• I ask questions and seek understanding when I am confused.

• I consistently, respectfully, and effectively communicate personal needs and interests.

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Work Habit Grade Scale

Grade	Description
4	Limited redirects/reminders; redirect is successful.
3	Expected (adolescent) redirects/reminders; redirect is successful.
2	Multiple redirects/reminders; short-lived change in conduct.
1	Regular redirects/reminders; disruption to learning environment. Parent contact & intervention necessary.

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Assignment Marking Codes:

• T – Turned in

• M – Missing

• L – Turned in late

• I – Incomplete (turned in but not complete)

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Bell Schedule

Days	Schedule Type
Monday, Tuesday, Friday	All Classes
Wednesday	Odd Blocks
Thursday	Even Blocks

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Monday, Tuesday, Friday – All Classes

• Access: 7:30–7:45

• Period 1: 7:48–8:34

• Period 2: 8:37–9:23

• Period 3: 9:26–10:12

• Period 4: 10:15–11:02

• Period 5: 11:05–11:32

• Lunch: 11:35–12:00

• Period 5: 12:03–12:19

• Period 6: 12:22–1:07

• Period 7: 1:10–1:56

• Period 8: 1:59–2:45

Wednesday – Odd Blocks

• Access: 7:30–8:00

• Period 1: 8:03–9:33

• Period 3: 9:36–11:07

• Period 5: 11:10–11:37

• Lunch: 11:40–12:05

• Period 5: 12:08–1:12

• Period 7: 1:15–2:45

Thursday – Even Blocks

• Access: 7:30–8:00

• Period 2: 8:03–9:33

• Period 4: 9:36–11:07

• Period 6: 11:10–11:37

• Lunch: 11:40–12:05

• Period 6: 12:08–1:12

• Period 8: 1:15–2:45