Panther Press
August 28, 2015
PARENT TRAINING SERIES 2015-2016 FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Each year the FCS Special education department has training for parents of students with special needs.
Click here for the Parent Training Series flyer. This flyer is also posted on the Forsyth County Schools
website under Special Education Department.
Official launch of the International Skills Diploma Seal
It is with great pleasure that the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) announces the launch of a
new initiative, the International Skills Diploma Seal.
In the 21st century, the world seems to be shrinking and global markets are only a few keystrokes away. In
Georgia, we have more than 3,000 international companies that employ approx. 175,000 people. Another
2,500 companies are affiliated with these international businesses. We know that international trade is
good for Georgia companies: it increases productivity and growth and provides a competitive edge. But
with an accelerating global economy, our personal worlds are expanding: Communicating and interacting
with people from all over the world has become increasingly important whether you work abroad or right
here at home in Georgia. It is our task to educate and prepare our students to become 21st century learners.
A 21st century learner is a global citizen that is aware of different cultures, traditions and perspectives and
can interact in diverse environments. It is what businesses call an important soft skill for the workforce –
before and after college.
Today, GaDOE is launching a new initiative to encourage public schools to prepare students for the
interconnected world. The International Skills Diploma Seal will prompt students to challenge themselves
academically through schoolwork in World Languages and International Focus courses and challenge
themselves personally by engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities and community service. In a
capstone presentation, students will reflect on the skills and perspectives learned. Georgia will be one of
three states in the nation to offer this global readiness seal to its students and schools.
You can find more information on the International Skills Diploma Seal and how to become eligible as a
school to award the seals at: http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculumand-Instruction/Pages/International-Skills-Diploma-Seal.aspx
Club News:
The Geography Club will hold its first meeting on Friday, September 11. Anyone interested in joining
should attend this first meeting in Mr. Prather’s room, 236.
Science Olympiad – Parent meeting on Wednesday, September 16th 5:30 – 6:30 PM in the cafeteria.
Jr. Beta Club recognizes high academic achievement and promotes volunteerism and community service
for students in 7th and 8th grade at Riverwatch.
All 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in joining Jr. Beta Club for the first time should attend
an informational meeting on Tuesday, September 8 after school from 4:15 until 5:15. Club membership
guidelines and the application process will be reviewed. Please make arrangements to be picked up
promptly at 5:15.
Returning 8th grade Beta members - please drop-in Mrs. Johnson's room - Room 335 on 7th grade hall on Tuesday, September 1 from 8:20 a.m. until 8:55 to check-in for the 2015-16 year. Information on
service hours, renewed membership, and club officers will be shared in this brief drop-in meeting.
Returning members - you will not need to attend the September 8th meeting.
Math Club:
All students are welcome!
All you have to do is show up to the meetings to join the club.
We will meet two mornings a month before school.
Our 2015 meeting dates for 6th grade only are: 6th meet in Mrs. Grave’s room
Tue, Sept 1 - 6th grade
Tue, Sept 15 - 6th grade
Tue, Oct 6 - 6th grade
Tue, Oct 20 - 6th grade
Tue, Nov 3 - 6th grade
Tue, Nov 17- 6th grade
Tue, Dec 1 - 6th grade
Tue, Dec 15 - 6th grade
Our 2015 meeting dates for 7th and 8th grade only are: 7th and 8th meet in Ms. Calupca’s room
Wed, Sept 2 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Sept 16 - 7th & 8th grade Wed, Oct 7 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Oct 21 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Nov 4 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Nov 18 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Dec 2 - 7th & 8th grade
Wed, Dec 16 - 7th & 8th grade
We will compete in at least three different math competitions:
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A maximum of 20 students to the South Forsyth War Eagle Tournament in November, it will be
first come, first serve once I get the information.
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The AMC 8 test is administered at RMS after school on Tue. Nov. 17 Anyone who is interested
needs to let Mrs. Cline know by Sept. 22. There will be a sign-up at the meetings for this
event. The AMC 8 is a 25 question, 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle school
mathematics focused on problem solving skills.
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Between 8-12 students will go to the MathCounts competition held in Feburary. An exam is
given to interested students in early December to determine who qualifies.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Terri Cline at tcline@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Band News:
The Riverwatch Band Program is a 2015 recipient of the Exemplary Performance Award from the
Georgia Music Educators Association. The Exemplary Performance Award is the most prestigious award
available to middle school bands in Georgia and was established to recognize middle school bands that
achieve outstanding results in all areas of performance, including Large Group Performance Evaluation,
Solo and Ensemble, All-State Band, and District Honor Band. The award is presented to the most
outstanding bands in Georgia whose students excel in all aspects of band performance, both individually
and as part of a group.
Yearbook News:
2015-2016 YEARBOOK 8th grade AD ORDER FORM
(Enclose this form in your envelope with payment)
ORDERS AND PAYMENTS ARE DUE BY OCTOBER 9, 2015
NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Please PRINT Student’s First and Last Name only - (HOW IT SHOULD APPEAR ON THE AD) on
the dotted line below.
Parent or Contact Name: ___________________________________________________
Parent Phone: _____________________________________
**Parent email: ____________________________________
Method of Payment: Cash ______ or Check – Check #_________
The ads cost $35 and are 1/12 of a page. Parents may submit a favorite photo of their 8th grader
along with a message of up to 50 words. Only one ad may be purchased per 8th grader. While
choosing your child’s picture, please keep in mind that they will be placed in a landscape layout.
(ex as opposed to portrait - )
To submit your child’s 8th grade ad photo chose one of the following two options:
Option 1- you may submit the ad electronically through studioworks with the following instructions.
.
1.
Go to the internet and go to: images.balfour.com
2.
Fill in the following information:
School’s project number = 618668
Password = panthers
(Also fill in the contact info)
Click Next
3.
You will then be asked to look over the agreement that you are making with the school and
Balfour Publishing. As long as you agree, mark that you have read them. Then click next.
4.
You will then be able to upload your photograph. Though it allows you to upload several
photographs, submit ONLY ONE.

Type your child’s first and last name in the “People in this
photo” box

Type Eighth Grade Ad in the “Event or Occasion” box
Option 2 - You may come to Riverwatch from 9am-5:30pm on October 5th and submit your child’s
8th grade ad with the assistance of Ms. Scheaffer, yearbook advisor, in computer lab 504. Simply fill
out the above form and bring it to school along with your child’s photo (in digital jpeg format), the
message you would like to submit, and your payment.
Please be sure to sign in at the front desk before going to the 504 computer lab
- OVER -
After uploading your picture, follow these instructions to submit your message:
Please send an email to rms2016ad@gmail.com with the following information:
1.
Place your child’s first and last name as in the subject box.
2.
Type your child’s name as you would like it to appear in the
yearbook (first and last name)
3.
Your message - (it may not be more than 50 words including
closing – greeting is not necessary since their name is placed on the ad). Please type carefully as
your message will appear in the yearbook just as it appears in your email.
4.
Your contact phone number in case we have questions about
your message / pictures.
PICTURES, MESSAGE, AND PAYMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY OCT. 9, 2015. IF ANY
OF THESE ARE NOT SUMMITED ON TIME, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INCLUDE YOUR
CHILD’S AD IN THE YEARBOOK. WE CANNOT EXTEND THIS DEADLINE FOR ANY
REASON!
***NOTE ~ Editing of the message or the exclusion of picture / text because of content will be
subject to the discretion of the adviser and the administrator.
Also, if more than one picture is submitted, the yearbook staff will make the decision of which will
be placed in the ad.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Linda Scheaffer at lscheaffer@forsyth.k12.ga.us
PTA Reflections Contest 2015
Theme for 2015-2016: "Let Your Imagination Fly"
Who: All Riverwatch Middle School students!
What: The Reflections Program is a National PTA cultural arts contest in photography, literature, visual
arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage), dance choreography,
film/video production and musical composition. The program offers students the opportunity to
create works of art for fun and recognition.
When: Reflections entries are due Tuesday, October 6, 2015 in the Rotunda from 8:00 – 9:00 AM.
How to Enter: Print the student entry form, general rules, and specific rules and guidelines for the
category in which you are participating. You can enter in more than one category. You may also
participate in the theme search contest. Entries that do not meet rules and guidelines, of your category,
will not be accepted. Please read the rules before beginning project. Please refer to www.georgiapta.org
for all forms and rules. RMS website will also be updated soon with this information.
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Do not put your name anywhere directly on your project. It will not be accepted
Make sure you DO NOT USE YOUR NAME as part of your project. It will not be accepted.
Your name will be taped to the BACK of your project.
If you have questions, contact Debbie Schmid @ debs3kids@hotmail.com.
Requirements for Participation in Reflections
Student Entry Form: This form MUST accompany student's entry.
Consent Form : The completed Consent Form must accompany the artwork submission and Student
Entry form if a person's recognizable image or voice is included in the submission. Signatures are
required.
Special Artist Form
Packaging Requirements for Reflections Entries
2015-2016 Rules for Each Category (please read and follow precisely):
Dance Choreography
Film/Video Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography