At Thunder Ridge Middle School, we believe:

Thunder Ridge Middle School is dedicated to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of students. To meet these needs, a core of academic courses complemented by a program of specialized and exploratory activities stressing inquiry and creativity are offered. These courses and programs are primarily designed to allow active participation and result in positive educational experiences.

Special interest is taken to provide guidance in values and decision making. High expectations are necessary for student achievement and the success of our school. Students must feel safe to grow as individuals while learning responsibility and consideration for themselves and others.

Their education is a lifelong process, and we are committed to helping children develop learning skills and teaching them to adapt to change. At Thunder Ridge Middle School, we value the learner and strive to provide the best learning experience to achieve academic success. 

Our school day begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. The building will open at 8:00 a.m. for students who would like to participate in a quiet/independent study hall. Students will not be able to wait inside the building prior to 8:00 a.m. as there is minimal personnel available to adequately supervise students until that time. Students not participating in study hall may arrive by 8:25 a.m. to get breakfast. Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:25-8:40. To get breakfast, all students in 6th-8th grade will enter through the east side cafeteria doors by the soccer field or main entrance doors by security to proceed to the cafeteria. Breakfast will no longer be served at the other entrances or eaten in advisory classes. At 8:40 a.m. the academic hallways will be opened. After 8:50 a.m. the west doors will be closed and students must enter the building through the main entrance on the south side of the school.

Students may stay after school any day except Friday to participate in sports, activities, or receive academic support. Students are to report to their after school activities by 3:55 p.m. Students not participating in a supervised after school activity, are expected to leave the building/grounds no later than 3:55 p.m. For after school activities students may ride the late bus that arrives at 4:40 pm and leaves at 4:50.

Announcements:

General information, such as the school calendar, up-coming events, lunch menu and other information will be posted on our website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/ThunderRidge. Daily student announcements will be made during the school day as well as displayed on monitors placed throughout the building.

Cherry Creek School District communicates school closure and delay information through ConnectEd, major television networks and radio stations, and our District and school websites (www.cherrycreekschools.org). When a school is closed, all after school and evening activities are postponed or canceled. On a delayed schedule, morning buses will run approximately 1 ½ hours later than usual. In the case of inclement weather, activity buses may be canceled. It is recommended that families have a plan for such emergency situations. 

In the event that a student leaves items at home and they are delivered to school by a parent, it is the responsibility of the student to pick up such items outside the Security Office. Students are encouraged to check the message board and will be called from class only in the case of an emergency.

Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the building and classrooms; please make arrangements with your child’s administrator and teacher three days in advance. Visitors must enter through the south entrance by the flagpole. Upon arrival, all visitors must present a picture ID at the Security Office. Visitors are scanned through a networked national database and then issued a visitor badge to wear for the duration of the visit. Please be mindful that classroom visits are not intended to be conferences with teachers. At any time, parents may set up an appointment with a teacher or team.

Other student visitors (siblings, relatives, friends, etc.) are not allowed to visit or shadow during the school day. Visits by high school students will not be allowed unless students obtain prior permission from the teacher they are visiting, and visits must occur after school hours.

Food Deliveries:

Students nor parents are allowed to have food purchased or delivered to the school from an outside delivery service, such as GrubHub due to safety concerns. It is unsafe for students to have items or foods delivered from a person that is not a family member. If this happens, the food must stay at the security desk until the end of the day. Parents are able to drop off food or items at security for student pick-up.

Grades & Grading:

Grades are maintained through the PowerSchool system. Grades are determined using the following scale: 

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89%

C = 70-79%

D = 60-69%

F = 50-59%

I = Incomplete

S = Satisfactory

U = Unsatisfactory

Using the text Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman as a guide and working in conjunction with schools in our feeder area, our TRMS staff and community will examine traditional grading practices that often result in inequitable outcomes for students. As a staff, we are examining and exploring additional ways to improve our grading systems that are supportive to all students.

TRMS Equitable Grading Practices will focus on implementing the following school-wide systems:

50% is the lowest possible grade. This practice allows letter grades to carry equal weight and does not penalize students as they continue to learn skills. In PowerSchool we use codes such as NHI-50 (Not Handed In) and NU-55 (Not Yet Understanding) for this reason. 

Late Work:

Late work practices are communicated through the teachers. While a student may not get full credit for work turned in late, all assignments have a specific academic focus and therefore must be completed. 

Retakes & Redos:

Retakes and redos are strongly encouraged. Students have until the end of the quarter to turn in late assignments. This practice promotes continuous growth in learning as opposed to viewing opportunities to demonstrate learning as a one-time occurrence. 

Rubrics:

Rubrics are valuable tools that outline the criteria and expectations for assignments, projects, and assessments. Teacher feedback gives you a clear understanding of what is expected in the learning process and how your work is evaluated and graded. Rubrics will help you achieve academic success and set goals for your learning. They are designed for transparency and fairness in assessments. 

Report Cards:

Thunder Ridge Middle School’s year is based on two semesters, with each semester comprising of two quarters. Each quarter (four per year), report cards are available via PowerSchool at my.cherrycreekschools.org and the final grade date will be communicated to parents. Parents are encouraged to check PowerSchool frequently for grade updates.

Student Recognition:

We celebrate student success in many ways. Students are recognized for Honor Roll (grade point average of 3.5 or above), Caught-Ya's (positive behavior), Thunderations (citizenship), and participation in activities and athletics.  

Homework & Academic Support:

Homework is a necessary extension of the learning process. It is completed independently, outside of class, and not under the direct supervision of the teacher. Teachers commit to providing homework that is relevant and meaningful to the academic development of our students. With this in mind, we expect students to complete all assignments. This not only helps with academic development, but also the important academic behaviors that are essential for success beyond middle school. One hour a night of homework is considered typical for middle school students.

Academic support is available for all students at TRMS. Teachers provide support for students during specified times or by appointment. If a student needs additional help with understanding the lesson, making up missing assignments, or making up a test, they should talk with their teacher and set up a designated time. Academic support is also available before and after school in the library.

Academic Technology:

PowerSchool and Schoology are two web-based programs that are valuable tools in students’ academic success. Students and parents will each be given user identification and log in information for these sites. Sites may be accessed via the parent portal at https://my.cherrycreekschools.org.

PowerSchool is used to maintain student grades and attendance and is updated by teachers weekly. For larger assignments, it may take teachers several days to complete grading before scores are entered into PowerSchool.

PowerSchool parent portal does offer an option to sign up to have grade progress reports emailed to parents on a regular basis. If you have any questions regarding PowerSchool, please call 720-886-1505 for assistance.

Schoology is an extension of the classroom used by many of our teachers. You can access updated class calendars, course information, assignments, and additional resources.

Colorado State Law requires that all students must attend school until the age of 17. The Cherry Creek District calendar provides four vacation periods: Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. We ask parents to please arrange their vacations to correspond with these times.

If the frequency of excused absences becomes excessive, students may be referred to the dean for attendance interventions. Sanctions may include an attendance contract, required medical excuses, referral to the District Student Attendance Review Board, and ultimately referred to truancy court.

Consequently, we ask that students and their parents help in accepting the responsibility for the 1056 hours (approximately 176 days) of school attendance required by law for each student per year.

Attendance Line:

When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian should call the Attendance Line 720-886-1513 prior to 10:00 A.M. on the morning of absence. These calls may only be made by a parent or guardian. The following information should be given: the date, name of the person calling and relationship to the student, student’s name, grade, reason for absence or tardy, and the length of the absence, if known. Please spell the student’s first and last name.

If your student is not called in on the day of absence or is truant from a class, you will be notified by an automated phone message through ConnectEd and the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Students who are absent for a full day are not eligible to participate in athletics/activities after school on that day.

Appointments/Pre-Arranged Absences:

If a student is to be dismissed early from school, the parent must call or the student must bring a parent signed note to the Attendance Office. The student will be called down at the appropriate time when the parent arrives at the Security Office.

Parents may request a pre-arranged absence when it is known in advance that a student will be out. Arrangements for this type of absence must be made by telephone or written note to the Attendance Office at least two days before the absence requested.

Telehealth Services are not an option for students during the school day. Parents should not request or have their child conduct telehealth services during instructional time. Currently, the school cannot provide the space or manpower to supervise students for telehealth service. 

Excused Absences:

According to CCSD School Board Policy JH, the school is the excusing body in a pupil absence, which are defined as:

• A temporary illness or injury. An administrator may request a doctor’s note if there are many such absences.
• Absence for an extended period of time due to physical, mental, or emotional disability
• Observance of an established religious holiday
• Death of an immediate family member
• Mandatory court appearance
• Absence while attending an approved school sponsored activity
• Absences which have been pre-approved by an administrator at the request of the parent or guardian

Unexcused Absences/Truancy:

All absences not described in the previous list are considered unexcused. Absences due to such occurrences as oversleeping or truancy are unexcused.

Students who are absent from the classroom or school grounds without permission will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.

Tardy Policy:

Students are expected to attend all class sessions on time. Tardiness disrupts the learning process and interferes with the opportunity for students to learn. Tardy students must check in at the Attendance Office upon arrival at school. This is not applicable to a late bus arrival.

Tardy 1 & 2: After the 1st and 2nd tardy, the teacher discusses with student and issues a warning.

Tardy 3: Teacher discusses with student, and calls home.

Tardy 4: Teacher Calls Home, Referral to Dean, Restorative Lunch Detention.

Tardy 5+: Teacher Calls Home, Referral to Dean, Consequence as appropriate if the tardies persist. Note: the cycle repeats each quarter.

*Will assign Saturday School if necessary.

ABSENCES:

It is important that students make up work that is missed when they are absent. Students should check Schoology and PowerSchool for assignments, notes or important information given following an absence. Students should see their teachers when returning to school for work to be made up. If students need to make up work before or after school, arrangements must be made with their teachers.

Students have two days to make up work that was assigned during their absence for every one day of excused absence. Please contact your child’s teachers, check Schoology and PowerSchool for missed assignments.

A school is a community of young people and adults organized for the purpose of teaching and learning. While much of our teaching in the classroom is aimed at the development of each person’s skills and talents, we believe that the maintenance of good discipline is essential to the educational process.

One of the most important lessons a student can learn is self-discipline. It underlies the entire educational structure. Discipline is a process through which students learn the qualities of responsibility and self-control that develop character. During the middle school years, students will become increasingly responsible for their behavior and grow towards self-direction, acceptance of responsibility, and appreciation of adults and peers.

CCSD Student Behavior Policies:

Student Behavior (CCSD Policy JIC)  www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/4104

Students are expected to know and follow the conduct code of the Cherry Creek School District, which is supported by state laws.

Violation of these policies will lead to disciplinary action and consequences established by the Cherry Creek School District, state law, and building policy. Rules and regulations apply to students in attendance at school, as well as any school sponsored activity, including all school district properties. All of the information contained here is a brief summary of district policy.

The entire text of any school district policy and/or regulation is available upon request from the school or from the district administration office located at 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Additionally, all district policies may be accessed via the Cherry Creek School District website located at: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/4104

Discipline and Consequences:

If a student’s behavior is contrary to the expectations or against school/district policy, they will be subject to disciplinary action. These disciplinary actions may include the loss of privileges, detention (after-school, lunch), out-of-school suspension, and expulsion. In situations where a student faces one of these disciplinary actions, they have a right to due process.

Detention:

Lunch, after-school, or Saturday school detention may be assigned by a teacher or an Administrator. After-school detention is held from 3:55-4:40 P.M. Students may serve extended detention until 5:00 P.M. Students will be closely monitored and expected to work on homework or read, and they are expected to follow the rules of detention. Students in detention may not participate in extracurricular activities for the days they are serving detention. Failure to attend detention will result in further disciplinary actions.

Suspension:

Out-of-school suspension requires that students are not permitted to be on any Cherry Creek School District campus for the duration of the suspension. Suspended students may not participate in after school activities on days suspended.

Certain Colorado statutes govern the grounds for suspension and will be discussed with the parents. A re-entry conference will be scheduled to include the student, parent, Dean, and Special Education case manager (if applicable). The purpose of this conference is to plan strategies to avoid a repeat of behavior and further loss of instructional time. A behavior contract may be developed at that time. Students are expected to make up schoolwork and may receive credit for that work.

School Resource Officer:

Thunder Ridge works closely with local authorities to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office assigns a school resource officer (SRO) to assist the staff with legal issues, complaints, questions, and concerns. A school resource officer is just that, a resource. In addition to helping with school safety crime prevention, the officer is also a resource to students and staff.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA):

Inappropriate public displays of affection (PDA) are not accepted on TRMS campus. Being overly affectionate in school creates an environment that is not conducive to concentration and learning, therefore students should refrain from inappropriate, intimate, or unwanted physical behaviors. Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times.

Phones, watches, and wireless headphones will be allowed:

• Morning before 8:40AM
• Lunch Time
• After School

Phones, watches, and wireless headphones will NOT be allowed:

• Classrooms
• Hallways
• Library
• Gym/Locker Rooms
• Offices
• Bathrooms
• Other Common Areas

Warning and Violation Process:

If a learner violates the school or teacher’s expectations, the following process will be followed:

• 1st & 2nd Warning: Learner will be redirected by teacher and caregivers will be contacted by teacher. Device/s will remain with learner.
• 1st Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe for remainder of the day. Dean will contact caregiver/s. Learner may pick up device/s at 3:45 PM
• 2nd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe. Deans will contact caregivers. Caregivers must pick up device/s.
• 3rd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe. Caregiver/s will be contacted, and a meeting will be scheduled with caregivers.

CCSD Middle Schools promotes a positive dress code where students are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for an educational environment. A common dress code cultivates a safe and disciplined learning environment, which is essential to a quality educational program.

CCSD Policy JICAB on student attire is intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and promote school order and safety. It is designed to ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. Clothing, accessories, paraphernalia, or body adornments may not:

• Be profane, obscene, lewd, suggestive, libelous, or vulgar
• Denote gang involvement
• Promote the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons
• intimidate or threaten any individual or group
• expose certain body parts (i.e. genitals, buttocks, midriffs, and breasts)
• Disrupt the learning environment
• Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct

Additional Clothing Guidelines Include:

• Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal all undergarments at all times (undergarments are any garments that are under the exterior layer of clothing).
• Shoes must be worn at all times; house slippers are not to be worn at school.
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon may not be worn at school.
• Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observation) may not be worn at school.

If clothing or accessories are inappropriate, disruptive, or outside the expectations, students will be asked to change; parents will be contacted and/or other disciplinary consequences may take place.

Lockers:

All students will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. The school provides students with a locker for storage of coats, books, and supplies. Students will be able to carry their backpacks with them throughout the day. Additionally, students enrolled in P.E. will be issued gym lockers. All lockers are considered school property and can be searched at any time (CCSD Policy JIH). Best locker practices include:

• Do not share lockers or give your locker combination to friends.
• Lockers and desks are the property of Cherry Creek School District and are subject to search by school officials without notice. 

Student Fines:

Students will be expected to pay for the repair or replacement of any instructional material or equipment checked out to them including books, class materials, lab equipment, lockers, musical instruments, athletic uniforms or technology.

Student ID Cards:

Students are issued a student ID card for use when checking out library books, using the lunch credit system and riding school buses. Students will be required to have their school ID present. They may also take a picture of their student ID to present to purchase lunch. If you lose your student ID, you must purchase another from the Media Center. The cost is $5.

Lost and Found:

Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria. Small items such as jewelry, electronics, and glasses are housed in the Main Office. Unclaimed items are donated monthly to charity.

Student Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances:

The CCSD Board of Education, administration, and staff shall honor students’ rights of inquiry, and rights to express matters of concern through existing processes of communication, which do not infringe upon the rights of others. Therefore, students shall have adequate opportunity to communicate matters of concern to the faculty and administration and shall have ample opportunity to discuss these matters with the appropriate persons.

Student lunch times are 30 minutes long. Students may buy lunch from the cafeteria or bring lunch from home. Breakfast is also served in the cafeteria each school day from 8:25 -8:40 A.M. To access school meal prices, menus and nutrition guidelines, apply for free or reduced price meals, or put money in a cafeteria account, please go to the student nutrition services website: http://ccsdcafe.org. Students are issued an identification number or a cafeteria account, and may keep money in the account for daily use. Students should keep track of their balance and replenish when it becomes low. Students may also pay for meals using cash.

Cafeteria Rules:

During mealtime at Thunder Ridge, students:

• May choose their table, with no more than 12 students per table.
• Will stay seated during meals until they are dismissed
• May bring appropriate technology to the cafeteria. Technology use will follow school rules of appropriate use
• May not go into the academic halls during breakfast or lunch without a pass from their teacher to leave the cafeteria.
• Will clean their area when finished eating and will wait to be dismissed.
• Students may not order lunch to be delivered by outside vendors.

On outside days, students will go outdoors after eating. While at recess, students will remain in designated areas. Students re-enter the building through the north/gym area doorways when the bell rings. During inclement weather days (raining, snowing or temperature below freezing), students will remain inside the building.

All libraries in the Cherry Creek School District are linked to an online catalog system. Students may borrow items from any of the Cherry Creek schools, including the high schools. The library also has computers available for student use provided the student has current internet permissions.

During the school day, including lunchtime, students may use the library only if they have an electronic pass or a pass signed by their teacher.

Students are required to show their TRMS picture ID/library card when borrowing items from the library.

School counselors can help with academic, personal/social and college/career concerns. 

Students may meet with their counselor either by request or by referral from their teacher, administrator, or parents.

Schedule Repair:

Schedule repairs are made to support the academic or medical needs of students and only when space in a class permits. Repairs will only occur during the first week of the quarter.

Electronic Communication Devices (ECD):

Students are expected to use all electronic communications devices (ECD) appropriately in the educational setting and in accordance with applicable CCSD Board Policies JICJ and JS. Personal electronic communication devices that have academic applications may be used in class at the sole discretion of the teacher.

While it is not recommended that students bring personal electronic devices (i.e. games, cell phones, iPods, mp3 players) to school, if they choose to do so they are expected to use devices responsibly. Students are responsible for ethical and responsible use of electronic devices at school. Electronic devices may be used in the cafeteria before school or during lunch as long as they are being used responsibly and respectfully. Students assume responsibility for the safe keeping of their devices at all times. The school and district are not responsible for the loss of personal property brought to school.

Telephones:

Telephones are available for all students to use with permission. These are located in the Main, North and Student Services offices.

Student Email:

Each student is given an Outlook email account. It is intended to be used for school related business. Each teacher also has an outlook email account. These are not private email accounts and all content is governed by school and District policies.

Electronic Ethics:

Because electronic information can be easily manipulated and reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially important in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity, including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access, and copyright violations are grounds for legal action.

Student Laptops and Wireless Connectivity:

Students will receive a district issued device at the start of the school year. District devices and wireless networks are allowed for application and activities of an academic nature. Students must follow all district guidelines and code of conduct for devices. It is an expectation that students bring their charged computers to school every day and bring their power cord to recharge as needed.

In accordance with CCSD Board Policy JICJ, neither the school district nor Thunder Ridge Middle School are responsible for damaged, misplaced or stolen student personal electronic communication devices. Neither the District nor Thunder Ridge Middle School is able to provide the ECD repair or technical support beyond connectivity.

Thunder Ridge Middle School 2024-2025 Technology Practice:

By setting clear guidelines and expectations for cell phone and personal device usage, Thunder Ridge Middle School aims to create a positive and productive academic atmosphere for every learner. In alignment with Cherry Creek School District's Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices Policy (JICJ), these expectations will promote and support the student learning experience by:

• Minimizing Distractions
• Enhancing Academic Performance
• Promoting Respectful Behavior
• Maintaining Classroom Integrity
• Encouraging Responsible Use

Enhancing Social-Emotional Well-being:

At Thunder Ridge Middle School, we believe in creating a positive learning environment that fosters academic growth, effective communication, and responsible digital citizenship. Limiting the use of cell phones and personal devices for non-academic purposes in classrooms can significantly enhance learners' social-emotional well-being by:

1. Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Reducing the constant connectivity and social media pressures can help lower anxiety and stress levels among learners.
2. Improving Face-to-Face Interaction: Encouraging in-person communication helps learners develop better social skills and build stronger relationships with peers and teachers.
3. Increasing Mindfulness: Limiting device usage allows learners’ to be more present and engaged in the moment, fostering mindfulness and emotional regulation.
4. Promoting Healthy Digital Habits: Teaching learners to use technology purposefully and responsibly contributes to healthier digital habits and better overall well-being.
5. Encouraging Physical Activity: Reducing screen time can encourage students to participate in more physical activities, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Warning and Violation Process:

If a learner violates the school or teacher’s expectations, the following process will be followed:

• 1st & 2nd Warning: Learner will be redirected by teacher and caregivers will be contacted by teacher.
• 1st Violation: Device/s will be taken to North office and locked in the safe for remainder of the day. Dean will contact caregiver/s. Learner may pick up device/s at 3:45 PM
• 2nd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North office and locked in the safe. Deans will contact caregivers. Caregivers must pick up device/s.
• 3rd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North office and locked in the safe. Caregiver/s will be contacted, and a meeting will be scheduled with caregivers.

Designated Storage:

• Learners will store and place cell phones/wireless devices in either pockets or backpacks where they are out of site.

By adhering to these guidelines, Thunder Ridge Middle School learners will contribute to a conducive learning environment that benefits everyone, both academically and emotionally.

Acceptable ECD Wireless Access Guidelines:

Internet access will go through the Cherry Creek School District filter that is designed to block sites that are inappropriate for the educational environment. Students are expected to follow and adhere to all district Board of Education policies and regulation, as well as terms and conditions of the district’s Internet Acceptable Use Agreement, when accessing the Internet through the District’s wireless network with their personal electronic communication devices. A student’s inappropriate use of a personal electronic communication device will be subject to consequences under the applicable Board of Education policy and/or law.

Technology Home Use Expectations:

The parent and student will be personally responsible for any intentional damage to or loss of the computing device while in the student’s care - on or off school property. The cost of this repair or replacement can be found on the Cherry Creek School District website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/13750.

Illness & Accidents:

A registered nurse is on duty during the school day. Our health clinic is located inside Student Services. Unless it is an emergency, students will need a pass from their teacher to be admitted to the health clinic. The nurse will evaluate the nature of the student’s health concern and make contact with parents/guardians to determine if it is necessary for the student to go home or to be taken to receive medical treatment. When students are ill at school, they must go through the health clinic to contact parents/guardians and go home.

Medication:

Prescription medication may only be taken at school if it is brought to the health clinic in its original container accompanied by a “Permission to give Prescription/ Homeopathic Medication at School” form. This form is available in the health clinic and must be signed by both the student's physician and a parent/guardian.

If a student needs an occasional over-the-counter (OTC) medicine at school, such as Tylenol, the student can receive the OTC medicine in the health clinic. A completed “Parent Permission to Give Occasional Over-The-Counter Medication” form must be completed online by the parent/guardian prior to the OTC medicine administration in the health clinic.

Students are not allowed to carry any medicine at school, with the exception of students with asthma and/or life threatening allergies. Students with asthma and/or life threatening allergies are allowed to carry rescue medication if the student, the physician, the parents/guardians and the school nurse agree that the student is able to do so responsibly. Otherwise, asthma and/or life threatening allergy rescue medicine can be kept in the health clinic with the proper medical documentation from the students physician.

School Immunization Law (CCSD Policy JKD-1-E#9):

Colorado School Immunization Law requires that all students must be in compliance with their immunizations in order to attend school. Students who are not in compliance may be withheld from class. An updated copy of their immunizations is stored in each student's school health file. If a medical exemption is required, it must be signed and dated by a physician. If a student has a personal or religious exemption, a form must be signed and dated by a parent/ guardian each school year. Please feel free to contact the health clinic regarding any health related questions/concerns: Phone: 720-886-1580, Fax: 720-886-1582.

Bus Regulations: 

Safety for all students is our primary concern. The privilege of using the transportation services of Cherry Creek School District is provided if you live beyond the established walk-in area. If you are uncertain about whether you are eligible for bus transportation or have questions about bus rules or disciplinary procedures, please call the district transportation department at (720) 886-7400.

Parents will be asked to sign a document explaining the expectations of the transportation system. All students must have valid school identification in order to ride the school bus. Replacement ID cards are available in the Library for $5. Note: The bus stops are considered part of the school grounds; therefore, all school rules apply while waiting at the bus stop.

Activity Buses:

Thunder Ridge provides a variety of after-school activities of both a recreational and an academic nature. To facilitate this, late buses are provided at 4:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These buses are only for students who are eligible to ride the bus and are staying after school in a sponsored activity. Students may not leave school grounds and then return to catch the late bus. Students riding the late bus must have a bus pass issued by a faculty member. There are no after school activities or late buses on Fridays.

Driving and Pedestrian Safety:

Drivers must drop off and pick up passengers in the circle drive on the east side of the building or in the west parking lot. Please follow the traffic pattern posted on our website. The parking area of the ISF building is NOT a drop off area for students. Pedestrians must cross the streets only where crossings are marked.

Bicycle Regulations:

Students who ride their bikes to school are encouraged to wear a helmet and ride in a safe manner that observes all traffic laws. Bicycles must be walked on school property.

Once at school, bike racks are provided on the west side of the building. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks and should be locked at all times. Bicycles locked to any other fixtures (trees, trashcans, etc.) will be cut from those fixtures and placed in the bike rack. The school is not responsible for any damage incurred to bicycles on school property.

Skateboard/Scooter/Roller Blade Regulations:

Skateboards, scooters and roller blades may be ridden to school, but must be locked up at the scooter racks located outside the grade level entrances during the school day. Upon arrival, you must carry your board or walk your scooter on school property. Skateboards and scooters may not be brought onto school buses. Hoverboards are prohibited on school grounds.

Colors: Red, Black, and Silver

Thunder Ridge Middle School (TRMS), along with the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD), offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities. Joining our athletic teams allows students to compete against their peers from across the district. TRMS athletic teams pride themselves in teamwork and representing the school in a positive way.

CCSD athletics consists of four sports: Track, Basketball, Wrestling, and Volleyball. At the middle school level, there is a “no-cut” policy, which means that every participant who tries hard to improve, attends practice regularly, and contributes to a good team spirit will play.

After school practices are held from 3:55-4:40 p.m. Practices are not held on Friday. Students will be dismissed by 4:40 p.m. to ride late buses unless sponsors and/or parents make other arrangements. Students not riding the late bus must leave campus or be picked up by 4:45 p.m.

Athletics Schedule:

Track:

First Practice: 8/15

District Track Meet on 9/21

Boys Basketball:

First Practice for 7th & 8th grades: 9/23

First Practice for 6th grade: 10/24

Girls Basketball:

First Practice for 7th& 8th grades: 11/18

First Practice for 6th grade: 12/17

Wrestling:

First Practice: 1/23

District Wrestling Meet 3/1

Girls Volleyball:

First Practice for 7th & 8th grades: 3/24

First Practice for 6th grade: 4/16

*Visit: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/Page/5315 for game schedule. 

The fees for the middle school athletic program:

• $60.00 for track (all grades)
• $30.00 for 6th & 7th grade basketball & volleyball
• $60.00 for 8th grade basketball & volleyball
• $60.00 for wrestling (all grades)

Eligibility Requirements:

Thunder Ridge believes in fair play and recreation for all of our students. While all students are given the chance to participate in sporting events, if it is done at the expense of academic progress, Thunder Ridge coaches reserve the right to implement a tiered eligibility system at any time.

Attendance at Athletic Events:

Students wishing to attend an athletic event will need to be supervised at all times by a parent/guardian. Students without adult supervision will not be admitted and will be asked to leave school grounds. Coaches will not be responsible for supervising spectators.

Activities:

Thunder Ridge is committed to co-curricular activities, clubs and organizations which support the Cherry Creek School District academic curriculum. We would like to encourage every student to participate in activities that interest them. Staying involved promotes leadership, teamwork, and representing yourself and our school in a positive way.

Examples of clubs and activities offered are: Art Club, Minecraft Club, Drama Club, Math League, Music Groups, National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, LEGO Robotics, W.E.B., and Yearbook. A complete listing of clubs and sponsors can be found on our school website.

Information about participating in these clubs and activities will be provided in the daily announcements.

Thunder Ridge Middle School believes academic integrity is essential for everyone to accurately demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Students will receive instruction about academic integrity and citing sources appropriately. To ensure learning and growth for our students, the following behaviors are not permitted:

• Plagiarizing any part of an assignment. Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words, ideas, or pictures as your own. These ideas may come from a book, magazine, or the internet. Students must give the source of the words, pictures, or ideas they use to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism includes paraphrasing without providing the source, and cutting and pasting from a source.
• Copying from another student’s classwork or homework (outside of group work)
• Copying from another student’s quiz or test
• Providing work to another student to claim as his/her own, whether in the form of classwork, homework, or assessments.
• Using AI (artificial intelligence) or unapproved resources to complete an assignment

If a student chooses to plagiarize or cheat on an assignment or an assessment, the appropriate next steps will be taken. This may include:

• Conversation with the student about academic integrity
• Making it a teaching experience and increasing student learning
• Redoing the assignment or completing an alternate assignment at the teacher’s discretion
• Receiving a 50% (NHI) for the assignment
• Contacting home to discuss the situation
• A behavior referral if the issue persists