STUDENT & FAMILY HANDBOOK
2026-2027
THE RMS WAY
RESPECTFUL • MOTIVATED • SCHOLARLY
🦅
Inspire
We inspire learners.
📈
Empower
We create opportunities for growth.
🎓
Prepare
We prepare students for success.
7200 Citronell Ave. • Pico Rivera, CA 90660 • (562) 801-7580
Welcome to Rivera Middle School!
A guide for students and families
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Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Eagle family.
At RMS, we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student is challenged to learn, grow, and succeed. We believe that when schools and families work together, amazing things happen.
This handbook is designed to help you understand our expectations, opportunities, and the many ways we support students.
Go Eagles!
🌎
Vision Statement
Inspiring learners to thrive in an ever-changing world.
🚀
Mission Statement
We create opportunities for growth and success.
THE RMS WAY
🤝
Respectful
We treat others with kindness and consideration.
🔥
Motivated
We come prepared, work hard, and keep growing.
📘
Scholarly
We take pride in learning and do our best.
What’s Inside
📅
Important Dates & Events
4
🕒
Daily Schedules
5
How to Be Successful
6
🌟
❤️
Need Help?
7
🎓
8th Grade Activities
8
💻
Think Before You Post
8
🤝
PBIS & Student Support
9
📊
MTSS & Family Partnership
11
🏫
School Hours & Office Info
12
✅
Attendance & Tardies
13
📚
Academics & Grades
14
🏆
Promotion & Recognition
14
🧭
Student Conduct
15
👕
Dress Code
16
📱
Technology & Devices
17
🛡️
Safety & Procedures
18
🆘
Support Resources
19
Meet Your RMS Team
Families are encouraged to contact the appropriate team member when support is needed.
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ADMINISTRATION
Lorin Yannarella
Principal
Zan Mason
Assistant Principal
COUNSELING & STUDENT SUPPORT
Jeanette Godoy
Academic Counselor
Berenice Garcia
Academic Counselor
Haseena Gul
Restorative Justice Counselor
Isaac Padilla
Mental Health Counselor
OFFICE STAFF
Tina Ronquillo
School Secretary
Maria Aguilar
Attendance Clerk
Veronica Rubio
Library
Important Dates & Information
Modified days, no-school days, and family events
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Month
Modified Days
August
12, 19, 26, 28
September
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October
7, 14, 21, 28, 30
November
4, 18, 20
December
2, 9, 16, 18
January
13, 20, 27
February
3, 10, 17, 24
March
3, 10, 17, 24, 26
April
7, 14, 21, 28
May
5, 12, 19, 26, 28
June
1, 2, 3
Date
No School
September 7
Labor Day
November 11
Veteran’s Day
November 23-27
Thanksgiving Week
December 21-January 8
Winter Break
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 8
Lincoln’s Birthday
February 15
Presidents’ Day
March 8
Staff Development Day
March 29-April 2
Spring Break
April 2
Farmworker’s Day
May 31
Memorial Day
SCHOOL EVENTS
🏫
Back to School Night
August 26, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
👪
Parent Conference
October 28, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
⭐
Open House
March 24, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
📌
Please note
There will be no 2nd semester parent conferences. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to check the parent portal regularly to stay updated with student grades. Contact teachers directly with questions, concerns, or to set up a meeting.
Daily Schedules
Regular day and modified day schedules
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Passing
Schedule
Time
7:56
1
8:00-8:51 (51 min.)
8:51-8:55
2
8:55-9:45 (50 min.)
Nutrition
9:45-10:00 (15 min.)
10:01-10:05
3
10:04-10:54 (50 min.)
10:54-10:58
4
10:58-11:48 (50 min.)
1st Lunch
11:48-12:18
11:48-11:52 (7/8)
12:18-12:22 (6th)
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11:52-12:42 (50 min.)
12:22-1:12 (50 min.)
2nd Lunch
12:42-1:12
1:12-1:16
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1:16-2:06 (50 min.)
2:06-2:10
7
2:10-3:00 (50 min.)
Passing
Hour
Class
7:56-8:00
1
8:00-8:30 (30 min.)
8:30-8:34
2
8:34-9:04 (30 min.)
9:04-9:08
3
9:08-9:38 (30 min.)
9:38-9:42
4
9:42-10:12 (30 min.)
10:12-10:16
5
10:16-10:46 (30 min.)
10:46-10:50
6
10:50-11:20 (30 min.)
11:20-11:24
7
11:24-11:54 (30 min.)
⏰
On time, every time!
Being on time shows respect for your learning and helps every class begin smoothly.
🏫
Regular School Day
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Students may arrive beginning at 7:00 a.m. and should leave by 3:15 p.m. unless supervised.
🕒
Modified / Minimum Day
8:00 a.m. to 11:54 a.m.
Students should leave campus promptly unless they are in a supervised activity.
How to Be Successful at Rivera
Success is not about being perfect - it is about effort, responsibility, and good choices every day.
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🎒
Be Prepared
Bring materials, charge your Chromebook, and come ready to learn every day.
⏰
Be On Time
Every minute matters. Being on time shows respect for your learning and your teacher.
📊
Check Your Grades
Check Aeries regularly and take care of missing work right away.
🙋
Ask Early
Do not wait until it is too late. Teachers, counselors, and staff are here to help.
✅
Make Positive Choices
Choose friends who support you, make good decisions, and follow The RMS Way.
📈
Give Your Best Effort
You do not have to know everything - but you do have to try. Effort leads to growth.
THE RMS WAY
Live The RMS Way in everything you do - on campus, online, and in your community.
💡
Rivera Tip
Checking Aeries once a week with a parent or guardian can prevent small concerns from becoming big problems.
What To Do If You Need Help
Everyone needs help sometimes. At RMS, you are never alone.
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If I am struggling in a class
→ Talk to your teacher�→ Ask questions and attend extra help�→ Check Aeries and complete missing work
If I am being bullied or feel unsafe
→ Tell a trusted adult immediately�→ Report it to a teacher, counselor, or administrator�→ Do not respond - report it
If I am having a bad day
→ Ask to speak with a counselor�→ Talk to a trusted adult on campus
If I need to contact home
→ Go to the office or health office for assistance
If I lost something
→ Check Lost & Found�→ Ask office staff for help
If I see something concerning
→ Report it to a staff member right away
❤️
Speaking up is the right thing to do.
We are here to support you. Concerns can be reported to a trusted adult, counselor, administrator, or through the reporting tools on the school website.
8th Grade Activities & Digital Citizenship
Stay eligible and make positive choices online.
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8TH GRADE ACTIVITIES - STAY ELIGIBLE!
✅
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.0 GPA
No more than 2 U’s in citizenship during 2nd semester
Meet school expectations for behavior and attendance
🎓
Eligible Activities
Dinner Dance
Knott’s Berry Farm Field Trip
Promotion Ceremony
📌
Important
Your grades, behavior, and effort matter every day - not just at the end of the year. Stay on track so you do not miss out!
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
💻
Remember
Once it is posted, it is permanent. What you share can impact others - and yourself. Online behavior has real consequences at school.
🛡️
Be Responsible
Be respectful online. Protect your privacy. Think before you post, comment, or share.
🚫
Not Okay
Bullying or harassing others. Sharing inappropriate content. Recording or posting others without permission.
📣
If Something Happens Online
Do not respond. Take a screenshot. Report it to a trusted adult.
PBIS and Student Support
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is the foundation of Rivera Middle School’s school culture.
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Through PBIS, staff teach, model, and reinforce positive behavior in all school settings in order to create a safe, supportive, and productive learning environment.
THE RMS WAY
🤝
Respectful
Use kind words and actions. Respect people, property, and personal space.
🔥
Motivated
Come ready to learn. Ask for help when needed and keep working toward goals.
📚
Scholarly
Try your best, complete assignments, and make choices that support learning.
Students who demonstrate the RMS Way may be recognized through PBIS rewards, incentives, and other schoolwide acknowledgments.
Student Name: ________________________________ Grade: ________
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________
The RMS Way Behavior Expectations
A student-friendly summary of expected behaviors across campus.
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Everywhere
• Use school property as intended�• Follow staff directions�• Keep campus clean�• Use appropriate language�• Be responsible for your own actions
Classroom
• Be an active listener�• Be prepared with materials�• Collaborate kindly�• Stay on task�• Do your best work
Hallway
• Walk safely�• Go straight to your destination�• Keep hands and feet to yourself�• Use trash cans
Cafeteria
• Be polite�• Clean up after yourself�• Talk quietly�• Listen to adults�• Make healthy choices
Locker Room
• Demonstrate sportsmanship�• Respect others’ belongings and boundaries�• Participate and do your best
Bathroom
• Keep walls and stalls clean�• Use facilities appropriately�• Wash hands�• Report problems�• Return to class promptly
📋
• pg 6-7
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Rivera uses MTSS alongside PBIS to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
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🔴
Tier 1: Universal Supports for All Students
Schoolwide expectations, PBIS lessons and incentives, positive staff outreach, proactive relationship building, attendance support, social-emotional learning, and family communication.
🟡
Tier 2: Targeted Supports for Some Students
Small-group supports, mentoring, Check-In/Check-Out, restorative conferencing, peer mediation, counseling referrals, attendance interventions, and increased family collaboration.
🟢
Tier 3: Intensive Supports for Individual Students
Individual counseling, behavior plans, SST/SART/SARB processes, safety plans, IEP support, community referrals, diversion support, and other individualized supports.
FAMILY AND SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
A strong partnership between school and home helps students succeed. Rivera Middle School is committed to:
• building positive relationships with families�• communicating regularly through ParentSquare and the school website�• using student data to guide school community decision making�• sharing responsibility for student success
School Hours and General Information
Office, visitor, library, and family information.
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🏫
School Hours
Regular school day: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Students may arrive at 7:00 a.m. and should leave by 3:15 p.m. unless supervised.
Modified/Minimum Day: 8:00 a.m. to 11:54 a.m.
☎️
Administrative Office
Open each school day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office supports attendance, records, and general school business.
FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF
• All visitors and parents/guardians must check in at the office and present identification before entering campus.�• Only individuals listed as emergency contacts may check a student out of school.�• Students will be called from class once the parent/guardian has arrived and completed the sign-out process.
TO HELP PROTECT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME
• Messages and items for students will be delivered as office staff availability permits.�• Flowers and balloons may be picked up after school.�• The office phone is available for student emergencies.�• Outside food or drinks may not be dropped off for students.
📚
Library
Students may check out books, complete research, and support their learning. Students should bring their ID card and are responsible for books checked out in their name.
👪
Family Updated Information
Families should complete Data Confirmation through the RMS homepage and update address, phone, and emergency contact information in Aeries as soon as possible.
Attendance, Tardies, and Grades
Regular attendance and punctuality are important to student success.
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✅
Attendance
Students are expected to attend school daily and arrive on time. Parents/guardians may report an absence by calling the school during office hours or using the online absence reporting form.
📞
Absence Clearance
Absences and tardies must be cleared within three days. When students return from an absence, it is their responsibility to request make-up work.
Tardy
Response
1st
Teacher warning
2nd
Teacher warning
3rd
15-minute detention and parent notification
4th
30-minute detention
5th
Referral; possible citizenship consequence
6th
Referral; possible 1-hour detention during school activity and citizenship consequence
7th+
Referral; possible SART/SARB intervention and additional consequences
REPORT CARDS & GRADE MARKS
Report cards are available through the parent and student portal at the end of each semester.
Letter
Meaning
A
Excellent
B
Better than average
C
Average
D
Barely passing
F
Unsatisfactory
Citizenship
Meaning
O
Outstanding
S
Satisfactory
N
Needs Improvement
U
Unsatisfactory
💡
Rivera Tip
Families are encouraged to check Aeries regularly for updated grade information.
Academics, Promotion, and Recognition
Expectations for homework, academic honesty, promotion, and awards.
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✏️
Homework
Homework may be assigned Monday through Friday. Students are expected to follow each teacher’s classroom expectations and complete assignments on time.
📚
Academic Honesty
Cheating, plagiarism, copying another person’s work, or using unauthorized materials or devices is not permitted. Concerns are addressed progressively and in partnership with families.
8TH GRADE PROMOTION CRITERIA
✅
To be eligible for end-of-year activities
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for grades 6-8
No more than two U’s in citizenship during 2nd semester of 8th grade
🎉
Eligible students may participate in
8th Grade Dinner Dance
Knott’s Berry Farm Field Trip
Promotion Ceremony
📌
Principal determination
The principal will make the final determination regarding promotion to 9th grade based on the student’s overall progress.
8TH GRADE RECOGNITION
• Honor Roll�• Principal’s Honor Roll�• President’s Award�• Salutatorian�• Valedictorian�• Pathway to Biliteracy
🏆
Recognition note
Recognition is based on school and district criteria.
Student Conduct
A safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment supports student success.
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Student behavior is addressed through a progressive approach that emphasizes teaching, reflection, restorative justice, support, and accountability.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES
• warning or redirection�• restorative conversation or reflection�• parent/guardian contact�• detention or community service�• counseling or student support intervention�• conference with student and family�• behavior contract, success contract, or no-contact agreement�• Check-In / Check-Out�• loss of privileges�• suspension or other consequences permitted by law
SAFETY, RESPECT, AND RESPONSIBILITY
• fighting or physical aggression�• threats or intimidation�• bullying or harassment, including cyberbullying�• sexual harassment�• hate-motivated conduct�• inappropriate physical contact�• throwing objects in a way that may cause harm
BULLYING PREVENTION
Rivera Middle School is committed to maintaining a school environment where all students feel safe, included, and supported. Students are encouraged to:
• not bully others�• support students who are being bullied�• include students who may feel left out�• report bullying to a trusted adult at school or at home
Student Responsibilities and Campus Expectations
Dress code, restrooms, campus cleanliness, ID cards, textbooks, lockers, and valuables.
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DRESS CODE
Students are expected to dress in a manner that is safe, appropriate for school, and supportive of a positive learning environment. Clothing should be neat, clean, and school appropriate.
• Clothing/accessories may not display drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, profanity, or inappropriate images or language.�• Gang attire as described in Education Code 35183 is not permitted.�• Tops and bottoms must provide appropriate coverage; revealing or unsafe clothing is not permitted.�• Shoes must be worn at all times; sandals, open-toe shoes, house shoes, slippers, and slides are not permitted.�• Hats/headwear may not be worn indoors unless approved. Hair nets, bandanas, and gang-related sports hats are not permitted.�• Large/dangling earrings, unsafe facial jewelry, blankets, and face coverings that conceal identity are not allowed.
📌
Dress code response
Students not meeting dress code expectations may be asked to change into appropriate clothing or school-provided alternatives. Repeated concerns may result in parent contact and progressive discipline.
🚻
Restrooms
Use restrooms appropriately, respectfully, and for their intended purpose. Use them during passing periods whenever possible or with teacher permission.
🧹
Campus Cleanliness
Place trash in designated containers and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment. Gum is not permitted on campus.
🪪
ID Cards & Books
Students should carry ID cards daily and are responsible for textbooks and library books issued to them. Lost or damaged materials may result in charges.
🎒
Valuables & Property
Avoid bringing valuables. PE lockers are for PE use only. School property and backpacks may be searched when there is reasonable suspicion.
Technology and Electronic Devices
Responsible use protects instructional time and student safety.
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💻
Technology and Internet Use
Students are expected to use school technology responsibly and in accordance with the El Rancho Unified School District Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse may result in loss of technology privileges and disciplinary action.
CELL PHONES AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
• Phones must be off or on silent and kept out of sight during the school day.�• Cell phones, smart watches, AirPods, and similar devices may not be used during class unless specifically permitted by a teacher for instructional purposes.�• Devices may not be used in restrooms, locker rooms, or offices.�• Personal devices may not be used for cheating, bullying, harassment, unlawful recording, or any activity that disrupts the school environment.�• Students who need to contact home during the day must go through the office or health office.�• Families needing to reach a student during the school day should contact the school office.
🛡️
Student Responsibility
Students are responsible for securing their own devices. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronics.
📵
Repeated Misuse
Repeated misuse may result in confiscation, parent pickup, loss of privilege, and additional consequences.
📌
Confiscated Items
Confiscated items may be released only to a parent/guardian listed in school records during designated office hours.
Safety, Prohibited Items, and School Procedures
Students are expected to follow school rules and directions and maintain a safe campus.
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🏫
Property and Vandalism
Theft, vandalism, tagging, extortion, robbery, or possession of stolen property are serious violations and may result in restitution, suspension, law enforcement involvement, and additional disciplinary action.
🚫
Health, Safety, and Prohibited Items
Students may not possess, use, or distribute alcohol, narcotics, controlled substances, tobacco products, paraphernalia, dangerous objects, weapons, explosives, or look-alike weapons on campus or at school activities.
🔥
Fire Safety
Fireworks, explosives, lighters, matches, false fire alarms, setting fires, or misuse of fire safety equipment are prohibited and may result in serious consequences.
🧭
Following School Rules and Directions
Students must follow directions from teachers, administrators, and staff and remain in assigned areas during the school day.
🏆
Extracurricular Activities
Participation is a privilege. Students must meet school expectations related to academics, behavior, and citizenship in order to participate.
🚲
Transportation Items
Roller skates, roller blades, scooters, and motorized scooters are not allowed. Bicycles and skateboards must be stored in designated areas and may not be ridden on campus.
📌
Progressive support
Failure to follow procedures, leaving assigned areas without permission, truancy, repeated defiance, or failure to report to the office when directed may result in progressive discipline and additional attendance or behavioral supports.
Support Resources & Acknowledgment
Students who need support are encouraged to reach out to a trusted adult on campus.
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WE ARE HERE TO HELP
❤️
Counselors
Academic, social-emotional, and personal growth support.
🤝
Restorative Justice
Support with conflict, repairing harm, and rebuilding relationships.
🏥
Office / Health Office
Help contacting home, health needs, attendance, records, and general school business.
📣
Reporting Tools
Families and students may use reporting tools on the school website for bullying, drugs, or safety concerns.
CRISIS SUPPORT
☎️
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
💬
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 988
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the Rivera Middle School Student & Family Handbook. I understand that students are expected to follow The RMS Way and all school expectations.
Student Name: ________________________________ Grade: ________
Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: _________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________ Date: _________