Home - Principal - Dr. Linda Miller

3/28/2013

Feedback comments from our participants for Leadership Day, Maarch 27, 2013

*Great leaders articulating fabulous activities (Expo)

* Loved the Habits lessons taught by students - what a great experience for all involved

* I will take back to my school the idea of the worksheet for students to keep track of grades/tests/ etc during advisory time.

* Morning speakers were all great - especially enjoyed hearing the parent perspective and your little 6th graders was amazing! (That was Jane Ryan, in case you were wondering)

* Unbelievable talent in your Showcase! Wish I could have seen them all!

* The students here are definitely empowered to take control of their lives.

* Impressed with the quality of responses of students on the question / answer panel and the honestly of staff replies *Our tour guides (Falcon Fliers) were the nicest young ladies - well-prepared, did an excellent job answering questions and keeping us on schedule. Every student we talked to today was friendly and polite!

* Thank you for pushing us to think beyond our traditional advisory period into something powerful for the whole community.

*You're students are amazing! They are not just "future" leaders - They are leaders right now!

* Classroom tours showed great authentic learning.

* What a fabulous program that will have lasting impact on kids during such a critical period of development in their lives. KUDOS to your kids and staff!!

* Loved seeing middle school kids taking on these roles - very mature and professional for their ages.

Posted at 1:18 PM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

3/4/2013

PROP S - What is a Bond Issue

You’ve heard that Rockwood has placed a no-tax rate increase bond issue on the April 3 ballot.

Prop S (“S” stands for Students – Safety – Schools) would not require an increase to the district’s current debt service tax rate. Some parents have asked, “How do bond issues work?” Let me share some information about bond issue funding.

What is a bond issue?

A bond issue is a way to borrow money to fund "bricks and mortar" projects, as well as technology for certain capital improvement projects. This requires voter approval. Capital projects can include additions of new classrooms, safety, maintenance, and renovations of existing schools and certain technology costs.

Where does the money come to pay for them?

When the voters pass/approve the bond issue, the school district then obtains bids and sells bonds to the purchaser that offers the lowest interest cost.

The district pays back the debt over a period of years, typically around 12 years. We use current tax dollars to pay off bond debts. In Rockwood, that debt service comes from a dedicated 68 cent property tax levy.

This process is similar to a home loan. When you purchase a home, you borrow money at a specific interest rate. You make payments on that loan, which include principal and interest, over a period of years. In order to make those payments, you dedicate a certain amount of your income to retiring that debt.

How does a no-tax rate increase bond issue work?

The district is authorized to assess a tax rate sufficient to pay the principal on maturing bonds and related interest cost. The district currently assesses a rate of 68 cents. Each year the district pays off a portion of the debt and, in most years, assessed valuation increases the amount of taxes generated by the 68 cents. This allows the district to incur additional debt without increasing the tax rate. If no future bond issues were approved, the tax rate would decrease over time as the amount of outstanding bonds goes down. Without future bond issues however, the district would not be able to properly maintain the buildings and equipment.

View video: What is a bond issue?

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Posted at 7:39 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2/22/2013

Anit-Bully Week

Anti-Bullying week was a big hit at Rockwood South. A group of students worked with one of our counselors, Mrs. Corsair, to plan the week. Each day had a different theme that had to do with being bully-free. Monday was “Show Your True Colors”, and we suggested wearing tie-dye or bright colors. Tuesday was “You’re Worth More Than Gold”, and everyone could wear gold. There were also gold chocolate coins for sale at lunch to give your friends. Wednesday was “I got your Back”, and we wore our shirts backwards. Thursday was “Be Awesome” day, and we were encouraged to dress our best. There was also a Valentine’s Day Friendship Mixer after school with music and snacks. Friday was “Put Bullying to Sleep” day, and everyone wore their pajamas. Anti-Bullying week was a great way to raise awareness about bullying, and it made a difference at RSMS.

Students also participated in a friendship activity during their Language Arts classes where students wrote a compliment to each student in their class. Every student then took home a collection of the awesome comments their peers shared.

After the announcements each morning, students and staff watched an anti-bullying video, which showed a different aspect to bullying each day. The videos showed how to stop bullying, and what it can do to someone to be bullied. The videos really got through to people and gave students ideas to think and talk about with their friends. Click below to view the videos:

Anti-Bullying week was a big hit at Rockwood South. A group of students worked with one of our counselors, Mrs. Corsair, to plan the week. Each day had a different theme that had to do with being bully-free. Monday was “Show Your True Colors”, and we suggested wearing tie-dye or bright colors. Tuesday was “You’re Worth More Than Gold”, and everyone could wear gold. There were also gold chocolate coins for sale at lunch to give your friends. Wednesday was “I got your Back”, and we wore our shirts backwards. Thursday was “Be Awesome” day, and we were encouraged to dress our best. There was also a Valentine’s Day Friendship Mixer after school with music and snacks. Friday was “Put Bullying to Sleep” day, and everyone wore their pajamas. Anti-Bullying week was a great way to raise awareness about bullying, and it made a difference at RSMS.

Students also participated in a friendship activity during their Language Arts classes where students wrote a compliment to each student in their class. Every student then took home a collection of the awesome comments their peers shared.

After the announcements each morning, students and staff watched an anti-bullying video, which showed a different aspect to bullying each day. The videos showed how to stop bullying, and what it can do to someone to be bullied. The videos really got through to people and gave students ideas to think and talk about with their friends. Click below to view the videos:

X Factor Audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmUL72dIbTA

True Colors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GzQ2IDzeRE

Mission/Vision: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o

Posted at 11:37 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2/13/2013

PROP S - April 2, 2013

The Rockwood School District has placed a 38.4 million dollar no-tax increase bond issue on the ballot for April 2, 2013. Please go to the PROP S website for more information. The link is

http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/PropS/Pages/default.aspx

The focus is on Safety, Technology, and School Improvement.

Please plan to vote!

Posted at 6:37 PM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

1/29/2013

I Could Not Be A Prouder Principal

Last Friday the RSMS 8th grade band played at the Missouri Music Educators Conference. I drove down that morning to hear them play. The kids played very, very well and received a standing ovation. Some of the comments received from other directors were, "I have been going to the conference for over 35 years and that is the best Middle School band I have ever heard at MMEA," ..."the lyricism and control were superb...thank you for bringing an excellent performance for MMEA," "Thanks for setting the bar high for all of us. Your program is a model for all of us and the concert was stellar."...and many more similar to those.

Way to Go 8th Grade Band!

Posted at 9:31 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

1/24/2013

Input Needed for RSMS Mission Statement

Rockwood South is on an exciting journey as we explore the possibilities of leadership. As part of our new perspective, we are working on redeveloping our mission statement to better reflect our true mission and values as a school. Please take a few minutes to respond to these 5 questions aimed at gathering parent feedback. Please reply prior to Feb. 15^th. After we sift through feedback from parents, students, staff and the community, we will be ready to unveil our new mission statement. Thank you for being an important part of South’s journey! The form is below.

PARENT INPUT FOR NEW MSSION STATEMENT 2013

Begin With The End In Mind: The purpose of revisiting our school mission statement and core values is to make sure we (students, staff, parents and community) have a vision of what we want to accomplish as a school. This will help all of us make decisions on a daily basis that are moving us all toward our goal.

This is our current school mission statement:

We do whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential.

What is our purpose as a school?

What is the role of a student?

a staff member ?

a parent?

a community member?

What 3 or 4 values/ principles do you think are most important to possess as an adult that you want our school to help foster in your child? (honesty, respect, etc)

Take some time to imagine the perfect school. If RSMS were to become that school tomorrow, what would it look like? feel like? sound like?

What do you need from RSMS to provide in order for your child to be successful in the future? (high school, college, work, home-life)

Posted at 2:10 PM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

12/18/2012

New Posters to foster 7 Habits Learning

New Leadership Posters on Their Way to a Wall Near You

Recently the Lighthouse Team of students brainstormed leadership ideas and quotes for 10 new large posters that our yearbook company is donating to us. After a lot of planning and creativity, students used a Falcon Time to meet with a professional photographer to capture their ideas – all related to “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”.

In January the photographs will return to us with headings and quotes for each picture, and we will display them around Rockwood South.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the new look!

- Celia, 7^th grade Lighthouse Team Member

Posted at 9:49 AM by Linda Miller | Category: Lead to Succeed | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Trivia Night - Please come join us!

Do you want a chance to have fun with your family and friends?

Are you always looking for ways to stay busy on Friday nights?

If so, our 2^nd Annual Trivia Night is the perfect event for you! You’ll have the chance to show off what you know and have fun with your friends and family at the same time!

The trivia night will be held on January 18, 2013. The doors open at 6:00 P.M., and trivia starts at 7:00 P.M. Your ticket is only $10, and you can get popcorn, soda, and water FREE! There’s also an ice cream bar where you can add your own toppings. As well as a silent auction where you can win cool stuff! Be sure to bring extra money.

If you’re looking for a good time, come to Trivia Night on January 18! Bring your friends and family!

Free baby-sitting is being offered by our Girl Scout Troop; early registration is required.

We’re also seeking businesses/clubs/families to sponsor individual rounds of questions. For $50, your group can advertise on the BIG screen during trivia night.

Finally, if you have friends or neighbors who are 5^th graders, invite them to join your table. What a great way introduce them to Rockwood South before next fall.

- Laura, 6^th grade Lighthouse Team Member

Posted at 9:47 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

12/6/2012

Beak'n Awards

Who’s that Beak’n in the cafeteria?

Has your student stepped up to help someone in school?

Has your student put his/her leadership skills to work?

Then you may have heard about Beak’n, our leadership mascot, who visits grade level lunches every Wednesday. Beak’n awards students for doing nice things to help teachers and/or other students. Students who earn this recognition are applauded in the cafeteria and take home a free RSMS cup, a certificate signed by the adult nominating the student, and you get to meet the falcon! How exciting!!

Friends and families are so proud of studenst who are doing their best to show their leadership potential.

Spread the news about our newest friend – Beak’n.

- Lillian Portell, 6^th grade Lighthouse Team Member

Posted at 8:42 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

11/27/2012

Picture Rockwood - Phase Two

Since September, more than 400 Rockwood parents and school community members have attended Picture Rockwood workshops to study the challenges our district is facing and develop a plan for the future of our schools. As your principal, I sincerely appreciate those who have taken the time to become informed and to participate in this important process.

At their last workshop, participants came to consensus on two pictures: an Apple picture and an Orange picture that represent the potential future of our Rockwood schools. Take a moment to view these pictures and learn about the assumptions (reductions, revenue and capital improvements) and descriptions (class sizes, staffing, curriculum, programs and services for students, etc) of each picture.

After reviewing the two potential pictures, it is important for you to share your feedback. You can do this in a variety of ways.

Submit your feedback online when you visit Picture Rockwood: Phase 2 Feedback and click on the “Share Your Feedback” link.
Download the feedback form and return it to our school office.
Email your answers to the questions to the citizen-led Facilitating Team at picturerockwood@rockwood.k12.mo.us.
Fax your answers to the questions to (636) 458-7326.

The citizen co-chairs and Facilitating Team will review all comments prior to making final recommendations on pictures to the Board of Education next month. All feedback must be received by Dec. 14.

Thank you for your continued support of this important process. We are sharing the details of these pictures with every member of the community, and we’re asking you to tell us how they can be improved. It is important that our school community has a voice in the future of our school.

Posted at 8:52 AM by Linda Miller | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)