Academics

A path to academic excellence for every student.

At Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, students are responsible for their learning. Our students are discovering the type of student they want to be and how to get the most out of their education. Our staff provides a supportive environment and services to help students excel academically and develop accountability.

We help our students learn the impact of their academic decisions beyond the walls of the classroom. Using class time productively helps students understand efficiency and self-accountability. We encourage students to take their education While students are responsible for their learning, we all have a part in helping them.

For Students

Your education rests in your own hands. Using your class time productively helps your practices for life. Efficiency and self-accountability go beyond the walls of a classroom. Take your education in your own hands by asking teachers for more support and clarification if you do not understand something.

Completing your assignments on time and producing quality work independently allows your teacher to see what areas you are excelling in and where you need more assistance. Stay on top of your education by writing down your assignments, checking your grades weekly, and checking teachers' online resources.

For Parents

You play a large part in your child's education. Regularly checking their grades on Skyward Family Access and monitoring their daily list of assignments can help reinforce structure to your student's academic program. Your child's teachers are available to provide information about your child's learning progress.

A consistent academic structure at home can also aid your student's academic success. Dedicated time to complete assignments and studying can help your child maintain focus on their school work. This also allows you to assist them with assignments if needed or see the areas they need help with from their teachers. Students can get frustrated with difficult assignments. Providing support and help from teachers' online resources can help ease their frustrations.

2023-2024 Middle School Supply List

Downloadable .pdf
2023–2024 Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Supply List

middle school student enjoying the outdoor class Spring 23

We are #StormStrong. We are #MIDDLESTRONG.

Academic Experience

At Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, your student will experience a dedication to well-rounded growth.

All students start each day with an Advisory period. The primary purpose of Advisory is to make sure that each student has an adult who can act as their advocate and be a trusted adult here at school. Advisors complete regular academic checks and facilitate goal setting, reflection, and community building.

After Advisory, all students have Flex Time. Flex Time offerings empower students by providing structured opportunities in the school day to support their learning. Students are encouraged to sign up for Flex sessions that meet their needs including:

Supports (re-teach, review material of current unit, intervention)
Extensions (additional application of content, further practice of coursework)

In addition to Advisory and Flex Time, all students will have math, language arts, social studies and science and four Allied Arts classes per trimester (for a total of 12 Allied Arts classes).

Allied Arts classes include: art, theater, music, physical education, health, industrial technology and world cultures, spanish, band and choir.

For more information, visit our Academic Courses page.

Special Education

At Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, we work to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Our special education students have access to grade level standards in addition to small group instruction for math, language arts. We have a sensory/calming room and a resource room available any time a student needs that assistance. Our Special Education students also are part of PRIDE, a special education program that provides emotional, behavioral and social support to students in need. PRIDE provides a safe place for students to work through struggles in a safe space with the comfort, learning and skill teaching that helps them be successful and proud of themselves. PRIDE is an acronym that stands for what the program teaches: Prepared, Respect (to show and earn), In control, Do your best, Engaged.

Family Experience

Our dedication to our students goes beyond the walls of our school. We offer mental health support to all of our students and their families. These services are partnerships with our school psychologist and therapists. Mental wellness in every student is a priority for our district and that includes their families. We encourage families to use the resources and support we have available.

Grading

The school year is divided into three (3), 12-week trimesters. Students will be issued academic classes and report cards at the end of each 12-week period. At Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, we use the following grades:

A = Outstanding work
B = Strong work, clearly above average
C = Acceptable work
D = Poor, but passing work
F = Failing and unacceptable work
I = Incomplete work due to illness or special circumstances approved by the teacher/team.

Students receiving an "I" will have two weeks from the date grades are issued to change the "I" to a passing grade. Failing to make up the work in the allotted time will result in the "I" being changed to an "F". When conditions warrant, school administration has the option of granting additional time. Pass (P) or Fail (F) marks may be used to grade classes or in special circumstances arranged by guidance counselors and administration.

Any grade changes allowed by teachers will be done within two weeks of the date grades are issued. All classes, including core and allied arts, are used to calculate honor rolls and GPA. Honor rolls will be posted at the end of each trimester with the following guidelines with respect to grade point average:

A Honor Roll = 3.67 or above
B Honor Roll = 3.0 - 3.666

Our goal is to give students the opportunity to succeed in all classes.

Additional Academic Programs

Students do not register for these services or programs. They are determined either through a formal individual evaluation process or other assessment data. These courses will take the place of other non-required Allied Arts classes.

Math Academy

Math Academy is a course for students who are not projected to pass the MCA Math test, who have a history of struggling in math and/ or who have identified gaps in their math knowledge based on formal and informal classroom assessments. Students who qualify will be assigned to this every other day course based on standardized assessments and informal assessments. This second period of math every other day will support students by offering meaningful help in basic math skills not previously mastered, as well as support topics students are covering in their math course.

Flex Time

Flex Time is scheduled four times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) for 30 minutes which provides structured opportunities in the school day to support student learning. Students are given the opportunity to choose where they want/need to go during Flex Time which can positively impact student motivation and engagement. Teachers plan Flex sessions that are designed to meet student needs in the area of Supports or Extensions. They also have the ability to schedule students into these sessions based on student need.

Supports (re-teach, review material of current unit, intervention)
Extensions (additional application of content, further practice of coursework)

Reading Academy

Reading Academy is a course for students who are not projected to pass the MCA Reading test and who have a history of struggling in reading comprehension, test-taking and/or low grades in core areas due to reading difficulties. Students qualify and are assigned to this every other day course based on standardized and informal reading assessments.

Multlingul Learners (ML)

This program is designed for students for whom English is a second language. The program will provide specialized tutoring for the non-English speaking students who are experiencing difficulty speaking, interpreting and reading English. Eligibility for the program will be determined by English proficiency testing.

Special Education Programs/Services

Special education services for students with identified disabilities are available to students in areas mandated and guided by laws, rules, and regulations. For more specific questions relating to Special Education, contact Tyler LaBonne, Special Education Lead Teacher at 320-258-1434.