The Okaloosa County School District Title I Department, in partnership with Beachside Community Church, is proud to present a free, in-person event for parents and guardians: Parenting Through Big Emotions will be held on Friday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Beachside Community Church (200 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach).
If you're raising a child with big feelings, this is an event you won't want to miss! This session will provide parents with practical tools and insights to better support their child's emotional well-being. It will be led by Tracey Lamb, Director of Student Services; Erika Peterson, Intervention Coordinator; and Brian Hayes, Mental Health Provider.
Participants will learn how to:
• Understand what their child's emotions are really trying to communicate
• Use proven strategies to help children self-regulate
• Build a personalized action plan to strengthen the parent-child relationship
This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Secure your spot today by visiting http://beachsidecc.org/ocsdparents or www.okaloosaschools.com.
Thank you to some of our amazing sponsors.
SGA loves
recognizing our students and making our teachers smile.
Come out and support Ruckel Chorus, Thursday April 10, 11am - 6pm.
Parents, families, and friends, we are still in need of sponsors for the color run! Please help if you are able.
SGA is recognizing outstanding students this week and making teachers smile.
It's Game Day!
Parents
Please take a moment to complete the following survey about Ruckel. We rely on your feedback to continuously improve our schools. The survey will be open through April 18, 2025. Thank you for your continued partnership!
https://www2.okaloosaschools.com/o/ruckel/article/2026743
🎨 Reminder: Sign Up for the Second Annual Color Run! 👟
Join us for a fun and colorful evening on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:00 PM!
📍 Start and finish in the Ruckel Gym parking lot
💵 $35 for community members
💵 $25 for students/youth
All proceeds go directly toward classroom technology!
Register now by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or visit:
👉 https://app.99pledges.com/fund/ramjam
Let’s come together to support our students and make it a night to remember! 🌈
For more information, click https://5il.co/3cs6c
Happy Librarian Day to the incredible Ms. Kirk at Ruckel Middle School! Your dedication, creativity, and willingness to go above and beyond do not go unnoticed. From managing the heart of our school—the library—with care and purpose, to lending a hand during testing, designing eye-catching signs that brighten our campus, and stepping in wherever help is needed, you truly do it all. Your positivity, flexibility, and support make a difference every single day, and we are so grateful for all you do. Thank you for being such a vital part of the Ruckel family!
Last Day of School Dismissal Times Are Here
It's game day.
It's paraprofessional day. Mrs. Burt
Mrs. Burt’s positivity and willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed make her a cornerstone of our support staff. She always greets everyone with a smile and is quick to lend a hand—whether it's helping with lost materials, staying attentive to students’ needs, or being a calming, encouraging presence. Her teamwork and dependability, especially during bus duty and throughout the school day, make a meaningful difference. We are so fortunate to have such a kind, dedicated, and joyful teammate in Mrs. Burt!
It's game day
Ms. Chaffee
Ms. Chaffee brings enthusiasm and heart to everything she does. Whether she’s coaching, volunteering her time, or making sure her students get safely off the bus, she consistently goes above and beyond for our school community. Her presence is felt in so many ways—she's reliable, proactive, and always ready to help. Students know they can count on her, and so can we. Thank you, Ms. Chaffee, for your unwavering commitment and for making Ruckel a better place every single day!
It's paraprofessional day. Ms. Rude
Ms. Rude is an incredible support not only to our team but especially to Amily, providing patient, thoughtful care every day. She listens attentively, asks the right questions, and ensures that the students she works with feel seen, supported, and successful. Her dedication to understanding each child’s needs and being present for them is deeply appreciated. Ruckel is lucky to have someone so compassionate and committed in its halls—thank you, Ms. Rude, for all that you do!
It's paraprofessional day. Mr. Harry Larimer
Today we celebrate Mr. Larimer, our outstanding chorus accompanist and paraprofessional, whose talent and heart elevate everything he touches. A gifted musician, he brings professionalism and poise to every rehearsal and performance. Whether he's leading warm-ups, filling in during a busy moment, or supporting students musically and emotionally, Mr. Larimer creates an environment where learners can grow and shine. His flexibility, consistency, and kindness make him an indispensable part of our music program and our school. We are truly better because of him!
It's paraprofessional day. Ms. Simpson Ms. Simpson is truly the heart of our campus—her energy is unmatched, and her dedication is unwavering. Often described as the “Energizer Bunny,” she’s constantly in motion, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From testing support to scheduling logistics, her attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs before they arise are nothing short of extraordinary. She genuinely cares about every student’s well-being and works tirelessly to do what’s best for each child. We are incredibly grateful to have Ms. Simpson on our team—she is an irreplaceable asset and a true lifesaver!
It's time for the second annual color run.
Ram Rally has been rescheduled! Spread the word.
