Ralston Middle School outlines schedule, math placement, PE rules and student supports for incoming sixth graders

Sabrina Adler, principal at Ralston Middle School, told parents at a school information night that next school year will keep a six-period daily bell schedule (with seven rotating class periods across the week) and that administrators expect a slightly larger incoming sixth-grade class, "almost 400" students, compared with a more typical 375.

The presentation focused on three practical decisions families often ask about: math placement, physical education requirements and student supports. Adler and other administrators described how sixth-grade math placement will be based on district assessments taken in February–March and, for sixth grade only, SBAC scores; they said placement can change during the first semester if a student’s progress shows a different fit. Adler also announced a pilot geometry elective for some students who are on the accelerated pathway.

Why this matters: placement affects students’ course sequences through middle school and high school. Parents pressed administrators about outside coursework and waivers; administrators clarified what the school will and will not consider and said the district expects to follow state guidelines on PE.

Administrators said the school determines sixth-grade math placement from spring assessment data, then refines placements once school starts. "We determined sixth grade placement based on that February [assessment] ... and then for sixth grade, we do use the SBAC scores," Adler said. She emphasized the school moves students during the first semester if needed and noted that roughly 45 to 55 students who begin on the accelerated sixth-grade path typically move directly into algebra later in middle school. Adler also said the school does not accept outside coursework (for example, RSM, Kumon, Singapore Math or Beast Academy) as part of the official placement decision.

On electives, Adler said sixth graders have a rotating "wheel" of short elective experiences and that seventh and eighth graders choose two electives; she said the school will offer a geometry elective next year as a pilot allowing some students on the accelerated track to replace one elective with a full-year geometry course taught at Ralston.

Physical education and related rules drew clear statements from administrators. Kelly Jorgensen, assistant principal, answered a parent question about PE waivers and said, "The answer to that is no." Jorgensen and Adler said all students must take PE classes because of California’s mandated instruction minutes for PE: 200 minutes per two weeks for sixth grade and 400 minutes per two weeks for seventh and eighth grades. The school requires students to change for PE and will offer a school uniform (black shorts and a black T-shirt with the Ralston logo) that families can purchase; students receive lockers and are advised to take uniforms home weekly to launder them.

Student supports and social-emotional programming were also described. Lisa Kafka, the school’s counselor, said Ralston has three full-time counselors who loop with grade cohorts and work with Wayfinder, the district’s SEL curriculum. Kafka described a Wellness Room (Room 18) that students may use at lunch and other times for breaks, monthly visits from a therapy dog and periodic visits from farm animals arranged through a local vendor. The counselors, principals and student government leaders run a WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) orientation and yearlong program to help incoming sixth graders transition.

Logistics and other details for families included: an orientation for incoming sixth graders on Thursday, Aug. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; a welcome-back barbecue the Monday before school; the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 14; a one-to-one Chromebook program for students (Chromebooks go home nightly and should be charged); and SamTrans-determined bus routes with three dedicated routes to Ralston. Administrators said average class size is about 25 with an official cap of 28, and that many students participate in after-school clubs and league sports — sports fees operate on a donation model and can range roughly from $150 to $300 depending on the sport and season.

The school also summarized rules and routines frequently asked about: cell phones and smartwatches must be turned off and remain in backpacks during the school day; exceptions for urgent medical needs are handled through the office so staff know a student’s location; students have assigned lockers and are encouraged to store PE clothing and valuables there; and auditions or questions about advanced music placement should be directed to the music teachers.

Parents were told elective sign-ups and transition meetings for students with IEPs will proceed through May and that administrators will circulate the slides and a recording of the information night. Adler encouraged families to review the materials she will send and to contact the counseling office or administrators with follow-up questions.

Adler closed by reminding families that the school will publish schedules, club lists and the WEB calendar ahead of the start of school and that the staff will continue to answer questions through the summer.