Student Handbook

At Thunder Ridge Middle School, we believe:

Every student deserves opportunities to grow intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to providing a strong foundation of academic learning that foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and active engagement.

We believe meaningful learning happens when students are actively involved in their education and experience success through inquiry, collaboration, and authentic learning opportunities. Our work is designed to challenge students, inspire exploration, and create positive educational experiences that prepare them for future success.

We believe that character, values, and responsible decision-making are essential components of a well-rounded education. By maintaining high expectations and providing guidance and support, we help students develop the confidence, responsibility, and respect needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

We believe students learn best in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and connected. We are dedicated to creating a culture where every student is encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges, and grow as an individual while showing consideration for others.

We believe learning is a lifelong journey. Our commitment is to equip students with the skills, adaptability, and mindset necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. At Thunder Ridge Middle School, we value every learner and strive to provide exceptional educational experiences that empower students to achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

Thunder Values
Bolt-Up!

• Bold: Standing up for what is right, sharing our ideas, asking questions, and persevering through obstacles.
• Open-Minded: Value different perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
• Learning: Curious, engaged, and committed to continuous improvement. 
• Teamwork: Lifting others as we rise.

Our school day begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. The building will open at 8:00 a.m. for students who would like to participate in a quiet/independent study hall. Students will not be able to wait inside the building prior to 8:00 a.m. as there is minimal personnel available to adequately supervise students until that time.

Students not participating in study hall may arrive by 8:25 a.m. to get breakfast. Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:25 to 8:40. To get breakfast, all students in 6th to 8th grade will enter through the east side cafeteria doors by the soccer field. At 8:40a.m. the academic hallways will be opened. After 8:50 a.m., the west doors will be closed, and students must enter the building through the main entrance on the south side of the school.

Students may stay after school any day except Friday to participate in sports, activities, or receive academic support. Students are expected to report to their after-school activities by 3:55 p.m. 

Students not participating in a supervised after-school activity are expected to leave the building/grounds no later than 3:55 p.m. For after-school activities, students may ride the late bus that arrives at 4:40 p.m. and leaves at 4:50 p.m.

Announcements:

General information, such as the school calendar, upcoming events, lunch menu, and other information will be posted on our website: https://thunderridge.cherrycreekschools.org/ Daily student announcements will be made during the school day as well as displayed on monitors placed throughout the building.

Cherry Creek School District communicates school closure and delay information through ConnectEd, major television networks and radio stations, and our District and school websites (www.cherrycreekschools.org). When a school is closed, all after-school and evening activities are postponed or canceled. On a delayed schedule, morning buses will run approximately 1½ hours later than usual. In the case of inclement weather, activity buses may be canceled. It is recommended that families have a plan for such emergency situations.

In the event that a student leaves items at home and they are delivered to school by a parent, it is the responsibility of the student to pick up such items outside the Security Office. Students are encouraged to check the message board and will be called from class only in the case of an emergency.

Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the building and classrooms; please make arrangements with your child’s administrator and teacher(s) three days in advance. Visitors must enter through the south entrance by the flagpole. Upon arrival, all visitors must present a picture ID at the Security Office. Visitors are scanned through a networked national database and then issued a visitor badge to wear for the duration of the visit. Please be mindful that classroom visits are not intended to be conferences with teachers. At any time, parents may set up an appointment with a teacher or team.

Other student visitors (siblings, relatives, friends, etc.) are not allowed to visit or shadow during the school day. Visits by high school students will not be allowed unless students obtain prior permission from the teacher they are visiting, and visits must occur after school hours.

Food Deliveries
Students or parents are not allowed to have food purchased or delivered to the school from an outside delivery service, such as GrubHub, due to safety concerns. It is unsafe for students to have items or foods delivered from a person who is not a family member. If this happens, the food must stay at the security desk until the end of the day. Parents are able to drop off food or items at security for student pick-up.

Grades & Grading:
Grades are maintained through the PowerSchool system. Grades are determined using the following scale:

A = 90-100% F = 50-59%
B = 80-89% I = Incomplete
C = 70-79% S = Satisfactory
D = 60-69% U = Unsatisfactory

Using the text “Grading for Equity” by Joe Feldman as a guide and working in conjunction with schools in our feeder area, our TRMS staff and community will examine traditional grading practices that often result in inequitable outcomes for students. As a staff, we are examining and exploring additional ways to improve our grading systems that are supportive to all students.

TRMS Equitable Grading Practices will focus on implementing the following school-wide systems: 50% is the lowest possible grade. This practice allows letter grades to carry equal weight and does not penalize students as they continue to learn skills. In PowerSchool, we use codes such as NHI-50 (Not Handed In) and NU-55 (Not Yet Understanding) for this reason.

Late Work:

Late work practices are communicated through the teachers. While a student may not get full credit for work turned in late, all assignments have a specific academic focus and therefore must be completed.

Retakes & Redos:

Retakes and redos are strongly encouraged. Students have until the end of the unit to turn in late assignments. This practice promotes continuous growth in learning as opposed to viewing opportunities to demonstrate learning as a one-time occurrence.

Rubrics:

Rubrics are valuable tools that outline the criteria and expectations for assignments, projects, and assessments. Teacher feedback gives a clear understanding of what is expected in the learning process and how the work is evaluated and graded. Rubrics will help achieve academic success and set goals for learning. They are designed for transparency and fairness in assessments.

Report Cards:

Thunder Ridge Middle School’s year is based on two semesters, with each semester comprising of two quarters. Each quarter (four per year), report cards are available via PowerSchool at my.cherrycreekschools.org, and the final grade date will be communicated to parents. Parents are encouraged to check PowerSchool frequently for grade updates.

Student Recognition:

We celebrate student success in many ways. Students are recognized for Honor Roll (grade point average of 3.5 or above), Bolt-Up Tickets (positive behavior), Thunderations (citizenship), and participation in activities and athletics.

Homework & Academic Support:

Homework is a necessary extension of the learning process. It is completed independently, outside of class, and not under the direct supervision of the teacher. Teachers commit to providing homework that is relevant and meaningful to the academic development of our students. With this in mind, we expect students to complete all assignments. This not only helps with academic development but also with the important academic behaviors that are essential for success beyond middle school. One hour a night of homework is considered typical for middle school students.

Academic support is available for all students at TRMS. Teachers provide support for students during specified times or by appointment. If a student needs additional help with understanding the lesson, making up missing assignments, or making up a test, they should talk with their teacher and set up a designated time. Academic support is also available during before and after school tutoring.

Student Work:

To show you are ready to learn, teachers will assign schoolwork to you based on the content. It may be necessary to extend the learning and have homework or need time at home to finish schoolwork. To get the most value from these experiences, it is essential that all work is completed consistently and turned in on time.
 
Study/Work Tips

• Set aside a regular time and place each day to complete homework and study. 
  • Having a consistent routine helps build good habits and reduces stress.
• Take pride in your work. 
  • Completing assignments carefully and thoughtfully helps you learn more and develop strong academic habits.
• Start with the most challenging assignments when your mind is fresh and focused. 
  • Completing difficult tasks first can make the rest of your work feel more manageable.
• Silence notifications and keep phones, games, and social media away while you work whenever possible. 
  • Focused study time is more effective than multitasking.
• Spend a few minutes each day reviewing notes, vocabulary, and important concepts. 
  • Studying a little at a time is often more effective than cramming before a test.
• If you do not understand an assignment or concept, ask your teacher for help before you fall behind. 
  • Questions are a sign that you are engaged in learning.
• Everyone encounters challenges when learning. 
  • Mistakes are opportunities to grow. Keep trying, ask for support when needed, and celebrate your progress.
• If you consistently feel overwhelmed by homework, schoolwork, or deadlines, talk with your teachers, counselor, or family members. 
  • We are here to help you succeed!

Academic Technology:

PowerSchool and Schoology are two web-based programs that are valuable tools for students’ academic success. Students and parents will each be given user identification and login information for these sites. Sites may be accessed via the parent portal at https://my.cherrycreekschools.org/.

PowerSchool is used to maintain student grades and attendance and is updated by teachers weekly. For larger assignments, it may take teachers several days to complete grading before scores are entered into PowerSchool.

The PowerSchool parent portal does offer an option to sign up to have grade progress reports emailed to parents on a regular basis. If you have any questions regarding PowerSchool, please call 720-886-1505 for assistance.

Schoology is an extension of the classroom used by many of our teachers. You can access updated class calendars, course information, assignments, and additional resources.

Colorado State Law requires that all students must attend school until the age of 17. The Cherry Creek District calendar provides four vacation periods: Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. We ask parents to please arrange their vacations to correspond with these times.

If the frequency of excused absences becomes excessive, students may be referred to the dean for attendance interventions. Sanctions may include an attendance contract, required medical excuses, referral to the District Student Attendance Review Board, and ultimately referral to truancy court.

Consequently, we ask that students and their parents help in accepting the responsibility for the 1,056 hours (approximately 176 days) of school attendance required by law for each student per year.

Attendance Line:

When a student is absent from school, the parent/guardian should call the Attendance Line 720-886-1595 prior to 10:00 A.M. on the morning of absence. These calls may only be made by a parent or guardian. The following information should be given: the date, name of the person calling and relationship to the student, student’s name, grade, reason for absence or tardy, and the length of the absence, if known. Please spell the student’s first and last name.

If your student is not called in on the day of absence or is truant from a class, you will be notified by an automated phone message through ConnectEd and the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Students who are absent for a full day are not eligible to participate in athletics/activities after school on that day.

Appointments/Pre-Arranged Absences:

If a student is to be dismissed early from school, the parent/guardian must call or the student must bring a parent-signed note to the Attendance Office. The student will be called down at the appropriate time when the parent arrives at the Security Office.

Parents may request a pre-arranged absence when it is known in advance that a student will be out. Arrangements for this type of absence must be made by telephone or written note to the Attendance Office at least two days before the absence requested.

Telehealth Services are not an option for students during the school day. Parents should not request or have their child conduct telehealth services during instructional time. Currently, the school cannot provide the space or manpower to supervise students for telehealth services.

Excused Absences:

According to CCSD School Board Policy JH, the school is the excusing body for a pupil's absence, which is defined as:

• A temporary illness or injury. An administrator may request a doctor’s note if there are many such absences.
• Absence for an extended period of time due to physical, mental, or emotional disability
• Observance of an established religious holiday
• Death of an immediate family member
• Mandatory court appearance
• Attending an approved school-sponsored activity
• Absences which have been pre-approved by an administrator at the request of the parent or guardian

Unexcused Absences/Truancy:

All absences not described in the previous list are considered unexcused. Absences due to occurrences such as oversleeping or truancy are unexcused.

Students who are absent from the classroom or school grounds without permission will be considered truant and subject to disciplinary action.

Tardy Policy:

Students are expected to attend all class sessions on time. Tardiness disrupts the learning process and interferes with the opportunity for students to learn. Tardy students must check in at the Attendance Office upon arrival at school. This is not applicable to a late bus arrival.

Tardy 1 & 2: Teacher discusses with the student and issues a warning
Tardy 3: Teacher discusses with the student and contacts parent/guardian.
Tardy 4: Teacher contacts parent/guardian, referral to Dean, lunch detention
Tardy 5+: Teacher contacts parent/guardian, referral to Dean, consequence as appropriate if the tardies persist. 

Note: the cycle repeats each quarter.
After-school detention and Saturday School will be assigned if necessary.

ABSENCES AND SCHOOL WORK:

It is important that students make up work that is missed when they are absent. Students should check Schoology and PowerSchool for assignments, notes, or important information given following an absence. Students should see their teachers when returning to school for work to be made up. If students need to make up work before or after school, arrangements must be made with their teachers.

Students have two days to make up work that was assigned during their absence for every one day of excused absence. Please contact your child’s teachers and check Schoology and PowerSchool for missed assignments.

Our school is a community of students and adults working together to create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. We are committed to helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally by developing their unique strengths, skills, and talents. Maintaining a positive and respectful school climate is essential to this work.

One of the most important goals during the middle school years is the development of self-discipline. This includes learning how to make thoughtful choices, manage behavior, and take responsibility for one’s actions. Students are supported in developing these skills through clear expectations, consistent guidance, and opportunities to reflect and grow. With support from staff and peers, students learn from their experiences, demonstrate responsibility, and contribute positively to the school community.

Certain behaviors are not permitted because they disrupt the learning environment and may compromise the safety and well-being of others. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with school guidelines.

Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal or physical fighting
• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of others
• Roughhousing or unsafe physical behavior
• Use of derogatory, inappropriate, or offensive language
• Leaving class without permission or being in unauthorized areas
• Skipping or cutting classes
• Leaving campus without authorization during the school day
• Repeated tardiness to class

Students who are experiencing conflict or need support are encouraged to seek assistance from a teacher, counselor, or other school staff member as soon as possible. All students share responsibility for maintaining a respectful, safe, and positive school environment.

CCSD Student Behavior Policies:

Student Behavior (CCSD Policy JIC) https://shorturl.at/T4qkp

Students are expected to know and follow the conduct code of the Cherry Creek School District, which is supported by state laws. Violation of these policies will lead to disciplinary action and consequences established by the Cherry Creek School District, state law, and building policy. Rules and regulations apply to students in attendance at school, as well as any school-sponsored activity, including all school district properties. All of the information contained here is a brief summary of district policy.

The entire text of any school district policy and/or regulation is available upon request from the school or from the district administration office located at 4610 S. Ulster St., Suite 1001, Denver, CO 80237. Additionally, all district policies may be accessed via the Cherry Creek School District website located at: https://shorturl.at/T4qkp

Medication and Drug Policy:

Thunder Ridge Middle School is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.
The school nurse is authorized to store and administer certain over-the-counter and prescription medications with written permission from a parent or guardian. Students may only carry medications, including inhalers, if they have received prior approval from the school nurse.

The possession, use, distribution, or sale of drugs and unauthorized medications is strictly prohibited on school grounds and at school-sponsored events. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Prohibited substances include, but are not limited to:

• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Vaping devices (e-cigarettes)
• Marijuana
• Alcohol
• Unauthorized prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Illegal drugs of any kind

All students are expected to follow this policy to help ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment.

Weapons Policy:

Thunder Ridge Middle School is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on school grounds and at school-sponsored events. The possession, use, or distribution of a weapon may result in serious disciplinary consequences, including suspension or expulsion, in accordance with school and district policies.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms
• Knives of any type, including pocket knives
• Brass knuckles
• Any object intended or used to cause harm to others
• Replica, toy, or imitation weapons that may be perceived as real

All students are expected to follow this policy and contribute to maintaining a safe and respectful school environment.

Discipline and Consequences:

If a student’s behavior is contrary to the expectations or against school/district policy, they will be subject to disciplinary action. These disciplinary actions may include the loss of privileges, detention (after-school, lunch), out-of-school suspension, and expulsion. In situations where a student faces one of these disciplinary actions, they have a right to due process.

Detention:

Lunch or after-school detention may be assigned by a Dean. Lunch detention is held during the student’s lunch period. After-school detention is held from 3:50 to 4:40 P.M. Students will be closely monitored and are expected to work on homework or read to follow the rules of detention. Students in after-school detention may not participate in extracurricular activities for the day(s) they are serving detention. Failure to attend detention will result in further disciplinary actions.

Suspension:

Out-of-school suspension requires that students are not permitted to be on any Cherry Creek School District campus for the duration of the suspension. Suspended students may not participate in after-school activities on days suspended.

Certain Colorado statutes govern the grounds for suspension and will be discussed with the parents. A re-entry conference will be scheduled to include the student, parent, Dean, and additional school staff (as needed). The purpose of this conference is to plan strategies to avoid a repeat of behavior and further loss of instructional time. Students are expected to make up schoolwork and may receive credit for that work.

School Resource Officer:

Thunder Ridge works closely with local authorities to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office assigns a school resource officer (SRO) to assist the staff with legal issues, complaints, questions, and concerns. A school resource officer is just that: a resource. In addition to helping with school safety and crime prevention, the officer is also a resource to students and staff.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA):

Inappropriate public displays of affection (PDA) are not accepted on the TRMS campus. Being overly affectionate in school creates an environment that is not conducive to concentration and learning. Students should refrain from inappropriate, intimate, or unwanted physical behaviors. Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times.

Phones, watches, and wireless headphones will be allowed:

• Morning before 8:40 AM
• Lunch Time
• After School

Phones, watches, and wireless headphones will NOT be allowed:

• Classrooms
• Hallways
• Library
• Gym/Locker Rooms
• Offices
• Bathrooms
• Other Common Areas

Warning and Violation Process:

If a learner violates the school or teacher’s expectations, the following process will be followed:

• 1st & 2nd Warning: Learner will be redirected by teacher and caregivers will be contacted by teacher. Device/s will remain with learner.
• 1st Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe for remainder of the day. Dean will contact caregiver/s. Learner may pick up device/s at 3:45 PM
• 2nd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe. Deans will contact caregivers. Caregivers must pick up device/s.
• 3rd Violation: Device/s will be taken to North Office and locked in the safe. Caregiver/s will be contacted, and a meeting will be scheduled with caregivers.

CCSD Middle Schools promote a positive dress code where students are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for an educational environment. A common dress code cultivates a safe and disciplined learning environment, which is essential to a quality educational program.

CCSD Policy JICAB on student attire is intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and promote school order and safety. It is designed to ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. Clothing, accessories, paraphernalia, or body adornments may not:

• Be profane, obscene, lewd, suggestive, libelous, or vulgar
• Denote gang involvement
• Promote the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons
• Intimidate or threaten any individual or group
• Expose certain body parts (i.e. genitals, buttocks, midriffs, and breasts)
• Disrupt the learning environment
• Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct
• Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal all undergarments at all times (undergarments are any garments that are under the exterior layer of clothing).
• Shoes must be worn at all times; house slippers are not to be worn at school.
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon may not be worn at school. 
• Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observation) may not be worn at school. 

 If clothing or accessories are inappropriate, disruptive, or outside the expectations, students will be asked to change; parents will be contacted and/or other disciplinary consequences may take place.

Lockers:

All students may request a locker at the beginning of the school year. The school provides students with a locker for storage of coats, books, and supplies. Students will be able to carry their backpacks with them throughout the day. Additionally, students enrolled in P.E. may request a gym locker. All lockers are considered school property and can be searched at any time (CCSD Policy JIH). Best locker practices include:

• Do not share lockers or give your locker combination to friends.
• Report any issues you have with your locker immediately. 
• Lockers and desks are the property of Cherry Creek School District and are subject to search by school officials without notice.

Student Fines:

Students will be expected to pay for the repair or replacement of any instructional material or equipment checked out to them, including books, class materials, lab equipment, lockers, musical instruments, athletic uniforms, or technology.

Student ID Cards:

Students are issued a student ID card for use when checking out library books, using the lunch credit system, and riding school buses. Students will be required to have their school ID present. They may also take a picture of their student ID to present when purchasing lunch. If you lose your student ID, you must purchase another from the Media Center. The cost is $5.

Lost and Found:

Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria. Small items such as jewelry, electronics, and glasses are housed in the Main Office and student services. Unclaimed items are donated monthly to charity.

Student Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances:

The CCSD Board of Education, administration, and staff shall honor students’ rights of inquiry and rights to express matters of concern through existing processes of communication, which do not infringe upon the rights of others. Therefore, students shall have adequate opportunities to communicate matters of concern to the faculty and administration and shall have ample opportunities to discuss these matters with the appropriate persons.

Student lunches are 30 minutes. Students may get lunch from the cafeteria or bring lunch from home. Breakfast is also served in the cafeteria each school day from 8:25 to 8:50. To access school menus, nutrition guidelines, apply for free & reduced-price meals, or put money in a cafeteria account, please go to the student nutrition services website: https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/programs-and-services/food-and-nutrition/food-and-nutrition Students can have an account to purchase a la carte items. Students should keep track of their balance and replenish when it becomes low.

Cafeteria Rules

During mealtime at Thunder Ridge, students:

• May choose their table, with no more than 12 students per table. 
• Will stay seated during meals until they are dismissed. 
• May bring appropriate technology to the cafeteria. Technology use will follow school rules of appropriate use. 
• May not go into the academic halls during breakfast or lunch without a pass from their teacher to leave the cafeteria. 
• Will clean their area when finished eating and will wait to be dismissed. 
• Students may not order lunch to be delivered by outside vendors. 

On outside days, students will go outdoors after eating. While at recess, students will remain in designated areas. Students re-enter the building through the north/gym area doorways when the bell rings. During inclement weather days (raining, snowing, or temperatures below freezing), students will remain inside the building.

All libraries in the Cherry Creek School District are linked to an online catalog system. Students may borrow items from any of the Cherry Creek schools, including the high schools.  During the school day, including lunchtime, students may use the library only if they have an electronic pass or a pass signed by their teacher.

Students are required to show their TRMS picture ID/library card when borrowing items from the library.

School counselors can help with academic, personal/social, and college/career concerns.  Students may meet with their counselor either by request or by referral from their teacher, administrator, or parents. 

Schedule Repair

Schedule repairs are made to support the academic or medical needs of students and only when space in a class permits. Repairs will only occur during the first week of the quarter.

Illness & Accidents:

A registered nurse is on duty during the school day. Our health clinic is located inside Student Services. Unless it is an emergency, students will need a pass from their teacher to be admitted to the health clinic. The nurse will evaluate the nature of the student’s health concern and contact the parent/guardian to determine if it is necessary for the student to go home or to be taken to receive medical treatment. When students are ill at school, they must go through the health clinic to contact their parent/guardian and go home.

Medication:

Prescription medication may only be taken at school if it is brought to the health clinic in its original container accompanied by a Permission to Give Prescription/Homeopathic Medication at School form. This form is available in the health clinic and must be signed by both the student's physician and a parent/guardian.

If a student needs an occasional over-the-counter (OTC) medicine at school, such as Tylenol, the student can receive the OTC medicine in the health clinic. A completed Parent Permission to Give Occasional Over-The-Counter Medication form must be completed online by the parent/guardian prior to the OTC medicine administration in the health clinic.

Students are not allowed to carry any medicine at school, with the exception of students with asthma and/or life-threatening allergies. Students with asthma and/or life-threatening allergies are allowed to carry rescue medication if the student, the physician, the parent/guardian, and the school nurse agree the student is able to do so responsibly. Otherwise, asthma and/or life-threatening allergy rescue medicine can be kept in the health clinic with the proper medical documentation from the student's physician.

School Immunization Law (CCSD Policy JKD-1-E#9):

Colorado School Immunization Law requires that all students must be in compliance with their immunizations in order to attend school. Students who are not in compliance may be withheld from class. An updated copy of their immunizations is stored in each student's school health file. If a medical exemption is required, it must be signed and dated by a physician. If a student has a personal or religious exemption, a form must be signed and dated by a parent/guardian each school year. Please feel free to contact the health clinic regarding any health-related questions/concerns: Phone: 720-886-1580
Fax: 720-886-1582.

Bus Regulations: 

Safety for all students is our primary concern. The privilege of using the transportation services of Cherry Creek School District is provided if you live beyond the established walking area. If you are uncertain about whether you are eligible for bus transportation or have questions about bus rules or disciplinary procedures, please call the district transportation department at (720) 886-7400. 

Parents will be asked to sign a document explaining the expectations of the transportation system. All students must have valid school identification in order to ride the school bus. Replacement ID cards are available in the Library for $5. Note: The bus stops are considered part of the school grounds; therefore, all school rules apply while waiting at the bus stop.

Activity Buses:

Thunder Ridge provides a variety of after-school activities of both a recreational and an academic nature. To facilitate this, late buses are provided at 4:40 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These buses are only for students who are eligible to ride the bus and are staying after school for a sponsored activity. Students may not leave school grounds and then return to catch the late bus. There are no after-school activities or late buses on Fridays.

Cherry Creek School District Bus Rules:

• Follow the bus driver’s directions the first time they are given. 
• Be in your seat whenever the bus door is closed. 
• Keep hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself. 
• No fighting. 
• No weapons or facsimiles of any kind. 
• No swearing, rude gestures, cruel teasing, or put-downs. 
• Use classroom voices on the bus. 
• Do not throw anything off the bus or have any part of you outside the bus. 
• Do not smoke, chew tobacco, eat, or drink while on the bus. 
• Do not bring anything alive or dangerous (i.e., glass containers, sharp objects) onto the bus. 
• No skateboards, roller blades, or scooters allowed on the bus. 

Note: Bus stops are considered part of the school grounds; therefore, all school rules apply while waiting at the bus stop.

Driving and Pedestrian Safety:

Drivers must drop off and pick up passengers in the circle drive on the east side of the building or in the west parking lot. Please follow the traffic pattern posted on our website. The parking area of the ISF building is NOT a drop-off area for students. Pedestrians must cross the streets only where crossings are marked.

Bicycle Regulations:

Students who ride their bikes to school are encouraged to wear a helmet and ride in a safe manner that observes all traffic laws. Bicycles must be walked on school property.

At school, bike racks are located on the west side of the building. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks and should be locked at all times. Bicycles locked to other fixtures (trees, trash cans, etc.) will be cut from those fixtures. The school is not responsible for any theft or damage incurred to bicycles on school property.

E-Bikes and Dirt Bikes:

Dirt bikes/off-highway vehicles are not allowed on the TRMS Campus or in Aurora. Only Class 1, 2, or 3 eBikes are allowed. Students are expected to walk their eBikes once they arrive on school property.

For more information visit: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/transportation___mobility_resources/e-_bikes_and_dirt_bikes

Skateboard/Scooter/Roller Blade Regulations:

Scooters may be ridden to school but must be locked up at the scooter racks located outside the grade level entrances during the school day. Locks are not provided. Skateboards and scooters must be carried or walked on school property. Skateboards and scooters may not be brought onto school buses. Hoverboards are prohibited on school grounds.

Colors: Red, Black, and Yellow

Thunder Ridge Middle School (TRMS), along with the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD), offers a wide variety of athletic opportunities. Joining our athletic teams allows students to compete against their peers from across the district. TRMS athletic teams pride themselves on teamwork and representing the school in a positive way.

CCSD athletics consist of four sports: Track, Basketball, Wrestling, and Volleyball. At the middle school level, there is a “no-cut” policy, which means that every participant who tries hard to improve, attends practice regularly, and contributes to a good team spirit will play.

After school practices are held from 3:55 to 4:40 p.m. Practices are not held on Friday. Students will be dismissed by 4:40 p.m. to ride late buses unless sponsors and/or parents make other arrangements. Students not riding the late bus must leave campus or be picked up by 4:45 p.m.

Track
First Practice: 8/20
District Track Meet on 9/26
Boys Basketball
First Practice for 7th & 8th grades: 9/28
First Practice for 6th grade: 10/28
Girls Basketball
First Practice for 7th & 8th grades: 11/23
First Practice for 6th grade: 1/5
Wrestling
First Practice: 1/27
District Wrestling Meet on 3/6
Girls Volleyball
First Practice for 7th & 8th grades: 4/5
First Practice for 6th grade: 4/28

Visit: http://thunderridge.cherrycreekschools.org for the game schedule.

Fees for the Middle School Athletic Program:

• $60.00 for track (all grades)
• $30.00 for 6th & 7th grade basketball & volleyball
• $60.00 for 8th grade basketball & volleyball
• $60.00 for wrestling (all grades)

Eligibility Requirements:

Thunder Ridge believes in fair play and recreation for all of our students. While all students are given the chance to participate in sporting events, if it is done at the expense of academic progress, Thunder Ridge coaches reserve the right to implement a tiered eligibility system at any time.

Attendance at Athletic Events:

Students wishing to attend an athletic event will need to be supervised at all times by their parent/guardian. Students without adult supervision will not be admitted and will be asked to leave school grounds. Coaches will not be responsible for supervising spectators.

ACTIVITIES:
Thunder Ridge Middle School offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in after school clubs and activities. We encourage all students to pursue their interests and passions through extracurricular activities. The more involved a student is within their school, the better they will achieve and feel connected. 

Research suggests that students who participate in extracurricular activities may experience a range of positive outcomes, including:

• Helping students make friends, develop social skills, and increase their sense of belonging at school.
• Building students’ teamwork and leadership skills.
• Helping students develop more positive academic perspectives and aspirations.
• Boosting students’ self-esteem and resiliency, and decreasing risky behaviors.
• Increasing students' engagement with their school, which can decrease the likelihood of dropping out and school failure.

Visit: http://thunderridge.cherrycreekschools.org for a complete list of clubs and when/where they meet.

Thunder Ridge Middle School believes academic integrity is essential for everyone to accurately demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Students will receive instruction about academic integrity and citing sources appropriately. To ensure learning and growth for our students, the following behaviors are not permitted:

• Plagiarizing any part of an assignment. Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words, ideas, or pictures as your own. These ideas may come from a book, magazine, or the internet. Students must give the source of the words, pictures, or ideas they use to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism includes paraphrasing without providing the source and cutting and pasting from a source.
• Copying from another student’s classwork or homework (outside of group work).
• Copying from another student’s quiz or test.
• Providing work to another student to claim as their own, whether in the form of classwork, homework, or assessments.
• Using AI (artificial intelligence) or unapproved resources to complete an assignment.

If a student chooses to plagiarize or cheat on an assignment or an assessment, the appropriate next steps will be taken. This may include:

• A conversation with the student about academic integrity.
• Making it a teaching experience and increasing student learning.
• Redoing the assignment or completing an alternate assignment at the teacher’s discretion.
• Receiving a 50% (NHI) for the assignment.
• Contacting home to discuss the situation.
• A behavior referral if the issue persists.