C.W. Ruckel Middle School

Congratulations to our outstanding Ruckel Middle School students who were recognized at the 2026 East Panhandle Regional Science and Engineering Fair! These talented students showcased their creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking while presenting their research projects alongside peers from Okaloosa and Walton counties. The fair was held on February 11 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, with the awards ceremony taking place on February 17 at Beachside Community Church.

During the competition, students presented their projects to professional scientists and engineers who served as judges. Each student participated in personal interviews where they discussed their research, methodology, and findings. These conversations provided valuable feedback and allowed students to practice communicating their work using authentic scientific language and real-world problem-solving skills.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers shared, “The quality and innovation of these projects highlight the next generation of scientists and engineers. We are proud of all the students who participated and inspired us with their ideas.” We are incredibly proud of our Ruckel students who earned recognition for their dedication, innovation, and scientific thinking.

🧪 Ruckel Middle School Science Fair Award Winners

Benjamin R. N – Spot the Spot: Creating a More Efficient Skin Cancer Logistic Regression Model by Using Geometric Representations
🥇 1st Place Category Award & State Finalist, Spies Award, Fay – Math Award

Aviana C. S – Twisted Tunes: From Strings to Bands
🥇 1st Place Category Award & State Finalist, Metric Award

Eliza A. C – Mind the Gap: How Distance Changes Learning
🥈 2nd Place Category Award, APA Award

Riley E. C – Sunscreen or Sun Scream?
🥈 2nd Place Category Award, Fay – Chemistry Award

Jonah M. C – The Pesky Plastic Pollution Problem II
🥉 3rd Place Category Award, NASA Earth Award

Graham T. G – Bone Bustin' Beverages
🥉 3rd Place Category Award

Rebecca E. G – Mean Green Planting Machine
🥉 3rd Place Category Award, Ricoh Award

Elisha M – Shells and Strength: Sculpting Superior Concrete
🏅 Citadel Award

Evan J. M – Rock and Roll
🏅 Fay – Space Award

Mila G. N – Not So Plastic: The Strength of Bioplastics
🏅 MTSI Award

Jane J. P – Beyoncé vs Mozart – Which Green Beat is Better?
🏅 ECSC Award

These students demonstrated exceptional dedication to scientific exploration and inquiry. Their work represents the innovation and academic excellence we value at Ruckel Middle School, and we are proud to see them recognized among the region’s best young scientists.

Congratulations to all of our award-winning students and their teachers for representing Ruckel with excellence!

Congratulations to our Ruckel Rams of the Week! Each week, teachers nominate students who demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and dedication in the classroom and throughout our school. These students represent what it means to be a Ruckel Ram by showing respect, responsibility, and a commitment to doing their best each day. Our Rams of the Week consistently make positive contributions to our school community. Whether through hard work in their classes, kindness toward others, or stepping up as leaders among their peers, they set a great example for those around them. We are proud to recognize these students and celebrate the positive impact they have at Ruckel Middle School. Keep up the great work, Rams!

Congratulations to our Ruckel Staff Members of the Month! Each month, we recognize outstanding staff members who consistently go above and beyond in service to our students, families, and school community. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that these individuals are nominated by both their peers and our students, highlighting the powerful impact they have on those around them every day. Our Staff Members of the Month demonstrate dedication, positivity, and a commitment to excellence in all that they do. Whether supporting students, assisting colleagues, or contributing to the positive culture of Ruckel Middle School, they exemplify what it means to be a RAM who leads with heart and purpose. We are proud to celebrate their hard work and thank them for the difference they make in our school community.

Congratulations to Ms. Boles for being named Ruckel’s Teacher of the Month! Ms. Boles is an exceptional ESE teacher who works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the support they need to be successful. She collaborates closely with parents, teachers, and students to make sure individual needs are understood and met. Her dedication to advocating for students and maintaining strong communication with families reflects her deep commitment to student success. In addition to managing a large caseload, Ms. Boles provides push-in support in ELA classrooms across all grade levels, working alongside teachers to help students access the curriculum and build confidence in their learning. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and student-centered approach make a tremendous impact on our school community. We are grateful for the care and dedication she brings to Ruckel every day. Congratulations, Ms. Boles — this recognition is very well deserved!

Congratulations to Tami Smith for being named Ruckel’s Educational Support Staff Member of the Month! Tami is the welcoming face of Ruckel Middle School, greeting teachers, students, families, and community members each day with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care. She manages our front desk with efficiency and grace, ensuring that visitors feel valued and that our daily operations run smoothly. Her positive attitude, strong organizational skills, and commitment to serving others set the tone for our entire campus. Tami’s dedication does not go unnoticed. She consistently goes above and beyond to support staff and families, often anticipating needs before they arise. We are incredibly grateful for the professionalism, kindness, and steady leadership she brings to our school community each day. Congratulations, Tami — this recognition is well deserved!

We had a great day today at Davidson for our final academic team competition of the year! Junior Varsity came in first place, not only winning all six matches today, but also winning every single one of their matches this school year and coming in first place at every competition. Varsity performed amazingly today with only three competitors due to conflicts with band district MPA, but they still won all but one of their matches and came in second place. What a great season! We'll have our final normal practice next Wednesday, March 11th, and then I'll send out more details about an end of year party for after spring break soon. Thank you for allowing me to coach your wonderful kids this year. Varsity Evelyn B Jonah C William D Junior Varsity Silas C Ollie C Benjamin M Rex Neel Charles O

Last night, Ruckel Middle School proudly participated in the Van Porter Art Show, an annual event hosted by the Arts and Design Society to recognize outstanding 8th grade and senior artists across our community. We are incredibly proud of the five talented Ruckel artists whose work was selected for the show. Their creativity, imagination, and dedication were beautifully showcased, and they represented our school with excellence. ✨ Special congratulations to two of our students for their outstanding achievements: Kaelynn – Recipient of the ADSO Merit Award for her creative cardboard shoe sculpture titled “Slime.” Emma – Honored as the Van Porter Artist of the Year for her exceptional body of work. These students are not only incredibly talented artists but also wonderful, well-rounded young people. We are so proud of the creativity and passion they bring to our school community. Congratulations to Kaelynn, Emma, and all of our Ruckel artists! 👏🎨🐏

Ruckel’s Got Talent is tonight! Months of preparation all come down to tonight’s fantastic show! Come out and support our students and have a great time too! Family friendly!

Free Dental Day information

We think Ruckel Middle School gets the gold 🥇The RMS PTO treated the staff to lunch from Boggy Boys Pizza Wednesday! The pizza, salad and deserts were delicious and could have won a spot on the podium 🥇🥈🥉 Thank you volunteers for continuing to support our staff.

Parents & community members- we are in need of business sponsors for this event! Email rucke MSPTO@gmail.- com if you are interested in sponsoring or would like a printed copy of the sponsorship levels. Sponsorship levels range from $100.00- $1,500.00. All race and sponsorship proceeds will go to continued beautification efforts: including front entrance hardscaping, outdoor classroom & new signage.

Save the date Rams! On Thursday, April 30 RMS will host its 3rd annual Color Fun Run! Last year we had 300+ students & family members run & walk! Let's make it even more in 2026 2, %, 4,

We are just 1week away from Ruckel’s Got Talent on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30pm in the Cafetorium! Mark you calendars and tell your friends! You don’t want to miss our incredibly talented Ruckel’s stars!

Let’s give our new boys Tennis Team a big Ruckel welcome! Paxton B Luke W Dylan C Rhett T Jasper B Kyanh D Scout B Grayton L First practice will be Wednesday February 25. Girls will practice from 3-4 and boys from 4-5. Parent meeting will be held at 515 in the media center.

Enjoy a meal and support the Ruckel band.

Upcoming 6th graders: RMS is excited to see you at our Ram Rally event on March 3rd. The event will start in the Gym located at the back of the school. The front of the school will not be open for entry. There is limited parking at the gym. Additional parking is available along Old Coastal Hwy. We can’t wait to welcome you and help you get ready for an amazing middle school journey! 💛🖤 #FutureRams #RamRally #MiddleSchoolReady

Let’s give our new Girls Tennis Team a big Ruckel welcome!

Anabel C
Hayleigh C
Jacey E
Taylor F
Skyler H
Emory M
Jane P
Eva R
Aviana S
Claire S

Happy SRO Day to Deputy Smith! Today we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible impact Deputy Smith has at Ruckel Middle School. His daily commitment to keeping our campus safe ensures that students and staff can focus on teaching, learning, and growing in a secure environment. Beyond safety, Deputy Smith plays an essential role in building positive relationships with our students and staff. He takes the time to connect, mentor, and support, helping foster a culture of trust, respect, and pride across our campus. His willingness to step into additional roles such as coaching our flag football team demonstrates his dedication to investing in our students both on and off the field. We are truly grateful for his leadership, presence, and unwavering commitment to the Ruckel community. Thank you, Deputy Smith, for all you do to serve and support our RAM family each and every day.

Due to the extremely high interest in the throws this season. Mondays format will be as follows to safely and efficiently conduct tryouts.

Don't forget the spirit week this week for HOPE WEEK.