Back to School

List of 19 items.

• Academic Calendar

  Please review the 2022-23 academic calendar. As always, we respectfully request that families plan vacations, college visits, medical and other appointments, and other commitments at times that do not require students to miss classes. Key dates for parents next fall include Middle School Back-to-School Night on September 8 and Upper School Back-to-School Night on September 13, and parent conference days, on October 31 and November 1, that will provide parents the opportunity to schedule one-on-one time with each of their child’s teachers. We will share more details with you in the fall about how to schedule them.
  

• Detailed School Calendar of Events

  The school calendar is very busy, and events are being added all the time.
  
  For more details on events or for dates of events not listed on this page, please consult the school calendar in myCOMPASS or the events calendar on the school website if you do not have access to myCOMPASS.

• Summer at RE

  Children nine and up have a variety of opportunities for summer exploration and learning – and some fun too. Learn more about Summer at RE. We offer our Explorations Academy, featuring enrichment and for-credit academic courses both on campus and remotely; our Pine Knot Scholars program for rising fifth- through eighth-grade students, which takes full advantage of our location on Biscayne Bay; and a variety of two-week academic and sports camps at different times throughout the summer. If you have any questions about RE’s summer programs, please direct them to Executive Director of Summer Programs Jimmy Oxsalida.

• Bus Service

  Ransom Everglades School offers bus service to and from pick-up / drop-off locations in Miami Beach, Key Biscayne / Brickell and Pinecrest / Coral Gables. The service is provided to and from both campuses by Franmar Bus Company. Routes, pick-up / drop-off locations, times and other details are found in the Bus Service resource page in myCOMPASS.
  
  Email Daniel Perez or call 305 460 8895 with any questions regarding bus service.

• Class Schedules

  The scheduling office is currently building the master schedule for the 2022-23 academic year, and will soon be preparing individual student schedules. Each schedule is individually reviewed by school leaders before it is sent to students to ensure that each student receives a schedule that is appropriately challenging, maintains a sense of balance, and as much as possible, is consistent with the priorities indicated by students on the course request form. Please keep mind that we begin our schedule from scratch each year in order to accommodate as many student requests as possible. Once the schedule is built and schedules are released to students, changes are considered on a case by case basis and must be limited in order to retain the small class sizes, personalized attention, and wide range of course and program offerings we are so proud of at Ransom Everglades.
   
  In late June, class deans will share with upper school students the courses in which they have been enrolled (their detailed daily schedules will be provided closer to the start of the school year). The upper school class deans will be available intermittently throughout the summer to work with students on any scheduling issues they might have after receiving their course lists. Instructions for contacting the deans will be included with distributions of the course lists.
   
  Middle school students will receive their daily schedules on or shortly before the first day of classes.

• Course of Study

  Please find a detailed look at our curriculum and course offerings for 2022-23 by reviewing our Course of Study.

• Middle School Uniform

  Clothing must fit appropriately and be in good repair (no holes, rips or tears) at all times, whether one is sitting, standing, bending, or climbing stairs, and should completely cover one’s shoulders, chest, torso, back and buttocks. All hemlines must be at least fingertip length with the arms extended at one's sides.
  
  

  Tops: All polo shirts with the Ransom Everglades logo. Appropriate fit is of paramount importance; a shirt must be long enough to cover the torso at all times. Shirts must not fit too tightly. Midriff may not be exposed at any time.

   

  Bottoms: Appropriately fitting, solid-colored shorts, pants, knee-length skirts, or capris may be purchased from approved vendors. Shorts and skorts must have a length of at least four inches from the top of the knee; skirts must be knee length. Shorts must be embroidered with the RE logo and have a hem, and may not be hemmed, folded, rolled, or cuffed to less than four inches from the top of the knee. Our vendors offer a variety of sizes to suit different heights and body shapes. If ordering a skirt, please note that both girl and teen lengths are available. Parents should check the skirt length in the size chart and order the length that will meet the school dress code requirements. 
  
  All middle school uniforms must be purchased at one of our two vendors.

  • The Dennis Uniform Store, located at 8807 SW 132 Street, Miami
  • Lands’ End, using school number 900181561

  PE uniforms are distributed during physical education classes after the start of the school year.

• Upper School Dress Code

  The school expects students to use common sense and conservative judgment in following these guidelines for attire and grooming during the school day. Clothing must fit appropriately and be in good repair (no holes, rips or tears) at all times, whether one is sitting, standing, bending, or climbing stairs, and should completely cover one’s shoulders, chest, torso, back and buttocks. Material that is transparent or see-through is not permitted.
  
  

  • Shirts and blouses: Polo-style collared shirts with two or three buttons and an optional logo on the chest or sleeve, appropriately buttoned oxford shirts, and blouses are acceptable. Flannel, fully zippered, and hooded shirts are not permitted. T-shirts with RE logos or symbols may be worn on Fridays. All shirts and blouses must have sleeves.
  • Shorts: Only appropriately fitting Bermuda-style shorts, cargo-style shorts or capris, long enough to reach at least the tip of the thumb when the arms hang straight down alongside of the hips, are acceptable. An acceptable example is 5- or 7-inch chinos shorts found at a wide variety of retailers and uniform stores.
  • Pants: Only Khaki-style or dress pants, or cotton denim jeans, worn at or above the hips, are acceptable.
  • Skirts/Dresses: Only dresses that cover the shoulders, have a collar, and are appropriate for an academic environment are acceptable. Skirt length must be equal to or extend beyond the tip of the fingers when the arms hang straight down alongside of the hips. Skirts and dresses may not have slits; a kick pleat is acceptable. T-shirt, scoop-neck, low-cut, form-fitting, or backless dresses may not be worn.
  • Footwear: Flip-flops and other beach shoes are not allowed.
  • Outerwear: Sweatshirts, jackets and sweaters may only be worn with a turtleneck or visible collared shirt underneath.
  • Hats: Hats and hoods are allowed outdoors only.

  
  Professional or business attire is required on special assembly days. Appropriate examples of this attire are:
  

  • Business suits, sport coats and/or vests.
  • Skirts or dresses that do not have a slit; a kick pleat is acceptable.
  • Blouses or dresses that are appropriate for an academic environment, cover the shoulders, and are not scoop-neck, low-cut, or form-fitting.
  • Oxford dress shirts.
  • Dress slacks.
  • Ties or bow ties.
  • Shoes must be dressy: loafers, closed flats, closed-toed shoes that can be tied or high heels.
  • The following are prohibited: bare midriffs, low-cut tops, shrugs, shawls, visible undergarments, transparent clothing, strapless, halter tops, “rompers,” beach flip-flops and open-toed sandals.

  
  PE attire, which can be purchased in the RE Store, must be worn during physical education classes. During the swimming rotation, a one-piece bathing suite or swim trunks are acceptable attire.
  
  Grooming: All students are expected to be neat and clean in personal appearance. Jewelry should compliment and not distract from the dress code. Unless the jewelry is significant to the culture or religion of the student, jewelry is expected to be simple in nature.
  
  Athletic Game Days/Competition Days/Performance Days: On days of home games, performances, and/or other competitions, student-athletes / performers / competitors are encouraged to help promote school spirit for their teams by wearing the team / ensemble-approved attire during the academic day. Sweats and warm-ups are not permitted during classes.

• School Forms (due August 1)

  School forms are available on myCOMPASS (new families have already received instructions from Chief Technology Officer Linda Lawrence about accessing myCOMPASS). At your earliest convenience, please complete the forms for your students, updating contact, emergency and medical information, and giving or declining permissions for certain school activities. Find instructions here.
  
  The school forms must be submitted by August 1 in order for students to begin the school year smoothly and start classes on Monday, August 22. Students will not be permitted to access technology, attend classes or participate in any co- or extra-curricular activities until all of their school forms have been completed and turned in. To ensure the safety of our students, this policy will be strictly enforced. If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please email our Technology Services Department at REsolve@ransomeverglades.org.

• School Supplies

  Supply lists for fall classes will be posted on individual class pages in myCOMPASS on Friday, August 19, in advance of the start of school on August 22.
  
  

  Student schedules will also be posted on that date.
  
  

  Students are invited to refer to the supply lists on August 19 and obtain needed supplies before the start of school. The RE Stores on both campuses will be open to new students on August 20. They will also be open during lunch periods at the middle school and free periods at the upper school once school begins August 22.
  
  Please know that, as part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we are working to reduce our reliance on paper in the classroom. 

• Summer Reading

  summer reading list

• Technology Orientation / Laptops

  Saturday, August 20: Middle School Technology Orientation for New Students
  New middle school students will receive their school-issued laptop at this mandatory technology orientation. Returning Ransom Everglades students not yet comfortable with the use of technology may also attend this technology orientation session.
  
  

  8-8:30 a.m.: Parents and new middle school students gather with the student’s advisor in advisory

  8:35-9 a.m.: Parents and new middle school students proceed to Swenson Hall for assembly

  9 a.m.: Parents depart, new middle school students follow directions to the technology orientation.

  12:05 p.m.: Parents pick up students.
  
  

  Saturday, August 20: Upper School Technology Orientation for New Students

  New upper school students will receive their school-issued laptop at this mandatory technology orientation. Returning Ransom Everglades students not yet comfortable with the use of technology may also attend this technology orientation session.
  
  

  12:30-1 p.m.: Lunch for new upper school students and parents.

  1 p.m.: Parents depart after a tour of campus; new upper school students follow directions to the technology orientation.

  4 p.m.: New upper school students depart campus.

  
  Technology for Returning Students
  Before the start of school, we recommend that returning Ransom Everglades students run all Windows updates that occurred over the summer. Students should log in to their school-issued laptop while having it connected to an electrical outlet and let the Windows updates run uninterrupted. Keep checking for Windows updates until there are no remaining updates.
  
  Returning students are expected to have their laptops in working order and significant scheduling issues resolved in time for the start of classes; they should plan to be available on Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, if they need assistance from the Technology Services Department or upper school class deans. Additional orientation activities will be part of the first day of classes for all students on August 22. 
  
  

  Summer Office Hours
  The Technology Services Department is open during the summer and ready to assist our students and parents. Please email REsolve@ransomeverglades.org with requests for technical assistance. Our summer support hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Textbooks

  Book ordering and distribution for most required books will be through MBS Direct, an online book distributor. MBS Direct offers families several options for most books, including purchasing or renting them, and including new, used, and electronic options as they are available by title. This range of options allows families to make decisions based on cost and student preference.
  
  The MBS site will be open for ordering textbooks for the 2022-23 academic year on July 15, 2022. Placing your orders early ensures that you have the best number of options for purchasing books and that your order will arrive before school begins. (Free shipping is offered through July 28, 2022.) Distribution of trade paperback books, typically used in English classes, and special titles including some digital content, such as math textbooks authored by our own faculty members, are managed directly by the RE Store. You will receive details and specific instructions for ordering books in mid-May. 
  
  Arthur Hoffmann, our Director of Book and Online Stores, is available to assist with this process; feel free to contact him if you have questions.

• Parent Volunteers Needed

  Please take a minute to consider some of the worthwhile opportunities volunteering with the Ransom Everglades Parents' Association (REPA) or Fund for Ransom Everglades. Fill out the REPA interest form to find out how you can contribute to REPA, or email Melissa Bonafonte, Director of The Fund for RE, to learn how you can join a team of 150 parent volunteer solicitors who serve as front-line ambassadors for Ransom Everglades, ensuring that students and faculty are fully supported.
  
  Visit the REPA resource page on the myCOMPASS resource board.

• Performing Arts Schedule (tentative)

  Fall Semester 2022 (tentative)
  
  

  MS Fall Play Auditions:	September 6-7 at 3:30 p.m.
  US Fall Play Auditions:	September 6-7 at 3:30 p.m.
  MS Band Fall Recital:	October 11 at 7:30 p.m.
  MS Strings Recital:	October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  MS Fall Play:	October 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.
  US Fall Play:	November 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 19 at 2 p.m.
  US Band, Orchestra, Choir Holiday Concert:	December 2 at 7:30 p.m.
  MS Band Winter Concert:	December 6 at 7:30 p.m.
  MS Strings Holiday Concert:	December 7 at 7:30 p.m.

  
  Please consult the school calendar in myCOMPASS for additional dates of auditions and performances.

• Sports Preseason Start Dates

  Several upper school fall sports hold preseason practices before classes begin. (The start dates of all upper school fall sports are listed below.) Students interested in participating in football, girls’ volleyball, cross country or swimming should plan to have concluded their vacations and other summer activities in advance of their sport’s preseason so they can attend all preseason activities. 

   

  We plan to share information about middle school sports in the summer; please note that no middle school teams will commence practice before the first day of school on August 22. For more information, contact athletics@ransomeverglades.org

   

  Families of students interested in middle school or upper school fall sports should check this web page throughout the summer for the most current information on start dates and other issues.

   

  Upper school fall sports preseason start dates:

  Crew:	August 22
  Cross Country:	August 8
  Football:	August 1
  Golf:	August 22
  Sailing:	August 22
  Swimming:	August 10
  Girls’ Varsity Volleyball:	August 8
  Girls’ JV Volleyball:	August 15

  
  Note that all required online school forms and FHSAA athletic participation forms must be submitted by August 1 for students to participate in tryouts or practices.
  
  For more information, contact the RE Athletics and Physical Education Office.

• School ID / Yearbook Photos

  Grades 9 - 12
  August 22

  7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  Bridge Room in Cameron Hall, upper school campus

   

  Grades 6 - 8
  August 25 and 26

  7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  Atrium, middle school campus

  
  Grades 6 - 8
  August 29

  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  Makeup photo for those absent on August 25 and 26

  Atrium, middle school campus

  
  Grades 9 - 12

  September 2

  11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  Makeup photo for those absent on August 22

  Bridge Room in Cameron Hall, upper school campus

   

  School photos are required for all students, faculty and staff. Contact Suzanne Kores with any questions.

• Student/Parent Access to myCOMPASS

  The school uses myCOMPASS to keep students and parents informed about assignments and grades, and to communicate information about co-curricular activities, upcoming RE events and important school announcements. MyCOMPASS also includes class and team pages, and a Resources page with calendars, school forms and other important materials not available anywhere else or to the outside community.

   
  Parents of incoming students have access to myCOMPASS as of April 7, 2022. They received their child’s school credentials for accessing school email and myCOMPASS in their admission packet handed out at the April 6, 2022, admission orientation session. Please contact Ana Bott, Admission Associate, if you did not receive your child's admission packet containing this information.
  
  

  The Technology Services Department strives to keep you informed of the useful features of myCOMPASS. The "myCOMPASS  Introduction for Parents" and "myCOMPASS Introduction for Students" web pages are two resources for showing parents and students how to get started with myCOMPASS. Please visit frequently since we will also be posting new features and technology tips related to this powerful and informative tool.
  
  Please familiarize yourself with myCOMPASS before the start of school in August. If you have any questions, please email REsolve@ransomeverglades.org.
  
  

  Note that extensive information is also available to you on our school website. The public school website is not a substitute for myCOMPASS; it is a helpful complement where you can see a daily calendar and news updates, access the school directory, and view general information about our academic, co-curricular programs, and connect with us on social media.

• Student Clubs and Activities

  Find the lists of clubs, organizations and activities on the Clubs and Activities web page.