Mission, Motto & Values
Mission: The mission of Rocky Mountain Middle School is to ensure all students acquire the academic skills, knowledge, and social behaviors needed for future success.
Motto: “Learning is Required.”
Values
If learning is required at Rocky Mountain Middle School, then as a faculty we commit to the following:
- We will build and maintain positive relationships with students.
- We will take collective responsibility for student learning.
- We will show belief in each of our students.
- We will set goals to help our students and work in collaborative teams to chase those goals.
- We will ensure that students are prepared for the next grade level by identifying essential content and ensuring all students master that content.
- We will provide extra time and support to students who struggle to master essential content, and we will provide extra challenge to those who need more.
- We will continue to learn through professional development to build our capacity to help all kids.
- Instructional time will be valued and made enjoyable for all students.
Rocky Mountain Middle Administration
Principal's Message
Dear Students and Parents,
I am excited to welcome you to the 2022-2023 school year at Rocky Mountain Middle School. I feel privileged to work at RMMS and to work with each of you. As students experience Middle School, we as a faculty, are committed to helping each student master the essential academic content and skills. These skills will help them be successful in secondary school and lay the foundation for college and career readiness. It is also our goal to help students experience a variety of elective courses, clubs, and activities so that they can find things that they are passionate about that will connect them to their middle and high schools. We want students to leave Rocky Mountain confident in their ability to do rigorous course work and to feel that they have a place to belong in our school and at Wasatch High School. We take this important work seriously.
As a parent of three students in secondary school, I am also keenly aware of the benefits that come with involved parents who advocate for their children. If you have questions or concerns about the experience your child is having, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I love working in public education, and I do it because I love working with kids and want each student to be successful. I look forward to partnering with you, your child’s first teacher, as we work together to help your child have a successful middle school experience.
Sincerely,
J Brian Thorne
Email Address: brian.thorne@wasatch.edu
Phone Number: 435-654-9350 ext. 2601
Principal Brian Thorne
Brian Thorne grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he graduated from North Sanpete High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Brigham Young University, a Master of Education from Southern Utah University, and holds teaching credentials from Westminster College. His experience in education spans 26 years, beginning as a paraprofessional before becoming a self-contained teacher in Nebo School District’s Cornerstone Program (Youth-in-Custody). He worked at Springville High and Spanish Fork Junior High as a Cornerstone Teacher, ultimately serving as Assistant Principal at Springville High for four years prior to his current 10-year tenure as Principal at Midway Elementary. Mr. Thorne lives in Heber City with his wife and children. Of working in Wasatch, he notes, “I love the innovation and student-centered approach to education that you find at Wasatch County School District. I appreciate the community and district support that you receive at Wasatch County.”
Mr. Thorne’s Educational Philosophy
“I believe that all kids are capable of high levels of achievement, and we – as educators – can help them reach their fullest potential by creating a positive school climate by working and learning together in a collaborative culture.”
Assistant Principal Kevin Rich
Kevin Rich is a native of Haines, Ore. (population 265), where he graduated from North Powder High School in 2000. He holds a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University and an M.Ed. from Southern Utah University. Mr. Rich is joining Wasatch after serving 14 years in Alpine School District, where he worked for 10 years as an English Teacher at Larkeridge Junior High, two years as Academic Director/Professional Learning Coach at Skyridge High School, and most recently for two years as Director of Assessment and PLC Coaches at the Alpine School District Office. He and his wife are parents to six children ranging in age from 2-12, about which he notes, “I love each of them in a way that makes me want to stay up late and get up early and work for their futures.” Regarding his move to Wasatch, Mr. Rich says, “I am proud to be part of a district and school who wants to be the best. It’s what I want for my own kids.
Mr. Rich’s Educational Philosophy:
“I know what we teach is important for every student; I know every student can learn what we teach at high levels; I know each student is worth all my effort to make it happen; I believe every parent and every teacher represents our students’/my own students’ best chance at a happy future. I’m all in on becoming the best for our kids.”