Ringgold Middle School (RMS) is the final piece of the Ringgold School District's educational vision, having previously consolidated and realigned its elementary footprint.  The former middle school was constructed on a stand-alone site in 1962.  It was not a candidate for renovation due both to a failing structure, and the inability to integrate the District's new educational model in an isolated location within a sprawling District.  Today's RMS is both a 21st century facility for grades 5-8, and an extention of Ringgold High School.  Sited on the same campus, it facilitates High School curricula requiring use of a state-of-the-art auditorium and media center.  Athletic and community recreation programs are enhanced with a regulation high school gym space serving more age groups.  The Middle School site adjoins the north end of the High School, creating the opportunity for a plaza which allows safe pedestrian movement.  The entire site is a plateau which slopes steeply away on all sides.  Site design was effeciently accomplished by absorbing excess parking and sharing the remaining lots with the High School.  Tennis courts carved out of the parking lot were relocated on the site, away from vehiclar traffic to a more attractive wooded area.  Improved and new vehicular access and parking around and behind both schools segregated maintenance and delivery functions from bus and parent traffic.  Storm water management was accomplished with buried holding tanks.  Specialized structural foundations were poured into the hillside to support the mass of the 2-story classroom wing, which is set behind the two-story lobby/media center element, gymnasium, office and auditorium.  The 36-unit classroom wing separates grades 5-8, each of which have their own flexible small group gathering spaces.   The wing includes science labs, special education rooms, art and music rooms, and separate corridor access to the cafeteria.  Large group spaces are connected to the classroom wing by a central corridor.  The Media Center and STEM instructional spaces are large, flexible and inviting areas.  The entire building, including the gym, is naturally lit with large windows.  Building materials are sourced from the region and include brick, metal and glass.