BRMS Cub Corner

Email: powersj@rushville.k12.in.us
Website: https://brms.rushville.k12.in.us/
Location: 1601 North Sexton Street, Rushville, IN, USA
Phone: 765-932-2968
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminRushMS
Twitter: @BenjaminRushMid

Principal: Mr. Jeremy Powers - powersj@rushville.k12.in.us

Assistant Principal: Mr. Dusty Neal - neald@rushville.k12.in.us

Guidance Counselor: Ms. Amy Hedrick - hedricka@rushville.k12.in.us

Student Assistance Counselor: Mrs. Jessica Mastin - mastinj@rushville.k12.in.us

Athletic Director: Mr. Kerry Brown - brownker@rushville.k12.in.us

Athletic Director: Mr. Isaac Sliger - sligeri@rushville.k12.in.us

Athletic Secretary: Mrs. Paula Shelton - sheltonp@rushville.k12.in.us

Technology Coordinator: Mrs. Chrissy Tabeling - tabelingc@rushville.k12.in.us

Nurse: Mrs. Becky Wicker - wickerbe@rushville.k12.in.us

Secretary: Mrs. Julie Mahan - mahanj@rushville.k12.in.us

Treasurer: Mrs. Carri Flannery - flanneryc@rushville.k12.in.us

Attendance & Cafeteria Secretary: Mrs. Connie Amos - amosc@rushville.k12.in.us

January 5 - Teacher Work Day, No Students

January 8 - Classes Resume

January 10 - Report Cards Distributed

January 15 - No School, Make Up Day

January 16 - 8th Grade Scheduling Program at BRMS

January 17 - Freshmen Orientation at RCHS @6:30pm

January 18 - Lion's Snack Shack, 3:30-6:00pm at RCHS

January 22-26 - RCHS Scheduling at BRMS

We hope everyone had a great Christmas break and had a chance to rest and recuperate. We are very excited to get the 2nd semester started. As we start the new semester, it's a good reminder to make sure as students we are prepared on a daily basis with fully charged computers, get to each class on time, turn your assignments in on time every day, and practice keeping those cell phones away during class time. We had a very successful first semester and if we can continue to improve in the areas where we struggled in the first semester, this semester is going to be the best yet! Let's have a great rest of the school year!

We had several Positive Office Referrals for the month of December. We are incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they are putting in every day!

Through a combined effort between Rush Memorial Hospital, Rush County Schools, the Rush County Community Foundation and the Community Based Action Planning Mental Health Initiative, The Journaling Project was launched in 2022. The Journaling Project allows every student at BRMS to receive a journal focused on mental health. Rush Memorial Hospital, Peer Support Specialist and Community Outreach Liaison, Mr. Drew Hahn, visited BRMS on December 4, 2023 to share about his personal experiences with using journaling as a daily tool for mental health positivity, to help cope with stress and to improve one's self-awareness. Thank you Drew for coming to BRMS to speak to students about the importance of journaling and mental health!

BRMS is truly grateful for the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Mission Fund's Winter Coats and Boots School Supplies Project this year at BRMS! With the generosity of St. Paul's Methodist Church Mission Fund, eleven BRMS students received warm, winter coats and boots this holiday season. Thank you very much, St. Paul's United Methodist Church for your continued support of BRMS students!

Thank you to the Rush County Historical Society for your kind donation of hats, scarves, and gloves for BRMS students this year! We greatly appreciate your generosity. Thank you for helping to keep BRMS students warmer this winter!

Thank you to our BRMS FCA Club and to the Little Flatrock Christian Church for your amazing generosity and sponsoring four BRMS families for Christmas again this year!

We are so grateful! Thank you for caring for BRMS students and helping to make their holiday very special this year!

We are very grateful for the generosity and kindness of our community partners this holiday season! Thank you Beacon Ag Group for supporting BRMS students and families! BRMS graciously received a donation box of much needed clothing. Beacon Ag Group also sponsored a BRMS family for Christmas. Thank you Beacon Ag Group for your support and making this holiday season very merry and bright at BRMS!

On December 18, 2023, Shyla Sharp, a Certified Trauma-Informed Mindfulness and Yoga Teacher gave a presentation to students during Grief Support Group about journal prompts, how to practice a 2-5 minute guided meditation, breath-work techniques and mindfulness practices to help regulate the nervous system. BRMS students were engaged and learned new positive coping skills that can help improve their sleep schedule and increase their concentration level. Thank you Shyla for sharing your Trauma-Informed Mindfulness practices with BRMS students!

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 17th at 6:30pm for our upcoming freshman class orientation! Welcome Class of 2028! High School counselors will be coming to the middle school to talk with current 8th graders, but we wanted to make sure you put this date on your calendar. We will start all together in the cafeteria and then split into two groups. One group will stay with the counselors in the cafeteria while the other group can walk the hallways and visit different tables (academic disciplines, clubs, activities, sports). After a certain amount of time, we will swap groups. We hope to see you then!

RUSH COUNTY SCHOOLS

Mr. Jim Jameson Ed.S, Superintendent Mr. Grant Peters, Asst. Superintendent

Dear Parents,

I hope this message finds you well. We are thrilled to inform you about a rare and incredible celestial event that will take place in 2024 – a total solar eclipse! This natural wonder provides a unique opportunity for both learning and creating lasting memories with your children.

On April 8, 2024 the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that will completely block out the sun's light for a brief period. This event is known as a total solar eclipse, and the path of totality for the upcoming eclipse will pass through Rush County. We encourage you to consider taking advantage of this exceptional opportunity to share an awe-inspiring moment with your family.

Here are a few reasons why experiencing the solar eclipse together can be an enriching and educational adventure:

• Science Education: Witnessing a solar eclipse is a hands-on science lesson for both children and adults. It provides an opportunity to discuss astronomy, the solar system, and the mechanics of eclipses.

• Rare Experience: Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events, and being in the path of totality offers a chance to witness one of nature's most stunning spectacles. It's an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

• Family Bonding: Sharing the excitement of a solar eclipse with your children can strengthen family bonds. Whether you plan a viewing party, take a trip to the path of totality, or simply observe from your backyard, it's an occasion to enjoy together.

• Safety Precautions: While viewing a solar eclipse is an incredible experience, it's crucial to take safety precautions. Ensure everyone has proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses, to avoid any harm to their eyes.

In light of this celestial occurrence and recognizing the educational and memorable opportunities it presents, we have made the decision to NOT be in school on April 8, 2024 due to Rush County being in the Path of Totality. This was already a snow make-up day on the calendar. We feel it is in the best interest to NOT be in school on April 8, 2024. There are several factors that have contributed to this decision:

(1) Rush County is in the path of totality, they are anticipating the eclipse to last a total of 3 to 4 minutes. Rush County EMA has had several meetings in preparation and is planning on a major influx of people in Rush County to view the Solar Eclipse.

(2) With the anticipation of a large number of visitors to Rush County, they are predicting traffic issues / wrecks as visitors will want to follow the eclipse to the next primary destination once it leaves Rush County.

(3) The timing of the solar eclipse is when students will be on school buses heading home. We are very concerned about student safety of viewing the eclipse. Lack of supervision for students on the buses to make sure students are not viewing the eclipse with the naked eye.

If you have any questions or concerns about the solar eclipse or if you'd like resources for safe viewing, please don't hesitate to reach out. We hope you take advantage of this rare opportunity to marvel at the wonders of our universe together as a family.

Wishing you an unforgettable solar eclipse experience!

Warm regards,

Mr. Jim Jameson Ed.S.

Superintendent

Rush County Schools

The 8th grade novice parliamentary procedure team completed in District IX Competition and placed 3rd overall. They were coached by Brittney Mahan. Great job, everyone!

-Please refer to student handbook (BRMS Student Handbook) for dress code, attendance policy, cell phone policy and other important expectations.

-Clarification on extra curricular events:

May NOT attend and/or participate IF:

1. You leave school early due to illness (sent home from the clinic)

2. You leave school early due to parent choice/parent coming to pick you up

3. You are sent home from someone in the office for disciplinary or other reasons.

May attend and/or participate IF:

1. Leave early due to a doctor's, dentist, or other medical appointment

2. Leave early due to a funeral

3. Leave early due to a school activity or other school sponsored event

-We look forward to continuing an incredible year of growth at BRMS!

BRMS office staff in partnership with St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry recently launched the BRMS BackSack Project where students are able to take food home in backpacks on Fridays before the weekend and before breaks from school. The first BackSack food delivery for students occurred in October. The BRMS BackSack Project is now serving thirty-two BRMS students each week! We are grateful to St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the Rush County Community Assistance Food Pantry for ensuring our students have plenty of healthy food over the weekend and breaks!

Stress and anxiety can get even the best of us. There is help available. Our guidance department is here for social/emotional support while at school. If you need help, click the Guidance Department link above. In addition, BRMS has a dedicated Centerstone therapist in the building, and we work with all and any outside agencies to promote the well-being of our students.

Centerstone is also providing most services via telephone or telehealth (video). We are concerned that those in need have access to mental health, addiction, and counseling services during a time of crisis. You may contact us for additional information, to make a referral, or to access our 24/7 crisis services at:

• Information or Appointments: (800) 344-8802

• 24 Hour Crisis Line: (800) 832-5442

If you would like to start the referral process, please reach out to Mrs. Mastin.

Recently, Rush County Schools partnered with the STOPit Solutions group. Your Trusted Partner in Safety & Wellness for Schools, Workplaces, and Communities.

STOPit works with more than 8,000 organizations nationwide to help protect their physical, social, and emotional well-being.

To find out more: CLICK HERE

To report an incident for BRMS: CLICK HERE and find Benjamin Rush Middle School. You can do it on the website or download the STOPit Solutions App.