The Bulldog Bulletin
Vol. 3 Issue 4 December '2023
Dr. Tanya Edwards, Principal
At BCMAR, we are Brilliant, Committed, Mindful, Achievers, and Respectful! 👨🎓
We are a Certified National Health Science Magnet School in historic Third Ward
A STEM education is a valuable asset in a child's academic career 🔬🧪⚛️🥼
Here at BCMAR, we specialize in a rigorous health science STEM+M program. Our curriculum is robust and offers an engaging and collaborative learning model.
Studies show STEM learning promotes critical thinking, curiosity, persistence, decision-making, leadership, entrepreneurship, and importantly, an acceptance of failure and how to regroup and revisit for another chance with success.
On any given day, our scholars here at BCMAR are exposed to innovative learning models across all contents. Whether it is creating a model of the human brain, dissecting a sheep's eye in , or creating a model of the human heart in Art class, our scholars are guaranteed a skill set that will benefit them beyond academia.
For more information on the benefits of a quality STEM education, follow this link: https://www.invent.org/blog/trends-stem/value-stem-education
December starts the season of giving 🎄🎁
It seems like yesterday we were starting the new school year, and now we are about to close out the year with festivities alongside those that are near and dear to us.
December brings about the cold weather season in our area and it reminds us that the holidays are approaching. Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, it is sure to be a time of gatherings, sharing, and most importantly giving selflessly.
Here at BCMAR, our diverse population of students we serve have a variety of cultural traditions they celebrate in the month of December.
For some interesting facts about different celebrations in December around the world, click the following link https://time.com/6242283/december-global-holidays-christmas-hanukkah-yule/ to see how others celebrate their festivities during the holiday season.
Each calendar month of the academic year, our school counselor Ms. Berry provides helpful resources to build positive character in our scholars.
To broaden our scholars' exposure, we review character education topics to help them make proper choices in life. December's Character Education topic is 'Trust'.
We speak often to our scholars on the importance of Trusting others and to choose your acquaintances wisely.
Here at BCMAR, 'trust' is super important in not only trusting adults on our campus, but to be trustworthy to others as well.
We must be trustworthy by being reliable, show integrity, and know what type of information is safe to share when given consent by others.
Please refer to the link below and use the information in the monthly flyer to help you speak on the importance of 'Trust' at home to your student.
BCMAR Healthy Bulldogs Health Alert
Flu Season is in high gear! We must prevent the spread of germs! 😷🤧
Now that the flu season is in high swing, a flu vaccine is strongly encouraged.
If you would like any more information about where to get the flu shot, please click the following link at https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
If you would like any further information about flu season, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html
Also, please visit the informative article in the next column written by our partners at Baylor College of Medicine. Here you will find useful information on the causes and how to combat influenza infection.
Have a great December by staying ahead of the flu! 👩⚕️💉
Winter is near and our partners at Baylor College of Medicine Talk Flu Season 😷
As winter vastly approaches, we will see the circulation of a variety of respiratory viruses such as influenza commonly known as the flu. Baylor College of Medicine experts say get vaccinated to boost your immunity and offer more tips on staying on top of your health.
A big indicator that a person might have the flu is when symptoms such as body aches, fevers, chills, nausea, an upset stomach or night sweats suddenly start occurring.
Often mistaken as the common cold, a big difference between the flu and a cold is that a cold will most likely not give you a high fever and/or body aches. Fevers signaling a cold are generally low-grade, between 99 and 100 degrees.
Click the BCM logo image to the right or follow this link: https://www.bcm.edu/news/flu-central for helpful information on combatting influenza this flu season.
Parent Access to Canvas
At the start of last school year, HISD has been utilizing Canvas as its learning management system (LMS).
Students are able to access Canvas for lessons and materials.
Canvas allows for administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of instructional programs.
If you need instructions on how to gain parental access on Canvas, please click the image.
Museum of Natural Science Field Learning Opportunity
Our sixth graders had an amazing field learning experience at the Museum of Natural Science. They were able to complete a mock simulated space expedition. The students were able to practice teamwork in a collaborative timed environment.
Another highlight of this field experience was letting our scholars travel back in time amongst exhibits of prehistoric beasts of all kinds.
Needless to say, the new discoveries captivated the minds of the scholars and chaperones.epth
For information on family events that are engaging, educational, and entertaining, please click the following link here https://www.hmns.org/ for in-depth details.
Our scholars put our library to use with in-class research and mini-lessons 📚
BCMAR scholars get the full benefits of a functioning library. Our teachers are provided with a rotating schedule that provides access to all contents.
Scholars are able to utilize the many resources available in the HISD digital resources to conduct research and provided mini-lessons on how to properly cite sources.
Our new inventory of books are available for circulation and so far we have seen over 400 books checked out since the month of September.
Here at BCMAR, we believe that young readers become leaders in many facets of the future.
Mayor Sylvester Turner's Visit to BCMAR
It was an amazing celebration with our important guest Mayor Sylvester Turner. Our scholars participated in Wyland Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation and our campus was recognized for being first place. With their commitment to environmental health, our scholars were thanked and recognized along with a gift of cool Zenni blue light sunglasses.
Along side Mayor Turner, there was an amazing panel of guest speakers sharing their insightful knowledge about the benefits of water conservation. alongside the Mayor. Guests included Baylor College of Medicine and City of Houston Public Works.
For more information on the Wyland Foundation, click the following link: https://wylandfoundation.org/programs/national-mayors-challenge-for-water-conservation/
PTO Breakfast for Staff Thanksgiving Break Send-off!
Staff enjoyed delicious Chic-Fila breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fresh fruit, juice and coffee.
Our staff was overjoyed with this token of appreciation. Mr. Ansari and his team of PTO members are such an important part of our campus. We truly value the working relationship we have with this amazing group of individuals.
PTO News
Parents and teachers partnering with school administrators and the community is a great way to market our campus and builds a stronger voice of representation for our scholars.
A PTO also helps prepare our kiddos to be responsible and engaged citizens by exposing them to partnerships and community involvement.
Our monthly PTO meetings are virtually and notices of upcoming dates are posted on our social media pages on Facebook and X.
Be an advocate for our children by joining our PTO. You can click the link box below for more information.
Baylor College of Medicine interns show our staff some sweet appreciation
Our teachers and staff got a 'sweet and yummy' surprise from our amazing BCM interns. 😋
Staff and faculty were provided with delicious cupcakes to say "Thank You' for all you do. Our partnership with BCM a great example of how community support and commitment builds morale and benefits overall academic success of our scholars.
To BCM from our entire staff and facult(TY) we say "Thank You" from the bottom of our hearts.
Chromebook Care
All students must bring their school-issued Chromebook each day.
Device Protection:
Chromebooks should always be inside your backpacks when not in use.
Please fully charge your laptop at home and do not bring the chargers to school.
Only use your Chromebook for school and classwork purposes
No personal stickers and do not remove any of the keys on the keyboard
Always protect your screen from scratches and cracks
To be a BCMAR bulldog means to also be a "Chromebook CHAMP"! 💪
Do you know of anyone in our school community that may need resources or support?
Upcoming Holidays/Breaks and Important Reminders
Cycle 3 Grading Period: November 13 - December 21
Cycle 3 Progress Reports go home: Friday, December 8
Cycle 3 Report Cards go home: Friday, January 12
Winter Recess: December 22- January 5
School starts promptly at 8:30 am and ends at 4:00 pm
Please ensure you student gets a good night's rest to be at their best academically during the school day.
If you student is a car rider, it is always a great idea to leave a bit earlier to anticipate traffic issues.
Please make sure your student is in attendance each school day
School Uniform Policy and Dress Codes
Hoodies are not to be worn indoors
No sunglasses
Grade-level polo shirts
School logo outerwear
Khaki pants
Student ID badge worn around the neck
Student Report Cards for Cycle 1 info
Cycle 2 Progress Reports go home Friday, October 27
Cycle 2 Report Cards go home on Friday, November 17
Reminder: You can log into PowerSchool and see/track your student's grades and progress on the HISD Parent Connect website.
Classwork and Teacher Contact are posted weekly on the HISD campus website.
BCMAR's Shining Stars of the Month of December
Katherine Hernandez
Here at BCMAR, when we think of qualities of a 'model' student, seventh grader Katherine Hernandez meets all criteria.
Her teachers all agree that she models a true bulldog scholar. Her determination to successfully complete all assignments on time, shows she is not just studious, but takes bulldog pride in her academics.
Katherine is known by her teachers as the student with one of the most positive attitudes. She is also a great team player. It is not uncommon for Katherine to go the extra mile in helping fellow scholars in the classrooms with tasks they may struggle with.
One of her teachers mentioned her grades and constant display of positive behavior makes her the best recipient of this award.
Katherine, we salute and congratulate you for being Scholar of the Month of December.
Mrs. Scott
Our Staff of the Month of December is Mrs. Patrice Scott.
She teaches sixth grade Social Studies and heads our Student Council.
Her experience in the classroom spans 30 years. When students enter Mrs. Scott's class, the learning environment is one that encompasses collaborative learning where students are more than willing to share their personal experiences in regards to their culture and travel. Scholars are enriching their reading skills at the same time they are experiencing world cultures and map regions.
On any given day in all of her classes, you will witness students applying concepts she taught to teach and learn from one another while activating prior knowledge and recalling personal experiences.
Mrs. Scott incorporates traditional teaching methods infused with technology to entice student engagement. She truly makes Social Studies fun and exciting. 🙂
Our BCMAR campus really appreciates Mrs. Scott's dedication to our students and our campus. She exemplifies 'bulldog' pride and teamwork.
Congratulations to you, Mrs. Scott, on being selected as December's shining star!
Thank you for your sponsorship and making this newsletter possible
We Love Our Sponsors 💙
Your support to our school and the community is greatly appreciated
Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/31699
Location: 2610 Elgin Street, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713) 942-1932
Twitter: @BCMAR_HISD