

Bulldog Newsletter

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Welcome to the Bulldog Newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2023
INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE
- Upcoming Dates
- School Board Referendum Information
- After School Activities Schedule
- Teacher of the Year Nomination Information
- Parent/Guardian Social Media Safety Guide
- STEAM Highlights
- Bulldog Bingo Family Night
- Who to Contact
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
November 17th - Bulldog Bingo Family Night 5:00-7:00pm
November 23-24th - Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
November 30th - Last day of Trimester 1
December 1st - Mark reporting day for teachers - NO SCHOOL for students
December 4th - Trimester 2 begins
December 7th - 6, 7, 8th Grade Bands & Jazz Band Concert 6:300pm at PCSH
December 13th - 6, 7 8th Grade Choir Concert 6:30pm at PCSH
December 14th - 7th & 8th grade Orchestra Concert 6:30pm at PCSH
December 20th - January 1 - Winter Break - No School
November 7th Referendum - Building a Better Future
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
After School activities are in full swing! Please see the After School Activities Schedule for classes and dates they are offered. All students wishing to participate MUST have a signed permission form for the activity before they can attend. Permission forms can be picked up from the teacher who is holding the class.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Everyone remembers a favorite teacher, someone who motivates and inspires students. If your student has a teacher that has positively impacted them, please nominate that educator for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Online nominations are open through November 15.
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Help Your Middle Schooler Navigate Social Media Safely
As parents/guardians of middle school students, it's essential to guide your children's use of social media. These platforms offer both positive and negative aspects, so it's crucial to strike a balance. Social media can be a valuable tool for kids to connect and learn. However, it also comes with risks like cyberbullying and excessive screen time. To help your child, consider these tips:
1. Set Clear Rules:
Establish clear guidelines on how much time your child can spend on social media, which platforms they can use, and what content is appropriate. Creating and enforcing these rules will help your child understand responsibility.
2. Teach Responsibility:
Educate your child about online dangers and responsible behavior. Talk about cyberbullying, privacy concerns (is there location being shared on social media), and the responsibility of accepting consequences for choices made online. Encourage open communication so they can come to you with any concerns.
3. Keep an Eye Out:
While it's crucial to trust your child, it's equally important to monitor their online activity, especially when they're in middle school. Keep an eye on their friends, posts, and messages to ensure their safety and well-being.
4. Use Parental Controls:
Consider using parental control tools to limit access to certain apps and websites. These tools can help you manage screen time, filter content, and keep tabs on your child's online interactions.
5. Be a Role Model:
Demonstrate responsible social media use, as children often emulate their parent or guardian's behavior.
6. Encourage Offline Activities:
Promote a balance between online and offline activities, like sports, hobbies, and reading.
7. Promote Real-Life Connections:
Encourage in-person interactions with friends and meaningful conversations.
Social media can be a double-edged sword for middle school students. While it offers valuable opportunities for social interaction and learning, it also presents potential risks.
As a parent or guardian, it's your responsibility to guide and protect your child as they navigate the digital world. By setting clear boundaries, educating them about online safety, monitoring their activity, and leading by example, you can help your middle school student make the most of their online experiences while staying safe and grounded in the real world.
STEAM Highlights
1993 Time Capsule
A time capsule from 1993 was revealed at parent/teacher conferences on Oct. 26th. Staff from 1993 joined us in this celebration!
Bulldog Cafe
FACS and Culinary Students opened the Bulldog Café during conferences on Oct. 26th for families to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by these hardworking students.
Camp Fire Minnesota
College and Career Activities
In the past month, many students have participated in a college and career activity:
- 7th grade Gateway to Technology students engaged in a heart valve activity with Boston Sci engineers
- 7th grade Life Science students listened to a presentation from a Seabird Ecologist working in Antarctica.
- 8th grade AVID visited the University of Minnesota for a tour.
MN Studies Archeological Dig
6th graders participated in an archaeological dig simulation. Students worked collaboratively to dig for artifacts, record their findings, and analyze their artifacts.
Upcoming family event
BULLDOG BINGO FAMILY NIGHT
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CEAP (Community Emergency Assistance Programs)
https://www.ceap.org/what-we-do/childrens-programs.html
7051 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429
(763) 566-9600
Mon-Thu 8:00am-4:30pm
Fri 8:00am-2:30pm
Sat-Sun Closed
CEAP started as a food shelf but now provides many other services such as
- Housing Assistance
- LearnStrong Back-to-School (backpacks and school supplies)
- Toys Of Joy Holiday Program
- Birthday Bags
- Baby and Toddler Care Packages
- Check out the website for additional programs
Children's Mental Health Collaborative
See the link below for more information on the Children's Mental Health Collaborative through Hennepin County.
Hennepin County Parent mental health Summit
Wednesday, November 15th 5:30-7:30pm
The Hennepin County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative is holding a caregiver summit regarding children’s mental health November 15th at the Brookdale Library. Their goal is to better understand how to improve children mental health systems. See more information by clicking the link below.
WHO TO CONTACT AT BMS
School Office: 763-569-7700...............................BMS Website: https://bms.district279.org/#
Attendance: 763-569-7616………………………………..Transportation: 763-391-7244
6th Grade
Caitlin Kuntz, Counselor 6th Grade ......Email: KuntzC@district279.org
Larry Bilbro, SMS 6th Grade......Email: BilbroL@district279.org
7th Grade
Judy Anderson, Counselor 7th Grade .......Email: AndersonJ@district279.org
Rachel Walton, SMS 7th Grade……..Email: WaltonR@district279.org
8th Grade
Annessia Xiong, Counselor 8th Grade .....Email: XiongAnnessia@district279.org
Elijah McClure, SMS 8th Grade.......Email: McClureE@district279.org
District Tip Line.........763-256-6363
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Website: https://bms.district279.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmssteambulldogs/
Twitter: bmssteam