We're getting ready for the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests! Here's what you need to know:

• Testing Dates: April 15th through April 18th.
• Grades Participating: All students will take the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math tests. 8th graders will also take the Science test.
• Schedule:
  • April 15th, 16th, and 17th:
    • ELA tests will be in the morning.
    • Math tests will be after lunch.
    • All students in grades 6th-8th will be dismissed early at 1:20 PM. Buses will depart at this time.
  • April 18th:
    • Only 8th grade students will attend school to complete the Science portion of the CMAS test. Normal dismissal time (3:20).
• Planning: Please schedule appointments and events outside of these testing times to ensure your student is present and able to focus during the assessments.
• Some students may begin testing the week before based on their specific educational plan. Their schedules will be adjusted accordingly.
• Transportation: Please make arrangements for student pick-up at 1:20 PM on April 15th, 16th, and 17th if your student does not ride the bus.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping our students succeed!

The 8th graders' last day of school is Thursday, May 22nd. No other grades attend school that day. Students shoud plan on a fun-filled day, including a bowling field trip, yearbook signing, carnival games, a barbeque, and more! The fee for the bowling activity is already in the student fee payment schedule online. More details and permissions slips will be forthcoming.

The 8th Grade Panoramic Class Pictures will be taken on Friday, March 28th at 9:30 AM in the gym. This is the ONLY time pictures will be taken of the whole class, so please make sure your student is in school and on time for this special event. All ordering is online at https://bestclasspicture.com.

We have a pretty robust Fiber Arts club at Bell during WIN time. Any knitters / crocheters in our community who have spare yarn, we would welcome donations to help our students practice thier craft. Also, any extra crochet hooks, hat looms, or other fiber arts supplies would be greatly appreciated!

Last chance to buy the 2024-2025 yearbook. Please purchase your yearbook by Friday, March 28th. You can purchase the yearbook for $25 on Infinite Campus or bring money into Bell.

Here are this week’s Bobcats of the Week, as nominated by teachers and staff members weekly from each grade. Students are nominated based on consistent or exceptional R.O.A.R. (Respectful, Optimistic, Accountable, Responsible) behavior. 😊

6th GRADE: Ivy Ciolek and Ava Cline for being accountable.

7th GRADE: Declan Graff for being optimistic and Claire Huntsman for being responsible.

8th GRADE: Jaelina Stickel and Livia Mohney for being respectful.

Hazel Health Network-online Mental Health Support

This free counseling service is Jeffco-supported and very quick to get started.

Parents or your student's grade-level counselor can make a referral by clicking the link above. Many Bell parents have used this service and have great feedback.

Your School Counseling Team:

6th grade: Lindsey Leigh- Lindsey.Leigh@jeffco.k12.co.us

7th grade: Kathy Cochran- Kathy.Cochran@jeffco.k12.co.us

8th grade: Linda Jelinek- Linda.Jelinek@jeffco.k12.co.us

SELS: Danielle Swanson - Danielle.Swanson@jeffco.k12.co.us

• March 17-21 Spring Break
• *March 24 * NO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS IN JEFFCO - Teacher Work Day
• March 25 Students return from Spring Break; 4th Quarter Begins
• March 26 Quarter 3 Grades posted
• March 28 8th Grade Panoramic Picture, 9:30 am in the Gym

• April 2 Screenager Showing 6-8 (Auditorium)

• April 4 Meet & Greet 8:30- 9:30, DTL, Instructional Coach, and how they support bell.
• April 15-17 CMAS Testing ELA and Math - Early Release @ 1:20 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• April 18 CMAS Science 8th Grade only; No School 6th & 7th grades
• April 24 8th Grade Dinner and Dance 5:30-7:00
• *April 25 *NO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS IN JEFFCO - Teacher Work Day
• May 22nd: 8th Grade Celebration (No School for 7th and 6th Graders)
• May 23rd: ROAR Party for Grades 6/7 (No School for 8th Graders)

Q: What is your favorite project to teach?

Mr. D: My favorite project is the unsolved mystery/muder mystery project. Students seem to always love it, and we have great conversations about the topics.

Q: What is your favorite concert you have been to?

Mr. D: Tie between Foo Fighters at Red Rocks (my first Red Rocks show) and Lucero in Memphis. My friend and dad went to Memphis with me to see my favorite band.

Q: What made you want to be a teacher?

I have always loved teaching. My only jobs have been some sort of coaching or teaching.

Fun Fact: I almost died at my grandma’s wedding because I ate my dad’s corsage… Don’t ask why.

Bell PTA is hosting a screening of the documentary movie, Screenagers Growing Up in the Digital Age, on Wednesday, April 2nd at 6pm in the Bell Auditorium. The documentary has been updated for 2025 with the latest science, research, and expert insights, Screenagers is an award-winning documentary that dives into the challenges families face in this digital age. There will be a mental health specialist from our community moderating a Question & Answer session after the movie. Students are welcome to attend. The movie is intended for students, 6th grade and up, and their families. We hope you can join us!

In April, our topic will be "How to Overcome Life's Challenges with a Positive Attitude," featuring Mandy Harvey, America's Got Talent fourth place winner and golden buzzer recipient. Mandy lost her hearing while studying vocal music education but taught herself to sing again and has since recorded albums, authored a book, and performed on major shows. Her inspiring story will resonate with both kids and adults.
Admission: Free, but it's a ticketed event. Be sure to get your tickets while they last! Details on obtaining tickets can be found on the attached flyer. Hope to see you there!