April Newsletter 2025

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Email: bms@sbps.net
Website: www.sbps.net/bms
Location: 27 East 23rd Street, Scottsbluff, NE, USA
Phone: 308-635-6270
X: @BMSCATS

Dear Bluffs Middle School Families,

As we enter the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 school year, it’s astonishing to think about how quickly the year is nearing its conclusion. Yet, we still have several sporting events, concerts, and celebrations ahead that will showcase our students' talents. April is filled with exciting activities, including soccer games, track meets, staff appreciation days, the selection of new WEB Leaders, and our second annual Esports tournament. Please watch for more information from teachers, coaches, and sponsors. The amazing opportunities available to students at Bluffs Middle School truly reflect the dedication of our staff and your commitment to your student’s success. The support from parents and guardians, along with our staff, continues to enhance our partnership and strengthen our school community. We appreciate your support and involvement at Bluffs Middle School, which helps make our school the best it can be.Thank you!

Strength and Conditioning Program

After school lifting will begin at Bluffs Middle School on April 7th and run through May 16th. The time will be 3:15pm to 4:15pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This is weight room time for anyone not participating in spring sports, and open to 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. If you are interested in participating, sign up for BMS Strength & Conditioning Program 2024-2025 on Arbiter Sports (https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/bms-strength-conditioning-program-2024-2025). Students must have a physical on file in Arbiter Sports to participate. If you have any questions please reach out to Zach Parks, zparks@sbps.net.

Morning Procedure

Beginning March 31, except for inclement weather, students will wait outside before school. The staff is on duty at 7:25 am. Students are expected to remain in grade-level designated areas. Students who eat breakfast at school may enter the building at 7:15 am through the main south doors. All students may enter the building when the bell rings at 7: 38 am to access their lockers before classes begin at 7:45 am.

Exploratory Course Selection

As we look forward to the 2025-26 school year, students will soon have the chance to select from a range of exploratory courses designed to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various subjects. These courses are an integral part of our commitment to fostering a well-rounded education, allowing students to pursue their passions and interests beyond the standard curriculum. Grade-level counselors will provide more information in the near future.

After School Tutoring

After-school tutoring is available to all students. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity to receive additional instruction, complete missing assignments, or retake assessments. Tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 3:05 pm - 4:05 pm.

Parent Teacher Conferences Meals

The staff and administration of Bluffs Middle School would like to express our gratitude for the remarkable generosity shown by our parents during last month's parent-teacher conferences. Your kindness in supplying meals, desserts and snacks was greatly appreciated. It is gestures like these that strengthen the sense of community, making our school a truly special environment. Thank you for attending conferences and providing meals for us. It was so nice to see and connect with everyone.

Lastly, please ensure we have current emergency contact information in Infinite Campus for your student. If updates are needed, don't hesitate to contact us at 308-635-6270, and we will gladly assist you.

Sincerely,

Jana Mason

Principal

Baby Pictures

The deadline to submit pictures was March 1st. If you have not done so, please contact Mrs. Shaddick as soon as possible. We aim to include every student in this memorable slideshow, and your prompt cooperation will help us achieve this goal.

End of Year Awards Ceremony

The Bluffs Middle School staff is eagerly anticipating the upcoming 8th Grade Awards Ceremony, a cherished event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of our students. The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st, at 2:00 pm in the gym. We look forward to celebrating our students' hard work and dedication throughout the school year.

All A's Award

A special recognition will be given to those students who have consistently demonstrated exceptional academic excellence by earning all A's throughout their sixth, seventh, and eighth grade years. This is a significant achievement that reflects not only the students' dedication to their studies but also their resilience and commitment to excellence. Mr.Castle, our eighth grade counselor, will be overseeing this recognition. He will send out a list of students who are tentatively set to receive this honor, based on their academic records. It's important to note that this list is subject to review and confirmation, ensuring that every deserving student is duly recognized. If you notice an error in the initial list please contact Mr.Castle as soon as possible.

BMS 8th Grade Dance

The 8th grade dance will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the cafeteria at Bluffs Middle School.

Criteria to Attend BMS 8th Grade Dance

● Only current 8th Grade Bluffs Middle School students may attend. Former students, alumni, relatives, and friends

may not attend.

● Students attending must be in good academic standing and not failing more than one class.

● Students attending may not have more than five behavior referrals for the school year.

● Students attending must not have had ISS or OSS during the 4th quarter.

Student Conduct at the BMS 8th Grade Dance

In addition to all rules of student conduct in the Student Handbook, students attending dances shall adhere to the following rules of conduct:

● Student conduct and behavior must be appropriate for the school environment.

● Students must arrive at the dance no later than 15 minutes after the designated start time.

● Students must stay at the dance until the official end time unless they are picked up at the door by his/her parent or guardian.

● Students must follow the dress code.

● Students must attend a full day of school on the day of the dance.

● Students who have inappropriate behavior will be removed from the dance, and parents will be notified to pick their student up early.

SBPS is excited to announce that we will be moving to Parent Square, a new form of school-to-home communication at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year. This unified communications platform will replace the Remind app and is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with our schools. With ParentSquare, parents can enjoy photos posted by teachers, fill out forms and permission slips, sign up to volunteer in the classroom, and much more. School staff and parents can engage in both one-to-one and group messaging with real-time language translation.

ParentSquare will be the primary information-sharing platform for the district in sending alerts, and messages from the district, as well as individual school building administration and teachers. Watch for more information next month on how to learn more about and get started with ParentSquare.

Para Professional Appreciation Day - April 2

The exceptional contributions of para professionals at Bluffs Middle School have not gone unnoticed. Their support, dedication, and the invaluable time they invest in both students and staff significantly enhance the educational experience at Bluffs Middle School. We are so thankful for our amazing paraprofessionals. We celebrate you on April 2nd, but we appreciate you all year!

Assistant Principal Appreciation Week - April 7-11

Please join me in thanking our assistant principals, Mrs.Chancellor and Mr. Miller. We appreciate all you do for Bluffs Middle School students, staff and families.

Librarian Appreciation Day - April 16

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Mrs. Shaddick for her tireless dedication and exceptional service to Bluffs Middle School. It is through her hard work and dedication behind the scenes that our technology and media center continues to thrive, making a difference in the lives of our students every day. Thank you for everything you do.

Bluffs Middle School students and staff will attend the matinee production of Anastasia on Wednesday, April 9th at Scottsbluff High School. Students and staff will walk to the high school at 7:45 am and return at approximately 10:45 am. The performance begins at 8:00 am and is approximately two and a half hours in length. Please contact your student's teachers with additional questions.

If you would like to attend any of the performances on April 10-12, tickets may be purchased at www.Ronne.com .

All students will take the spring NSCAS statewide assessments starting the first week of April. We are so excited to see students' growth and academic progress. Teachers and students have been preparing for our state assessment all year and now is the time to shine. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades will be assessed in math and reading. Additionally, eighth graders will take the science state assessment. Your cooperation and assistance in avoiding appointments during testing is greatly appreciated.

NSCAS ELA

• Grade 6, March 31-April 4
• Grade 7, April 10-11, April 15-16
• Grade 8, March 31-April 4

NSCAS Math

• Grade 6, April 22-25
• Grade 7, April 22-25
• Grade 8, April 22-25

NSCAS Science

• Grade 8, April 14-16

While our state assessment is just one factor in evaluating grade-level proficiency, we urge you to motivate your student to give their best effort and dedication during each assessment. Student outcomes are crucial, and prioritizing academic growth is our main focus. Please remind your student to bring their Chromebooks to school with a full charge.

Please visit the Nebraska Department of Education website for more information. https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/

Bluffs Middle School is thrilled to continue its student leadership opportunities for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, specifically designed for our current seventh-grade students. As a part of our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program, selected leaders will play a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and positive atmosphere. This unique opportunity allows leaders to directly impact the school culture by mentoring our incoming sixth graders and ease their transition into middle school life.

To apply, simply scan the QR code located on the seventh-grade floor. Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our WEB sponsors, Mr. Koncaba or Mrs. McGhehey. This is your chance to make a lasting impact at Bluffs Middle School and help create an environment where everybody truly belongs.

March was Music In Our Schools Month, showcasing students' musical talents and emphasizing the significance of music education. Schools nationwide host events like concerts and workshops, highlighting music's ability to inspire and unite people. Bluffs Middle School students were able to perform spring concerts, participate in the Panhandle Middle School Honor Band and perform a joint concert with WNCC Fire in the Pan band members. Please join me in thanking Mr. Koch, Mrs. Koch, Mrs. Hillman, and Mr. Brening for their endless support and dedication to our students.

April 2 - Para Professional Appreciation Day

April 7 - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

April 9 - SHS Musical, Anastasia 8:00 am - 10:45 am

April 16 - Librarian/Media Specialist Appreciation Day

April 17-21 - Spring Break - No School

April 19 - Esports Tournament at SHS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

April 22 - Chi Alpha Mu (National Junior High Math Honor Society) 5:00-7:30 pm @ BMS

April 28 - Aulick Industries Field Trip 9:30 and 12:45 (Koncaba)

April 30 - Aulick Industries Field Trip 12:00 pm (Paez)

April 30 - Outdoor Discovery Learning field trip (Bobcats)

May 1 - Outdoor Discovery Learning field trip (Arctic Cats)

May 5 - Professional Development Day - No school

May 5 - Incoming 6th Grade Spring Orientation, A-L 6:00 pm and M-Z 6:45 pm at BMS

May 8 - Choir Concert @ BMS 6:00 pm

May 9 - Band Concert @ SHS 6:00 pm

May 13 - Orchestra Concert 5-12 @ SHS 6:00 pm

May 21 - 8th Grade Awards Ceremony @ 2:00 pm in BMS Gym

May 21 - 8th Grade Dance @ 6:00 pm in BMS Cafeteria

May 22 - PBS Assembly for 6th and 7th grade students and parents @ 8:00 am in BMS Gym

May 22 - Last Day of School - Dismissal at 11:10 am

Current fifth-grade students and parents are invited to our 5th Grade Orientation on Monday, May 5 in our BMS cafetorium. There will be two orientation sessions to accommodate all of our families. The student's last name determines the session start times.

• A-L will begin at 6:00 PM
• M-Z will begin at 6:45 PM

Please enter through the west activity doors for each session. Doors will open at 5:45 PM for the 6:00 PM session and 6:30 PM for the 6:45 PM session. After our general information session in the cafeteria, WEB Leaders or NJHS students from Bluffs Middle School will provide building tours. Schedules or teams will not be provided at this time. Students/parents will receive schedules in August.

Spring activities have begun and coaches and student-athletes are working hard to prepare for upcoming competitions. Spring weather can be unpredictable due to inclement weather. Coaches will promptly provide information about schedule changes or cancellations. Questions about soccer can be sent to Miss Carrie Snyder and questions about track can be directed to Mrs. Brooks Talkington. All student-athletes must remain in good academic standing to participate. Information about after school tutoring is listed above. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity to remain eligible throughout the spring season. We look forward to watching our students compete this spring. More information can be found at https://bms.sbps.net/b_m_s_activities

Protecting Data and Privacy Online

As teenagers explore various apps and begin to establish their social media profiles, educating them about safeguarding online data and privacy becomes crucial. They need to understand that app companies collect significant amounts of data, and in the event of a security breach, their private information could be at risk. For tips on assisting your teen in securing their personal information, refer to the linked article below.

Teaching Kids to Protect Their Data and Privacy Online

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and transformation. Spring symbolizes a fresh

start as we watch new life emerge. For many, spring is a season to look forward to, energizing and

exciting as we daydream of brighter days ahead. However, spring can also be a difficult transition,

resulting in increased anxiety and depression. Seasonal change, as with any change, is often accompanied by disruption and instability. There are weather changes, time change, and changes in activities and daily routines. Our students also feel the tug-of-war between chasing summer on the horizon and buckling down for the final quarter of the school year.

While change is inevitable, the everyday habits and routines we engage in can provide safety and

security when things around us may feel a bit out of control. Included are some ways to support a

smooth transition in to spring and our final weeks of the school year.

Routine – Try to maintain consistency in routine throughout the days and weeks. Children, just

like adults, like to know what to expect. They want to have an idea of what’s to come.

Consistency helps our children feel secure, reducing anxiousness.

SLEEP – Many of our children will experience fatigue and increased tiredness. This can be

confusing, as they express excitement for spring; however, they feel exhausted. Please help

your child prioritize sleep and appropriate rest as they adapt to change. Consistency in bed

time, wake time, and hours of sleep per night are very important in supporting overall recovery

- mentally and physically.

Ask for Help – Please remind and encourage your child to seek support if they are experiencing

a difficult time with recent changes. We are here to encourage their success well beyond

academics.

BONUS CHALLENGE – SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX

This month, we challenge you to a social media detox. Now, before any panic ensues, this does

not mean total elimination of devices. What do you want more of in your daily routine? What lights

you up inside? What is something you’ve always been interested in but never tried? Instead of

scrolling, responding, checking… we challenge you to put the phone down and do more of what you

love with those you love. Let’s make this spring exceptional.

As we approach the end of the school year there are a few important items to remember:

• Medication Authorization Forms and Asthma/Anaphylaxis Action Plans are renewed every school year. Forms require a signature from a healthcare provider.

• If your student has medication of any kind at school, please make plans to pick up that medication on or before the last day of school. Medications not picked up are disposed of and are not saved for the next school year.

• Heath Office Staff are finishing up student school health screenings. Health screenings are performed per Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services schedule. Nebraska guidelines require all PK-4th grades, 7th grade, and 10th grade students to participate. The purpose of screening is to identify those students needing further evaluation or assistance in the areas screened. Parents/guardians will be notified through Remind or a letter if the student is found to need further evaluation. The cost of such evaluation is the parent/guardian's responsibility.

Nebraska State Law and District Policy requires the following:

• Kindergarten students must be up to date with their immunizations and have a physical and vision exam completed prior to the first day of school.

• 7th Grade students must be up to date with their immunizations and have a physical exam completed prior to the first day of school.

• If you have moved to the district from out of state, your student must be up to date with their immunizations and have a physical and vision exam completed.

Panhandle Public Health Department (PPHD) has a walk-in immunization clinic Tuesday-Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Quick Care, Urgent Care, and Complete Care will accept walk-ins for physicals.

An appointment can be scheduled for all of the above, but it would need to be completed prior to the first day of school. A waiver can be put in place for all of the requirements.

Please turn in the appropriate documentation to your student’s school health office prior to the first day of school. If documentation is not received, this could affect your child’s enrollment status.

Summer School will be offered for all current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Summer School will run from May 27 - June 19, with a make-up day of June 20. Students will attend 8:30 am - 11:30 am. Applications are still being accepted. Please contact your student's teachers or counselor if you have any questions.

Students eligible for Free or Reduced-price school meals are eligible to receive a Summer EBT with $120 per student to purchase groceries during summer break. The SEBT card will be delivered to the address Scottsbluff Public Schools has on file for eligible students. If your student qualifies for SEBT and they have moved, please update their mailing address by contacting your building secretary by April 18, 2025. Providing a current and correct mailing address helps ensure your household can use its SEBT card funds. The funds are available for only 122 days after their first issuance so issuing to the correct address is important!

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is seeking input from the public on a new strategic plan. As part of the process, members of the public are encouraged to fill out a survey to help inform the creation of the new strategic plan by April 4, 2025. The process is expected to be completed by December of 2025. The current strategic plan was created in 2017 and is set to expire in 2026.

Nebraska’s Strategic Plan guides the Board and the NDE to address some of the most urgent priorities within Nebraska. It will outline the critical needs and strengths within the system and reflect innovative approaches to ensure each Nebraskan has access to opportunities and are ready for success in postsecondary, career, and civic life. The Strategic Plan defines a direction for accountability and a system of services and supports and ensures compliance with state and federal policies.

The new Nebraska Department of Education Strategic Plan survey is available at: NDE Strategic Plan Survey. Information on the Nebraska Department of Education is located at: https://www.education.ne.gov/.

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