Broncos Bulletin
February 2020 - Bernal Intermediate
Bernal Intermediate School
Mr. Garner, Assistant Principal
Email: rvelasquez@ogsd.net
Website: bernalis.schoolloop.com
Location: 6610 San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA, United States
Phone: 4085785731
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernalBroncos/
Twitter: @BernalOGSD
SAVE THE DATE! BERNAL'S 4TH ANNUAL CAREER DAY - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy Month of February! I hope you and yours have been staying healthy and for the most part, flu and/or cold free! As you may have learned from recent news, there is a virus known as the coronavirus, which has come to health officials’ attention. There is a flyer from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health included in this newsletter with more helpful information. You can also visit the County of Santa Clara Department of Public Health online at www.sccphd.org/coronavirus.
Valentine’s Dance
We are requesting donations for the concession stand at the February Valentine Dance! Our next school dance is this Friday, February 7th. The dances are a great time for all who attend. The kids love the music but REALLY love the concessions! We are kindly asking for donations of water, soda, and individual chip bags. Donations can be dropped off from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm in the front office. Please clearly label donations FOR FEBRUARY DANCE.
Spring Awards Night
Students will be recognized for their success at our upcoming Spring Awards Night. The ceremony is to honor our many outstanding students in the following categories: Honor Roll (GPA-3.00 to 3.49), Principal’s List (GPA-3.50 to 3.99) Principal’s List (GPA-4.00), as well as academic improvement. The event takes place on March 11th in the main gym. 7th grade begins at 6 pm, and 8th grade begins at 7:15 pm. More information coming soon!
That’s all for now. As always, take care of yourselves and each other.
Jamal D. Splane, Principal
Assistant Principal's Message
First, thank you to all the students who came to Super Saturday School to work on their academic goals and to clear absences. Our next Super Saturday School will be on March 7. Thank you parents for helping us with attendance. Please continue to motivate your students to be at school every day, even when it rains. As you are aware, we will have many rainy days this month, therefore, we ask that your students come ready to stay dry by having an umbrella.
8th graders - Semester two has started and we are holding high expectations that you graduate. Remember that the graduation ceremony is a privilege that is earned through demonstrating positive behavior and satisfactory academic progress through grades. District requirements for participation in the graduation ceremony and activities include:
- Achieve a grade point average of at least 1.50 in one of the two semesters in 8th grade (January or June report card) and
- Receive no more than three total semester grades of “F” for the entire year of 8th grade and no more than two “F” grades on the second semester report card for 8th grade.
Congratulations to the boy’s 7th grade basketball team and coach Medina for making the PLAYOFFS! The away game will take place on February 4. Stay tuned!
This is Vice Principal, Miles Garner, sharing with you some dates to keep in mind:
1. February 7, 2020 is the Bernal school dance
2. Soccer tryouts begin on February 3, 2020
3. February 14, 2020 is professional development day for OGSD. Students stay home
4. Our February break is from the 17th- 21st
A Teacher’s Ten Study Tips for Middle School Students - Counselor's Corner
A Teacher’s Ten Study Tips for Middle School Students
10. Select a consistent place to study.
Some people need total quiet while others can study well with music in the background (try classical music). The key is to find a comfortable place and study there regularly, such as the kitchen table, a desk, a favorite chair, bed, etc. Make sure it has adequate lighting and keep all your study supplies in reach.
9. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Study a little every night instead of cramming late the night before the test. A good night’s sleep helps. Bleary eyes and a tired body do not.
8. Buy an agenda book and use it
Most students have an agenda book, but they don’t write anything in it. On Monday, write down all of the week’s assignments. Most teachers have them posted in the classroom.
7. Dedicate a space for every class in your book bag.
In the department store aisles, there are boxes and boxes of binders, folders and organizational tools. For every class, dedicate a binder, folder or notebook. There should be a place for class notes, handouts and homework assignments. Some of the larger binders can accommodate all classes. It is really a matter of personal choice; just keep papers separated by class.
6. Stay organized throughout the year.
Most students have many binders and folders, but they do not use them. Many stuff every single paper from school into one binder. Half of their papers become misplaced or lost. Do not use the “shove" method when papers are returned, i.e. shove everything in one binder. Place them in the correct folder. If you are using a three-ring binder to keep papers organized, take the time to open the metal prongs and place them securely in it. If someone helps you organize your papers, take the time to continue putting everything in its place.
5. Make study cards.
On the front of a note card write the word or idea. On the back, write the definition or important information. Have a friend or parent ask you about the word and/or provide a definition.
4. Make your own study guide.
One great way to study is to make a list of the important information from a chapter and write it in your own words. Copy down any words that are written in bold or in italics. Look at chapter headings, section headings and review sections at the end of a chapter for other important information to add to your study guide. Merge this information with class notes.
3. Talk about assignments with friends.
Discussing assignments with friends is another great way to study. This is very helpful when studying for novel tests. Friendly discussions about books help deepen understanding.
2. If you are struggling, ask for help.
Start by talking to the teacher. The guidance counselor generally has a list of tutors in the area. Some high school students need to complete community service hours to be in clubs or in honor societies. You may be able to get a free tutor.
1. Make academics a focus in your life.
Studying takes time and effort. Get organized, ask for help and put forth effort aimed at improving your study habits now.
The lessons taught in middle school are building blocks for high school and college. Starting good study habits now will help you later in life. It does take more effort to study and to become organized; however, academic success will make you feel good about yourself and your parents smile.
Upcoming Spirit Days!
Thursday, 2/13 - RALLY DAY! (7th: White, 8th: Pink)
Important February Dates
Friday, February 14th - Teacher Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
Monday, February 17th - Friday, February 21st - February Break (No School)
Sock Drive! Please donate to help OGSD students and families.
OGSD is collecting new socks for our students and families in need! If you're able to donate, please drop off the new socks in Bernal's front office or with your student's Advisory teacher! Thank you in advance for your thoughtful donations!
ATTENTION ALL WASHINGTON, D.C. STUDENT TRAVELERS:
There is a mandatory lunch-time meeting for students on Wednesday, February 5th. At this meeting, you will be selecting your hotel roommates for the trip.
Girls will meet in the library. Boys will meet in the big gym.
The following Wednesday, February 12th we will have another mandatory lunch-time meeting. At this meeting, you will be requesting some of your bus mates. We will all meet in the big gym.
If you do not attend, Mrs. Phelps and Ms. Crawford will choose for you.
2/12/20 CHIPOTLE - Dining For Dollars Fundraiser!
Have an Absence? Attend Bernal's Super Saturday!
Saturday, Mar 7, 2020, 08:15 AM
Bernal Intermediate School, San Ignacio Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
March 7th Super Saturday Session
Have an absence? Please attend Bernal's Super Saturday Session on SATURDAY, MARCH 7th from 8:15am - 12:30pm! Students will participate in fun St. Patrick's Day themed activities such as: St. Patty's BINGO, Roll a Rainbow, Potato Bowling, 4 Leaf Clover Hunt, Pot of Gold Coin Toss, Lucky Charm Challenge and 5 Line Limericks!
Permission slips will be sent home on Monday, February 24th and must be returned by Tuesday, March 3rd.
Attending the Super Saturday will allow students to make up one absence from this school year. Students need to turn in their permission slip by Friday, January 17th and attend the full session so they can:
Earn 10 Bronco Bucks!
Be entered into a raffle to earn a pizza party for them and 5 friends!
Earn an In-n-Out certificate!
Be entered into a raffle to win a mile pass for P.E.!
Please email Allison Crawford at acrawford@ogsd.net if you have any questions!
*If a student turns in a permission slip late, they will NOT be able to order a lunch. They will need to bring their own snack/lunch.
Sign up for Bernal's new Girls Coding Club!
ELPAC Testing
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) will be taking place at Bernal between February 4, 2020 and March 4, 2020 for students who have been previously identified as an English Learner.
This ELPAC Summative Assessment is used to measure how well they are progressing with English development in each of the four domains (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening). If you have any questions about ELPAC testing, please email Bernal's Instructional Coach, Allison Crawford at acrawford@ogsd.net.
Kaiser Permanente Educational Theater
On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, Bernal Intermediate will be having students benefit from Kaiser Permanente Educational Theater. Please see the attached Parent Guide for additional details.
If you do not want your student to participate in the Nightmare on Puberty Street live theatre production, please send a note to Bernal Intermediate office one week prior to assembly (no later than February 4, 2020).
Soccer & Volleyball Tryout Information
SOCCER INFORMATION
- Wednesday, January 29th - Girls Soccer Information Meeting @ lunch in big gym
- Thursday, January 30th - Boys Soccer Information Meeting @ lunch in big gym
- Tryouts (boys and girls): Monday, February 3rd through Thursday, February 6th from 2:45-4:30pm
VOLLEYBALL INFORMATION
Any questions, please see/email Ms. Johnson (sjohnson@ogsd.net)
Bernal's Buy One Get One Book Fair is around the corner!
Monday, March 9th through Friday, March 13th - BOOK FAIR!
The Book Fair will be open at break, lunch, and after school for students.
We need lots of parent volunteers to help make this happen! Please sign up using the link below to help make this book fair a success!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4BA4AF2BABF49-scholastic4
Five Star Pizza Fundraiser EVERY THURSDAY!
Would you like to have you're student's birthday announced on the marquee? See info below!
Sign up to bring treats!
Parents/Guardians,
HSA has put together a sign up sheet if you would like to bring treats for our teachers during their staff meetings. Please use THIS LINK to sign up! Thank you!