VIKING VOICES
BAYOU VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
TERM 1 WEEK 2: August 5-August 9, 2024
BUILDING LEGACIES
Parents/Guardians,
What a wonderful start to our year! We are happy to be back for yet another year of excellence. Our theme this year is "Building Legacies." Many of us have encountered legacies, whether through family members or famous individuals. But have you ever thought about what makes someone a legacy? These individuals are influential and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.
Our mission is to inspire our students to pursue their dreams with unwavering purpose and ambition, triumph over challenges, and become role models. While our primary goal is to prepare students for the academic rigor and expectations of high school, we also strive to equip them to become successful adults. We are committed to fostering academic excellence, nurturing social and emotional growth, and helping our students realize their full potential so they can become the best versions of themselves.
Long after they leave the halls of Bayou View Middle School, we want our students to look back and recognize that their legacy grew here. We cannot achieve this alone. Your support and influence at home are vital to our shared mission. Together, we can build up the legacies who walk the halls of BVMS.
Our school is your school, and we are partners in your child's education. We will communicate regularly with you so that your child has the tools and resources necessary to be a confident and successful individual, and we will keep you informed of your child's progress. We look forward to collaborating with you. Feel free to reach out to us when you have questions and/or concerns.
Thank you for entrusting us with your greatest gift,
Tina Salminen, Principal
Hunter Andrews, Assistant Principal
Dr. Keri Tawater, 6th Grade Administrator
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Thank you!
COMING UP NEXT...
Monday, August 5: White Volleyball vs. PRC @ Home, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Orange Volleyball @ George County, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 6: ELA/Science MPT
Wednesday, August 7: School Pictures
Thursday: August 8: CTE/Reading/Electives MPT
Thursday, August 8: Orange Volleyball vs. George County @ Home, 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 8: White Volleyball @ North Gulfport, 5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 9: Math/Science MPT
Tuesday, August 13: Parental Empowerment Night, 6:00 p.m. in BVMS Library
Tuesday, August 20: Open House, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 22: Term 1 Progress Reports
Thursday, August 29: Middle School Football vs. Biloxi @ away, 5:30 p.m.
September 23-October 4: Fall Intersession
A preorder form with the link was sent home with students last week. Students must order photos online by August 6, or they must have an order form with their payment with them on picture day.
BVMS Cheer Fundraiser
The BVMS Cheer annual t-shirt fundraiser has begun! Students will be sent home with an order form today -- short sleeve shirts are $20 and long sleeve shirts are $25. All shirts are available in Adult S-2XL, and the Heather Sapphire and Carolina Blue shirts are available in Youth S-L. Buy one today to show your Gulfport spirit! Please Contact Ms. Lorenzo (joycelyn.lorenzo@gulfportschools.org) for additional information.
SCHOOL HOURS; ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION
School is in session from 8:10 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.
DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR CHILD PRIOR TO 7:30 A.M. THERE IS NO ADULT SUPERVISION UNTIL 7:30 A.M. PLEASE ADHERE TO THIS POLICY TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE.
ARRIVAL: The earliest students may begin arriving on campus is 7:30 a.m.; students can be dropped off at the cafeteria to get breakfast, study, or socialize. At 7:50 a.m., students will be dropped off at their designated area where they can eat breakfast or go to their 1st period class.
IMPORTANT: All exterior doors are shut and locked at 8:10 a.m.. After this time, a student MUST be signed into the front office by an adult.
Students are tardy if they are not seated in their 1st period classroom by 8:10 a.m.
DEPARTURE:
We dismiss car riders and bus riders at 3:25 p.m. Walkers are dismissed after the main flow of traffic for their safety. The campus is normally cleared by 3:45 p.m. If a student is not picked up by 4:00 p.m., he/she will be escorted by staff to our after-school program. There is a charge for this service of $1.00/minute until the student is picked up.
Being on time to class is important! When students are late to class, they miss valuable information and disrupt the learning environment for others. If students are tardy, they must receive a tardy slip from an administrator or the office. After 2 unexcused tardies in a 9 weeks, the student will receive after-school detention. The bell rings at 8:10 a.m., meaning students are tardy if not in their 1st period by 8:10 a.m.
STUDENT CHECK-OUTS
We do not allow student checkouts after 2:55 p.m. Please understand that parents who enter the office at 2:55 p.m. requesting to check out their child/children will be asked to get back into the carline for student pick-up. We also do not take checkouts over the phone to have students waiting for the parent to arrive in the office. Students will only be called to the office for checkouts if an approved adult is present in the office before 2:55 p.m. The person checking out the student must be listed on the student's check-out card.
We thank you for your cooperation in helping us protect instructional time.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
MORNING DROP-OFF & AFTERNOON PICK-UP ROUTES
***STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS PRIOR TO 7:30 a.m.***
CAR RIDERS:
- Morning Drop-off from 7:30-7:50 a.m.:
- ALL students will use the cafeteria entrance on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
- Morning Drop-off from 7:50-8:10 a.m.: For student safety, please do not let your child out of the vehicle until adults are on duty at 7:50 a.m.
- ALL 8th grade students will use the entrance on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
- 6th and 7th grade students who want to eat breakfast will use the cafeteria entrance on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
- 6th and 7th grade students who do NOT want to eat breakfast will use the entrance on Chamberlain Avenue (Zone 1).
- All bus riders will be dropped off at the entrance on 43rd Street (Zone 2).
- Any student who arrives after 8:10 a.m. must be signed into the front office (on Chamberlain Ave.) by a parent/guardian for a tardy slip.
- Afternoon Pick-up ~ 3:25-3:45 p.m.:
- ALL 8th graders will be picked up on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
- ALL 8th graders who have sibling(s) will be picked up on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
- 6th and 7th graders who have no 8th grade sibling will be picked up on Chamberlain Avenue (Zone 1).
- For the safety of all of our students, students should NOT be on their cell phones while they wait for their rides. If a student needs to make contact with a parent regarding transportation, they are to inform a BVMS faculty member on duty that will assist them with their transportation issue. Please find the attached copy of our Electronic Devices/Cell Phone Policy below.
- Students not picked up by 4:00 p.m. will be sent to afterschool care (for a fee).
- Note: Afterschool care students will be picked up on 43rd Street (Zone 2).
All bus riders are dropped off and picked up at the cafeteria entrance on 43rd Street (Zone 3).
BUS PROTOCOL
Basic Guidelines for All Buses:
This year, students will be assigned seats on the bus and are required to follow bus procedures at all times for the safety of the driver and students. STUDENTS MUST REMAIN SEATED WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION. Please encourage your child to model good behavior on the school bus for his/her safety and the safety of others. We will also discuss and practice appropriate bus behaviors while at school. Students who behave inappropriately or are disruptive on the bus will be suspended from riding the bus, following the student handbook policy.
I.D. badges are required to ride the bus. Students who consistently do not have their badge will not be permitted to ride the bus until they purchase a replacement badge, or they will need to secure a ride home from school. Please help us by ensuring your child has his/her badge in order to ride the bus.
I.D. BADGES & BUS TRACKING
Badges
In continued partnership with our transportation provider, First Student, Gulfport School District is piloting, FirstView, a bus tracking and parent communications app for your smartphone or desktop.
∙ Live Tracking
The FirstView map screen shows you the location and direction of your student’s bus, for both morning and afternoon trips. FirstView also provides caregivers with confirmation when the trip is complete.
∙ Customizable Bus Proximity Notifications
With FirstView, you set up a geofence around your location and are alerted when the bus enters the geofence. The geofence size and alert times are customizable, so parents are in control of their notifications. Students should still be at their assigned bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.
∙ Custom Alerts and Messages
Set up push or email notifications alerting you when your student's bus enters the geofence. Connect up to three additional email accounts (including your own) to receive email alerts. This is a great feature for grandparents or caregivers!
∙ Multi-Stop View
Buses for all your students can be tracked with FirstView. Using individual colors for each student, the bus assigned to each student’s route appears on the map in the same color as the student for easy viewing.
∙ Secure and Easy Access
FirstView requires a password-protected account for app set-up. This way, only you can view your student’s stop! These codes are provided by your district/school.
∙ Dedicated Customer Support
We are here to help you. Whether you are having trouble getting started with FirstView, not seeing correct data or have an idea to make FirstView better, we want to hear from you! Contact FirstView Monday – Friday (Support provided in English only):
o Calling the toll-free phone number 888-889-8920 from 7:00 a.m. EST to 5:00 p.m. EST
o Emailing Customer Support at support@firstviewapp.com
o Using the in-app “✉” button to provide feedback
For more information and to download the app, please go to www.firstviewapp.com.
STUDENT MEDICATIONS
All student medications need to be dropped off directly to Nurse Melissa Caquias for proper storage and administration. Please call the school at (228)865-4633 to speak with Nurse Melissa to schedule a drop-off time prior to bringing any medication to the school.
Note: It is against school policy for students to carry and administer their own medications.
Thank you!
SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH
You can access the Free/Reduced application here. Please contact Child Nutrition at 228-865-4680 if you have any further questions or concerns!
DRESS CODE POLICY INFORMATION...IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE READ!!!
As you shop for your child's school clothing, please be mindful of the student dress code policy.
Student Dress Code
The administration’s philosophy is that the main purpose of public education is to promote an education for students which will allow them to become useful citizens in society. Any students who cause disruptions or concerns as a result of dress will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. School authorities will take action against any student whose attire is deemed disruptive to the learning situation or embarrassing to others. Teachers may at any time counsel students about attire that may not be acceptable. Appropriate student dress is required for buses, campuses, and all school buildings.
Any style of clothing tending toward immodesty, indecency, or that is too revealing or risqué is prohibited.
All clothes must be worn properly at all times. Any pants that sag, making undergarments visible (including P.E. shorts), will be considered as a dress code violation.
Pants or shorts that have holes/rips above the knee are not allowed.
Skirts and shorts must be school appropriate. Skirts, shorts, etc. should not have writing on the seat of the pants.
Shoes must be worn at all times and must be school appropriate.
All clothing should be of an appropriate size and fit for the student.
Hats, caps, sweatbands or head coverings are not allowed. The only exception to this is a doctor’s excuse or letters from clergy stating religious beliefs.
Clothing with suggestive symbols or gestures is not permitted.
Clothing advertising drugs or drug culture, references to gangs, tobacco, alcohol, or implying a violent or unlawful act is not permitted.
Tops that expose the midriff, any part of the bust, or an excessive part of the back are prohibited. If the student’s midriff is exposed when his or her hands are extended above the head, the shirt will be considered too short.
Boys may not wear sleeveless shirts.
Low-cut dresses, shirts, blouses, dresses or tops with spaghetti straps will not be allowed.
No pajamas or other sleeping attire is allowed.
Jerseys without undershirts are not acceptable for any student.
Blankets are not allowed to be brought to school.
Undergarments must be worn properly at all times and may not be visible on the outside.
No oversized belt buckles (e.g., cowboy buckles, etc.) or buckles with lighted displays are allowed.
Hair should be clean and neat.
Necklaces, medallions, chains, and other items worn around the neck must be tucked inside shirts at all times.
Accessories that could be considered as a potential weapon are not allowed on campus.
Non-permanent dental coverings or extensions (i.e., grills, foil, etc.) are not allowed.
Only earrings will be allowed as body piercings.
No headphones are allowed unless for instructional purposes.
STUDENTS WHO ARE OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE POLICY WILL BE PUT IN ISD (IN-SCHOOL-DETENTION) UNTIL A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IS BROUGHT BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN AND/OR THE STUDENT IS BACK IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE POLICY.
Please refer to the student handbook link in this newsletter. We appreciate your assistance and support in ensuring your child wears appropriate clothing to school. Thank you!
CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
***Please note that electronic devices will be confiscated for 14 days on the first offense, 21 days on the second offense, and confiscated for the remainder of the year on the third offense***
Cell Phones, eBooks, iPhones, and iPads Cell Phones and iPads are not to be used in the buildings. Headphones are not permitted on campus unless there is an educational purpose in the classroom. As information technology evolves, the use of cell phones, eBooks, iPhones, and iPads provides outstanding educational opportunities. With teacher permission students may use cell phones, eBooks, iPhones, iPads, and headphones in instructional environments. Students are expected to be on educational websites or using these electronic devices for instructional purposes. The District understands that there is potential misuse of these electronic devices; therefore, each student must sign a District Acceptable Use Policy that outlines the student responsibilities for appropriate use of electronic devices.
Consequences of Unacceptable Use:
- If a student is found using his/her electronic device inappropriately, a staff member will direct the student to surrender the device – the student will be expected to comply, or face consequences for defiance/non-compliance as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.
- All forfeited devices will be turned in to the office, and the parent may retrieve the device after 14 days.
- After the second breach of this policy, a parent/guardian must meet with the administration and the device will be returned after 21 days.
- Any further breaches of this policy will be dealt with as defiant/non-compliant behavior as defined in the Student Code of Conduct and the device will not be returned until the end of the school year.
- Improper use of the electronic devices that violates the District Acceptable Use Policy may result in immediate and possible permanent loss of use of electronic devices on campus and disciplinary action as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.
BVMS Sports Schedule
We will post the other sports as their schedules become available.
Mrs. Tina Salminen, Principal
Mr. Hunter Andrews, Assistant Principal
Dr. Keri Tawater, 6th Grade Administrator
Bayou View Middle School
Hunter Andrews, Ed.S., Assistant Principal
Dr. Keri Tawater, 6th Grade Administrator
Email: christine.salminen@gulfportschools.org
hunter.andrews@gulfportschools.org
keri.tawater@gulfportschools.org
Location: 212 43rd St, Gulfport, MS 39507
Phone: (228) 865-4633
The mission of the Gulfport School District is to inspire each student to become a problem solver, lifelong learner, and productive member of society.