May Newsletter 2024
Bluffs Middle School
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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
Principal's Message
Dear Bluffs Middle School Families,
As the year comes to an end, we would like to sincerely thank you for your continuous support. In May, we have many activities and events planned that we hope you will be able to attend. Please watch for more information from grade level teachers in the upcoming days.
The 2024-25 supply list will be available in early June. Teachers have done an exceptional job of minimizing the necessary school supplies and creating classroom space for storing materials. With limited required supplies and storage in the classroom, students will only carry a drawstring bag during the day. The drawstring bag should be approximately 17" H x 14" W which is large enough for their school-issued Chromebook and pencil bag. Students may bring a larger backpack or gym bag to school, but it will be kept in their assigned locker during the day.
Report cards will be mailed home on or around June 3rd. Please make sure we have a current physical or mailing address on file to ensure you receive your student's information.
On Tuesday, May 21st, students will be dismissed at 11:07 AM. Please note that lunch will not be provided on that day. Students are advised to take all personal belongings home on Friday, May 17th, or Monday, May 20th. Kindly refrain from bringing drawstrings or any bags on the last day of school.
Thank you for an exceptional school year. We are immensely proud of our students and their achievements. If you have any questions before the year ends, don't hesitate to contact us. Wishing you a fantastic summer break filled with relaxation and time with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Jana Mason
Principal
Eighth Grade Important Information
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 Monday, May 20, 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. Mrs. Kosman, our eighth-grade counselor, will be overseeing this recognition. She has sent 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 Mrs. Kosman as soon as possible.
BMS 8th Grade Dance
The 8th grade dance will be held on Monday, May 20th, 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.
Teacher Appreciation Week
A big thank you to all the teachers for your continuous hard work and dedication all year round. Your commitment to our students and families is truly exceptional. While we honor you this week, please know that we value and appreciate you every day.
Bear Cub Preschool Now Enrolling 5-Year-Olds
Effective immediately, Bear Cub Preschool is accepting registrations for 5-year-olds whose parent or guardian is not ready for their child to enroll in kindergarten. This is possible due to the passage of LB 71 which allows for school district-operated early childhood programs to serve children up to the year the child turns 6 (prior to January 1st). Registrations for the 2024-2025 school year will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited, so parents and guardians are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration is also open for 3 and 4-year-olds. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact Bear Cub Preschool at 635-6293, your neighborhood elementary school, or the SBPS District Office at 635-6200. To register, download an enrollment packet at https://preschool.sbps.net/register or register in person at the Bear Cub Preschool East Stadium location at 2512 2nd Avenue (located on the 2nd Avenue side of Bearcat Stadium between BMS and SHS).
La Pre Escolar de Bear Cub está inscribiendo estudiantes de 5 años
Efectivo de Inmediato, la Pre Escolar de Bear Cub está aceptando registraciones para niños de 5 años, cuyos padres o guardianes/tutores aún no están listos para que su niño se inscriba al kinder. Esto es posible debido al pasaje de LB 71 que permite programas de primera infancia operados por el distrito escolar que sirvan a los niños hasta el año en que el niño cumpla 6 años (antes del 1ro de Enero). Las inscripciones para el año escolar del 2024-2025 serán aceptadas en una base de prioridad por primeros inscritos, y el espacio es limitado, así que a los padres y guardianes se les aconseja registrarlos lo más pronto posible. Las Registraciones también están disponibles para niños de 3 y 4 años. Si usted tiene preguntas en referencia a este cambio, por favor comuníquese con la Pre escolar de Bear Cub al 635-6293, su escuela primaria de su barrio, o la oficina del Distrito de SBPS al 635-6200. Para inscribirse, descargue un paquete de inscripción en https://preschool.sbps.net/register o inscríbase en persona en el edificio pre escolar de Bear Cub Preschool en el estadio del Este ubicado en 2512 2da Avenida (ubicado el el lado de la 2nda Avenida del estadio de los Bearcats en medio de BMS y SHS).
NSCAS State Assessments
Our students are in the process of finishing our state assessment, NCAS Growth. We are very proud of our students' perseverance during the testing sessions. The Nebraska Department of Education will generate reports. When reports are available, SBPS will mail them home. We anticipate reports being available during the summer. For more information, please visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/.
Upcoming Events
May 2 Outdoor Discovery Learning Day - All 7th graders will be out of the building
May 3 BMS/SHS Jazz Band Concert @ SHS, 7:00 pm
May 9 Choir Concert 6:00 pm @ BMS
May 10 Band Concert grades 5-8 6:00 pm @ SHS
May 14 Honors Gala 8:00 am - 10:15 am @ BMS
May 14 Orchestra Concert 6:00 pm @ SHS
May 17 Midwest Theater Movie for 6th grade 8:45 am- 11:30 am
May 20 8th grade Awards Ceremony 2:00 pm @ BMS
May 20 8th grade Dance 6:00 - 7:30 pm @ BMS (see information above)
May 21 6th and 7th grade PBS Assembly 8:00 am
May 21 Last day for students 11:07 am dismissal
Technology Tips
Students will turn in their school-issued Chromebook, case, and charger on the dates listed below.
8th Grade Check-In, Wednesday, May 15
7th Grade Check-In, Thursday, May 16
6th Grade Check-In, Friday, May 17
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.
LMHP and Counseling Message
With the 2023-2024 school year coming to a close in just a few short weeks, we want to
ensure you and your child(ren) have resources available to support mental health needs
through the summer months. As counseling and mental health providers, we have so enjoyed
our time this year supporting your children in the ways we can.
Attached is a list of outpatient providers in the community in the event you wish to seek mental
health services for your child as we take a break from school.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GNDSZHXpjmxkO0rhCgIVPqTybNYPJQ9k/edit?usp=sha
ring&ouid=115824289606163803459&rtpof=true&sd=true
Additionally, we have included professional resources that can assist on a private basis in the
event your child is in need of mental health support. Possible resources include:
- National Crisis Line: dial 988
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
- Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- SuicidePreventionlifeline.org (with chat option)
- Crisis Text Line: TEXT HOME to 741741
- TheTrevorProject.org: for LGBTQ support
- The Trevor Hotlline for LGBTQ support: 1-866-488-7386
- Trevor Text Line: TEXT START to 678678
- TIPS Line
Again, we want to thank you for a fantastic year and for allowing us the opportunity to
support your children this year! We wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing
you in August! Please take care, be safe, and enjoy this time together!
Health Office Information
Before next school year, please be sure to make an appointment with your student's health care provider for:
Students entering kindergarten MUST have: current immunization record, a recent physical, and vision check.
Students entering 7th grade MUST have: Tdap immunization and a physical.
Asthma/ Anaphylaxis health plans are updated each school year. Other health plans should be updated if there are any changes.
Physicals are needed if your student will be playing sports in middle school or high school.
Forms may be found on the school district website under health services.
ALL student medication needs to be picked up by a parent/guardian by the last day of school. Medication not picked up will be properly disposed of.
If you have any questions, please contact the health office at your student’s school.
Have a wonderful summer!
Summer School
Students enrolled in summer school will receive a reminder letter in the mail before the end of the year.