May 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,

It’s hard to believe our school year is almost over, but we still have so many activities and events planned in May, and we hope you can join us. Our track and field athletes are still competing and achieving personal bests in various events. Band, choir, and orchestra students will showcase their amazing talents at the upcoming concerts. Our end of year assemblies to celebrate our students will be held during the last week of school. Please watch for specific information from teachers in the coming days.

The 2025-26 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 9th. Please make sure we have a current physical or mailing address on file to ensure you receive your student's information.

On Thursday, May 22nd, students will be dismissed at 11:10 AM. Please note that lunch will not be provided on that day. Students will take all personal belongings home on Tuesday, May 20th or Wednesday, May 21st. Kindly refrain from bringing drawstrings or any bags on the last day of school.

Thank you for an outstanding school year. We are so proud of our students and their many accomplishments. Your dedication and support for your student's success are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed. If you have any questions before the year ends, don't hesitate to contact us. Wishing you a wonderful summer break filled with relaxation and time with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Jana Mason

Principal

Spring has brought numerous opportunities for our students to thrive academically and foster community partnerships. The BMS Builder's Club helped the City of Scottsbluff in filling over ten thousand Easter eggs for their community event. Mrs. Koncaba's eighth-grade Career Exploration students were again graciously welcomed to tour and learn about Aulick Industries. Thank you, Aulick Industries staff.

We are also incredibly fortunate to have had guest speakers from UNMC College of Nursing, Nebraska Public Power District, CAPWN, Western Nebraska Community College, and Platte Valley Companies. We sincerely appreciate our community members and business partners for their ongoing support and encouragement of our students throughout the year. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to their success and sharing valuable information about our community and work force.

Mike Hayhurst, Carolyn Escamilla, and Perry Brening will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year. The lasting and profound impact they have had on students and staff at Bluffs Middle School and across the district is remarkable. Your legacy will forever be remembered and cherished. Thank you for your dedicated years of service and commitment to Bluffs Middle School and Scottsbluff Public Schools.

Mike Hayhurst - 25 years

Carolyn Escamilla - 26 years

Perry Brening - 20 year

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 be sending 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. Please read the criteria to attend the dance and student conduct at the dance. Students who arrive after 6:15 pm will not be allowed to enter the dance. Please be on time and enjoy the evening with your friends.

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.

We are excited to let you know that we are transitioning from Remind to ParentSquare to communicate with you at the school, and in your classrooms and groups. ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school to connect.

With ParentSquare you’ll be able to:
• Receive all district, school, and classroom communication via email, text, or app
• Set your notification preferences to receive communication in ways that best fit your schedule
• Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items
• Securely receive report cards and other important student documents, as well as complete forms

Activate your Account

Once the District's onboarding is complete, families will receive an invitation email or text to join ParentSquare. When you receive the invitation, click the link to activate your account. It takes less than a minute. You can use ParentSquare on any device. You can download the free mobile app for iOS or Android or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com. Our goal is for every family to join ParentSquare and engage with our school community.

We would like to thank our amazing teachers at BMS and honor them during Teacher Appreciation week. Thank you for your unwavering hard work and dedication throughout the year. Your commitment to our students and their families is remarkable. As we celebrate you this week, please remember that we value and appreciate your efforts every single day. Thank you for all you do!

Adelyn Astbury, 6th

Madilyn Collins, 7th

Alleigh Godfrey, 7th

Mari Guillermo, 7th

Avery Holmes, 6th

Beau Knapper, 7th

Dreyvin Lacy, 6th

Jaxson Liebich, 6th

Declan Long, 6th

Gracie Marlow, 6th

Cade Perez, 6th

Zack Rogers, 6th

Jeffery Sittner, 6th

Isabella Songco, 6th

Alecson Urbanek, 6th

Mattea Weitzel, 6th

Timothy Winterbottom, 6th

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).

Our students have successfully completed the NCAS Growth state assessment. We take great pride in their perseverance throughout the spring testing session. Student success and achievement remains a top priority, and it is truly remarkable to witness our students' growth consistently increase throughout the year. This reflects the dedication of you as parents, the growth mindset of our students, and the commitment of our teachers to ensure student success. Thank you parents, students and teachers.

The Nebraska Department of Education will be generating reports, and once they are ready, SBPS will send them home. We expect the reports to be available during the summer. For more information, please visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/.

May 2 BMS and SHS Jazz Band Concert 7:00 pm @ SHS

May 5 No School for Students Professional Development Day

May 5 Spring Orientation for 5th Grade @ BMS Cafeteria

• 6:00 pm Last name A - L
• 6:45 pm Last name M - Z

May 8 Choir Concert 6:00 pm @ BMS

May 9 Band Concert (grades 5-8) 6:00 pm @ SHS

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

May 15 Honors Gala 8:00 am - 10:15 am @ BMS

May 16 Shark Tank 7th grade HALs 5:30 pm @ BMS

May 21 8th grade Awards Ceremony 2:00 pm @ BMS

May 21 8th grade Dance 6:00 - 7:30 pm @ BMS (see information above)

• Students must arrive by 6:15 pm to be admitted into the dance.

May 22 6th and 7th grade PBS Assembly 8:00 am @ BMS

May 22 Last day for students 11:10 am dismissal

• No lunch will be served

Chromebook Check In

Students will turn in their school-issued Chromebook, case, and charger on the dates listed below.

• 8th Grade Check-In, Wednesday, May 14

• 6th Grade Check-In, Thursday, May 15

• 7th Grade Check-In, Friday, May 16

  
  

  Please contact Erin Shaddick at 635-6286 or eshaddick@sbps.net with any questions regarding Chromebook Check In.

May, already!? This has been a year of stellar growth and accomplishments for our BMS students. We are so proud of their hard work, persistence, and dedication, not just academically, but as individuals and a school community.

In only a few short weeks, our students will be free of the classroom. Before saying “see you later” for summer break, the counseling team would like to highlight some tips that could support a fun, engaging, and safe summer!

Youth thrive in routine and structure (even if they toss out some eye rolls and grumbling). While summer break is a time to invite more flexibility, we encourage maintaining daily routine and structure.

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

• Provide daily tasks for your youth to complete.

• Continue interest and participation in learning every day.

• Keep your youth involved and active in the community – Sports, clubs, summer camps, volunteering, etc.

• Support their pursuits of healthy hobbies and interests – Now is their time to really explore!

• Encourage activities that support their mental health – Exercise, time outside, connection with peers and family, mindfulness, etc.

• Limit screen time – With a great deal of “down time,” comes the temptation of increased screen time. Help your child maintain a healthy balance between online activities and those that encourage they log off the apps/games/screens and connect to the present.

Of most importance to us is that our students and families are SAFE this summer. Please know where your children are, with whom they are surrounding themselves with, and what activities they are participating in. While, developmentally, our adolescents want more freedom and independence, they still need trusted adults to regularly check-in and provide healthy parameters.

With all that being said, we have one more month to grind – Let’s make the most of it! We want to wish you all a fabulous close to the 2024-2025 school year. YOU MADE IT! ENJOY your summer break to the absolute fullest. You all have earned some rest, relaxation, and FUN! Low key, this year was lit and you all ATE – No cap. We won’t take being ghosted the next couple months personally.

Stay Awesome!

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 screening.

• 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.

PPHD has a walk-in immunization clinic Tuesday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. They are located at 18 West 16th Street Scottsbluff, NE. This is right behind Bluffs Bakery.

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 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.

Students enrolled in summer school will receive a reminder letter in the mail before the end of the year. We look forward to seeing students this summer and are excited to extended additional learning opportunities.

SBPS Summer Meal Program to kick off May 27

For more information contact Scottsbluff Public Schools Nutrition Services 308-635-6249

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children eating healthy while school is out. Beginning May 27th , the 2025 Summer Food Service Program will kick off with four Scottsbluff locations serving meals. Nutritious meals will be provided to all children 18 years of age and younger free of charge. Adults may eat for $5.50. Snacks are provided from 9:00-9:30 a.m. at Lincoln Heights Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary and Bluffs Middle School for all children 18 years of age or younger. Adults may purchase a snack for $4.05. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability. The schedule for all locations is available below.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like Scottsbluff Public Schools to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer. For more information about the national Summer Food Service Program, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service.

Summer Food Sites

Bluffs Middle School May 27th – July 25th

Snack 9:00 - 9:30

Lunch 11:15 – 12:30

Roosevelt Elementary May 27th – July 25th

Snack 9:00 - 9:30 (ends June 20th)

Lunch 11:30 – 12:15

Lincoln Heights May May 27th – June 20th

Snack 9:00 - 9:30

Lunch 11:30 – 12:00

Scottsbluff High School May 27th – June 27th

Lunch 11:30 – 12:15

The Nebraska Department of Education is developing a new strategic plan to guide the State Board and NDE in the future. Nebraskans are invited to attend a focus group session to share their input.

Everyone is invited to participate in 90-minute focus group sessions to provide valuable input. A session will be held in Scottsbluff at the Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center at 2617 College Park at 6:30 pm on May 8th.

More details, times, and locations for these sessions can be found online at: https://education.ne.gov/commissioner/2026-strategic-plan/.

Download the So Happy app to access breakfast and lunch menus.