BCMS Bison Blast

Buffalo Community Middle School - Fall 2024

BCMS Fall Conferences 2024

Dear BCMS Families:

We will host in-person conferences on October 14th and 15th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. BCMS conferences are optional, as many families are already in regular contact with teachers through Campus Portal, phone, email, or Google Meets. If your child is doing well, scheduling a conference is completely your decision.

Teachers will contact you if they feel a conference is needed. However, if you have concerns or feel the need to attend, you are always welcome. Additionally, if you’d like to meet with a teacher at any time during the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay connected with BCMS:

Campus Parent Portal: Access assignments and activities shared by teachers.
Phone, Email, Google Meets: Contact details are available on the BCMS Website.

To schedule a conference, follow these steps:

Visit www.myconferencetime.com/bcms.
Choose a team for 6th and 7th grade & select your preferred time.
For 8th grade, sign up for a time slot, during which you can meet with all your teachers individually in the mall area starting at your chosen time.
Enter the required information and click “Sign Up for Your Conference.”

School counselors and social workers are available during conferences—no appointment needed.

For assistance, contact Angie at the BCMS office: 763-682-8202.

You can keep up-to-date with your child's progress on Campus Parent Portal:

Contact Teachers

If you have questions about any class, please reach out to the teacher. You can find the contact information for all teachers by using the search function on our district website: https://www.bhmschools.org/

What is WIN Time?

WIN, short for "What I Need," is a 28-minute period occurring twice a week. WIN Time aims to allow students time to ask teachers questions, finish homework, catch up on missed work, and enhance their academic performance.

Students sign up for WIN on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so it's essential to discuss with your child how they can make the most of this time.

BCMS Important Upcoming Dates:

September 30-October 4

Tatanka - Base Camp Field Trip - October 1

Voyager - Base Camp Field Trip - October 2

Pioneer/Quest - Base Camp Field Trip - October 3

Early Release-A Day - October 4

October 7-11

Retake Picture Day - October 10

October 14-18

BCMS Conferences – Monday, October 14⋅4:00 – 8:00pm

BCMS Conferences - Tuesday, October 15⋅4:00 – 8:00pm

Fall Break - October 16 – October 19

October 28 - November 1

SOTW Breakfast - Q1 - Friday, November 1⋅8:00 – 8:30am

Early Release - November 1

November 4-8

Teacher Workshop - End of Quarter 1

November 25-29

Thanksgiving Break - November 27 - November 29

December 2-6

BCMS Grade 8 Choir Concert - PAC - December 3, 2024⋅7:30 – 8:30pm

BCMS Orchestra 8 Concert(Connections Concert w/BHS) - PAC - December 5 - 7:30 – 8:30pm

Early Release - December 6 - 1:35pm

December 9-13

BCMS Band 8 Concert(Connections Concert w/BHS) - PAC - Monday, December 9 -7:30 – 8:30pm

BCMS Grade 7 Choir Concert - PAC - December 10 - 7:30 – 8:30pm

Blizzard Ski Trip - December 11, 2024

Northstar Ski Trip - December 12, 2024

Avalanche/Quest Ski Trip - December 13, 2024

December 16-20

BCMS Grade 7 Band/Orchestra Concert - PAC - December 17, 2024⋅7:30 – 8:30pm

BCMS Grade 6 Band Concert- PAC - December 19, 2024⋅7:30 – 8:30pm

December 23-27

Winter Break - December 23, 2024-January 1, 2025

December 30 - January 3

Early Release-Friday, January 3

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Middle School Students & Cell Phones

Cell Phone Use in School

Research shows that even when phones are out of sight, they can distract students from learning. Here's how you can help:

Set family rules about phone use during school.
Encourage your child to keep their phone off and in their locker during the day.
Limit screen time on your child’s phone during school hours if possible.
Urge them to socialize during free time, rather than using their phone.
Remind them of school rules, like no phones in classrooms or taking photos of others.
Regularly check your child’s phone for messages, photos, and social media. This isn’t about trust, but about keeping them safe.

Handling Negative Phone Interactions

Help your child block negative contacts.
Suggest they take a break from their phone and social media.
If appropriate, reach out to the other child’s family to resolve the issue.
In serious cases, report it to the authorities.

Cell Phone Expectations at BCMS

Students do not need a cell phone in school.

Students who bring a cell phone to school should note the following information:

Cell phones & headphones/AirPods may be appropriately used before school until 8:50am. By 8:50am, all devices and headphones must be properly stowed away in lockers during all class periods.
Personal devices may be used during passing times and lunchtime, as well as, after 3:25 PM.
Cell phones and headphones/AirPods are not allowed in classrooms.
Students are not allowed to take pictures or videos of other students or staff at BCMS.

Here is our building-wide process for a student who brings a cell phone to class:

1st Incident: The teacher gives the student a warning.

2nd Incident: The teacher gives the phone to the front desk and the student can pick it up at 3:25pm.

3rd Incident: If the student continues to bring a cell phone to class, the teacher will refer the student to administration.

BCMS Attendance Reminder:

You can see details about your child's attendance on Parent Portal.

If your child is going to be absent due to illness or vacation, please contact the BCMS attendance secretary, Adriane Close <aclose@bhmschools.org> 763-682-8242

Portal Absence Request for Parents

Parents and guardians can use the Absence Request tool to submit a request that informs the office in advance when their student is not going to be in school. After the request is processed, Campus creates an attendance record for the student.

Click on document to view directions: