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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,

As we step into April, marking the start of the fourth quarter of our school year, it's hard to believe how swiftly time has passed. This juncture serves as a moment to express our gratitude for the unwavering support we've received from students, parents, and staff alike. Your dedication and commitment have been pivotal in navigating the academic year thus far. Thank you for all you do to help Bluffs Middle School be the best it can be for all students and staff.

Morning Procedure

Beginning April 2, except for inclement weather, students will wait outside before school. The staff is on duty at 7:25 am. Students are expected to remain in grade-level designated areas. Students who eat breakfast at school may enter the building at 7:15 am through the main south doors. All students may enter the building when the bell rings at 7: 38 am to access their lockers before classes begin at 7:45 am.

Exploratory Course Selection

The upcoming academic year presents an exciting opportunity for our current sixth and seventh graders. As we look forward to the 2024-25 school year, students will soon have the chance to select from a range of exploratory courses designed to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various subjects. These courses are an integral part of our commitment to fostering a well-rounded education, allowing students to pursue their passions and interests beyond the standard curriculum. Grade-level counselors will provide more information in the near future.

WIN (What I Need)

As we reflect on this past year's implementation of WIN (What I Need), our commitment to improvement and excellence remains unwavering. In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, students will complete a brief survey. This initiative is a testament to our belief in the power of feedback and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the WIN time. By soliciting the insights and opinions of our students, we aim to uncover both the strengths that have contributed to the program's success and the areas that present opportunities for enhancement. This inclusive approach ensures that our strategies are aligned with the needs and preferences of our students, further enriching their educational experience at Bluffs Middle School.

Solar Eclipse - April 8

Mr. Amundsen, STEM exploratory teacher, is gearing up for an exciting and educational experience for his students - the viewing of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th. Understanding the significance of this celestial event, Mr. Amundsen is committed to making it an enriching and safe learning opportunity. To ensure students have the chance to participate in this voluntary activity, he will be sending out an opt-out permission slip to the parents. Safety and education stand at the forefront of this event. Recognizing the potential risks associated with viewing solar eclipses without proper protection, we have taken proactive measures to secure AAS (American Astronomical Society) approved solar eye glasses for each participating student. Students will also be provided with safety guidelines, ensuring they are well informed on how to use the glasses correctly and understand the importance of adhering to these safety measures during the eclipse. More information about the eclipse can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

After School Tutoring

After-school tutoring is available to all students. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity to receive additional instruction, complete missing assignments, or retake assessments. The schedule and locations are below.

Parent Teacher Conference Meals

The staff and administration of Bluffs Middle School would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible generosity you demonstrated last month during the parent-teacher conferences. Your thoughtfulness in providing soups, desserts and breakfast items truly meant a lot to us. It's gestures like these that reinforce the strong community spirit that makes our school such a special place. Thank you for your endless support.

Lastly, please ensure we have current emergency contact information in Infinite Campus for your student. If updates are needed, don't hesitate to contact us at 308-635-6270, and we will gladly assist you.

Sincerely,

Jana Mason

Principal

Baby Pictures

The deadline to submit pictures was March 1st. If you have not done so, please contact Mrs. Shaddick as soon as possible. We aim to include every student in this memorable slideshow, and your prompt cooperation will help us achieve this goal.

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 will send 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.

Assistant Principal Appreciation Week - April 1-5

Please join me in thanking our assistant principals, Mrs.Chancellor and Mr. Miller. We appreciate all you do Bluffs Middle School students, staff and families.

Para Professional Appreciation Day - April 3

The exceptional contributions of para professionals at Bluffs Middle School have not gone unnoticed. Their support, dedication, and the invaluable time they invest in both students and staff significantly enhance the educational experience.

Librarian Appreciation Day - April 4

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Mrs. Shaddick for her tireless dedication and exceptional service to Bluffs Middle School. It is through her hard work and dedication behind the scenes that our technology and media center continues to thrive, making a difference in the lives of our students every day. Thank you for everything you do.

Bluffs Middle School students and staff will attend the matinee production of Matilda on Wednesday, April 3rd at Scottsbluff High School. Students and staff will walk to the high school at 7:45 am and return at approximately 10:45 am. The performance begins at 8:00 am and is approximately two and a half hours in length. Please contact your student's teachers with additional questions.

If you would like to attend any of the performances on April 4, 5 or 6, tickets may be purchased at www.Ronne.com .

All students will take the spring NSCAS statewide assessments starting the first week of April. We are so excited to see students' growth and academic progress. Teachers and students have been preparing for our state assessment all year and now is the time to shine. Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades will be assessed in math and reading. Additionally, eighth graders will take the science state assessment.Your cooperation and assistance in avoiding appointments during testing is greatly appreciated.

NSCAS ELA

• Grade 6, April 2-5
• Grade 7, April 15-18
• Grade 8, April 2-5

NSCAS Math

• Grade 6, April 23-26
• Grade 7, April 23-26
• Grade 8, April 23-26

NSCAS Science

• Grade 8, April 15-18

While our state assessment is just one factor in evaluating grade-level proficiency, we urge you to motivate your student to give their best effort and dedication during each assessment. Student outcomes are crucial, and prioritizing academic growth is our main focus. Please remind your student to bring their Chromebooks to school with a full charge.

Please visit the Nebraska Department of Education website for more information. https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/

Bluffs Middle School is thrilled to continue its student leadership opportunities for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, specifically designed for our current seventh-grade students. As a part of our WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program, selected leaders will play a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and positive atmosphere. This unique opportunity allows leaders to directly impact the school culture by mentoring our incoming sixth graders and ease their transition into middle school life.

To apply, simply scan the QR code located on the seventh-grade floor. Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our WEB sponsors, Mr. Koncaba or Mrs. McGhehey. This is your chance to make a lasting impact at Bluffs Middle School and help create an environment where everybody truly belongs.

March was Music In Our Schools Month, showcasing students' musical talents and emphasizing the significance of music education. Schools nationwide host events like concerts and workshops, highlighting music's ability to inspire and unite people. Bluffs Middle School students were able to perform spring concerts, participate in the Panhandle Middle School Honor Band and perform a joint concert with WNCC Fire in the Pan band members. Please join me in thanking Mr. Koch, Mrs. Koch, Mrs. Hillman, and Mr. Brening for their endless support and dedication to our students.

April 1 Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

April 3 SHS Musical, Matilda 8:00 am - 10:45 am

April 3 Para Professional Appreciation Day

April 4 Librarian/Media Specialist Appreciation Day

April 8 Solar Eclipse (see above for more information)

April 17 CAT Meeting @ 4:00 pm

April 19 Professional Development Day - No school

April 29 5th Grade Spring Orientation, A-L 6:00 pm and M-Z 6:45 pm at BMS

Current fifth-grade students and parents are invited to our 5th Grade Orientation on Monday, April 29th in our BMS cafetorium. There will be two orientation sessions to accommodate all of our families. The student's last name determines the session start times.

• A-L will begin at 6:00 PM
• M-Z will begin at 6:45 PM

Please enter through the west activity doors for each session. Doors will open at 5:45 PM for the 6:00 PM session and 6:30 PM for the 6:45 PM session. After our general information session in the cafetorium, WEB Leaders from Bluffs Middle School will provide building tours. Schedules will not be provided at this time. Students/parents will receive schedules in August.

Spring activities have begun and coaches and student-athletes are working hard to prepare for upcoming competitions. Spring weather can be unpredictable due to inclement weather. Coaches will promptly provide information about schedule changes or cancellations. Questions about soccer can be sent to Miss Carrie Snyder and questions about track can be directed to Mrs. Brooks Talkington. All student-athletes must remain in good academic standing to participate. Information about after school tutoring is listed above. Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity to remain eligible throughout the spring season. We look forward to watching our students compete this spring. More information can be found at https://bms.sbps.net/b_m_s_activities

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.

Teaching Kids to Protect Their Data and Privacy Online

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and transformation. Spring symbolizes a fresh

start as we watch new life emerge. For many, spring is a season to look forward to, energizing and

exciting as we daydream of brighter days ahead. However, spring can also be a difficult transition,

resulting in increased anxiety and depression. Seasonal change, as with any change, is often accompanied by disruption and instability. There are weather changes, time change, and changes in activities and daily routines. Our students also feel the tug-of-war between chasing summer on the horizon and buckling down for the final quarter of the school year.

While change is inevitable, the everyday habits and routines we engage in can provide safety and

security when things around us may feel a bit out of control. Included are some ways to support a

smooth transition in to spring and our final weeks of the school year.

Routine – Try to maintain consistency in routine throughout the days and weeks. Children, just

like adults, like to know what to expect. They want to have an idea of what’s to come.

Consistency helps our children feel secure, reducing anxiousness.

SLEEP – Many of our children will experience fatigue and increased tiredness. This can be

confusing, as they express excitement for spring; however, they feel exhausted. Please help

your child prioritize sleep and appropriate rest as they adapt to change. Consistency in bed

time, wake time, and hours of sleep per night are very important in supporting overall recovery

- mentally and physically.

Ask for Help – Please remind and encourage your child to seek support if they are experiencing

a difficult time with recent changes. We are here to encourage their success well beyond

academics.

BONUS CHALLENGE – SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX

This month, we challenge you to a social media detox. Now, before any panic ensues, this does

not mean total elimination of devices. What do you want more of in your daily routine? What lights

you up inside? What is something you’ve always been interested in but never tried? Instead of

scrolling, responding, checking… we challenge you to put the phone down and do more of what you

love with those you love. Let’s make this spring exceptional.

Here are the updated guidelines from PPHD and CDC regarding COVID:

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status:

• Go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and

• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

• When you go back to your normal activities, added precautions are encouraged over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

• If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Added precautions are encouraged for the next 5 days.

Please reach out to the health office at your student’s school if you have any questions.

Summer School will be offered for all current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Summer School will run from May 28 - June 20, with a make-up day of June 21. Students will attend 8:30 am - 11:30 am. Applications are still being accepted. Please contact your student's teachers or counselor if you have any questions.

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