The value behind a STEM education ๐ฌ๐งชโ๏ธ๐ฅผ
In each edition of our campus newsletter, we highlight the benefits of a STEM education.
Here at BCMAR, we specialize in a rigorous health science STEM+M program. Our curriculum is robust and offers an engaging and collaborative learning model.
Schools such as BCMAR are often asked what is the difference between a STEM education and a non-STEM education?
As a parent/guardian of a BCMAR scholar, you may already know that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Are you fully aware of what a STEM programs offers and prepares your scholars for?
First off, they provide a considerable level of technical instruction. These courses focus heavily on math and science with an integration of technical abilities and practical applications.
The goal of a quality STEM education is to educate and prepare students for employment in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and healthcare, which demand specific knowledge and technical competence.
On any given day, our scholars are exposed to innovative learning models across all contents. Whether it is creating a model of the human brain, dissecting a sheep's eye, or creating a model of the human heart in Art class, our scholars are guaranteed a skill set that will benefit them beyond academia.
For helpful tips on how to supplement your child's STEM education at home with typical househould activities, follow this link: https://stemsports.com/10-ways-parents-can-introduce-stem-learning-at-home-through-disguised-learning/. Here, you will find creative and engaging ways to enhance STEM learning.
There are so many reasons we make a great magnet school choice. Our scholars participate in a variety of in-classroom research. The importance of knowing the functions of the brain helps us understand how this important organ operates and serves as a centralized control unit of the human body.
Brain development changes throughout stages of life and our scholars are fascinated at how these changes describe their stages of development.
Our neuroscience class is a great start for our transitioning sixth graders. The classes is designed to show scholars how the brain functions, supports the nervous system, and sensory cells throughout the body.
It seems like at the 'blink of an eye' it is time for STAAR test.
This definitely can be a stressful time for students as they take this important test. It is important for guardians of school-aged students to encourage them to do their best.
Proving helpful best-practices is one way teachers at school can help students do well on any standardized tests.
Here at BCMAR, when we speak of the 'village it takes' to raise a child, there are some crucial steps that must be implemented at home. Students must set aside time during off-school hours to prepare for STAAR test. There is a plethora of information that families can do to help ease the anxiety and help student be better quipped for high-stakes testing.
It is important to have balanced meals, plenty of rest, and limit technology for entertainment.
Here is an article with great suggestions on helping your student manage text anxiety and prepare for any important test. We ask that you please take a look at it and try out at least two of the suggestions. https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/emotions-behaviors/easing-high-stakes-test-anxiety/
Spring is here and as longer daylight hours have now set, we embark on this season filled with a history of festive holidays. Easter, among other holidays is celebrated in the month of April.
Did you know that the concept of spring break began in 1938 with a swim forum event in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida?
Spring is truly a beautiful time of the year and it has a rich historical journey that laid the foundation for the variety of spring time events and holidays we know today.
For more information on the variety of festive holidays during the season of spring, click here https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/spring-celebrations
April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month. With busy schedules and the start of STAAR testing season, it is important to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues that stress can further agitate.
What leads to stress and how to manage it https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress
parental suggestions on helping youth manage stress https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/stress.html
When the weather warms up, we are reminded of the spring season.
An allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. These substances are known as allergens. Allergens are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, molds, foods and some medications.
For some helpful info on treatment and management of pollen allergies, please click this link
https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/pollen-allergies/
Each calendar month of the academic year, our school counselor Ms. Berry provides helpful resources to build positive character in our scholars.
To broaden our scholars' exposure to social learning, daily we review character education topics to help them make proper choices in life.
April's character education topic is 'Trustworthiness'.
We speak often to our scholars on the importance of being trustworthy and truthful. Trustworthy is defined as the ability to be relied on as honest or truthful. Being truthful complements trustworthiness. When one is truthful, trust takes place.
We remind our scholars to always understand the importance of building trust among others and how it helps them throughout life.
Please refer to the link below and use the information in the monthly flyer at home to help you speak to your scholar on the importance of 'trustworthiness'.
Our stellar scholars represented our campus quite well at the second annual Charles Drew Black Experience Oratory Competition. Our sponsor Hess Corporation once again served as panel of judges.
Our scholars worked very hard preparing for their speeches that were created to highlight disparities in the black communities in regards to equitable healthcare.
Our student participants donned their scholar coats and black attire to compete for first, second, and third places.
We are extremely proud of the work done by all our participants and Mrs. Dupree for taking the lead on this very important event.
The winners placed in the following:
Vaidehi Kapur- first place
Ja'nae Birotte- second place
Ancy Shah- third place
To learn more about Dr. Charles Drew's impact as a black surgeon in the field of medicine, please follow this link https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/bg/feature/biographical-overview for some great information that highlights his remarkable life.
If there was "Assistant Principal Year", it simply wouldn't be long enough for us to celebrate these two individuals or express enough gratitude for our amazing assistant principals: Gnelida de Dios and Dr. John Santos.
Aside from juggling the daily happenings of a school campus, they truly make an effort to build student relationships and lead our staff in all aspects.
This week, we would like to show them as much appreciation as possible. If you see them in the hallways or busy handling AP duties throughout the day, please take a moment to say "Thank You!"
The STEM+M program here goes beyond learning from highly qualified educators. Thanks to our partnership with BCM, our STEM Specialist Dr. Perez-Sweeney, and parent Pam Brant, our scholars get valuable information that goes beyond high school.
The panel of volunteers took time out of their busy day to work alongside our scholars to show steps that will help them prepare for college.
Special thanks to Jay Steinfield, former CEO of Blinds.com and a hugely successful business man shared his key to success with our students in the Scholar Spirit Leaders Series. Check out his book Lead from the Core to learn more about how to incorporate the 4 Es to succeed: Evolve, Experiment, Express and Enjoy.
We often reiterate the importance of good study habits as early as sixth grade to have higher probability of entering a high school that meets the needs of their proposed career paths.
By teaching skills to help improve and manage grades, our students become equipped with necessary tools and resources to have access to the high school and college programs of their choice.
For information on the importance of early college prep and how to prepare your middle school student,, there is a very helpful US News article. You may click the following link at https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-middle-schoolers-can-get-ready-for-college-applications. There, you will find helpful tips to start preparing your scholar for both high school and college.
Each academic year, our scholars get to experience a wonderful learning opportunity at BCM. Students get to visit BCM and get hands on experience with some of the great things offered to up and coming health science professional.
This year was slightly different from previous years. Because of the pandemic, our upcoming graduating class did not get this wonderful learning opportunity during their sixth grade year. Nonetheless, BCM as always was gracious and accommodated both sixth and eighth grade classes to allow them to get this amazing learning experience. Thank you so much BCM! We love You!
BCMAR scholars get the full benefits of a functioning library. Our teachers are provided with a rotating schedule that provides access to all contents.
Scholars are able to utilize the many resources available in the HISD digital resources to conduct research and provided mini-lessons on how to properly cite sources.
Our new inventory of books are available for circulation and so far we have seen over 1,500 books checked out since the start of semester 1.
Here at BCMAR, we believe that young readers become leaders and are able to live productive lives.
Parents and teachers partnering with school administrators and the community is a great way to market our campus and builds a stronger voice of representation for our scholars.
A PTO also helps prepare our kiddos to be responsible and engaged citizens by exposing them to partnerships and community involvement.
Our monthly PTO meetings are virtual and notices of upcoming dates are posted on our social media pages on Facebook and X.
If you are not a member, you are still welcome to check us out in any upcoming virtual meeting.
Be an advocate for our children by joining our PTO. You can click the link box below for more information.
Chromebook Care
All students must bring their school-issued Chromebook each day.
Device Protection:
Chromebooks should always be inside your backpacks when not in use.
Please fully charge your laptop at home and do not bring the chargers to school.
Only use your Chromebook for school and classwork purposes
No personal stickers and do not remove any of the keys on the keyboard
Always protect your screen from scratches and cracks
To be a BCMAR bulldog means to also be a "Chromebook CHAMP"! ๐ช
Do you know of anyone in our school community that may need resources or support?
At the start of last school year, HISD has been utilizing Canvas as its learning management system (LMS).
Students are able to access Canvas for lessons and materials.
Canvas allows for administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of instructional programs.
If you need instructions on how to gain parental access on Canvas, please click the image.
Here at BCMAR, when we think of qualities of a 'model' student, one strong characteristic that comes up is consistency.
Here at BCMAR, consistency and determination embodies hard work and perseverance. This month we highlight one of our eighth graders that exemplifies what it truly means to work hard with grit and determination.
The entire eighth grade team is always extremely proud of this shining bulldog star, Aubrey Ruiz.
What makes Aubrey so deserving of this honor is that she not only excels in her core classes, but has shown steady and continued growth on NWEA MAP assessments.
When teachers are asked about Aubrey, the adjectives respectful and hardworking student was unanimous. With BCMAR being a small campus, our staff is able to build academic relationships with every kiddo that enters our doors.
Every adult on campus agrees that this scholar in particular is respectful to all adults on campus and her peers. She is very committed to her academic learning and often exceeds expectations. She truly exemplifies a model student with a very positive attitude.
Congrats to you Aubrey for always being Brilliant, Committed, Mindful, Achieving, and Respectful and for being selected as an outstanding scholars for the month of April.
Our Staff of the Month of April is eight grade math teacher Mr. Arnaldo Eligio.
A 15+ year veteran teacher with a great love for mathematics, he teaches the content with great fidelity.
The structure of his classroom fosters a safe and collaborative learning environment that allows all students to express their math anxieties and be taught helpful strategies to help them conquer and fear they may have about math and algebra.
Known to be laser-focused on data and student achievement, he often exceeds campus and district objectives.
Our BCMAR campus really appreciates Mr. Eligio's commitment to our scholars and team. He truly embodies 'bulldog' pride and teamwork. His positive attitude and calm demeanor is consistent with students and staff.
Congratulations to you, Mr. Eligio on being selected as the month of April's shining star! Your work with our kiddos is very much appreciated.
Upcoming Holidays/Breaks and Important Reminders
Cycle 5 Grading Period: February 28 - April 19
Cycle 5 Progress Reports go home: Friday, April 5
Cycle 5 Report Cards go home: Friday, April 26
April 10- Spring Holiday (no school)
STAAR testing dates: April 16, 18, 24, and May 1
May 27: Memorial Day (no school)
Please make sure your student is in attendance each school day
School Uniform Policy and Dress Codes
Hoodies are not to be worn indoors
No sunglasses
Grade-level polo shirts
School logo outerwear
Khaki pants
Student ID badge worn around the neck
Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/31699
Location: 2610 Elgin Street, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713) 942-1932
Twitter: @BCMAR_HISD