Bookcliff Middle School

Hello Bookcliff Families,

Thank you to all who were able to attend parent-teacher conferences earlier this week. It's always better for our students when we can partner with their families to help them succeed. We appreciate your support very much. Our next parent-teacher conference night is October 23rd from 3:30-7:30pm. Look for more details about that night in next month's newsletter.

This month's newsletter features some upcoming events that you might be interested in, as well as information about the importance of regular student attendance, safety drills, a note from our counselors, and a couple opportunities for family members to be more involved at both the school and district level.

Four weeks in, we're off to a good start, building momentum for a successful school year. We've received several compliments from families about how we are supporting kids and recognizing students for showing HEART and doing the right things. Our teachers have embraced the importance of acknowledging and celebrating our students, and we believe the positive messaging to students will pay off throughout the year, leading to our ultimate goal of student academic success.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Brian Dickes, BMS Principal

brian.dickes@d51schools.org

970-254-6220 x32104

Our Mustangs were recognized so often for doing the right things we had to buy a bigger ticket holder!

A huge, HEARTfelt Mustang thank you to one family who very generously donated $1000 to the BMS Wardrobe!

Our first Parent Involvement Team/School Accountability Committee meeting will be held September 9th from 3:30-4:15 in the school library. Come find out about school goals and ways you can support Bookcliff staff and students!

In the next few weeks, the school counselors will be presenting the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Middle School Program to 7th grade students and Lifelines to 8th grade students as part of District 51's pledge to support and educate students regarding suicide prevention. SOS and Lifelines are district approved curriculum that encourages students to identify trusted adults in their lives that they can turn to if they have concerns about themselves or their friends. These curriculums are used throughout District 51 middle schools and the nation. Please contact one of the school counselors, Mrs. Moore or Mrs. Ritterbush if you have questions about the curriculum, topic or presentation.

National Attendance Awareness Month
September marks the beginning of National Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the vital role consistent attendance plays in a student’s academic success. Being in class every day keeps students engaged, on track with their learning, and ensures they don’t miss out on important lessons and interactions. Every day counts, as it takes at least two days to catch up for each day missed. We encourage all our students to "Be Powerful. Be Present." By showing up, you’re making a powerful step toward a brighter future.

https://launch.moneydolly.com/fundraiser/164181

School safety is a priority at Bookcliff Middle School and in District 51. In order to keep our students and staff safe, we follow the guidance of our district safety and security department. As we start conducting safety drills this semester, here is some important information about two types of drills:

Shelter in Place

-Classes carry on as usual

-No advance notice to families or staff

-Look for follow up communication from the school.

-Shelter in Place may be called for different reasons.

• Law enforcement activity in the area.
• Student safety issue.
• Medical situation that requires privacy and clear hallways.

Lockdown

-All school business stops. Everyone seeks safe space and waits for law enforcement to clear rooms.

-D51 Security officers run drills.

-Two drills per school year.

-No advance notice to families or staff.

-Look for follow up communication from the school.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-GnUe-znXKCNkIlZnXH2An0GxIztUSXAjFRGGZQ3oC4/edit

• September 9---PIT/SAC meeting, 3:30-4:15, school library.
• September 9---School Fundraiser Kick-off.
• September 18-20---OWL trip for 6th graders who have signed up.
• September 20---Student of the Month Celebration.
• September 30---No School---Educator Effectiveness Day.
• October 4---Student picture retakes.

Staff supervision and breakfast service begin at 7:40 am.

Please take a look at the map below, which shows the ideal drop off/pick up zone for each grade level. The colored circles indicate the grade level entrances/exits, and the nearby colored sidewalk areas indicate the safest drop zone for each grade level. Families are encouraged to use whichever loop is most convenient for them. Students dropping off musical instruments in the morning may prefer the 6th grade loop.

District 51 families, staff and community members,

Are you passionate about making a difference in our schools and community? Join our District Accountability Committee (DAC) and become a collaborative partner in shaping the future of education in our district as we work towards our strategic plan goals. We’re seeking dedicated family members, district educators and community members to bring their unique perspectives to give feedback and insight into the work of the DAC.

Your involvement will enable you to work closely with other educators, administrators, and fellow parents/guardians to support the needs and aspirations of our diverse community. As a committee member, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on crucial areas such as district budgets, strategies for strengthening community engagement, and potential charter school applications. The District Accountability Committee (DAC) meets quarterly from 5:15pm - 6:15pm. Fill out the interest form HERE.

Familias,personal y miembros de la comunidad del Distrito 51,

¿Le apasiona marcar la diferencia en nuestras escuelas y comunidad? Únase a nuestro Comité de Responsabilidad del Distrito (DAC) y conviértase en un socio colaborador para dar forma al futuro de la educación en nuestro distrito mientras trabajamos hacia las metas de nuestro plan estratégico. Buscamos familiares dedicados, educadores del distrito y miembros de la comunidad para que aporten sus perspectivas únicas y brinden comentarios y conocimientos sobre el trabajo del DAC.

Su participación le permitirá trabajar en estrecha colaboración con otros educadores, administradores y otros padres/tutores para apoyar las necesidades y aspiraciones de nuestra diversa comunidad. Como miembro del comité, tendrá la oportunidad de aprender y brindar comentarios sobre áreas cruciales como los presupuestos del distrito, estrategias para fortalecer la participación comunitaria y posibles solicitudes de escuelas autónomas. El Comité de Responsabilidad del Distrito (DAC) se reúne trimestralmente de 5:15 p. m. a 6:15 p. m. Llene el formulario de interés AQUÍ.