Bulldog Newsletter
- Upcoming Dates
- Black History Month Happenings
- Multicultural Fair
- All School Fundraiser Information
- Yearbook Order Information
- School Safety at BMS
- After School Activities Schedule
- School Procedure Reminders
- PACT - Parents & Community Together
- Parent/Guardian Social Media Safety Guide
- STEAM Highlights
- Who to Contact
February 19th - No School - Presidents Day
March 7th - Last Day of Trimester 2
March 8th - No School for students - Mark Reporting Day for teachers
March 11th - Trimester 3 begins
March 25-29 - Spring Break - No School
April 18th - Multicultural Fair 5:00-7:30pm
April 19th - Asynchronous Learning Day - Staff Planning Day
- February is Black History Month! Advisory classes will highlight a Black author of the week as well as those who have contributed to society throughout history.
- Historical figures and authors highlighted include:
- Sharon Draper
- Maya Angelou
- Martin Luther King Jr
- Molly Williams
- Nic Stone
- Ibi Zoboi
- Lena Horne
- Henry Brown
- Sojourner Trouth
- William Edward Burghardt Du Bois
- Derrick Barnes
Frank Sentwali, Author & Spoken Word Poet
8th Grade English classes have been working all month with Author and Spoken Word Poet, Frank Sentwali. Students worked on their development of writing skills, their confidence in self-expression, and their vocal skills. Frank's residency with us this month offered students the opportunity to perform free verse poems emphasizing their individual experiences and opinions.
We are very grateful for Frank's dedication and expertise he has been willing to share with Brooklyn Middle staff and students.
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This week students should have received an envelope with information about the fundraiser, the directions to create an online fundraising page, and an envelope to submit donated funds. We will be having an advisory competition, and an all-school competition so it’s important to do the online donation link and to bring in funds as they are received so that we can track the competitions.
PRIZES:
Any donations students have a chance to hoop-it-up with a hula hoop contest
First 100 students who raise $20 will be invited to watch staff jump in the pool live
$150 raised wins video game room time during their lunch
The top 10 students receive a pizza party and can bring a friend
Top advisory class in each grade wins open gym time
Top earning grade level all receive a treat during advisory
STAFF JUMP IN THE POOL
For each $500 raised 2 more staff, who have volunteered, will be jumping in the pool. If we reach our goal of $15,000, our Principal, Ms. Monette and Assistant Principal, Ms. Havelak will also hit the water. Watch the thermometer on first floor rise and see who will cannonball into the pool. This will be live streamed to advisory classes so all can watch.
ONLINE FUNDRASING LINK:
Be sure to set up your online fundraising link for your family and friends to easily donate. All donations will be linked to you.
Bring in any cash donations each day so we can track how much we have raised and see which staff will be jumping in the pool with their clothes on.
FUNDRAISER ENDS ON FEBRUARY 16TH!
BMS 2023-24 Yearbook orders are now being accepted until April 14th through the Kemmetmueller Photography website.
Go to the YEABOOK ORDER FORM to order your 2023-24 yearbook. Cost is $15.50
No orders will be taken after April 14th. Don’t delay, get your order in early and don’t miss out on the BMS 2023-24 Yearbook
SAFETY MATTERS
At Brooklyn Middle School, we pride ourselves in maintaining a safe, clean, healthy learning environment for staff and students. It’s important to know that we take proactive measures to ensure a safe school. We have common building expectations called the Bulldog Way which focuses on being Responsible, Respectful and Acting with Integrity. Each trimester we review our Code of Conduct in classes to continuously emphasize expectations regarding behavior at school. We complete anti-bullying lessons in all advisory classes and when staff are made aware of situation, they work to resolve the problem with the student. When conflict occurs we use restorative practices to repair harm and restore relationships. These practices address conflict and hold students accountable for their actions in a constructive manner. Most importantly, teachers provide a positive school environment that foster respect, inclusivity, and tolerance. We work to teach social emotional learning and encourage empathy and understanding among students through teaching and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage students to seek adult assistance in resolving conflicts if necessary.
SCHOOL SAFETY
The safety and security of students and staff members at BMS is a high priority. Students who disrupt the order of the school by carrying weapons or engaging in fighting will receive severe consequences. Rules against weapons and fighting are outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook/Calendar. Weapons violations, physical fighting and assaults will result in suspension and a possible recommendation to the District for expulsion. It is important to be aware that these situations may also result in criminal charges. You can help by making sure that your student clearly understands that neither you nor our staff and administration will tolerate fighting or weapons at Brooklyn Middle School. These disruptions cause fear, and when children are fearful at school, they cannot learn. We take a hard line on this issue—our children are worth it!
STUDENT SUPERVISION
Attendance in classes is carefully monitored. Since our students are young adolescents, we take extra measures to monitor their whereabouts and to ensure their security. Parents or guardians are asked to help by being aware of your student’s attendance and support school procedures. It is important that parents notify the school if their students will be absent. Once classes begin, student movement throughout the building is limited and regulated by a pass system, and students must be under the supervision of a staff member at all times. After school, students must be supervised by a teacher, or they have to leave the building. If students leave during the day for an appointment, they must sign out from the office and then only with permission from their parent or guardian. Students are not allowed to sign out with friends, older siblings, or other relatives unless a parent is notified.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Whether students bus or walk, they are required to remain on school property once they arrive at school. Entrance doors are locked after the start of the school day. The main front door remains open for visitor access. Visitors, which include parents or other non-students, must report to the main office upon entering the building. Visitors must also wear name badges. They will be asked to show proper identification (i.e. driver’s li-cense) before being allowed student contact.
Any student observing a dangerous, harmful, threatening, suspicious, or frightening situation should report it to an adult immediately. We are all responsible for a safe and positive learning environment.
After School activities are in full swing! Please see the After School Activities Schedule for classes and dates they are offered. All students wishing to participate MUST have a signed permission form for the activity before they can attend. Permission forms can be picked up from the teacher who is holding the class.
APPOINTMENTS: A parent/guardian must send a note excusing their student from school for appointments. The student must bring the note to the office before school to get a blue pass and then sign out at the time of leaving. A parent/guardian is required to come to the school and show a photo ID in order to remove a child from school. The student must sign back in when returning to school.
CELL PHONES: Here at BMS we take learning seriously and require students to have their phones turned off and put in their lockers during the school day. If a parent needs to get hold of their student during the school day, please call the main office at 763-569-7700 and we will get a message to your student for you. If your student needs to get hold of you we have phones available in the main office for them to use if necessary.
Please see the Parent/Student Handbook that you should receive in the mail this month for more detailed information regarding cell phone & personal devices policy.
Please have a conversation with your middle school student about the importance of staying focused on learning while at school and having their phones put away. Thank you!
STUDENT ID & CHROMEBOOKS: Students are expected to have their student ID and their fully charged Chromebooks with them to school every day. If your student has lost or misplaced their student ID they should see their Advisory teacher.
We are BMS PACT... It is PTO reimagined at the Middle School level. Have you been wondering how to stay involved post elementary school ...PACT is it!! We support & strengthen our STEAM programming, and do as many things as possible to support our kiddos, teachers, support staff, and administrators of our Bulldog family financially and socially.
We meet the last Tuesday of each month some in person and some virtual
Next Meeting is Tuesday, February 27th - Virtual from 7-8:30pm
Fundraising News:
*Hoop-A-Thon (Jan 29-Feb 16 2024) our largest fundraiser of the year - the more we raise the more staff end up in the pool.
Create your Fundraiser Page and Share it with friends and family. https://app.99pledges.com/fund/BrooklynMiddleSchool1
.
*Dine to Donate - Wednesday February 28th 4pm - close, at Dos Hermano's Mexican Grill (85th and Hwy 252)
Let them do the cooking and clean up and help PACT raise some $$
*a percentage of sales come back to our organization.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
Media Assistant: Shelving Books, Laminating and Trimming etc.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054BAAAC22A2F85-46830062-bmslibrary
Bulldog Way Stand: Assist with PBIS student positive behavior incentive store - during lunches
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/VbvPLMJ
PACT is seeking Coordinators interested in organizing events for 2024/25, many of our coordinators are graduating to High School, so join now to learn how they do it:
Dine/Shop/Play to Donate (spirit nights with local restaurants or other businesses)
Family Engagement (hosting PACT tables at various school events to recruit more help and share upcoming events)
Fundraising (Hoop-A-Thon)
Conference Meals (organized feeding our amazing BMS Staff on Conference Nights).
PACT Board Members: Leaders needed 2 of our founding members will "graduate" at the end of this year and we are seeking to fill the board for the 2024-2025 school year.
Make an imPACT, join the PACT!!
We can be reached via email at BMSpact@gmail.com
Sign up to get regular information or link to a specific committee here
Afterschool programming, family and community events, and so so much more …
Bulldogs…Let’s make this happen!!!
We are Brooklyn Middle STEAM School Parents and Community Together
Help Your Middle Schooler Navigate Social Media Safely
As parents/guardians of middle school students, it's essential to guide your children's use of social media. These platforms offer both positive and negative aspects, so it's crucial to strike a balance. Social media can be a valuable tool for kids to connect and learn. However, it also comes with risks like cyberbullying and excessive screen time. To help your child, consider these tips:
1. Set Clear Rules:
Establish clear guidelines on how much time your child can spend on social media, which platforms they can use, and what content is appropriate. Creating and enforcing these rules will help your child understand responsibility.
2. Teach Responsibility:
Educate your child about online dangers and responsible behavior. Talk about cyberbullying, privacy concerns (is there location being shared on social media), and the responsibility of accepting consequences for choices made online. Encourage open communication so they can come to you with any concerns.
3. Keep an Eye Out:
While it's crucial to trust your child, it's equally important to monitor their online activity, especially when they're in middle school. Keep an eye on their friends, posts, and messages to ensure their safety and well-being.
4. Use Parental Controls:
Consider using parental control tools to limit access to certain apps and websites. These tools can help you manage screen time, filter content, and keep tabs on your child's online interactions.
5. Be a Role Model:
Demonstrate responsible social media use, as children often emulate their parent or guardian's behavior.
6. Encourage Offline Activities:
Promote a balance between online and offline activities, like sports, hobbies, and reading.
7. Promote Real-Life Connections:
Encourage in-person interactions with friends and meaningful conversations.
Social media can be a double-edged sword for middle school students. While it offers valuable opportunities for social interaction and learning, it also presents potential risks.
As a parent or guardian, it's your responsibility to guide and protect your child as they navigate the digital world. By setting clear boundaries, educating them about online safety, monitoring their activity, and leading by example, you can help your middle school student make the most of their online experiences while staying safe and grounded in the real world.
#bmsgoodthings #bmsbulldogsrock #bmssteambulldogs
Website: https://bms.district279.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmssteambulldogs/
Twitter: bmssteam