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Daybreak Middle Newsletter
August 8th, 2023
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May 2024 Daybreak Middle School News
Principal Update
Hi Dragon families,
May and June are going to be such fun but busy months here at DBM. We want to make sure that you know about everything that is going on:
- May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week. The best gift you can give to your teacher(s) is a letter or card of appreciation. Please help us let our Daybreak teachers know how very appreciated they are.
- May 7, 9, 14, 16, and 21 will be state testing days for Smarter Balance Assessment and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science. Testing begins at 8:10 AM so students need to arrive to school on time. Please make sure that your students comes to school with a fully charged Chromebook everyday as well. Students will need WIRED earphones for the assessment and can bring them from home if they have some.
- May 17 is our Spring Dance for all students.
- May 22nd All families are welcome to join us for the annual school lunch BBQ. Please sign in at the main office when your arrive on campus. If you'd like to join your student our lunches are as follows:
- 6th grade: 10:47 AM - 11:04 AM
- 5th grade: 11:04 AM - 11:21 AM
- 7th grade: 11:37 AM - 11:54 AM
- 8th grade: 11:54 AM -12:11 PM
- May 29 is our Spring Band Concert at 6PM
- June 5th is Daybreak On Display open house for both DBP & DBM
- Last name A-L 5:00-5:45 PM
- Last name M-Z 5:45-6:30 PM
- June 13th is field day and early release at 11:40 AM
- June 13th is 8th grade graduation at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria
- June 14th is the last day of school at DBM with an early release at 11:40 AM
We continue to appreciate all your donations to the Dragon Store. We're hoping to have 2 more Dragon stores this year but our supplies are low. If you’d like to donate items feel free to drop them off at school at any time. Here’s a few ideas of items students enjoy : Izze sodas, small bags of snacks, individually wrapped candy or cookies, stickers, key chains, fidgets, etc. or you can use our Dragon Store Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SAEQG4B88QPW/ref=hz_ls_biz_exc.
Our Character Strong Social Emotional Learning curriculum character trait for May is creativity. Our hope is to partner with families in building up positive character traits and modeling academic language for our students. You can support these efforts by talking with your student(s) at home about our character traits, completing the monthly character dare, and talking about academic appropriate language. We appreciate your partnership with this endeavor to build strong character for each and every student at DBM.
Go Dragons,
Lesli Collum (Principal)
Angela Sauser (Assistant Principal)
SPRING DANCE FOR ALL DBM STUDENTS
STATE TESTING - WIRED EARPHONES NEEDED
Smarter Balanced Assessment
We would appreciate your support in helping your student to get adequate rest and nutrition prior to and during the weeks of our testing. Students will also need WIRED earphones and FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOKS for testing. Although we do have some available at school, many students do not like the possibility or thought of sharing these with other students. Wired earphones can oftentimes be purchased at the Dollar Store.
Testing Dates
May 7 - ELA
May 9 - ELA
May 14 - Math
May 16 - Math
May 21 - Science (5 and 8th only)
If you have questions about state testing, please contact the school office.
Daybreak on Display campus wide open house
Please support our end of year Dragon Store
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Olson
Spring Season and Mental Health
Springtime is here and it can bring feelings of renewal, rebirth, and exciting plans for warmer weather. In some ways, it can bring profoundly different feelings. An ironic fact is that mental health workers see an uptick in the busyness of their schedules, their clients seem more in need of services. Surprisingly, It is also the time of year that sees the highest suicide rates. This seems contradictory to me and as I dug into it a little bit, I found a great article from Charlie Health that had some insights. You can read the full article at this link: Spring Season and Mental Health. An excerpt is below. One thing I find helpful for my personal wellbeing is to remind myself that this heightened energy of spring is temporary and that change is the only constant in life. Building my skills to better accept change has been a worthwhile task. If you need immediate help with a mental health crisis, please reach out to the people at 988. Call or text 988 24/7/365 to connect with an individual ready to listen and offer support. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at olson.rebecca@battlegroundps.org or 360-885-6905 if I can help support your student family.
Excerpt from Spring Season and Mental Health:
“One of the major reasons people may feel more depressed and anxious in the springtime is simply because of change. For some people, change feels like an exciting opportunity, while others may feel an intense instability in their lives. Change as school becomes summer vacation, change in the weather, and change in daily routines can all produce overwhelming anxiety.
What can you do to make it through the spring?
Find a routine. Despite the changes spring might bring, try to find at least one consistent activity for your week to look forward to. This could look like Monday evening walks with your dog, a Friday lunch with friends, or a few dedicated hours to self-care each Sunday.
Focus on sleep. While this is much easier said than done, try to prioritize sleep! Set two alarms, one that tells you to GO TO BED, and one that tells you to WAKE UP. Try to keep it consistent throughout the week.
Ask for help– If you know spring is a difficult time for you, reach out to friends or family for a support system. Seek out a therapist or treatment to help you process your feelings.”
Final Band Concert of the Year
Dragons of the Month for April COURAGE month
5th grade Students of the Month
Devin Hastay III, Jackson McCulloch, Rylee Sanchez, and Mischa Cayambe Lozano are being recognized for their COURAGE this month. Thanks for modeling good character to your peers!
6th grade Students of the Month
Kesla Couch, Sarah Grace Elkin, Dakota Chamberlin, and Victoria Fitzgerald are being recognized for their COURAGE this month. Thanks for being positive role models for your peers!
7th grade Students of the Month
Quetzalli Cortes Villegas, Elijah Wilhelm, Mischa Yankus, and Colton Dodge (not pictured) are being recognized for their superior COURAGE. Thank you 7th graders for modeling positive characteristics for your peers.
8th Grade Students of the Month
Rudy Espinoza Mendoza, Lillian Stewart, RJ Tucker, and Antony Sanchez Herrera went above and beyond in showing their COURAGE. Thank you 8th graders for being responsible leaders on our campus!
All families are invited to our schoolwide BBQ on May 22
All families are invited to join us for our annual BBQ lunch on Wednesday, May 22. Please check in at the main office when you come onto campus. Here are the lunch times for each grade level:
6th grade: 10:47 AM - 11:04 AM
5th grade: 11:04 AM - 11:21 AM
7th grade: 11:37 AM - 11:54 AM
8th grade: 11:54 AM -12:11 PM
The cost per lunch is on the flier below.
Health and Fitness classes scheduled to teach Comprehensive Sexual Education
If your student has Health/Fitness second semester please remember that we are scheduled to teach the Comprehensive Sexual Education curriculum during the week of May 20-24th. Please check for the emails sent from Ms. Bosch, Mr. Sobolewski, and the District linking the curriculum and the opt-out process.
Character Trait of the Month for May: Creativity
This month we are focusing on creativity. Students are learning that creativity is using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem.
Calendar of Events for May & June 2024
- One-hour late starts: Wednesday May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
- May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
- May 7, 9, 14, 16, and 21 will be state testing days
- May 17 ASB Spring Dance
- May 22 All school BBQ lunch
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27 (no school)
- May 29 Spring Band Concert
- One-hour late start: Wednesday June 5
- June 5 Daybreak On Display open house from 5:00-6:30 PM
- June 13 field day and early release at 11:40 AM
- June 13 8th grade graduation at 6:30 PM
- June 14 is the last day of school with an early release at 11:40 AM
Daybreak Middle School Expectations
Energy Drinks and Caffeinated Drinks
Students are not allowed to have Energy drinks (Monsters, Rockstar's, etc.), Mountain Dew, or Coffee drinks on campus. If you get your student a Starbucks or Dutch Bros drink please have them consume them before they arrive on campus.
Snacks, gum, candy, and drinks in class are becoming an issue
Reminder of expectations for all students:
- No gum allowed on campus. Students who are arguing with staff about redirections to follow expectations will receive a defiance referral if they are chewing gum. Gum is being littered across campus which is an ongoing issue.
- No drinks outside the cafeteria except water. Students may bring a juice box or single soda in their lunch to consume in the cafeteria only. Students may not share food or drinks with others.
- Snacks are at teacher discretion. Students are not allowed to eat snacks in the halls or outside. Staff are seeing lots of students who choose not to eat lunch in the cafeteria but who want to snack all day which is a distraction from learning and creating messes in classrooms.
Cell Phones
Our staff are aware of the benefits of cell phones as a useful tool, as well as, the distraction they can be to learning and the easy access they present to cyberbullying. With that in mind, we are trying a new cell phone management system at DBM this year allowing for Green, Yellow, and Red cellphone zones. The attached flier explains the DBM Cell Phone Zones for families and students. Please talk with your student about managing their phone appropriately at school. Students should not be texting, videoing, or calling from their phones while at school. Students can come to the office to call parents if needed. If you need to contact your child please call the office at 360-885-6900 and we will relay a message to them for you. While we are all in the habit of sending a quick text, we ask that parents call the office instead of texting their student. Receiving a text in the middle of class distracts students from their learning.
Getting to & from campus
Students may arrive on campus as early as 7:45 AM when breakfast opens in the Cafeteria. Students who walk or ride a scooter or bike may enter and exit campus from the back gates on 21st Place or 22nd Ave, or from the front sidewalks off of 20th Ave in front of DBP or off of 239th St. Students must walk their bike or carry their scooter/wheelies/skates once they arrive on campus (including being in front of DBP). All scooters, skateboards, and bikes must be parked in the bike and scooter racks at DBM. Students may not leave their bikes or scooters at DBP. Parents who are dropping off or picking up students before or after school must use the Daybreak Primary parking lot. The Daybreak Middle parking lot is for staff parking and buses only. Daybreak is a combined closed campus during DBM and DBP school hours. Students must leave campus immediately after dismissal at 2:40 PM unless they are participating in a supervised activity like sports. DBM students may come back to campus at 3:40 PM to pick up their Primary siblings but can't wait on campus.
Late Start Wednesdays
Students may not arrive on campus until 8:45 AM on late start Wednesdays unless they attend the Right at School Program. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday we have campus supervision beginning at 7:45 AM and on late start Wednesdays our campus supervision begins at 8:45 AM.
Attendance
The first bell rings at 8:00 AM and the tardy bell rings at 8:10 AM. Any students arriving after 8:10 AM will need to check in at the office and get a pass to go to class. Wednesday late start days the first bell is at 9:00 AM and the tardy bells rings at 9:10 AM. It's vital that students are on time and ready to begin their school day by 8:10 AM each day.
If your student is absent or tardy there are three options to excuse an absence: 1. Log into Skyward, look under attendance tab, and click on the absence request link. 2. Parents can call our absence line by calling 360-885-6942. 3. Parents may also email dbmoffice@battlegroundps.org to excuse an absence.
Pre-arranged absence forms may be picked up in the office if parents are scheduling an absence. We ask that families avoid vacations or lengthy absences during the school year whenever possible.
Harassment Intimidation and Bullying Policy
At Daybreak Middle we follow the BGPS district policy on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (Policy 3207). Students will be participating in a review of the following policy on the first few days of school:
The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers and patrons, who are free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written messages or image — including those that are electronically transmitted —verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:
A. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
B. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
C. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
D. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
“Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status and weight.
“Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).
Behaviors/Expressions
This policy recognizes that 'harassment,' 'intimidation,' and 'bullying' are separate but related behaviors. Each must be addressed appropriately. The accompanying procedure differentiates the three behaviors, however, this differentiation should not be considered part of the legal definition of these behaviors.
Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including, but not limited to, slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral, physical or electronically transmitted messages or images.
This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom or program rules.
Prevention
The district will provide students with strategies aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. In its efforts to train students, the district will seek partnerships with families, law enforcement and other community agencies.
Interventions
Interventions are designed to remediate the impact on the targeted student(s) and others impacted by the violation, to change the behavior of the perpetrator, and to restore a positive school climate.
The district will consider the frequency of incidents, developmental age of the student, and severity of the conduct in determining intervention strategies. Interventions will range from counseling, correcting behavior and discipline, to law enforcement referrals.
District Wide News Updates
Teacher Appreciation Week: Ways to share your appreciation
This year, May 6-10 is set aside to appreciate all the hard work of teachers. If you’d like to help recognize a deserving educator, we have a couple of ways you and your child(ren) can do that. First, if you haven’t already, consider filling out this form by Tuesday, April 30. Shout out a favorite teacher, share a photo (optional) and we may include your response in a special Teacher Appreciation Week feature in our district publications and social media.
Our communications department has also put together some graphics that you can access and print at home. Have your child fill it out and bring it to their teachers at school to share their appreciation.
New end-of-year schedule, including last day of school
Schedule changes will be in effect for the end of this school year due to weather-related closures in January. The last day of school for students in south schools will be Friday, June 14. The last day of school for students in most north schools will be Monday, June 17. Get the details
2024-25 school calendar
The 2024-25 academic calendar (Русский) (Español) has been updated since it was first released. Here are some of the key dates:
First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 27
Kindergarten Smart Start begins: Tuesday, Sept. 3
Thanksgiving break: Nov. 27-29
Winter break: Dec. 23, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025
Spring break: Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4
In-service dates (no student attendance): Oct. 11, Nov. 6, Jan. 29
Last day of school: Tuesday, June 10 (assuming no added days for weather-related closures)
Review proposed materials
New teaching and learning materials may be used next school year to teach high school chemistry, environmental science and earth and space. You can now review the proposed materials and provide your input.
Summer baking and pastry arts class
Students who are currently in grades 8-11 and are interested in improving your baking or pastry arts skills this summer, consider signing up for the Intro to Baking and Pastry Arts class at Battle Ground High School. Offered through Cascadia Tech Academy, this 90 hour course (over 13 days) will provide students with the opportunity to learn about things like basic baking and pastry techniques related to quick breads, yeast breads, enriched yeast doughs, laminated doughs, cookies, brownies / snack bars, macarons, fillings and ganache, frozen desserts and confections, plate composition and presentation, and much more.
Visit the Summer School page for Cascadia Tech to learn more. Registration opens Wednesday, May 1.
Enroll now for kindergarten next fall
Kindergarten enrollment is now open for the 2024-25 school year. Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2024, is eligible to enroll. Please enroll your child online now so that you can be notified of kindergarten orientation at your school, happening May 21-23.
To learn more about kindergarten in Battle Ground Public Schools, visit our website, or watch this short video.
Employee Recognition Award
Do you know an amazing staff member? The new Employee Recognition Awards will highlight staff members who reflect the district’s strategic plan goals. Three nominees will be selected each month and recognized at a board meeting. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.
Student online safety
Keeping students safe online is a priority in Battle Ground Public Schools. Recent events have reinforced the need to use caution when interacting online. These include national reports of online groups targeting children and teens. While we are not aware of BGPS students being targeted by these groups, it is important for staff, students and parents/guardians to work together to keep our young people safe.
How you can help students be safe
Please periodically review these tips with your child:
Students should keep their passwords confidential. They should not share passwords or allow others to use their Chromebook after they sign in.
Use school email addresses for only school-related communication and activities.
Be cautious when accepting friend requests; communicating with other people online; and sharing photos, videos, and identifying information on social media and other sites. Review privacy settings to limit who can see this information.
Monitor what your child is doing online and discuss risks associated with sharing personal content.
Use GoGuardian Parent to see how your child is using their device. Get information on GoGuardian Parent.
How BGPS keeps students safe
BGPS supports the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and insists that websites the district uses adhere to this law.
The district provides active supervision and filtering of content on all devices in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
The district restricts access to apps that have the potential for abuse or pose cybersecurity risks.
Student data privacy agreements protect student information in conjunction with the Washington Student Data Privacy Alliance.
Students learn about digital citizenship and appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.
Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish translation and interpretation services
Услуги по устному и письменному переводу на русский и украинский языки 360-885-5433
Servicios de Traducción e Interpretación en Español 360-885-5431
Report incidents anonymously with SafeSchools
Please report bullying, intimidation, harassment, threats and safety concerns using our anonymous reporting system. Reporters can remain anonymous. Emergencies should always be reported to 911. Learn more about emergency procedures and safety protocols.
Battle Ground Public Schools provides equal opportunity in programs and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin/language, creed/religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, HIV/Hepatitis C status. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Contact the following regarding questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Tom Adams, Director of Student Services, adams.tom@battlegroundps.org, Title IX Compliance Officer, 360.885.5415; Michelle Reinhardt, Executive Director of Human Resources, reinhardt.michelle@battlegroundps.org, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 360.885.5481; or a letter may be submitted to the designated coordinator at the Battle Ground Public Schools, PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604.