Badger Middle School Newsletter

Hello Badger Middle School Students and Families,

It is hard to believe it is Homecoming next week! I am excited for Spirit Week at Badger. It's always fun to see our students' spirit.

I have enjoyed seeing our students participate in their afternoon clubs and reading morning announcements about their school athletic progress- The Cross Country and Girls Basketball Teams are both performing well and learning a lot. It is amazing to see our students balancing their academics and their passions. Enjoy this photo of our students launching hot air balloons they made in Science 8 this week.

Our Student and Staff of the Week program is also up and running. We post these on Facebook immediately, and I will always post them in the next Newsletter I send too.

Looking forward, conferences are coming up, so now is a great time to check in on student progress prior to then. It is "midquarter" which means halfway through Quarter 1. Admittedly, Quarter 1 often has less assignments than other quarters will up to the Midquarter as we work to build routines.

Thank you so much for the continued support and feel free to reach out to me any time.

Sincerely,

Patrick O'Connor

Principal

Badger Middle School

(262) 335-5456

Congrats to our most recent Students of the Week.

Students are selected based on their contributions to the school, excellence in the classroom, and their positive impact on others. Each week, 6 staff members are chosen at random to nominate a student who shows these qualities.

With great students like these in our hallways, the future is looking bright!

Staff of the Week are nominated by students or staff. See the most recent staff of the week below.

We are proud of our hardworking, caring staff!

See a current view of the lost and found (as of 10/2 at noon.)

Parents- if you see something that belongs to your student, have them pick it up----this table is located outside the cafeteria.

Daily announcements that are read over the loudspeaker in the morning can be found here.

This link will be placed at the bottom of the newsletter from now on for easy access.

Midquarter represents the halfway point through the quarter. You can see a fairly accurate representation of your student’s academic progress and gauge areas to focus on. Midquarter grades are scheduled to be posted by the end of the day on Tuesday, October 8th. As a reminder, grades can always be monitored using Skyward Family Access.

Conferences are “open” meaning you don’t need to sign up for a specific time- just arrive when you can!

If you have an immediate need, I encourage you to reach out to staff directly any time to communicate.

As we work together to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment for all students, we ask for your help in reinforcing some important guidelines about what items should not be brought to school.

Certain items, while seemingly harmless at home or in other contexts, could be viewed as threatening or cause concern if brought to a school environment.

Please go over this list with your child to ensure they understand these expectations:

Items NOT Allowed at School:

1. Toy Weapons or Replicas: Toys or replica guns, swords, knives, or water guns or related toys. Even if an item is a toy, it can always be mistaken for a real weapon.

2. Costume Accessories: Items such as fake knives, handcuffs, or other costume props that resemble dangerous objects

3. Pocket Tools (Multitools, Pocket Knives): Real tools like Swiss Army knives, even if intended for practical purposes, can be considered dangerous in a school setting.

4. Sharp Objects: Items like nail clippers, scissors, or even certain art supplies could be seen as hazardous if used or handled improperly. Teachers usually provide any necessary supplies for class activities to avoid these concerns.

5. Laser Pointers: Although often used for presentations, laser pointers can cause distractions and may be harmful if pointed at someone’s eyes.

6. Medication: Any medication (even over-the-counter items like ibuprofen or allergy pills) should be managed through the school nurse. Students should not carry (unless authorized) or share medications.

7. Lighters or Matches: While sometimes brought to school innocently by students who may not understand their potential danger, they can obviously be very dangerous.

8. Self-defense items: Items meant for personal protection, such as pepper spray or small tasers, could be alarming to many as they are typically viewed as weapons in a school environment.

9. Hunting Equipment, Ammunition, or Ammunition Casings: Hunting equipment like bows, arrows, knives, and guns are always prohibited at school. Keep in mind that bringing a single bullet or bullet casing to school, even without a gun, can also raise serious concerns.

Help Us Keep School Safe!

This is a great opportunity to remind your children about the importance of school safety. Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a positive school environment!

Dear Parents/Guardians and Middle School Students,

To ensure that West Bend East and West High Schools athletic events are a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all, the following expectations are in place and must be followed by all student attendees:

• Students are to remain in the bleachers, stands, or seats throughout the course of the game, match, or event unless they are purchasing concessions or using the restrooms. Students are not permitted to be in areas outside of the designated West Bend athletic contest or event.

• Cheering should demonstrate good sportsmanship towards both West Bend athletes/participants and opposing athletes/participants. It should be positive and respectful. Students must refrain from using derogatory or harassing language against other students, players, referees, fans, or any other person in attendance.

• Food and drink should be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. No food or drink should be thrown at any time or for any reason.

• Backpacks, scooters, skateboards, bikes, and balls are not allowed in the designated West Bend athletic contest or event.

• If students leave the football stadium during the game, they may not reenter.

Middle school students who fail to follow these expectations will be removed from the athletic event, gym, or stadium and not be allowed reentry. Additionally, students who do not abide by these expectations may be denied entry to future West Bend East and West High Schools events, athletics, and activities. We request that parents/guardians please discuss these expectations with their student(s) so they are aware of the expectations. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Molly Hengst, East Athletic Director

Erin Felber, West Athletic Director

On Wednesday, October 9, we will begin our Wednesday schedule, which incorporates a 30-minute block to begin the day. We will begin our weekly mini-lessons in social-emotional skills led by classroom teachers. The skills and concepts are designed to help students both in and out of school. The Second Step resource includes four units:

1. Mindsets and Goals

2. Recognizing Bullying and Harassment

3. Thoughts, Emotions and Decisions

4. Managing Relationships and Social Conflict

You will receive regular communication about each lesson through this newsletter. The communications will include information about the current unit of study and specific information about each lesson to help you reinforce the language, skills, and goals taught within the lessons. If you have any questions about the social-emotional learning lessons, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information. In addition, if you prefer that your child does not participate in the lessons at all, please communicate that preference to me prior to the lesson and we will make alternate arrangements for the student during that time.

Here's a Preview of upcoming Second Step Lessons:

10/9/24

Unit 1 Description:

Students will learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives. The seven lessons in this unit help create classrooms that are connected and encouraging by helping students to set and achieve collective and personal goals, to learn from their challenges, to recognize personal strengths, and to recognize and prioritize personal values within themselves.

Grades 7

Lesson 1: Who Can Support You

Summary: This week’s lesson will help students identify challenges that students might face when starting middle school and brainstorm people in their school and home environments who are able to support them.

Question 1: Tell your child about something that made you nervous when you started middle school. Ask what makes them nervous and who they can go to for help at school.

Question 2: Tell your child about a time you helped someone new in any community you belong to. Ask your child how they wish someone would have helped them when they started middle school. Ask your child to identify trusted adults who are about to support them when they face challenges.

Lesson 1B: Digital Citizenship

Summary: Using the WBSD expectations as a framework, this week’s lesson will help students learn about safe technology use within the school environment. This lesson also highlights the importance of understanding the importance of knowing and understanding family expectations around technology use.

Question 1: Ask your child to share ways that technology impacts learning positively and negatively? How does it impact socialization positively and negatively? Ask your child to talk about how they intend to use technology in alignment with the WBSD Way. Also, talk to your child about home and family rules and expectations around technology use.

Grade 8

Lesson 1: Who Can Support You

Summary: This week’s lesson will help students identify challenges that students might face when starting middle school and brainstorm people in their school and home environments who are able to support them.

Question 1: Have a conversation with your child about what you felt was the most difficult part of being an adolescent. Ask your child about any changes they’ve noticed in friends and what they think about these changes.

Question 2: Tell your child about a time you helped someone new in any community you belong to. Ask your child how they wish someone would have helped them when they started middle school. Ask your child to identify trusted adults who are about to support them when they face challenges.

Lesson 1B: Digital Citizenship

Summary: Using the WBSD expectations as a framework, this week’s lesson will help students learn about safe technology use within the school environment. This lesson also highlights the importance of understanding the importance of knowing and understanding family expectations around technology use.

Question 1: Ask your child to share ways that technology impacts learning positively and negatively? How does it impact socialization positively and negatively? Ask your child to talk about how they intend to use technology in alignment with the WBSD Way. Also, talk to your child about home and family rules and expectations around technology use.

10/16/2024

Grade 7

Lesson 2: Creating New Pathways in Your Brain

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn that intelligence is not fixed; their brain actually makes new connections and their skills and abilities develop when they practice difficult things.

Question: Tell your child about a time you had to learn something challenging and explain how you persisted in learning it. Ask your child if there’s anything they would like to learn to do this year.

Grade 8

Lesson 2: Who Am I? My Identity

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn that their identity is complex. They will create an identity map that names unique and important aspects of their identity.

Question: Share your response to the following questions with your child. Then have your child and any additional family members share their responses.

1. Who am I?

2. What are the most important aspects of my identity and why?

10/23/2024

Grade 7

Lesson 3: Learning from Mistakes and Failures

Summary: In this week's lesson, your child will learn how to learn from mistakes. When your child does difficult things, they may initially make mistakes and fail, but these mistakes can be chances to learn and grow.

Question: Tell your child about a mistake you made in the past and what you learned from it. Ask your child to tell you about a mistake they made and what they learned from it.

Grade 8

Lesson 3: My Interests and Strengths

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will reflect on how they have used their personal strengths to develop an interest, skill, or ability.

Question: Tell your child about a skill, interest, or ability you have and how you developed it. Discuss the skills, attitudes, or people who helped you along the way.

10/30/2024

Grade 7

Lesson 4: Identifying Roadblocks

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will identify and distinguish between internal and external obstacles (or “roadblocks”) that can get in their way when working toward goals.

Question: Tell your child about a roadblock you encountered when you were working toward a goal, and if you had control over the roadblock.

Grade 8

Lesson 4: Harnessing My Strengths

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will choose something they’d like to get better at and think about how they could apply their unique strengths to do that.

Question: Help your child make a list of strengths they have. Ask your child about how they could use these to get better at a new skill.

11/6/2024

Grade 7

Lesson 5: Overcoming Roadblocks 1

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to use If–Then plans to overcome roadblocks. If–Then Plans help your child anticipate potential roadblocks and come up with plans for addressing them.

Question: Ask your child to explain to you what an If–Then Plan is. Work together to make a plan for how your child can respond positively to a difficult situation they might encounter at home.

Grade 8

Lesson 5: Pursuing My Interests

Summary: In this week's lesson, your child will identify and respond to positive and negative influences that may affect them while pursuing a goal.

Question: Tell your child about something positive or negative that influenced you as you were working toward a goal. For example, a friend who helped you find a job or learn a new skill. Ask your child about positive and negative factors that may influence them.

Come join the Badger PTO! Our first meeting is Oct. 10th 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria. You can enter through the Main Entrance doors.

Halloween is coming.

Please note that we will follow school district policies, procedures and guidelines and a student will be asked to remediate costumes that do not adhere to these.

If you are planning on a costume for school, here are some more specific guidelines that apply in this context:

Appropriateness: Dress code will be adhered to.
Safety: Costumes should not hinder mobility, vision, or pose any safety risks. Avoid costumes with sharp or pointy accessories that could cause harm.
No Weapons: Avoid costumes with realistic weapons or accessories that resemble weapons. Leave toy weapons at home.
Respectful Themes: Be considerate of cultural, racial, and religious sensitivities. Avoid costumes that perpetuate stereotypes or mock any group of people.
No Gore or Graphic Violence: Steer clear of costumes that depict graphic violence, blood, or gore.
No Masks or Full-Face Coverings
Non-Disruptive: Costumes should not disrupt the learning environment. Avoid costumes that are noisy or excessively large.
Props: Avoid bringing props that are not easily stored when not in use. Props that become a distraction will be confiscated.

Remember that Halloween is meant to be a fun and festive occasion, so choose a costume that reflects your creativity and personality while respecting the guidelines set by your school. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to check with your school administration or event organizers for specific rules and recommendations.

Thank you for taking the time to review this newsletter. Below are details of how I will communicate with Badger families:

• I will use the Badger Middle School Facebook page to communicate highlights of the awesome things our students and staff are doing.

• The Badger Middle School Newsletter will be used as needed to share important dates, “big picture” messaging, and announcements of upcoming events.

• To prevent sending you numerous emails, I will try to wait on some announcements until a newsletter is ready. If there is something that families should be aware of earlier, I will send a separate email (i.e. Communications about events that significantly disrupt normal operations).

• I will call you back if you call me and leave a message.

• I will make contact through a phone call or email if you email me.

• I do not monitor any Facebook pages other than Badger’s and the West Bend School District’s. Please contact me or another member of the staff with questions or concerns.

• My goal is to be in the classrooms supporting staff, or in the halls/cafeteria supporting students as much as possible, so I am not typically available immediately during the day. I am happy to set up an appointment to meet with you to ensure my availability.

My contact information:

Patrick O'Connor

poconnor@wbsd-schools.org

Direct line: (262) 335-5456

Badger main office: (262) 335-5455

School Counselor Contact Information

7th Grade- Allison Mayer (262) 335-6244 amayer@wbsd-schools.org

8th Grade-Diane Pearce (262) 335-5449 dpearce@wbsd-schools.org

When should I contact my child’s school counselor?

Please contact us if you have concerns about your child’s:

• Behavior patterns at home or school

• Anger and frustration management skills

• Anxiety or stress level

• Relationships with others

• Friendship skills

• Self-esteem

• Coping skills related to family stress or changes

• Academic concerns or homework habits

• Transitioning to middle school and/or high school

Counselors will be checking in with students individually. This allows us to make sure the transition to the school year is going smoothly.

Students now have the opportunity to take the “late bus” if they need to stay after school for a specific reason. (Athletics/cocurriculars, help from a teacher, etc.)

The bus runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The buses head over from Silverbrook at 4:10. The buses will leave from the Badger bus loading zone at 4:20.

Here are the drop off locations:

Bus 1:

Arbor Trace

Riverside Park

Fair Park Elementary

Lee & Spruce

City View Apartments

Kwik Trip on Schoenhaar and Hwy 33

Newburg Fire Department

Bus 2:

Rolling Meadows Subdivision(Quail Cr and Heron Drive)

Morning Star

Jackson Elementary

Jackson Community Center

Green Valley

Villa Park & Stanford Ln.

Mission: We will be respectful of ourselves and each other, work together to develop integrity, persevere in the face of difficulty, and strive for excellence.

Website: http://west-bend.k12.wi.us/BMS/
Location: 727 S. 6th Ave., West Bend, WI, USA 53095
Phone: 262-335-5455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadgerMiddleSchool/