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Bendle Middle School Newsletter

September Edition

Bendle MiddleSchool NewsletterSeptember Edition

BMS Off To a Terrific Start

School is off to a great start. I just wanted to say thank you for all your help in making this a great beginning. Special thanks go out to all those parents that have honored my request to drop their students off in the back of the school by the Health Clinic. This has really helped stop the congestion and the dangers that come with a lot of traffic in such a small space. By continuing to work together we will make your child’s school year the best it can be.

Our goal here at the middle school is to help parents assist their students in becoming successful. One of the most important things you can do for your student is make sure that they are getting to school on time. Our statistics here at BMS show that 98% of all student failures are a result of being absent more than 4 times a quarter. With that being said, please help us by upholding the BMS pledge:

We the parents or guardians of Bendle Middle School students, pledge to:

  • Encourage students to be present and on time to class every day.
  • Encourage students to come prepared to learn, with the appropriate materials, and ask for help when needed.
  • Encourage students to be truthful, respectful and kind to faculty, staff, and fellow students.
  • Encourage students to try their best in the classroom and the community.
  • Make sure students have minimal absences.

We pledge to encourage our students to follow school rules and bullying prevention policies and be responsible for their actions.

As always, my door is open. If you have any questions or need to speak with me, please do not hesitate to call the BMS office and make an appointment.


Peter F. Gleason

Principal

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Welcome Mr. Maynard

Hello,


My Name is Greg Maynard,


I live with my wife Calista and my daughter Trinity Sue. I have worked in schools for the past 17 years doing everything from driving bus, coaching, up to being a teacher. I spent the past seven years working as an online educator for the Holly School District in Holly Michigan helping students who had fallen behind and needed help catching up to graduate on time. I have also coached football at Holly High School for the past 17 years and I am currently the Defensive Coordinator for the Varsity football program there. I also, enjoy working at my church where I run the music and Junior church programs. A graduate of Baker College I look forward to obtaining my master degree in the near future.

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Welcome Mr. Long

My name is Stuart Long and this is my third year teaching. I went to high school in Clio where I was born and raised. When I graduated, I decided to pursue a degree in secondary education at Baker College of Flint! I can convince my students that when they come into my room their manners come first! I am flexible when it comes to my teaching style because I know that each student has their own level of understanding. I try to make it a goal of mine to make kids excited when they walk into my room. If any of my new students want to know how to be successful in my class, remember this quote: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss

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Welcome Mrs. Kozara

Hi, I am Ms. Kozara.


It is my privilege to be the new reading and writing enrichment teacher at Bendle Middle School. This is my 28th year of teaching and I am excited to contribute to the success of Bendle Middle School students. After graduating from Michigan State University I moved to Hillsdale, Michigan, where I taught reading and writing to elementary and middle school students. In Hillsdale, I enjoyed raising my two daughters, who participated in a variety of athletic activities. Gabrielle is now a graduate of Kettering University and Gillian is currently attending Mott Community College. I grew up in small communities around Flint Michigan, and I am happy to return home.

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Welcome Mrs. Wood

This is my first year in the Bendle School District, and I’m so happy to be here. Upon graduating high school, I went on to pursue higher education and earn my Bachelor of Science in Education from Baker College of Flint. My prior teaching experiences have been nearly entirely project-based classes for middle and high school. My goal is to create critical thinkers who can thrive both independently and collaboratively. I like to be the class that students want to come to. I incorporate fun activities to grab their attention and help involve them in their learning. I firmly believe that taking the time to build a learning atmosphere and a healthy relationship with my students will motivate them to want to know more and continue on the path to lifelong learning. “My hope is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here”. ​- Jim Henson

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Welcome Mr. Ritchey

Hello, my name is Sean Ritchey. I am recently a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with a specification in Secondary Social Studies TCP. I did my student teaching at Bendle High School and finished the year last year as a long-term substitute teacher at Bendle Middle School. This is my first full year in my own classroom and I look forward to a great year as the 6th grade Social Studies teacher.

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Welcome Mr. Carmack

My name is, Dustin Carmack,


I am the new Dean of Students at BMS. I am very excited to be here and thankful for this amazing opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of all students around me. I come to the Bendle School District after spending the past eight years working for GISD. I reside in Flint with my lovely wife, Jasmine, and my two awesome children, Marlie and Caleb. I was born in Indiana, raised in Oregon, grown in Wisconsin, and moved to Michigan eight years ago. I have coached varsity football here at Bendle for the past six years. I have my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and my master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. I played college football while attending Wisconsin-Whitewater. I love sports, music, nature, and adventure. I look forward to an awesome school year! GO TIGERS!!!!

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Welcome Mrs. Deehr

I graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Anthropology. I also have my master's degree in special education from the University of Phoenix. While I am new to Bendle Middle school, I’m not new to the district. My first four years of teaching were spent at West Bendle elementary as a Title One intervention specialist. I'm excited to be back in the Bendle community and look forward to helping our students learn and succeed!

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Welcome Mrs. Gunther

My name is Lesley Gunther and I teach 6th grade science. I earned my bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and my masters from Marygrove. This is my 19th year teaching in Bendle! My husband Bill is also a teacher. We have two sons, Benjamin (11) & William (15). I love spending time up north, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and traveling!

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Welcome Mrs. Wilbur

Heather Wilbur is in her 19th year of teaching at Bendle. The first two years were at the middle school as a 7th grade language arts teacher, 16 as a 3rd grade teacher at West, and currently is the 6th grade math teacher. She really enjoys teaching math to a great group of kids.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching her son, a 4th grader at Lake Fenton, play sports. She enjoys spending time with family in any capacity. She also loves to read, go to the movies and bake.
She currently resides in Grand Bland, with her husband Jeff Wilbur, a Bendle graduate, kids, Tori and Hayden, and pets, Rusty and Oreo. She grew up in Ithaca and went to CMU for her bachelor's degree and EMU for for her master's degree.

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT BMS

  • STUDY ISLAND for Science can be accessed from home, if you have internet access, to assist your child with their subjects. If you need assistance please call the main office and we will help you get started.

  • Big Ideas for Math can be accessed from home also if you have internet. Please contact the office if you have any questions. Your child has all the information to access it from home.

  • Parent Volunteers – Please stop in or call the main office if you can volunteer your time. 591-3385

WHAT IS NEW WITH FINAO

  • Your child needs ONLY to obtain a 70% as an OVER-ALL grade.
  • Your child only has until the end of each quarter to get their grades up to mastery.
  • Your child must complete every assignment.
  • Your child is responsible to get their assignments and set up a time to take tests and quizzes with their teachers. Students can redo any assignment, project, and test or quiz until they pass.
  • 8th grade students will not have FIANO after the semester break in January. This is being done to help assist them with their transition to 9th grade where there is no FINAO.

Parent Coordinator Corner with Mrs. La Rose

Mrs. Larose

Hello,


My name is Sarah La Rose. I would like to invite everyone to our next PTO meeting, September 25, 2018 at 3:30. The Parent Teacher Organization meeting will be held in room 14. Future PTO meetings will be held the first Tuesday of every month at 3:30. If you would like to be part of the future please contact me so we can get started today. Some upcoming events that we need your help with are:


1. Trunk or Treat Halloween night

2. Para educator substitutes needed

3. Library assistance needed Mondays and Fridays

4. Homecoming Parade help needed

Email: slarose@bendleschools.org
Phone: 810-591-2864

Sports Corner

ELIGIBILITY

In order for your child to participate in sports weekly, the following must happen:

  1. The student athlete must not have more than one grade below 70%.
  2. The student has one week to bring up their grade to mastery level.
  3. The student must be in school a full day the day of and the day after a game.


Congratulations go out to: Fall sports teams for the competitiveness

Post it Notes From the Teacher

· How to contact school personnel - If you have a need to meet with school personnel please call the main office to set up an appointment. You can also access emails from the district website at www.bendleschools.org and contact teachers or the principal in that manner.

· Pencils and paper – please remind your students to come to class prepared by bringing at least a pencil and paper. It can be quite disruptive when students forget these two important items. If they are in need of these supplies just have your child stop by the office.

· Perfume, body spray and cologne – please talk to your kids about leaving these items at home. There are times when it gets out of hand and we do have some students with asthma that could be affected by the overuse of perfume, body spray and cologne.

Clothing Guidelines

The Bendle Schools believe:

* The type of clothing worn to school influences a student’s behavior and attitude.

* Appropriately dressed students create not only a good image for themselves, but also for the school.

* Appropriate student dress helps to foster a positive learning experience

* PARENTS have the responsibility of seeing that their children are properly dressed when they leave home for school.

BUILDING PRINCIPALS HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO USE THEIR INDIVIDUAL JUDGEMENT ABOUT CLOTHING THAT IS WORN TO SCHOOL BY STUDENTS. HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ARE BEING GIVEN TO HELP PARENTS SEE THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE APPROPRIATELY DRESSED WHEN THEY COME TO SCHOOL.

The School Will Not Condone the Wearing of the Following Clothing:

1. Halter tops, tank tops and/or bare midriffs

2. Mini-skirts and short shorts (finger tip length)

3. "See-through" shirts and blouses, suggestive or offensive shirts or other sloppy wearing apparel

4. Inappropriate clothing with holes

5. Hats, bandannas or hoods inside school buildings

6. Pants or shorts worn below the waistline, commonly referred to as “Sagging”

7. Belt to wallet chains (dog type)

8. Pajamas or slippers

9. T-shirts bearing inappropriate messages or pictures, such as:

a. Tobacco

b. Alcohol

c. Sexual connotation

d. Inappropriate language

10. Outerwear such as coats or jackets in the classroom.

Building Principals also have the authority to use their individual judgment relative to the wearing of any inappropriate clothing that is vulgar or creates a disruption to the educational environment.

THE BENDLE SCHOOLS SOLICIT THE COOPERATION OF PARENTS ON THE SUBJECT OF APPROPRIATE DRESS. We ask that you see that your child's dress reflects an image that is conducive to good behavior and provides the very best learning environment while your child is in school.

Other Important Dates

September

  • Spirit Week 24-28
  • Monday: Hat Day
  • Tuesday: Twins Day
  • Wednesday: Class Color Day (6th white, 7th red, 8th blue)
  • Thursday: Super Hero Day
  • Friday: Blue and Gold Day



October


  • Picture day is on the 19th

21st Century Bridges To Success

After School Includes: Fine Arts, STEM Activities, Fitness ad Physical Activity, Leadership and Service Learning, Field Trip Experiences and Homework Help Available.


Space is limited! Sign up now! Contact Lori Hackett, Team Leader 810-591-2837 or lhackett@geneseeisd.org

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Mr. Sayers and one of his projects.

I don't know what they are making but I am sure it was cool.
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Silver Lake

Students enjoying a dune buggy ride at Silver Lake.
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Skills Center

Students creating robots and projects at Skill Center.
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The Counselor's Corner

Hi! My name is Vanessa Wernette. I am proud to introduce myself as the school counselor here at Bendle Middle School!

I received my Masters in Counseling from Central Michigan University. I am really enjoying my role in encouraging students to strive for their personal best! I am so honored to be a part of the Bendle community and to be working with such amazing students, teachers, administrators and parents.

My spare time is spent with my boyfriend Shawn, and my 3 children. My son Logan is a freshman in highschool, my daughter Emmerson is in 8th grade, and my daughter Sydney is in 5th grade. I am also expecting a baby girl this February. Life wasn’t busy enough so we also have a very active 6 month old yellow lab named Beau. We enjoy spending time outdoors, in the warm or cold, and especially up north.

I am so thankful for this opportunity! I look forward to a great 2018-2019 school year! Please do not hesitate to contact me! J