BMS Newsletter
"Quality Learning and Positive Personal Development for All"
Up-"Dates"
- February 18th - Term 3 Midterm
- February 18th - 2 hour early Dismissal
- February 21st - No School- Presidents' Day
- February 23rd - Brunswick Middle School Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation
- March 3rd - Chorus Adjudication at Urbana HS (Chorus Students Only)
- March 8th - Band Adjudication at Walkersville HS (Band Students Only)
- March 10th - PTO Meeting @7pm
- March 15th - Orchestra Adjudication at Middletown HS (Orchestra Students Only)
- March 18th - 2 hour early Dismissal
- March 25th - End of Term 3
- March 28th - No School - Teacher Work Day
TutorMe
TutorMe is an online tutoring platform that connects students to live tutors, 24 hours a day in over 300 subjects, right from their home.
Their network of over 10,000 verified tutors has helped more than half a million students improve their grades, understand difficult concepts, or just get help with simple questions. Students can even have their papers reviewed using TutorMe’s Writing Lab, which provides detailed feedback on their essays or reports in less than 12 hours.
FCPS Dress Code Policy
Face Coverings
As we take over 2nd term and move in to the colder months, we ask that families reinforce the importance of proper mask wearing and fit of face coverings. BMS students have been doing an amazing job with face coverings, but we want to remind everyone of the guidelines and expectations.
2021-22 Family-School Partnership Survey
2021-22 Family-School Partnership Survey
Due Date: Friday, February 25
Dear BMS Families
Brunswick Middle School invites you to participate in our school's 2021-22 Family-School Partnership Survey. While the survey is voluntary, your feedback is important to us.
Your responses will remain anonymous and will be combined with the responses of other families.
To access the survey online, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Family-SchooPart2021-22
Important: If you have more than one child enrolled in FCPS, please complete one survey per child.
If you require a paper survey, please contact Ms. Julie Gardner (Julie.Gardner@fcps.org) in the front office.
The survey will remain open until Friday, February 25 at 11:59pm EST.
We thank you in advance for your feedback!
Black African American History
Students are encouraged to talk with their peers and teachers about these prominent people of color who have contributed to various aspects of our lives!
Brunswick Middle School Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation
Do you have a current 5th grader that will be headed to BMS next year?
BMS will be hosting a virtual Registration Night.
Please join us on February 23rd from 6:30-7:30 pm to learn more about student life in middle school. We will discuss the schedule, curriculum, and the registration process.
We will meet virtually via Google Meet. Here is the link and phone number & pin to join if you need to join via phone:
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 620-712-2241
PIN: 444 909 289#
We hope to see you there!
Tracey Baughman is our BMS Teacher of the Year!
During this stressful time in education when we are struggling to cover classrooms and make connections with kids, Tracey Baughman exemplifies the kind of teacher that every school should be lucky enough to have. Tracey is always one of the first to volunteer when classes need to be covered. She brings consistency to the classes she’s covering, follows the plans with diligence, and even offers extension opportunities on the spot! The students know that she knows the school procedures and that they will be followed, and the teachers gain a great sense of relief when they hear that Tracey is in their room. She is able to do all of this while leading her language arts students to become better readers and writers. Her 7th grade LA classes are built on high expectations and her lessons are tiered to not only the students learning levels, but interests as well. She collaborates with the LA team to gain insight on best practices, review data to differentiate instruction, and is always the first person to initiate using a new tech tool to enhance her practices.
Tracey is also one of our tutors. She tutors students in person for an hour before school 3 days a week as well as during her lunch time. She also tutors virtually in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. When students are quarantined, she sets up time to meet with them individually. She even offered to meet with a student over winter break! Tracey communicates frequently with parents. She reaches out frequently to offer tutoring to her students that are struggling.
Tracey was also instrumental in the success of our Elevate program last summer. She is always thinking and planning. If we need to figure out if a plan is going to work, Tracey is who we ask to get feedback on any issues that could arise. Again, she was building relationships with more of our students.
The impact that Tracey has on our BMS students is immeasurable. One of our guidance counselors shared part of an email message from Tracey that was sent regarding one of her students. This message speaks to the care and support that Tracey is offering to our students and the impact that she is having.
First off, she has completely changed for me from the beginning of the year. She used to be one of my worst behavior problems. I was writing a lot of referrals on her. That all changed (thankfully) when she attended a few Saturday tutoring sessions with me. It's like we connected and since then she has been very respectful of me. I dare say, she even "likes" me. :):) A complete turn around. We now talk, and I really like her.
Overall, Tracey works tirelessly to build relationships with our students at BMS and we are proud to nominate her as our Teacher of the Year!
BMS Tutoring Opportunities
We have several different tutoring options available for our students at Brunswick Middle School. If you are interested in any of these tutoring options, please complete the following interest form. All questions can be directed to Amy Mossburg at amy.mossburg@fcps.org or (240)236-5493.
Quarantine Tutoring
If your student is quarantined and needs support beyond following along with their classes in Schoology, we have teachers available to support your student virtually in a one on one setting either during the school day or at a pre-arranged time.
In- Person Tutoring
We offer in person tutoring on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 7:00-7:45. These tutoring sessions are one on one or in small groups. Space is limited for these tutoring sessions..
There is also in person tutoring available during the school day.
Virtual Tutoring
We offer virtual tutoring on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00-5:45 as well as a session on Saturday mornings from 9:30 -11:00. These sessions can be one on one or small groups depending upon the availability of teachers.
TutorMe
For our Grade 6-12 students, TutorMe is a free online education platform that provides on demand tutoring. TutorMe gives students access to tutors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be found through the Clever Portal (in FCPS Bookmarks). The tutors have access to whiteboard, audio/video chat, screen-sharing, graphing calculators, and more, ready to help students.
TutorMe is a revolutionary online education platform that provides on-demand tutoring and online courses. Our platform enables thousands of tutors to share their knowledge with students around the globe. Whether your students need help with high school algebra or you want to learn how to program in Python, TutorMe has a perfect tutor for you. Want to learn more? TutorMe Hub Page.
It is that time of year again--Yearbook Sales are Now Open!
If you are interested in one of our fantastic yearbooks you must order it online. The online ordering process is now open. Please use this link: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ and the BMS code is 29301. We are offering softcover books and hardcover books. PRE-SALE: From now through Feb. 13, softcover are $28 and hardcover are $33. Starting Feb. 14th, each book increases in price $5 - softcover will be $33 and hardcover will be $38. The prices for both types of books include a digital name imprint on the front cover of the yearbook. Your child’s given name is the default for the imprint, and you will have the option to change it during the ordering process. All orders must be placed by April 10th to guarantee a copy of the yearbook. Please do not wait to order as we will only have a small amount of books to sell when they arrive. Any extra yearbooks that we receive will be on a first come, first serve basis. We anticipate the arrival of our yearbooks and distribution to be before students leave school in June.
Yearbook Information and Updates - Please go to the BMS Yearbook Hub for any information regarding this year’s yearbook. You will find information on the following topics below and more:
Portrait Information - Additionally, you may choose to send in a picture of your child if they were unable to get their school portrait taken in October. Directions for how to do this are also on the BMS yearbook Hub under the “portrait information” tab.
8th Grade ONLY - There will be a section in the yearbook for 8th grade baby pictures/optional message to your 8th grader. Participation in this special opportunity is voluntary and will make the yearbook extra memorable for your child.
Please note: Your child’s given name will be listed in the yearbook. If you have a preferred name for your child we ask that you make that request on the BMS Yearbook Hub (Name Change Request).
Again we are very excited to get the opportunity to produce another great yearbook and look forward to seeing lots of photos from you to include in this year's edition.
Thank you,
Ms. Clark & Ms. Innocenti
(Yearbook Advisors)
PTO
We encourage all parents to join and support the teachers and students this year! Visit our website to learn what were all about. Sign up and help us support all teachers and students.
Tom Robinson,
PTO President
Website: http://brunswickms.my-pto.org/
Donations: http://brunswickms.my-pto.org/content.asp?PageID=15
Join PTO - Membership: http://brunswickms.my-pto.org/content.asp?PageID=15
IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM TRANSPORTATION OF PREVIOUS PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT Reminder From Transportation of Previous Procedure
NOTE: Due to current COVID19 protocols this practice is currently suspended.
My student needs to ride home on a different bus or be dropped off at an alternate location for one day. What do I need to do?
If your student on occasion will be riding home on a bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned (i.e., riding home with a friend in an emergency or to an alternate stop), before boarding the bus the student MUST give the bus driver a signed note from the parents/guardians of all students concerned AND written administrator approval from the school.
NOTE: Due to current COVID19 protocols this practice is currently suspended.
BMS Counseling Department
BMS Families:
We are already starting to work on registration and scheduling for next school year. Please pay close attention to your FindOut First messages regarding important due dates and deadlines for registration. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kelly Mahn and Brian LoRusso
Check out www.randomactsofkindness.org to celebrate kindness.
Attendance
Wellness Tip
A Healthy Heart, Nothing Beats It!
American Heart Month
Every February, we come together to celebrate and raise awareness for all things heart related. American Heart Month is a time that we focus specifically on heart disease and improving cardiovascular health. Why is this month so important? Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. To put this into perspective, approximately 659,000 people die from heart disease each year (1 in 4 deaths). These statistics are a helpful reminder of why it is so crucial to raise awareness on how we can improve our heart health and reduce risk this month!
Community Service Hours
All required community service hours are built into the FCPS Essential Curriculum, but if a student has completed additional service hours that extended beyond class requirements, those hours may be documented on the FCPS Volunteer Hours and Community Service Form . The form details the types of activities that qualify for recognized service hours. Completed forms may be returned to the School Counseling office or emailed directly to the School Counselor:
Mrs. Mahn
6th Grade & & 7th Grade Last Names Beginning with A-K
Mr. LoRusso
8th Grade & 7th Grade Last Names Beginning with L-Z
Technical Support
Media - Ms. McFadden
January brought some reading goal setting for the BMS Readers. 93 students participated in our Beanstack Challenge “Read for a Better World” and 3 students completed the challenge. February brings a new reading challenge, celebrating and learning about Black History Month. Students can register for the challenge by logging into Beanstack.
Chess Club is going strong. We meet on Tuesdays during ELT. Want to join us? Email Ms. McFadden through Schoology!
February will bring opportunities for Reading Railroaders and Writing Railroaders to meet during ELT to share our love for reading and writing. Clubs are open to anyone who would like to participate. Interested in RR or WR? Email Ms. McFadden through Schoology!
Maker Mondays will resume 2/14 during ELT. Students can sign-up on the BMS Depot on Schoology.
We’ve added about 200 new books to our library collection so far this school year. Students can browse using LS2 or come in during recess. Students can also put books on hold and I will deliver the holds to classes.
Checkouts for Semester 1 rocked! I am proud of the BMS Readers! *Note, these counts do not include digital checkouts of eBooks and audiobooks on Sora.
6th: 1,968
7th: 1,103
8th: 576
Advanced Academic Specialist - Ms. Mossburg
It's that time of year when parents and students begin thinking about summer opportunities!
The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at Fort Detrick brings local students to the cutting-edge world of science for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The program is designed for current 4th through 12th grade students of all academic abilities in the 2021-2022 school calendar. GEMS promises a hands-on experience that will excite. The application opens on March 1 and closes on April 6.
https://www.usaeop.com/program/frederick/
Math Specialist - Ms. French
It is hard to believe that we are already under way in Term 3! In Term 3, many of our math classes are beginning to explore our Equations and Expressions units while building strong Algebraic foundations.
Try the family math problem (linked here) this month and look for the answer in next month’s newsletter.
As always, please never hesitate to reach out to Mrs. French (erica.french@fcps.org) with any questions you have about math at Brunswick Middle School!
Literacy Specialist - Ms. Zimmerman
Welcome to Term 3! As we begin the second half of our school year, our focus in LA will be on comparing/contrasting how the theme is developed in two texts.
This month, we also celebrate World Read Aloud Day (February 2nd). Grab a book, find an audience, and read-aloud! Check out additional information here to grab some ideas and free resources!
As always, please continue to check on the progress your student is making in Language Arts and let me know if you have any questions! Please reach out and let me know how I can help at katie.zimmerman@fcps.org.
Language Arts
Ms. Baughman
Students have been analyzing poetry. We have been reviewing and identifying various types of figurative language. Students are comparing and contrasting two poems that have similar themes. They are analyzing the themes and figurative language used to convey the themes. Some students will be selecting poetry on their own to analyze. We will also be having additional lessons related to Black History Month. We are currently analyzing poetry by Langston Hughes.
Please continue to check your child’s grades and reach out to me with any questions. Please encourage your child to see me for tutoring if they are struggling. I usually hold tutoring sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:00-5:45. If those times do not work, please let me know. I might be able to make other arrangements.
Ms. Givens
Students are continuing to read their novels in and out of class, comparing the characters’ conflicts to those of Anne Frank, Elie Weisel, and other well-known people of the Holocaust. We will circle back to argument with fun and fast debates on topics chosen by the students.
Mrs. Mills
6th Grade and 7th Grade
Students are reading poems/songs in order to write a literary analysis essay. Students will be making inferences with compass cards, finding text evidence to support those ideas. They are also reviewing figurative language and other literary devices that authors use to convey theme. These will help students determine the theme of each text, and how that theme is conveyed. Students will analyze the similarities and differences in order to plan and then compose their essay. Additionally, students should be logging their minutes they are reading at home in Beanstack, and working on their Term 3 Book Project. Directions and examples were shared with students for this project on Feb. 2.
Ms. Remsburg
7th Grade
We are finishing our argument unit and heading into poetry analysis. We will do an author study of Robert Frost, analyze poetry and write some of our own. Continue to remind your child to study for their bi-weekly vocabulary test.
8th Grade
We are wrapping up our argument unit and headed into a deep dive of poetry, focusing closely on Langston Hughes. Students will be writing a mimic poem of their own.
In term 3, we will learn about the stages of pregnancy, child development, heredity, and child care. Students will be making and learning to care for their flour babies (letter to parents coming next week).
Ms. Rogowsky
Reading Intervention
Ms. Spence
6th Grade
6th grade language arts classes are currently reading Holes by Louis Sachar. Students will read and discuss characters’ point of view, theme, and author’s message, and compare different types of media. Also, students will focus on citing text evidence to support their responses. We will continue focusing on writing an argument this term. Please utilize Schoology at home to monitor grades and check for missing work.
Math
Ms. Botker
6th Grade Math Workshop
Students are wrapping up the study of adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators. Next week we will begin generating patterns, identifying the ordered pairs, and graphing the pairs on the coordinate plane.
7th Grade Math Workshop
Students have recently completed writing and evaluating expressions. We are currently using properties to simplify expressions. Next week we will begin writing and solving equations.
8th Grade Math Workshop
Students are continuing their work on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers, to include mixed numbers and decimals. Next week we will use properties to simplify expressions and equations.
Ms. Cummings
6th Grade
Students have recently begun Unit 4. For the remainder of this unit we will cover the following skills: parts of expressions, modeling and writing expressions, solving expressions, and generating equivalent expressions.
If you'd like your student to have extra practice or review, I recommend using the following pages in their GoMath! Textbook for each concept:
Modeling & Writing Expressions: pages 261 - 267
Evaluating Expressions: pages 269 - 273
Generating Equivalent Expressions: pages 275 - 281
Extension: pages 282 - 283
7th Grade
Students are wrapping up Unit 4 this week and will be working through Unit 5 during the month of February. In this 25 day unit we will be focusing on the following skills: apply properties of operations to expand and simplify expressions, rewriting expressions in many forms, and solving multi-step real world problems with fractions, decimals and percents by applying properties of operations and rational numbers.
If you'd like your student to have extra practice or review, I recommend using the hyperdoc linked in the extension folder on Schoology or the following pages in their GoMath! Textbook at home:
Applying Properties to Expressions: pages 173 - 178B
Rewriting Expressions: pages 147 - 150, 173 - 176
Multi-Step Real World Problems: pages 26-28, 50-52, 95-98, 153-156
7th Grade Accelerated
Students are wrapping up Unit 4 this week and will be working through Unit 5 during the month of February. In this unit students will be focusing on the following skills: applying properties of operations to expand and simplify linear expressions and equations, writing and solving multi-step equations and inequalities, and determining whether an equation has no solution, one solution, or infinitely many solutions.
If you’d like your student to have extra practice or review, I recommend using the hyperdoc linked in the extension folder on Schoology or the following pages in their GoMath! Textbook at home:
Applying Properties to Expressions: pages 173 - 178B
One Step Equations w/ Rational#’s - pages 179 - 184
Writing Two Step Equations - pages 185 - 190
Solving Two-Step Equations - pages 191 - 196
Writing & Solving One-Step Inequalities -pages 203 - 210
Writing Two Step Inequalities - pages 211 - 216
Solving Two-Step Inequalities - pages 217 - 222
Equations with Many Solutions or No Solution - pages 575 - 580
Mrs. Hargett
6th Grade Math
Students have recently begun Unit 4. For the remainder of this unit we will cover the following skills: parts of expressions, modeling and writing expressions, solving expressions, and generating equivalent expressions.
Additional practice can be found in the Math Course page on Schoology. The weekly folders are labeled with the topic contained within. There are web based practice sites included in the folders. (GoMath Books are stored at school for use in the classroom.)
Mr. Miller
7th grade Math
We are finishing up Unit 4 (The Number System: Operations with Rational Numbers/ All four operations). I am calling this unit ‘Return of OLD Friends’. We are revisiting concepts from previous units. Focus is mainly on developing an understanding of operations with rational numbers. Students should pull together an understanding of how numbers, recognizing fractions, decimals, and percents as different representations of rational numbers work together. Students are extending addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to all rational numbers. We are examining how negative numbers are used in everyday contexts (e.g., amounts owed or temperatures below zero). At the end of Unit 4, students should be able to explain and interpret the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with negative numbers.
Mr. Livingston
7th Grade
We will use the remainder of Term 3 writing and solving one-variable equations. The equations will include integers and rational number numbers as solutions and coefficients.8th Grade
8th grade math classes are presently working on writing and solving equations that involve having variable terms on both sides of the equation. Equations that have no solution or infinitely many solutions will be included in the next week. The rest of the term we will focus on systems of equations. Algebra class is operating on polynomials and will multiply binomials next before moving on to factoring quadratics and quadratic equations.
Ms. Schmidt
8th Grade Math
Students have been working on Unit 3 - describing a function, comparing functions, calculating rate of change, and slope of a line - and should conclude this unit by mid-term 3.
Students will begin Unit 4 after midterm. They will be solving Linear Equations in one variable that have one solution, many solutions, or no solutions. They will also solve equations with Rational coefficients, use the Distributive property, and collect like terms.
Mathcounts Competition Team
Students participating in the The Regional Competition will meet with Ms. Schmidt during ELT on Tuesday, February 8th and 11th. The Regional Competition will be held at BMS on Thursday, February 17th from 3:00 - 5/5:30. Ms. Schmidt will provide participants with snacks. Parents will pick up students at the school.
Stock Market Game
The Spring Event has begun. Ms. Schmidt will meet with with the new participants during ELT on Wednesday, February 9. She has invited participants to join her through Schoology Groups.
Science
Ms. Clark and Ms. Gomez
6th Grade Science
Students are enjoying the first unit of the Human Body! We started with reviewing and retrieving information from our water unit about matter: atoms/molecules = nonliving. Students were able to connect what they had learned about matter as we began discussing the characteristics of life, cells, and cell theory! We jumped into using a compound microscope- students completed the “Microscope Madness” lab, which helped them learn the parts of the microscope and how to focus the lens on a specimen using different magnifications. We will continue to build on what they have learned as we move into examining cells under the microscope and how the human body is organized (cells, tissues, organs, systems, organism). Students are also continuing to deepen and expand their scientific vocabulary - one key term for this unit is Homeostasis. Ms. Gomez and I encourage you to ask your child what the term means and to have them give you examples of how our bodies are actively working to maintain homeostasis!
Mr. Quimby and Ms. Eaton
7th Grade Science
In science 7, Ms. Eaton's and Mr. Quimby's classes have been working through their term 3 unit, which is chemistry and the properties of matter. Students have learned the structure of atoms, how to read molecular equations, and have compared the different properties of elements on the periodic table. They are now beginning the unit on the conservation of matter and chemical reactions, using models to show how total number of atoms in a chemical reaction does not change, even when a new substance is made with new properties. The students are seeing that the atoms present in the reactants are the same as the atoms present in the products, just rearranged into different molecules, so the overall mass of the whole system does not change. We will finish term 3 with a unit discussing how we can use chemical reactions to release thermal energy and solve a real-world issue that the students come up with and test.
Ms. Thrasher and Ms. Eaton
8th Grade Science
Students will analyze and interpret data gathered by telescopes and spacecraft to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system. They will construct and present arguments using evidence from simulations and data charts to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects. Next, students will develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
Social Studies
Ms. Innocenti and Ms. Gomez
6th Grade Social Studies
Students just wrapped up the Ancient India unit with their presentations on Hinduism and Buddhism. We will be starting our next unit, Ancient China! This unit explores the early settlement and the dynasties of China. Students will analyze the three Chinese philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism and Legalism, and their impacts in Ancient China. We will also investigate and create an argument on how effective Emperor Shihuangdi really was and explore the Silk Road and its ‘global’ impact!
Mr. Hines and Mrs. Rousseau
7th Grade Social Studies
7th grade Social Studies is beginning a new unit on Medieval Europe. We are mapping and exploring western Europe and their feudal system before examining the knights and castles.
Mr. Hawk and Mrs. Rousseau
8th Grade Social Studies
Mr. Hawk and Ms. Rousseau’s 8th grade American Studies classes just finished their unit on Manifest Destiny and expansion to the west. Throughout the next few weeks we will begin learning about causes of the American Civil War in the mid 1800’s. Students will analyze how various social, political, and economic differences divided the young nation.
Physical Education (PE)
Ms. Bures
Ms. Caudell
Mr. Yanez
Mr. Hartman
Special Education Department
Electives and Exploratories
Theatre Arts - Mrs. Twist
6th Grade, 7th Grade and 8th Grade
Theatre Arts students have been expanding into character development research. 7th and 8th grade Theatre Arts students were introduced to Uta Hagen’s approach to character research and how Theatre Artists analyze and interpret artistic work. Uta Hagen’s approach to character development is the foundation students then used to create their own character. After creating their character, student’s moved on to writing a monologue for that character. All Theatre Arts students participated in a unit on Stage Locations, and blocking to better understand the tools available to actors. Now all grade levels are working to perform a selected 30 second monologue in class. Some have chosen to perform their self written monologues while others have selected a monologue from a published play. Applying all of the character development skills they have learned, and the blocking concepts to these monologues, students are exploring how all of the research Theatre Artists perform enhances their final performances.
World Language - Mrs. Crider
Food Science - Ms. Harne
Food Science
In Food Science the students have been learning about food safety, kitchen equipment, and how to measure different ingredients. We had our first cooking experience where we learned about the chemistry behind cookies and the functions of its ingredients. Students applied what they learned by making chocolate chip cookies based on scientific concepts. Coming up we have another cookie lab for Valentine’s Day. Students will make homemade sugar cookies and icing for a fun festive treat and to continue practicing the skills the have recently learned.
Spanish 1 and 2 - Ms. Grieg
Spanish 1
Ms. Grieg’s Spanish 1 students are just beginning unit 3- ¡Comer en familia! In the first half of unit 3 students are learning to talk about foods that they like/don’t like to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are using previous knowledge of regular AR verb conjugations as they transition into learning about ER/IR verb conjugations. The focus is on the verbs comer-to eat and beber- to drink. As we move into the second half of this unit students will begin to tie in family members as they learn to talk about where, when and with whom they eat different meals.
Spanish 2
Ms. Grieg’s Spanish 2 students are just beginning unit 3- ¡vamos de compras! In the first half of this unit students are learning how to discuss clothing, styles, patterns and how clothes fit. Grammatically, they are focusing on irregular yo verbs. As we move into the second half of this unit students will begin to discuss clothing accessories, things you may find when shopping in an outdoor market and expressions of courtesy.
Technology Expo, Comp Science and Pre Engineering - Mr. Hohl
Technology Expo
Students recently finished building their propeller cars. Many students attempted to 3D print their wheels for their cars. There were many great designs with our best car traveling over 20 ft. The next challenge implores a financial peace to the challenge. In small groups, students have to construct a truss bridge to span 18 inches. As in the real world, there is a cost element to the project. They have to carefully plan out their materials and stay under budget.
Students are learning about construction and engineering as they explore the bridges of Maryland and the world then create beauty and utility through suspension and cable-stayed bridge models.
Computer Science Investigation
Students are creating a Website for a Purpose by researching an issue, topic, or problem of their choice and creating a multi-page website to raise awareness or inspire action in their fellow students.
Life Skills - Ms. Caudell and Ms. Remsburg
Ms. Caudell
In term 3, we will be learning about pregnancy, child development, and child care. The students are working hard to research and present their findings about the stages of pregnancy.
Ms. Remsburg
in term 3, we will learn about the stages of pregnancy, child development, heredity, and child care. Students will be making and learning to care for their flour babies (letter to parents coming next week).
Ms. Harne
Students have been learning about pregnancy, early child development, and parenting concepts. Coming up, students will get to have some hands-on learning where they will practice various child care skills such as swaddling and holding a baby, changing a diaper, and so on. Students will also learn and practice pediatric first aid.
Music - Mr. Player
6th Grade
The 6th grade band is learning about accidentals (sharps, flats, and naturals), new rhythms, new fingerings, alternate fingerings, and expanding note ranges. Clarinets and saxes are learning about alternate “F sharp” and “B-flat” fingerings, as well as learning the lower notes of their instruments. The trumpets are learning “B” versus “B-flat” fingerings, as well as “F” versus “F-sharp” fingerings. Flutes and trombones are learning their “A” versus “A-flat” fingerings. Drums are learning sixteenth note and eighth note combination rhythms.
We are also starting to work on two new pieces in 6th grade band.
7th Grade
The 7th grade band has been working on new music that we will perform for the band adjudication in March. We are learning to play in Cut-time (two-two time signature), and in the march style for one piece. We are learning to play a medley, which is a compilation of songs in one piece. The band is also learning to play folk songs with challenging rhythms.
The Band Adjudication will be on March 8th or 9th. The exact date and time is To Be Announced, but will be during the school day.
8th Grade
The 8th grade band has been working on new music that we will perform for the band adjudication in March. We are learning to play in Cut-time (two-two time signature), and in the march style for one piece. We are learning to play a medley, which is a compilation of songs in one piece. The band is also learning to play folk songs with challenging rhythms.
The Band Adjudication will be on March 8th or 9th. The exact date and time is To Be Announced, but will be during the school day.
Orchestra
The orchestra has been learning new pieces and are currently preparing for the Orchestra Adjudication, which is on March 14th, 0r 15th. Students are learning to play in cut-time, and in contrasting styles. They are learning a piece title “Apollo Suite”, which has four different movements. They are also learning a Tchaikovsky piece for orchestra, “Finale, from Serenade for Strings” and a high energy piece titled “Eclipsys”. Each of these pieces has a different style and feel, which helps teach the students how to play in contrasting styles.
Chorus
Chorus is learning, rehearsing, and preparing three different songs for the chorus Adjudication, which is on March 3rd, 2022. We are learning to sing in different languages. One song we are learning is sung in French. Another song we are learning is sung in the Bantu language of the Sotho people, which evolved to a Zulu folk song in South Africa. We are also learning to sing in a “Blues” style with one of our songs. We will be singing these songs for a panel of judges on March 3rd, 2022 for the Chorus Adjudication. We will also get to hear and see other choruses perform from Frederick county at the Frederick county Chorus Adjudication.
Tech Expo, Lab 21- Mr. Powell
Tech Expo
Students recently finished building their propeller cars. Many students attempted to 3D print their wheels for their cars. There were many great designs with our best car traveling over 20 ft. The next challenge implores a financial peace to the challenge. In small groups, students have to construct a truss bridge to span 18 inches. As in the real world, there is a cost element to the project. They have to carefully plan out their materials and stay under budget.
Lab21
Students in lab21 just finished learning about the brain, how we learn, and the positive aspects of having a growth mindset. They created an infographic to display their knowledge. Next, students will be using this growth mindset, as well as critical thinking skills to embark on a journey of block coding. They will begin with basic blocks, such as move forward, turn left, and continue to more advanced coding blocks, such as repeat and conditions. They will use a program called “Scratch” developed at MIT to develop a short scenario for their final project.
Invention and Innovation, Visual Arts and Creative Arts - Ms. Pennington
Invention and Innovation
Students are drawing optical shapes and designs to begin learning about perspective and perception in design. Students are filling the back side of their portfolios with optical art.
Visual Arts
Students are learning about the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. They are learning about the Adinkra symbols and making patterns on cloth. The students are also making masks out of paper and using their names inside the design.
Creative Arts
Students are drawing celtic knots and celtic designs. They are listening to celtic music. The students are drawing on the back side of their portfolio and covering them with celtic designs and patterns.
Visual Arts - Mrs. Crider
7th Grade
Mrs. Crider’s 7th grade Visual Art classes have been working on creating minifigure self-portrait paintings and writing our names in 1-point perspective. Next we will be doing projects focusing on Black African American History Month.
8th Grade
Mrs. Crider’s 8th grade Visual Art class has been working on Neurographic Line paintings integrating art and science. These paintings depict the neurons and synapses in the brain. The results are colorful and beautiful! Next we will be doing projects focusing on Black African American History Month.
Ongoing Announcements
Stay Up To Date
Here are ways to ensure you're getting the latest news and updates from BMS:
- Find Out First E-mails - We use the email addresses that you provide us when your student enrolls to send out information. If that email address changes, please notify us so that we can update your information.
- PTA Website - This provides information about upcoming PTA events and activities, membership and volunteer opportunities, current and previous editions of this newsletter, and more. Bookmark it today!
- PTA Facebook Page - Stay informed about PTA events, activities, and school information by liking the Brunswick Middle School PTA Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BrunswickMiddlePTO/
Need Help?
Need Help?
- Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464
- To get help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
- Crisis Services: Dial 211
- To get help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.
- Maryland Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233
- To report threats or situations that put your safety, or others’ safety, at risk.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- To get help if you are thinking about suicide.
Community Resources
Food and Meal Assistance
Frederick Rescue Mission ( 419 South Street)
Food Distribution
- Tues, Wed, and Fri 1:30-3:30 pm & Thurs 5:00-7:00 pm.
- Breakfast... Mon-Sunday 7:00-8:00 am
- Lunch...Mon-Sat 12:00-1:30 & Sundays 1:00-2:00.
Frederick Community Action Agency's (14 E. All Saints Street)
- Food Bank hours are Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 2:00-4:00 pm. T
- Soup Kitchen is having DINNER CARRY OUT from 5:30-6:30.
Mental Health Resources
Guide to Mental Health and Community Support Services
Virtual Walk-in Behavioral Health Services (crisis support)
- Click on the link to schedule a virtual appointment : https://fcmha.org/coronavirus
- Phone 211 or 301-663-0011
Substance Abuse -All ages
- https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/131/Behavioral-Health-Services
- Phone 301-600-1755
Income and Housing
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs
- Phone 240-446-9649. This number is different from their general number of 301-631-2670.
- info@shipfrederick.com
- 240-415-8971
- 301-662-2311
American Red Cross
- 301-739-0117
Frederick Police Offer Run Away Child Prevention Resources for Parents
Reliable Resources
Frederick County Health Department
Maryland Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Governor's COVID-19 Pandemic: Orders and Guidance
Brunswick Middle School
Email: BMS.Attendance@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/bms/
Location: Brunswick Middle School, Cummings Drive, Brunswick, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-5400
Stay Up-to-Date
Here are ways to ensure you're getting the latest news and updates from GVES:
- Find Out First E-mails - We use the email address you provided when your student enrolled to send out information. If that email address changes, please notify the school at the email below to update your information.
- PTA Website - This provides information about upcoming PTA events and activities, membership and volunteer opportunities,, and more. Bookmark it today! http://brunswickms.my-pto.org/