Blue Ridge MS
February 26, 2021
Thank You, Blue Ridge PTO!
Return to Hybrid In-Person Learning - March 3 (Updates)
We are excited to welcome students back in the building on Wednesday, March 3! Tuesday-Wednesday (TW) students who are returning to school on Wednesday should know their 5th Block room number. Thursday-Friday (RF) students should know their 1st Block room number on Thursday, March 4. This information can be found in StudentVUE and ParentVUE; Choose "Class schedules" then "Semester 2 term". Here is a school map to help students find their classes. All Hybrid students will receive a copy of their schedule in their 1st and 5th block classes upon return.
Please remember that the school building will not be open until 8:30 AM each day. If you are driving your child to school and arrive prior to this, we ask that your child wait in the car until our 8:30 opening.
6th Grade and New to BRMS Orientation for Hybrid Students - We plan to conduct orientations for our returning hybrid 6th grade students and new to BRMS 7th and 8th grade students the first day they return. An orientation the first day students return allows access for all our learners. Since March 3 is a B day, orientation will take place during the first part of block 5. Then on March 4, orientation will take place during blocks 1 and 2 during 6th grade resources classes. We'll invite new to Blue Ridge 7th and 8th graders to be a part of orientation as well. Our orientation will take roughly 30 minutes and will include a tour of the school showing important places for students to know. Our students will be divided into groups and will follow all safety protocols.
Informational and return to school orientation videos and documents:
Watch! Hybrid return to school informational video
Watch! Helpful information for returning hybrid students
Watch! PE instructional plan for hybrid return
Read! LCPS Mitigation Plans
Adjustment to Community Meal Distribution - Effective Monday, March 8
Revised Bell Schedule for All Students - Begins March 3
What Items Should Hybrid Students Bring to School?
Rising 7th and 8th Grade Course Request Reminder
Parents and Students can update courses in PVUE/SVUE up until March 5th. Beyond this date, please reach out to your grade level counselor to make any changes.
BrightBytes Survey for Parents
As you may know, our school has partnered with BrightBytes, a data analytics organization built specifically for k-12, to provide insights into our new and changing learning environments with the goal of ensuring equitable learning support for all students. We are reaching out to ask you to please take part in our school survey. Your responses will remain anonymous to protect your privacy. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The last day to complete this survey is February 26.
Please respond using the PARENT link: www.BByt.es/4XLNYMQ
Thank you for taking part in this important initiative!
Acting for Camera!!
NEW DATES! Cait Kelley, who has led our previous BRMS PTO Theater Workshops, will introduce students to Acting for Camera! Throughout this six-week virtual workshop, meeting on Mon/Wed (3/1-4/14) from 4-5:30 p.m., students will learn the ins and outs of a film set, how to read a breakdown, important vocabulary and have a chance to meet and talk with film stars and makers. Financial assistance available through the PTO, email secondvp@brmspto.org for more information. This workshop will be held via Zoom and will begin the week of March 1. No class the week of Spring Break. Register now, spaces are limited! Register at: https://www.powr.io/form-builder/i/27472855#page
Return to School Information from the Nurse
As Hybrid students return to school there is a need to update medical information, immunizations ( T dap for 7th graders), care plans and medications needed for school. Care plans and medication forms require annual renewal.
Medications
Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medication must be brought to school BY AN ADULT in its original container and cannot be expired. When requested, most pharmacies will provide an extra bottle with the proper amount of medication needed while the student is at school. The health office cannot accept more than a 2 month school day supply of medicine.
In order for medication(s) to be administered at school, a MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM must be completed. A parent/guardian may fill out the form if it is an over-the-counter medication; however, prescription medication MUST have the form filled out and signed by a physician or healthcare provider. Acetaminophen is no longer stocked in the school health office. If you would like to keep over-the-counter medication for pain in the school (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, etc), the parent must bring the medication to school and fill out a medication authorization form.
Students may carry emergency medical supplies (i.e. epi-pen, diabetic supplies, inhaler) with physician's written permission and as indicated in the student’s care plan on file in the clinic. Please use an Asthma Action Plan or Allergy Action Plan for physician's medication orders.
If you have a care plan or medication that is needed at school. Please contact me to schedule an appointment to review documentation and drop off medications. I can be reached by email at Maryann.stetter@lcps.org or call 540-751-2520. I am available most weekdays days between the hours of 8:30AM and 3:30PM.
Grade 8 Writing SOL Information
The 8th grade Writing SOL test is scheduled for March 8-15. The VDOE requires that students in any instructional model (100% distance or hybrid) must attend school in person to participate in SOL testing. We understand that some families may have concerns about the in-person testing requirement. Parents who do NOT wish for their student to participate in the Writing 8 SOL test in March may indicate their refusal by completing this Parent Refusal form.
Writing SOL Schedule
3/8 - Distance Learning students - Multiple Choice - 9 AM
3/9 - TW Hybrid students - Multiple Choice
3/10 - TW Hybrid students - Short Paper
3/11 - RF Hybrid students - Multiple Choice
3/12 - RF Hybrid students - Short Paper
3/15 - Distance Learning students - Short Paper - 9 AM
Content specific SOL questions may be addressed to your child’s teacher. Questions regarding assessment administration or requirements may be addressed to Matt.Bolen@lcps.org, Assistant Principal and School Test Coordinator for Blue Ridge MS at (540) 751-2520.
Important PTO Information
All Bucks for Bulldogs donations have been processed! We are so grateful for your support. Please pop into the Front Lobby and collect your goodies (stickers, masks, sweatshirts). All items are bundled and labeled. Carefully sort through items to find yours.
PTO Newsletter
Learn how to sign up for the PTO newsletter, Bulldog Bytes, by clicking HERE.
Business Partnerships
If you are interested in learning more about BRMS Business Partnerships, click HERE.
Interested in Playing Chess?
Sign Up for Remind
Technical Support for Students
If a Chromebook fails in some way, which impedes access, please use another device to access Google and/or try one of the following troubleshooting tips: 1) In Settings, click on About Chrome and check for updates, 2) Clear Cache from All Time, 3) Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
Students may receive technical support through one of the following methods:
Call the Technology Support Center at (571) 252-2112
The Technology Support Center will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M-F (excluding holidays).
BRMS PTO
Officers
President: Danielle Kabban: president@brmspto.org
First VP: Christine Bartlett: firstvp@brmspto.org
Second VP: Kelly Schober: secondvp@brmspto.org
Secretary: Kathi Reich: secretary@brmspto.org
Treasurer: Karyna Tarbox: treasurer@brmspto.org
Coordinators
Theater: Jennifer Zisk and Kelly Schober: drama@brmspto.org
Volunteer & Events: Amelia Hertzberg: volunteer@brmspto.org
Hospitality: Megan Nugent: hospitality@brmspto.org
MSAAC Volunteer: Susan Swayzem: saac@brmspto.org
Bulldogs Give Back Coordinator: Erin Schroeder: givesback@brmspto.org
Unified Mental Health Team Updates
BRMS Statement on Equity
The Unified Mental Health Team at Blue Ridge wants to acknowledge the many incidents involving race and social injustices that have occurred nationally over the past several weeks.
These incidents are not only unjust but they can have a traumatic impact on students and staff during these challenging times.
Blue Ridge Middle School rejects racism and all forms of hateful behavior and language in our school community. We pledge to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all our students and families. This will continue to be important work as we move into next school year, and we are committed to continuing this conversation with staff, students and families.
We are pleased to announce our Blue Ridge Equity Team Co-leads: 8th grade counselor Ms. Savastano and Civics teacher - Mrs. Benalayat.
We hope that the below resources will be helpful in talking with your children and families about these issues.