Banks Trail Middle School
Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, Leadership
April 2019
The Force Of Learning Is Strong At BTMS
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Timberwolf Families,
It is hard to believe the school year is almost over. It is even harder to believe our class of 8th Graders will be moving on to high school. I bet many of you wonder where the time has gone. It feels like it was just yesterday that the Class of 2023 came through the front doors of Banks Trail, wide eyed and eager to change the world! This year we celebrate the Class of 2023 on June 5th. The 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony will take place in the Gym. It will run from 9 AM until 10:30 AM. Please plan to join us so that we can celebrate one last time and recognize the Class of 2023. For 6th and 7th grade students there will be an Awards Day on June 4th. 6th grade will begin at 8:30 and 7th grade will start at 10:00. Both of these celebrations will take place in the gym as well.
Later this week, I will send out an email to parents with directions on how you can see the related arts classes your child selected before spring break. The 2019-20 registration will take place on-line as it did this school year. Please keep an eye out for more registration information coming home.
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for your continued support of Banks Trail. We feel privileged to be a part of your child’s education.
Sincerely,
Michael Pratt
Terrific Timberwolves March 2019
Each month students are chosen to be “Padawan's of the Pack” (formerly known as Leaders of the Pack) for reasons such as displaying outstanding leadership, citizenship, school service, good behavior, and performance in their classrooms and throughout the school. “Terrific Padawans” (formerly known as Terrific Timberwolves) are then selected among those chosen as Padawans of the Pack because they exemplify the characteristics found in the T.R.A.I.L. - Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, Leadership
6-1 Bryanna D.
6-2 Zyhonna H.
6-4 Wesley W.
7-1 Shrey P.
7-3 CJ J.
7-4 Silas B.
8th Kyley W.
8th Madison J.
8th Victoria G.
Related Arts Benjamin B.
Related Arts Tatum P.
Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, Leadership: "The Trail" As Leaders of the Pack and Terrific Timberwolves, these students live "The Trail" everyday!
Padawan's of the Pack 2019
6th – Josie K.
Josie is this month’s Leader of the Pack because she is an enthusiastic learner who goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She takes responsibility for her learning and is committed to doing her best each day. Her intrinsic motivation sets her apart and helps her to exceed expectations with the quality of her work. Josie also exhibits a positive outlook and attitude both in and out of the classroom. She is respectful and thoughtful in her interactions with others, which is another reason why Josie is the 6th Grade Leader of the Pack for March!
7th – Madisyn B.
There is one student who consistently rises above all distractions that normally occur within a middle school classroom. In fact, she consistently not only rises above the distractions, but actively seeks ways to engage students who are creating disruptions and to bring them into the learning activity that is taking place. She consistently does her work, volunteers for extra responsibilities, participates in classroom discussions and conversations. She has high expectations for herself, and pushes herself to excel in every way and through every assignment. She values the potential education that she can receive from every activity, and dedicates herself to doing her best. Mr. Gilson, Mrs. Rowe, and Mrs. Donohue are proud to recognize Madisyn as their team’s leader of the pack!
8th - Joseph K.
Joseph is a proactive student. In my class it is clear he cares about doing better and is always advocating for himself. When he's absent he always asks about what he missed. In addition he is not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. Both are great skills heading into high school. Lastly, I have seen Joseph show great leadership and patience in track and field. I have seen him handle difficult situations, maturely.
Related Arts - Lilly A.
Lilly is such a phenomenal example of what a leader is. She shows up to class ready to learn, she is always willing to help others when they need it and she offers to stay late to help clean up the classroom. She is kind and caring, she always has a smile on her face, she always has a positive attitude, she is incredibly respectful and an overall rock star example of what the trail is!!!!!
Does Your Child Owe Money?
Per district policy AR EF-R (Student Meal Accounts), all unpaid student meal balances will need to be cleared by the end of the school year. If parents/guardians need to make payment arrangements they may contact the Student Nutrition Department. This needs to be addressed no later than May 24, 2019
2019 State TESTING SCHEDULE
Please do not schedule appointments during the testing times listed below:
5/20 Eng 1 EOC Writing (8th)
5/21 Eng 1 EOC English (8th)
5/22 SC Ready Writing (All Grades)
5/23 SC Ready Reading
5/30 EOC Alg 1 (8th Grade)
5/28 EOC Algebra 1
5/29 SC Ready Math (All Grades)
5/30 6th Grade Science
7th Grade Social Studies
8th Grade Science
Guidance Counselor's Corner
District Middle School Career Fair
Kati McFadden, Career Development Facilitator, along with all middle school counselors, sponsored a career fair for all seventh grade students and their teachers to attend. The event was held at Pleasant Knoll Middle School. Below are some shots from this exciting day. There were presenters from all over York County. Not only was this a day for students to learn about exciting careers, but it also provided them the opportunity to start thinking about careers and upcoming Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) which will occur next year! IGPs are created collaboratively by students, parents, teachers, and school counselors to prepare students for their futures!
Below are some captured moments from the exciting day!
Internet Health: Social Media is very popular among pre-teens and teenagers, more now than ever. The article below shares some ways you can help your children remain safe and wise about their interactions and uses of social media. Click https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/social-media-smarts.html to read the full article, Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media by Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD. Here is an excerpt from this crucial read:
What Can Parents Do?
It's important to be aware of what your kids do online. But snooping can alienate them and damage the trust you've built together. The key is to stay involved in a way that makes your kids understand that you respect their privacy but want to make sure they're safe.
Tell your kids that it's important to:
- Be nice. Mean behavior is not OK. Make it clear that you expect your kids to treat others with respect, and to never post hurtful or embarrassing messages. And ask them to always tell you about any harassing or bullying messages that others post.
- Think twice before hitting "enter." Remind teens that what they post can be used against them. For example, letting the world know that you're off on vacation or posting your home address gives would-be robbers a chance to strike. Teens also should avoid posting specific locations of parties or events, as well as phone numbers.
- Follow the "WWGS?" (What Would Grandma Say?) rule. Teach kids not to share anything on social media that they wouldn't want their teachers, college admissions officers, future bosses — and yes, grandma — to see.
- Use privacy settings. Privacy settings are important. Go through them together to make sure your kids understand each one. Also, explain that passwords are there to protect them against things like identity theft. They should never share them with anyone, even a boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend.
- Don't "friend" strangers. "If you don't know them, don't friend them." This is a plain, simple — and safe — rule of thumb.
Make a Contract
Consider making a "social media agreement" with your kids — a real contract they can sign. In it, they agree to protect their own privacy, consider their reputation, and not give out personal information. They also promise not to use technology to hurt anyone else through bullying or gossip.
In turn, parents agree to respect teens' privacy while making an effort to be part of the social media world. This means you can "friend" and observe them, but don't post embarrassing comments or rants about messy rooms.
Parents also can help keep kids grounded in the real world by putting limits on media use. Keep computers in public areas in the house, avoid laptops and smartphones in bedrooms, and set some rules on the use of technology (such as no devices at the dinner table).
And don't forget: Setting a good example through your own virtual behavior can go a long way toward helping your kids use social media safely.
THREE STUDENTS NAMED NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GEOBEE STATE COMPETITION SEMIFINALISTS BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
This is the second level of the National Geographic GeoBee competition, which is now in its 31st year. School GeoBees were held in schools with fourth-eighth grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion.
The GeoBee was developed by the National Geographic Society in 1988 to promote geographic knowledge among young people in the United States. You can follow the National competition at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington D.C. , on May 19-22 at natgeoed.org/experiences.
Nurses Corner
Students with Medical Conditions
Students with Medical Conditions
The nurse will be sending home a packet of information for students with medical conditions that require interventions at school. This packet will be handed out to your student during the week of May 20, 2019. Please be sure to check with your child, so as you make health care provider appointments, you will have the necessary paper work needed to be completed for the 2019-2020 school year.
Nurse Brown
Important Information Regarding Vaccine's
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) wants to assure that all children and teens receive recommended vaccines to prevent disease entering 7th grade receive one (1) dose of Tdap vaccine.
The Tdap vaccine protects preteens and teens from three serious diseases. DHEC reminds parents and guardians that South Carolina law requires that all students receives: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is important to know that there are three other vaccines that all preteens and teens are recommended to receive: human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, a cancer prevention vaccine, meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) that prevents some types of meningitis, and the yearly flu vaccine.
We are reminding you now so that you have time to plan for your child to be vaccinated early, before the start of 7th grade. Beat the back to school rush, a good time to get all of these vaccines is during a yearly health checkup. Talk to your child’s health care provider now about what vaccines he or she needs. Ask about these vaccines at a physical exam required for sports, school or camp. Make sure you get an updated SC Certificate of Immunization to give to your school nurse. This certificate is required by state law for school attendance.
Make sure the school has the most updated immunization certificate on file for your child. Many students have received the Tdap but the school doesn’t have verification of it being given.
*After the first 30 calendar days of school your student will not be allowed to attend school without verification of receiving the Tdap.
Your local DHEC health department also can provide these vaccines. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment. For more information about vaccinations in South Carolina, go to scdhec.gov/Health/Vaccinations/
Media Center
Is your student interested in learning more about FREE eBooks and digital magazines offered by our school? BTMS Media Specialist, Mrs. Davis, is offering a demonstration of how to access and use these resources on Friday, April 26th during Power Period. If your student wants to attend, they are to sign up with Mrs. Davis prior to April 26th. A doughnut will be given for each student that attends the workshop.
Garden Club
The BTMS Garden Club is happy to announce that our spring garden is in full bloom! We planted spring bulbs in November and they have added a beautiful pop of color to our garden. The garden club is currently germinating seeds and growing seedlings to plant in our butterfly garden early summer.
We could use some brown mulch! If you would like to donate any brown mulch to the BTMS Garden Club you can drop it off at the front and tell them it is for the Garden Club.
Family and Consumer Science
A Note From Ms. Parra
If any of you are doing any spring cleaning or connecting to your inner minimalist while on Spring Break my FACS classroom might be able to use some of the items you might be giving away. We are always looking for the following items: magazines, fabric (especially felt and cotton), buttons and board games. We have learned to embrace classroom donations and turn them into treasures!!! Have a totally awesome time of rest during your Spring Break.
PTO UPDATE AND REMINDERS
Dear BTMS Families,
Well we are heading in to the home stretch of this school year and we have many opportunities to wrap up the year with opportunities for you to get involved and help out with the last few activities of the year.
April 24th @ 6:30pm: PTO General Meeting
We will be providing a financial update, information about 2019-2020 PTO Board positions and our “What to Expect in High School” presentation with our panel of high school students and parents. Q & A period after presentation.
April 29-May 3rd:
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Dessert Bar:
Calling all bakers! As part our week-long teacher appreciation week festivities we will have a fruit and dessert bar on Thursday, May 2nd. Volunteers are asked to bake, make or purchase a dozen of their favorite cookies or treats. This will be a drop in bar so we want to make sure that each teacher or staff member will be able to select several goodies to nosh on during the day.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4aaaab23a3fb6-teacherstaff
Sponsor Lunch for a Teacher or Staff Member:
As the school year is winding down, your PTO is gearing up for a week of Teacher and Staff Appreciation activities from April 29th to May 3rd! Our last teacher and staff luncheon of the year will be held on Friday, May 3rd. We'll be treating our BTMS family to sandwiches, sides, dessert, and drinks from Potbelly Sandwich Works. We are doing things a little differently this time by asking you to sponsor a lunch for your child's teacher or a staff member. The cost is $10 (plus a small processing fee). You can also include a note of thanks to a teacher or staff member and we will make sure that they receive it.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4aaaab23a3fb6-copy
April 29th – May 3rd: Online Auction
Help us raise money to purchase a shade for the Cafeteria Courtyard area. This will enable teachers/students/staff to have a shady area to have lunch and utilize as an outdoor classroom.
We have some great auction items already donated including, 2 full sets of braces from our amazing orthodontic partners: Jackson & Orthodontics. $500 off a set of braces from Thomas Epps Orthodontics, facial, Catawba Ridge HS Spirit Wear basket, Miller Street Dance Academy Gift Card & Basket, Michele Icard summer camp, Reserved seating for 8th grade graduation w/parking, Reserved seating for end of year chorus & band concerts w/parking, ASC Greenway memberships, camps, green fees and more.
If you have a business and would like to donate an item please contact Baker Stout at baker.stout@gmail.com.
Banks Trail Spirit Wear
The Spirit Wear site is up and available for ordering with a few new summer items added. Boys and girls shorts, beach towels and more have been added. Use the link below to order:
https://bankstrailmiddleschool2019.itemorder.com/sale
As always if you have any questions, please contact us at ptobtms@gmail.com
Marie DeMartino
Co-President
Upcoming Events 2019
April 24 @6:30 PM General PTO Meeting
April 26 - 6th grade STEAM Career Day
May 6-9 3:30-5:00 BTMS Cheer Tryouts
May 6, 7,9, 13,14, 20,21, 23- Spring football practice for rising 7th and rising 8th graders. 3:45-5:15
May 6 7:00PM Spring Chorus Concert
May 7th 2:00PM 6th Grade Band Concert in the gym (please park in the front of the school so buses can still park in the back)
May 7th 7:00 PM 7th & 8th grade Spring Band Concert- Please Park in the Back
May 14-17 8th Grade Washington Trip
May 15-16 Charleston Trip
May 15th 5:30PM SIC Meeting
May 24 6th Grade Carowinds Trip
May 27 Memorial Day No School
May 31 1:30PM This I Believe, 7th Grade Writing Celebration
June 4th- Half Day 11:35 dismissal
June 4 @ 8:30AM 6th Grade Awards Day
June 4 @ 10:00 7th grade Awards Day
June 5 Half Day 11:35 Dismissal
June 5 8th grade Recognition Ceremony 9:00-10:30 AM
June 6th - First Day of summer
Together, Building A Tradition of Excellence
Banks Trail Middle School
Email: costs@fortmillschools.org
Website: http://btms.fortmillschools.org/
Location: 1640 Banks Road, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-578-2990
Twitter: @BTMStimberwolf