Badger Middle School Newsletter
October 6, 2023
Badger Students and Families,
Homecoming Week is always a great week for some fun and school spirit. I have enjoyed the creativity in students’ outfits. As we wrap up the week, I hope the negative actions of a few students earlier this week do not outweigh the positive experiences for the many. Any physical altercation or other disruption to the normal operations of our building will never be tolerated. Consequences will be given to all involved.
I am looking forward to continuing the Homecoming festivities and I hope to see you at the parade or football game.
Sincerely,
Patrick O'Connor
Principal
Badger Middle School
(262) 335-5456/215000
A Note on Communication from the Principal
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.
If you come to the school without an appointment, I may not be available. Please call to make an appointment to ensure my availability.
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 contact information:
Patrick O'Connor
Direct line: (262) 335-5456
Badger main office: (262) 335-5455
Conferences
As a reminder, conferences will be held at Badger Middle School on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The time has been adjusted to 4 PM to 7:30 PM. If you have an immediate need, I encourage you to reach out to staff directly any time to communicate. Conferences are “open” meaning you don’t need to sign up for a specific time.
No School 10/20
Just a reminder that there is no school for students on Friday, 10/20 in any WBSD school as we have a Professional Development day.
Students of the Week
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. They are first nominated by House teachers, then selected by elective teachers.
With great students like these in our hallways, the future is looking bright!
Week of 9/18-9/22 7th Grade: April and 8th Grade: Hayden
Week of 9/25-9/29 7th Grade: Julian and 8th Grade:Hnub In
Staff of the Week
Staff of the Week are nominated by students. Last week’s staff of the week was nominated because he is amazingly goofy and a really good teacher. This staff member makes class fun. Congratulations to Mr. McCarthy, our 7B math teacher. You are the Staff of the Week!
This week’s staff of the week was nominated because she is kind to all and funny. This staff member goes the extra mile in helping students with their work. Congratulations to Mrs. Pahl, one of our 8C teachers. You are the Staff of the Week!
Badger Pride
Did you know you can help support Badger Pride?
Students that demonstrate Badger Pride values (respect, responsibility, readiness to learn, and safety) can earn Badger Pride stamps to be used at our weekly store. The Badger Pride store is seeking donations for items that students can purchase with their stamps. Items can be small (candy, happy meal toys, fidgets, etc...) or they can be larger items that will be raffled off (local gift cards, team memorabilia, hobby kits, etc...). Donations can be dropped off in the main office. Please label donations BADGER PRIDE STORE to ensure they are used as intended.
Facebook Highlights!
Mrs. Bartelt's Advanced Art class is practicing for their upcoming still life project.
Mr. Chesick's Science 7 class investigated potential and kinetic energy with the "Drop a Nail" Lab.
Ms. Dhein's Science 8 class explored tectonic plate movement with the "Snack Tectonic Lab."
Badger Middle School Newsletter Frequency
Though thus far, Newsletters have been sent every other week, the Badger Middle School Newsletter will be sent as needed to keep you updated- not necessarily bi-weekly. Any pressing information will be sent via Skyward Messenger to your email. Please reach out to any school staff anytime.
PTO Meeting
There is a PTO meeting on 10/12 at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria. Come join the team to support Badger.
Winter Sports
Registration for Winter Sports (Wrestling & Boys Basketball) has opened. Please be sure to register by the start of the sports season. An updated physical dated after 6/1/2023 will need to be uploaded onto Family ID prior to the start of the season.
Scan the QR code or click here to be directed to the registration site.
Contact our Athletic Director Mr. Hoogester if assistance is needed at thoogester@wbsd-schools.org
Boys Basketball start date is October 30th
Wrestling start date is November 6th
Midquarter Grades
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 10th. As a reminder, grades can always be monitored using Skyward Family Access.
STAR Testing Results
Results of the first STAR Assessments for the 2023-24 school year for students in grades K-8 have been loaded into Skyward Family Access. The results are listed under the test date of 06/06/24. To gain more understanding of the scores, please review this document.
Information below has already been communicated but is here for your reference
Halloween Costumes
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.
Note from HS Athletic Directors
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
Weekly mini-lessons in social-emotional skills led by classroom teachers have started. This occurs every Wednesday during Resource. The skills and concepts are designed to help students both in and out of school. The Second Step resource includes five units:
Mindsets and Goals
Recognizing Bullying and Harassment
Thoughts, Emotions and Decisions
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.
Second Step Curriculum Preview
Here's a Preview of upcoming Second Step Lessons:
10/11/2023
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.
Who am I?
What are the most important aspects of my identity and why?
10/18/2023
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.10/25/2023
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.11/1/2023
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.Badger Middle School
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/