Banks Trail Middle School
Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, Leadership
November 2017
The Force Of Learning Is Strong At BTMS
A Message from the Principal
Hello Timberwolf Families,
Spoiler Alert - We will be looking at how BTMS is related to Episode 2 so if you have not seen it yet, Skip to the next section.
Episode 2- The Attack of the Clones- 2002
The second part of the Saga picks up about 10 years after the Phantom Menace. Anakin Skywalker is a padawan learner, a mentee, under the guidance of Jedi- Obi Wan Kenobi. He has amazing abilities and a passion for becoming a great Jedi. The film highlights the growing conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Movement of the Trade Federation. We see the stages of war unfolding between the sides of good and evil and the powerful influences pulling the strings of our young hero.
Episode 2- The Attack of the Clones is like being in school for a few months. Some of the excitement and newness of the New Year has settled and we are very much in the business of doing what we do. Teachers' energy and focus in leading your child's classroom is sharp and students are eager to continue to learn. Enthusiasm is powerful and great partnership are being developed between teachers and students. We see everyone giving, selflessly, to each other as our Padawans continue to make great leaps and bounds with the Force of Learning. Yes, the Force is strong with our school now. Things are going well, but just like a space ship with its deflector shields up- we start to feel some of the hits that we take. Grades just came out, students and teachers are realizing that to continue to improve means you must work hard, develop grit, and have perseverance. Things are going well, but pressures are starting to build.
What happens in Episode 3? Stay tuned!
Padawans Of The Pack/Terrific Padawans
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
For the month of October we would like to congratulate the following Terrific Padawans:
- Team 6-1: Sydney P.
Team 6-2: Erin W.
Team 7-1: John P.
Team 7-2: Brayden S.
8th Grade: Gisele A.
8th Grade: Elizabeth K.
Related Arts: Kobe S.
Related Arts: Jade R.
The October Padawans of the Pack are:
6th Grade - Benjamin W.
7th Grade - Haley N.
8th Grade - Sheliah P.
Related Arts - Kaylen P.
Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, Leadership: "The Trail" As Leaders of the Pack and Terrific Timberwolves, these students live "The Trail" everyday!
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Jedi Of The Month (Formerly known as Teacher of the Month)
Ms. Erin Elliott - 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
When our teachers think of a teacher that has given 110% since the beginning of the school year, we think of her. Every day she dedicates her time and energy to pour into her students and help them be successful. When asking her students why they like her so much, they said, “She tells great stories. She is caring. She is funny. She gives us good study tools. She makes sure we are prepared.” Her energy and passion for teaching is contagious. We are thankful Ms. Elliot came to BTMS and now part of our school family.
Ms. Gigi Grank - 6th Grade Resource Teacher
Ms. Frank is a tremendous resource to the 6th grade team. Ms. Franki is student focused, and works extremely hard to ensure that all students experience success. She frequently gives of her extra time to work with students, and even assists students that are not even on her roster. Students trust her and feel comfortable approaching Ms. Frank for help and/or guidance. She knows her students strengths and weaknesses, and she uses that knowledge to draw out their very best. She is patient and calm when dealing with stressful situations, and thoughtful when making decisions that impact her students. She has offered her time and assistance to help fill in for other teachers. We appreciate having her in my as part of the awesome BTMS Team!
8th GRADE TIMBERWOLVES WIN THE FORT MILL ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY
Our school is planning an assembly on Friday, November 10th at 2:15 PM in honor of Veterans Day. We will have a guest speaker and members of the Fort Mill High School JROTC Drill Team will present the flags. We will also have a performance by our Honors Chorus and poetry recitals from students in all grade levels.
We love having community members join us at these events and are extending an invitation to veterans who have students at Banks Trail. Please join us in the Media Center at 1:45 PM for light refreshments prior to the main event! If you plan to attend, please send an email to the address below so we can plan effectively. Thank you.
Hoops For Heart
The PE department will host our annual Hoops for Heart (3v3 basketball) tournament on Nov 21st.
Students will be offered the opportunity to participate in Hoops for Heart. It costs $3 per person (all money is donated to American Heart Association).
On Nov 21st all students who have paid will report to the gym during both related arts periods. Any students that are not participating will report to the band room.
Teachers are encouraged to participate with your students as well! You can play in the tournament or just come to watch.
Students will be told about this event next week during their related arts classes.
Students can bring their money down to the gym any day during homeroom to sign-up by Nov 17th.
The form that students need to complete is at the entrance to the gym.
Exciting things are happening in Family and Consumer Science Class
The eighth Grade Family and Consumer Sciences classes stopped in Italy on their virtual trip around the world. In Italy, they prepared homemade marinara sauce used in their lasagna. The students are enjoying learning all about the food and cultures of other Countries, especially the yummy tastes.
The seventh grade Family and Consumer Sciences students worked hard on their egg baby project in Ms. Bauer’s class. They were extremely creative with assembling their carriers for their babies. The guidelines included proper care for their child along with taking on full responsibility as a parent for 24 hours. This project was a wonderful learning experience for these students who now realize the reality of the role of parenting.
FAMILY LITERACY AND CURRICULUM NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS
Family Literacy Night
Thank you for your attendance at our “Saddle Up and Read!” Family Literacy and Curriculum Night on October 10. Nearly 500 parents, students, and community members enjoyed seeing the amazing things happening with literacy in our classrooms. We also appreciate the many volunteers who helped out, as well as the sponsors of our photo booth, teacher dinner, and healthy snacks for the event. Another big thank you goes to 8th Grade Math Teacher Leslie Nivens and her husband, who got our parent brochure printed in color for us.
Here are some tips for parents for creating joyful readers:
Middle Schoolers are still children, just in bigger bodies! No one is ever too old to be read a great story! The most important thing you can do for your child is to read to him. Read things that he is interested in and things for just pure enjoyment. Stop and talk with him about what you have just read — you thought it was funny, he liked the way the author said something, or you liked that idea. Talk about any part of the story or writing that you want.
Remember, as the parent in your child’s life, your uses of reading for real purposes, including enjoyment and information, are the most powerful examples you can give. Just as your child learned how to speak from interacting with you, she will also learn about reading through your modeling of it.
SADDLE UP AND RIDE BOOK FAIR WINNERS
Thank you for supporting the BTMS Book Fair!
During the Book Fair students received a raffle ticket for every book they purchased. Winners of the "book basket" were Chandler K. and Sierra I. The following students won posters:
Sutton T.
Bryson E.
Erin W.
Gabe L.
Allie S.
Kyle M.
Lauren Y.
Kerington J.
Julie M.
Ella D.
Mackenzie L.
Jade P.
Katherine K.
Sophia B.
Ewan S.
Holiday Market at BTMS
Holiday Market
We are planning the 4th Annual BTMS Holiday Market. We hope to have more vendors, so feel free to pass along this information.
We have scheduled the 4th Annual BTMS Holiday Market on Friday, December 15th (9:00am – 4:00pm). The $25 fee can be paid on December 15th. However, if you would like to pay before December 15th, you may mail a check to BTMS (1640 Banks Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715); or you may pay by credit card in person (see the bookkeeper Elaine Sykes). We cannot accept payments online or over the phone (sorry).
This event is designed for the students to have an opportunity to shop for their families. All parents are informed, invited, and encouraged to attend the Holiday Market.
If you would like to participate again this year, please complete the form by following the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mugADZZQjycj_rLlgoeoUXXIBJzwMM5QW0nRuorWqcI/edit?uiv=1
"I really don't want a yearbook"..... SAID NO ONE EVER!!
Yearbooks are on sale for $35 and can be ordered online at https://www.studentquickpay.com/fort-mill/. Don't wait, the price will go up to $40 in January and we do NOT order extra copies!!
BTMS Athletic Booster Club Needs Your Help
School Communication
In an effort to keep all of our Timberwolf families informed, we will use a variety of communication channels. First and foremost, our BTMS website, http://btms.fortmillschools.org/ is an excellent source of information, and Mrs. Cost does a great job keeping it updated. We also have a Twitter account at BTMS: @btmstimberwolf where we try to post announcements and recognize Timberwolves using this instant technology. Each week parents can expect to receive an electronic copy of a weekly update from your child’s teachers. This will help you know what is going on with their classes. Our 2017-18 Student handbook has been added to the BTMS web site. Please pay special attention to the Cell Phone/Electronic Device, Absence/Tardy, and Dress Code policies.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR PARENTS:
PARENTS: PLEASE LABEL YOUR STUDENT'S BELONGINGS
Please make sure your student's name is on anything he/she brings to school. This helps tremendously when we are trying to get lost items back to their owner.
TARDY/STUDENTS RETURNING FROM AN APPOINTMENT
Please remember that a parent or adult must come into the office with your student to sign them in when they are Tardy or Returning from an Appointment.
EARLY DISMISSALS
Students leaving school early must be picked up no later than 2:50 PM. There will be no dismissals from 2:50 PM until 3:20 PM.
Upcoming Events
11/10 Veterans Day Assembly
11/16 ST-ARTS Auditions
Boys BB v. Castle Heights (Scrimmage)
Girls BB @ Castle Heights (Scrimmage)
11/22 - 11/24 Thanksgiving Break
11/30 Boys BB v Fort Mill Middle
Girls BB @ Fort Mill Middle
Upcoming Dates:
12/08 School Spelling Bee
Chorus performs at the Hornets vs Bulls Basketball game
12/15 School Holiday Market
12/18 Winter Band Concert
12/19 Winter Chorus Concert
12/21 Half Day - Dismissal at 11:35
12/21 - 1/03 Holiday Break
1/04 Students Return
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