Bear Bulletin
April 25, 2022
Topics Included in this Newsletter
- Note from Mrs. Spencer
- Mark Your Calendar, Bears!
- #SBISDProud: Growth in Reading and Math
- Enrollment Verification: Get Ahead for Next Year!
- Course Verification for 2022-2023
- Athletic Paperwork for 2022-2023
- Low-Cost Physicals for SBISD Athletes
- MHS Mustang Sweetheart Information
- SBMS Presents Oliver, Jr!
- SBISD 2022-2023 Academic Calendar!
- Volunteers Needed for the 8th Grade Dance!
- 8th Grade Dance Reminders
- Rising 6th Grader Toolkit (Current 5th Graders)
- SBMS Bear Camp: Mark Your Calendars!
- SBMS Yearbook: Orders Closed!
- Information from Nurse Mulvey for 6th Grade Parents
- SBMS PTA Information for 2021-2022
Message from Mrs. Spencer
Good Morning, SBMS Bears,
I hope this finds you well and that you were able to enjoy Super Saturday. It was great to see folks out and about, watch student presentations, see the Ag farm animals and, in general, celebrate the SBISD community. We are truly fortunate to be a part of it!
I do not have a great deal of new information but if you have not read the articles below, there is helpful content. The 8th Grade dance needs volunteers for the 6:30 p.m. time slots, if you are available and there are things you can do to prepare for next year- either returning student verification paperwork or athletic physicals.
During Monday's CIT meeting (4:15 p.m., attendance is welcome but only CIT members may vote and participate), we will review our campus needs assessment and discuss the process for selecting our new assistant principal for 2022-2023. We will review our Title I framework and consider this our second Title I meeting of the school year. Please join us. You may click here for the agenda.
If you are so inclined, I strongly encourage you to review your child's use of the AirDrop function and various social media apps on their phone. AirDrop is a function that share and receive photos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby. You may learn more about how to use it by clicking here. You may wish to turn yours on while holding your child's phone (if they have an Apple product) to determine if theirs is turned on and they might have named it. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more issues related to phones. While not entirely pleasant, a review of your child's phone, their apps, text messaging and AirDrop are necessary functions in this day and age. As we prepare our children to be drivers, their responsible use of their phone and those apps can guide us on whether or not they are mature enough to operate a motor vehicle. This approach has worked with several families I have met with over the years; please consider taking the time and giving your child the guardrails to be successful. IF you want a tutorial on checking some of these devices and how you might structure the conversation with your child, bring your phone and I will do my best to walk you through it. I will host a very informal session on this on Friday, April 29th at 9:15 a.m. in the library if you are interested in learning more. I think it will last about 30-45 minutes. Please keep in mind I am no tech expert, but I can share what little I do know about what I am seeing.
As we prepare for another week, please note:
- STAAR is ONLINE this year. Students need to report any issues they are experiencing with their chromebook or if they have lost their device or charger in advance of testing May 5th and 6th (8th Graders) and May 10th and 11th for 6th-8th Grade. Students will be turning in their devices ahead of testing to ensure no one forgets them on the day of testing.
- Please limit what your child brings to school. No stuffed animals, baseball cards, gaming consoles or stuffed animals should be brought to SBMS.
- SBISD Police Request: Please stop picking up children along the feeder to I-10. It is truly an unsafe behavior for you as a driver, our students and the officer helping with traffic.
- SBMS Lost and Found Items: All items will be disposed of the first week of June. Please ask your child to come visit the Lost and Found in the office- or you are welcome to visit, too!
Let's have a great week, Bears!
Stefanie
Mark Your Calendars, Bears!
Mark your calendars for a few events, Bears:
CIT/Title I Meeting:
- Monday, April 25th at 4:15 p.m. in the SBMS Library
Cell Phone Spencer Workshop:
- Want a super informal conversation on how to review your child's cell phone and how you might walk through it with your child? Mrs. Spencer is happy to try to help on Friday, April 29th at 9:15 a.m. Bring your fully charged phone if you are interested (pls know she is no expert, but is willing to try!)
STAAR Exams:
- 8th Grade Science (May 5th), 8th Grade Social Studies (May 6th)
- 6th-8th Grade Math (May 10th) and 6th-8th Grade Reading (May 11th)
- ALL Exams are ONLINE. Students need to bring their fully charged school-issued chromebooks.
SBMS Finals Information:
- The finals schedule will be posted by late April, if not earlier.
- Finals Reviews will be printed, sent home and posted to itsLearning on Friday, May 13th.
- Early Release occurs Tuesday, May 24th-Thursday, May 26th at 12:30 p.m. during finals week.
SBMS Events for 8th Graders:
- April 30th: 8th Grade Dance from 7-10 p.m.
- May 26th: 8th Grade Farewell Ceremony at 11 a.m
Additional calendar tools:
- SBMS Google Calendars: SBMS uses a few calendars to help parents stay informed on events at school. The SBMS Public Calendar covers all academic and band/fine arts activities. The SBMS Athletics Activities Calendar covers the different athletic games we offer throughout the year. Please note neither calendar is up to date as of yet. Once game schedules are set by the district and other dates finalized by SBMS in relationship to Fine Arts, we will post these to the calendar.
- SBISD Calendar: English/Spanish
#SBISDPROUD: Growth in Reading and Math
Did you know? Data from the 2020-21 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) showed that 70% of SBISD students are reading on or above grade-level. This is higher than the region or state! View 2020-21 TAPR results here: https://bit.ly/3KJc5F9
ELECTION DAY IS SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022.
Early Voting Dates are April 25-May 3, 2022.
The SBISD Board of Trustees has called for a bond election to appear on the May 7, 2022, ballot.
Important information about the proposed bond, and the Board of Trustees election can be found at the links here.
Three trustee positions, two bond propositions, one ballot, one chance to vote!
SBMS Presents: Oliver, Jr!: Link to Order Tickets is Available!
Consider Yourself at Home! Consider Yourself One of the Family!
Spring Branch Middle School Drama Club STUDENTS
present
LIONEL BART’S
Oliver!. Jr
Based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and adapted from the full-length musical by Lionel Bart, this shortened version follows a trusting young orphan named Oliver Twist who dreams of finding where he truly belongs.
SBMS TheaterArts presents ~ Oliver! Jr.
Thursday 4/28 at 6:30PM
Friday 4/29 at 7PM
Saturday 4/30 at 2PM
performed with one 15 minute intermission ~ approx 1.5 hrs
at Spring Branch Middle School’s Auditorium
Tickets are $5 students, $8 adults, 5 and under FREE
Order Tickets using this link or MySchoolBucks:
Oliver sings a breathtaking song asking ‘where is love?’ He ultimately finds the answer in unlikely places with help from unexpected people. The process of putting on this award-winning and beloved musical, students put in hours of hard work. Musical director Kathleen Holder and director Amy Bruce think they deserve a standing ovation.
The famous words, “Please, sir, I want some more,” launch a malnourished Oliver out of the grim 19th century workhouse where he has lived since his mother’s untimely death. The young boy eventually falls in with a friendly gang of pickpockets and their leader, Fagin. Oliver quickly realizes he is not fit for a life of crime, and discovers the life he was meant to live all along.
Oliver! JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International.
Enrollment Verification: Help Us Prepare for Next School Year!
Each year, parents of students returning to SBISD are asked to update their enrollment paperwork through Skyward Family Access. The system asks for updated contact information, an electronic signature for annually required forms and verification of what has been entered at registration. Next school year's verification is now open! Please go to this website and log in to Skyward Family Access. Once there, there will be a button on the left related to Returning Student Verification. Click on that and make sure each form is up to date! You will be glad to get that squared away before the start to the new school year!
Please note that the CNS (Child Nutrition Services) form may not be available just yet. You may click on the link it gives you, review the content and then proceed to the next step.
Course Verification for 2022-2023
The following message was sent out a few weeks prior:
As a final step in the course selection process for next year’s classes, you have the opportunity to verify the courses that were selected and are in Skyward. Here are the steps to verify next year’s selections:
1) Log into Skyward Student OR Family Access
2) Click on PORTFOLIO from the left side list
3) Click on 2022-2023 COURSE VERIFICATION- This will prompt you to open a document.
4) View courses.
5) Everything okay?- Nothing more is needed from you!
6) Something missing or wrong? You have two options:
- Print the document, write the changes and submit it to your Grade Level Counselor via email or drop off.
OR
- Email your Grade Level Counselor to submit changes.
- ** Course Selection Sheets and Course Catalog is attached if needed**
·
- Grade 7: Jerry Roberts: jerry.roberts@springbranchisd.com (Sub while Mrs. Richie is on Maternity Leave)
- Grade 8: Stephanie Blackmon: stephanie.blackmon@springbranchisd.com
In order to keep our athletes healthy and safe, the University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) mandates certain requirements. All incoming 7th and 8th graders who will participate in athletics (football, volleyball, basketball, track, cross country and soccer) during the 2022-23 school year MUST complete the required paperwork. In order to be apart of the SBMS Athletics program, the required paperwork consists of two items: (1) physical evaluation conducted by a physician and (2) electronic forms through Rank One. You may access the forms by clicking here or visiting the front office for hard copies. Paper copies are going home next week with students.
PHYSICAL EVALUATION: All athletes must have a current physical on file with the coaches. In an effort to align with the practices of the high school athletic program, all physicals MUST be dated no earlier than April 1, 2022. Spring Branch ISD in partnership with Memorial Hermann will be offering low cost physicals on Saturday, May 7th from 8:00am to 1:00pm at Northbrook High School. Athletes can also see their own personal physician to have the physical completed. Click here to access the physical evaluation form.
RANK ONE: The electronic forms can be accessed through the Rank One website. Click here for Rank One. There are three forms to complete in Rank One: (1)Consent to Treat and Insurance, (2) Special Medical Information and (3) UIL Forms Signature Page.
· In addition to the three forms, there may be a need for further documentation based on the Special Medical Information. This documentation pertains to any athlete who require an epi-pen, inhaler or diabetic need . These forms will have to be downloaded from Rank One and require a doctor’s signature.
For the insurance section, athletes that choose to purchase the district insurance, will have to pay $25. Payments can be made by bringing a check (made out to Spring Branch ISD), cash for $25 to his/her coach or paying through the My School Bucks app. Athletes refusing the district insurance will simply upload both the front and back of their health insurance card to the Rank One website. If both types of insurance are chosen, the athlete will need to upload their health insurance card (front and back) to the Rank One website and pay the $25.
Refer to the Rank One FAQ’s below for more information:
The SBMS Athletic Department is asking that ALL required paperwork be submitted by Monday, May 23, 2022. If the paperwork is not submitted by this time, the athlete’s schedule may not reflect their selection of being in the athletics class for the 2022-23 school year. No athlete will be allowed to participate in athletics until all paperwork (physical evaluation and all Rank One electronic forms) is completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email or call. We look forward to a great 2022-23 school year!
Rank One Sport On-line Pre-Participation Physical Packet FAQs
1. What does it mean to be “under a doctor’s care”? Who needs a clearance note and who doesn’t?
If you have recently seen a physician for a medical condition, or you require ongoing medical care, please provide a medical release note from your treating physician that releases you to athletic participation. This note may be emailed to your coach or athletic trainer. You may contact your athletic trainer with any questions.
2. What is the “valid” date for all physicals?
Physicals for the 2022-23 school year must be dated AFTER 4/1/2022.
3. Do I still need to get my inhaler form/epi-pen form/student self-management of diabetes completed by my doctor?
Yes, you will need to have a new form completed and signed by your prescribing physician.
4. I want to get an EKG for my child. Can they participate if they have not gotten the results/had the exam yet? Do you require me to give you the results of the EKG exam?
EKGs are optional and your child will not be held out of sports participation while they are waiting on the results of their EKG exam. Please send your results to your athletic trainer when you receive them.
5. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Girls Athletics
Chenique Whitney
Chenique.whitney@springbranchisd.com
(713)251-4455
Boys Athletics
Scott Singletary
Robert.singletary@springbranchisd.com
(713)251-4456
Check the physical requirement for SBMS Athletics off the list! In collaboration with SBISD Athletics, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is offering comprehensive, low-cost physicals to all SBISD athletes. Physicals include:
- Height and weight
- Vision Screening
- Blood Pressure
- Medical History Assessment
Physicals will be administered by primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants affiliated with Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and will be $10 for middle and high school athletes. Payment can be made by cash or check; no insurance will be accepted! Free physicals are available for athletes who qualify for reduced lunch programs.
Our introductory event is the MHS Senior Car Parade, Saturday, May 14 and we would love to have as many girls join us as we can. It's an exciting pre-high school event that gives them a sample of the excitement to come!
The registration link is clickable on the gray tab of the pdf, but spelled out as well in the case that there are any problems clicking directly.
SBISD 2022-2023 Academic Calendar
VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THE 6:30 P.M. SLOTS
FOR THE 8TH GRADE DANCE
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30!!!
We still need the following volunteers:
Coat Check, Dance Chaperones, Serving Food & Dad Security
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084caeaf29a20-8thgrade
Be sure you are an SBISD Volunteer! Click here to register, if you have not already:
https://www.springbranchisd.com/engage/register-to-volunteer
8th Grade Dance Reminders
All,
This was the content we distributed to students earlier this semester, in case you need it for shopping or planning purposes:
January 24, 2022
Dear Eighth Grade Parents/Guardians and Students:
I am pleased to announce that the Eighth Grade Dance will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. in the Spring Branch Middle School cafeteria.
The following will preclude ANY student from attending the 8th Grade Dance: (Lists will be posted in the Cafeteria)
- Any student who has attended DAEP during the 2021-2022 school year.
- Any student suspended from school for any number of days after the date of the assembly (1/24/22). (OSS)
- Any student who has served MORE THAN 5 DAYS in Campus AEP after the date of the assembly (1/24/22). (ISS)
- Furthermore, all students attending must have cleared all outstanding obligations (ex. no outstanding fees for textbooks, library books or chrome books) to the school.
In order for all students to enjoy the dance, the following list of guidelines have been developed. These guidelines are provided to ensure that all students enjoy a fun, safe evening:
- All school rules apply to students attending the dance. Any significant offense could result in the student’s removal from end-of-year promotion activities.
- Limousines are not allowed. Flowers are not allowed.
- Dates are discouraged greatly. This is a time for all students to feel included and enjoy the evening.
- All students will be dropped off and picked up at the cafeteria entrance on Piney Point Road.
- Students will not be admitted into the dance after 8:00 P.M. If a student leaves the dance early, he/she will not be allowed to return. Students will only be released to their parents/guardian.
- Students must dress in good taste. Boys should wear long pants and a coat and tie. Jeans are not allowed. Girls should wear a dress or a nice pants outfit. No strapless dresses will be allowed. Girls should not wear dresses with a bare midriff. Slits in dresses should not rise above fingertip length. Spaghetti straps are allowed. If there is any confusion as to what is appropriate, please bring the outfit or a picture of the outfit by the office for approval.
- Post dance parties are discouraged.
- The dance ends at 10:00 P.M. All students should be picked up by their parents/guardians on time.
These guidelines are put in place to ensure a memorable time for all students. If you have any questions, please call me at 713.251.4400.
Sincerely,
Mayerling Franchi
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Rising 6th Grade Toolkit- Share with Your Friends!
Dear Parents of Rising 6th Graders (Current 5th Graders),
Click on the image above or use this link to access the following resources for our school:
- Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting Presentation
- Electives Descriptions
- Performing Arts Flyer
- AAC (Advanced Academic Course) Information (previously Pre-AP)
- Course Selection Sheets
- Recording of our Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting Presentation
For those of you who are interested in learning more about SBMS courses, the SBISD Course Catalog document is an excellent resource. Please refer to the English or Spanish version.
Mark Your Calendars for Bear Camp 2022!
SBMS 2021-22 Yearbook!
The Balfour site has officially closed because we have sold out! There will be about 20 extra copies for sale when the books arrive in April or May. There is no wait list; once the books come in students can pay for the book with cash or check.
The yearbook is officially complete and has been submitted! Thank you for all of your help this year with photos.
Contact Sara Boyle, sara.boyle@springbranchisd.com with any other questions about the yearbook!
A Word from the SBMS Library
Overdue Library Books
Please remind your students to turn in overdue library books. They receive an email notice each week with a list of overdue books. There is a cart located outside the library entrance for book returns.
Aaryn Silva
Librarian
Spring Branch Middle School
6th Grade Parents: A Word From Nurse Mulvey
6th grade Parents:
If your child gets any new vaccines this school year please turn in a copy to the nurse. This will help prevent any delay in enrollment for 7th grade.
A Word from the SBMS PTA
Did you know that PTA does much more than fundraising? PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. We are an advocacy organization and our list of "PTA Purposes" are:
- To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and
- place of worship
- To raise the standards of home life
- To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth
- To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers
- may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth
- To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental social and spiritual education
Parents aren't required to volunteer and can still join without providing any time commitment.
Dues as low as $10 allow parents to become voting members, which means they have a VOICE. Parents can save money as a PTA member and receive special discounts and perks, learn how. PTA Membership provides instant support for our students. It's a great way to stay informed about what's happening at our school and connect in meaningful ways with other parents. Our motto is "Every Child. One Voice." Join us Bears!
Find us on social media. For a complete list of links, visit the SBMS PTA website
Missed Last Week's Bear Bulletin?
Please click below by date and you may access previous editions:
- February 13th Bear Bulletin
- February 6th Bear Bulletin
- January 30th Bear Bulletin
- January 23th Bear Bulletin
- January 16th Bear Bulletin
- January 9th Bear Bulletin
- November 7th Bear Bulletin
- October 31st Bear Bulletin
- October 24th Bear Bulletin
- October 17th Bear Bulletin