Bear Bulletin
April 4, 2022
This week is National School Libraries Week! Let's Celebrate OUR Librarian, Ms. Silva!
Topics Included in this Newsletter
- Note from Mrs. Spencer
- Mark Your Calendar, Bears!
- 2022 Bond Committee Meeting: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at MHS!
- Word of Caution: Text "Spoofing"!
- SBISD Track Meet Opportunity
- SBISD Super Saturday Information! April 23rd from 9-Noon!
- SBMS Presents Oliver, Jr!
- SBMS Journalists On the Beat!
- 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 you have enjoyed a lovely weekend. Spring has sprung and the energy of the building is bustling- we have soccer and cross country athletes excited about practices and upcoming competitions, theater arts and choir students preparing for Oliver, Jr (debut musical as a joint Theater Arts/Choir production), UIL competitions for band and orchestra, not to mention we are gearing up for finals and end of year STAAR exams.
We just held two neat things that we haven't held in a few years- the 8th grade Panoramic Picture and our 8th Grade Dance Assembly. The panoramic picture always feels a little like herding cats, but the kids did a fantastic job! We had to work quickly to get our journalism students to a press conference at the Wayne Schaper, Sr Leadership Building, but the kids helped me get the picture taken and that student group dismissed! And, the dance assembly has our kids so excited for the dance on April 30th! Many thanks to our parents who chaired the committee, danced to their favorite yacht rock tunes and got our kids excited about what was to come. The theme this year is, What a Year! T-shirts and invitations will go home with every 8th grader early next week so be on the lookout for those two items!
It was so nice to host those two events- I know I am not alone in being excited to see them return! As we work to close out the year and celebrate students along the way, please remind your students to focus on their academic studies, think before they speak and act, and close out the year nicely. It would be easy to allow the excitement for all that is going to derail us or allow us to lose focus on what we are trying to do- we are trying to build habits, mindsets, and develop the knowledge and skills we need for next school year! Stay focused on the right things, Bears!
As we prepare for another week, please note:
- Restrooms: We are seeing an increase in misbehavior in our bathrooms. Students creating a mess for our custodians or a disorderly bathroom for all will be subject to serious disciplinary consequences, which could prevent them from attending the 8th grade dance, if they are 8th graders. We do not wish to see this occur. Please ask your child to not go into any bathroom if they notice someone has "trashed" it and report it to an administrator. We will be monitoring closely to ensure responsible students are provided consequences up to and including ISS or OSS.
- Chromebooks: Students are required to bring their fully charged chromebook to and from school each day. We will be doing a check on all devices in the next few weeks to ensure devices are in their proper working order and any tickets for repairs or lost devices are placed at that time. This is super important because ALL of STAAR testing is conducted online and student devices need to be in good working order in advance of that testing. Please check in with your child and review their device and accompanying chromebook charging cord. This link will take you to resources for managing your digital device or reporting a lost, stolen chromebook and lost or broken case or charger. If your child's device needs repair, he or she may inform his or her BPT teacher tomorrow and they will instruct them on completing a repair ticket.
- Cell Phones: It remains important that students place their cell phones in the phone caddies in classrooms so they can focus on schoolwork during the instructional period and that parents monitor student use of apps and messaging functions on these devices. If you are uncertain how to do this or need advice on how to approach this, we are happy to talk you through it so that you can support your middle schooler in using these devices.
- 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:
SBMS 3rd 9 Week Honors Assemblies (SBMS Auditorium):
- 6th Grade: April 5th at 8:45 a.m.
- 7th Grade: April 6th at 8:45 a.m.
- 8th Grade: April 7th at 8:45 a.m.
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.
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
2022 Bond Community Meeting- Tuesday, April 5, 7 PM, Memorial High School
2022 Bond Community Meeting- Tuesday, April 5, 7 PM, Memorial High School
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2022 Bond Community Meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Memorial High School. Dr. Blaine and other district leaders will share information about the proposed 2022 Bond package that will be on the May 7 ballot. Spanish interpretation will be available. Two additional community meetings are planned. Learn more at https://www.springbranchisd.com/about/2022bond
Reunión comunitaria de bonos 2022: martes, 5 de Avril, 7 p. m., Memorial High School
Marque sus calendarios y acompáñenos a la reunión comunitaria de bonos de 2022 el martes 5 de Avril a las 7 p. m. en Memorial High School. La Dra. Blaine y otros líderes del distrito compartirán información sobre la propuesta de paquete de Bonos 2022 que estará en la boleta electoral del 7 de mayo. Tendremos interpretación en español disponible. Se planean dos reuniones comunitarias adicionales.Obtenga más información en https://www.springbranchisd.com/about/2022bond
Text Message "Spoofing"
National news coverage has highlighted the increase of texting scams. Also, Technology Services has received reports of similar activities occurring in our community.
SMS spoofing is a technique by which someone sends a text messages impersonating another. Spring Branch ISD will never contact you vial text, email or phone call requesting gift cards, money or bank account information. If you receive any communication impersonating a Spring Branch staff member, please contact the SBISD Police Department at 713-984-9805.
SBISD 6th Grade Track Meet Opportunity! Forms Due 4/5!
The SBMS Health Fitness Department has been working on a Track & Field unit with 6th grade classes covering various events in the sport. These students have a great opportunity to showcase what they have learned by participating in the ….…...
2022 SBISD 6th GRADE TRACK & FIELD MEET
Wednesday, April 6, 2022 @ Stratford High School
14555 Fern Drive Houston, Texas 77079
ANY 6TH GRADER INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING CAN PICK UP A FORM FROM THEIR HEALTH FITNESS TEACHER.
PARTICIPATION FORMS DUE: Tuesday, APRIL 5th
SBMS Presents: Oliver, Jr!
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
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.
SBMS Journalists Take Part in an SBISD Press Conference!
Journalists on the Beat!
Journalist Leppard Poses a Question!
Katherine O'Brien Takes a Turn!
SBISD Super Saturday Information: April 23rd!
On Saturday, April 23, from 9am-noon at the Tully Stadium Complex, SBISD will host Super Saturday: Unity in Our Community – a free festival designed by our own students that will bring together the entire community in celebration of the district’s 75th anniversary and showcase the best of the Spring Branch ISD family!
Planned by SBISD high school students, the festival will feature student and community partner booths, food trucks, live student performances, arts & crafts, a petting zoo, hayrides, representatives from the Houston Dynamo and more! This will truly be an event for the whole family! Free shuttles will run to and from each SBISD middle school throughout the morning. More details to come! Visit www.springbranchisd.com/supersaturday for more information.
SBISD will provide free shuttle buses from zoned middle schools (except Spring Forest, due to proximity) from 8:30am - 12pm on Saturday, April 23.
Ways to Participate:
- Students and Families can attend, volunteer and students can host their own booth!
- The application deadline for student booths has been extended to Monday! We have great representation - but welcome more! Application link is below:
SBISD 2022-2023 Academic Calendar
Parent volunteers are needed for the 8th grade dance on Saturday, April 30th! Sign up via this SignUpGenius:
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