Bumpus Bulletin
MARCH 30, 2020
Bumpus Middle School
Email: bumpuspr@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: https://www.hoovercityschools.net/bumpus
Location: 6055 Flemming Parkway, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BUMPUSMS/
Twitter: @RFBumpus
WORD OF THE WEEK - "Sense of Humor"
To have a sense of humor is to laugh and be playful without harming others.
“Every survival kit should include a sense of humor.”
--Anonymous
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Certainly words to live by from Dr. Johnson.
As we continue to prepare for Week 1 of Online Forward Learning, I want to start by saying THANK YOU, in advance, to our parents and students for your patience as we navigate this uncharted territory. Even though we were on "Spring Break" when we learned the news from Governor Ivey and Dr. Mackey regarding our return to school, we were still able to firm up our plans for our next steps. Our ultimate goal is to engage students in Forward Learning for the remainder of the school year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will we begin to receive assignments from our teachers?
We have been asked to begin forward learning on April 6th. Teachers have been asked to make sure the lines of communication are open with all of their students and parents during the early part of this week. We will all be assessing the needs of our students in order to help them prepare to be successful.
How will assignments be delivered?
Students will receive assignments in an online format, unless we know that paper/pencil assignments are needed. Those copies will then be made available to students and graded by their teachers before being returned. Parents and students will have access to each teacher's Week at a Glance on our Bumpus webpage. This will include all academic, elective and PE classes. The Week at a Glance will provide everything you need for the entire week. It is designed to have clear and simplified activities for students for each academic subject as well as all electives and PE courses. It will be available for viewing on Monday morning. It was designed with parents/caregivers in mind and is presented in a "to-do-list" style.
What can we expect the assignments to look like?
You can expect direct instruction from teachers, outside videos to watch, work from an online textbook, reading and writing activities, and other instructional activities aligned with the content standards. It will be flexible enough to be self-paced for the week with regular check-ins available with their classroom teachers who will have office hours for questions.
How will students receive assistance with assignments, if it is needed?
We have organized ourselves so that each teacher and team has a support network around them to assist with responding to the needs of teachers and students. We have an Instructional Team, Support Team, and a Communication Team. The teachers will be working to move into new content while not overwhelming the students. This will be a balancing act for us as we try to figure out how long a lesson will take the students to complete. As we learn and grow, if you feel that the work load is extremely heavy in one subject over the others, please let me know.
What can we expect in the upcoming weeks of Forward Learning?
We have planned assignments with clear instructions and flexible weekly activities that are standards based. To make same day Q & A as well as support possible, in the event you are unable to reach your classroom teacher, grade level counselor or grade level administrator, we have a dedicated email address that will be responded to by our Communication Team (bumpushelp@hoover.k12.al.us)
What about students with specialized needs?
We will continue to provide the support services through their current point of contact (IEP, 504, ELL, Intervention).
When will we be able to pick our personal items up from the school?
There will be several days/times set aside for parents and students to pick up personal items from hall, PE and band lockers. We have to coordinate the pick up in a manner that respects the social distancing requirements and the fewer than 10 individuals gathering requirements. Keeping you all safe is our top priority.
Will the school be open each day?
While there will likely be someone on campus each day, the building will not be open to the public. Most access to the building by students, parents and teachers will be by appointment only.
What should we be doing at home to prepare?
Continue to build a solid routine and schedule for each day. Gather all of your resources for the learning time. Note what your needs are and let your teachers know.
Will Chromebooks continue to be serviced and repaired?
Yes. There will be a drop-off and pick-up system established at each school.
What about refunds for cancelled field trips and events?
Refunds will be processed according to guidance from our Chief School Financial Officer (CSFO). Stay tuned.
What about tryouts for 20-21 school teams?
All activities have been cancelled until after June 5th. We plan to have team selections when we are permitted to do so and in a manner that is equitable for all.
I want you to know that there is a high level of collaboration happening behind the scenes with the teachers and administrators daily! This has been described as our "Apollo-13" moment. We are in full problem-solving mode and you are an essential part of that team.
Spirit Week
To get us revved up for our first week of digital learning, we will have the first -ever Digital Spirit Week at RFBMS! Parents, our students can post pictures with your permission on either their grade level Padlet or their grade level Google Form. Stay tuned to your email inbox students for links to these forums. Your pics will be shared with your teachers and administrators. We can't wait to see you. Let's have some fun and show our BUCS spirit!
20-21 Course Request Sheets
We will deliver these electronically to parent email accounts in the upcoming days. Stay tuned.
Morning Announcements...Pledge
I plan to continue with the Pledge each weekday and a few announcements. It will be video recorded.
Peace
Dr. Tamala R. Maddox
HCS Technology Department Resources
For Student/Parent/Teacher Assistance
News from ALSDE
NEWS FROM YOUR COUNSELORS
Your grade level counselors are available through email and our Google classrooms. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or needs. The following link provides great information and resources to help during this stressful time.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qol2Vnvdc6aCLon6TvuF3UBiv0r-xr8BIql9XRGBMOE/edit?usp=sharing
Also in Spanish......
TEAM NEWS
Hello Team 6-1!
- Hello to all of you! Hope this message finds each of you and your families in good health and in positive mindsets! We have been working hard and lesson planning for you to continue learning moving forward! The journey of online learning will begin on April 6th! Make sure to continue to check Team Google Classroom until that date! As always, we give you our promise we are all in this together! Continue to eat healthy snacks, get good night’s rest, exercise, read, charge your chromebook, and wash your hands! Remember “Team 6-1... gets it done!” - Ms. Simmons, Ms. Etheredge, Ms. Lollar, and Mr. Sutter.
Dear 6-2 Parents and Students,
Hey, 6-2! We have missed you so much! We hope you have enjoyed this time with your family. We are so excited about starting our virtual learning next Monday, April 6th. We have a form on the 6-2 page of Google Classroom that we need each of you to fill out. It’s important that we know who is ready to begin learning online. Please use this link: https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzc1MjEzMjMwOTZa
and if you need it, the code is gaxvyf6. The form is attached there. Please fill that out and submit to us today. Each one of us will be reaching out to you by email sometime today, and we really would love for you to reply and check in with us. We want to hear from you and see how you are. Excited to get back to learning soon!
Mrs. Corbitt, Mr. Nobles, Mrs. Pope, and Mrs. Rodas
Hi from 6-3!
- We hope you and your family are doing well. We have received a few emails from some of you asking about assignments. You are not required to do any work at this time. You are more than welcome to do IXL, read a book, keep a journal about your days during Corona as we are all living through history, but nothing is required. The plan is to start back with class assignments on April 6th. Right now enjoy this time with your family. We plan to send you an email sometime during the week of March 30th with some guidelines of what we will do starting on April 6th. So be on the lookout for that email in about two weeks. We love you and miss you all! Enjoy your time and be safe! We can all be reached by email if you should have any questions for us. Sincerely, Kane Peckham, Leigh Ann Roe, Jennifer Salvant, and Kim WIlliams.
Hello Team 6-4!
- We hope you are all enjoying this time at home. Crossing our fingers that everyone stay well. Each teacher has posted some ideas on their google classroom pages for things that you can do for each subject. These "assignments" are not required and will not be graded! Let us know if you have any questions. Remember to social distance and wash your hands! Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Robinson, Mrs. Lloyd, and Mrs. Kutz.
Hi from Team 7-1!
- We hope all of your families are safe and well. We will be sending a parent email with optional resources for students. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Mrs. Shuleva, Mr. Grainger, Mr. Hudson, and Mrs. Adema.
Hi from Team 7-2!
Are you ready to embark on a new adventure?! Your team teachers are ready to begin communicating with you. Please be on the lookout for emails, Google Classroom posts and other important communication that will be coming your way SOON! This week we will be getting in touch with each of you so that we can begin our forward learning April 6. Please respond so that we know you are out there and how you are doing.
We are ALL in this together and we will find our way through this new territory!! - Mrs. Yarboro, Mrs. Bindert, Ms. Price, and Mr James.
Hi from Team 7-3!
We hope this finds you well. Please check for a Team Newsletter with more information and a survey to complete. Also, we want to see how your child is doing, so we will be placing a check-in on Google Classroom. Please have them check and complete this by Tuesday, March 31. Please know that we miss being in the formal classroom setting, but we cannot wait to get started soon. Mrs. Truelove, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Ellis, and Mr. Houston.
Hello Team 7-4!
- We hope you are all enjoying this time at home. Crossing our fingers that everyone stay well. Each teacher has posted some ideas on their google classroom pages for things that you can do for each subject. These "assignments" are not required and will not be graded! Let us know if you have any questions. Remember to social distance and wash your hands! Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Robinson, Mrs. Lloyd, and Mrs. Kutz.
Greetings from 8-1!
- We miss you all! We miss seeing you in our classrooms and in the halls. We miss your smiles and laughter. We miss watching you go crazy outside during Defenestration Friday. We even miss your occasional sleepiness! We just miss each of you a whole lot. And we look forward to being back in touch with you. Stay safe, stay healthy. And we’ll be in touch soon. Mr. Daughtry, Mrs. Jostsons, Ms. Knox, and Mr. Stephens.
Hi from Team 8-2!
- We are diligently working with school administrators to assure that your child receives the information needed to be prepared to return or go forth in e-learning. We asked that if you are able to please check google classroom and daily emails. Communication is key during this time. We wish you and your families good health. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Mrs. Millhouse, Mr. McCombs, Ms. Ellis, and Mrs. Speed.
Aloha Team 8-3!
- We sure miss you guys! We hope you are hanging in there and practicing your social distancing! Please continue to check the Team 8-3 Google Classroom for messages from us and be sure to check your emails regularly. Some practice IXL has already been posted, and the links to log your IRB books are also posted. Keep reading your independent reading books, in MyOn, and Overdrive. Be sure to help your parents and your family.
- Take care and be strong - Mrs. Burbridge, Coach Croyle, Coach Doran, and Mr. Kennedy.
ELL Dept. - Nadia Hives nhives@hoover.k12.al.us
- Access for ELLs 2.0 testing is complete for the 19/20 school year. I love and miss you guys! Please let me know if I can help in any way during this time of transition.
Mrs Caudill's Classes-
- Hi, guys! I miss you already. Please check Google Classroom and respond to the post or email me as soon as possible so I know we will be able to communicate while we are apart. If you need something to work on, please read on MyOn or in your independent reading book and/or work on Prodigy.
Special Education/Instructional Support-Mrs. Gannon, Ms. Tucker, Mrs. Haney, Mrs.Rendon
- Parents/Guardians of students who receive Special Education/Instructional Support services: Based on current guidance from the state, timelines and evaluations are on pause as we figure out a plan; however, your child's case manager remains your main point of contact and is working closely with general education teachers to develop a plan for appropriate accommodations and supports. Please email your child's case manager with individual questions, and we will keep you informed as we learn more.
NEWS FROM YOUR ELECTIVE DEPARTMENT & P.E. DEPARTMENT
- Be sure your child has thoroughly cleaned their mouthpiece using the cleaning information that was sent out via email on Tuesday.
- Assignments have been/will be posted on SmartMusic so that students can continue to play and progress during this time. None of these are required or count towards a grade at this time.
HEALTH EDUCATION - Mrs. Harbison
- These days Health Education is more important than ever! I am looking forward to helping my students, and their families, stay healthy mentally, physically, and socially (at a distance) during this uncertain time. Through our curriculum I will help students navigate how to access reliable health info, make healthy food choices, and avoid risky behaviors. I will also offer ideas on how to be physically active at home. Excited to connect with you all!
- Connect with me on Instagram @coach_harb or jharbison@hoover.k12.al.us
- You've probably seen on the news how performers are using their talents to help us all through this challenging time. Through our curriculum, we'll look at how theatre can help us express our feelings, explore social issues, and tell the stories that sustain our culture. We'll also have whole family activities that will help fill your hours and entertain you and your friends through social media.
FAMILY LIVING - Mrs. Fitzgerald
- Hello parents and students. After spring break, parents and students will receive an email that includes the information to join my Google Classrooms. Students will receive interactive lessons pertaining to Family Living after the break. In this time of social distancing, it is a great time to get into the kitchen to of your homes to make meals together as a family and explore different recipes and foods. It is also more important than ever to use good kitchen sanitation practices. I look forward to teaching you and will be in touch soon through email.
SPANISH I - Señora / Mme Raby.
iHola! / Bonjour!
I hope you are all well and I certainly hope you enjoyed your Spring break as much as possible under these very challenging circumstances.
I miss seeing all of you, that is why I’m looking forward to continue teaching you online until the very end of the school year. Please stay safe and be on the lookout for information coming from me very soon.
- After spring break, parents and students will receive an email that includes the introductory information as well as how to join my Google classroom. From there, parents and students will receive interactive lessons to assist not only students, but families in learning the Spanish language at their own pace. Opportunities for extra credit will also be available to those students that do extra learning while at home.
ART - Mrs. Carter
- Please check your emails for google classroom codes that were sent out last week and if you have not joined, please do as soon as possible! I am looking forward to the new opportunities we will have creating art in a new format! Information will be forthcoming, but for now PLEASE be sure you have joined my google classroom! Enjoy your week!!
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - Mr. Doss
7th & 8th Grade Digital Photography with Mr. Doss Students & Parents:
I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to transitioning into this new virtual photography course with each of you. Throughout the week I will be working towards building our online environment and establishing the foundation for the virtual course implementation. 7th & 8th grade students and their parents should expect an email that includes essential information related to our 4th 9-weeks Digital Photography course by this week's conclusion in order to be prepared for class beginning on April 6. Many students also have cameras stored in my classroom that I will be boxing up and delivering to the front office for pickup once clearance has been given to re-enter our school. Please let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns and stay healthy.
- 8th grade - I will be using Google Classroom and email to communicate with students when we begin online learning. If a student does not have the code, email me.
- 6th grade - You will be contacted with the Google Classroom code for my class at a later date.
CHOIR STUDENTS - Mrs. Walker & Mr. DeShazo
- I hope that all of you are in a comfortable, safe place. When the news of school closure came late Friday afternoon, I couldn’t help but think of how thankful I am for each of you, my students, whom I am blessed to make music with every day. Mr. DeShazo and I are so proud of our 6th grade students who got straight superior ratings at their State Assessment in February. 7th and 8th grade students were working so hard to prepare for their State Assessment performances and were sounding so good. I know that uncertainty right now can cause us to stress out or become anxious. However, I also know that music can combat these emotions and bring peace and familiarity. In these uncertain times, I hope you will turn to music as a source of joy and comfort and keep singing. I look forward to being able to sing with all of you again soon.
6-8 COMPUTER SCIENCE- Mr. Collins
- In the event COVID-20 is a digital virus, I want to get your kids started on the path to understanding computer science. We will discuss the fundamentals of computational logic and algorithmic thinking to better understand how computers communicate. If you are a student, know that all information flows through my website. Please visit Collins CS for information such as Google Classroom codes and daily assignments. Find your grade level on the navigation bar and find the correct date. I look forward to meeting you!
DEBATE & READING - Ms. Hall
Debate: I am excited to get to know each of you! Rest up this week so that you are ready to learn when we resume with online classes April 6th. Check your school email this week for a message from me, and make sure you respond by Wednesday, April 1st.
Reading: I hope each of you had a chance to do something fun for your Spring Break while keeping safe and staying healthy. Fourth nine weeks will begin shortly. I will be reaching out to you this week. Check your school email, and try to respond to my message by Wednesday, April 1st.
MULTI MEDIA, STUDY SKILLS, and 6th Gr. ELA & MATH STUDENTS! - Mrs. Jones
I hope you and your families are all doing well and staying healthy. Please remember to check Google Classroom and email for updates.
6th grade MM - I will email class codes for all the programs we will be using. I look forward to getting to know you!
8th grade MM - we will be working on projects using all the Google apps we learned last 9 weeks.
P.E. DEPARTMENT - Coaches Love, Eubanks, Jeffries, Watson, Heard and Holden.
New Google Classrooms have been created for each PE teacher. All students need to join their teacher's new pages immediately. Each PE teacher will have a different google classroom for each period they teach. All of the old pe classroom pages will be deleted and students need to be connected to the new pages when E-Learning begins on April 6th.
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COVID-19
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The impact of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is being felt all over the world. With lots of information being rolled out, it’s important to receive and share accurate information, so that you can take the necessary steps to keep yourself and those around you safe.
We believe we are better when we work together. That’s why we have designed a range of social media posts and poster templates to help our community share accurate information from the World Health Organization.
#stopthespread with these handy tips. Follow these tips from the World Health Organization to keep yourself safe and help contain the spread of the virus.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose.
3. Avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. And if you can’t, wear a mask.
4. Cover your cough with the bend of your elbow.
5. Disinfect surfaces you regularly use.
6. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider.
7. Only share information from trusted sources.