Viking Family Digest
August 9th, 2022
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Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!
First Day of School
When: Wednesday, August 17th
Time: 7:40am - 1:00pm ** Early Release**
What to Bring: Bring your backpack and school supplies, if you have not been in to set up your locker already. There will be lunch on Early Release days, please plan accordingly
Orientation Nights - 6th Graders and NEW 7th/8th graders
The purpose of this night is to have a short presentation about middle school life and have the opportunity to walk through the building to find your student's classrooms. You can also drop off any school paperwork (physicals, etc.) The evening will begin with a presentation in the Main Gym. Please enter through door 1# (main entrance).
Dates and Times:
- 6th Grade & New 7th/8th Graders A- L : August 9th (6:00pm - 7:00pm)
- 6th Grade & New 7th/8th Graders M-Z: August 11th (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
*If you cannot attend your night, you may attend the other one*
Locker Set Up
Friday August 12th 8:00am - 3:00pm
Monday August 15th 8:00am - 3:00pm
Bring in your materials to set up your locker. There is no need to make an appointment, this is a walk-in event. Linked here is the school supply list for the school year. Organization is key to a successful year. Here are a few tips for you:
- No tape is to be used - please use magnets
- Find an organizational strategy that works for your child (color coding folders/ binder, etc).
- Minimal decorations help to keep things organized.
Erin's Law - Be Seen and Heard Program
In response to the state mandate of educating students about Erin’s Law, District 47 will again be hosting the Be Seen and Heard© program, a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse awareness program, for students in grades K-8. Parents/guardians are invited to attend a special informational meeting about the Be Seen and Heard© program on Monday, August 15th, 2022 at 6:30 pm at Husmann Elementary School (131 Paddock St. in Crystal Lake). Spanish translation will be provided. To learn more about Victor Pacini or Erin’s Law, or see an overview of the program, click these links: About Victor Pacini, about Erin’s Law, the English Peace of Mind Video for Parents , and Spanish Peace of Mind Video for Parents
Attendance procedure change for 2022-23
Starting the first day of school (August 17, 2022), District 47’s attendance reporting procedures will change. If your child will be absent from school, parents/guardians will need to log into ParentVue to report the absence before the start of the school day -- by 8:50 a.m. (preK and elementary) and by 7:30 a.m. (middle school).
Once logged in, you will see a box with your child’s name. Click the Report Absence button in the box to complete the quick, two-step reporting process. Note: You must state the reason for your child’s absence in order to complete this process. If you have more than one child in District 47 who will be absent, you will need to complete the process for each child. For assistance, see the resources below:
If you do not enter this information in ParentVue by the time school starts and your child is absent from school, you will receive a phone call, email and text message reminder to log into ParentVue. If you have any questions, please email the parent help desk at hd@d47.org with the subject line “ParentVue Attendance.”
COMMUNICATIONS EXPECTATIONS
As we launch the 2022-23 school year, we’d like to remind families that teachers, staff and principals prioritize teaching and learning and engaging with students during the school day. They are not expected to monitor their email while school is in session. Please allow 24-48 hours for an email response. If your concern is urgent, please contact the school’s main office. Thank you.
PTO
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year! The Bernotas PTO is looking for volunteers! Please take a moment to fill out the Volunteer Form
If you are unsure, and would like more information, please reach out! If you have worked on an elementary school PTO, or volunteered for events, please know that middle school is a different level of commitment, and it goes by quickly!
Please feel free to email me at jennletak@gmail.com, and I would be happy to connect with you! All of our meetings are open to all, please come anytime!
Physicals and Immunizations
Be sure to schedule your back-to-school physicals and immunizations now. These are due before the first day of school. To access the health forms click here.
7th and 8th Grade Volleyball Tryouts
The 7th & 8th-grade conference volleyball Tryouts will be held on Monday, August 15th from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm, and Tuesday, August 16th from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm. To tryout, you must have a physical on file (current physical, sports physicals only are valid for 1 year) in the nurse's office and you need to be registered on 8 to 18. You can find 8 to 18 through the above link as well as on the Bernotas Website. Here is the link to the 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball 2022 Girls Volleyball Schedule
6th 7th and 8th Grade Cross Country
Cross Country is a running sport that helps promote health and an appreciation of the outdoors. Runners run a two-mile race at scheduled meets. At practices, runners will build stamina running the Bernotas track as well as “courses” around the school property and nearby streets. Students will be expected to run while at practice and the effort to push themselves is part of our sport and important to the team.
Practices are Mondays through Thursdays after school until 4:00 PM and Meets are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM until approximately 5:30 PM. Cross Country is a team sport where runners earn points, so attendance is mandatory. Please see the posted schedule of practices and meets to ensure that your child is able to commit to the team for this season. Students involved in other clubs or activities may wish to join track in the spring.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Bus riders:
ALL busing will be out front, both in the morning and afternoon.
- 6th Grade at door #20 (athletic entrance)
- 7th Grade at door #2 (flag pole)
- 8th Grade at door #1 (main entrance)
Walkers and bike riders:
Walkers and bike riders will be coming in the front of the school (Door #1) along with bus riders.
Car riders:
Parents will enter through the church parking lot off of Oak Street and follow signs to drop off students at our door #5. They will then exit from the back parking lot.
- 6th Grade enter and exit at door #7
- 7/8th Grade enter and exit at door #5
Tips and Tricks to Start off Middle School
PBIS
- Just as in grade school, middle school is a PBIS school. At RBMS we are respectful, responsible, and safe. We open the THOR Store on Fridays during lunch to redeem Thor Hammers earned.
Chromebooks
- All 6th graders, new 7th graders, and 8th graders will receive new Chromebooks in August. You should charge them nightly and update them weekly.
Assignment Notebook and Schedules
- All 6th-grade students will receive an assigned notebook in August. Be sure to label them with your student's name and grade. Also, review the student handbook with your student.
- Print your personalized schedule which you can get from ParentVue
Technology
- Clever: Your student is proficient in using this portal, they'll continue using it at RBMS
- StudentVue/ParentVue: Access to homework, grades, and schedule
- SeeSaw: Main communication source between teachers, parents, and students
Please review the middle school cell phone policy linked here.
Cafeteria Menus
Peachjar E-Flyers
School Calendar
ParentVue
Information regarding class assignments/schedules and bus information will be available as of Wednesday, Aug 10th after 12:00pm.
NEW: Reporting Student Absences via ParentVue
Starting with the 2022-23 school year, District 47’s attendance reporting procedures will change. If a student will be absent from school, parents/guardians will need to log into ParentVue to report the absence and notify the school. Click the link for more information.
PTO
To view information regarding Bernotas's PTO meeting dates and board members, click this link.
Be "In the Know" - Download the D47 app!
170 N. Oak St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 788-5600