BSE Bear Bulletin
December 12, 2014
Dear Brooks School Parents,
The second semester has come quickly to an end and I wanted to thank all of you for being the most supportive and amazing parent community ever. Each day I walk the halls and classrooms at BSE I see parents assisting teachers in every turn. The library is supported by tremendous volunteers who allow our teachers to collaborate and focus on problem based learning/inquiry that promotes highly engaging instructional opportunities for all of our children. Thank you for all of you who come to our building to build positive relationships and support our students in any fashion! No matter the total time given, each second is highly appreciated by the staff and students at BSE!
As you will read below, the redistricting process will soon be completed. Thank you to all of our BSE parent reps who spent countless hours working on the plans and to all of you for remaining calm and cool as the process ran the required course. I am excited to see the final plan and will spend my early weeks of January preparing for transitions for those coming to BSE and for those who are heading to a new school. It is my promise to ensure that the transition is highly effective and that our little Bears are taken great care of.
Next week is a very busy one for our students as we continue to finish mid-year assessments and prepare for the end of the semester. Due to the busy week we will only schedule lunch visitors on December 15th and 16h. Wednesday is a special menu day and Friday the school will be open to all parents/family members for winter showcase celebrations. We will open the lunch visitor schedule on January 6th when students return.
Thank you all for allowing me to work with your wonderful children. The BSE staff continues to make great strides in instructional offerings and will look for continued increases in all academic outcomes at the end of this school year!
Don't forget to follow the school and your student's teacher on twitter for up to the minute happenings each day! Follow BSE @BSEhseIN
Dr. Kaminski
Sam Javed, HSE High, teaches the BSE Bears how to code. #hourofcode
HSE Redistricting Update
The proposed HSE Preferred Redistricting Plan is posted on HSE’s web site. This week, the Board had an informational meeting/work session to understand the details of the plan. They then conducted a public hearing on the proposed redistricting plan where the public was invited to make comments.
On Monday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. at Fishers Junior High School, the Board will be presented the final Preferred Redistricting Plan for vote.
MATH Bowl Participants Notified Next Week!
MATH Bowl team try-outs for interested fourth-graders were held this week. All participants will be notified if they made the team next week.
The BSE MATH Bowl team will participate in an invitational contest on February 4, and the state contest on February 26. Both competitions will be held at Fall Creek Intermediate School.
Help Miss Indiana Queen Raise Donations
Miss indiana Queen Indiana, BSE student Sierra Combs, needs your help!
You can help by donating children's socks, mittens and gloves for homeless children until Tuesday, December 16. Help donate, and your class may earn a free holiday book!
Holiday Meal Scheduled for Wednesday
The BSE cafeteria has scheduled a special Holiday Meal for Wednesday, December 17! This meal replaces the Chicken & Noodles menu originally scheduled for that day. Here is the new menu:
Lasagna with Garlic Bread
Veggies
Fruit
Milk
Dessert
Because of the schedule next week, the cafeteria will not be able to accommodate lunch guests on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (December 17-19).
Exchange Paperbacks at BSE
The library will be hosting a paperback exchange on Friday, December 19.
Please consider donating your gently used chapter books and novels with a target reading level between 2nd and 6th grades to this project. Due to limited space, we will not be able to accept picture books, board books, or illustrated nonfiction books.
All students will be able to go home with two books “new” to them on the 19th!
Our big goal is to keep everyone reading over winter break!
Any leftover materials will go to stock classroom libraries or the Little Free Library coming to Brooks School Park in Spring 2015.
BSE Winter Break Festivities Coming Soon!
Classroom Winter Showcase Celebrations at Brooks School Elementary will be on Friday, December 19, the last day of classes before HSE Winter Break!
Showcases for Kindergarten and Grade 1 will be from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
The Fourth-Grade Choir will perform in the cafeteria before the parties; parents are invited to see their children in the choir perform before the afternoon parties, at 1:35-1:55 p.m.
Winter Break for students in HSE schools is December 20 through January 5. Classes will resume January 6.
Look What You've Done!
The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation (HSSF) raised more than $17,000 in the first #GivingTuesday campaign to benefit HSE Schools. The campaign also reached targeted “friendraising” goals with hundreds of messages and compliments shared with teachers, schools, and staff.
Attention now turns to putting those funds to work for maximum student impact. This year, the Foundation will focus on programs that will support elementary literary, secondary STEM, and district wide diversity efforts. Follow HSSF on Facebook and Twitter or online at www.hsefoundation.org to see your investment in action!
December Parents Night Out Moved
THE DECEMBER PARENTS NIGHT OUT/MOVIE NIGHT HAS BEEN MOVED TO JANUARY 23!
Not only is the event moving, but it is also EXTENDED! We will be offering an extended evening, complete with a movie and Winter Wonderland Fitness fun with Mrs. Schwoeppe!
Details to come - mark your calendar and save the date for January 23 WINTER FUN!
Book Rental Fees Can Still be Paid on Skyward
Book rental fees can still be paid on Skyward! If you prefer to write a check for payment, you may bring it in to the BSE office.
At this time, a $7.50 late fee is due in addition to the book fees; please be sure to add this to your payment.
Thank you!
FJH Cheerleaders Host Clinic
Fishers Junior High invites students in Grades K-4 to attend the 4th Annual FJH Cheerleading Clinic, hosted by the 7th- and 8th-grade Charger Cheerleaders, from 4:00-6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16! Participants will have the opportunity to learn cheerleading basics, along with a few chants and a cheer or two.
Details are included on the registration form, which can be found on the FJH Athletics Cheerleading link http://www.hse.k12.in.us/FJH/athletics/cheerleading/ along with a required waiver form.
Participants will experience the sideline while cheering for the 7th-grade boys’ basketball game vs. Highland. The evening will culminate with the participants performing what they have learned for all of the fans at halftime.
Please email Coach Holly Forman at hforman@hse.k12.in.us with any questions. Don’t miss the fun!
Create a Holiday Tradition!
Light displays around town offer the perfect way to enjoy quality time with loved ones!
The holidays are upon us, and there are many ways families can celebrate the magic of the season while enjoying quality time with one another. Enjoy carry out in the comfort of your pajamas or bundle up and head out to your favorite restaurant, and get ready to see jaws drop in awe of holiday light displays!
Reynolds Farm Equipment hosts a free, drive-through light display located at 12501 Reynolds Drive in Fishers. Their light display is on 24 hours a day, seven days of the week, but the ideal time to stop by is after 5 p.m. Families can drive through the display and see animals, your favorite holiday villain and many other holiday scenes. The display at Reynolds Farm Equipment is available until January 1, so stop by before it leaves!
For those families who prefer to get out of the car and see the displays up close, consider stopping by the Nickel Plate District located behind Fishers Town Hall at 1 Municipal Drive. Fishers Department of Public Works has displayed more than 50,000 lights to admire while music from B105.7 the Christmas Station fills the air. Paired with a family dinner or your favorite holiday movie, light displays offer a unique way for the entire family to get into the Christmas spirit. The display in the Nickel Plate District is available until December 28.
Searching for other affordable options for fun? Visit our website at www.Fishers.in.us to view the Community Calendar of events happening right here in Fishers!
Fishers Library Offers December Programs
Enjoy these programs at the Fishers library in December!
Story Time
Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
This is a drop-in Story Time for all ages and their families. We will read stories at 10:00, followed by an open craft and play time until noon.
Fisher’s Paws and Read
Saturday, December 13, 12:00 p.m.
For all ages. No registration required. Would you like to read to a dog or just pet a dog and get doggie kisses? Love on a Leash will have local volunteers here with their registered therapy dogs. Reading to dogs helps kids build self-esteem and confidence.
‘Twas the Night before Christmas
Monday, December 15, 7:00- 8:00 p.m.
All Ages
Join us for a spirited reading of this classic, holiday poem! We will also enjoy cookies and milk, holiday carols and make a craft to take home!
Annual Holiday Program
Thursday, December 18, 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
‘Tis the season for holiday fun! Our annual holiday event is back and better than ever! Jingle your way to the library at 6 p.m. if you want to meet Santa, decorate cookies, and get creative in the elves’ workshop. At 7 p.m., we’re going to have a real reindeer visiting us from Silly Safaris!
Lego Program
Monday, December 22, 7:00 p.m.
Join the Youth Services for our Lego Challenge. If you would like to leave your creation in our display case we will happy to show it off for you. Please bring your own Legos. For more information, call 579-0304.
S.P.O.R.T.S. Information
Fishers-HSE Boys Lacrosse Call-Out Meeting will be held on December 15, at the S.P.O.R.T.S. building at Billericay Park from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Those interested in trying out for the 2015, 5th/6th or 7th/8th grade travel teams should attend at 6:30 p.m., and those 3rd-8th graders interested in playing rec should attend at 7:30 p.m.
Stick Skills Training will take place during January and February. This is a great opportunity for new players to improve their skills. For additional details or to register, visit www.hselax.com under the LAX Resources tab.
Spring 2015 Registration for baseball, softball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, rugby and track and field will take place during the month of January. Online registration will open on January 1. The registration forms will be available on the S.P.O.R.T.S. website, at all HSE schools (after January 6), the Fishers Library and the S.P.O.R.T.S office. Parents who register with a paper registration form will need to submit the form with check or cash payment. Credit cards are not taken in the office. Parents registering online can pay online with a credit card or can print the form and submit it to the S.P.O.R.T.S. office with check or cash payment.
Fishers Fire Track and Field is looking for volunteer high jump, long jump, and hurdle coaches for the 2015 season. They are also in need of board members and parent coordinators. The track season begins on April 17. Please contact fishersfire@gmail.com if you competed in high school/college or have experience coaching and are interested.
Hunt for Candy Canes at Billericay Park
Register now for a special winter hunt with a chance to win candy prizes!
Don’t let the snowy season keep you indoors; join Fishers Parks & Recreation for our annual Candy Cane Hunt! On Tuesday, December 16, children ages 6-10 are invited to Billericay Park for a fun holiday twist.
Candy canes will be scattered around Billericay Park and when everyone is released, they can hunt and collect as many as possible! Not only will children be on the lookout for candy canes, but a few pieces of prize candy will be hidden among the bunch. After the hunt is over, families can warm up with hot cocoa, cookies and a craft in the Billericay Park Building.
Parents are encouraged to pack a bag so that their children can collect their candy canes during the event.
Secure your spot in this program by registering online at http://in-fishers.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=446 , today!
Hunger Never Takes a Holiday
The Fishers High School Boys Basketball Program invites all fans attending the December 19 game vs. Hamilton Southeastern High School at FHS to donate to their food drive to benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.
They are requesting non-perishable food items such as canned meats, soups, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter/jelly, boxes of macaroni and cheese, cereal and healthy snacks. (Please avoid glass containers.)
Donation boxes will be located at school entrances the night of the game. Thank you, Fishers Community, for helping them feed the hungry!
Explore New Interest During National Hobby Month
Stop by and find out if glass-fusing could be a fun hobby for you and the children in your life!
January is National Hobby Month, which means it’s a great time to try something new! Fishers Parks & Recreation offers anyone ages 8 and up the opportunity to explore their creativity during DIY Wind Chimes. Adults, you are welcome to join in on the program, too. You don’t need any prior experience, just bring your imagination to Roy G. Holland Memorial Park on Saturday, January 10, from 1 until 2:30 p.m., and the entire class will be devoted to glass-fusing while having fun. Parents, we know you may be hesitant to let your child craft with glass, but Creative Escape staff members will be there every step of the way to guide their artistic exploration!
This program exposes participants to the techniques, supplies and fundamentals needed to successfully fuse glass. Wind chimes will be fused after the program concludes and will be available for pick-up at the Fishers Parks & Recreation Office located at 11565 Brooks School Road a week later. Registration is required, and this program costs $26 for residents and $39 for nonresidents.
Fishers Parks & Recreation strives to host a variety of programs that expose children to new things without locking you into timely and expensive commitments. Join us for the unique program and check out the online Fun Guide for similar programs to participate in.
Registration is due by January 3, so secure your spot online, today!