Aubry Bend Weekly News
Friday, September 18, 2020
Calendar
Thursday, September 24 - MAP testing for READING - all grade levels
Announcements
Attendance
- Our teachers take attendance each day in each class.
- We appreciate you calling the attendance line (913) 624-2305 when your student will miss a class for any reason.
- Starting Monday we will make calls to follow-up on undetermined absences.
MAP Testing
We will be administering the MAP tests during the times listed below. Please note that these tests will be administered remotely this year. If you have any questions, please contact the main ABMS office.
Testing will occur in all grades levels on the following dates:
Reading: Wednesday 9/23/20 and Thursday 9/24/20
Math: Tuesday 9/29/20 and Wednesday 9/30/20
Student Services
Safe + Sane + Seen: BVSW Feeder Schools: 9/22 @ 6:30PM
Struggling with knowing how to help your kids have healthy screentime habits in the world of virtual learning? This 60-minute virtual event will help you make a gameplan to manage screens at home. We'll share fresh, expert-informed concepts that can apply to all ages of kids, and give you an opportunity to exchange tips and offer support with other parents and staff in the Blue Valley Southwest community. The content is designed for adults only; please note that some information might be disturbing for younger kids. You will walk away with practical ideas to help your child stay safe, sane and seen in an increasingly digital world. Can't join live? No worries! The event will be recorded and sent to registered parents to view at a time convenient for you. Registration is now open, click here to get started.
Registration Landing Page: https://www.bigmarker.com/start1/Safe-Sane-Seen-Blue-Valley-Southwest-Feeder-Families?utm_bmcr_source=BV
PTO News...
ABMS MASKS -THANK YOU to everyone who ordered masks. The orders are being processed and will be ready to ship and/or pick up in a couple of weeks. We will keep you updated!
SPIRITWEAR - Thank you for everyone who placed an order! You should have received an email regarding pick up of your items. You can email us with questions!
Invest in ABMS/PTO membership - Any and all support is very much appreciated!! Log into ParentVue to donate.
AMAZON SMILE - Did you know you can support ABMS by shopping through Amazon Smile? It's an easy way to help, but you must shop through our link.
"BE IN THE KNOW WITH ABMS PTO"- Be sure to follow us on FB (@AubryBendMSPTO) and twitter (@AbmsPto).
FAMILY FUN NIGHT - Mark your calendars for October 9th as we will host VIRTUAL Bingo Night! Stay tuned for more details!!
DIRECTORY - It is time again for our student directory cover design contest!
PTO Cover Design Contest
Library Updates
This Monday, 9/21 we will be offering Curbside Checkout to all ABMS Distance Learners. For this process students will place checkout “holds” through our online catalog. Students can browse the catalog and hold up to 3 library books. Once the hold is placed we will process the books and email your child through Canvas & their school email account when they’re ready. Pick up days will be on Tues & Thurs. The items will be wrapped and held on a cart in the ABMS main entrance vestibule. Students have learned the process of placing a hold during their ELA classes. You may view a video on the Library webpage that explains this easy process.
Also, if students have library books from last spring to turn in, there will be a Return Cart as well in the vestibule of school. Please return at any time!
Not comfortable with checking out a print book? No problem! Students can check out eBooks through Axis 360. See the link for directions and to locate the Axis 360 link!
6th Grade News...
ELA:
We were excited to kick off ELA by having students write all about themselves this past week. We love hearing about their passions, hobbies, and activities they enjoy doing outside of school! We also previewed the first quarter by reviewing Literary Elements and terminology with Quarter 1 Class Notes. Next week we will begin reading and analyzing short stories.
Math:
This has been a great first full week of school! Math students learned the importance of having a math mindset and communicating effectively and mathematically. We will continue to expand on those topics next week.
Social Studies:
This week in social studies we introduced our first unit called “Introduction to Ancient Civilizations”. We spent this week analyzing artifacts from the past and learning more about each other by exploring our own “artifacts”. By the end of this week, your child should have completed modules 1.1-1.5. If they have questions about their assignments, please have them reach out to their teacher.
Science:
Science classes started a discussion about Earth and Space Science and the importance of studying this specific science. We will dive into all about Earth starting next week.
Chromebook Update: Many Chromebook issues can be fixed simply by updating the Chromebook and restarting the device. The following video link will give a step-by-step explanation on how to update your student's device: Chromebook Update Tutorial
Camera Issues: If you are experiencing problems with your Chromebook's camera, and you have already updated your Chromebook, this video will show you how to check your Chromebook's camera settings: Chromebook Camera Settings
7th Grade News...
Social Studies:
We had fun learning about the Constitution during "Celebrate Freedom Week"! Ask your child about the alien invasion and the amendments! Next week we will begin learning about the 5 Themes of Geography.
Math:
We had a great week of getting acquainted with class operations, procedures, students, and also assessing foundational content for 7th Grade Math. We will be starting a unit on operations with rational numbers next week. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Science:
This week, 7th grade scientists used their growth mindsets to explore CER (claim, evidence, reasoning), and biotic/abiotic factors in their environment. Next week we learn about CELLS! Since they are the basic unit of all life, this will serve as the foundation for understanding the levels of organization and how living organisms interact within the environment.
ELA:
Students are getting in the groove of coming to class virtually, submitting assignments, and learning how to advocate for themselves through emails to teachers. It is all coming together! We are so proud of them! Progress!!!
Next week, we will be learning how to use in text citations, and you will see more writing taking place. Beware. They are going to be impressing you.
Chromebook Update: Many Chromebook issues can be fixed simply by updating the Chromebook and restarting the device. The following video link will give a step-by-step explanation on how to update your student's device: Chromebook Update Tutorial
Camera Issues: If you are experiencing problems with your Chromebook's camera, and you have already updated your Chromebook, this video will show you how to check your Chromebook's camera settings: Chromebook Camera Settings
8th Grade News...
Farris Science:
Finishing the Scientific Method. Quiz over the Scientific Method Wed/Thurs or Thurs/Fri.
Social Studies:
It has been great being back and starting to have conversations about History. We dove into the American Ideals this past week and are now applying those thoughts to the question: “Who gets to be in Charge.” This first unit will focus on the structure of the US government and why it is set up the way it is.
Math:
Math 8: Finishing up square numbers/roots
Algebra 1: We will be starting our first unit of Patterns & Functions
ELA:
This week we will be exploring character development and begin reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
Chromebook Update: Many Chromebook issues can be fixed simply by updating the Chromebook and restarting the device. The following video link will give a step-by-step explanation on how to update your student's device: Chromebook Update Tutorial
Camera Issues: If you are experiencing problems with your Chromebook's camera, and you have already updated your Chromebook, this video will show you how to check your Chromebook's camera settings: Chromebook Camera Settings
From the Desk of Mrs. Tate...
Our first full week has been a great success! Our kids and families are working really hard to establish routines and procedures to make school happen each and every day. I can’t thank you enough for your patience and kindness during this transition, especially to those who have had technology issues. We know it’s super-frustrating, and you have been so patient as our staff has worked through as many as we can.
Speaking of working through issues, I would like to publicly thank our AMAZING office staff for their work the last 8 days! Tracy Cook, Jennifer Falkner and Kelly Noland have been absolute rock stars answering phones, explaining schedules, fixing Chromebooks, handing out supplies, and handling a multitude of other “as needed” items. Their willingness to help and patience with us all reminds me why we all work in schools…to make a positive difference for kids. I have overheard them on multiple occasions say, “Can I talk with your student? Okay, buddy, here’s what you do…” The conversation that follows is a step-by-step walk-through that calms the students’ concerns, helps them understand the process, and gives them confidence to do it on their own.
I know that this is probably happening in all of our schools right now, but I have to brag about the love and care that I get to witness each and every day. It’s happening all over our building, and I’m so proud of our team.
We are always going to have speedbumps…in school, in life, in jobs. How we handle those speedbumps is a testament to our resiliency and character. While these speedbumps may be frustrating or painful, they don’t have to determine the entire outcome of our lives…or our school year. The role of resilience not only helps us get through these difficult times, it also empowers us to grow and even improve in our lives.
As we get further into the school year, we all know that there are going to be twists and turns along the way. We may have to quickly adapt to a new mode of learning. We may have to quarantine at some point. We may have to deal with a variety of speed bumps. Increasing our resiliency – and that of our students – takes time and intentionality. We can’t expect to become resilient overnight; we have to attend to it as we would if we were starting a new exercise program.
Here are some tips for intentionally building resiliency:
1. Connect – connect with family, friends, and groups. Accept help and support from those who care about you. Friendship is the habit that binds people together.
2. Take care of yourself – self-care is a popular buzzword, but it’s also a genuine practice for mental and physical health and well-being.
3. Help others – Mr. Rogers said that when he saw scary things in the news, his mother would say to him, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Nurturing attitude is characterized by unselfish caring, supportiveness and a willingness to share time.
4. Keep things in perspective – how you think about things can play a significant role in how you feel and how resilient you are when faced with obstacles. Change is part of life, and an optimist outlook empowers us to expect that good things will happen.
5. Ask for help – we don’t have to do everything alone. Asking for help is not a weakness; it is a strength. It takes courage, but it allows others to be there for one another and build friendship, love and community.
We are certainly going to have opportunities to build resilience this year. We are committed to the growth and development of our kids and our community. We love what we do and want you to know that you can depend on us. We are all doing our very best. We appreciate the love and support of our students and their families. It means more than you’ll ever know.
Have a wonderful fall weekend!
Sincerely,
Diana Tate, Principal
Aubry Bend Middle School
Email: AubryBendMiddle@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/ABM
Location: 12501 West 175th Street, Overland Park, KS, USA
Phone: 913-624-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/AubryBendMiddle
Twitter: @ABMSWolverines