BPMS PARENT NEWSLETTER
May 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello BPMS Families,
Fourth marking period is in full swing as we celebrate our BPMS rockstar teachers this week! Thank you to our families who donated to the teacher goody bags, the Keurig station, and/or sent cards and gifts to school. BPMS teachers are filled with gratitude for your generosity and thoughtfulness over this entire week. Thank you!
Many families have submitted the hybrid return survey and we are in the process of sorting out logistics and details to accommodate the requests that we can. As soon as those details are sorted out, families will be contacted about available seats and/or denials.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and patience as we navigate school year 2020-2021.
Take care, Hive Families!
Mrs. Shakan
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT INFO
- Interims will be distributed via Parent Portal on May 7th.
- June 17th and 18th are 2 hour early dismissal days and June 18th is the last of school for students.
PARENT PORTAL
Directions for registering for and accessing your Parent Portal account are found on the AACPS Student-Parent Portal Webpage and are also linked below. If you are creating an account for the first time, please call the school at 410-636-2967 to get the user ID and access code for your child. (This is not the same code they use for instruction daily).
We hope you find Parent Portal to be a user friendly tool for monitoring progress as we approach mid-marking period and throughout the school year.
Preparing for Hybrid Learning Newsletter
Counseling Corner
YOU ARE NOT ALONE: MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
The following information and additional resources can be found at www.nami.org:
Stigma is when someone views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or being judged. Stigma can even come from an inside yourself, confusing FEELING bad with BEING bad.
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to getting help. Learning how to avoid and address stigma are important, especially when you realize stigmaās negative effects:
- People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult.
- Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability across the United States.
- Even though most people can be successfully treated, less than half of those in the U.S. who need services and treatment get the help they need.
- The average delay between the onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth ages 15-24 and the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans.
Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14 and seventy-five percent develop by age 24.
Mental Health āRed Flagsā Parents Should Look For:
- Excessive sleeping (beyond usual teenage fatigue) which could indicate depression or substanceā abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders
- Loss of self-esteem
- Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite activities (ie. sports, hobbies)
- Unexpected decline in academic performance
- Personality shifts and changes that are out of character
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Unexpected weeping or excessive moodiness
- Eating habits that result in noticeable weight loss or gain
- Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Paranoia and excessive secrecy
- Self-mutilation (cutting, burning, scratching self), or mention of hurting himself or herself
- Obsessive body-image concerns
- Excessive isolation
- Abandonment of friends and social groups
Concern about your teenās mental health should first be addressed with your child ā fostering open communication goes a long way toward fostering sound mental health habits. Then, make an appointment with your child's doctor and contact a Student Support Team member at school to see how they can help. Don't wait!
Do you have questions or concerns about your child's mental health? Do you want to know more about the mental health supports that are available to students at Brooklyn Park Middle School? Contact your Student Support Team by calling the main office or contact by email:
Ms. Falzarine 6th Grade ā afalzarine@aacps.org GV (301) 892-6569
Mrs. Santiago- Fecht 7th Grade ā bsantiagofecht@aacps.org GV (786) 322-6121
Mrs. Grandy 8th Grade ā tgrandy@aacps.org GV (302) 314-3874
Ms. Rogers School Psychologist - dirogers@aacps.org GV (301) 615-2659
Danielle Saad School Social Worker ā dsaad@aacps.org Phone (301) 531-4018
8th Grade Information
Hello 8th Grade Parents,
It is almost time for BPMS to release 8th Graders from the Hive. As the year comes to a close, although it is not the circumstance we could have imagined, our teachers are doing an outstanding job creating life-long memories for all students.
We are in the final push to receive your submission for the 8th Grade Farewell Messages.
Please navigate to the PDF attached for your convenience for more information.
Follow the Directions below using a Google Account.
When you click the link provided in the pdf, google will force you to open a copy of template, which you should be able to edit. If you are unable to edit please do the following.
1) Select File in the top left corner of the screen
2) Scroll down to Make a Copy and Select Entire Presentation. You should then be able to edit the template.
3) To return the template, please Click the SHARE button in the top right corner of the screen. Enter Mr. McNeil's email address: bjmcneil@aacps.org and select done.
NO Google Account (See #4).
4) If the steps described above do not work for you, the template has been attached to this email as a Power Point Presentation that you may edit and return to Mr. McNeil.
Please contact Mr. McNeil, if you have any questions.
Our Goal is to have 100% submission! Each student is limited to one submission. There are four templates to provide you with variety and choice. If you have already submitted, there is no need to do so again. Please be reminded that the deadline is May 10, 2021. Thank you for your continued support of all 8th Grade Students.
Important Dates to Remember.
June 15th- 8th Grade Drive By Pick Up of End of Year Items 9am-2pm and 3pm-4pm (Please do not pull into the main bus loop until buses have departed).
June 16th- 8th Grade Virtual Award Ceremony- Time TBA at a later date. 8th Grade Drive By Pick Up of End of Year Items 9am-3pm.
June 17th- 8th Grade Drive By Pick Up of End of Year Items 9am-2pm and 3pm-4pm (Please do not pull into the main bus loop until buses have departed).
Note: If a student is in Hybrid Attendance, End of Year Items will be sent home with the student.
If you have questions, please contact Mr. McNeil or Ms. Grandy.
7th Grade Magnet Program
Greetings to parents and students of the current 7th grade class!
What?
Magnet Program information for fall, 2021 application. Magnet Programs begin in the fall of your studentās 9th grade year, however you must apply in the fall of 8th gradeā¦.NEXT SCHOOL YEAR!
Who can apply?
Students in grade 8 during the fall of 2021. Apply for any of the following: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), Performing and Visual Arts (PVA), BioMedical/Allied Health, (BMAH), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Both BMAH and STEM are supported by STEM. Please check the Magnet Brochure for specific qualifications for all programs (www.aacps.org/magnet). All students currently in a Magnet Program must re-apply in Grade 8 for entry in Grade 9.
When?
Between noon on October 11, 2021 and November 22, 2021 (the second Monday in October and the Monday before Thanksgiving).
What can I see now?
Go to the Magnet website (www.aacps.org/magnet). Scroll down to the bottom, and look for
Ā· The informational video at the bottom of the landing page
Ā· The brochure with Magnet qualifications
Ā· The videos under āCup of Joe with Magnet Program Leadersā
Ā· The document āWhich Magnet School would I attend?ā
Itās never too early to learn about Magnet Programs.
From the Health Room
The Meningitis (MCV) and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines are required before incoming 7th graders can return to school for the 2021-2022 school year. Your child receives these required vaccines at their 11 year well check so please check with your pediatrician to obtain a copy of the record. A copy of this record must be received so that your child can attend the 7th grade. Please send to the school nurse as soon as possible so that we can update the record.
Anne Arundel County Health Department
Family Link
Pop-up Food Pantry
Sponsored by Child Hunger Outreach Program
Friday May 21st from 4:30pm-6:00pm at Brooklyn Park Middle School
Bagged food available to everyone in the community for pick up. Please wear a mask.
**Please follow CHOP on Facebook for updates and information**
https://www.facebook.com/chopmaryland/
Despensa de Alimentos
Patrocinado por el Programa de Ayuda contra el Hambre Infantil.
Viernes 21 de mayo de 4:30-6:00pm en la Escuela Intermedia Brooklyn Park
Comida en bolsas disponible para recoger por todos en la comunidad. Por favor, usen una mascarilla.
**Por favor, siga la pĆ”gina CHOP en Facebook para actualizaciones e informaciĆ³n**
Parent Kudos for BPMS Staff
Spring Club List
LETTER FROM READING INTERVENTION
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please ensure that your child attends all assigned classes. I realize this is a challenge for parents and guardians that leave for work before school starts. However, if your child can attend classes on time each day, their educational experience will be richer and more rewarding. Incentives such as a favorite treat at the end of the week might motivate your child to attend all classes on time. Most teachers would not mind verifying your child's attendance upon request. We want your child to be successful. That success starts with attending all classes on time and doing all assignments in a timely manner. There will be computer problems, illnesses, and family emergencies. We understand when these circumstances prevent your child from attending class. Thank you for letting us know when these things occur. It is a pleasure working with you to do all we can to promote your child's academic success. Take care.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Watkins
BPMS Reading Intervention
NEWS FROM THE BPMS LIBRARY T. A. L. E.
The most awesome icon on your student's ClassLink page is the one for Mackinvia!
MackinVia is an online collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, databases, and more! Students simply login to ClassLink, click on [MackinVIA] and suddenly, students have access to over 1,700 digital resources for their academic needs or personal interests.
Learn more about it (and how to login) on the Library T.A.L.E. website. Remember: reading 20 minutes a day at home will expose your learner to 1.8 million words per year.
From BPMS PTA
PTA 2021-2022
Would you like to run for a PTA board position for the 21-22 school year? Please let me know so that I can create the nomination list.
A board member's term is for one year, but she or he may be reelected for a second term.
President
Stacey Arthur
and Vice PresidentHeather Davis Watkins
wish to be reelected to their current positions.Shantel Dillon
(Treasurer) andKyle Ellis Curran
(Secretary) will be leaving their positions as they both have 8th graders.The PTA must have a President, Secretary, and Treasurer on the board or the PTA dissolves.
National PTA offers free training for elected officers.
Will you consider helping out?
If you have questions about a position and what the job is like, please reach out to the current board members.
PTA News:
- Join us for our virtual PTA Meeting on May 13th, 2021 at 6:30pm. Meeting details linked below.
- Support us by becoming a member (form link below)
- Even if not a member, follow us on Facebook @ Brooklyn Park Middle School PTA for important upcoming dates/info
Brooklyn Park Middle School's Chick-fil-A Night
DATE: Thursday, May 27th from 4pm-8pm
LOCATION: 7900 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, 21061
DETAILS: Join us on Thursday, May 27th from 4-8pm to help support the BPMS PTA! Let the cashier know you are there supporting BPMS PTA. Thanks, and hope to see you there!
Passcode: bees
SCHEDULES
RESOURCES
Attendance Note
Tutoring Available
Parents/Guardians who have students that are struggling with classes - Tutoring is available check it out:
School Psychology Virtual Office
Please feel free to visit the School Psychology Virtual Office for a variety of information and resources for our BPMS students, parents, and staff! If anyone finds that their student is really struggling and could use a check-in, my contact information is here too!