The Bellflower Beat 2.6.23
Bellflower Middle/High School Newsletter
Ready for February?
Can you believe we are already in February? The month of February is much shorter, especially since we have a few holidays. But, the month of March will feel much longer, since there are no school holidays.
Listed below are just a few reminders:
- Bellflower Middle/High School does not permit any drop-offs or deliveries of food or other items. Please ensure that your student is prepared for the day when coming to school in the morning with their lunch, supplies, money, etc.
- Dress Code. Please be sure that your student follows the dress code and wears appropriate clothing and accessories. Bellflower hats are also the only school approved hat that can be worn at school. Also, students may not bring blankets to campus.
- No returning back to campus. If a student has an early release (7th or 8th period), once the student leaves campus, they may not return to campus. Parents - please ensure that your students are going home early if they have the early release.
For a full list of student policies on attendance and dress code, please click here.
Cool Class Spotlight!
In today's newsletter, Bellflower Middle/High School wanted to highlight one of our visual arts group, led by Ms. Gamboa. Ms. Gamboa teaches multiple levels of photography on campus, which is one of our popular visual art classes among our high school students. Students in the class learn various techniques on how to master lighting and camera functions. Our creative students have made some amazing pieces of art as a result, many of which are showcased in a hallways of the administrative building. We have had photography students win various awards throughout the years as well.
Black History Month
During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month, and annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. We hope that people take the time to learn about and understand the massive influence that this group has had within the history of the United States. Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States, from politics, fashion, music, literature, sports, film, art, and more. There are many books in the library, documentaries, and films that are dedicated to showcasing the various achievements of Black and African-American individuals. And remember, Black History is American History. To learn more about Black History Month, feel free to click here to visit the webpage of the Library of Congress.
Grades!
After February 14, 2023, students 3rd Quarter Progress Reports will be available to view. Parents and students will be able to view them by login on to their Student Portal and Parent Portal.
AVID News!
Hello Bellflower Families!!! Is your student interested in going to college? If so, you are invited to an AVID Information meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 6-7pm in the school cafeteria. AVID is a college and career readiness program for students interested in attending a 4 year university upon graduation. The class focuses on academic support, college and awareness, and teaches students the resources they need to attend a four year university or enter the workforce when they graduate. Please see the flyer attached and feel free to reach out to Mr. Rooks by email at michaelrooks@busd.k12.ca.us if you have any questions. Please see the following attached flyers for details and information.
8th Grade Promotion Photos
8th Grade Promotion Photos will take place in the gym on March 2nd and March 3rd during the student's PE classes. Please let your students know!
Think Together
The Think Together program is coming to Bellflower Middle School! If your child is in middle school, consider enrolling your child in the Think Together program. Times and dates are listed on the flyers below. An application is attached as well. For more information, please contact Destiny Soto.
Buc Blast Off
On Wednesday, February 1st, the 6th graders of our elementary feeder schools of Baxter, Pyle, Woodruff, Washington, and Ramona came to visit our campus. These students got to witness performances from our various student groups, and they also got to hear about the types of classes that they might be able to take at BHS in the future. It was a great day! Thank you to all those groups that were involved in the process to make Buc Blast Off a success!
Successful Navigation Night
Keith Hawkins Seminars
On January 24 and 25, Keith Hawkins, one of the best inspirational and motivational speakers in the United States, re-visited our campus to conduct seminars with our 7th graders, 8th graders, ASB students, and seniors. We hope that all students involved enjoyed the event itself. We also wanted to thank Link Crew, ASB, and our Senior Leaders for assisting with the seminars as well.
Kindness Week
We feel the LOVE and are thrilled to report that over 19 million students in 115 countries were part of the 2023 Great Kindness Challenge and so were we at Bellflower Middle/High School! What an AMAZING celebration of kindness it was! The week was filled with an abundance of joy and inspiration. It is our hope that the seeds of kindness continue to bloom all year round! Below are pictures from The Great Kindness week challenge and our Seal/Certificate.
Early College Academy for Class of 2027
8th grade Class of 2027 students can soon earn college credits during high school. We are recruiting a new cohort of students for our Early College Academy! Students can earn Cerritos College credits starting in 9th grade! Come find out about the advantages of our Early College Academy! Information and application was emailed to all 8th grade parents and 8th grade students. Application deadline is February 10, 2023.
Click here for the English video recording of the presentation
Click here for the link to the English presentation
Link to the Spanish video recording of the presentation
Click here for the link to the Spanish presentation
Application due: Friday, February 10th, 2023
Click here for the link to the application - Again, only for current 8th grade students.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Campos: malessacampos@busd.k12.ca.us
Upcoming Parent Workshops
For the Nami Workshop, please use the following Zoom link:
https://lacoe-edu.zoom.us/j/81575109791?pwd=OTlJUUFnTmpOY2d1cmxRY2VXS2RTQT09
Meeting ID: 815 7510 9791
Passcode: 266607
ELAC Meeting #4 - Thursday, March 30, 2023 @ 8:45am
Parents and Guardians: Please join us on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 8:45am for our 4th (and final) official ELAC Meeting for the 2022-2023 school year. The meeting will take place in Room 413 (meeting location may change). We will have a Spanish interpreter at the meeting as well. ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) invites any parent or guardian, but we especially would like to see parents of students who are English Language Learners.
School Holiday Approaching!!!
Just a reminder that there is NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday and President's Day.
Panda Express Fundraiser coming soon! Friday, February 17, 2023
Support Bellflower High School on Friday, February 17! You can order at any Panda Express that permits order pick-up or delivery. All orders must go through the Panda Express website or Panda Express app; all orders must be ordered via the internet (not valid for orders placed inside the restaurant itself). Be sure to use the Online Order Code 912136
Thank you for your support! :)
Feel free to distribute the following flyer as well.
ELPAC Exam
Bellflower Middle/High School students who are English Language Learners are currently in the process of taking the state mandated summative ELPAC exam to test for English proficiency. Scoring well on the ELPAC exam is one of the requirements that will enable students to become reclassified as English proficient, which will enable students to take other classes on campus, since students will be unenrolled from their ELD class. Exams will take place from February through May. Click here to visit the ELPAC website for more information.
Physical Fitness Test
Bellflower Middle/High School students in grades 7 and 9 will take the Physical Fitness Test, of which, there is no opt out option. Testing will begin during the month of February, and will continue through May for any make-up exams. More information will be provided by the PE instructor or sport instructor for these grade levels. Click below to access informational flyers.
Senior SELACO Training
Bellflower Middle/High School Cheer Team
Attention all 6-11th grade students. Are you interested in becoming a role model for Bellflower Middle/High School? Do you want to help spread school spirit? Then you are in luck! The Bellflower Middle/High School cheer team will be having tryouts for our 2023-2024 season, March 6th-10th. No experience needed. Be sure to join the Google Classroom with code: pdgtec6 to download the tryout packet. Questions? Email Mrs. Atalla at vvega@busd.k12.ca.us. Go BUCS!
Here's the link for the GC as well.
I have attached a PDF of the tryout packet as well.
2023-2024 Bellflower Unified School District
The 2023-2024 registration begins this coming Monday, 2/6 for Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD). If you have any new student that you plan to enroll with the district, you can begin enrolling them starting next week. This is primarily for Kindergarten families, or for families that have moved into the Bellflower community that plan to enroll their children for the first time in a BUSD school.
2022-2023 Bellflower Middle & High School Scholarship List
The 2022-2023 Scholarship List is now available! The list has over 80 scholarships with deadlines from December to June. Scholarships are available for middle and high school students. There are merit and need-based scholarships. There are also scholarships specifically for graduating seniors, minority students, undocumented students, student athletes and different hobbies and career interests.
Winter break is a great time for students to apply for scholarships! Review the scholarship list carefully and apply to scholarships that you are eligible for. Remember, an hour of your time completing a scholarship may win you $1,000!
To access the scholarship list, click on the link: https://bit.ly/BMHS-2022-2023-scholarships
Visit the College and Career Center in Room 401 if you have any questions about the scholarships on the list or if you need a brag sheet.
Class of 2023 - Cerritos College Complete Program
Cerritos College Complete Promise Program
Graduating seniors interested in attending Cerritos College in the Fall should consider applying to the Cerritos Complete Program. Cerritos Complete provides students with two-years free tuition, priority registration, one-on-one academic advising and counseling, and career exploration. In order for students to participate in the Cerritos Complete Program students must complete six steps. See flyer for more information.
Six Steps to Participate:
1. Submit the Cerritos College online Application by February 15th
2. Submit Cerritos Complete Promise Program Interest Form by March 2nd
3.) Submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2nd
4.) Complete Math and English Placement Self Report Tool (SRT)
5.) Complete an online and in-person Orientation Workshop
6.) Enroll for Summer Counseling Course and Fall classes.
Virtual Cerritos College Complete Information Presentation
Cerritos College is hosting a Cerritos Complete Information Presentation on Zoom on Wednesday, February 7 from 6pm-7pm. See attached Flyers for more information. To attend the Virtual Information Presentation, register at (English Registration): https://tinyurl.com/49fk8d9d
NOT- Spanish presentation link: https://tinyurl.com/4vjftsm2
Class of 2023 - FAFSA & California Dream Act Application
Hey Seniors, HAVE YOU DONE YOUR FAFSA OR CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT APPLICATION (CADAA)? If you plan to attend college in the fall of 2023 and want money for college, then you need to complete your FAFSA or CADAA as soon as possible! By completing the FAFSA or CADAA you are applying for various types of financial aid, such as a Federal Pell Grant, a Cal Grant, a University or community college grant, Work Study, and scholarships. The priority deadline to submit the FAFSA or CADAA is March 2nd, less than a month away. If you submit your FAFSA or CADAA by March 2nd, you will receive two extra Graduation tickets!
FAFSA/CADAA Workshops - The College and Career Center is hosting FAFSA/CADAA Workshops on Thursdays during the school day. See Ms. Campos or Ms. Ochoa to find out what information is needed for the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. To attend a workshop, register at: https://bit.ly/fafsa-cadaa-workshops22
WHAT ARE THE FAFSA AND CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION?
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Application to apply for federal, state and institutional (college/university) financial aid. For U.S. Citizens or eligible noncitizens ONLY
CADAA – California Dream Act Application - Application to apply for California state financial aid (Cal Grant) and institutional (college/university) financial aid. For undocumented students
NOTE - Students and parents can also schedule an appointment with Ms. Campos, College & Career Counselor, for after school to complete the FAFSA or CADAA.
For questions or further information, parents/guardians can contact the College & Career Center at (562) 920-1801, Ext. 3401 or Ms. Campos at malessacampos@busd.k12.ca.us
Senior Grad Week Information
ELD Help
Starting in the 2nd Semester, Mr. Harrison (Room 704) will be offering an after school enrichment opportunity for all ELD students. It will be offered on Maroon days from 3:45 to 4:30. There is no set time. Students may come for 5 minutes or 45 minutes. This opportunity is available to help ELD students with simple questions, making up missed work in ELD, help on current ELD assignments, or having a safe and quiet place to do assignments. It is completely voluntary and is a drop by, informal approach. What it is not is a hangout place to socialize or play computer games.
Paper Tutoring
Did you know that free online tutoring is being provided by the BUSD district?
PAPER Online Tutoring isavailable for all students in 4th-12th grade through their Clever account. Students may ask tutors questions through the chat feature using the PAPER APP to get help with homework, feedback on their writing, or support with studying for assessments. The APP can be found in the Google Play and Apple APP store.
Click here to register for a free parent webinar (provided in English and Spanish). If your child needs more information about how to use PAPER, they can watch the following videos for more information:
Click here to watch the video titled "How Do Students Access 24/7 Live Help on PAPER?"
Click here to watch the video titled "How Do Students Use PAPER's Essay Review?"
HelpNow Tutoring
Every Californian can now access free online tutoring at any hour of the day, thanks to a new initiative offering educational resources to K-12 students and adult learners. The resource is part of an investment in public libraries announced Sept. 12 by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Real-time homework help is now available "on the websites of any of the 1,130 local public libraries around the state," and here. The HelpNow pilot program currently offers help in math and language arts, in English and Spanish, at any time of the day or night. Help for "other core K-12 subjects" is available between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, with no age limit to who can take advantage of the resource.
Senior Ads and HS Yearbook Information
Please read the following information regarding the High School Yearbook. The current cost is now $95 ($85 prior to Winter Break). In addition, we also sell pages in the high school yearbook as well. The costs are listed on the attached flyer, posted below, that you can download. If you have any questions regarding the high school yearbook, please contact Ms. Lisa Jass, in Room 202. If you have questions regarding payments, please contact the ASB Office.
Every year the yearbook offers parents and students the ability to buy senior ads in the yearbook to honor their graduating seniors. This year is no different. We are extending our original deadline from December 16th, 2022 to January 31st, 2023 to give you the opportunity to purchase these senior ads for your students. The information is in the attached document. If you choose to participate, please read the document, pay for your ad through the ASB office or the website and fill out the form linked through the document. The yearbook staff appreciates your support.
COVID-19 Information
College & Career Center
The College & Career Center (Room 401) is here to assist students with college applications, scholarships, financial aid, resumes, work permits, and other college and career information.
Counselor Assignment Changes For the 2022-2023 School Year
College Wednesdays
Join PTSA!
SENIOR STUDENTS! Did you know that several PTSA groups in our community offer scholarships? But, you can only qualify to receive a PTSA scholarship if you are a member! So, join today!
Click here to be redirected to TOTEM, the website that our PTSA uses for online membership payments. Or, you can also go to the front office to pick up a membership envelope as well, if you prefer to pay with cash or check.
Thank you in advance for joining our Bellflower Middle/High School PTSA!
Bellflower Middle/High School
YouTube: @wearebellflower
Email: bhsprincipal@busd.k12.ca.us
Website: www.bellflowerhigh.org
Location: 15301 McNab Avenue, Bellflower, CA, USA
Phone: 562-920-1801
Facebook: facebook.com/wearebellflower
Twitter: @wearebellflower