Bryan Middle School
2016-2017 Bear Bytes October/November/December Newsletter
Mission Statement and School Motto
Our motto at Bryan Middle School is BEAR P.R.I.D.E. Peers Respecting Individuality, Diversity, and Excellence,
Principal's Message
It was nice to get a chance to speak to so many of you at our 7th and 8th grade winter concerts. As I mentioned at the concerts, we will be starting our conversations about the capital improvements to our facility as a result of the 2014 school bond vote that will include over $19 million dollars worth of work to our building and grounds. Construction is planned to begin over the course of the next school year, with completion scheduled for August of 2019. We will keep all of our stakeholders informed of the timeline and opportunities for input.
We thank all of our students and families for participating in our school fundraiser this year. We raised some funds that will help support both students and staff throughout the remainder of the school year. Students who participated were "treated" to a DJ Dance, pizza, and opportunity to take home some cash.
Please mark you calendars for February 14th and February 16th as we will hold our Student Led Conferences. We appreciated the feedback you provided as we continue to provide leadership opportunities for our students to take ownership in their own learning.
We continue to update our school website and twitter account with daily happenings. You can follow us @OPS_BryanMiddle on Twitter or check into www.bryanmiddle.ops.org for the latest news and happenings.
We hope everyone has a wonderful winter break and a happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Darren Rasmussen
Counseling Department: 2017-2018 Registration Information
For our 8th Grade students, it is time to begin the high school selection process. On Thursday, December 15th, students will receive a packet of high school selection information and watch a video introducing each of the OPS high schools. Students will then have a month to attend high school open houses, learn about the different schools, research the various programs they offer, discuss options with family members and decide which school(s) he/she would like to attend. High school selection applications will be distributed to 8th graders on Tuesday, January 17th. ALL students are required to fill out and return a high school selection form even if they want to attend a school in a different district or plan to attend their home attendance school. On-time completion of the selection form is very important for transportation eligibility. A parent/guardian must sign the form and fill out the section on socioeconomic status. Students can select up to 3 schools, a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice. High school selection forms are due to Bryan Middle School by MONDAY, JANUARY 23rd. Students will receive a letter in mid February regarding high school placement. Once placement decisions have been made, high schools will conduct orientation and registration on our campus.
We will register our current 7th grade students for 8th grade during conferences on Tuesday, February 14th and Thursday, February 16. Please be sure to attend one of those sessions to select classes for next school year.
Finally, if you know a current 6th grader who will be attending Bryan Middle for the 2017-18 school year, we will be hosting a 6th Grade Open House on Thursday, January 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Registration will take place on Thursday, April 6th and Saturday, April 8.
Library - Mrs. Raszler
Common Sense Media, our OPS partner in online safety, has a great website to help with your holiday shopping! You can check movie and video game parent and child ratings at www.commonsensemedia.org.
Please encourage your students to stay safe while sharing their photos on line over the holidays. Remind them that once something is sent, it may be out there forever. Click HERE for a tip sheet including a video and discussion questions for your family from Common Sense Media.
School Health
Tips to Stay Healthy:
The cold/flu season is upon us. Here are a few tips to help your family stay healthy.
#1 Good hand washing. This is the best defense against illness. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work. Washing hands before food preparation, eating and after restroom use will cut down substantially on the spread of germs. Please take time to talk with your child about this.
#2 Cough/sneeze: Cover your nose & mouth with a tissue while coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into the elbow part of your sleeve. Throw used tissues into the trash and wash hands thoroughly. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth - that’s how germs are spread.
#3 Get enough rest. Make sure your child gets an adequate amount of sleep each night.
#4 Eat a balanced diet. This is important to get the vital nutrients to keep your child’s immune system working properly.
#5 Please consider getting your child a Flu shot. Talk with your health care provider.
#6 Dress properly. Make sure your child is properly dressed for cold weather. Hats, gloves/mittens, and warm coats are vital to keep our children healthy during our Midwest winter.
#7 If you are sick: please stay home and limit contact with other people.
Symptoms of Flu include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When to keep your child home: Please keep your child home if he/she has a fever, is vomiting, or having diarrhea, or has a combination of the other symptoms listed above.
Students that experience a fever of above 100 degrees should remain home until his/her temperature stays below 100 degrees for a 24 hour period (without the use of fever reducing medication).
Concussions
Omaha Public Schools is in the process of establishing a Concussion Management Team at each building. The purpose of this team is to increase student safety by early identification of concussions and/or other brain injuries that can occur from a blow, bump or jolt to the head. It is important to notify your school administrator or school nurse of any head injuries outside of school.
Please feel free to contact Mrs. Arnold, School Nurse, at 402-557-4115 if you have any questions or concerns.
Gifted and Talented Education
** Pictured to the right: Jaden J. performing his poetry at the OPS Fall Poetry Slam.
8th grade Scholars participated in an etiquette workshop at Benson High School. They learned how to introduce themselves and how to dress for various occasions. They were able to use their newly-acquired table manners when the Benson culinary arts students.
7th grade Scholars learned about their personal strengths in a workshop presented by the OPS GATE department. The students explored ways to put their strengths to use at school and at home.
The SMP team is nearing the end of the rough draft of their project proposal. They have designed a new toy for dog kennels at the Nebraska Humane Society that will help to keep them active and entertained. They will present this proposal to a panel of architects and engineers in March.
Mrs. Atemnkeng is preparing her Honors Special Projects students to take the practice test for Academic Pentathlon next week. The results of that test will determine our two AcaPenta teams for regional and state competitions next semester.
Gate Competitions
Think Tank
Isabella G., Evelyn L., Michael M., Ayden M., Alexis P., and Domenic S.
Spelling Bee
Runner-up: Ruby C.
Geography Bee
Bryan Middle Activities
Our students have been spending a considerable amount of time giving back to the community this semester. With our National Junior Honor Society and Youth Volunteer Corps leading the way, students were given multiple opportunities to do something nice for someone else! Be sure to check out what’s going on after school! There are always tons of opportunities for kids to make new friends and experience new things. Art Club, Reading Club, Robotics Club, Crazy Cooks/Culinary Club, Scrapbooking Club, Memory Book Club, Teen Advisory Committee, Frisbee Golf, Tutoring, Yearbook Club, Student Council, Youth Volunteer Corps, and many others!
A recent study performed at the University of California at Irvine titled Promising Afterschool Programs found that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits. In addition, students are able meet new friends, experience new things, learn organizational skills, and reinforce responsible and respectful behaviors towards themselves and others.
Get involved! There is something for everyone!
Mr. Taylor
Assistant Principal
Athletic/Activity Director
Literacy Fair
Crazy Cooks Club
Students creating crafts with day care children
Bryan Middle Athletics
BMS Athletics was on the move this fall and winter season! Our Cross Country teams dominated the field this year by winning the Middle School State Cross Country Invite hosted at Papillion Junior High and winning the Omaha Public Schools Middle School Cross Country Championship for 7th grade boys, girls, and 8th grade boys! Our Girls Volleyball and Football teams improved their skill base and had higher participation numbers. Overall, they learned what it means to show BEAR P.R.I.D.E. (Peers Respecting Individuality, Diversity, and Excellence) by keeping up their grades and setting a good example inside and outside of the classroom.
Our Girls Swim team placed second in the Bryan Middle School Girls Swim Invitational held on November 2nd. Our Boys Basketball teams are currently in full swing with our JV squad playing well with only one loss.
We will be moving into our third sports season; Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, and Wrestling the week of January 9th. Competitions will begin on the week of January 23rd . Track and soccer seasons will begin March 20th Remember, all competitions begin will at 3:30p.m. and admission is $2.00 for adults. Wrestling will be the only sport with a weekend contest this season. The Marrisett Invite will be at McMillan Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 29th from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Schedules are available on our website at any time, but also can be obtained through the coach at the beginning of the season as each student-athlete should receive a paper copy of their schedule.
Just a reminder that any student wishing to participate in a sport must have the following on file: Physical, Middle Level Activities Contract, Proof Of Insurance, Activity Card, OPS Head Injury/Concussion Acknowledgement Form. These can all be downloaded from our website.
Mr. Taylor
Assistant Principal
Athletic/Activity Director
AIM Trio
AIM TRiO Talent Search First Session ends on Thursday, December 15, 2016, and second session begins on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. If your student participated in first session, there is no need to complete another registration form for second session. Students can just report on January 17th. All classes are held in room 218 and a snack is provided daily.
Students may sign-up for one, two, or all three days and may begin at any time during the school year. Students who stay for this program and are currently provided district bus transportation, to and from Bryan Middle School, are eligible to ride the late bus and are dropped off at his/her neighborhood elementary school. Participation in the program is free of cost!
If you have questions or need a registration form, please contact
Ms. Black at 402-345-5025 ext. 241 or email me at audrey.black@aiminstitute.org
My office is located at Bryan Middle School in the library.
AIM Talent Search program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $230,000 (FY2016-2017)
School Recognitions
December Leaders of the Month
Evelyn L. (7A), Romello J. (7A), Irene F. (7B), Emanual R. (7B), Isaiah D. (7C), Ruby C. (7C), Alyssa S. (8A), Yahir B. (8A), Caleb E. (8B), Kenlly M. (8B), Tanisha R. (8C), Nate R. (8C), and Nathalie F. (ACP)
November Leaders of the Month
October Leaders of the Month
Team 7A Panda Bears
Mrs. Golka (Math): Second quarter is almost over already! WOW! Time flies when you’re having fun. In Math 7 we are finishing up our unit on Fractions. In this unit, we talked about how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative fractions. Our first unit of second semester will be about rational numbers. This will include an overview of all the number systems and how we use these numbers in solving real world problems. After that, we will be studying the coordinate plane. Students will be able to graph points on a coordinate plane. We will also cover transformations on the coordinate plane. It is still very important that every student brings their planner and materials to school every day. This will ensure that students get all of the necessary information to help them be successful in class. Have a great winter break!!
Mr. Rutherford (Social Studies): Students have finished our look at the African continent as we have wrapped up our group project connecting human geography, physical geography, and history. As we move into second semester we'll be looking at the concepts of economics, government and history. These concepts will be discussed with China and India as the focus to help them understand.
Ms. Gallagher (P.E.): In P.E. girls just finished up with the swimming unit and now are playing floor hockey. The boys played floor hockey the last couple weeks and are finishing their semester with swimming.
Ms. Brummer (Computer Applications): Computer Apps I is finishing up the semester with Digital Citizenship Online called EverFi, Keyboarding speeds have really improved with our Edutyping Online program, and Microsoft Word Unit 8 we have taken pictures and did many things like remove background, crop, and added effects. Computer Apps II is finishing up the semester with Excel Budgeting and Entrepreneurship Unit by creating flyers, floor plans, and logos.
Mrs. Palmquist (Language Arts): Classes are reading Rikki Tikki Tavi and completing activities around this short story to end the semester and into the beginning of the 3rd quarter.
Mr. Coil (Human Growth): We have been learning about effective communication habits, refusal skills, and goal setting. Students have been practicing role playing skits to demonstrate how to say no in pressure situations. We will finish off the semester learning about nutrition and food safety.
Mr. Johnson (Science): Class is wrapping up the Semester by making "Human Body Brochures." When we return from Winter Break, we will start our new unit "Heredity." We will learn about how individual organisms receive their traits from parents. Then we will be learning about Earth and Space.
Team 7B Sun Bears
Ms. Donaldson (Language Arts): During second quarter we continue working hard on our summary writing and note-making skills. We have also analyzed the short story “Rogue Wave,” as students learned to cite text evidence to understand the story’s setting and plot. Keep up the hard work Sun Bears!
Ms. Dhoritey (Math): In the second quarter in math, we have been working on integers, fractions, and decimals. We have completed many activities within each of these units. We will finish up with decimals shortly after winter break. Please continue to remind your student to bring their needed supplies to class each day.
Mrs. Friedrichsen (Reading): 21st Century Literacy is working on identifying topic, topic sentence, main idea, and supporting details in a passage. Students have also worked on text features, structures, and text dependent analysis on Achieve3000.com. Each student is encouraged to bring a book to class to use for silent reading and reading response.
Ms. Nelson (Science): This quarter we have been studying the human body systems. We have learned about nine different systems and we are ending the quarter with a big project about the body systems. When we return in January, we will start learning about heredity.
Ms. Fox (Social Studies): The second quarter of Social Studies has been focused on the continent of Africa. We have been discussing the incredible diversity of Africa and the story of how modern Africa was shaped through its history.
Ms. Graham (Special Education): During second quarter, in language arts, students worked on correctly using a graphic organizer to organize their writing. In math, students completed a unit on fractions and have recently started addition and subtraction of decimals. If you are ever in need of assistance or have questions related to the special education department, please don't hesitate to call.
Team 7C Koala Bears
Mrs. Clark (Science): This quarter in 7C science we are finishing our unit about the Human Body with topics over the brain and nervous system, Immune System, and Reproductive System. We will finish with a large project over the whole human body and all parts and then dissect frogs when we get back from winter break.
Mr. Fleming (Language Arts): In Language Arts, we have been using evidence from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to discuss how people change over time. Students have been continuing to work on their writing skills, focusing on organization and purpose. I’m looking forward to finishing out the year strong, and continuing to help students become more confident readers and writers.
Ms. Pedersen (Social Studies): 2nd semester in Social Studies we are changing our focus of study from Africa to Asia. We will specifically be studying the cultures of India, China, Japan and Russia. Should be an exciting time for learning.
Mr. Petersen (Physical Education): In P.E. classes, our Swimming and Floor Hockey units are going on currently. In Human Growth and Development, students have started studying puberty and will be talking about reproduction.
Ms. Tate (Special Education): Hello! My name is Ms. Monique Tate and this is my second year here at Bryan Middle School. I have really enjoyed working with the students and have enjoyed their growth throughout the semester. I am the resource teacher for team 7C and I co- teach in the classes of Language Arts and Math. Currently, in Language Arts, our classes are working on a summative assignment based on Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol". They are writing an intervention letter to Scrooge to address his attitude and behavior throughout the story. In Math, our classes are reviewing decimals and how to complete all operations with them, along with learning scientific notation. My students have worked really hard this semester and I am excited to see what they accomplish next semester.
Ms. Triplett (Math): It is hard to believe that the school year is half over. Koala Math 7 students have just completed their unit on fractions and are beginning to study decimals. Students will be practicing their skills at adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals. They will also convert between writing numbers in scientific notation and in standard form. Please continue to check your student’s planner daily for their math assignments. Daily assignments are now being graded as are quizzes and tests. It is important that daily assignments be completed, with students showing the steps they have taken to find their answers, as completing assignments reinforces the concepts taught in class. Understanding how math is used outside of the classroom is important, including how math affects even the most basic aspects of your student’s life. Talking with your student about math’s role in performing daily tasks such as buying groceries, preparing meals, maintaining a vehicle, deciding on purchases and managing a budget will help your student understand how math is used every day. Asking your student to count change, figure how much money to give the clerk when making a purchase, compute gas mileage, figure the amount of tip to leave when eating at a restaurant, cut coupons, and read ads to find the best deal on purchases will allow your student the opportunity to practice their math skills.
Team 8A Nanooks
Team 8B Polar Bears - Be Exceptional
We are finishing up a great school year with all of your 8B exceptional students! Here are just a few of the fabulous things happening in some 8B classrooms!!
Mrs. Atemnkeng (21st Century and Honors Special Projects): This has been an amazing year so far with Bryan Middle School 8th graders! In 21st Century we’ve completed the novel The Skin I’m In and are finishing up our second district provided textbook on Friends. Students have made projects and gained loads of knowledge including vocabulary, analyzing, foreshadowing, and evaluating text. In Honors Special Projects it’s finally come time for us to take the Academic Pentathlon test that we’ve worked so hard on! Their six summative tests will be given the week of December 19-23. We will culminate the tests with a cookies and punch celebratory reception. Students have worked extremely hard and we definitely want to show our appreciation for all of their hard work!
Mr. Gass (Math): In 8B-Polar Bear Pre-Algebra, we are just finishing up our unit on Two Variable Algebra. We have learned a lot about slopes of lines and the different ways of calculating slope. Looking forward, we will be completing the Orleans Hannah test to see how well they will do in Algebra placement next year. When we start the new semester, we will start our unit on Data Analysis and Probability. I look forward to ending the 1st semester strong.
Mr. Pritchett (Science): In Polar Bear Science, students have completed our Chemistry Unit after taking a test over "Elements and Compounds". Ask your student what a chemical formula and the law of conservation of mass tells us. The next time they take some chemistry will be in high school so the last couple of weeks students are reviewing Genetics and Solar System before winter break. In January they will start studying Physics and the rocket building will begin. Be Exceptional.
Mr. Rothe (Social Studies): Wow, it is hard to believe that the 2nd quarter is coming to a close, and winter break is almost upon us. The students have spent the 2nd quarter looking at Manifest Destiny and how we acquired the land that makes up the United States. We did several activities with Lewis and Clark and the Louisiana Purchase. We are wrapping up the semester working on our Research Semester Project or (RSP). Students are finding and researching a primary document from a time period or event of their choice dealing with Manifest Destiny and creating a project over their findings. When we return from winter break, students will be wrapping up Manifest Destiny, and then begin the Causes of the Civil War. I am looking forward to a wonderful start to 2017 with your student!
Mrs. Silliman (Language Arts): This quarter in Mrs. Silliman's language arts classroom students have been exploring poetry. Students just finished researching a poet of their choice and are currently writing essays about a poem in class.
Team 8C Grizzly Bears
Mrs. Stowe (Social Studies): We have begun our unit on westward expansion. Currently students are learning about the Native tribes and the impact that westward expansion had on them. We will be taking time to also learn about the Mexican-American War, the Gold Rush, and the impacts that westward expansion had on the formation of Nebraska! Students have already completed a district assessment using their research skills on some of these topics and did an excellent job demonstrating their ability to examine historical documents. After January we will begin our discussion of slavery in the United States so be aware if you students mention this sensitive topic.
Mrs. Clements (Reading Skills A and B): We are currently MAP testing. We are also spreading kindness by writing positive things that have happened to us, that we have done for others or that others have done for us and displaying them in the hallways!
Mr. Grinvalds (Language Arts): We are working on text-basked assessments to prepare for the NESA test. We just finished a figurative language unit in which the students created a powerpoint which used song lyrics to demonstrate the types of figurative language. We also just finished the book Monster and took the assessment which featured questions that required the students to use evidence from the text to answer.
Mr. Semar (Band and Strings): The BMS Bands and Orchestras just finished up another fantastic concert season with stellar performances by all groups. Now we're looking forward to getting back into learning new things. Great job, students!
Mr. Wiederholt (Tech and Living 7): 7th Grade Tech and Living is busy finishing up the semester. We are using a 3D Modeling program called SketchUp. It is a free program that the students could use to do school work at home. We will be racing the wood CO2 cars next week.
Winter Concert
Winter Concert
Mr. Grinvald's Language Arts Class
Winter Music Concert
Mr. Semar's Strings Class
Mrs. Stowe's Social Studies Class
Looking Ahead
Last Day of 1st Semester: Thursday, December 22nd
Winter Break: December 23rd - January 6th
First Day of 3rd Quarter: Monday, January 9th
No School Days: Monday, January 16th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day; February 17 (Teacher work day); February 20 (President's Day)
Open House: Thursday, January 26th at 6:00pm (For incoming 7th Grade Students)
February 14: Student Led Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.
February 16: Student Led Conferences 12:30-6:30 p.m.
About Us
Email: Darren.Rasmussen@ops.org
Website: http://bryanmiddle.ops.org/
Location: 8210 South 42nd Street, Bellevue, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 557-4100