Falcons First
Blair Oaks Middle School ~ March 25, 2020
2020-2021 Schedules
Registration Link - Students Going into 6th Grade
Registration Link - Students Going into 7th Grade
***For students going in 8th grade - Registration Sign-Up coming soon! We are waiting to finalize exploratory classes which we are super excited to be able to offer next year.
Note from Mrs. Stokes:
For those that select Band or Falcon Chorale, those classes require a parent contract to be signed for to finalize enrollment in those courses. Be on the lookout for an email from me that includes the contract. Several of your students turned in paper copies already. If so, disregard the contract email. Thank you.
Yearbook
Update: Office Hours
Thursday, March 26: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Week of March 30 - April 3: No office hours
Mrs. Walters will be in the office each day; however, hours will vary. If you need materials or to exchange a Chromebook that isn't working properly, please email her directly to coordinate a time to meet.
Paper packets do not need to be returned to school until school is back in session. Please do your best to keep them in a safe place until that time. If you are more comfortable turning them in, you may do so. Please contact Mrs. Walters to coordinate a time.
You are welcome to email anytime if you have questions or additional needs.
Kimberley Walters: kwalters@blairoaks.org
Meal Requests
Check Out Library Books Online
Grades PK-8: https://abdodigital.com/?tk=414F33301B8E136DEE3F0A93BF1795E1
Grades 5-12: https://abdodigital.com/?tk=840BC558E6676AB1F4C9FA29D8EC6D69
Please be patient during download as some books take a bit longer than others.
Big Tember Media is also providing free online access to books.
Grades 3-5: https://my.bigtimbermedia.com/?tk=39F6831AC8E38087D5FC01BB0FE89577
Grades 6-8: https://my.bigtimbermedia.com/?tk=0265D768A27CF38F4E2EB56A4E3FB91A
School Nurse
Extended Closure Dates
We do know that DESE will forgive any days missed due to COVID-19. Our last day of school will be Friday, May 15th.
Guide for Parents
A Parent's Guide to Surviving School Closure
With recent changes in our “business as usual” lifestyles, families are preparing for possible self-isolation, having thoughts of loss of freedom and separation from love ones. COVID-19 has rocked the world and stirred up a lot of mixed emotions surrounding worry and fear. If not handled correctly stress levels will increase and anxiety will take over. Parents are finding themselves back in the role of being their child’s teacher. Here are six tips for surviving school closure.
1. Remove the fear
Take time to talk to your child about what is going on in the world around them. This is a lot to process for everyone including children. Imagine the feelings and emotions your child is experiencing when all of a sudden without notice their normal everyday routine is yanked out of their control. Kids are accustomed to seeing their peers/friends everyday while in school, they follow a strict schedule filled with academics, recess, lunch and other routines. This sudden change in routine can be very difficult for ADHD or autistic students. You will observe their inability to effectively communicate the need for a daily schedule. Behaviors and emotions may flare, and you will hear them constantly saying things such as “I am bored”. Use communication and awareness as a tool for combating inappropriate emotions.
2. Mirror the school’s schedule
To keep the academic learning ongoing, many schools have provided students with packets of work to complete during the closure. Design a homeschool schedule that mirrors what your child is accustomed to doing. During the math block work on the math practice sheets, during the reading block complete the reading sheets and eat lunch around the same time. Once students are operating in a schedule that is mirrored to their regular day a sense of security and structure is reestablished.
3. Establish exploration times
Kids are born to explore; they are curious and love experiencing new things. Build in moments for brain breaks such as dancing and singing or trying kids’ yoga. Have recess and send your child outside to play in the yard if weather permit. Do art projects, and play games, these moments will remind students of elective classes that are reflected in their regular school day. Finally schedule virtual field trips such as virtual trips to the museum and other interesting learning places.
4. Celebrate success
When assignments are completed celebrate with words of praise like “I am proud of you, you gave some wonderful answers on your assignment”. Celebrate with high fives, hugs or celebration dances. Celebrating success and efforts will encourage your child to continue striving to do well. Don’t forget to celebrate your patience and efforts during the process as well.
5. Don’t be afraid of not knowing
School curriculum has evolved over the years. Many parents may not understand how to implement state standards and objectives. Do not be ashamed of not knowing how to teach the content. Remember one thing…. Google knows everything and You tube shows it all. When in doubt just use google for samples or look on you tube for videos that can serve as a model. Let modern technology help you with the teaching. When in doubt - reach out to the teachers. They are willing to help assist in any way they can.
6. Remember it’s a journey not a race
Don’t try to do everything at once. Pace your child with assignments to prevent anyone from becoming overwhelmed. Challenging behaviors such as crying, asking for frequent bathroom breaks or other distractions are often strategies students use to escape or avoid work that is difficult to them. If your child is struggling and showing signs of frustration, stop and take a break to regroup. It’s important to let your child know your expectations for completing the assignments and hold them accountable for doing so.
BMS Building Mission
BMS Vision Statement
Vision: We envision soaring to new heights through:
Academic Excellence
Character Development
Community Involvement
Leadership and Service
Kimberley Walters ~ Middle School Principal
Email: kwalters@blairoaks.org
Website: http://www.blairoaks.k12.mo.us/
Location: 6124 Falcon Lane, Jefferson City, MO, USA
Phone: 573-634-2053
Twitter: @BMS_Falcons