Badger Middle School Newsletter
October 27, 2023
Hello Badger Students and Families,
It was so great to bump into so many of you at Conferences, a basketball game, or a choir concert. Thank you for making me feel welcomed back to WBSD and welcomed to the Badger Community.
During the 1st week of school I told students that I hoped they would grow a little each day and explained that I drive home each day thinking about what I might improve for tomorrow. In the same way, our team of educators has a continuous improvement process that helps them grow in their expertise as well as find additional ways to support all learners. Sometimes, growing involves simple, visible adjustments such as the Student and Staff of the Week slides below. Often, with goals of making impactful change, more time and a bigger effort is needed. We will continue to grow.
Thanks for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Patrick O'Connor
Principal
Badger Middle School
(262) 335-5456/215000
Students of the Week
Congrats to our most recent Students of the Week.
Students are selected based on their contributions to the school, excellence in the classroom, and their positive impact on others. They are first nominated by House teachers, then selected by elective teachers.
With great students like these in our hallways, the future is looking bright!
Staff of the Week
Staff of the Week are nominated by students. See recent staff of the week below
Halloween
Students have the opportunity to dress up on 10/31 if they choose to. They’ve been encouraged to be creative and reminded of the parameters. (Must be school appropriate.)
Contest Opportunity
The Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday annually. The celebration programming includes a contest for youth in grades K-12 to interpret Dr. King’s words through speeches, art, and writing. Any West Bend Schools students can enter. Entries can be submitted for the art, speech, and writing contests until November 17. Review the study guide for contest information. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Anthony Smith at asmith@marcuscenter.org.
Facebook Highlights!
Mrs. Miller's class completed a Gallery Walk about the Jamestown Colony.
7th and 8th grade choristers ended their concert with "Thriller"
7C science students created "Slow Race" tracks while exploring force and velocity.
PTO Meeting
There is a PTO meeting on Thursday, November 9th at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria. Come join the team to support Badger.
Newsletter Archive
Missed a Newsletter, or looking for prior information? Check out the ARCHIVE.
Daily Announcements
Daily announcements are read in the mornings. You can read what is read on the announcements here.
Lunch/Breakfast Menus
Upcoming Activity Opportunities
Forensics Starts Soon
Attention, Badger students and families: Are you interested in joining the Badger forensics team this winter? Forensics is a co-curricular that runs January through March and helps you become a more confident speaker. Kids in forensics choose between reading, memorizing or acting out a piece, either alone or with partners. We compete at area schools on Friday nights in February. If you are interested in learning more, please attend our informational meeting on Thursday, November 2 in room 307. The meeting will run from 3:30 until 4 o’clock. Hope to see you there (students only). Please see Mrs. Jackson in room 223 or Mr. Schalewski in room 215 if you are not able to make it to get the paperwork to sign up.
Boys Basketball:
Practices begin on Monday October 30th with tryouts beginning at 3:30pm for the 7th grade boys and 5:30pm for the 8th grade boys. All practices will take place in the Badger Middle School gym. Reminder that all athletes need to be registered and have a current physical (exam date must be after 6.1.2022) uploaded onto ArbiterSports (Formally known as FamilyID) prior to the start of practice.
Wrestling:
Practices begin on Monday November 6th with practice begin at 3:30pm. All practices will take place in the Badger Middle School balcony (3rd floor gym). Reminder that all athletes need to be registered and have a current physical (exam date must be after 6.1.2022) uploaded onto ArbiterSports (Formally known as FamilyID) prior to the start of practice.
Second Step Curriculum Preview
Here's a Preview of upcoming Second Step Lessons:
11/1/2023
Grade 7
Lesson 5: Overcoming Roadblocks 1
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to use If–Then plans to overcome roadblocks. If–Then Plans help your child anticipate potential roadblocks and come up with plans for addressing them.
Question: Ask your child to explain to you what an If–Then Plan is. Work together to make a plan for how your child can respond positively to a difficult situation they might encounter at home.
Grade 8
Lesson 5: Pursuing My Interests
Summary: In this week's lesson, your child will identify and respond to positive and negative influences that may affect them while pursuing a goal.
Question: Tell your child about something positive or negative that influenced you as you were working toward a goal. For example, a friend who helped you find a job or learn a new skill. Ask your child about positive and negative factors that may influence them.11/8/23
Grade 7 - Overcoming Roadblocks 2
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will identify a goal they want to work on, anticipate roadblocks, and develop an If–Then Plan for their own goal.
Question: Think of a time you achieved a big goal, such as learning to drive or graduating from school. Tell your child about your big goal and some of the smaller goals you needed to finish in order to achieve it. Ask your child to tell you about a goal they have.
Grade 8 - Pause on Second Step Lessons
On November 8, November 15, and January 10 ALL 8th graders will participate in the DPI required Academic and Career Planning lessons. The lessons will take place during the 30-minute time that is typically allotted for Second Step lessons. If your child has opted out of Second Step lessons, they are required to attend their resource on November 9, November 15, and January 10 to fulfil the DPI required lesson.
11/15/23
Grade 7 - Advice on Roadblocks
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will put their knowledge about overcoming roadblocks into action by giving advice to a sixth-grader who is struggling to learn something new.
Question: Tell your child about a time you had to try something new to overcome a roadblock, such as asking someone for help or looking at a problem with a different viewpoint. Tell your child what eventually helped you overcome that roadblock.
Grade 8 - Pause on Second Step Lessons
On November 8, November 15, and January 10 ALL 8th graders will participate in the DPI required Academic and Career Planning lessons. The lessons will take place during the 30-minute time that is typically allotted for Second Step lessons. If your child has opted out of Second Step lessons, they are required to attend their resource on November 9, November 15, and January 10 to fulfil the DPI required lesson.11/29/2023
UNIT 2 - Recognizing Bullying & Harassment
In this unit, students learn how to recognize bullying and harassment, stand up safely to bullying, and respond appropriately to harassment. This unit’s content helps students develop empathy, understand the impact of bullying and harassment on individuals and their communities, and examine social and environmental factors that contribute to negative behaviors as well as identify solutions for preventing those behaviors.
Grade 7 - What is Harassment?
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to recognize harassment and tell how it’s different from bullying.
Question: Talk to your child about an example of harassment you heard about, or—if you’re comfortable—something you experienced. Ask your child how this is different from bullying.
Grade 8 - Understanding Bullying
Summary: This week’s lesson will help your child examine common beliefs about bullying and harassment. They will begin to gain a perspective on how their opinions compare to those of others.
Information below has already been communicated but is here for your reference
Badger Pride
Did you know you can help support Badger Pride?
Students that demonstrate Badger Pride values (respect, responsibility, readiness to learn, and safety) can earn Badger Pride stamps to be used at our weekly store. The Badger Pride store is seeking donations for items that students can purchase with their stamps. Items can be small (candy, happy meal toys, fidgets, etc...) or they can be larger items that will be raffled off (local gift cards, team memorabilia, hobby kits, etc...). Donations can be dropped off in the main office. Please label donations BADGER PRIDE STORE to ensure they are used as intended.
Halloween Costumes
Halloween is coming.
Please note that we will follow school district policies, procedures and guidelines and a student will be asked to remediate costumes that do not adhere to these.
If you are planning on a costume for school, here are some more specific guidelines that apply in this context:
Appropriateness: Dress code will be adhered to.
Safety: Costumes should not hinder mobility, vision, or pose any safety risks. Avoid costumes with sharp or pointy accessories that could cause harm.
No Weapons: Avoid costumes with realistic weapons or accessories that resemble weapons. Leave toy weapons at home.
Respectful Themes: Be considerate of cultural, racial, and religious sensitivities. Avoid costumes that perpetuate stereotypes or mock any group of people.
No Gore or Graphic Violence: Steer clear of costumes that depict graphic violence, blood, or gore.
No Masks or Full-Face Coverings
Non-Disruptive: Costumes should not disrupt the learning environment. Avoid costumes that are noisy or excessively large..
Props: Avoid bringing props that are not easily stored when not in use. Props that become a distraction will be confiscated.
Remember that Halloween is meant to be a fun and festive occasion, so choose a costume that reflects your creativity and personality while respecting the guidelines set by your school. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to check with your school administration or event organizers for specific rules and recommendations.
Note from HS Athletic Directors
Dear Parents/Guardians and Middle School Students,
To ensure that West Bend East and West High Schools athletic events are a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all, the following expectations are in place and must be followed by all student attendees:
Students are to remain in the bleachers, stands, or seats throughout the course of the game, match, or event unless they are purchasing concessions or using the restrooms. Students are not permitted to be in areas outside of the designated West Bend athletic contest or event.
Cheering should demonstrate good sportsmanship towards both West Bend athletes/participants and opposing athletes/participants. It should be positive and respectful. Students must refrain from using derogatory or harassing language against other students, players, referees, fans, or any other person in attendance.
Food and drink should be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. No food or drink should be thrown at any time or for any reason.
Backpacks, scooters, skateboards, bikes, and balls are not allowed in the designated West Bend athletic contest or event.
If students leave the football stadium during the game, they may not reenter.
Middle school students who fail to follow these expectations will be removed from the athletic event, gym, or stadium and not be allowed reentry. Additionally, students who do not abide by these expectations may be denied entry to future West Bend East and West High Schools events, athletics, and activities. We request that parents/guardians please discuss these expectations with their student(s) so they are aware of the expectations. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Molly Hengst, East Athletic Director
Erin Felber, West Athletic Director
Weekly mini-lessons in social-emotional skills led by classroom teachers have started. This occurs every Wednesday during Resource. The skills and concepts are designed to help students both in and out of school. The Second Step resource includes five units:
Mindsets and Goals
Recognizing Bullying and Harassment
Thoughts, Emotions and Decisions
Managing Relationships and Social Conflict
You will receive regular communication about each lesson through this newsletter. The communications will include information about the current unit of study and specific information about each lesson to help you reinforce the language, skills, and goals taught within the lessons. If you have any questions about the social-emotional learning lessons, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information. In addition, if you prefer that your child does not participate in the lessons at all, please communicate that preference to me prior to the lesson and we will make alternate arrangements for the student during that time.
Badger Middle School
Mission: We will be respectful of ourselves and each other, work together to develop integrity, persevere in the face of difficulty, and strive for excellence.
Website: http://west-bend.k12.wi.us/BMS/
Location: 727 S. 6th Ave., West Bend, WI, USA 53095
Phone: 262-335-5455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadgerMiddleSchool/