Bear Bulletin
May 2, 2021
May 3rd-7th is Teacher Appreciation Week!
Topics Included in this Newsletter
- Note from Mrs. Spencer
- Message from Dr. Blaine, SBISD Superintendent
- Required Vaccine Information for Rising 7th Graders
- 8th Grade Field Day Assembly Information
- SBMS End of Year Events
- Chromebook Checks (6th and 7th) and Returns (8th)
- Next Round of STAAR Testing
- Student Planner Restroom Log and Cell Phones Information
- Spring Finals Schedule
- SBISD New & Returning Student Registration Opens Monday, April 5th
- SBMS Yearbook Update!
- Safety Information and Expectations for SBMS Students and Families
Message from Mrs. Spencer
Hello, SBMS Bears,
The countdown to summer now stands at 19 days left of 2020-2021! This week, we celebrate the work of teachers through Teacher Appreciation Week. Our amazing PTA has treats in store for them all week, and I have joined in their efforts to celebrate our hard working staff. Please send your child's teachers a note of thanks in appreciation for their efforts despite all that has transpired this year. This year marks my twenty-fourth year in education and I am in awe of the hard work, heart and time our teachers have dedicated to serving students and families despite it all. I know they would appreciate the thank you and it might just help them finish out the year strong. I appreciate all of our SBMS Bear families for your support this year; we have really done something quite amazing together.
Just a few reminders:
- 6th Grade Parents: Please scroll down to the article related to necessary vaccines for next year's 7th graders. If we do not receive documentation that your child has completed these vaccines or has a religious or medical exemption, their schedule will not be viewable to you for next year.
- SBMS Marquee: We are so excited to see the installation of our new marquee signage sometime between now and the early June. Ours was damaged in a Sunday storm months ago. The pole will be treated and repainted and the signage replaced. Many thanks to SBISD Operations for their efforts to get this replaced.
- Textbook Return: Next weekend's edition will include information related to textbook return. Please start gathering those textbooks you may have checked out at the beginning of the school year and be ready to return them next week.
- SBMS Awards Night ('20-'21 Version) will be held during the school day on May 18th. See below for more details.
See you Monday, Bears!
Stefanie Spencer, Principal
Message for Dr. Blaine, Superintendent
Dear Spring Branch ISD Families,
This week, we revealed our Elementary and Secondary 2021 Teacher of the Year winners! Huge congratulations go out to Kayla Gibson of Hunters Creek Elementary and Katie Wood-Sponsel of Spring Branch Academic Institute. Both Kayla and Katie exemplify the amazing educators that we have in Spring Branch ISD.
Learn more about Kayla and Katie here and watch the video below to see the special surprises!
Teacher Appreciation Week
Next week, May 3-7, marks Teacher Appreciation Week. In a year like no other, we appreciate each and every single one of our amazing educators more than ever. Despite the challenges we faced coming into this school year, our teachers worked tirelessly to adapt and turn those challenges into opportunities. They have been a constant for our students and families, and I am so grateful they are members of our SBISD family.
Please be sure to take a few moments next week to share some words of thanks and gratitude toward your child’s teacher(s). They truly live out our Core Values by putting Every Child at the heart of all they do!
Communications on upcoming testing
In the coming weeks, continue to monitor your email for communication from your campus principal regarding upcoming testing details and schedules. If you have any questions, please contact your campus.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Required Vaccine Information for Rising 7th Graders
Parents of 6th grade students,
Last week letters were sent home regarding the additional vaccines required for 7th grade entry (Texas Minimum State Requirements). The additional vaccines required for 7th grade are Tdap, and Meningococcal (MCV4). If your child has not already had these vaccines it is advisable that you take care of this before the end of the school year. If your child is exempt for medical or religious reasons you must provide an updated notarized affidavit that includes these vaccines.
After May 15th your child will not receive next year’s schedule until an updated immunization record is provided. Please send the updated record to Mercedes.mulvey@springbranchisd.com or fax to 713-251-9472.
Bears for Bears Canned Food Drive: May 3rd-7th
8th Grade Field Day Assembly Information
8th Graders recently took part in an assembly where they heard the details of our upcoming afternoon Field Day that will be held in their honor on May 21st. Our awesome SBMS PTA is providing lunch to each 8th grader and has graciously supplied additional pieces of sporting equipment, games and treats to be served during the afternoon. Virtual 8th graders are welcome to attend and are invited to come at their lunch time to spend the afternoon with us. They just need to check in at the office once they arrive.
As has been the requirement for 8th graders leading up to the culminating events in the past, 8th graders will need to demonstrate appropriate behavior and punctuality between now and May 21st in order to take part in the event. This presentation was reviewed with each of the 8th graders last Thursday, April 29th and includes:
- The expectation that to participate in Field Day, an 8th grader may not have earned an ISS (In-school Suspension) or OSS (Out of School Suspension) between May 3rd- May 21st.
- 8th Grade students need to limit their tardies (BPT included) to no more than three tardies.
- Behavior must be appropriate during field day.
Students who do meet the above expectations will have an extended study hall and alternative activities. Please review the expectations presented in the linked presentation above with your student as we want all students to be able to participate.
In terms of dress code, students are encouraged to wear knee length shorts, t-shirts and sneakers. Regular dress code requirements remain in place for this event, but students should dress for it being warm outside that day.
During the event, 8th Graders will be able to select from a variety of activities:
- Pickleball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Kickball
- Walking the track
- Hanging out with friends
- Movie in the Library
- Art Studio Project
- Big Chess and Checkers
- Board Games, Online Games
- High School Themed Photo Arches
We are excited to be able to celebrate our 8th graders and all of their hard work, resilience and tenacity. We hope they are growing more and more excited about their high school plans and have faith that bright futures await all of them.
End of Year Events for SBMS
We have much to celebrate this school year and are so appreciative of all stakeholders, faculty, staff, parents, students and our community, for all of their contributions to making this year a great one. Below is information about events we will host to celebrate students and bring a conclusion to the 2020-2021 school year in a manner aligned to the LearnSBISD safety parameters. Also, be on the look out for more details from our SBMS PTA for events they are hosting.
Grade Level Awards Ceremony for 6th-8th Graders: Traditionally, SBMS hosts an Awards Night to honor distinguished students in each grade level. This year, we will host and record these awards assemblies separately for each grade level on May 18th during the school day.
Virtual students who are being presented an award may be present and will be notified in advance of the ceremony. No parents or visitors may attend the ceremony, but it will be recorded and a link distributed to all families so they can celebrate with their children at a later time. We will also be sharing this video during grade level BPTs so students can celebrate their peers, as well.
8th Grade Farewell Ceremony: Traditionally, we host this during school in our Championship Gym and all families are invited to attend. This year, the ceremony will be a virtual one where we will record the presentation for students and families to view at their leisure, as we did last year. In light of the size of the grade level, this presentation will just be virtual and students will watch it during BPT, in addition to viewing it at home with families.
8th Grade Field Day (NEW): In addition to Friday fun and other PTA events planned for 8th Graders in May, SBMS will host an afternoon Field Day for 8th Graders on May 21st. More to come on the details, but we hope it will be a fun way to celebrate their middle school journey and provide them one last hurrah before they make their way to high school. Parameters for good behavior leading up to Field Day and more information about the fun we have in store for them will be coming out soon.
Chromebook Device Information for All Parents
We are so fortunate to have a 1:1 device policy in Spring Branch ISD where students are provided devices to use at school and at home. 6th and 7th graders will be keeping their chromebooks over the summer for summer school use, reading books on SORA and/or participating in our One Book, One School activity (more to come), but we would like to check their chromebooks prior to summer to be sure they are in working order. 8th Graders and those students in 6th and 8th who won't be returning will need to turn in their devices prior to the end of the school year. Please note:
- Chromebook Checks will occur for all in person students in 6th and 7th Grades beginning next week. All in person students in 6th and 7th should bring their chromebooks next week as they will be asked to show their devices to our tech specialist, Philip Edmond, and our librarian, Aaryn Silva. We will be checking for broken screens or any other issues each device may have so that tickets can be submitted. Some devices will be retired at the end of the school year and we want to be sure each child has the most current one for next school year.
- Chromebook Returns will occur the last week of school for all 8th Graders and students not returning to SBMS will occur Wednesday and Thursday of the last week of school. More to come on this, but students should plan to return chromebooks during this week. Finals will be administered on paper for affected testing periods. Virtual students are invited to return their chromebooks on May 28th.
Students should start gathering their cases and their chargers if they have not kept those items together. Students who have lost or damaged items may incur charges if insurance was not purchased or insurance does not cover that particular issue.
Next Round of STAAR Testing
Please note the next round of STAAR testing occurs the first and second week of May on the dates listed below. Bell schedules will be amended May 6th, 7th, 11th and 12th. Click here for the amended schedules.
- May 4th: Algebra EOC for Paper Testers (Parents have been notified)
- May 6th: 8th Grade Science STAAR
- May 7th: 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR
- May 11th: 6th-8th Grade Math STAAR
- May 12th: 6th-8th Grade Reading STAAR
Most students at SBMS will take their STAAR exams online, so all students need to bring a fully charged chromebook. The paper test version for Algebra EOC has a different state deadline, hence the testing for that small group of students.
Please note that students should not wear their Apple or similar smart watches during the test, so it may be wise to keep those home for testing days. Phones should be turned off and stowed away. Testing will conclude sometime after 1 p.m. on each of these dates, so please plan accordingly in regards to appointments.
Student Planner Restroom Log and Cell Phones
Spring Finals Schedule
Click here for the Spring Finals Schedule for the week of May 24th. There may be adjustments made to this schedule in the next week or two, so please keep checking back to be sure you are looking at the finalized version. Thank you for your patience.
Virtual students will take their exams as they have taken fall semester finals and tests, online with their teachers. They do not need to report to campus.
SBMS Yearbooks are here!
Yearbooks are here! If you ordered a yearbook, your child should have received one this week at school. There are STILL yearbooks on sale if you’d still like to buy one at tinyurl.com/sbmsyearbook
Yearbooks will be sale online UNTIL MAY 4, 2021. After that, if we have extras, (we have 17 left for sale and 20 extras) you can bring $65 cash or check to my room, 201, to purchase an extra.
Please let me know if you have any questions at sara.boyle@springbranchisd.com.
Thank you very much for your patience and understanding as middle schoolers created a yearbook during a pandemic!
Sara Boyle
Journalism Teacher, Yearbook and Newspaper Adviser
Spring Branch Middle School
New & Returning Student Registration Opens April 5th!
New & returning student registration opens on Monday, April 5th and closes May 2nd. Please read the below directions for registering returning students and share information with friends who may be interested in registering new students below.
Returning Student Registration:
- Click here for information and a link to Family Access in Skyward.
- Families are asked annually to confirm/update information for each child attending.
- Returning families can update online most information collected in a school’s 1st Day Packet through Family Access. If you do not have a Family Access account, please contact your school to set up an account.
- Parents are not required to print forms. Forms can be signed and submitted electronically.
- If you would like to print out the forms for your records, please ensure that Adobe Reader is installed on your device. This process can be completed on a PC, Tablet or smartphone browser.
- Please be sure to complete forms by clicking the submit button at the end of each form.
- If your campus does not receive these forms electronically, you will receive paper
New Student Registration:
- Click here to access the online enrollment form.
Families new to SBISD or families who have moved within SBISD to a different school are encouraged to register students before the first day of school.
- All necessary registration forms may be completed online in advance of registering the student at his/her attendance area school. (Alternately, the option to complete registration forms at the child’s attendance-area campus is also available during in-person registration dates/times. A parent or legal guardian must be present to enroll a student less than 18 years old.)
- To complete forms online, you will need an Internet-ready browser, email address and phone number.
- If you would like to print out the forms for your records, please ensure that Adobe Reader is installed on your device.
- After registering online, appointments will be scheduled at the student’s attendance-area school to submit required documents (listed below)
- What do I need to bring with me to register my student?
- Immunization record certified by a doctor or public health official
- Transcript or report card from the last school attended
- Birth certificate or other document suitable as proof of a child's identity
- Proof of residency is required upon enrollment. (Examples: lease agreement or mortgage payment book, district tax bill, utility bill with correct name and address)
- July 29
Thursday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 2 - 5
Monday - Thursday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 9 - 11
Monday - Wednesday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 12
Thursday- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. (afternoon only)
- August 17 (second day of school)
Tuesday
School office hours or by appointment
Note:
- Dates and times are subject to change.
- There is no registration the first day of school.
- Family may contact the campus for additional dates and times beyond what the district has scheduled for all campuses.
Registration for Returning Students FAQs
Question on Device Form: Since my 6th grader is returning to SBMS and will be able to take his chromebook home this summer, so I click "yes - I want a school issued device?"
Answer: Yes.This will just ensure we know you would like to continue the device you currently have checked out for your student.
Question on Insurance for Devices: Should we select to purchase insurance every year or does the initial $25 cover every year?
Answer: The insurance covers only one year at a time. It is a wise investment. We strongly suggest you purchase it every year.
LearnSBISD Safety Reminders for SBMS Bears
As always, here are a few reminders in the hopes of keeping everyone healthy, safe, in school and a focus on student learning is maintained at SBMS:
- Report of Exposure: Please report any direct, prolonged exposure your child has had with family members or friends who have been recently diagnosed. This will help Ms. Mulvey determine next steps and lessen the spread of COVID-19. You may do so by calling 713-251-4400 or emailing Ms. Mulvey at mercedes.mulvey@springbranchisd.com.
- SBISD Health Screener: Within every edition of this newsletter every Sunday is a reminder to complete the SBISD Health Screener. Please help us keep everyone healthy, well and in school by completing that screener and refraining from sending any child to school who is demonstrating those symptoms or has exposure to someone who the family believes needs to be COVID tested. If you are unsure whether or not your child should report to school, please reach out to me, Mr. Barry, and Ms. Mulvey and we can try to help you.
- Bringing Items to SBMS: SBMS will only allow the drop off of the following: chromebooks, assignments, books for Language Arts or medicine for the school nurse. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many families dropping off items to the front office that are unrelated to these things. The LearnSBISD plan indicates no drop off of items should be occurring and that visitors to the campus are restricted. As we watch numbers of parents dropping off items to our office and numbers of COVID cases tick upwards, we are tightening up our practices to make clearer what is of necessity and what is not. To ensure that your child has a back up plan for lunch, please visit SBISD Child Nutrition and put money on their account so they can purchase a lunch: https://www.springbranchisd.com/about/departments/finance/child-nutrition-services/payments-and-refunds.
- Health and Safety Reminder: One of the many unfortunate issues related to COVID-19 is that the signs and symptoms for COVID-19 can mirror other illnesses. Our LearnSBISD plan requires parents to complete a Health Screener for their students each morning and indicates that students must not report to school with symptoms delineated within that screener to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. When a child visits with Ms. Mulvey, our SBMS Nurse, and presents symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 she must follow a protocol that involves presenting the symptoms and context for the child (duration of symptoms, if a parent has tested positive or exposure to someone else has occurred) to the SBISD Intake Nurse and then work with the family to send the child home for a period of time. We fully recognize how stressful the "here and now" is for all families, but ask that your interactions with our nurse are kind and patient. We are happy to ask questions on your behalf and answer any questions you may have, but please know the health and safety of all students, their families and our staff are at the forefront of all that we do at SBMS. This is a very difficult year to serve as a school nurse and we are so grateful that Ms. Mulvey chose this as her life's work.
- SBISD Mask Policy: SBISD requires all school-aged students and staff to wear masks covering their noses and mouths all of the school day, except for when eating or drinking. Gaiters are allowed, but please be sure that students are able to wear them consistently and cover both their noses and mouths. Some students are having to hold their necks forward to keep their gaiters up and over their noses and mouths, so parents may wish to ask their children to wear masks if they prove easier and more comfortable for your child in that regard. Students not consistent in wearing their mask over their noses and mouths may face disciplinary consequences up to and including changing their learning model.
SBISD Health Screener for In-Person Learners
Prior to the start of the school year, all families completed the SBISD Health & Safety Protocol Parent Acknowledgement Form. Included in these protocols is ensuring that every child coming to campus has a completed SBISD Health Screener every morning.
As a reminder, the health screener can be accessed via the district website (there is a blue box on the homepage titled ‘HEALTH SCREENER’ or by clicking here.) High school students may complete their own screener, but not those of their siblings.
Parents, it is critical that you report to your child's school if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has had prolonged (15 or more minutes) direct exposure to someone who is COVID-19 positive, or is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Please do not send your child to school. Please do complete the health screener and report to your school attendance office or nurse immediately. Please be sure to provide your contact information including a daytime telephone number where you can be reached.
View this video to see how to turn the screener into an icon (like an app) on your phone or tablet home screen for easier access: