Badger Middle School Newsletter
March 19, 2024
Hello Badger Students and Families,
This week, we begin the Wisconsin Forward Exam. This is a crucial test that allows us to explore student growth and progress, make curricular adjustments, examine scheduling/course placement, and other key data points to ensure student success. All students were shown this slideshow in their Language Arts class last week. Testing begins Wednesday. You can support by reiterating the importance of trying your best, ensuring students get a good night's rest and a solid meal on testing days, and reminding students to bring their Chromebook charged. Thanks for supporting our learners! (Check out the pic from Mrs. Meyer's Language Arts class- thumbs up and ready to do their best on the test!)
We will hold our March Assembly on Friday 3/22. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a dodgeball tournament as we celebrate students demonstrating expected behaviors in the month of March. The assembly, including transitioning to Resource then the gym, will be from 2:22-3:15.
Check the school calendar for upcoming opportunities to support our students. One opportunity is our Family Trivia Night on April 17th. See the flyer below for more information.
Finally, I hope you all enjoy the upcoming Spring Break. The offices will be closed for Break. We will return for Professional Development on 4/1, and school resumes on 4/2.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime and thanks for your continued support.
Enjoy break!
Sincerely,
Patrick O'Connor
Principal
Badger Middle School
(262) 335-5456
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
Testing Schedule Note
As we have testing scheduled over the next few weeks, we will NOT have our "Event Schedule" on Wdenesdays. The "event schedule" continues on 4/24.
Facebook Highlights!
Mr. Chesick's Science classes made macroscale observations of Oobleck.
Free and Reduced Lunch Waiver
Filling out a Free and Reduced Lunch Waiver can bring money into the school and district to support reading and math initiatives.We know that circumstances can change during the year and families can qualify at any point. Parents and guardians can go right into Skyward to submit the information or fill out a form. With a signed sharing waiver, we can also refund any previously paid fees for a qualifying family. A final reminder that this form needs to be completed annually and submitting a form in the fall or spring only completes the current year, and new forms will be available for 24-25 by mid-July.
Spring Cleaning: Lost and found
Badger's Lost & Found area is overflowing!
Please remind your student to check the tables for missing items. We have an assortment of lunch boxes, water bottles, hats, gloves, pants, sweatshirts, jackets, shoes, and boots!
Items not collected by 3/22 (before Spring Break) will be donated.
See photos below! (Photos taken in February)
Important Info for 8th Graders
8th Grade Transition to High School Steps
We have some great opportunities for our 8th grade students to learn about East and West High Schools!
January 17th - High School staff presented to all of our 8th grade students. They talked about skills needed to be successful in high school and opportunities available there. They reminded students to check their emails for an invite to Gearing Up Night.
January 24th - Gearing Up For High School event was held
February 2nd - High School Course selection sheets were due at Badger.
February 5th and 6th - 8th graders registered online for their high school classes in Skyward. This took place during the school day at Badger.
February 8th - High School Counselors visited Badger. High School Counselors met individually with all of our 8th grade students to review their course selections and answer questions.
May 20th to May 24th - High School Tours
June 5th- Promotion
August - High School Registration Fair - Check your email in August for information.
If this information changes drastically, it will be updated in the Newsletter.
Second Step Curriculum Preview
Here's a Preview of upcoming Second Step Lessons:
3/20/24-4/17/24
No Second Step Lessons due to Wisconsin Forward Testing/Spring Break
4/24/24
Grade 7 - Resolving Conflicts Part 1
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to describe a conflict in a non-judgmental way by avoiding blaming language.
Question: Discuss with your child a time in your life when you had a particularly difficult time resolving a conflict. How did avoiding blaming language help?
Grade 8 - Finding the Best Solution
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn to find solutions to a conflict that everyone can agree on.
Question: Ask your child about a conflict they recently had where they got something they wanted after it was resolved. Share a similar situation of your own
April Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Information below has already been communicated but is here for your reference
Promotion Video
The 8th Annual 8th Grade Promotion Video is well underway, but we are in definite need of more photos! Photos will need to Be submitted by 5/10/24 to be considered. Please see the following link for more information and how to submit photos.
Building Closing Info
In case of Inclement Weather, or other need to close the building, please view the information here.
Daily Announcements
Daily announcements are read in the mornings. You can read what is read on the announcements here.
Newsletter Archive
Missed a Newsletter, or looking for prior information? Check out the ARCHIVE.
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.
Second Step Lessons
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.
Riteway Dispatch Email
Riteway has a NEW Dispatch Email. Please email wbdispatch@goriteway.com if your student does NOT need to ride the bus/van that day and they typically do.
A Note on Communication from the Principal
Thank you for taking the time to review this newsletter. Below are details of how Mr. O'Connor will communicate with Badger families:
I will use the Badger Middle School Facebook page to communicate highlights of the awesome things our students and staff are doing.
The Badger Middle School Newsletter will be used as needed to share important dates, “big picture” messaging, and announcements of upcoming events.
To prevent sending you numerous emails, I will try to wait on some announcements until a newsletter is ready. If there is something that families should be aware of earlier, I will send a separate email (i.e. Communications about events that significantly disrupt normal operations).
I will call you back if you call me and leave a message.
I will make contact through a phone call or email if you email me.
If you come to the school without an appointment, I may not be available. Please call to make an appointment to ensure my availability.
I do not monitor any Facebook pages other than Badger’s and the West Bend School District’s. Please contact me or another member of the staff with questions or concerns.
My contact information:
Patrick O'Connor
Direct line: (262) 335-5456
Badger main office: (262) 335-5455
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/