Bumpus SUMMER E-NEWS!
AUGUST 3, 2020
Bumpus Middle School
Email: bumpuspr@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: https://www.hoovercityschools.net/bumpus
Location: 6055 Flemming Parkway, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BUMPUSMS/
Twitter: @RFBumpus
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Bumpus Family,
Thank you for your patience last week while we rearranged schedules for our 1100 students to accommodate each grade level having a dedicated virtual team. Honestly, it was a large task but we were able to get the schedules out on Friday. If you haven't received yours today, it should be there tomorrow.
We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we work through situations and scenarios we have never encountered.
As you look at your schedule, you will find your team number within the schedule. The locker team may differ due to our efforts to spread the students out to enable social distancing when at the lockers. If you have a question about your schedule, I'm sure we can get it answered before August 20th.
If something is missing - a core course or PE or an elective - we will have a link to submit Schedule Change Requests.
The building will be open Tuesday - Thursday for students to take a self-guided tour of the school using our QR codes and other signage. Please bring your schedule to walk through the building. There will be tables outside of each hall to drop off collected shared items with your Language Arts teacher: ream of copy paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, facial tissues, and disinfectant wipes. All other items should remain at home for now.
You will not be required to have your temperature checked when you enter the building for your self-guided tour. Therefore, parents are strongly encouraged to check everyone's temperature before leaving home...just as you would do on a normal school day. If you have a temperatures above 100 degrees or exhibit the following symptoms, you should not come to the school: fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, flushed cheeks, extreme fussiness, vomiting or diarrhea.
We are not decorating lockers this year. We are making every effort to keep items in the building to essential items only. On a typical day, a student will only need their binder, Chromebook, pencil pouch, earbuds and calculator.
Core Academics
All Bumpus students had the option of traditional face-to-face school, blended learning or virtual school for the 1st nine weeks. We are not able to accept requests to move to face-to-face instruction for this nine weeks. Every change request directly impacts our classroom rosters.
To address several frequently asked questions:
- There are some courses that cannot be replicated in the virtual school environment. Our teachers are going to do their best to keep Band, Choir and Math Team students engaged in what is going on in the face-to-face classroom. For some, blended learning is an option. For others it is not. You will be welcomed back into these programs 2nd nine weeks if you demonstrate a proficiency similar to students who were here on campus. Please make sure your Band (Lynch), Choir (Walker) or Math Team (6th - Simmons, 7th/8th - Knox) teacher is aware of your desire to stay connected during the 1st nine weeks.
- Advanced Math, Spanish I and French I are available as virtual courses. Blended Learning is not the only option.
- Virtual school students will be contacted by their team of teachers before school begins on August 20th.
- The times for Blended Learning courses were included in the Welcome Packets of Virtual Learning students.
If you start in one format, you can switch to another at the end of each nine weeks.
Back-to-School Timeline
Welcome packets were mailed on Friday, July 31st. You should receive yours today or tomorrow unless you have a hold on your account. Any students needing an updated blue card, with lease/deed issues, with incomplete online registration, and with any A/R issues will not receive their packets.
Only students new to Bumpus (6th graders & new enrollees) 9:00 - 1:00 by alphabet below
All Bumpus students (new and returning) 1:00-4:00 by alphabet below
School visitation dates - August 4th - 6th This is not a "Meet the Teacher" but a self-guided tour.
A - F Tuesday, August 4th
G - L Wednesday, August 5th
M - Z Thursday, August 6th
Evening Option for All Bumpus students (new and returning)
Monday, August 10th, 4:00 - 7:00
***Students will receive written and/or video communication from their teachers prior to the beginning of school.
Virtual Fall Open House (New Dates)
LIveStream at 6:00 pm
7th/8th Grades - Tuesday, August 18th
6th Grade - Wednesday, August 19th
Open Communication
If you have questions or concerns, we are here to listen and will always respond. You can email us directly or through bumpushelp@hoover.k12.al.us
Dr. Tamala R. Maddox, Prinicipal tmaddox@hoover.k12.al.us
Mr. Justin Jones, 6th grade Asst. Principal jjones@hoover.k12.al.us
Ms. Donna Burke, 7th grade Asst. Principal dburke@hoover.k12.al.us
Mr. Sean Colosimo, 8th grade Asst. Principal scolosimo@hoover.k12.al.us
Be well.
Dr. Tamala R. Maddox
Face-to-Face Learning
- All Bumpus students are expected to wear a face mask to school everyday as required for students in grades 3-12. Masks can be removed for lunch and exercise. Masks must be school appropriate but do not have to be a solid color. (No alcohol, drugs, or political sayings)
- Arrival and Departure Procedures have been revised.
- Locker and restroom access will be more structured to improve distancing.
- Lockers may not be decorated inside or outside.
- No microwaves available for reheating.
- Students are asked to keep their personal belongings to a minimum.
- Many traditionally shared items will not be shared unless they can be sanitized between uses.
- Students will not dress out for PE but should be prepared to exercise in the clothes they wear to school.
- Students can expect traditional instruction with more Chromebook use to minimize contact.
- Student desk will be sanitized between classes.
- The schedules of our custodians are being adjusted so they'll be on campus more during instructional times to increase sanitation efforts during the school day.
- Traffic patterns are being redesigned.
Parents please anticipate more carpool traffic due to an increased volume. We ask that you be patient.
2020-2021 SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS (Revised 7.16.2020)
Picking Up Items & Bookkeeping Information
Contacting and Visiting Us
Our bumpushelp@hoover.k12.al.us email address will continue to be open if you have questions. Our website will be updated frequently with up-to-date information. Our office phones will be manned, 205-439-2200, during June and July from 9:00 - 3:00, Monday - Thursday. And as always, we’re all just an email away. We request that everyone entering the building wear a mask (of some form) to protect us all. If you need to go beyond the lobby area into the building, we will also need to take your temperature. Thank you for your patience.
ONLINE REGISTRATION - PLEASE FILL OUT ASAP
Parents, Welcome Packets will be mailed to students on July 29th. (date change) If you have NOT completed your child's online registration process, if your lease has expired, or if your child's immunization record has expired, your child will NOT receive a packet and their account will be put on hold.
RESIDENTIAL CHANGES
Fax # - 205-439-2201 Email address - cstone@hoover.k12.al.us
NEWS FROM OUR COUNSELORS
Parent Tips to Help Children and Teens Cope with Situational Anxiety
Here is some guidance for parents to consider:
1. If the Situation Also Affects You, Take Care of Yourself- Remember that anxiety is “contagious,” and your kids will pick up on your emotional reactions. The most effective way to help them is to stay calm yourself.
2. Initiate Conversations - Many times, your child will not approach you with their anxiety or concerns. This may be because they feel ashamed, worried that talking will make things worse, or that they will burden you.
3. Think Developmentally - They often need simple explanations about what is going on and a clear statement that you, the parent or caregiver, will be there to protect them. They do not need to be swamped with news and information. For them, it is best to turn the TV and digital media off.
4. Validate Feelings and Concerns - Kids of all ages need to know that you take their anxiety seriously and acknowledge how much it means to them. Whether it is rational or irrational, it is the reality of what your child is feeling and thinking.
5. Encourage Peer Support - Kids, especially teens and young adults with situational anxiety, often want to talk with friends about their concerns. Peer support has been shown to be very helpful in managing anxiety and is often best accomplished under the supervision of a trusted adult, lest the conversation escalates and increases anxiety.
6. Help Identify Self-Care Activities - Kids, as well as adults, benefit from activities that promote resilience and well-being. This includes getting good amounts of sleep and exercise. For all of us, a variety of activities may be helpful, such as the ones noted above for parents.
7. Provide Perspective and Reassurance - All kids need to know that no matter the situation, there are ways to meet the challenge. For any particular situation, one strategy may naturally be better than another, but in general, we want to help them feel confident that something can be done.
8. Seek Professional Help - There are times when many of the above measures are insufficient to quell situational anxiety. It may be that your child is struggling with other mental health problems such as depression, an anxiety disorder, or a developmental disorder that make it very hard to bounce back.
Excerpt from "How to Help Kids Cope with Situational Anxiety" by
Eugene Beresin M.D., M.A.
The Counselors,
Mrs. Bruno - cbruno@hoover.k12.al.us - 6th gr
Ms. DiMarco - mdimarco@hoover.k12.al.us - 7th gr
Ms. Keith - bkeith@hoover.k12.al.us - 8th gr
The Crisis Center 205-323-7777 (24 hrs) TEXT 205-328-5465
Teen Link 205-328-LINK (5465) Kids Line 205-328-KIDS (5437) available 3-10pm
The Trevor Project 866-488-7346 Jeffco DHR 205-423-4900
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 Shelby Co DHR 205-669-3000
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800 273-TALK (8255) OR text TALK to 741741
PIRC (Psychiatric Intake Response Center) - 205-638-PIRC (7472)”
MATH and ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS SUMMER IXL SUPPORT
Preparation for Math and ELA 2020-2021
If you want to keep the skills of your child sharp during this break, we have provided recommended IXL lessons for both Math and Language Arts.
IXL skills which are important in preparing your child for their Math and ELA classes are listed below by grade level and course.
These are prerequisite topics for each course. Each student may also take the diagnostic test within IXL. The diagnostic test will suggest IXL skills based on performance.
Click on the links below for more information. IXL ELA link IXL Math link
ATHLETICS
CROSS COUNTRY - 2020-2021
First practice is Monday August 24th after school. Students should be running on their own now. The season will be rapidly approaching. Athletes must have all paperwork up to date to participate.
Access information via Google Classroom (must use students Hoover email). The code is: lpp2ame or hard copy information is located in Bumpus School lobby.
Girls Interested in Playing Golf
Here are some links that provide opportunities for girls to take lessons and play in matches to gain experience!
https://thompsongolfacademy.com
Please email Coach Heard if you have any questions!
Girls Basketball - TBA until August.
Coach Rena Holden
LOST ITEMS
LIBRARY NEWS
Need to return books to school? The book return container will be located by the front door of the school only on Mondays from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Students, along with library books, you can also drop off your textbooks or any of your classroom teachers books. Remember to read everyday! I miss being at school with you all! Mrs. Mims - dmims@hoover.k12.al.us
Hoover Public Library News
The Hoover Public Library has valuable resources. Here is a message from Katie Jane Morris at Hoover Public Library.
HPL is here to support our librarians, educators, students, and families during these unusual and often difficult times. Please help us spread the word!
Hoover Public Library WEBSITE
http://www.hooverlibrary.org/
This gives you access to our downloadable services, Katie Jane's daily blog post (which is filled with resources), and the help form. This is the best way to get fast answers from the library regarding important issues -- getting and using a library card, downloading digital resources, finding resources for children, getting book recommendations, using technology, doing online research, and more. A person simply gives their name, number, email, and request, and a staff member quickly provides an answer.
SOCIAL MEDIA
https://www.facebook.com/hplkids/
We're posting daily storytimes, weekly and monthly challenges, and other online programming.
https://www.facebook.com/HooverPublicLibrary/
I don't want to neglect the adults! See what the library is offering YOU!
We're also on Twitter. https://twitter.com/hooverlibrary
And Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/hpllife/
https://www.instagram.com/hplkids/
https://www.instagram.com/hplteen/
COVID-19
Help spread facts
The impact of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is being felt all over the world. With lots of information being rolled out, it’s important to receive and share accurate information, so that you can take the necessary steps to keep yourself and those around you safe.
We believe we are better when we work together. That’s why we have designed a range of social media posts and poster templates to help our community share accurate information from the World Health Organization.
#stopthespread with these handy tips.
Follow these tips from the World Health Organization to keep yourself safe and help contain the spread of the virus.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, and nose.
3. Avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. And if you can’t, wear a mask.
4. Cover your cough with the bend of your elbow.
5. Disinfect surfaces you regularly use.
6. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider.
7. Only share information from trusted sources.