Blue Ridge MS
March 26, 2021
We wish all of our Bulldog Families a healthy, safe, and restful Spring Break! This year, Spring Break is March 29-April 2. All classes resume on Tuesday, April 6.
3/26 Update: Return to 4 days a week of in-person learning- We are excited for the return of hybrid students to 4 days a week of in-person learning starting April 20. In preparation for April 20, the School Board has provided schools with an asynchronous instructional day on April 16. There will be no direct instruction from teachers on April 16, students will work on asynchronous assignments.
We added additional student desks to classrooms and cafeteria tables are now back in the cafeteria. We will keep students seated 6 feet apart when possible, but in some classrooms students will sit closer than 6 feet apart, but at least 3 feet apart. Hybrid students adjusted very well to the return of our cafeteria tables, excellent job Bulldogs! Starting April 20, students will sit 6 to a table to accommodate the return of all hybrid students to 4 days a week of in-person learning. Similarly, students seated in the cafeteria will be less than 6 feet apart, but at least 3 feet apart. At these distances, due to contact tracing, students will have assigned seating in all classrooms and in the cafeteria . These distances are within School Board parameters and due to Blue Ridge's high rate of hybrid return.
What's Happening in April?
April 9- Last day of Quarter 3
April 12- Student Holiday (Teacher planning/workday)
April 16- Asynchronous Day (no direct teacher instruction)
April 19- MAP Math Test at 9:00 AM (details below)
April 19- Report Cards posted in PVUE by 4:00 PM
April 20- 4 days a week of in-person learning begins for Hybrid students
April 26- No office hours, BR teachers in professional development
Spring MAP Testing Monday, April 5 & Monday, April 19
Blue Ridge will be administering the MAP growth assessment to students through Semester 1 Advisory class on the following dates:
Reading MAP - Monday, April 5 - 9:00am
Math MAP - Monday, April 19 - 9:00am
Prior to testing, students will complete several important pre-test steps so they are ready to test on MAP day. Linked here is a helpful document called A Parent's Guide to Remote MAP Test Support.
While we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth test administration, there will likely be one or more interruptions during testing. The MAP test requires a large amount of bandwidth and is susceptible to freezing or shutting down. If your student experiences multiple interruptions/technical issues during testing and is unable to meaningfully continue with the test, please use the Google Meet chat to communicate immediately with their Teacher/Proctor.
Spring SOL Information
Blue Ridge will administer the Spring SOL tests May 3-June 7. All grade 6 & 7 students will take the Reading and Math SOL and all grade 8 students will take the Reading, Math, and Science SOLs, as well as a local performance assessment in Civics.
Distance Learning students will test in school on Mondays while Hybrid students will test on regular school days. We will send out the SOL schedule in mid-April.
For planning purposes, if you do NOT want your student to participate in one or more Spring SOL tests, please complete the following form: Parent Refusal Form for Spring SOLs. The form allows you to select which SOL(s) you do not want your child to take. All non-responders will be scheduled for SOL testing in May.
**Grade 8 parents who previously refused their student’s participation on the Writing SOL should complete this form again indicating you do not want your student to participate in one or more Spring SOLs.
Rising 7th and 8th Grade Course Request Reminder
Community Meal Distribution - Updates
There will be no meal distribution during Spring Break. Additionally, we will be handing out 14 days worth of meals on Monday, April 5.
LAST CALL! We need your PICTURES for the YEARBOOK….
The Yearbook Staff is still looking for pictures of our wonderful BRMS students . . .
Spending time with family (in the backyards, inside the home, family movie night, fun at the park, taking walks, in the car, on bike rides)
Working on school assignments or projects
FACS assignments, cooking projects, and laundry projects
TechEd assignments
Coding and keyboarding assignments
Art projects, drawings, and assignments
Band, chorus, orchestra, and guitar pictures
PE activities and assignments
Hybrid back to school pictures
Biking to school or riding the bus to school
After school activities with other Bulldogs
Distance learning pictures (favorite spot, funniest spot, from the car, etc)
Snow day pictures
Mask (silliest, solid color, character, seasonal) pictures
And…...any other pictures you would like to share.
Email Sandra.hite@lcps.org with your pictures or use the Community Upload (directions below).
Also, don’t forget to ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK online! You will want to make sure that you order this valuable keepsake that represents your student’s school year. (Look for ordering information on the BRMS website.)
Please share school appropriate photos via a “Community Upload” from your computer or you can download the free “Yearbook Snap” app from the Apps Store. Please note that pictures submitted are not guaranteed a spot in the yearbook.
Follow these directions to upload your photos from your computer:
Go to yearbookforever.com
OR
Go to the BRMS website and click on the down arrow in the middle of the page
Click on “Order Yearbook Now”
Click on “ORDER NOW!”
When the screen appears, type in Blue Ridge Middle School - Purcellville, VA
Click “Shop the Store”
At the top of the page, you will see Community Upload
Click on “Community Upload”
Enter the access code BRMSBulldogStrong
Upload your picture(s) and pick a category
Type in your first and last name and your email address
Click the box to certify that says “I have the right to distribute these photos and that they do not violate the Terms of Use” and then click “Submit Photos”.
Click close once you are finished submitting photos
You can share school appropriate photos via an app on your phone. Please note that pictures submitted are not guaranteed a spot in the yearbook.
Follow these directions to upload your photos from your phone:
Go to the Apps Store and download the free “Yearbook Snap”
Open the “Yearbook Snap” app
Find School - type in “Blue Ridge Middle School” and select Purcellville, VA
Enter the access code BRMSBulldogStrong
Click on “Blue Ridge Middle School Select Photos”
Select a “Category”
Allow “Yearbook Snap” to have access to your photos
Select photos you want to upload (maximum of 5 per upload)
Select your picture(s) and pick a category
Click “Upload”
Type in your first and last name and your email address
Click the box to certify that says “By submitting, I certify that I have the right to distribute these photos and that they do not violate the Terms of Use” and click “Submit photos”
Click close once you are finished submitting photos
Please remember that any photos submitted are NOT guaranteed to be included in the school yearbook. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Hite via email at Sandra.Hite@lcps.org.
Important PTO Information
All Bucks for Bulldogs donations have been processed! We are so grateful for your support. Please pop into the Front Lobby and collect your goodies (stickers, masks, sweatshirts). All items are bundled and labeled. Carefully sort through items to find yours.
PTO Newsletter
Learn how to sign up for the PTO newsletter, Bulldog Bytes, by clicking HERE.
Business Partnerships
If you are interested in learning more about BRMS Business Partnerships, click HERE.
Return to Hybrid Instruction - Videos
Informational and return to school orientation videos and documents:
Watch! Hybrid return to school informational video
Watch! Helpful information for returning hybrid students
Watch! PE instructional plan for hybrid return
Read! LCPS Mitigation Plans
What Items Should Hybrid Students Bring to School?
Return to School Information from the Nurse
As Hybrid students return to school there is a need to update medical information, immunizations ( T dap for 7th graders), care plans and medications needed for school. Care plans and medication forms require annual renewal.
Medications
Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medication must be brought to school BY AN ADULT in its original container and cannot be expired. When requested, most pharmacies will provide an extra bottle with the proper amount of medication needed while the student is at school. The health office cannot accept more than a 2 month school day supply of medicine.
In order for medication(s) to be administered at school, a MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM must be completed. A parent/guardian may fill out the form if it is an over-the-counter medication; however, prescription medication MUST have the form filled out and signed by a physician or healthcare provider. Acetaminophen is no longer stocked in the school health office. If you would like to keep over-the-counter medication for pain in the school (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, etc), the parent must bring the medication to school and fill out a medication authorization form.
Students may carry emergency medical supplies (i.e. epi-pen, diabetic supplies, inhaler) with physician's written permission and as indicated in the student’s care plan on file in the clinic. Please use an Asthma Action Plan or Allergy Action Plan for physician's medication orders.
If you have a care plan or medication that is needed at school. Please contact me to schedule an appointment to review documentation and drop off medications. I can be reached by email at Maryann.stetter@lcps.org or call 540-751-2520. I am available most weekdays days between the hours of 8:30AM and 3:30PM.
Sign Up for Remind
Technical Support for Students
If a Chromebook fails in some way, which impedes access, please use another device to access Google and/or try one of the following troubleshooting tips: 1) In Settings, click on About Chrome and check for updates, 2) Clear Cache from All Time, 3) Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
Students may receive technical support through one of the following methods:
Call the Technology Support Center at (571) 252-2112
The Technology Support Center will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., M-F (excluding holidays).
BRMS PTO
Officers
President: Danielle Kabban: president@brmspto.org
First VP: Christine Bartlett: firstvp@brmspto.org
Second VP: Kelly Schober: secondvp@brmspto.org
Secretary: Kathi Reich: secretary@brmspto.org
Treasurer: Nicole Halsey: treasurer@brmspto.org
Coordinators
Theater: Jennifer Zisk and Kelly Schober: drama@brmspto.org
Volunteer & Events: Amelia Hertzberg: volunteer@brmspto.org
Hospitality: Megan Nugent: hospitality@brmspto.org
MSAAC Volunteer: Susan Swayzem: saac@brmspto.org
Bulldogs Give Back Coordinator: Erin Schroeder: givesback@brmspto.org
Unified Mental Health Team Updates
BRMS Statement on Equity
The Unified Mental Health Team at Blue Ridge wants to acknowledge the many incidents involving race and social injustices that have occurred nationally over the past several weeks.
These incidents are not only unjust but they can have a traumatic impact on students and staff during these challenging times.
Blue Ridge Middle School rejects racism and all forms of hateful behavior and language in our school community. We pledge to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all our students and families. This will continue to be important work as we move into next school year, and we are committed to continuing this conversation with staff, students and families.
We are pleased to announce our Blue Ridge Equity Team Co-leads: 8th grade counselor Ms. Savastano and Civics teacher - Mrs. Benalayat.
We hope that the below resources will be helpful in talking with your children and families about these issues.