Bobcat News
February 12, 2023
Q2 Honor Roll and Q3 Progress reports
This is fewer students than in Q1, so students, please work with your teachers to get what you need done for success in Quarter 3.
Next week is the last week to get work in for Q3 progress reports.
Q3 ends March 24th. Q3 grades and citizenship marks are data points that allow students to participate in our end of year activities so make sure you get what you need done to have some fun at the end of the year!
Low Cost Computer Event
The San Diego County Office of Education and Computers2Kids are hosting an event for families to purchase affordable computers on Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kearny High School @ 1954 Komet Way, San Diego CA 92111. See attached flyer for details.
Here is a digital link to the information. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4_hgpi8UVO95S86oBQs9aeydVv7gJCxLObmMBGRhdiXvqzg/viewform
Since the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year, the partnership between SDCOE and Computers2Kids has provided over 900 refurbished computers to families in need. We hope your families are able to benefit from this event.
ASES Soccer Season
The ASES soccer season will begin next week with skill evaluations held after school on the BHMS field on Tuesday, February 14th and Wednesday, February 15th from 2:30 - 3:30 pm. Students who are interested in participating in the season should expect to be present for at least one day and possibly both afternoons. Students should bring water and athletic wear with them and dress out in their PE uniform for the evaluations. Soccer cleats and shin guards are highly recommended. If you have any questions please email ASES Sports Coordinator Treye Marshall Lund at tmarshalllund@powayusd.com and Coach Barron at kbarron@powayusd.com. We hope you will join us for another exciting season of soccer here at BHMS!”
February is Black History Month
How can you celebrate Black History Month here in San Diego? See below for events and ideas!
SD Public Library events - https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/culture/blackhistory
CA Parks and Recreation - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30503
San Diego Family - https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/celebrate-black-history-month-with-kids
San Diego Museum Council - https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/black-history-month-museum-guide/
USD - https://www.sandiego.edu/news/detail.php?_focus=87821
San Diego Community College District - https://www.sdccd.edu/about/departments-and-offices/communications-and-public-relations/newscenter/articles/2023/black-history-month-events.aspx
CAASPP Testing
An important part of your student’s academic program is measuring progress through the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments.
Smarter Balanced English Language Arts and Mathematics Assessments
Students across California will take assessments to gauge each student’s performance in English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. This year your child will take the following test(s), depending on his or her grade level:
· Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment in English language arts/literacy and mathematics in grades three to eight and eleven
These tests measure the skills called for by the California academic standards, which focus on a student’s ability to write clearly, think critically, and solve problems.
Because CAASPP tests are given statewide, they provide an opportunity to measure the skills of all students against the same academic standards. Given online, the tests are computer-adaptive, allowing more precise measurement of individual skills. Parents can use their student’s ELA or mathematics results as one of many indicators of their child’s performance. Our teachers and principals also use these results to compare their schools’ performance toward achieving our state standards.
California Science Test (CAST) – grades 5, 8, and 12
California’s state standards for science call for students to think and work like scientists and engineers—asking questions and learning through hands-on investigation and discovery. Working with science teachers, California developed an assessment that emphasizes scientific thinking and reasoning. Students in grade 5, 8 and 12 will be assessed.
California Alternative Assessments
The goal of the California Alternative Assessments (CAAs) is to ensure that students with the most significant needs in special education can attain increasingly higher achievement levels and leave high school ready for academic or career options. Students in grades three through eight and grade eleven are eligible to take the CAAs in ELA and mathematics as determined in their annual Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting. This year in grades 5, 8 and 12 students will take the California Alternate Assessment for science.
Participation
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents have the right to opt out of any state assessment. It is recommended parents communicate with their child’s school principal if they are considering this option. Our teachers and principals have found many benefits in having our students participate in this assessment, and we want to assure parents that student results from any assessment will not be shared beyond the use of school staff directly involved in your child’s education. Section 852 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations further provides that parents or guardians may annually submit a written request to the school to excuse their child from any or all parts of the CAASPP for the school year. Therefore, if you wish to exempt your student from testing, notification in writing to your school’s principal is required.
How can I help my child get ready for the CAASPP?
You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child are:
· Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should not be anxious or scared.
· Remind your child that you and his or her teacher have high expectations and that you are both there to help, every step of the way.
· Explore the practice tests with your child at caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html so they can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests.
· Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
To learn more about these tests go to the Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org or review the Parent Guides to Understanding at cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
New! Hula Club - every Thursday after school 2:30-3:25pm in the MPR
BHMS now has a new club where students can learn how to hula dance and learn Hawaiian culture. We meet in the MPR every Thursday after school. ALL students welcome! Please wear something comfortable to dance in.
Student Club President: Izzy Pakingan - teaches hula dancing and leads all club meetings
Club Advisor: Ms. Cao - LCAO@powayusd.com
Student Video Contest
We are excited to announce that the BHMS PTSA board is sponsoring a mid-year “membership drive” video contest that will be open to all Bobcats. The 1-min long video is expected to convince anyone watching to purchase a PTSA membership. Each Bobcat Class will submit one video and the video that generates the most new memberships will be considered the winner. The prize is an ice cream party for the winning students’ entire Bobcat class. The BHMS PTSA board appreciates your support as we encourage our Bobcats to use their creativity and love for technology to learn about civic engagement, develop their leadership skills and promote a positive school culture. I am sure you have seen some of your kids working on it!
PTSA 2023-2024 Positions
PTSA has some board positions that need to be filled for the 2023-2024 year. It is important to have as many families involved as possible for a well working PTSA. We thank those families that have helped PTSA in the last two years. Please look on the website for a short description of each position. www.bhms-ptsa.com
Board Positions Available:
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Auditor
Appointed Positions:
Membership Chair
Reflections Chair
Parlimentarian
Teddy Bears N’ Toy Drive - Monday 2/6 to Friday 2/17
Leadership Crew is collecting new toys for homeless children through the Teddy Bears N’ Toy Drive from Monday 2/6 to Friday 2/17. Between these dates, students can bring donations of new stuffed animals and toys to their Bobcat class. Each Bobcat class will have a collection box. Our goal is 300 toys.
Toys should be:
New
No larger than a shoebox (homeless children often do not have a place to store large items)
Include batteries if needed
Donating toys and teddy bears can really make a difference in a child’s life. As insignificant as donating just one toy or teddy bear may seem, every single donation we receive has the opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life. There might be some families that are struggling to get food so they can’t afford toys for their kids. The children who will receive the donations are homeless and often don’t know if they’ll have a place to sleep at night. Just having something to comfort them can really make them feel a little better. When you donate a toy or teddy bear you can help people in need as well as making someone's day better.
Our Leadership Crew students would like to thank BHMS families for their support!
Physical Fitness Testing Window Opens February 1
- The five areas being assessed are:
- Aerobic Capacity
- Abdominal Strength and Endurance
- Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
- Upper Body Strength and Flexibility
- Flexibility
Bobcat News - Quarter 2 Report Cards
Students Quarter 2 Report Cards are available in ParentVue. Log into myplan.powayusd.com with your parent account information and click on “Synergy Parent Portal”.
Report Card grades are visible in the “Report Card” tab under the “P4 Quarter 2 Grading” in the drop down menu. Printable version is available in the “Documents” tab.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your student’s Quarter 2 Report Card, please reach out to the teacher(s) directly.
Tiny Houses: Mini Architecture February 28th
Mini Architecture Workshop at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Dr., San Diego, 92128. Registration is required by using the QR code on the flyer or the following link:
EYH Conference
Dear EYH Enthusiasts,
This year we are excited to share that the Expanding Your Horizons we be back to our in-person event! This science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) conference for young women in grades 6-10 will again bring hands-on, career-based workshops to engage and inspire the next generation of San Diego workforce in the many opportunities in STEM. We are working on scheduling the presenters for this year’s conference and planning for a mix of biology, chemistry, programming and physics workshop opportunities!
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023
Where: University of San Diego (not to be confused with UCSD - see directions below) – 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110 at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.
Time: Check-in opens at 9:15 a.m., Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 (waivers available to all that request them – select that request within the registration form)
***In the event of Rain, we will still be holding the Conference***
Interesting in registering? Great! Please complete the registration form below and submit no later than Thursday February 23rd. SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER EARLY!
Looking for some BHMS spirit wear for Friday’s order here!
Parent Education Workshops
This is a friendly reminder of the parent education courses for January 2023. Please visit our website at https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Parents/Active-Parenting.
February 2023 Parent Education Courses:
- Preparing Positively for Puberty – TK-8th Grades
- Taming your Child’s Tantrums and Meltdowns – TK-5th Grades
- Parenting, Work, and Self-Care: How we Balance Them All? – All Grades NEW Course
Free English Teen Positive Parenting Program
This is the last Teen Positive Parenting Program in English via Zoom for this school year. If parents missed the series the beginning of this year please encourage them to sign up. This webinar series is designed for parents and will address raising responsible teenagers while improving family communication. These workshops do fill up quickly and parents have shared positive reviews and feedback.
- FREE Teen Positive Parenting Program (English) via ZOOM
Wednesdays, March 8th, March 15th, and March 22nd 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Pick Up After School
ASES Before School Program
Are you looking for a place in the morning to be warm, comfortable and to hang out with your friends? Well then you are in luck, as the ASES Before School Program is currently taking enrollment opportunities. The AM program begins each morning at 6:30 am in the BHMS MPR. Students can check in between 6:30 and 7:15 am. We offer a snack each morning, along with rooms and activities like our game room and open gym. Students can work on homework, socialize with friends, or just relax in a safe and friendly environment. If you are interested in joining the ASES Before School Program please email ASES Site Coordinator Treye Marshall Lund at tmarshalllund@powayusd.com for more information. We hope you can join us!”
Yearbooks are on sale now!
Order your BHMS The Den 2023 Today! https://yearbookforever.com/
Chromebook Care
We are seeing a large jump in Chromebook damage, devices not being charged, or students handling their Chromebooks improperly. Here is a fun video with a catchy tune and our BHMS Chromebook Expectations about Chromebook Care!
Parent Academy!
Attendance Information - please call ahead!
Please call the attendance hotline (available 24 hours) to excuse an absence, request an early release or excuse a tardy.
858 485 4888
Option 1 - request an early release (call in the morning or at least 2 hours ahead) avoid early release 30 mins. before school ends.
Option 2 - report an absence
Option 3 - excuse a tardy (only 3 tardies per quarter can be excused unless it is medical, need a medical note to excuse medical)
We LOVE medical notes. We need a medical note to excuse for PE
Only legal guardians (not step-parents) may excuse an absence, tardy or pick up a student. However, if you do need to have anyone other than a legal guardian pick up, please call ahead and give the full name of who is picking up. Pick up person must be 18 years or older to pick up.
Financial Assistance for Families
PUSD families may qualify for assistance and should complete the annual application at the More Than a Meal link. This application helps families qualify for additional assistance - more information is available on the website at the link above.
Help Wanted-WE NEED YOU!
BHMs is still in need of Noon Duty staff to assist us in the supervision of students 2-3 hours per day/5 days per week OR you can become a substitute and pick up shifts as they work for your schedule.
Noon Duty staff help us maintain a safe and orderly environment during lunch and in common areas of campus such as restrooms and hallways. The presence of trusted adults on our campus greatly increases safety
Schedule Links
Please see the rotating calendar for 2022-2023 linked here.
Please see the updated bell schedules for 2022-2023 linked here.
6th Grade Camp
Upcoming
February 20th - 24th - February Break
March 15th & 16th - Minimum Days
April 10th - 14th - Spring Break
May 17th & 18th - Minimum Days
May 29th - Holiday - Memorial Day
June 9th - Last day of School
Social Media
Instagram - Principal@BHMS