BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL MESSENGER
March, 2020
Principal Points by: John Jarosh
SCHOOL IS PRIORITY #1
Knowing that school comes first will keep your middle grader focused on doing her best. Share these tips for making sure school remains front and center all year long.
Be There, Be Ready
Your child needs to be on time and in school each day. That way, she can hear lessons, participate in class discussions, and work in small groups—things she won’t be able to make up outside of class. Also, she should be rested and alert by eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep (9-11 hours for tweens and 8-10 hours for teens).
Keep Up
Being a good student means taking assignments seriously, working hard, and finishing them on time. Encourage your youngster to stay on top of homework by writing down assignments and having a specific time and place each day to study. Also, while kids this age can be reluctant to ask for help, tell her that’s something successful students do.
For instance, she might approach her teacher after class or call a friend if she’s stuck on a homework assignment.
Track Progress
Suggest that your middle grader regularly check her grades in each class as well as her overall grade point average. Knowing where she stands will let her set realistic goals and plan ways to reach them. If she’s halfway to the next higher letter grade, for example, she could attend after-school review sessions or organize a study group for that subject.
Thank you to all parents who provided delicious food during BMS' February parent/teacher conferences. You are greatly appreciated!
COUNSELOR QUIPS... Amy Randal, Counselor, Angie Vogel, Counselor
START YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER WITH UPWARD BOUND!
Is graduating college a goal for you? Does the process seem overwhelming? Would you like some help along the way? The TRIO/Upward Bound program may be just what you are looking for! Upward Bound is a 100% federally funded pre-college program designed for high school students to prepare them for college. Upward Bound is able to work with 56 eligible students from Beatrice High School, Fairbury High School and Southern High School. Upward Bound offers monthly academic enhancing workshops, weekly tutoring, college visits and cultural field trips. Upward Bound also conducts a summer program and a post high school Bridge program. Because this is a federally funded grant, this program is offered to students at no cost. Upward Bound has been in your school since 2004 and has helped many of your peers overcome the often confusing process of attending college.
If you are interested in learning more about Upward Bound, please contact your school counselor or contact Melissa Decker, Director TRIO/Upward Bound at 402-228-8166, Southeast Community College-Beatrice or mdecker@southeast.edu.
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
SELF INJURY AWARENESS DAY IS MARCH 1
Self-injury or self harming is when a person deliberately hurts themselves physically to deal with the emotional pain they are suffering. The most common forms of self-injury are scratching, cutting, burning, and non-suicidal overdosing (frequent self medication). People find their own unique ways to hurt themselves.
How to deal with the situation:
Your initial reaction and that first conversation will have a great impact on your child, and may affect how much they talk to you and trust your help. Every situation is different and how you deal with it will depend on the relationship you have with your child, their age, and the reasons behind their self-injury and also whether they came to you, or you discovered the self-injury by accident. You can also speak with your child's school counselors or school nurse for more resources.
When to seek medical attention:
The majority of scratches and cuts can be dealt with at home, and you may like to provide some sterile dressings, antiseptic wash, and bandages. Burns may need to be checked by a medical practitioner. If an injury is serious or an overdose has been taken, medical attention should be sought. Be aware that although self-injury is non-suicidal behavior, the emotional distress that leads to self-injury can also lead to thoughts of suicide. If you feel your child is at risk, seek urgent medical assistance.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF 6TH GRADERS....LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR:
*All current 6th grade children will need a physical by a doctor, BEFORE entering 7th grade next fall. We will need these on file no later than the first day of school. If we do not have a physical on file for your child after the first full day of school, your child could be excluded from school until this is completed. We let you know this information months in advance so that you have the entire summer to get these physicals done. **Children going into 6th grade in the fall are not required to get a physical**
7TH AND 8TH GRADERS GOING OUT FOR A SPORT
If your child would like to participate in a sport, a sports physical must be on file dated after May 1, 2020. This will also count towards their 7th grade physical and all sports they participate in for the year.
VACCINE REMINDER
All students enrolling in 7th grade next year must provide evidence of having 1 booster of Tdap vaccine given on or after 10 years of age. If you have a 6th grade student this year, they will be required to show proof of the Tdap vaccination before they will be able to enter 7th grade. Once vaccinations are received, please send a copy to the school nurse so it is on file and your child is up to date before the start of school next fall.
GAGE COUNTY IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
1110 Jackson St., Beatrice
*Call 223-2366 for an appointment*
*Must show insurance card at time of appointment*
Dates: By appointment only: Every Monday 12-4 pm/
Every Tuesday 3-7pm/Every Thursday 12-4pm
Interested in being a Mentor or Mentee? Click here for more information.
SKILLS OF THE WEEK
March 2 - Having a Conversation
March 9 - Disagreeing Appropriately
March 16 - Asking For Help
March 23 - Asking Permission
March 30 - Accepting Compliments
Our LOST AND FOUND box at the office is once again overflowing! Please check to see if anything could be yours. All unclaimed items will be distributed to area agencies Friday, March 13.
WASHINGTON D.C. AND GETTYSBURG TRIP UPDATE
At the time of this article we are only 95 days from our trip to the East coast on May 26th to May 30th, 2020. We are eagerly getting details taken care of and accounts are being paid off. We will still take current 8th graders and parents who would like to sign up for this trip. This will last until March 12th when accounts have to be paid off. This is a great opportunity to help encourage your child to take a greater sense of responsibility and knowledge in his or her own country. Again, all accounts must be paid in full by March 12th or you must contact Worldstrides to work things out with them and set up alternate payment arrangements. All people already registered should be getting information from me via email and from your child here at school. We currently have 101 people registered for this trip and there is still room for more. That is incredibly exciting to me and yes, record setting for me too.
For 7th grade parents who are interested in this type of opportunity for your child, we have been having several things happen in the past month. First off the dates for the trip your child will have the opportunity to partake in are Tuesday, June 1st-Saturday, June 5th, 2021. I spoke to your child in their history class on February 13th at which time I passed out information for registration for this once in a life time trip. I had an informational meeting on Tuesday, February 18th in the library of the middle school for parents and students who were interested in making this a reality for their child and themself. I know of some who have been saving for nearly a year already to help make it more affordable. I was able to meet many of you at this meeting, and if you were not able to come, please feel free to contact me via email at school or you may call me at home, 402-228-4642. We also had a meeting for 6th grade parents on Thursday, February 20th to help them get started on saving for this wonderful trip.
I continue to encourage all 7th and 6th grade students to set up savings accounts to begin saving for this trip as we have had great success with it the first twelve years and look forward to making this an opportunity for as many Beatrice students as possible in the future. As always, if anyone has questions, please feel free to call Mr. Michael Policky at 228-4642 or email him at mpolicky@bpsnebr.org
WANTED!
Mr. Policky's Civics class is looking for old, worn, faded, torn and tattered United States Flags. These flags will be used for the lesson on the proper retirement of the United States Flag. Flags may be sent or brought to the middle school office. It is very much appreciated!!
MRS. SYKES 6TH AND 7TH GRADE PARENTS
Want to know what your child’s math homework assignments are? Check out Mrs. Sykes’ website. Here you will find the homework assignments for my 6th and 7th grade math students. This page is updated on a weekly basis and will let you know not only the daily assignments but will also keep you up to date when quizzes and tests will be. This is a great way to keep on top of things and will also allow you and your child to keep current on assignments when they are absent. Click here for the website. The assignments are posted on the Math 6 and Math 7 link. Add this link to your favorites or bookmarks so you have a direct link to the homework anytime.
BHS' BLACK DIAMOND DANCE TEAM TRYOUTS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
COME BE A PART OF THE BLACK DIAMOND DANCERS!
Clinic ... Learning the Dance
Wednesday, March 25, 4-6 p.m., BHS Ozone
Thursday, March 26, 4-5:30 p.m., BHS Ozone
Tryout
Friday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m., BHS Ozone
Attend if you are: Wanting to try out for the Black Diamond Dancers. Come learn a routine and review skills that will be judged.
"The purpose of BHS Dance Team shall be to provide entertainment for audiences at the Homecoming football game, all home varsity girls and boys basketball games, varsity district tournaments and state tournaments; to encourage school spirit; to have fun working together as a group; and to gain knowledge and understanding of how to work together as as team."
Questions?
Missy Timmerman
** Informational packets are available at the Middle School and High School offices. **
BHS CHEERLEADING AND MASCOT TRYOUTS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
COME BE A PART OF BHS CHEERLEADING!
Are you interested in being a Cheerleader or the school’s Mascot? The cheerleading squad consists of enthusiastic, dynamic, fun, hardworking students whose mission is to primarily represent BHS with a spirit of support for teams, fans and the entire Beatrice community.
Tryout Workshop
** Learn tryout material and basic cheerleading skills **
Wednesday, March 18, 3-6 p.m.
Location: BHS Ozone
Tryouts
Friday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m., BHS Auxiliary Gym
Questions?
Email Candice Simmons at beatrice.cheerleading@gmail.com
** Informational packets are available at the Middle School and High School offices. **
SPIRIT WEEK AT BMS!!
BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'S STUDENTS OF CHARACTER
SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION
School officials will send out a text, email and a phone call to alert all families of a late start, early out, or school closing due to inclement weather. Be sure your school has a current phone number for all parties wishing to receive this information. You may call the Middle School office at 402-223-1545 to make any changes.
LIMITED BUS SERVICE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
When snow and closed roads pose a problem for transportation, limited bus service will be announced on KWBE Radio each of those mornings before buses leave on their routes.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW BMS PHYSICAL FITNESS FACEBOOK PAGE!!
BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'S CONTACT INFORMATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
215 North 5th Street, Beatrice NE 68310
(402) 223-1545
Beatrice Middle School's Facebook Page
Beatrice Middle School's Physical Fitness Facebook Page
Beatrice Middle School's Instagram Page
Beatrice Middle School's Twitter Page
Beatrice Public School's Website
BMS Messenger Editor: Laurie Bloomquist