Buffett Bulletin Special Edition
November 28, 2018
NSCAS State Testing Results
Within the next few weeks, every family whose child was enrolled in a Nebraska public school during the 2017-18 school year will receive state summative assessment results from testing that occurred during the spring of 2018.
NSCAS assessments provide academic information about each student, the school as a whole, and the district as a whole. The assessment data you will receive provides summative results for your student's progress at the end of last school year.
The attached document below and video provide information on how to interpret the results, explains assessment terminology, and answers some common questions you may have as a parent.
Cash For Students Program
Buffett is collecting receipts for the HyVee Cash for Students program to earn money for our school! The receipts from any area HyVee count. The program began September 1st and runs until December 31st.
Do not turn your receipts in at the grocery store. Please send your receipts to Buffett and put them in the HyVee container in the front office.
This is a great program that HyVee sponsors to help the community. Thanks for your participation!
Ms. Wormington Receives Teacher of the Week Award!
Order Yearbooks Before Prices Increase!
Buffett's 2018-19 yearbooks are available to purchase for the price of $35.00 until winter break. After Friday, December 21, 2018 the cost will increase to $40.00 and availability is not guaranteed.
You can purchase a yearbook in the following ways:
1 - Purchase online with a debit or credit card by going to the following website: https://wpcgo.yearbookforever.com/m70LI. There is a $2.25 service charge for online orders that will be added at checkout.
2 - Provide the Buffett office with a check or cash for $35.00. Checks should be made out to Buffett Middle School.
Please contact Jaime Christensen at Jaime.christensen@ops.org with any questions.
Buffett Science & Engineering Fair Coming!
Great News! The Smart Cookie Foundation is once again volunteering to help students with their Science Fair Project! Smart Cookies are a group of high school students who have participated in Science Fairs and competitions at the middle school and high school levels. They are able to meet with sixth graders and any other participating Buffett Science Fair student on November 29 and December 6th in room C226.
This session starts at 3:05 and ends at 4:15. If students attend homework hideout they can attend with us and then go to Homework Hideout if needed. Students must arrange their own transportation home. Students who ride the bus must sign up at the office for the late bus.
NEW STEAM Club Opportunities for December!
Do you like to build, create, or solve challenges? This month's STEAM opportunities are made for you! The following opportunities are available for any 5th or 6th grade student:
Make a CO2 Car: Students registering for this session will participate in a 3-day event covering seven parts of the CO2 car making experience from planning, designing, creating, and racing the cars they create.
Date: Choose either Dec. 4-6 or Dec. 11-13, 3:10-4:45
Hour of Code: Attend this session to learn about block coding by creating your own dance party. Participants do not need to have any experience with coding to attend this session. Just show up and get your groove on!
Date: December 5th, 3:10-4:45
More information here: https://code.org/
Great Marshmallow Challenge: Students will try to build the tallest free standing structure using spaghetti and tape to hold a large marshmallow. If your child already attended the first marshmallow challenge, please don't sign up for it again as it is exactly the same.
Date: December 12th, 3:10-4:45
Instant Challenge: Do you like to work in groups on creative problem solving? Participants will work on a performance-based and a task-based problem during this exciting and engaging hour! Students will be faced with a challenge and given specific materials to use to create a solution to the challenge.
Date: December 13th, 3:10-4:45
Please use the link below to sign-up for the session(s) of your choice.
Students needing the late bus should sign-up for it in the office for the dates they need. They should report to the commons on the day of their activity where they will be picked up by the sponsoring teacher.
STEAM Club Highlight-Great Marshmallow Challenge
Spelling Bee Coming Soon!
Our school-wide spelling bee is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12th. Students have been emailed an electronic form to enter the contest. Students can pick up study lists in the front office after fall break.
Any questions about the spelling bee can be directed to Mrs. Thompson, G.A.T.E. Facilitator.
Cold Weather Reminders
When temperatures drop, students often need a little extra attention to stay warm, safe and healthy. Please share the following safety information with your students so that they remain warm, safe and healthy!
When traveling to and from school during these winter months, students are encouraged to wear several layers of clothing, including a heavy winter coat. It is a great idea to make sure their head, neck, and hands are covered.
If walking to a cottage during the school day, please take the necessary and appropriate measures to make sure you stay warm. Wearing a hoodie is a great idea for this quick walk to the cottage. When inside the main building, students need to keep their coats, hats, and gloves in their lockers.
If your student needs a coat or any other winter clothing items, please feel free to contact their grade-level counselor for assistance.
"Come In, Then Call Down" Procedure
To protect instructional time, parents are asked to come into the building to check out their child for doctor appointments or other early dismissal reasons. We will only call students out of class when the parent/guardian is present in the front office.
Help Buffett By TAGGing
Eiffel Tower Contest
Vianka V.
Evenlyn B.
Grace H.
"Say Yay" Appreciation Program
The OPS "Say Yay" program is intended to recognize, reward and thank employees who embody what it means to be #OPSProud. Each week going forward, check out this space to learn about some recent Buffett recipients. "Say Yay" for awesome Buffett employees!
Ms. Krebs
Ms. Logan
Mr. Thull
Academic Excellence Shines At Recent Contests!
King Science Contest
McMillan Math Contest
Poetry Slam Workshop
Attendance Incentive from Mr. CK - 20 Bobcat Bucks!
Mr. CK wants students to be in classes each and every block of each and every day. So, he is going to give 16 students 20 Bobcat Bucks in a perfect attendance raffle every week.
How do students win?
- Have perfect attendance for ONE WEEK (zero tardies AND zero absences)
- Have your name randomly drawn from the list of students who had perfect attendance for ONE WEEK.
Don't forget...Sixteen students will be randomly selected each week. And, you get a fresh start every single week. All you need is FIVE DAYS without tardies or absences.
Attendance matters at Buffett.
#StriveFor95
Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award
Recognizing Those Who Make a Difference Everyday
The Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes the achievements of skilled and dedicated educators in the Omaha Public Schools (OPS). Given to 15 teachers annually, the Award has recognized and rewarded nearly 300 teachers over the past two decades. Any Omaha Public Schools teacher or counselor (Pre-K through 12), with a minimum of two years experience, is eligible for nomination.
Each year we receive nominations from students (current and former), parents, other teachers, administrators, and the general public. Our deserving winners are publicly recognized and awarded with the following:
- $10,000 gift
- Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award Medallion
- $500 in McDonald's gift cards
CHI and OPS Partner To Honor Teachers!
CHI Health wants nominations of Omaha Public School teachers changing the lives of students. Each month, they’ll surprise a Top Teacher nominee with a treat basket for the teacher's lounge and a gift card. CHI will draw winners on the last Friday of the month. CHI Health will select winners from three different grade levels across the district.
Anyone can nominate a Top Teacher at CHIhealth.com/TopTeachers.
MTSSB - Be Kind!
Buffett USA students held a diaper drive for the Lydia House. This drive is an example of Buffett students' kindness. Your generous efforts collected 2,666 diapers for the Lydia House. Many infants and mothers will benefit from the school's generosity.
Thanks to all who donated. Your kindness is appreciated! WE ARE BUFFETT!
AMLE Vaping Article
In a recent AMLE (American Middle Level Educators) online edition, the topic of vaping was discussed. As you know, the news has reported on this issue for teens both locally and nationally. I feel like this is a relevant article that keeps you updated on issues that impact middle level students right here at Buffett.
My intention in sharing this article is simply informative, and to keep you apprised of important health and wellness issues for our students. We do not have an epidemic at Buffett, but I am a proactive thinker and I care about our student's health choices.
My hope is that through transparency and proactive education we can keep our students healthy and safe. - Mr. CK
Technology Tip-Social Media on School Devices
We have recently discovered some students have installed Instagram on their school device. Downloading and using social media on the student's school issued device violates the Student Usage Agreement all students and parents signed upon receiving their device in the following ways:
Students will use technology for school related purposes only.
Students will not download and/or install any programs, files, or games from the Internet or other sources onto any District owned technology.
If you know your child is using Instagram on their school device, you or they can follow the following steps to ensure the removal of Instagram and avoid any possible school consequences.
- Go to the start menu and locate Instagram on the list of loaded applications.
- Right click on the application name.
- Choose "uninstall" from the list of options.
- Follow the screen directions to uninstall it.
The ability to re-download Instagram has been removed from student devices.
Important Links
Upcoming Events
Boys BB vs. Lewis & Clark @ L&C
Thursday, Nov 29, 2018, 03:30 PM
Lewis and Clark Middle School, Burt Street, Omaha, NE, USA
OPS High School Showcase for 8th Graders
Friday, Nov 30, 2018, 11:00 AM
Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School, Larimore Avenue, Omaha, NE, USA
Boys BB vs. Bryan @ Buffett
Tuesday, Dec 4, 2018, 03:30 PM
Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School, Larimore Avenue, Omaha, NE, USA
Girls Swimming vs. Hale & Beveridge @ Hale
Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018, 03:30 PM
Nathan Hale Middle School, Whitmore Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Connect with Us!
Website: buffett.ops.org
Location: 14101 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, NE, United States
Phone: 531-299-2320
Facebook: facebook.com/OPS.Buffett.Magnet
Twitter: @BuffettMagnet