Bryan Middle School
2016-2017 Bear Bytes january/February Newsletter
Mission Statement and School Motto
Our motto at Bryan Middle School is BEAR P.R.I.D.E. Peers Respecting Individuality, Diversity, and Excellence,
Principal's Message
We would like to thank you for participating and providing feedback for our student led conferences this year. This is a big change from what we have done in the past and we will continue to work with our students as they take ownership in their own learning. It was powerful to see our students lead discussions, share their progress and goals, and talk through what they are learning in school. We will continue to work on ways to increase our teacher-parent interactions during our student led conferences. We have an open door here at Bryan Middle and if at any time you wish to speak to any of our teachers throughout the year, we can arrange that.
We will begin discussions soon regarding our school bond improvements. This is an exciting time as nearly $20 million dollars will be put into our building for capital improvements. The architectural/design team is gathering proposals for the work to be completed over the next year or two. We will make sure all of our parents/students are informed of the process and progress.
As we enter our final quarter of the school year, we look forward to recognizing our students for the work they put in this year. We will communicate those events on our school website. Please check out the website for updates and events as we move forward. Through our website, you will be able to access other means of communication such as our Facebook page and our Twitter feed. We enjoy highlighting events and our students daily.
Thank you for your continued support of Bryan Middle School. If you have any suggestions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 402-557-4105. We look forward to an outstanding remainder of the school year.
Sincerely,
Darren Rasmussen
Principal
Counseling Department
Over the next month, counselors will complete the registration process for the 2017-18 school year. Students entering 7th grade next school year can come to Bryan Middle to register and select classes on either Thursday, April 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. or Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 a.m. - noon. 6th grade visits will take place in early May. We look forward to hosting our future Bryan Bears for the morning.
We are excited and proud to recognize some of our talented students at several upcoming award ceremonies. Bryan Middle School will be represented well at the HOPE Awards, the NICE Awards, the AAwesome Awards and Rotary Honor Roll programs. We will also be hosting our own Golden PAW award ceremony on Thursday, May 4th and Recognition Night will be held on Tuesday, May 9. We have a lot to celebrate.
Finally, fourth quarter CLUBS begin this week. Students will participate in a variety of Clubs including Cupcake Decorating, Science Olympiad, Scrapbooking, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Drawing, Cooking and many others. There is truly something for everyone. In addition to CLUBS, we continue to work on Leadership, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, service, team building and Newzbrain during our CUBS Lead Advisory time.
Library - Mrs. Raszler
Click here for a link to the forms - make sure to pick grades 6 to 8:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/fma_all.pdf
Also please watch your email for overdue book reminders. Anytime a student has an overdue book an email is sent from the TAC building to remind them to turn it in. Students can also check in the library at any time to see if they have overdues or fines. Fines will be 50% off from now until the end of the year. Let's try to get those accounts taken care of before the end of the year!
Keep reading!
School Health
Let’s Get Physical!
It’s time for Omaha Public Schools physical examinations to be done for next school year. The magical dates for these are:
- After March 1st: 7th Grade, Pre-K, Kindergarten Physicals
- After May 1st: 8th Grade, High School Sports Physicals
The School Base Health Centers have appointments for these required physicals. Physical exams are faxed to your child’s primary care provider and provided to the attending school. Beat the rush! Call for your child’s appointment today.
Let’s Get Physical!
Bryan High SBHC 402-991-3904
Spring Lake SBHC 402-932-7014
Liberty SBHC 402-505-8180
Indian Hills SBHC 402-933-4968
! HAY QUE RECIBIR EL FISICO!
Es tiempo para los exámenes físicos del próximo año escolar en Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha. Las fechas para los físicos son:
- Después de 1 de marzo grado 7, Pre-Kínder y Kínder
- Después de 1 de mayo grado 8 y físicos para deportes de La Preparatoria
Las clínicas de Las Escuelas tienen citas disponibles para estos físicos que piden. Los físicos son enviados por fax a la oficina del doctor de su hijo y también a la escuela de su hijo. ¡Evite las líneas largas!
HABLE Y HAGA UNA CITA PARA SU HIJO HOY
¡HAY QUE RECIBIR EL FISICO!
Clínica de la Preparatoria Bryan 402-991-3904
Clínica de la Escuela Primaria Spring Lake 402-932-7014
Clínica de la Escuela Primaria Liberty 402-505-8180
Clínica de la Escuela Indian Hill 402-933-4968
Gifted and Talented Education
The African American History Challenge team participated in the annual competition, sponsored by 100 Black Men of Omaha, on February 4. Our two contestants on the stage were Diego Paniagua and Amber Roth. They did well, coming in 4th out of 9 teams with stiff competition.
The SMP team has designed a hanging device to hold a toy for dog kennels at the Nebraska Humane Society. This device will help to keep the dogs active and entertained even when humans cannot be present. The program directors at the Humane Society have approved the device and will be looking for Eagle Scout candidates to make duplicates for use in multiple kennels. We will present this design at the competition on March 20.
The Academic Pentathlon team has been selected, and they took the Regional Essay Test on February 2. The Regional multiple-choice test will be held February 22.
Bryan Middle Activities and Athletics
Winter Athletics & Activities
Congratulations to all the student-athletes involved in our Winter sports; Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, and Wrestling!
Special shout outs to our Wrestling team who qualified several wrestlers into championship rounds and produced a few champions at the McMillan Wrestling Invite on February 28th!! Wrestlers have been working hard and that hard work has shown as our team took 5th place overall out of 12 teams!
Our Boys Swim team and Girls Basketball teams have been immersed in new drills and skills to help them improve this season. Our Girls Basketball team opened their season with a shutout win over Norris and are entering their midseason now. Our Boys Swim team is working hard on preparing for their next meet!
Talent Show auditions have concluded and students are ready to perform in front of the school to show off what they can do! The Talent Show is an activity that all students look forward to each and every year. Our talent show is currently scheduled for Friday, March 10th, which is the day before Spring Break during the school day.
Our National Junior Honors Society, Art Club, Robotics, Student Council, Culinary Club, and Yearbook Club are amongst the many after school activities that are busy and active! So many great opportunities here at Bryan Middle School. Take advantage!
Time for 7th and 8th grade student-athletes to go back outside for sports soon!
Both soccer and track contests this year will begin at 3:30pm. Our home track meets will be held at Bryan High School’s stadium and our home soccer contests will be held on the grass fields in between Bryan Middle School and the Bryan High School stadium. Admission will be $2.00 for adults and students get in free with an Activity Card. Parking is available for you on the south side of either Bryan campus (42nd & Giles) and the main gate is on the Southwest side of either campus.
Due to spring weather, we may experience inclement weather from time to time. In that case, student-athletes should contact parents before 1:30p.m. the day of the contest. Please look our website our call our front office for more information (402.557.4100)
Physicals at Bryan High School
While school is in session, please take advantage of any of the OPS School Based Health Centers (SBHC): to obtain a Sports Physical for next year! Physicals dated after May 1st, 2017 will be valid for athletic participation in 2016-2017.
Take Care,
Mr. Taylor
402.557.4107
Assistant Principal
Activity & Athletic Director
AIM Trio
AIM TRiO Talent Search after-school classes end on Thursday, April 27, 2017 with our year-end celebration. Any student who has attended any session this year is welcome to attend.
Students were asked what they liked about participating after school and here is what they had to say…
“One of my favorite things we did was extracting DNA from strawberries!” … Jaquelin
“I like AIM TRiO Talent Search after school because I am able to finish my homework and spend time with my friends.” …Stephanie
“My favorite thing was going to UNO and getting to fly the flight simulator!” …Angel
“My favorite thing was when we made a boat out of tin foil and saw how many pennies it would hold before it sank!” …Adan
“I really liked when we got to build towers out of marshmallows, spaghetti sticks, tape and rope.” …Cristian
“My favorite part of AIM TRiO Talent Search is all the fun activities we get to do; what your college and career options are and the science competitions” …Kasandra
“I like that the teachers will help you with homework, we do interesting activities, learn about career choices and get to spend time with our friends” …Julie
“My favorite parts about attending AIM TRiO are the little fun projects that we do. Don’t get me wrong, the snacks are good, but I really love the projects that help us be successful in the future.” …Valerie
Audrey Black
AIM TRiO Talent Search College & Career Coordinator
8th Grade Celebration Trip
School Recognitions
January Leaders of the Month
February Leaders of the Month
March Leaders of the Month
Team 7A Panda Bears
Mrs. Golka (Math): In Mrs. Golka's math class, we are finishing up our Coordinate Graphing Unit, getting ready to start our unit on Algebraic Expressions, and reviewing for NeSA-Math. The last week of March we will be taking our NeSA-Math test. It's really important for students to be in class every day, turn in all assignments, and ask for help when needed.
Mr. Rutherford (Social Studies): In Mr. Rutherford's social studies class we are continuing our look at government and economics. Our CBA in fast approaching and focusses on the economic effects of Globalization on East Asia. We'll finish the year looking at Russia/the Soviet Union and a Required Semester Project focusing on economic and government choices.
Ms. Gallagher (P.E.): In Ms. Gallagher's class we are finishing up playing battle ball and beginning to split the girls and boy up. The girls will be starting swimming and the boys will be starting floor hockey.
Ms. Brummer (Computer Applications): In Ms. Brummer's computer apps classes we are starting out the semester with basic skills of Office 365 such as mail, one drive, and classroom. Programs we are using will be Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Computer Apps 1 is getting started with coding; whereas, Computer Apps 2 is completing a CEO project using different applications.
Mrs. Palmquist (Language Arts): In Mrs. Palmquist's Language Arts class we are working on preparing for the upcomi;ng NESA test. We have completed our GLE about our favorite authors and now we are moving on to practice for speeches.
Mr. Coil (Human Growth): In Mr. Coil's Human Growth class we have been practicing effective communication habits, refusal skills, and goal setting. Students have been practicing role playing skits to demonstrate how to say no in pressure situations.
Mr. Johnson (Science): Mr. Johnson's Science Class is currently working on Earth, Moon, and Sun. When we complete this unit, we will be moving on to Solar system and Space.
Team 7B Sun Bears
Ms. Donaldson (Language Arts): During third quarter we are working hard on our R.A.C.E.S. strategy to prepare for state testing in April. Therefore, students are learning and practicing how to analyze informational and literary texts, and to cite text evidence when they draw conclusions about their reading. Note-taking and summarizing continue to be skills we practice almost every day!
Ms. Dhoritey (Math): Wow, this year has gone by so fast! We are currently working on algebraic expressions and equations as well as gearing up for NeSA-M at the end of March. The students have been working hard. Please continue to encourage them to do their best, and to be prepared for class each day. We are in the home stretch.
Mrs. Friedrichsen (Reading): In 21st Century Literacy, we are studying author's purpose. Students use a graphic organizer to learn the concept. Also, we are finishing up a roots lesson on ped/pod (foot) on the prefix counter/contra; these roots are used to formulate words, create sentences, and write paragraphs.
Ms. Nelson (Science): During third quarter we have been learning about heredity and weather. We will end weather in a few weeks by completing a large project where students can pick how they want to demonstrate their learning. During fourth quarter we will learn about space and finish the year off with frog dissections!
Ms. Fox (Social Studies): The third quarter of Social Studies has been focusing on globalization. In the last one hundred years, South and East Asia have become a strong contributor to the world’s economy. This unit is examining how life has changed in India and China as they have grown their economies and moved toward a modern society.
Ms. Graham (Special Education): During third quarter, special education students continue to work on using their resources and test-taking tips to help them be successful on the upcoming NeSA (state) tests in April!
Team 7C Koala Bears
Mrs. Clark (Science): In science for 3rd quarter, we studied genetics and why everyone looks the way they do (for example, why we have blue eyes or brown eyes). After genetics, we will be taking the MAP test, then starting our weather unit and learning about how storms are formed.
Mr. Fleming (Language Arts): In Language Arts, students have spent 3rd quarter focusing on their analysis and discussion skills. Students participated in small-group and whole-class discussions over topics we have read about. In 4th Quarter, we will be completing a unit on persuasive writing, as well as a novel study. We will be completing some large writing assignments and projects this quarter, so please check frequently to make sure your child is caught up with their work.
Ms. Pedersen (Social Studies): Third quarter in Ms. Pedersen's Social Studies class brings us to Asia! We will be studying the economy, government, politics, religion and basic culture of Asian countries. Our focus will be on India, China, and Japan, but we will talk about some of the smaller countries along the way.
Mr. Petersen (Physical Education): In P.E., we are finishing baseline fitness testing and then moving on to Speedball. After Speedball, we will move on to Weight room units, and then swimming afterwards.
Ms. Triplett (Math): Koala Math 7 students just completed their unit on Coordinate Geometry. They learned how to plot points and find distance on a coordinate graph. They also performed three types of transformations, including translations, reflections and rotations. They did a great job! Students are now studying algebraic expressions.
Ms. Brower (Art 7): 7th grade art students have just finished making an imaginary creature out of clay. We are currently working on drawing skills.
Mrs. Williams (21st Century/Honors Reading): Our adventure is underway in the galaxy of summarizing! We will venture forth through the stars of topics, topic sentences, transitional sentences, supporting details, and main ideas. Terminating the adventure will occur when we compose our summaries over multi-paragraph articles.
Team 8A Nanooks
We are moving right along this quarter on team 8A.
Ms. Hoffmann (Math): In Pre-Algebra we are learning all about Geometry including properties of angles, lines, and shapes, and how to use them to solve problems. We will continue to cover this important material as we prepare to take the state NeSA test the week after we come back from spring break. Make sure students get plenty of rest so they come back ready to do their best on their tests!
Mr. Gall (Social Studies): Social Studies will be finishing the school year studying the Reconstruction Era (after the Civil War) and the Progressive Era (late 1800's and early 1900's). One of the last things we will complete is a Map Test over the U.S. states and capitals.
Ms. Rogers (Science): In Science students are currently studying forces. The 3 forces we are focusing on are friction, air resistance, and gravity. Students should be studying the force and motion notes for the upcoming test.
Mr. Stessman (Language Arts): Language Arts students are reading short stories and articles and writing compare and contrast essays in preparation for the upcoming NESA Reading/Writing test. The test will be shortly after spring break, please encourage your student to work hard preparing for the test and finish out the year strong.
Team 8B Polar Bears - Be Exceptional
Mrs. Atemnkeng (21st Century and Honors Special Projects): This has been an amazing year so far with your Bryan Middle School 8th graders! In 21st Century Literacy classes they are finishing up their unit on Immigration and the importance of it to society. Students have learned about analyzing, text dependent analysis, and explored vocabulary. In Honors Special Projects some students participated in the Academic Pentathlon tests! All HSP students have been learning about various aspects of intersectionality and working with diverse groups. All classes are currently working on a research project about their birthdate in History and all classes will begin a novel project soon. We will conclude Black history Month by taking a couple of field trips to the Joslyn Art Museum sponsored by the Omaha Schools Foundation. Some students will also be attending a viewing at Film Streams this month. Students have worked extremely hard and we definitely want to show our appreciation for all of their hard work and finish the year strong!
Mr. Gass (Math): It was great seeing everyone at conferences. In Pre-Algebra we just finished up our unit on Data Analysis and we are beginning our Equations and Proportions review unit. Students are starting to develop a deeper understanding of the material and improving their grades in the process. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the last few months of the year.
Mr. Rothe (Social Studies): As we wrap up the school year, the students on our 8B Polar Bear team will be looking at the Civil War. We will begin with economies of each section and then dive into the causes of the War. We will discuss major ideas and events such as slavery, the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman, Lincoln's Election and impact on the U.S. Then we will look at major battles of the Civil War, the 13th Amendment and finally Reconstruction combined with Lincoln's Assassination. Students will end the year with a class cooperative final project which is accumulative events from the entire year. I look forward to a strong finish to a great school year!
Mrs. Silliman (Language Arts): Students are working hard in language arts class researching the Holocaust. After spring break students will present what they learned from their research to the class. I am looking forward to reading and hearing all about their chosen topics!
Team 8C Grizzly Bears
Mrs. Stowe (Social Studies): In 8C Social Studies we are finishing up the Civil War. We have learned how slavery ended in the United States and the course of the war. Our next unit will cover Reconstruction, a misunderstood time in our nation's history. We will cover the racial segregation laws that began during this time and how our country rebuilt after the Civil War.
Mrs. Holguin (Math): Pre-Algebra students are currently finishing up their probability and data unit. We have had a blast learning this past unit by playing Deal or No Deal, calculating how many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center of the tootsie pop, and analyzing some misleading graphs from news sources. The remaining units of the semester are all geometry based. We dive right in with the Pythagorean Theorem next week. This next unit will include multi quizzes and a project instead of one unit test. The NeSA math test is fast approaching so we will be working diligently to fine tune some skills before this begins. Remember: students only receive one homework assignment a week and they are allowed to redo it. Contact me whenever you have questions or concerns.
Mr. Grinvalds (Language Arts): We are reading the novel Touching Spirit Bear and working on text-dependent analysis. We are also working on editing written work, specifically concerning capitalization, commas, semicolons, and colons.
Mr. Semar (Band and Strings): We're getting all skilled up this quarter to prepare for adjudication in March and our Spring Concerts on May 15th (7th Gr) and May 16 (8th Gr). See you there!
Mr. Wiederholt (Tech and Living 7): 7th Grade Tech and Living students are finishing their 2nd rotation in the modules. The Discovery Day activity is to make the tallest tower with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Cubs Club students are busy building their Airplane models. Next quarter they will be working with a 3D modeling program to design homes.
Looking Ahead
Spring Break: March 13th - 17th
Fourth Quarter Begins: Monday, March 20th
NeSA-Math: March 27th - April 3rd
NeSA-ELA: April 4th - 11th
NeSA-Science (8th grade only): April 12th - 20th
Golden Paw: Thursday, May 4th
Academic Recognition Night: Tuesday, May 9th
Last Day of School: Friday, May 26th
About Us
Email: Darren.Rasmussen@ops.org
Website: http://bryanmiddle.ops.org/
Location: 8210 South 42nd Street, Bellevue, NE, United States
Phone: (402) 557-4100