Future Team 2021 Update
April 2017 Edition
Winding Down and Gearing Up
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to wind down Team 2017 and gear up for Team 2021.We've met a lot of lovely families, and we are truly looking forward to starting the high school adventure with you. You are all important to us, and we promise we will be all yours once Team 2017 has graduated. In the meantime, Mrs. Mehrtens wants to share some helpful details with you in anticipation of the 2017-2018 school year.
Mark Your Calendars for Bulldog Bootcamp
The long standing tradition of Bulldog Boot Camp continues on July 20th. This is a wonderful time for our incoming students to explore the campus, meet some friends and teachers, learn valuable information from their team, and more. This is NOT mandatory, but it is a great experience. More information will be provided as the date gets closer, but we wanted to make sure you could get it on your calendars.
During Bulldog Boot Camp students are able to:
During Bulldog Boot Camp students are able to:
- Meet some of their teachers
- See their schedules
- Tour the building
- Participate in mini-workshops on various high school topics
- Obtain their ID badges and team lanyard
- Get their school picture taken
This is intended to be a student only event unless previous arrangements are made!
Stay Tuned for More Information!
May 1st Deadline
The last day to request course changes for next year is May 1st. Course changes will not be made beyond this date including the beginning of next year. If your son/daughter would like to make a change, please complete the Course Request Change Form that is available in your middle school's guidance office.
High School Classes at the Middle School
As noted, there will be some freshmen taking courses in a middle school building next year. Many parents have asked about this, and unfortunately, the information is not currently available. Families impacted will be contacted over the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
Student Schedules
Many students anticipate seeing their actual schedules in an effort to know who their teachers will be and whether or not they have courses with friends. Unfortunately, schedules won't be available until Bulldog Boot Camp, so the excitement is going to build. Please be sure to remind your incoming students that schedules can't be changed to accommodate teacher requests, and we can't adjust course periods (having English 3rd instead of 6th). Scheduling is a VERY complex process and seemingly small changes can have large ramifications. Once schedules are passed out, Mrs. Mehrtens will only be able to correct errors, not accommodate requests.
Section 504 Plans
These plans will be provided to Mrs. Mehrtens by the middle school counselors. During the first week of school, Mrs. Mehrtens will make sure all teachers are aware of accommodations via e-mail. Review meetings will be scheduled based on the due dates prescribed by the plans, but parents are always welcome to request an earlier meeting if concerns are noted. Please note, if you are joining BHS from a school other than West Middle School or East Middle School, make sure to send copies of your 504 plans to Mrs. Mehrtens in an effort to ensure they are on file.
Homework and Studying
Homework and studying are both essential parts of high school success. Based on our experience, kids are more successful in school when they have good homework and study habits. Here are some tips to help you get the school year off on the right path:
- Get to know the teachers and what they expect by attending open-houses and reading communication.
- Set up a homework friendly area that is free from distractions.
- Have a set homework and study schedule.
- Help students plan for heavy homework nights or when there's an especially hefty assignment to tackle.
- Provide support while ensuring that your sons/daughters are thinking for themselves; it's the student's job to do the work.
- Praise jobs well done.
- If there is a continuing problem with homework, get help from the teacher or team
Practical Information
- Lunch schedules will be announced the 1st day of school. Freshmen students will dine with students in grades 10 and 11, and all students choose their own seats.
- Cell phones and ear buds should be kept in backpacks at all times except lunch. Students are allowed to use them during lunch. (This could change)
- Students can keep their backpacks with them during the day
- PE uniforms are part of textbook fees
- Supply Lists will not be published as teachers will provide them the first week of school. Start the year with the basics until details are provided.
- Lanyards MUST be worn at all times
- Student Schedules will not be available until Bulldog Boot Camp.
- All students are encouraged to join a club or a team. This helps to build friendships and make all students feel part of the BHS culture.
- Sleep is an important part of adolescent development-Make sure to get to bed early in an effort to give BHS your best every day.
- Video game addiction is real-This is gaining public attention as parents begin to realize the negative impact video games can have on academic success. It's very important for parents and students to remain in control of video games rather than being controlled by video games.
Cell Phone Management and Social Media
Cell phone management is a common topic during freshman year as students continue to struggle with boundaries as they relate to social media and beyond. As a team, Mrs. Mehrtens and Mr. Boedicker always want to handle each situation fairly and respectfully while relying on parents for support. In truth, some students aren't ready to use social media in a way that promotes kindness and support. If this has been a challenge for your son/daughter, please know that it may continue to be an issue freshman year. Here are some suggestions to help promote the positive use of social media:
- Know the people with whom they communicate- Keep an eye on their posts and friend circles. Students should only be "friends" with people they know and trust. In an effort to build their profile, students will often accept "friend requests" from people they do not know. This has been likened to keeping your front door open and welcoming everybody in your house.
- If somebody is being unkind, block them right away. Do not respond and do not encourage others to respond. By shutting down the conversation, you are shutting down the power of the person being unkind.
- Be willing to pull the plug on social media- Some freshmen aren't ready for the free exchange of words and information social media affords. Sometimes it's a good idea to have your student take a social media break until you feel he/she is ready to handle the access appropriately.
- Empower yourselves-There are lots of programs on the market that allow you to track your student's footprints on social media. Use them if you feel that something is going on...or not.
- Set clear boundaries- Keep your teen's phone on your nightstand at night to charge, don't allow phones at the table, and make sure your teen knows your expectations when it comes to social media.