Stay Connected
Email: bms@sbps.net
Website: www.sbps.net/bms
Location: 27 East 23rd Street Scottsbluff, NE
Phone: 308-635-6270
Twitter: @BMSCATS
Principal's Message
Dear Bluffs Middle School Families,
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year at Bluffs Middle School. The first weeks of school have been outstanding and meeting and interacting with students has undoubtedly been the highlight thus far. We have several new staff members at Bluffs Middle for the 2023-24 school year. They each bring individual strengths and expertise; we are fortunate to have them join our team.
As we begin another year at Bluffs Middle School, our course offerings continue to evolve to meet the needs of our students. We are committed to providing high quality and rigorous instruction, increasing student achievement, and enrichment and intervention opportunities throughout the day. New for the 2023-24 school year, WIN (What I Need) at the end of the day will provide students with enrichment opportunities, additional instruction, and time to complete assessments or missing assignments.
Please access the building and district websites for handbooks and other important information. If you have questions, please contact us.
Please join us in the library for our Collective Advisory Team meeting on September 12th at 4:00 p.m. We will begin planning celebrations and events for students and staff and reviewing building and district priorities.
We look forward to a fantastic school year filled with student achievements, performances, leadership opportunities, and celebrations.
Thank you,
Mrs. Mason
Principal
Five Year Strategic Plan
The Scottsbluff Public Schools Board of Education approved the District’s Five Year Strategic Plan at the June regular meeting outlining a shared vision for the future of SBPS and five strategic priorities that will promote and sustain a focused, high-achieving district.The strategic planning process sought a wide variety of input, including that of students, parents, staff, and community members. Through a variety of methods, participants had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on the District's strengths, challenges, and priorities for the future.
Food Service Provider - Sodexo
This school year the District will have a new Food Service Provider. SBPS has partnered with Sodexo to provide nutrition services for all schools. The number of meal offerings being provided will remain the same at all buildings. Families are encouraged to download Sodexo's So Happy app in order to access menus and nutrition information. http://sohappy.sodexo.com/ (available in the App Store, Google Play Store and as an Alexa skill)
Technology Information
Students are not limited to internet access when completing homework. This video explains how to enable "offline mode" in Google Drive. This will allow students to work on homework if they are not connected to the internet.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WwA9O4xM6hBNFJ89KRM64Al0jExwPcO9/view?usp=drive_link
Please read through the information regarding the Device Repair Incentive Program. Payments for this program can be made via your Infinite Campus Parent Portal or by calling Erin Shaddick at 635-6286. The last day to enroll in the program is September 30th.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JBDxB6y0Uhc3BZnJTd8nA8EcqpCb7dgt/view?usp=sharing
Important Upcoming Dates and Reminders
September 1 Professional Development/Work Day, No school for students
September 12 Collective Advisory Meeting @ 4:00 pm
September 20/21 Health Screenings
September 22 Professional Development Day, No school for students
September 25 No School K-2 and 6-8 students
September 29 School picture retakes
September 30 Last day to enroll in DRIP (Device Repair Incentive Program)
If you have not returned the free and reduced meal application paperwork, please do so at your earliest convenience. Please contact us with any questions, and we will gladly assist you. You may reach us at 308-635-6270.
Varsity football season has begun, and home football games are fun and exciting to attend. Please review the home football expectations with your student. Please show pride in our school, our school district, and community by showing your best behavior and sportsmanship.
Home Football Expectations
Students who receive an office referral the week of a home football game will not be able to attend the game and sit in the BMS student section. They can attend and sit with parents in general admission.
BMS students will sit only in the designated area of the SOUTH section of the EAST grandstand.
You may sit in one of the other sections of the WEST grandstand only if you are accompanied by and sit with a parent.
Students will be required to sit for the entire game. You may get out of your seat and leave the stands only at HALFTIME of the football game to use the restroom and purchase something from the concession stand.
Students will use the restrooms and concession stands on the EAST side of the stadium. You will remain on the EAST side of the stadium for the entire game.
If you leave the game you will not be allowed to return.
At NO TIME are students to be on the playing field.
Students will not sit on or lean over the restraining walls at the back or sides of the stadium.
Please keep the aisles clear at all times.
Please stand, remove your hat, and be respectful during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
If a student is asked to leave the game they will not be permitted to sit in the BMS student section for any other home football games for the rest of that season.
Nebraska Outstanding Middle School for Career and Technical Education
Bluffs Middle School is excited to announce they have been named the 2023 Named Nebraska Outstanding Middle School for Career and Technical Education. This award is designed to recognize the outstanding achievement of career and technical education programs in junior high/middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions.
- Criteria for this award includes:
- Instructional programs aligned to the Nebraska Career and Technical Education Model
- Programs that demonstrate quality areas such as:
- Student achievement in both career and academic arenas
Innovative instruction based on a state model program of study - Leadership and personal development through career technical student organizations
- Effective implementation of career guidance and work-based learning
- Alignment to Nebraska’s workforce needs and economic priorities
- Community engagement
Fall Activities
Fall sports have begun and we are excited to watch and support our student-athletes compete. Cross Country, football, and volleyball schedules can be found on the district webpage. The link is listed below. Thank you coaches and players for the hard work you have done to prepare for your upcoming season. Bearcat Pride!
https://www.sbps.net/departments_and_services/departments/athletics_and_activities
SRP Drills and Safey Information
During the school year, BMS staff and students will participate in Standard Response Protocol, fire, and tornado drills. The annual community-wide SRP drill will be conducted during the first quarter. When plans are finalized, parents and community members will receive timely information about the drill.
Please use the south main doors when entering the building during the day. You may check in at the main office with our secured entrance monitor and receive a visitor's pass. Please remember a form of identification is required to be issued a visitor's pass. After the meeting, please check out at the main office before exiting the building. We are in the process of constructing an office space in our vestibule for the secured entrance monitor and School Resource Officer. The anticipated completion date is at the end of September.
Health Office Staff and Information
Welcome back to a new school year! My name is Shelbi Cotton. I am the RN for your student’s school. MiCe Lee is the Health Office Assistant, who will also be taking care of your student.
Our goal is to keep your students happy and healthy at school. You can help us with this by:
Letting us know about health conditions that could affect their school day
Turning in appropriate paperwork
Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and Medication Forms need to be renewed yearly
All Kindergarten students need to be up to date on their immunizations, have a physical and eye exam done
All 7th graders need to be up to date on their immunizations and a physical
All transfer students need updated immunizations
If transferring from out of state, a physical and eye exam will need to be done
- Health Screenings for 7th grade students and all out of state transfer students will be conducted on Sept 20th and 21st.
- Immunization Clinic will be held on Sept 27th at BMS from 4:30 to 6:30. They will offer COVID Boosters, Flu Vaccine, Kindergarten and 7th grade immunization requirements.
Please reach out to the health office staff if you have any questions or concerns.
rent/guardian. If your student plans on playing any sports, a sports physical will be required.
