Bear Bulletin
May 23, 2021
SBMS Lost and Found: See Anything of Yours?
Topics Included in this Newsletter
- Note from Mrs. Spencer
- SBMS COVID Vaccine Sign Up for Wednesday, May 26th
- Textbook Return Information
- Library Book Return
- SBMS Awards Assemblies Video Links
- SBMS Bear Camp 2021
- SWHS Information
- Required Vaccine Information for Rising 7th Graders
- 8th Grade Field Day Assembly Information
- Spring Finals Schedule
- SBISD New & Returning Student Registration Opens Monday, April 5th
- SBMS Yearbook Update!
- Safety Information and Expectations for SBMS Students and Families
Message from Mrs. Spencer
Hello, SBMS Bears,
The countdown to summer now stands at 4 more days! We can do this, Bears!
Just a few reminders:
- COVID Vaccine Sign-Up: If your middle schooler is 12 years or older, you may have him or her vaccinated at SBMS, pending available spots! See below for sign up details.
- SBMS Textbooks and Library Books: We are still hoping to collect both textbooks and library books from this year and possibly even last year. Help us reduce expenses due to lost books by taking one last look at your usual book hiding spots, Bears!
- SBMS Chromebooks: After reviewing all of the devices loaned to students, we are collecting those that need servicing and tracking those that will need replacing for next year. All 8th Grade students need to turn in their devices this week. Virtual students, please return yours from 9:30-12 on Friday, May 28th. Don't forget to include your cases and chargers!
- 8th Grade Field Day is now slated for Thursday from lunch time onwards. We are hopeful that this provides the appropriate time for all of this rainy weather to clear out and fields to dry. Thank you for your patience.
- School Supplies for 2021-2022: Our school supply list for next year is live on the website if you wish to beat the back to school rush, Bears!
See you Monday, Bears!
Stefanie Spencer, Principal
COVID Vaccine Sign Up for SBMS
The Harris County Health Department will have 275 Pfizer vaccines available for Spring Branch Middle students (ages 12 and older) and staff on Wednesday, May 26th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Spring Branch Middle School. Parents must sign up for students to participate. Continue reading for sign up directions.
Students ages 12 to 17 must have parental consent to receive the vaccine; either the parent must be present, or the student may bring a consent form that has been signed by the parent.
Only Spring Branch Middle students and staff with appointments will be eligible to receive a vaccine at this event. Those who receive a 1st dose will automatically be scheduled for a 2nd dose at Frostwood Elementary in 21 days.
If you would like to sign your child up, please visit this sign up link. To participate, your child must have their signed consent form or you may meet your child for his or her vaccine. The forms are embedded in the sign-up genius and we will have copies printed in case you forget yours. If you plan to accompany your child, please enter the building through the doors by the small gym and the wood shop classroom. Someone will check you in and you may wait for your child to arrive for their vaccine. You will exit through those same doors.
Required Vaccine Information for Rising 7th Graders
Parents of 6th grade students,
Last week letters were sent home regarding the additional vaccines required for 7th grade entry (Texas Minimum State Requirements). The additional vaccines required for 7th grade are Tdap and Meningococcal (MCV4). If your child has not already had these vaccines it is advisable that you take care of this before the end of the school year. If your child is exempt for medical or religious reasons you must provide an updated notarized affidavit that includes these vaccines.
After May 15th your child will not receive next year’s schedule until an updated immunization record is provided. Please send the updated record to Mercedes.mulvey@springbranchisd.com or fax to 713-251-9472.
2020-2021 Awards Ceremony Links
It was so nice to celebrate the academic achievements of our students recently during our awards ceremonies. If COVID protocols allow, we look forward to hosting these events with all families included. If your child recently was awarded a recognition for their grades or work ethic, please click on their grade level link to view the ceremony:
Many thanks to our counselors, assistant principals and SBMS NJHS officers for their work in helping host these ceremonies. Thank you, also, to Mr. Whittenton for the production of these video links.
Library Book Return and Summer Reading
LIBRARY BOOKS
All library books are now overdue and should be turned in. Please help your child find missing books! Overdue notices are emailed to students daily at 4pm. In-person learners can return books to the cart located outside the library door; virtual learners can drop off books at the front office. Books not turned in are considered lost and must be paid for; the replacement cost is listed on the email. We accept cash (exact change) or a check made out to SBMS for lost books.
SUMMER READING
There are lots of options for summer reading! Check these out:
- Sora: Sora is the district’s platform for ebooks and audiobooks, and students can access Sora all summer long. Be sure to check out the Sora Sweet Reads; these titles are available all summer with no wait!
- Audiobook Sync: Is your child ready for YA books? If so, check out Audiobook Sync, a free audiobook summer reading program for teens aged 13+. Audiobook Sync utilizes Sora as a platform and gives students two free audiobooks each week. For more information, including how to sign up, go here.
- Public Libraries: Most Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library branches will be open this summer for book check out and summer reading programs. For more info, visit HCPL or HPL.
- myON: This is a personalized digital library that students can access over the summer. Access myON using the Clever sign in.
- Reading Lists: Do you need some suggested reading? Check out the Lone Star List or the Maverick List. Curated by Texas librarians, these lists are geared to middle school students.
- Need more recommendations? Email me and I’ll be happy to recommend some titles!
Textbook Return
We are still missing a few textbooks. Please check your usual locations and ask your students to check their rooms just in case they are still in your possession.We know families felt better as we approached this year having them in their possession, but they are expensive. Your help in returning them to us alleviates costs for students and the school. Thank you!
Students may return them to the table in the 100 hallway from 8:10-8:40 a.m. each morning and during their lunch time. Virtual students may drop them off anytime from 8:10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day this week Monday- Thursday.
Mark Your Calendars: Bear Camp 2021!
Mark your calendars, Rising and Returning SBMS Bears!
Each year, SBMS hosts a Bear Camp to orient our new Bears on the layout of the building and the practices of the school. This is also an opportunity to help new students and their parents get organized and prepared for their middle school journey! The SBMS Bear Camp for next year’s 6th graders (and new students to 7th and 8th) will be held on August 13th according to the following schedule.
- 9:00-10:30 a.m.: New 6th-8th Graders with last names beginning with A-L
- 1:00-2:30 p.m.: New 6th-8th Graders with last names beginning with M-Z
Students will be provided the opportunity to tour the building and visit different stations that will help organize and prepare them to start school on Monday, August 16th: schedules, immunization/medical, chromebook paperwork and insurance payment, band/orchestra check-in, spirit gear, MySchoolBucks set up and a presentation by Mrs. Spencer (Building Principal) and Mr. Barry (6th Grade Assistant Principal). Parents are encouraged to attend to hear the presentation and visit each of the stations.
Students returning to SBMS may come at the following time to pick up a schedule, complete chromebook paperwork, and buy spirit gear:
- 10:45-11:45 a.m.: All returning 7th and 8th graders
- 2:45-3:45 p.m.: All returning 7th and 8th graders
More information will be distributed towards the middle of July. Please note that all events are subject to health guidelines and protocols in place on the date of the event.
Calling All Future SWHS Tigers for '21-'22!
Yearbook Sales for This Year and Next!
We still have this year’s yearbooks for sale! In person sales only and you can pay $65 cash or check to the front office.
NEXT YEAR’S YEARBOOK: Sales have officially opened for NEXT YEAR’S YEARBOOK, the 2021/2022 edition! We have received and listened to all of your feedback from this year’s book and next year’s will be longer, more inclusive, and even better than ever! Get your copy today while the price is at its lowest at tinyurl.com/sbmsyearbook
Thank you!
Sara Boyle
Journalism Teacher, Yearbook and Newspaper Adviser
Spring Branch Middle School
8th Grade Field Day Information
8th Graders recently took part in an assembly where they heard the details of our upcoming afternoon Field Day that will be held in their honor on May 27th. Our awesome SBMS PTA is providing lunch to each 8th grader and has graciously supplied additional pieces of sporting equipment, games and treats to be served during the afternoon. Virtual 8th graders are welcome to attend and are invited to come at their lunch time to spend the afternoon with us. They just need to check in at the office once they arrive.
As has been the requirement for 8th graders leading up to the culminating events in the past, 8th graders will need to demonstrate appropriate behavior and punctuality between now and May 27th in order to take part in the event. This presentation was reviewed with each of the 8th graders last Thursday, April 29th and includes:
- The expectation that to participate in Field Day, an 8th grader may not have earned an ISS (In-school Suspension) or OSS (Out of School Suspension) between May 3rd- May 21st.
- 8th Grade students need to limit their tardies (BPT included) to no more than three tardies.
- Behavior must be appropriate during field day.
Students who do meet the above expectations will have an extended study hall and alternative activities. Please review the expectations presented in the linked presentation above with your student as we want all students to be able to participate.
In terms of dress code, students are encouraged to wear knee length shorts, t-shirts and sneakers. Regular dress code requirements remain in place for this event, but students should dress for it being warm outside that day.
During the event, 8th Graders will be able to select from a variety of activities:
- Pickleball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Kickball
- Walking the track
- Hanging out with friends
- Movie in the Library
- Art Studio Project
- Big Chess and Checkers
- Board Games, Online Games
- High School Themed Photo Arches
We are excited to be able to celebrate our 8th graders and all of their hard work, resilience and tenacity. We hope they are growing more and more excited about their high school plans and have faith that bright futures await all of them.
Spring Finals Schedule
Click here for the Spring Finals Schedule for the week of May 24th. There may be adjustments made to this schedule in the next week or two, so please keep checking back to be sure you are looking at the finalized version. Thank you for your patience.
Virtual students will take their exams as they have taken fall semester finals and tests, online with their teachers. They do not need to report to campus.
New & Returning Student Registration Opens April 5th!
New & returning student registration opens on Monday, April 5th and closes May 2nd. Please read the below directions for registering returning students and share information with friends who may be interested in registering new students below.
Returning Student Registration:
- Click here for information and a link to Family Access in Skyward.
- Families are asked annually to confirm/update information for each child attending.
- Returning families can update online most information collected in a school’s 1st Day Packet through Family Access. If you do not have a Family Access account, please contact your school to set up an account.
- Parents are not required to print forms. Forms can be signed and submitted electronically.
- If you would like to print out the forms for your records, please ensure that Adobe Reader is installed on your device. This process can be completed on a PC, Tablet or smartphone browser.
- Please be sure to complete forms by clicking the submit button at the end of each form.
- If your campus does not receive these forms electronically, you will receive paper
New Student Registration:
- Click here to access the online enrollment form.
Families new to SBISD or families who have moved within SBISD to a different school are encouraged to register students before the first day of school.
- All necessary registration forms may be completed online in advance of registering the student at his/her attendance area school. (Alternately, the option to complete registration forms at the child’s attendance-area campus is also available during in-person registration dates/times. A parent or legal guardian must be present to enroll a student less than 18 years old.)
- To complete forms online, you will need an Internet-ready browser, email address and phone number.
- If you would like to print out the forms for your records, please ensure that Adobe Reader is installed on your device.
- After registering online, appointments will be scheduled at the student’s attendance-area school to submit required documents (listed below)
- What do I need to bring with me to register my student?
- Immunization record certified by a doctor or public health official
- Transcript or report card from the last school attended
- Birth certificate or other document suitable as proof of a child's identity
- Proof of residency is required upon enrollment. (Examples: lease agreement or mortgage payment book, district tax bill, utility bill with correct name and address)
- July 29
Thursday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 2 - 5
Monday - Thursday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 9 - 11
Monday - Wednesday- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
- August 12
Thursday- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. (afternoon only)
- August 17 (second day of school)
Tuesday
School office hours or by appointment
Note:
- Dates and times are subject to change.
- There is no registration the first day of school.
- Family may contact the campus for additional dates and times beyond what the district has scheduled for all campuses.
Registration for Returning Students FAQs
Question on Device Form: Since my 6th grader is returning to SBMS and will be able to take his chromebook home this summer, so I click "yes - I want a school issued device?"
Answer: Yes.This will just ensure we know you would like to continue the device you currently have checked out for your student.
Question on Insurance for Devices: Should we select to purchase insurance every year or does the initial $25 cover every year?
Answer: The insurance covers only one year at a time. It is a wise investment. We strongly suggest you purchase it every year.
LearnSBISD Safety Reminders for SBMS Bears
As always, here are a few reminders in the hopes of keeping everyone healthy, safe, in school and a focus on student learning is maintained at SBMS:
- Report of Exposure: Please report any direct, prolonged exposure your child has had with family members or friends who have been recently diagnosed. This will help Ms. Mulvey determine next steps and lessen the spread of COVID-19. You may do so by calling 713-251-4400 or emailing Ms. Mulvey at mercedes.mulvey@springbranchisd.com.
- SBISD Health Screener: Within every edition of this newsletter every Sunday is a reminder to complete the SBISD Health Screener. Please help us keep everyone healthy, well and in school by completing that screener and refraining from sending any child to school who is demonstrating those symptoms or has exposure to someone who the family believes needs to be COVID tested. If you are unsure whether or not your child should report to school, please reach out to me, Mr. Barry, and Ms. Mulvey and we can try to help you.
- Bringing Items to SBMS: SBMS will only allow the drop off of the following: chromebooks, assignments, books for Language Arts or medicine for the school nurse. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many families dropping off items to the front office that are unrelated to these things. The LearnSBISD plan indicates no drop off of items should be occurring and that visitors to the campus are restricted. As we watch numbers of parents dropping off items to our office and numbers of COVID cases tick upwards, we are tightening up our practices to make clearer what is of necessity and what is not. To ensure that your child has a back up plan for lunch, please visit SBISD Child Nutrition and put money on their account so they can purchase a lunch: https://www.springbranchisd.com/about/departments/finance/child-nutrition-services/payments-and-refunds.
- Health and Safety Reminder: One of the many unfortunate issues related to COVID-19 is that the signs and symptoms for COVID-19 can mirror other illnesses. Our LearnSBISD plan requires parents to complete a Health Screener for their students each morning and indicates that students must not report to school with symptoms delineated within that screener to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. When a child visits with Ms. Mulvey, our SBMS Nurse, and presents symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 she must follow a protocol that involves presenting the symptoms and context for the child (duration of symptoms, if a parent has tested positive or exposure to someone else has occurred) to the SBISD Intake Nurse and then work with the family to send the child home for a period of time. We fully recognize how stressful the "here and now" is for all families, but ask that your interactions with our nurse are kind and patient. We are happy to ask questions on your behalf and answer any questions you may have, but please know the health and safety of all students, their families and our staff are at the forefront of all that we do at SBMS. This is a very difficult year to serve as a school nurse and we are so grateful that Ms. Mulvey chose this as her life's work.
- SBISD Mask Policy: SBISD requires all school-aged students and staff to wear masks covering their noses and mouths all of the school day, except for when eating or drinking. Gaiters are allowed, but please be sure that students are able to wear them consistently and cover both their noses and mouths. Some students are having to hold their necks forward to keep their gaiters up and over their noses and mouths, so parents may wish to ask their children to wear masks if they prove easier and more comfortable for your child in that regard. Students not consistent in wearing their mask over their noses and mouths may face disciplinary consequences up to and including changing their learning model.
SBISD Health Screener for In-Person Learners
Prior to the start of the school year, all families completed the SBISD Health & Safety Protocol Parent Acknowledgement Form. Included in these protocols is ensuring that every child coming to campus has a completed SBISD Health Screener every morning.
As a reminder, the health screener can be accessed via the district website (there is a blue box on the homepage titled ‘HEALTH SCREENER’ or by clicking here.) High school students may complete their own screener, but not those of their siblings.
Parents, it is critical that you report to your child's school if your child has tested positive for COVID-19, has had prolonged (15 or more minutes) direct exposure to someone who is COVID-19 positive, or is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Please do not send your child to school. Please do complete the health screener and report to your school attendance office or nurse immediately. Please be sure to provide your contact information including a daytime telephone number where you can be reached.
View this video to see how to turn the screener into an icon (like an app) on your phone or tablet home screen for easier access: