Bluejay Bulletin
April 30th Newsletter
Our 1 School 1 Book events surrounding Wishtree has been great. Student engagement and excitement has been high. You can see it in how awesome our courtyard activities turned out! We will be sending a book home with all families at the end of the year so you can read it with your child(ren). There are so many great conversations that can come from this book.
There are a few updates below. Here are some highlights:
- BrightBytes - This is a technology survey that drives our future technology goals. Your participation is appreciated.
- MAP testing is going great! Our K, 1st and 2nd graders worked hard this week! You will see our 3rd-5th schedule below. Please continue to encourage students!
- Remote Students - MAP tests are required! Please see the information below. We have also emailed you detailed information.
- Field Day Volunteers - We will not be setting up spectator opportunities, but will be allowing volunteers. Parents who are interested in helping run one of the stations at Field Day, please sign up using the link below.
Finally, we are going to be able to offer end of year activities this year! We have outdoor assemblies and picnics planned for K-2nd grade and field trips planned for 3rd-5th grade. More information will be coming home from your classroom teacher in the coming weeks.
Best,
Jimmy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan Families,
We are partnering with BrightBytes, an educational research and analytics company, in order to learn more about our students’ school and home technology use for learning.
We are reaching out to ask you to take part in our school questionnaire. Your participation is essential to help us form a more complete picture of technology use for learning in our students’ lives, and will help your child's school choose the right technology for their classrooms. Please know that all of your responses will remain anonymous to protect your privacy. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
If you have children in more than one school in Millard, you will receive a separate email from each school. It is not necessary for you to complete more than one survey, but your willingness to do so will provide each building principal your feedback.
The last day to complete this questionnaire is Friday, May 7, 2021. Please respond using the link below:
Thank you for taking part in this important initiative!
Best,
Jimmy Feeney III
Principal
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAP Testing
Bryan Families,
Our students in grades kindergarten through fifth will complete the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments in reading and mathematics when we return from break.
Students should be encouraged to put forth their best effort as they complete the tests. At the same time, students will do best if they are relaxed. Here are three ways you can help your student(s) be successful on the tests:
Talk to your student about the test.
Ask questions to let your student know you are aware of the tests and their importance.
Help your student get eight (8) hours of sleep the night before.
Being well rested promotes brain function and the ability to pay attention.
Eat a healthy breakfast that includes a protein.
Having nutritious foods prior to the test will allow students to focus more effectively.
MAP Growth is administered online three times each year – fall, winter and spring. Testing three times per year will enable teachers, parents, and students to have meaningful conversations about the growth the student has made and to plan instruction based on the student’s progress and needs. These tests are untimed and not graded.
This assessment actually allows the district to assess less, while gaining more detailed information about individual student performance. The immediate results provide the district an efficient way to:
monitor student progress (achievement and growth)
assist teachers in providing classroom instruction appropriate to student needs
help teachers, parents, and administrators make decisions about student placement
provide information for monitoring and evaluating programs
meet state and federal requirements
For further information about the NWEA MAP Growth assessment, please visit https://www.nwea.org/assessments/map/ or speak with your building counselor or administrator.
Best,
Jimmy Feeney III
Principal
MAP Testing Schedule
Remote Student MAP Testing
Dear Bryan Parents,
Our students in grades kindergarten through fifth will complete the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments in reading and mathematics when we return from break. We know that the technology component of this test can make it difficult to administer remotely. Therefore, we are providing two options for your child to complete the test.
The MAP Growth is administered online three times each year – fall, winter and spring. Testing three times per year enables teachers, parents, and students to have meaningful conversations about the growth the student has made and to plan instruction based on the student’s progress and needs.
Option 1: You can bring your child to school to take the test in the Library. We will have students masked and properly distanced to ensure a safe environment. For this option, you will drop your child off at school on Monday, May 3rd from 9:00-11:00.
Option 2: Your child can login to Zoom. Mrs. Latenser and Mrs. Becker will help your child get logged into the testing site and help with any technology issues. For this option, you will need to have your child login to Zoom on May 3rd at 1:00. Please make sure your child’s ipad is fully charged.
In order to prepare, we need to know which option you prefer for your child to complete the MAP test. Please complete this form by Wednesday, April 28th.
**If you are at home under quarantine, you are required to take this test from home.
Best,
Jimmy Feeney III
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Field Day Parent Volunteers - May 17th
Parents are needed to help run stations at Field Day. I want to make sure interested volunteers understand that you will be expected to follow the same protocols other volunteers have followed this 4th quarter:
Answer screening questions before volunteering
Sign in upon entry
Wearing a mask is required for the entirety of your visit
Maintain a 6 feet of social distance between students and staff
Sanitize hands before, during and after your visit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Day - End of Year Schedule
The end of year schedule has been updated and approved! Your classroom teacher(s) will share information about end of year activities. Here is the basics to put on your calendar at this time:
Last Day for Students
Friday, 5/21
12:00 Release
Breakfast Served
No Lunch Served
1:00-4:00PM Friday, 5/21
1:00-4:00PM Monday, 5/24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yearbooks for Sale!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meal Service Week of May 3 - 10
Locations:
Central Middle School- 12801 L Street
Millard North High School- 1010 South 144th Street
Millard South High School- 14905 Q Street
Millard West High School- 5710 South 176th Street
Tuesday 5/4 Pick Up Curbside Community Order Form- order cutoff time will be 5:00 pm on Monday 5/3. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for May 4 - 7.
Friday 5/7 Pick Up Curbside Community Order Form- order cutoff time will be 5:00 pm on Thursday 5/6. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for May 8 - 11.
An individual submission must be submitted for each child requesting a meal. If you have any questions please call 402-715-1440.
Free weekend meal kits for in school students can be pre ordered by Thursday 5/6 by 5:00 pm through the weekend meal kit order form. The weekend meal kits will provide breakfast and lunch for Saturday & Sunday. Students can pick up their meal kits at the end of the school day on Friday, May 7 as they exit the school building.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meet the Staff Monday
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millard South Summer Camps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021-2022 Kindergarten & New Student Registration
If you have an incoming kindergartener or new student for the 2021-22 school year, please be prepared to register your student on February 9th. To register your kindergartener or new student to Millard please navigate to www.mpsomaha.org and select the Registration and Enrollment link. Completing your student's online registration for Bryan Elementary will allow us to send you important information regarding Kindergarten Round Up and new student enrollment.
Here is the link to our Informational Flyer, which has active links.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Millard Public Schools is Now Accepting Applications for Preschool
Applications for the 2021-2022 school year are due by Feb. 15th.
You must live in the Millard school district and your child must turn 4 by July 31, 2021.
Scholarships are available for qualifying families.
The application is available on the Millard Public school website or click here:
If you have questions regarding preschool, call 402-715-8339 or email - mjdickey@mpsomaha.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kids Network
Calling All Explorers! Kids Network needs YOU to join us on a fun summer adventure!
Are you looking for full day fun for your student this summer? Kids Network is a program provided by the Millard Public Schools Foundation and this summer we have great adventures planned for your child. Weekly registration is available, themed activities and weekly field trips! Don’t delay – we have limited spots available. Register Today!
https://kidsnetwork.mpsfoundation.org/
The Millard Public Schools Foundation supports the school district by providing funds to all 35 schools to support strategic initiatives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRYAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: jmfeeney@mpsomaha.org
Website: http://bryan.mpsomaha.org/
Location: 5010 South 144th Street, Omaha, NE 68130
Phone: 402.715.8325
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobryanbluejays/
Twitter: @bryanelementary