Bulldog Newsletter
February 3 - No School, Staff Worhshop Day
February 6 - Parent/Teacher Virtual Conferences 3:00-7:15pm
February 11 - 8th Grade District Orchestra & Festival Concert - OSH
February 13 - BMS Multicultural Fair 5:00-7:30pm
February 17 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
March 6 - Last Day of Trimester 2
March 7 - No School for students - Mark Reporting Day for Teachers
March 10 - First Day of Trimester 3
March 10 - PC & 8th Grade Band Concert
March 11 - District Jazz Festival - MGSH
March 10 - 7th Grade Music Showcase 6:30pm S. Gym
March 24-28 - No School for Students & Staff -Spring Break
March 31 - First Day Back after Spring Break
April 21 - Asynchronous Learning Day for Students/Staff Planning Day
April 25 - All School Dance 4:00-7:00pm
Message from Ms. Monette
Brooklyn Middle School Students and Families,
As the winter season comes quickly upon us with chilly temperatures and snow-covered trees, we find ourselves reflecting on the growth and achievements of our school community. This time of year, reminds us of the support we share as a learning community, where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration are at the heart of all we do. We are so proud of our students' dedication to learning and their enthusiasm for new challenges. To our families, thank you for your ongoing partnership, which strengthens our mission to provide an engaging and supportive environment for all students. As winter break approaches, we encourage everyone to take time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge for the opportunities that await us in the new year. Whether it's sharing meals, enjoying seasonal traditions, or simply spending quiet moments together, these connections remind us of what truly matters. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. Until then, we wish you a break filled with joy and peace with family and friends.
Kim Monette
Principal
After School activities are in full swing! Please see the After School Activities Schedule for classes and dates they are offered. All students wishing to participate MUST have a signed permission form for the activity before they can attend. Permission forms can be picked up from the teacher who is holding the class.
Frank Sentwali
Frank Sentwali, teaching artist will be working with 8th grade students in English classes starting January 27th through February 13th through his "The Performance Art of Spoken Word" residency. Students will create their own spoken word poem to share with the class and some students will be sharing at the Multicultural Fair on February 13th.
More information on Frank Sentwali's residency- visit this website: https://www.compas.org/artist/frank-sentwali/
Painting Artist Residency
We are excited to share that mural artist Melodee Strong will be working with 8th grade painting students to design and paint a mural in the BMS cafeteria with the theme of "Belonging". Melodee is based out of North Minneapolis, where she teaches art at Franklin Middle School. She has published 9 children's books and painted many murals across the metro area, both within schools and in the community.
7th Grade MN Zoo Field Trip
7th grade students will be taking a field trip to the Minnesota Zoo on Tuesday, March 18th. Students will participate in different activities at the MN Zoo related to their learning about animal habitats in Life Science. To make this field trip possible, we need many chaperones. The zoo requires a 1:5 ratio of adults to students to walk around the zoo. If you are interested in joining us, begin by filling out a volunteer application if you haven't done one this school year:
https://www.district279.org/community/volunteers
Please reach out if you're interested or have any questions to Shannon Comisar-
PACT - Parents And Community Together
The BMS PACT parent group is going strong! If you've not attended a meeting and checked it out we encourage you to do so.
The PACT meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month with a few exceptions. Meetings are held in person or virtually and begin at 7:00pm. We would love to have you attend to hear about what PACT provides to the BMS staff and students. PACT is a great opportunity to get to know other BMS parents.
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
Jan 21
Feb 18
March 18
April 22
May 20
Dates are subject to change and with notification sent.
Hope to see YOU at our future PACT meetings and events. Please contact Rachel Johnson at bmspact@gmail.com if you would like to get involved or have any questions.
Help Your Middle Schooler Navigate Social Media Safely
As parents/guardians of middle school students, it's essential to guide your children's use of social media. These platforms offer both positive and negative aspects, so it's crucial to strike a balance. Social media can be a valuable tool for kids to connect and learn. However, it also comes with risks like cyberbullying and excessive screen time. To help your child, consider these tips:
1. Set Clear Rules:
Establish clear guidelines on how much time your child can spend on social media, which platforms they can use, and what content is appropriate. Creating and enforcing these rules will help your child understand responsibility.
2. Teach Responsibility:
Educate your child about online dangers and responsible behavior. Talk about cyberbullying, privacy concerns (is there location being shared on social media), and the responsibility of accepting consequences for choices made online. Encourage open communication so they can come to you with any concerns.
3. Keep an Eye Out:
While it's crucial to trust your child, it's equally important to monitor their online activity, especially when they're in middle school. Keep an eye on their friends, posts, and messages to ensure their safety and well-being.
4. Use Parental Controls:
Consider using parental control tools to limit access to certain apps and websites. These tools can help you manage screen time, filter content, and keep tabs on your child's online interactions.
5. Be a Role Model:
Demonstrate responsible social media use, as children often emulate their parent or guardian's behavior.
6. Encourage Offline Activities:
Promote a balance between online and offline activities, like sports, hobbies, and reading.
7. Promote Real-Life Connections:
Encourage in-person interactions with friends and meaningful conversations.
Social media can be a double-edged sword for middle school students. While it offers valuable opportunities for social interaction and learning, it also presents potential risks.
As a parent or guardian, it's your responsibility to guide and protect your child as they navigate the digital world. By setting clear boundaries, educating them about online safety, monitoring their activity, and leading by example, you can help your middle school student make the most of their online experiences while staying safe and grounded in the real world.
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Website: https://bms.district279.org/
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Twitter: bmssteam