January Newsletter

Dear Ballenger Creek Middle Families,

I hope that you and your loved ones are well, that you had a good holiday season, and that 2023 has started as smoothly as possible for you. It’s hard to believe, but we are at the halfway point of the year--beginning term three--this Thursday! Please be sure that you and your student view his or her third term schedule prior to Thursday to check for possible class changes if they have semesterized classes. If you have questions about how to do this or anything else related to your student’s schedule, please reach out to your child’s grade-level counselor:

6th grade: Mr. Ledyard - David.Ledyard@fcps.org

7th grade: Mr. Webber - Johnny.Webber@fcps.org

8th grade: Ms. Reese - Rebecca.Reese@fcps.org

Should you need anything else, please feel free to let me know and I’ll work with you and our school-based team to make sure you get the proper assistance in a timely manner.

Sincerely,

Jay Schill

Principal, BCMS

The 6th, 7th and 8th grade team hope that everyone had a wonderful break. We hope that you were able to enjoy the time with family and friends and that you found some time to relax as well. The start of the 2nd semester/ 3rd term is on January 12th and we ask that families check students’ grades on Schoology and encourage them to complete any missing work or work that needs revision in a timely manner. Students can also contact their teachers with any questions throughout the semester.

Students that need extra help can always login to TutorMe and receive live feedback and support. TutorMe is available through the Clever Portal. Click HERE for login directions and HERE for the user support guide.

The BCMS Math Department hopes you had a good break and welcomes you back!

When students return from break, all grade levels will be taking the winter i-Ready Diagnostic Test in their math classes. It is important that students charge their devices and try their best!

In January:

6th Grade - Starting Unit 4 after break. This will be an introduction to algebra. We will cover:

-Parts of the algebraic expression (term, variable, coefficient, constant)

-Identifying and combining like terms to simplify algebraic expressions

-Translating word sentences into algebraic expressions and vice versa

-Evaluating expressions when given a positive rational number value for variables in the expression

-Arithmetic properties of addition and multiplication (distributive, commutative, associative, identity, zero)

7th Grade - We will be solving real-world problems involving the four operations with rational numbers.

7th Accelerated - Starting UNIT 4 working with Unit Rates and solving proportions

8th Grade - Will be finishing up Unit 3 (Functions and Slope) and will be starting Unit 4 (Linear Equations).

Unit 4 will cover:

Distributing and Combining Like Terms

Solving Multi-Step Equations

Determining how many solutions an equation has

6th and 7th grade math teachers will be making recommendations for next school year’s courses this month. Teachers will be looking at students’ grades, i-Ready test scores, and class participation when making recommendations.

Students should be completing weekly ALEKS topic goals in Math. Students should be checking their Math schoology pages to see what their specific weekly goal is. Students can monitor their own progress by checking their topic reports in ALEKS, a step-by-step how to for this can be found here. Students can make up missed topics by completing extra in the next week. ALEKS topic goals have the same mid-term/end of term due date as other class assignments. For questions about ALEKS topic goals - please reach out to your grade level Math teacher; our school Math specialist, Ms. Boyer (Laura.Boyer@fcps.org); or our school Math department chair, Ms. Dickson (Ashley.Dickson@fcps.org).

Students should be checking their grade reports on schoology weekly to see updates regarding missing/re-do work. If there are any questions regarding student grades, please reach out to your grade level Math teacher.

Did you know that BCMS Spirit Wear can be purchased all year? It’s true! Spirit wear makes great gifts so we encourage you to keep us in mind. Promos run throughout the year and all orders over $50 receive free shipping. Between January 4-11, get 10% off all Enza items using promo code 10ENZA. Spirit Wear can be purchased online at http://www.ballengercreekspiritwear.com

[See attached picture]

After break students will be working on the following items in their respected grades:

6th Grade: Students will test a device to minimize thermal energy transfer.

7th Grade: Term 3 will mark the start of the Energy Unit. Students

Will develop an understanding of kinetic and potential energy.

8th Grade: Students are wrapping up the standard on how mutations affect organisms.

This month, all students will be taking the winter i-Ready reading assessment in Language Arts. We look forward to celebrating the growth our students have made in the first semester. We will also be giving the second FCPS Benchmark on January 23rd. Please note that ELA classes may have fewer grades in January due to assessments.

6th Grade ELA classes are looking forward to diving into Cycle 5, which explores how a person’s family can influence how they view themselves and others. Throughout the unit, students will read fiction and poetry as we study the ways writers develop themes.

7th Grade ELA classes will be finishing cycle four of the curriculum before break by completing a project. When we return, we will be starting curriculum cycle five, which asks the guiding question “What makes people who they are?” This unit will return students to looking at fiction. We will also incorporate a novel into this cycle.

8th Grade ELA classes are finishing Term 2 by analyzing the relationship between ideas, events, and individuals. Students will be analyzing Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” and drawing connections between ideas presented in the speech and ideas from texts studied earlier in the unit. The start of Term 3 will usher in a new literary unit that addresses the following essential question, “How are people changed by love?” Students will study works by Shakespeare, Poe, and Noyes.

Parents and Guardians-we need you at BCMS!

We know that working together, we can offer tremendous support to your children. We are seeking volunteers to assist with the following tasks:

· Morning greeters

· Lunch monitors

· Copy helpers

In order to volunteer, you must complete district training (see link below) and training at the school specific to the task you've volunteered for. If you're interested, please contact Kathleen Rogers, BCMS community liaison, for more information: Kathleen.Rogers@fcps.org, 240-236-5773

Volunteer Registration and Training: https://fcps-volunteers.ezcommunicator.net/edu/fcps-volunteers/login_form.aspx?app=0

Make sure to check your Term 3 schedules. Students enrolled in Food Science and Lab 21 (6th) or Creative Arts and Innovations and Inventions (7th), students will be switching these elective courses for semester 2 that begins on January 12th.

Students in Health term 2 will return to Physical Education for the remainder of the school year. Students are advised to bring their own reusable water bottles and to wear activity appropriate attire. Students should not wear heels or boots to class as these are not safe shoes for physical activities. Though Crocs are a common shoe attire with this age group, we want to remind the parents and students that safety in the gymnasium is of the utmost importance with the Physical Education staff. Students are strongly encouraged to change into supportive sneakers for Physical Education classes. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s P.E. teacher through Schoology or email.

The Fine and Practical Arts Department wishes Mr. Larry Williams a happy retirement from FCPS. Mr. Williams dedicated 23 of his 28 years at Ballenger Creek Middle School as the Career and Technology teacher. Though he is known for his rocket projects, C02 cars, and helping students navigate coding, Mr. Williams was an active bow hunter and woodworker in his spare time. After meeting his wife, Becky Williams, a former BCMS art teacher and team leader, he is happy to once again be teaching close to his partner in crime. Mr. Williams will spend a few weeks in retirement before beginning his journey in Loudoun County as a technology education teacher. The Fine and Practical Arts Department will miss Mr. Williams.

Happy New Year to all BCMS students and families.

I'm glad to have been brought in as a new member to take over Mr. Williams' classes after his retirement. I've been with FCPS as a Special Education Assistant since January of last year, and during that time I've been able to help students and teachers across all subjects and grade levels to achieve their goals.

I've been living in Frederick county for almost 8 years now, having moved here with my wife and son from Albany NY. Since coming here I have worked in different industries such as electrical construction (specifically rooftop solar installations) and pharmaceutical research.

It was shortly after the birth of my second son here in Frederick that I decided to join FCPS to pursue my interests in teaching. Therefore, I'm very excited for the opportunity to do so here at BCMS and look forward to working with you all in this new year.

NEED COUNSELOR SUPPORT? ❤️

Use your grade level counseling page on Schoology and select "Student Support Request Form." Your grade level counselor will speak with you as soon as possible.

Mr. Webber: johnny.webber@fcps.org

Ms. Reese: rebecca.reese@fcps.org

Mr. Ledyard: david.ledyard@fcps.org

• On January 5th, counselors from Tuscarora High School will present information about high school planning and the registration process. This will take place during 8th grade History classes.

• On January 11th, THS counselors will mail out physical registration forms to 8th grade families. **Please reach out ASAP if your address has changed.

• On January 17th, 9th Grade Registration forms will be available on Schoology.

• On January 18th, Tuscarora High School will hold their 9th Grade Registration Night at THS from 6:30PM-8:30PM. This event will be held virtually if there is snow.

8th grade students must submit their 9th Grade Registration Forms by January 31st on Schoology.

Our department wants to thank everyone for their support through term one and mid term of term 2. We truly appreciate all you do to support your child and our department. Continue to reach out to your child’s case manager with questions, concerns, and or positives. Together we can make a difference. We hope everyone had a relaxing and wonderful holiday.

Glance into the new year:

• Jan. 10 end of term 2 and first semester

• Jan. 11 Schools closed for teacher work day

• Jan. 12 Term 3 begins

• Jan. 16 Schools closed

• Jan 24 Report cards issued

We are excited to see all the growth our English Learner students are going to make this year! They have been working so hard!

In January, our English Learner students will begin the yearly English language proficiency test called WIDA ACCESS.

Students will take 4 sections of the test, including one section for each language domain:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

Students will be scheduled to take these assessments spaced out throughout January and early February in small groups.

Here are some ways you can help support your child to prepare to do their best on this assessment:

1. Ask your child about their language growth

Helping your child to think about the English they’ve learned will help to celebrate their successes and motivate them.

1. Encourage your child to do their best on the test

The test is long and challenging. Your encouragement means a lot to them and will keep them going.

1. Help your child have great attendance

Good attendance means your child will get all the practice and testing sessions they need.

1. Encourage good sleep habits

Research has proven that a good nights sleep is a big predictor of success on tests. Good sleep is so important!

We can’t wait to see and measure all the English your children are learning! Thank you for all you do to encourage your children to be brave and take risks as they learn this new language.

If you ever have a need or question, please contact me.

Mariah Beaucage

English Learner Teacher

mariah.beaucage@fcps.org

· Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023

· Location: Tuscarora High School

This regional ISEF affiliated science fair is open to all students who live in or attend school in Frederick County, Maryland. Students DO NOT need to qualify through a school fair to participate in this county level fair. Students may enter only one project per year.

All registration materials (online registration & ISEF paperwork) are due to the FCPS Secondary Science Office 191 South East St. Frederick MD 21701 by March 5.2023 at 11:59 pm. Paperwork can be sent electronically to science.fair@fcps.org, uploaded with registration, or in hard copy. If you need assistance with paperwork or the project, please contact Christine Brown (Christine.Brown@fcps.org), teacher specialist at BCMS.

For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/fcsef

6th Grade is in the middle of the Ancient India unit with the goal of finishing by break. Students are exploring the religions that developed in the subcontinent as well as how the geography impacted human settlement in India, compared to earlier units. After winter break, ancient China will be discussed with the first lessons focusing on geography and its impact on civilization there.

7th Grade is continuing its 4th unit with medieval Asia by examining both Japan and Korea. We will be looking at cultural diffusion and its impact on the formation of those countries. Students will be completing a benchmark for the county before break. Afterwards, students will be practicing writing skills with another document-based question (DBQ) essay on the topic of cultural diffusion.

8th Grade

In 8th Grade social studies classes, students are in the middle of Unit 4 which focuses on Westward Expansion. Towards the end of this unit, students will complete their final Benchmark task. Throughout the year, we’ve been working on creating original thesis statements, paraphrasing evidence, discussing credibility of sources and creating counterclaims. In the final Benchmark task, students will put all of these skills together and create a final essay.

Frederick Community Action Agency, George L. Shields Foodbank

Phone: 301-600-1506
14 E. All Saints St. Frederick, MD 21701

Food Bank: Mon thru Friday 2:00 - 4:00 pm Call for Appointment
Soup Kitchen: daily 5:30 - 6:30 pm.

Carry-out only. Can deliver food to family if a family member has Covid-19.

Frederick Rescue Mission

Phone: 301-695-6633
419 South St. Frederick, MD 21701

LUNCH to-go: Mon thru Sat 12:00-1:30 ; Sunday 1:00-2:30

Food Pantry: Bring Photo ID Tue and Wed 1:30 - 3:30 pm and Thu 2:00 - 6:00 pm.

Food Pantry Closed Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Mental Health Association of Frederick County

Phone: 301-663-0011
226 South Jefferson St. Frederick, MD

Crisis walk in Mental health services.

Local Resource Guide-https://sites.google.com/view/covid19frederick/home

Student Homelessness Initiative Program (SHIP)Phone: 240-415-8971
Email: info@shipfrederick.comProvides hygiene, clothing, shoes, youth activities and experiences, and emergency shelter for Homeless Students in Frederick County. Please email info@shipfrederick.com

Frederick Community Action Agency

Phone: 301-600-1506 or 301-600-3955
http://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/183/Frederick-Community-Action-Agency

Frederick County Department of Social Services

Phone: 301-600-4555

Homeless Prevention Program - if eleigible could help pay rent to prevent eviction

Call 301-909-6362

Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs

Phone: 301-631-2670
Phone: 240-446-9649

https://www.thereligiouscoalition.org/Help with eviction assistance not due to Covid-19, Security Deposits, Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Family Shelter

Crisis Services

Dial 211