November 24

I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. Our Bryan Bears continue to be safe, respectful, responsible, and their best in all settings. There are so many amazing things happening in the classroom, with athletic competitions, and in our clubs and activities. When students return from Thanksgiving Break, they will have 15 school days left in the semester. Please continue to encourage your student to work hard and finish the semester strong. Progress reports for 2nd quarter have been posted. Again, it is the final semester grade that really counts. If your student needs some help, please contact a teacher and request they join Academic Recovery on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This is a great way to get caught up on work. If you are not already on Parent Portal, email Dr. Clark (lakresha.clark@ops.org) to get your account set up. This is a great way to stay in-touch with how your student is doing.

Remember, there is something for everyone at BMS. Please encourage your student(s) to be active in an activity, athletic team, or club at Bryan Middle School. In addition, regular attendance and being in class every minute is crucial to success. Encourage healthy school and home habits that aid your student(s) being at school and doing their best every day! We appreciate your partnership in the development of your student(s).

Sincerely,

Anton Schmidt

Principal, Bryan Middle School

The staff at Bryan Middle School are assembling food and holiday resources for our families in need. Please see the attached images and flyers. We will update this newsletter as we are made aware of more resources. If you need items from our pantry, please call Mrs. Sara Riviera. Her phone number is on the bottom of the orange flyer below.

Follow this link Food and Holiday Resources

Families, a reminder that the building does not open until 7:10 AM. We do not have staff supervising outside until 7:00 AM. Please try to drop off as close to 7:10 AM as possible. Also, dismissal is at 3:05 PM. Students should be picked up by 3:15 PM at the latest. If that is not possible, please have your student get a Boys and Girls Club application so they can go there until they can be picked up. All students need to be supervised and, in an activity, club, or at the Boys and Girls Club after school. Thank you for your help.

December 2-3

• MAP Reading test

December 4

• 6th Grade and Beginning Band & Orchestra Concert (6:30 PM)

• Robotics Competition at Norris Middle

• Godfather's Pizza Fundraiser (Twin Creek Location)

December 9-10

• MAP Math test

December 11

• 6/7/8 Winter Choral Concert (6:30 PM)
• MathCounts Competition ( At Central High School)

December 22-January 2

• No school. Winter Break.

• Raising Cane's Night (for more information follow the link)

Reminder, break is next week from November 24-28. We hope you enjoy your time with loved ones and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back December 1st at 7:40am. Enjoy your much earned break! If you know in advance your student will be absent, please let the front office know at 531-299-2300.

MAP Growth Testing is coming! MAP Growth is an adaptive assessment of achievement and growth. It creates a personalized assessment experience by adapting to each student's learning level - precisely measuring progress and growth for each individual student. If your child correctly answers a MAP question, the computer assessment provides a harder question next. If they miss that same question, then an easier MAP question is asked. This provides essential information about what your child knows and is ready to learn.

December 2-3: Reading test

December 9-10: Math test

Come celebrate the musical talents of our middle schoolers at three exciting concerts this season!

December 4, experience the 6th Grade Band, Beginning Band, 6th Grade Strings, and Beginning Strings in their middle school debut!

December 11, hear the sounds of the season will all Chorus classes.

All concerts begin at 6:30 PM in the Bryan MS Gym — don’t miss these inspiring nights of music!

Please ask your students if they have any missing or late books that they need to return to the library. Sixth grade students need to return books that they borrowed over the summer from their elementary school. You can contact Mr. Engdahl at graham.engdahl@ops.org with any questions or concerns.

Recognizing excellence in our staff!

Anna Peters
Anna's generosity and dedication shine brightly as she donates items to support school initiatives. Her constant willingness to help and her expertise in math empower our students to excel. Anna's pleasant attitude brightens everyone's day, making her a treasured part of our team.

Sarah Parker
Sarah's student-focused approach ensures that all students receive the support they need, not just those on her caseload. Her knowledge in special education is invaluable, and her positive attitude inspires both colleagues and students alike. Sarah is always ready with answers and a helping hand.

Sarai Heredia
Sarai's kindness knows no bounds. She recently donated a trunk full of items for the food drive and consistently greets everyone with a smile. Her willingness to support the students in room 115, even when unexpected, highlights her generous spirit and dedication.

Maria Marquina
Maria's ability to handle her responsibilities with grace, especially taking on more in Mrs. Gray's absence is truly commendable. Her constant smile and positive interactions with substitutes foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. Maria’s efforts keep our school running smoothly and joyfully.

Families: We have some spots available for students to attend high-dosage tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Tutoring right now is focusing on boosting reading and writing skills that will translate to success in all classes. If you are interested, please do one of the following: complete the attached form and return it to school, use the QR, or email jessica.korth@ops.org.

We know that many families like to travel during the school year to visit loved ones or spend time in their home countries. These trips can be special and give students a chance to connect with their family and culture.

However, coming to school every day is very important for your child’s learning and success. When students miss many days, it can be hard for them to keep up with lessons, complete their work, and stay in touch with their teachers and classmates.

Please know that if a student is out of the country and misses more than 10 school days in a row, the student will be taken off the school’s enrollment list until they return. This may also cause a loss or delay in district-provided transportation when your child comes back and is re-enrolled.

We encourage all families to plan trips during school breaks when possible. If you must travel during the school year, please contact the school office ahead of time to talk about your plans. We want to work with you to support your child’s learning.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping your child come to school every day. Your support makes a big difference in your child’s education and success.

Sabemos que muchas familias desean viajar durante el año escolar para visitar a sus seres queridos o pasar tiempo en sus países de origen. Estos viajes pueden ser muy especiales y darles a los estudiantes la oportunidad de conectarse con su familia y su cultura.

Sin embargo, asistir a la escuela todos los días es muy importante para el aprendizaje y el éxito de su hijo o hija. Cuando los estudiantes faltan muchos días, puede ser difícil ponerse al día con las lecciones, completar su trabajo y mantenerse en contacto con sus maestros y compañeros.

Por favor, tenga en cuenta que si un estudiante está fuera del país y falta a la escuela por más de 10 días seguidos, el estudiante será dado de baja de la lista de inscripción hasta que regrese. Esto también puede causar una pérdida o retraso en el transporte provisto por el distrito cuando su hijo o hija regrese y se vuelva a inscribir.

Recomendamos que todas las familias planifiquen sus viajes durante las vacaciones escolares siempre que sea posible. Si necesita viajar durante el año escolar, comuníquese con la oficina de la escuela con anticipación para hablar sobre sus planes. Queremos trabajar con usted para apoyar el aprendizaje de su hijo o hija.

Gracias por su comprensión y por ayudar a que su hijo o hija asista a la escuela todos los días. Su apoyo hace una gran diferencia en la educación y el éxito de su hijo o hija.

HOLIDAY SUPPORT 2025

Check all websites for updated information for 2025. Nothing on this list is guaranteed.

Thanksgiving

Salvation Army

- Reserve a meal call (402) 898-6023

- Reservations accepted Nov. 3 – Nov. 20

- Must be 60 years or older to be eligible and home morning of Thanksgiving to receive the meal.

Open Door Mission

- Turkey N. Fixins

- More details to come, keep an eye on the below website.

- https://wwwopendoormission.org

3 Sisters

- Thanksgiving Dinner

- 1941 S 42nd St. Suite 402F

- Pick up November 22nd

- 5-7pm

Black Men United

- Thanksgiving Pantry

- Saturday, November 20th starting at 11am

- 402-590-2009

- 4200 N. 30th St.

- www.blackmenunited.org

Christmas

Catholic Charities

- Operation Others

- Please call 531-329-6003 on Saturday, November 8th to reserve a food box for Christmas

- The phone # will work between 9am-2pm on November 8th

Toys for Tots

- Children ages 0-14.

- Applications close November 14th

- Must work with an approved agency and the below list. (Reach out to a below agency to seek support)

Heartland Hope Mission

(Application open Nov 1)

402-733-1904

Black Men United

- Christmas Pantry

- Monday, December 22nd at 11am

- 402-590-2009

- 4200 N. 30th St.

- https://www.blackmenunited.org

Project Santa (Toy and Joy Shop)

- Provides 3-5 new toys for each child birth-12 years old.

- https//www.opendoormission.org/get-help

The Salvation Army Christmas Assistance

- 402-898-6031 with any questions.

- Gifts and food voucher available for families with kids 15 and younger.

- Seniors age 60+

- Food voucher available for families with children 16 and older, and adults without children.

- Requirements:

o Photo ID

o Documents verifying birthdates for everyone in household.

o Address verification (dated within the last 30 days)

- Must sign up at location that matches zip code

APOYO PARA LAS VACACIONES 2025

Consulte todos los sitios web para obtener información actualizada para 2025. Nada de lo que aparece en esta lista está garantizado.

Acción de gracias

Ejército de Salvación

- Para reservar una comida, llame al (402) 898-6023.

- Se aceptan reservas del 3 al 20 de noviembre.

- Para poder optar a este servicio, debe tener 60 años o más y estar en casa la mañana del Día de Acción de Gracias para recibir la comida.

Misión de puertas abiertas

- Pavo Y acompañamientos

- Próximamente daremos más detalles, estén atentos a la siguiente página

web.

- https://wwwopendoormission.org

3 Hermanas

- Cena de Acción de Gracias

- 1941 S 42nd St. Suite 402F

- Pick up November 22nd

- 5-7pm

Hombres negros Unidos

- Despensa de Acción de Gracias

- Saturday, November 20th starting at 11am

- 402-590-2009

- 4200 N. 30th St.

- www.blackmenunited.org

Navidad

Caridades Católicas

- Operación otras

- Por favor, llame al 531-329-6003 el sábado 8 de noviembre para reservar una caja de alimentos para Navidad.

- El número de teléfono estará operativo entre las 9:00 y las 14:00 del 8 de noviembre.

Juguetes para pequeños

- Niños de 0 a 14 años.

- El plazo de presentación de solicitudes finaliza el 14 de noviembre.

- Debe trabajar con una agencia autorizada y con la lista que se muestra a continuación. (Póngase en contacto con alguna de las agencias que figuran a continuación para solicitar ayuda).

Heartland Hope Mission

(Application open Nov 1)

402-733-1904

Hombres negros Unidos

- Despensa navideña

- Lunes 22 de diciembre a las 11:00

- 402-590-2009

- 4200 N. 30th St.

- https://www.blackmenunited.org

Proyecto Santa (Tienda de juguetes y alegría)

- Proporciona de 3 a 5 juguetes nuevos para cada niño de 0 a 12 años.

- https//www.opendoormission.org/get-help

Asistencia navideña del Ejército de Salvación

- Para cualquier pregunta, llame al 402-898-6031.

- Se ofrecen regalos y vales de comida para familias con niños de 15 años o menos.

- Personas mayores de 60 años.

- Vale de comida disponible para familias con hijos mayores de 16 años y adultos sin hijos.

- Requisitos:

- Identificación con fotografía

- Documentos que verifican las fechas de nacimiento de todos los.

miembros del hogar.

- Verificación de domicilio (con fecha de los últimos 30 días)

- Debe registrarse en la ubicación que coincida con el código postal.

These clubs and activities will be starting in the coming weeks:

• MathCounts meets every Tuesday.
• Robotics (Competition Team) On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Fridays.
• NJHS/Student Council will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
• Writing Club meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
• Yearbook Club began September 8th and meets during CUBS.
• Anime Club has begun. Every Wednesday in Room 100A/B until 4:45PM
• Unity Club meets the first and third Thursdays of each month.
• The Band room is open until 4PM Tuesday through Thursday after school for practice and help.
• Dungeons and Dragons Tuesdays and Thursdays starting SECOND Semester.
• High Dosage Tutoring will take place Tuesday - Thursday.
• Academic Recovery - Wednesday and Thursday in Room 235. Sign up through any teacher.
• BookBlasters meets during CUBS in room 232 on Wednesdays

Students will need to pay attention to the morning announcements about when new clubs start.

Check back as more clubs are announced.

SuccessMaker is a math program that the district has purchased for all students in OPS. Students are expected to complete 60 minutes weekly on their APP. SuccessMaker® is an adaptive learning system that provides all students with a personalized learning experience that adjusts in real time to their specific individual learning needs. SuccessMaker is proven to be effective in student achievement in math. Please encourage students to work on this at home.

PTO Mission Statement:
The Bryan Middle School PTO is an opportunity for parents and families to volunteer to support student focused initiatives, fundraise for specific goals, and drive engagement in our school community.

We are looking for family members to be on out PTO Committee. Please reach out to Karrie Goff (karrie.goff@ops.org) if you would like to become a member and help with the following:

• Participate in and support school decision making.
• Sponsor multiple PTO initiatives (Fundraisers, Family Engagement Nights, Teacher Appreciation)

• Volunteer Opportunities (School Celebrations and Sporting Events)

• October 9th (Thursday)
• November 13th (Thursday)

Our district will now use School Cash Online for all school items and activity fees. School Cash Online reduces cash and check payments to our schools and lets families:

• Keep track of their students’ school items and activity fees
• Check their account history
• View and print receipts
• Pay for school fees with a simple click

Primary guardians will receive an invitation email from SchoolCash Online in the coming days with a link to register for an account and attach student(s) to their profile. Families can also register an account using the link above and the same email address used for Campus Parent.

Once the primary guardian has created an account, they can provide access to other caregivers of their choice.

See the Parent Help Desk for SchoolCash Online FAQ for additional details and troubleshooting information, or reach out to your student’s school with any questions.

We are excited about the opportunity to work together and support each of you on this journey!

Get your Bryan Middle School gear from Sideline Sports! Click on the link below:

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/nebraska/omaha/bryan-middle-school

Follow this link for the full Calendar

First Semester dates to mark on your calendar:

November 2025

6:30 PM, Thursday, November 13th – 7th Grade Band/Orchestra/Choir

December 2025

6:30 PM, Thursday, December 4th – 6th Grade and Beginning Band/Orchestra

6:30 PM, Thursday, December 11th – 6/7/8 Winter Choral Concert

The guidelines below aim to promote a focused and respectful learning environment while ensuring the safety and security of personal electronic devices and valuable items with the school.

1. Personal cell phones and electronic devices, including headphones and earbuds, may only be used before and after school hours.
2. Phones cannot be used during the school day.
3. During this designated time, the use of electronic devices should not disrupt the school environment or create a hostile atmosphere.
4. At all other times, during school hours, electronic devices must be powered off and safely stored away.

Confiscation and Intervention:

1. If a staff member observes the use of an electronic device outside the designated times, the student will receive a warning and be educated about the specific electronic device policy and expectations. The student should power off and put the device away.
2. If the student continues to utilize the electronic device outside the designated time, the staff member will confiscate the device for the remainder of the period.
3. If the student fails to comply with the staff members’ direction, administration or security will be called and the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the school day.

Repeated violations will be subject to additional disciplinary action in line with the Student Code of Conduct.

Additional interventions for violating the electronic device policy may include, but are not limited to:

• Lunch or after school detentions.
• Daily phone check-in at the beginning of the day for an extended period.
• Parent pick up of the electronic device.
• Parent/Student conference held at the school to discuss the issue.
• Overnight hold of the electronic device, if a parent cannot pick it up.

My name is Sara Riviera, and I am the School Social Worker at Bryan Middle School. My role is to be a resources for both your student and family. I understand that unexpected challenges can arise, and sometimes families may find themselves needing support. If you find yourself experiencing financial hardships and could benefit from assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. We also recognize that the start of the school year can bring added expenses with school supplies, clothing, fees, and more. If this time of year is creating any financial strain for your family, please know that you are not alone. I am here to connect you with resource and support that may ease your worries. Our school has a pantry that is free to our families. This pantry contains food, hygiene supplies, clothing, and school supplies. Please reach out if this is something that would benefit you. Below is my contact information.

Sara Riviera

531-299-2313

sara.riviera@ops.org

text: 402-739-9235

Mental health counseling services are available at Bryan Middle School through the Methodist Hospital Community Counseling Program. Please speak to your student's school counselor or school social worker if you are wondering if a referral to the program might be right for your child.

Tylinn Lewis, LIMHP, LMFT

We want EVERY student at Bryan Middle School to become a member of the Boys and Girls Club. They have activities for grades 6 to 8, provide mentoring to our students, and are a safe place to stay if students need to wait for a parent after school. They are open from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on school days. There is NO charge for Bryan Middle School students. Just put a 0 in the box when it asks for payment. Click the link here for more information and click here to sign up. Stop by the Club to check it out! You can also contact Tim 'Daniel" Ybarra, Club Director for more information at 402-853-5125 or

Sign up for the APP by clicking HERE so you know where the bus is and what time it will arrive!