Within the Ben Reifel family circle, we foster growth of academic, social, and emotional skills to positively impact our lives and the community beyond our walls.

https://www.facebook.com/brmsbison/

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Relay Services for Hearing Impaired: Dial 711, then the desired number

Email: SFSDBRMSOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/ben-reifel/home
Location: 6700 East 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-371-4155

February 6

• Chili Cook-off (flyer below)

• No School - President's Day Break

• Taco John's Night (flyer Below)

• Evening Conferences (details below)

• No School - Comp Day

• Fine Arts NIght

Parents and Guardians –

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first semester has flown by! As we transition into the second semester, we are preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences, which will take place on March 6th and 11th.

Families will have three options for conferences.

o Team Conference – Meet with your student’s team of teachers.

o Open House Format – Drop in and visit teachers at your convenience.

o No Conference Needed – If you do not wish to schedule a conference.

On February 14th, your student’s Team Leader will email you to gather your conference preference. We encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with their student’s teachers. If you are unable to attend in person, please reach out to your student’s PRO-Time teacher to arrange an alternative meeting time.

We firmly believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for student success—academically, socially, and emotionally. Research consistently shows that adult support is the most important factor in a child’s educational growth. As Jean Piaget said:

“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge, but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create people who are capable of doing new things.”

By fostering an environment where both educators and families work together, we empower students to thrive. We know that asking, "What did you do in school today?" often leads to the all-too-familiar response: "Nothing." To spark deeper conversations, try these alternative questions:

🔹 "What did you learn today?"
🔹 "How do you know you learned it?"
🔹 "Tell me about an activity that excited you today."
🔹 "What’s one thing your teacher said that helped you understand the topic better?"
🔹 "What was the Learning Goal in math, science, ELA, or social studies today?"
🔹 "How confident do you feel about it? (Thumbs up, thumbs down, thumbs sideways)"
🔹 "What part of the Learning Goal do you still have questions about?"
🔹 "What can you do to improve your understanding?"

Encouraging these conversations helps students develop self-reflection and ownership over their learning.

At Ben Reifel Middle School, we are dedicated to providing the best educational experience possible. Our teachers continuously adapt their instruction to meet the needs of all learners. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s academic, social, or emotional well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teachers, counselor, or administration.

We look forward to partnering with you for a successful second semester!

Shane Hieronimus

Principal - BRMS

As we prepare for the possibility of a snow day, we want to ensure that families are informed about the Remote Learning Guidelines and Expectations. Please click on the links below for detailed information regarding remote learning procedures in the event of a snow day in the coming months. PRO TIme teachers will be or have already reviewed the expectations with their students.

Please let the office know of any upcoming appointments or times your student will miss school - the sooner the better! Use your Infinite Campus/Parent Portal account to report the absence (select "Absence Requests").

You can also email the office at sfsdBRMSoffice@k12.sd.us or call 605-371-4155 before 8:40am. The office needs to create the pass and add your student to morning announcements, which post at 8:40am.

Dismissal passes are listed in the morning announcements, which are published at 8:40am. We and the teachers appreciate you letting us know before this time to help reduce classroom disruptions!

Students not utilizing district busing can be dropped off beginning at 8:00am with supervision beginning at 8:15am. These students will remain outside until the first bell at 8:40am unless there is inclement weather or the temperature with wind chill is below 0°F. Under these conditions, the cafeteria will be open at 8am with supervision. Students will enter through Door A, the main doors.

Students must be off school grounds by 4:15pm, unless participating in an after-school activity or program.

We ask that parents/guardians ring the front office intercom button when picking up a student and state the reason for their visit into the intercom.

If a parent/guardian needs a student's emergency contact to pick up a student for any reason, the parent/guardian must notify the office of the emergency contact taking their student from school PRIOR TO THE PICKUP TIME.

A friendly reminder to please review the link for further information on outside food and drinks brought into the school.

2024-2025 Healthy Foods Guidelines

We understand that communication between students and home is important. In an effort to reduce classroom disruptions, we ask that you call the front office at 605-371-4155 if you need to relay a message to your student.

The PTO is continuing their Puzzle Piece fundraiser for the students and staff at BRMS. Families can purchase an envelope for $5.00, which contains a puzzle piece. Each puzzle piece will create a picture of Ben Reifel, which is feature above. All envelopes will enter a drawing, and the prize will be the completed puzzle. Please consider buying a puzzle piece. Imagine having this beautiful puzzle displayed in your home!

Counselors

6th Grade - Lindsey Carmon Lindsey.Carmon@k12.sd.us

7th Grade - Rachael Anderson Rachael.Anderson@k12.sd.us

8th Grade -Tanielle Sylvester Tanielle.Sylvester@k12.sd.us

Counseling Secretary/Registrar

Tanya Carlson

Counseling Center phone:

(605) 371-4153

In January, Ms. Sylvester and high school counselors visited with 8th graders to begin the high school registration process. The following events are scheduled for February:

• February 4th or February 10th: WHS Parent/Guardian Presentation Night from 6:30 - 7:30 pm (Parents/Guardians and students attend one of the dates)

• February 7th: High School Counselors will make their second visit to Ben Reifel to work with students. They will help students register for their freshman year using Infinite Campus and answer any questions they may have.

• May 1st: All students will be bused to their high school attendance centers in the morning (open enrolled students will also attend their respective OE High School).

Questions about Connections? Please contact Ms. Sylvester at Tanielle.Sylvester@k12.sd.us or by phone at 605-371-4153. You can also reach out to Washington High School's Freshman Academy Coordinator Wade Kippley at Wade.Kippley@k12.sd.us or by phone at 605-367-7970.

Students entering 7th and 8th grade in the 2025-2026 school year can participate in free, five-day residential career exploration camps this summer. Hosted on South Dakota college campuses, these camps expose students to various career paths through fun, engaging and hands-on learning. Throughout the week, campers will spend time with instructors, take field trips to area businesses, participate in interactive exercises and more, gaining a better understanding of themselves, their career interests and how their education prepares them for professions.

Hailey Witt, Jordyn Thammavongkeo, William Griggs (Not pictured: Zara Wellbrock)

Alyssa Bissell-Breck, Isabella Huemoeller, Henry Bruck, Christopher Barranco

Kamella Bartunek, Evan Senftner

Jake Van Sloten, Nina Stone, Natalie Orozco Sanchez (Not pictured: Jenny Tat)

Ellen Galloway, Cora Land, Natnael Gebre, Jacob Sama

Irelyn Taggart, Mason Pesicka, Jason Younger-Watson (Not pictured: Alivia Dahlmeier)

Isabelle Sampson, Brynn Garvin, Alannah Zephier, Holden Miller

Micah Thompson, Trevaughn Barard, Rylie Rothenberger, Raelyn Skalla

Katelyn Mack, Ava Nesdahl, Paxton Olson, Brayden Danley

Please bookmark the Ben Reifel Athletics website on your phone and/or computer.

The 2024-2025 school year is over halfway done. Our second round of Winter sports, Boys’ Basketball and Performance Dance, are on their way and Spring is around the corner. Reminder that registration is open for all sports. Track and Field, along with 8th Grade Soccer practices, begin on March 19th. Please make sure to have students registered and have the necessary paperwork completed for them to start practice on these dates.

Bison Fan Club: Please sign up your student for the Bison Fan Club sticker so they may attend our Bison home activities. There is no cost, just an agreement with the school on behavior and expectations at activities.

Bison Athletic Information Night, May 15, 2025:

Put it on your calendar. We will go over all the things needed to participate in athletics at Ben Reifel, including how to register on Bound. Their will be a time to meet the coaches of your students’ respective teams and sports as well.

Required paperwork to participate: Link to Athletic Forms

· A reminder for middle school athletes: An Athletic Physical must be dated after April 1st of the student's 5th-grade year. Middle school students need to have this physical only once during their middle school years.

· Parents/guardians will also need to complete the online Annual Student Registration. Information has been sent via District Wide Email.

On-Line Signup for ALL Sports:

· Registration for all ALL Sports is open on the new Athletic website, hosted by Bound.

Click here for more athletic information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Egstad.

Pete Egstad

Coordinator of Athletics

Peter.Egstad@k12.sd.us

Willy Wonka, Jr.

On January 30, 31, and February 1 students from the choir department had 6 performances of Willy Wonka, Jr. They did a fantastic job and we are so proud of them!

Best of Show - Unity

Unity (the show choir) will perform at Best of Show on Friday, February 14 at Washington High School. Admission is $10 for adults, $5.00 for students (K-12) and senior citizens, ages 0-preK are free. The schedule for Friday night is included below.

Additional information about Best of Show can be found on the Best of Show website: https://sites.google.com/k12.sd.us/bestofshow

Unity at Stampede

Unity will sing the Star Spangled Banner at the Stampede game on Tuesday, February 25 vs. the Des Moines Buccaneers. Student singers need to report between 5:15-5:30pm. Game time is 7:05pm. Friends and family can get discounted tickets through this link: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Benreifel7

Student performers do not need to purchase a ticket.

As always, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Spencer at Jennifer.Spencer@k12.sd.us or Ms. Green at Pamela.Green@k12.sd.us.

Facebook Page

BRMS Choirs are on Facebook! Stay up to date with information by liking and following our page. Click this link: https://www.facebook.com/Ben-Reifel-Middle-School-Choirs-102400049050456/ or search for Ben Reifel Middle School Choirs.

6TH-8TH SPRING BAND CONCERT

Thursday, May 1, 2025

6th Grade - 6:00pm - Students Arrive by 5:40pm

7th Grade - 6:45pm - Students Arrive by 6:25pm

8th Grade - 7:30pm - Students Arrive by 7:10pm

Wear all black

Students are expected to attend both the Winter and Spring concerts. If a student will not be at a performance, advanced notice must be given to a band director so that alternate arrangements can be made.

High School Band Auditions & Registration

High School Band Auditions will be coming up in March for 8th graders. The public high schools need to place students into their top bands soon after registration. All interested 8th graders will receive the audition music in early January. If your child does not want to audition for an upper level band, they may play in the Freshman Band (no audition required).

The High School Registration process will soon begin. 8th Grade band students should know that high school band is quite a change from middle school band and that all band members should definitely try band in high school for at least one year. Many students who were rather indifferent about band in middle school become quite involved at the high school level. It is also a great way to earn the Fine Arts required credit. In addition, students will get a chance to take a major trip as part of the high school band. We strongly encourage your child to give it a try!

7th & 8th Grade Solo & Ensemble Band Event

The Sioux Falls School District Solo & Ensemble Band Event for 7th and 8th grade band members is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 at Ben Reifel Middle School (location change from previous newsletter). Your student will only need to attend for 30-40 minutes between 8:00am-12:00pm. They will play a piece for a judge either in a small group or as a solo and then receive critiques. We have found this event to be so valuable; students gain confidence, independence and great overall skills while preparing for this performance. All 7th & 8th graders participate in this event. Students will select their piece the second week in January. Please reach out to a director if you have questions or scheduling requests.

MS All State Band & Jazz Band

CONGRATULATIONS to the 9 students who were selected for MS All State Band!! There were 563 auditions from 82 schools across the state of SD. Also a huge congratulations to the 3 students who were selected for MS All State Jazz Band! These students will represent BRMS in Mitchell, SD in February & March where they will have the opportunity to perform among the best middle school musicians in the state!

All State Band:

Clarissa Schrank - Clarinet

Levi Prouty - Bari Saxophone

Ian Glau - Trumpet

Milo Mueller - Trumpet

Sophia Krunitzky - Flute

Peter Tomkins - Bassoon

Ella Sand - Clarinet

Jackson Storm - Trumpet

Kael Schettler - French Horn

All State Jazz Band:

Milo Mueller - Trumpet

Levi Prouty - Alto Saxophone

Kelly Leeks - Bass Guitar

We are so proud of you!! 🙂

Private Lessons

At BRMS, we have a number of students who take one-on-one private band lessons with someone who specializes in their instrument. Private lessons can really spark their enthusiasm and boost their playing ability. If you would like more information on private lessons or would like us to help connect you with a private teacher, please contact one of the band directors.

January Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band & Bows of the Bison Pops Concert

**Date/Time Change**

Tuesday, Feb 11, 7:00pm, BRMS Auditorium

This will be the first performance for both the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. Students should wear their red short-sleeve ensemble shirt, black pants, and black shoes.

Wind Ensemble Large Group Contest Performance

Thursday, Feb. 13 - 9:00am-12:00pm

All Wind Ensembles will have the opportunity to perform for collegiate level adjudicators and receive feedback that we will use to prepare for our future performances. Students should plan to wear their red ensemble shirt, black pants & black shoes.

There are many great phone apps available to enhance and promote great practice at home. We encourage you to download some sort of metronome and tuner app as well as the app: “Band Mate”. Please reach out to a band director if you’d like ways to incorporate these apps into practice at home.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of the directors.

Ali Dunbar, Ali.Dunbar@k12.sd.us

Brooke Bigge, Brooke.Bigge@k12.sd.us

Greetings BRMS Orchestra Students and Families,

Congratulations to Brynn Olson, Everett Ryken, and Kael Schettler for their nomination and acceptance into the All-City Honors Orchestra 2025! This orchestra begins rehearsing outside the school day in February and performs Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Congratulations!

Some reminders about instrument maintenance in cold, and changing weather:

As the air cools, especially below freezing, and below zero (F), it holds less moisture. Since our instruments are mostly made of spruce, ebony, and maple wood that is varnished and not painted, moisture is very important to our instrument health. Our instruments will expand in the warmer months, and contract (shrink) in the colder months.

Cold temperatures are an element that can harm our instruments, causing cracks, openings between glued parts, and causing the instrument to slip out of tune.

Aim for 60 - 75 degrees air temperature for wherever the instrument is stored, and try to keep the instrument humidity at 40-60%. If the environment for the instrument at home has low moisture you can use a DIY humidifier: place a clean, slightly damp sponge in a ziplock bag; poke pinholes in the bag; place the bag in the instrument case. Be sure the sponge is not dripping. Check and wet the sponge when needed.

Upcoming Orchestra Events:

BRMS Ensembles Night - February 11, 2025 (Rescheduled) @ BRMS Auditorium

Middle School All State Orchestra - February 22- 23, Mitchell, SD (Mr. T will attend)

BRMS 5th Grade Orchestra Festival - Thursday, March 20, BRMS Auditorium (BBO)

BRMS Fine Arts ES Tour - Monday, March 26, BRMS Performing Ensembles (During School Day)

BRMS Fine ARTS Night - BRMS Cafe, March 27, BRMS Performing Ensembles, 6-7:30 PM

Musically,

Andrew Travers

605-299-5223 (text only)

Andrew.Travers@k12.sd.us

BRMS Orchestra Director

Click Here for More Information

• GenCyber High School Camp is June 8th – 13th
• Girls in CybHER Security Camp is June 16th – 20th
• Camp Cyber for Middle School Boys is June 22nd – 25th
• Cyber Espionage Camp for High School Students is June 23rd – 25th