BLOCK'S SEPTEMBER SMORE NEWSLETTER

Padres/Tutores:

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• September 4th: Asynchronous E-Learning Day
• September 7th: Labor Day - No School
• September 10th: Open House/Title I Meeting
• September 13th: UBM Mexican Independence Parade
• September 15th: Volunteer Orientation A.M & P.M
• September 16th: E-Learning Day
• September 17th: Skyward Workshop

Welcome to a new school year at Block Middle School!

We are excited to welcome our students and families back for another year of learning, growth, and success. As we begin the school year, our focus is on creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, and challenged to achieve their best.

The start of this school year has required flexibility from our entire school community, and we are incredibly grateful for the patience and support shown by our students, families, and staff. Together, we are working to establish strong routines and build a foundation for a successful school year.

As we enter our first full weeks of school, we are encouraged by the strong start our students have made. Classrooms are actively engaged in learning, students are building routines, and our staff is working hard to create positive learning experiences every day. While the beginning of the school year presented unexpected challenges, our students, families, and staff have shown tremendous resilience, patience, and commitment to one another.

We also want to thank our students, families, and staff for their patience and understanding as we continue addressing building temperature concerns. Temporary air-conditioning units have been installed throughout the building, and additional measures are being taken to improve classroom comfort while long-term solutions are pursued. We appreciate the support and flexibility our Cardinal community has shown during this process.

We are excited about the momentum we are building together and look forward to a successful year ahead. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to Block Middle School as we continue creating opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.

Let's make it a great year, Cardinals! ❤️

— Principal VanVlymen

Welcome Back, Cardinal Families!

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting opportunity for students to set goals, build positive habits, and create strong connections with teachers and classmates.

Students have been working hard to learn school routines, become familiar with locker procedures, and establish expectations that will help them be successful throughout the year.

Families can help support student success by encouraging their children to:

• Arrive at school on time every day.
• Stay organized and prepared for class.
• Communicate with teachers when help is needed.
• Follow school expectations and demonstrate respect for others.
• Take pride in their learning and accomplishments.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to ensure a positive and successful school year for every student.

Kelly A. Hildenbrand

Assistant Principal

Welcome, Giselle Barriga!

Block Middle School is excited to welcome Giselle Barriga as our new Community Engagement Liaison (CEL).

As our Community Engagement Liaison, Ms. Barriga works to strengthen partnerships between our school, families, and the community. She serves as a valuable resource for families by helping connect them with school programs, community services, and opportunities to become involved in their child's education.

Ms. Barriga is committed to creating meaningful relationships with students and families while helping ensure that every family feels welcomed, informed, and supported.

Throughout the school year, Ms. Barriga will assist with:

✅ Family engagement opportunities

✅ Community resource connections

✅ Parent and family events

✅ School-to-home communication

✅ Family support services

✅ Strengthening school and community partnerships

We are excited to have Ms. Barriga join our Cardinal family and look forward to the positive impact she will make in supporting our students and families.

Welcome to Block Middle School, Ms. Barriga! ❤️

At Block Middle School, we are committed to creating a focused learning environment where students can learn, engage, and succeed.

As a reminder, in accordance with Indiana Code 20-26-5.40.7 (amended by SEA 78), School City of East Chicago maintains a "bell-to-bell" ban on personal wireless communication devices. Students may not use, carry, or possess these devices during the school day, from the first morning bell until the final dismissal bell.

Prohibited Devices Include:

📱 Smartphones

⌚ Smartwatches

🎧 Earbuds and Headphones

🎮 Gaming Devices

📲 Tablets and iPads

💻 Personal Laptops

🕶️ Meta Glasses

This policy is designed to minimize distractions, maximize instructional time, and help students remain focused on learning throughout the school day.

Need to Reach Your Child?

We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations may arise. All classrooms and the main office are equipped with telephones. If you need to relay an urgent message or a change in transportation plans, please contact the school office directly, and we will ensure the information reaches your child.

Thank you for your partnership and support in helping us maintain a safe, productive, and distraction-free learning environment for all Cardinals.

An English Learner is not a student with less knowledge; they are a student learning in more than one language."

Our English Learner (EL) Program is committed to helping multilingual students develop English language skills while achieving academic success and celebrating their unique cultures and languages.

👥 Meet the EL Team

7th Grade: Mrs. Garza & Mrs. Nieves

8th Grade: Ms. Ginjauma & Mrs. Garcia

Student & Family Support Team

Mr. Brandon Rusinque Correa, BFOC

Ms. Giselle Barriga, CEL

Mrs. Veronica Ayala, EL Specialist

📚 How We Support Students

✅ English Language Development Instruction

✅ Classroom Academic Support

✅ Family Engagement Opportunities

✅ Resources for Multilingual Families

🤝 EL Families: Stay Connected!

Be on the lookout for:

Monthly EL Parent Meetings

Family Events

Educational Workshops

Community Resources

Together, we help every English Learner grow, succeed, and thrive.

Questions?

📧 Veronica Ayala, EL Specialist

vayala@ecps.org

Students have spent the first weeks of school becoming familiar with building procedures, receiving schedules, practicing locker combinations, and reviewing school expectations.

Our goal is to ensure that each student feels comfortable, confident, and prepared for success. Establishing strong routines during the first weeks of school helps set the tone for a productive and positive year of learning.

We appreciate the support of our families as students continue adjusting to new schedules and expectations.

Families can help support student success by reminding students to:

✅ Wear their student ID daily once IDs are distributed.

✅ Bring their Chromebook to school each day.

✅ Charge their Chromebook each evening.

✅ Keep track of locker information and report concerns promptly.

✅ Arrive at school on time and attend all classes regularly.

✅ Follow school expectations and contribute to a positive learning environment.

Together, we can help every Cardinal start the year strong and stay focused on academic success.

Student locker information is printed on student schedules and is also available through Skyward.

Many students were able to practice opening lockers during orientation, but we understand that some students may still need additional time and support as they learn their combinations.

Student identification cards will be distributed as soon as they arrive. Once distributed, students will be expected to wear their student ID while at school.

If students experience locker issues, they should notify a staff member for assistance.

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Block Middle School family:

• Ryan Wheele
• Jarrett Ward
• Dorianne Smith
• Jeffery Swike
• Kristin Cervo
• Giselle Barriga
• San Juan Guajardo
• Amanda Hudson
• Sidney McNeal
• Kalise Herron

We are excited to have these talented educators and support staff as part of our Cardinal community and look forward to the impact they will make on our students.

We’re excited to invite all parents and guardians to join our official Facebook page! This is the best place to stay updated on school news, events, reminders, and important announcements.

👉 Scan the QR code with your phone camera or click the link below to join:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571977156058

By joining, you’ll be able to:
• Stay informed about upcoming events
• See important school updates in real time
• Connect with other parents and our school community

We look forward to seeing you there!