Bulldog Newsletter
- Important upcoming Dates
- Principal's Message
- Boundary Change Information
- After School Activities Schedule
- STEAM Highlights
- Saturday Morning Math Opportunity
- TRi 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences
- STEAM Creativity Fair
- PACT News
- Staff Appreciation Week
- Parent/Guardian Social Media Safety Guide
- Community Resources
- Who to Contact
April 21 - Asynchronous Learning Day for Students/Staff Planning Day
April 25 - All School Dance 4:00-7:00pm
May 1 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30pm
May 1 - STEAM Creativity Fair 3:30 - 7:30pm
May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week!
May 10 - 8th grade Semi-Formal 5:30-8:30pm
May 14 - Honor's Night - PC Auditorium
May 15 - 6th graded & Jazz Concert 6:00pm
May 15 - 7th & 8th grade & Jazz Concert 7:00pm
May 20 - 6th grade Orchestra Concert - 6:00pm
May 20 - 7th & 8th grade Orchestra Concert - 7:00pm
May 22 - 6th, 7th & 8th grade Choir Concert - 6:30pm
May 26 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
June 2 - Family Picnic during student lunch periods - Adult lunch $5.25 (cash or check only)
June 6 - Last Day of School!
Message from Ms. Monette
Brooklyn Middle School Students and Families,
It’s hard to believe we’re already entering the final few months of the school year! As spring rolls in, we’re filled with excitement, anticipation, and a strong sense of pride in all that our students have accomplished so far. These last few months are a busy—but incredibly rewarding—time for our school community, and we want to keep you informed and inspired as we finish the year strong, together!
🌟 MCA Testing Season is Here
This time of year brings MCA state testing, and we want to reassure you that our students are well-prepared. These assessments help us understand student growth and guide our planning for next year. Please encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school on time—ready to show what they know. Most importantly, remind them that these tests are just one piece of the puzzle and that their effort, perseverance and doing their best is what matters most. We know they can do it!
🎉 Exciting End-of-Year Activities
We’re also looking forward to some fun and meaningful events to celebrate the hard work and growth our students have shown this year. Look out for more details on:
- STEAM Creativity Fair/Incoming 6th grade Preview Night and 3rd Trimester Conferences
- 6th and 8th grade field trips
- Choir, Band and Orchestra Concerts
- Honor’s Night
- 8th Grade Formal Dance and All School Dance
- End of Year All School Picnic
- And many more end of year celebrations
These events are not only a chance to celebrate but also to reflect on the friendships, learning, and memories made this year. You can find the dates of these activities located in this newsletter and in our School Handbook/Calendar.
💪 Finishing Strong
Now is a great time to check in with your student about their goals and progress. Encourage them to stay focused, ask for help when needed, and take pride in their efforts. Whether it’s turning in that final project, preparing for a performance, or just showing up with a positive attitude—every moment counts.
Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s journey. Your support at home makes a world of difference, and we couldn’t do this without you. Let’s make these final months of school productive, positive, and full of memories!
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.
7th and 8th grade students had the opportunity to check out the different types of engineering careers, and experience hands-on the devices Boston Scientific creates to improve people’s lives.
Students who weren't able to attend the field trip, joined a STEAM Explorers session, learning about a 3D printing engineer at Boston Scientific and enjoyed a pizza lunch.
8th grade painting students worked with resident artist and teacher Melodee Strong to collaboratively design, plan, and paint a mural that illustrates the theme of "belonging" within the school community. Students started by viewing images of murals and learning about how they can impact the community in which they are created. Students then worked together to identify what "belonging" and "community" looks and feels like at BMS and created illustrations to represent this. Melodee designed the mural using the student sketches and many of the original artworks made by students. Students took turns painting the mural and building up layers to the finished artwork.
Math isn’t all numbers and equations. Sometimes it’s origami, games, crafts, and so much more! At Saturday Morning Math, students can visualize complex mathematical concepts and having fun while doing it. Saturday Morning Math is an enrichment program for students in grades 5-7 that takes place once per month on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Make math a blast year with our exciting variety of subjects.
Please see detailed information here.
Trimester 3 Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, May 1st in teacher classrooms from 3:30-7:30pm. This evening will also include our STEAM Creativity Fair - details below. It is a busy and exciting evening. We hope you will plan to attend conferences for important updates on your students tri 3 progress AND partake in our STEAM Creativity Fair.
This is a BIG night at Brooklyn Middle STEAM School! Conferences, preview night, Bulldog Cafe, performances, student's STEAM projects, and more! We will also have La Cocina food truck out front for families to purchase food. 10% of the proceeds go back to our school!
PACT will also be selling Dave & Buster Power Play Cards at the STEAM Creativity Fair for $20 to be used at our Spirit Night on May 29th.
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. Virtual meetings begin at 7:00pm and in person meetings begin at 5:00pm at BMS. 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:
April 22nd - In person at BMS in the Media Center - 5:00pm
May 21st - Virtual - 7:00pm
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.
PACT is seeking donations for the BMS Staff Appreciation Week which is May 5-9. If you wish to donate see information here. THANK YOU!!
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