🔬🧪⚛️🥼STEM Courses versus non-STEM🔬🧪⚛️🥼
In the last edition of our campus newsletter, we mentioned the benefits of a STEM education.
Here at BCMAR, we specialize in a rigorous health science STEM+M program. Our curriculum is robust and offers an engaging and collaborative learning model.
Schools such as BCMAR are often asked what is the difference between a STEM education and a non-STEM education?
As a parent/guardian of a BCMAR scholar, you may already know that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Are you fully aware of what a STEM programs offers and prepares your scholars for?
First off, they provide a considerable level of technical instruction. These courses focus heavily on math and science with an integration of technical abilities and practical applications.
The goal of a quality STEM education is to educate and prepare students for employment in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and healthcare, which demand specific knowledge and technical competence.
On any given day, our scholars here at BCMAR are exposed to innovative learning models across all contents. Whether it is creating a model of the human brain, dissecting a sheep's eye, or creating a model of the human heart in Art class, our scholars are guaranteed a skill set that will benefit them beyond academia.
For helpful tips on how to supplement your child's STEM education at home,
follow this link: https://www.invent.org/blog/trends-stem/value-stem-education for engaging ways to enhance STEM learning.
BCMAR'S STEM+M Team Message
Now that semester 2 has begun, our scholars and staff have adjusted to this amazing school year. Just a few months ago, we were all embarking on a new school year. Now that learning is set, we must remember to stay the course and finish stronger each grading cycle. Our faculty will continue to work diligently to prepare students for rigorous high school programs, college, and careers through an innovative, accelerated health science program.
Our campus integrates health science across all curricula, including art and physical education. A STEM+M curriculum will enhance the instruction of our already robust curriculum and prepare our students for an innovative learning experience and workforce.
Society as we know it is in a biomedical revolution and in need of strong biomedical science, engineering, medical professionals and high-level thinkers. With the beginning of last school year, we've added 'M' to STEM to emphasize our biomedical focus. We are super-excited as we strive to exceed all learning objectives with our scholars this school year.
Here at BCMAR, we take every opportunity to recognize the contribution of all African-Americans who have paved the way for us today through their endless sacrifices.
To commemorate Black History Month, it is with great pleasure, BCMAR highlight our campus' namesake Dr. James. D. Ryan.
Historically known as one of the hardest fighters for education reform and equality for black students in Texas, James D. Ryan graduated from Prairie View A&M in 1890 and began teaching in Houston. During his 45 year career, Ryan served as President of the Colored State Teachers of Texas, a trustee of Wiley College, and as a member of the boards of Emancipation Park, Houston Negro Hospital, and many other institutions.
Dr. Ryan's commitment to education for African-Americans has opened the door for so many opportunities for public education. For more information on the life of Dr. James. D. Ryan, follow this link at https://afrotexan.com/Teachers22/TSAT/ryan.htm
Dr. James D. Ryan, we salute you for your tireless efforts to the city of Houston's public education system.
In February, the nation commemorates Black History Month, and at Baylor College of Medicine that means a focus on key figures and milestones in medicine and research.
Each year to commemorate this important holiday, Baylor trainees compile information on some of the important African-Americans in medicine and science whose contributions and impact have paved the way for the healthcare professionals and scientists of today and tomorrow.
Click the following link at https://www.bcm.edu/about-us/community-engagement-health-equity/programs/black-history-month to discover ways BCM commemorates Black History.
As we welcome December and the holiday season, now is a great time to reflect and set our targets on finishing semester 1 strong academically and to set individual goals to be present each day.
We are extremely proud of our sixth and eighth graders who are both leading the way with school attendance. They have earned a field trip and free dress days.
For more information, please follow the link to this article containing helpful information at https://www.panoramaed.com/blog/why-does-attendance-matter-for-student-success
The origins of Valentine's Day
Now that we have started a new year, our planning for upcoming festive holidays starts again. This month everyone is seeing red as we gear up for Valentine's Day on the 14th of February.
As with any holiday in America, there comes a unique history with a variation of stories. Valentine's Day is no exception to this.
What originated as a religious feast day to honor a martyr, has now evolved into a commercial celebration of romance in many regions of the world.
For some interesting facts on the origin of Valentine's Day, click this link at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/valentines-day and be amazed at how what Valentine's Day is from what is once was.
Heart disease is not an uncommon thing and affects people of all nationalities. we all have the power to take action to protect ourselves against heart disease. Small heart-healthy actions like adding more movement to our day or choosing healthy foods, can have a big impact on protecting an amazing and important organ, the heart.
For heart-health tips from our partners at Baylor College of Medicine, click this link https://www.bcm.edu/news/heart-month
STEM, STEM, and more STEM
Mr. Rasti's scientific decision-making classes are always experiencing engaging activities with models that allow scholars to interact and learn with natural scientific processes. Whether it is observing living organisms to see how they adapt and thrive, or researching the discipline of biochemistry, our junior scientists are more than excited to dive in.
Here at BCMAR, this is just a sample of the in-depth activities within the scope of our health science curriculum. We'd love to have your student be a part of our family. Click the following link to apply at https://www.houstonisd.org/domain/56839
National Counseling Week was February 3-7
We are so fortunate to have Ms. Keisha Berry as our school counselor. She is always willing to support our students and staff in every way that is possible. We honor you, Ms. Berry for always being there for our campus beyond your duties as counselor. Happy National Counselors Week!
Our Partners at Baylor College of Medicine offer us tips on how to Stay Healthy this Flu Season
As winter vastly approaches, we will see the circulation of a variety of respiratory viruses such as influenza commonly known as the flu. Baylor College of Medicine experts say get vaccinated to boost your immunity and offer more tips on staying on top of your health.
A big indicator that a person might have the flu is when symptoms such as body aches, fevers, chills, nausea, an upset stomach or night sweats suddenly start occurring.
Often mistaken as the common cold, a big difference between the flu and a cold is that a cold will most likely not give you a high fever and/or body aches. Fevers signaling a cold are generally low-grade, between 99 and 100 degrees.
Click the BCM logo image to the right or follow this link: https://www.bcm.edu/news/flu-central for helpful information on combatting influenza this flu season
Every calendar month of the school year, our school counselor Ms. Berry provides helpful resources to build positive character in our scholars.
To broaden our scholars' exposure to positive attributions outside the home, daily we review character education topics to help them make proper choices in life.
February's character education topic is 'empathy'.
We speak often to our scholars on the importance of being empathetic toward others and to be mindful of others' feelings as well.
Scholars are reminded to always be models of good citizenship by putting academics first and to always empathize with others by being kind and respectful.
Furthermore, it is also doing their best by representing our campus in positive ways in the community.
Please refer to the pdf link below and use the information in the monthly flyer to aid you in speaking on the importance of empathy.
Technology Tidbits
- Please remember to have your devices fully-charged each night before school.
- Always bring your device to school each day.
- Keep liquids and all food items away from your device.
- Do not allow anyone to use your device
- Do not remove the keys or place stickers on the device
- Remember, this device is for instructional purposes only
- Immediately report to Ms. Amado if your device is lost or not working properly
At the start of the '22-'23 school year, HISD has been utilizing Canvas as its learning management system (LMS).
Students are able to access Canvas for lessons and materials.
Canvas allows for administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of instructional programs.
If you need instructions on how to gain parental access on Canvas, please click the image.
Parents and teachers partnering with school administrators and the community is a great way to market our campus and builds a stronger voice of representation for our scholars.
A PTO also helps prepare our kiddos to be responsible and engaged citizens by exposing them to partnerships and community involvement.
Our monthly PTO meetings are virtually and notices of upcoming dates are posted on our social media pages on Facebook and X.
Be an advocate for our children by joining our PTO. You can click the link box below for more information.
For information on becoming a member of BCMAR's PTO, copy/paste the following link in your browser: file:///C:/Users/P00133237/Downloads/PTO%20WELCOME%20AND%20MEETING%20(1).pdf
📖Reading Importance📚
The benefits of steady reading practice at the middle school grade level is just as important as it was at the elementary school level. Here at BCMAR, we greatly encourage reading outside of traditional instruction and research. Besides increasing fluency and lexile, reading has many benefits such as:
- Thinking and critical thinking skills are strengthened.
- Writing skills are also strengthened.
- Problem-solving skills that can continue to develop into more complex problem-solving abilities.
- Stronger development of concentration and lengthening concentration span.
- Memory building is enhanced.
For more information on the benefits of reading, please visit the following site at https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/language-and-literacy-milestones/enhancing-comprehension-reading-skills-middle-school.html for helpful tips to get your middle-schooler to read more.
HISD has an accessible online calendar with all assessment dates
For information on all testing dates in HISD, please follow this link https://www.houstonisd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=335732&ViewID=C9E0416E-F0E7-4626-AA7B-C14D59F72F85&Ren
School Holidays (No classes)
February 14- Staff Professional Development
February 17- President's Day
March 10-14- Spring Break
March 31- Chavez/Huerta Day
Student School Uniforms
- Just a friendly reminder the hoodies are not to be worn on students head inside the school building.
- Clear or Mesh Backpacks Only
- School-issued ID badges are part of the school uniform and must be worn at all times
Student report cards for cycle 4 go out soon!
Cycle 4 Progress Reports were sent home on January 31
Cycle 4 Report Cards go home on February 28
Cycle 5 Progress Reports go home on March 28
Cycle 5 Report Cards go home on April 25
Cycle 6 Progress Reports go home on May 16
Cycle 6 Report Cards go home on June 4