October 27

Bears are Roaring into the 2nd Quarter!

WOW!!! We are already over 25% of the way through the 2025-26 school year. Time is flying by! Our Bears continue to be respectful, responsible, safe and their best every day! They are excelling as students in the classroom and athletes on the court andin the pool every day. We look forward to continuing to celebrate their accomplishments during the second quarter!

Thank you to all our families that were able to make it to Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 16th. It was great seeing everyone and sharing the glows and growth for each student. We missed you if you were not able to attend. Please reach out to your student's teachers at any time to discuss the progress of your student. The final semester grade is what really counts, so there is plenty of time for a student to improve their grades if needed.

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

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.

October 28

• 2-hour late start (Doors Open at 9:10, School Starts at 9:40)

• No School. Teacher Planning Day.

• McDonalds Food night (10201 S 21st St location) 4-8PM

November 13

• Title I Literacy Night (5-6 PM)
• 7th Grade Band, Orchestra, and Choir Concert (6:30 PM)

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

December 11

• 6/7/8 Winter Choral Concert (6:30 PM)

December 22-January 2

• No school. Winter Break.

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.

Students in 8th Grade Technology and Living have officially completed their hand sewing unit, showcasing both skill and creativity! Throughout this project, students mastered essential sewing techniques including threading a needle, sewing on a button, and completing the running stitch—along with several other stitches that build precision and patience.

To put their new skills into action, students designed and created festive fall-themed bags, applying what they learned in a fun, hands-on way. Each bag reflects their growing confidence and craftsmanship. The results were impressive—our students truly did an amazing job bringing their ideas to life through their stitches!

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.

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.

Our second sports season started on October 20. Good luck to all of our student-athletes as they complete this season.
Talk to or email Mr. Taylor with questions. phillip.taylor@ops.org

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.

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

Expected Dress for concerts:

• *Congratulations to 395 Bryan Middle School Students who missed 1 day or less in September! Monthly, for the 25-26 school year, those who miss just one day a month will be able to participate in a Nearly Perfect Attendance party! Please keep encouraging the habit of healthy school attendance.

  
  

  *In October, your child's school counselor, individually, met with your student. We discussed their attendance, grades, positive people in their life, and how to handle stress in a healthy way. We really enjoyed meeting with your student and were impressed with the people in their life that help them daily. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's school counselor at anytime.

  
  

  Students with the last name:

  A-Ga: Ms. Barrientos kelli.barrientos@ops.org

  Ge-N: Ms. Cusic marie.cusic@ops.org

  O-Z: Mrs. Loeza bibi.loeza@ops.org

  
  

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!