Barrington Middle School 

“We are BMS”

BMS Connected Learning Newsletter: October 27, 2021

The BMS Learning Community is Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Excel! 

Mission:

Barrington Middle School’s Mission is to empower all students to excel in character, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking, so that they may positively impact the future.

Important Dates:

  • Tuesday, 11/02/2021 - PTO Meeting at 7:00 pm 

  • Friday, 11/05/2021 - Principal Luncheon via Zoom at 12:00 pm

  • Thursday, 11/11/2021 - No School/Veterans’ Day

  • Wednesday, 11/17/2021 - Picture Retake Day (picture packages should arrive to school in the next 2 weeks)

  • Wednesday, 11/24/2021 through Friday, 11/26/2021 - No School/Thanksgiving Break

Stay Connected with BMS:

This Week’s Schedule: 

Week of 10/25/2021

10/25

10/26

10/27

10/28

10/29

Even

Non Block

Odd

Block

Even

Block

Odd

Follow Wednesday Block Schedule 

Even

Non Block for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade 

Week of 11/1/2021

11/1

11/2

11/3

11/4

11/5

Odd

Non Block

Even

Block

Odd

Block

Even

Grade 6 Block

7&8 Non Block 

Odd

Grade 6 Block

7&8 Non Block 

BMS Spotlight on Learning!

This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Dr. Brian Fernandes. I am so appreciative of Brian Fernandes. He deserves to have the spotlight on him for helping me and others with setting up progress monitoring, helping understand how to implement certain assessments for a class and correctly interpreting the results. He shows up with a smile to help every time I have asked him and sometimes he just shows up to ask if I need any help. I am truly appreciative for him. Thank you Brian you are one of a kind!!! (Nominated by a faculty/staff member of BMS). 

This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Coach Lars. Gunness. We would like to recognize Coach Larson Gunness for being an amazing cross-country and track coach! Not only does Coach Larson know what he is doing with things like dynamic stretches, challenging workouts, and race strategy, he also, perhaps more importantly, serves as a role model and positive influence in the lives of BMS student athletes. Coach Larson promotes values of respect, sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusion of all, with an emphasis on personal growth. Plus, his sense of humor keeps the practices (and emails!) fun and in good spirits. We feel fortunate for his energy, expertise and contributions to an incredible Barrington Middle School experience. (Nominated by parent and member of the cross-country team). 

This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Miss. Janet (Crossing Guard). She fends off traffic from five different directions, saving us twice a day from inattentive drivers and pedestrians alike! (Nominated by a BMS Student). 

This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Mrs. Connie Oswald. Mrs. Oswald is doing an outstanding job teaching Yellow Cluster, while also being a support to the Lime Cluster math substitute. She is also running so many clubs and doing homework clubs for all students. Every student has said I LOVE MRS OSWALD from years and years ago. She has made an impact on my school year and it's only been a few weeks. (Nominated by Yellow Cluster Student, Josslyen Daley). 

Do you know of a BMS Faculty/Staff/Student member that is shining bright? If you do, please complete the form below and we can include the nomination in an upcoming newsletter. 

BMS Spotlight Nomination 

BMS Best Buddies: 

Tonight’s event for BMS Best Buddies will be postponed due to the district’s distance learning day.  Please stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Student Proficiency Data: 

Beginning on Monday, November 1, 2021, families will be able to see their child’s beginning of the year proficiency data in aspen under the assessment tab. It is important to note that these scores are measuring year-end priority standards for their grade level. For example, the 6th-grade math proficiency data is measuring all of the priority standards that would be taught over the course of the school year. Please note that grade 8 math proficiency scores measure the grade 8 standards regardless of course.  Algebra 1 students take a different Algebra proficiency at the mid and end of year.  As the year progresses, this score should increase/improve. Proficiency scores do not impact student’s averages and are not in Canvas.  Our teachers use this data to inform instructional decisions and support. Students will be taking these assessments during the fall, winter, and spring. 

Principal’s Virtual “Luncheon”:

Please join Dr. Anderson via Zoom on Friday, November 5 at 12:00 pm for an open Zoom session where he will be available to answer questions you may have about BMS.  Click here to let us know you are interested in attending so we can send you a link closer to November 5.  (No hard commitment!)

BMS Technology Tip- Common Sense Media: 

BMS/BPS is a Common Sense Media school/district. Linked below you will find a Common Sense Family Media Agreement. 

“A healthy media diet balances three things: what kids do, how much time they spend doing it, and whether their content choices are age-appropriate. Mixing media and tech time with other activities will help families find that happy medium. Use our Family Media Agreement and Device Contract to set realistic rules that make sense for your family so you and your kids can make the most out of media and tech time.” (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Family Media Agreement 

BMS Yearbook:

It’s time to order your BMS 2021-2022 Yearbook!  Click here for all the information you need to order!

Baby/Toddler Pictures for Yearbook:

Calling all 8th graders!  It’s your turn to upload your baby/toddler picture for this year’s yearbook.  It’s an annual tradition so upload yours here!  (Being logged into a Google account is required in order to upload your picture - feel free to use your own account or have your student log into their school account.)

Submit your Book Bite Suggestion and be featured on our BMS Morning Show!

Calling all readers!  Students can choose one of their favorite books and fill out the questions on this Google Form.  They will have a chance to have their name and  book mentioned on the BMS morning show!

COVID-19 Protocols: 

Full COVID Protocols are available on the District website by clicking here. Please note that all staff, students, and visitors will be required to wear a mask in the building. All visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination, as well. 

Consent for COVID Testing: 

Below you will find a link for our BMS Student Voluntary Consent for COVID testing:

Student Voluntary Consent for COVID testing

 

Who should complete this voluntary consent for COVID testing: 

  • Any student who participates in BMS Sports. (Note: all non vaccinated BMS athletes must be tested once a week)

  • Any student who is in our BMS Band and plays a wind instrument. (Note: all non vaccinated BMS wind instrument players must be tested once a week)

  • Any student who is in our BMS chorus (Note: all non vaccinated BMS chorus students must be tested once a week)

  • Any student, for whatever reason, wants to have our BMS medical staff take a COVID test at any time for any reason. (Note: students who are not on the consent to test list will not be allowed to test).