Friday, December 19, 2014

Season's Greetings

(From left to right)
Bottom Row - Stephanie Eastwood, 6th Grade Assistant Principal, Karis Mazyck, Principal
Top Row - 
Sidney Johnson, 8th Grade Assistant Principal, Greta Carter, 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Season's Greetings from the Blythewood Middle School Administrative Team!

Happy Holidays/Winter Break

We thought we would share some of our Holiday Cheer from Tacky Sweater Day today!
Blythewood Middle School wishes everyone a 
Happy Holiday
 and
 Happy New Year! 

Blythewood Middle School classes will resume on January 5, 2015.
See you in 2015!

ROSES Leadership

The ROSES Leadership and Mentoring Program was happy to have Lt. Myers from the Richland County Sheriff's Department  join them on Saturday, December 12th to speak  with them about Home Safety. 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Mrs. Mazyck is Inducted into the Rotary Club!

(From Left to Right)
Mrs. Jeaneen Tucker, Karis Mazyck, Dwayne Mazyck
Our very own Principal, Karis Mazyck was inducted into the Blythewood Rotary Club this morning.
She was pinned by Membership Chair, Mrs. Jeaneen Tucker, Principal Round Top Elementary, and her husband, Dwayne Mazyck, Attorney.
The Blythewood Rotary Club brings together business and professional leaders in effort to provide service to the community.

Blythewood Middle Reading Challenge

BMS Reading Challenge! 
Students watched this video on the BMS Electrifying News Show to learn about our BMS reading program.  Students are encouraged to read the current SCJBA books.  The list includes a variety of genres.  It's a great starting point to help students find their next book.  

Here is this year's SCJBA book list

Challenge #1 
Students that read at least 3 books from this year's list by February 2015 are able to participate in the statewide vote for the SC Junior Book Award winner.  Mrs. Swetnam will send out ballots by February 2015. 

Challenge #2
Students interested in participating in our district reading challenge form teams made up of 3-5 students who read all 20 books.  Students should divide the list up among the team, so each member is an expert on the books he/she read.  Please see Mrs. Swetnam to sign up for this challenge. 

Challenge #3
Students participating in the 20 book challenge should complete this form for each title they read from the list.  Books and completed forms must be completed by April 2015. 

Current SCJBA are available in our school library and public library. Please see Mrs. Swetnam if you have any questions!  

Read! Read! Read! 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Happy Holidays From Mrs. Mazyck

Let the countdown begin!  We are just days away from Winter Break and I know everyone is excited about having this time off.   But, first things first, until dismissal on December 19th our students and staff will be engaged in teaching and learning, as usual.  Please be reminded that 9 weeks exams are still underway; parents, please continue to encourage study at home.   When we return from Winter Break, there will only be 9 days left in our 2nd 9 weeks, but there is still time to make the most of this 9 weeks by doing well on exams and doing your personal best.
The end of the 2nd 9 weeks also marks the end of our 1st semester.  Our Winter MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing will also take place upon our return from Winter Break.  The Winter MAP window is January 5 – January 23.   Blythewood Middle School students will have the opportunity to build their skills in Reading and Math and improve their MAP scores by practicing skills via Classworks, an interactive online resource currently being used at Blythewood Middle to assist our students in developing their skills in reading and math.  Every student has been provided with his/her username and password.  Students are able to log on using their Chromebooks or other computer systems using the website:  https://manager.classworks.com/richland2.org.   You may also access Classworks by visiting the Blythewood Middle School webpage and accessing the link at the top of the page.
This quote was taken directly from the Classworks website:
Students are excited for the upcoming well-deserved break from daily school
obligations, and you probably are too! But, how can you help them keep their
skills sharp over winter break and even during inclement weather?  Prepare kids
 for a successful next quarter or reinforce skills they've learned with (…) Classworks
activities and resources.

We hope that you will take advantage of Classworks by asking your child(ren) to log on over the Winter Break to help reinforce skills that they have already learned and continue to build upon skills in anticipation of the forthcoming MAP Test in January.
Finally, in anticipation of the states’ new standardized test, the ACT Aspire, I would also like to share with you the following website, www.discoveractaspire.org.   By clicking on the tab “For States” you can find “Exemplar Practice Test Items” that are similar to those that will be on this new test.  The ACT Aspire will be a timed test which is different from our previous standardized test, the SCPASS, and therefore we will continue to prepare our students for this transition.
On behalf of the entire Blythewood Middle School faculty and staff, we wish you and yours Happy Holidays and extend to you our greetings for a prosperous New Year!  
We’ll see you back on January 5, 2015!

Karis M. Mazyck,
Principal

Winter Wishes at Blythewood High School

(From Left to Right) 
BMS Student Council Representatives:
Vice President, Brady Beasley
President, Kylie Turner
Secretary, Madison Carter

Blythewood Middle School partnered with Blythewood High for the third year in a row to participate in Winter Wishes.  Blythewood Middle School's student council headed up a can drive, challenging each homeroom to bring in as many canned goods as possible. This year our students collected 2,507 can goods that will be donated to God's Store House.
On Friday, December 12, 2014 our Student Council Brady Beasely- Vice President,  Kylie Turner- President and Madison Carter-Secretary went to Blythewood High School to represent our school at the Winter Wishes Celebration.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Job Shadowing


Need something to do over the Winter Break? 
How about Job Shadowing? 
Click on the link on the front page of the blog to access the form. 
Contact Ms. Schmitz at ext. 85408 in Guidance for further inquiry.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Hour of Code

This week we celebrate Computer Science Education Week at BMS. CSEdWeek is an annual program dedicated to showing students the importance of computer science in the 21st century. Over the next ten years there will be 1 million more jobs in computer science in the United States than students. These jobs collectively represent a 500 billion dollar opportunity for those who are prepared for them, and we don't want our students to be left out.

The centerpiece of CSEdWeek is the Hour of Code, a one hour introduction to computer programming designed to take the mystery out of the subject and demonstrate to students that anyone can learn to code. BMS students will be enjoying their Hour of Code through their math classes on Wednesday, writing code to draw pictures, to command virtual robots, even to help the Angry Birds beat those nasty green pigs. We hope that for many of our students this hour will be just the first of many spent learning and developing a fulfilling (and lucrative!) talent for writing code.

In anticipation of our Hour of Code during math classes tomorrow, please make sure that your child charges their Chromebook tonight!

Friday, December 5, 2014

USC International Students Visit Blythemiddle School

USC International Students came to BMS today and spoke with the 6th Grade "Lightning Team!"
They were wonderful and the kids really enjoyed their visit!
The USC International Students that visited were from:
Left to Right: 
England
 Singapore
Nigeria
The Netherlands

Thanks for coming and sharing!



Blythewood's 1st Basketball Game

Blythewood Middle School will have its first Basketball game on Monday, December 8th.
Blythewood will play E.L. Wright @ E.L. Wright Middle School.

The Girl's Basketball team plays at 3:00pm.
The Boy's Basketball Team plays at 4:00pm.

Entry to both games is $4.00.  Students wishing to attend the games will depart school at the regular dismissal time and must provide their own means of transportation to the game at E.L. Wright.
Go Chargers!



Wanted: 20 oz Plastic Soda Bottles


Ms. Burgess is in need of 20 oz. empty soda bottles for an Art project.  If you have any 20 oz. soda bottles at home, would you please wash them out and send them in to BMS.  You can drop them off with the Receptionist, Mrs. Martin, or give them to Ms. Burgess in the Art room.

Thanks for your support!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Early Dismissal Tomorrow

Friday, December 5th
Tomorrow is Early Dismissal!
Students will dismiss at 10:45 am.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Winter Concert Tomorrow Night


Library Books Overdue

Got overdue library books?  
Email and print overdue notices were sent to students this week.  Please check in with your student to help them keep their school library accounts up to date.  Please contact library media specialist Mrs. Swetnam if you have any questions.  

20 oz. Soda Bottle wanted:

Ms. Burgess is in need of 20 oz. empty soda bottles for an Art project.  If you have any 20 oz. soda bottles at home, would you please wash them out and send them in to BMS.  You can drop them off with the Receptionist, Mrs. Martin, or give them to Ms. Burgess in the Art room.

Thanks for your support!

Monday, December 1, 2014

Reminder: Early Dismissal Friday, December 5th

Friday, December 5th is an early dismissal day.  School will dismiss at 10:45 am. 

Annie, Jr. Auditions



Do you like to act? Do you like to sing? Blythewood Middle School is doing a school musical, Annie Jr.!  Auditions are on December 16th, 17th or 18th and are open to all students. The audition will last from 2:30-4:30 each day. You must be ready to sing a song of your choice without using backing music. Students who plan to audition for lead roles may be asked to read lines from the show during their audition. See Mrs. Cordova or Mr. Gunter for the permission forms and audition sign up sheets. Come and show us what you are made of!

Choice Fair featuring Magnet Programs Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30



Richland Two will hold its annual Choice Fair Featuring Magnet Programs at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2 at Westwood High school. Families are invited to come learn about the many Magnet programs and schools in the district. Representatives from each program will be on-hand to chat with parents as well as provide program descriptions, orientation schedules and important dates.
  
In September, the board approved the following expansions, modifications and additions to Magnet Programs.

Academy of Language Immersion at Polo Road Elementary School:
The purpose of the Academy of Language Immersion (ALI) at Polo Road Elementary School is to provide Richland Two students the opportunity to begin second language acquisition at the elementary level and effectively acquire language in a meaningful social context.

Center for Achievement Expansion:
The purpose of the sixth-grade expansion of Center For Achievement (CFI) is to provide a continuum of success for students who have not been successful in a traditional classroom setting. Students would maintain gains via a small learning environment and ease the transitions to middle school.

FAME Program Expansion at Dent Middle School:
Opening the FAME application to students not zoned to Dent will allow all Richland Two students an opportunity to apply for entrance and provide a better K–12 feeder system for students with an interest and aptitude in Fine Arts areas of study. Due to Dent being at capacity for the past few years, the FAME program has not been an option for students not zoned to Dent Middle School.

The Elementary Learning Collaborative at Forest Lake Elementary School:
The Elementary Learning Collaborative (eLc) at Forest Lake Elementary School is designed to maximize the potential of students to maintain academic momentum. Students will participate in enrichment and acceleration in English Language Arts/Social Studies (Humanities) and Math/Science (STEM-G). Academic acceleration, integration of subject matter, critical thinking skills, research and leadership training will be incorporated through the use of inquiry/project-based instruction.

iMeda Program at Richland Northeast High School:
iMedia will merge the current iLink and Convergence Media programs to offer students a technology magnet program that will remain at the forefront of communication technologies while maintaining a full-time, college-prep program. The focus of the magnet will be on communication and technology with technology-centered core classes.

Expansion of the LAW Program to Muller Road Middle School:
The Leadership Academy at Muller is an innovative academic program with a strong integration and emphasis on developing and cultivating leaders. It couples the Core Knowledge curriculum with an emphasis on leadership skills. This program is an expansion of the LAW program on the EL Wright campus to better serve students and families living in the northern area of the district. The Leadership Academy at Muller will also provide the continuation of Core Knowledge instruction for students attending the Center for Knowledge north campus.

Informational sessions on all Magnet Programs will be held throughout the month of January. A schedule of the meetings, information about each school and Magnet Program and a link to district’s YouTube page where visitors can watch commercials about each Magnet are available on the Choice page.


Expanded Choice:
The Richland Two Choice Program also includes Expanded Choice. Students are traditionally assigned to schools based on their residential address. Expanded Choice offers parents and students residing in Richland Two the opportunity to apply to attend a school other than their residentially assigned school. Choice is only available to Richland Two residents.

Each school open for Expanded Choice is allowed 20 transfer slots through the process. The 20 slots may increase based on the number of students leaving that school through the Choice Program. Available slots for Magnet programs vary based on each program. Parents must provide transportation for students who choose programs that are not at their residentially assigned school.

To apply for Choice programs parents must complete an online application. Applications will be available on the district’s website beginning January 6, and the deadline to apply is January 30. Beginning in March, parents and students will be able to log back into their application account to see whether students have been accepted into the Choice Program.

For additional information on Magnet programs, contact Dawne Whitley at 803.738.3230 or on Expanded Choice, contact Roger Wiley at 803.738.3265.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blythewood Middle School would like to wish all of our "Charger Families" a Happy Thanksgiving!  We hope that you enjoy some time as a family.
Blythewood Middle School will be closed Wednesday, November 26th - Friday, November 28th.  We will resume classes on Monday, December 1st.


Thursday, November 20, 2014

A+ for Parent University

Parent University was held on Tuesday, November 18th. It was a huge success!  Thank you everyone for coming out!


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Congratulations to Mrs. Jodi Zeis, BMS 8th grade science teacher!  Mrs. Zeis has been selected as one of five State Finalists for the state of SC in Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow contest and will receive two Samsung Galaxy Tabs for use in her classroom. Mrs. Zeis will now have the opportunity to compete against 4 other State finalists.  The state winner will have the opportunity to receive a video technology kit and a technology package valued at $20,000 for the school!

Pies Needed!


We need some pies!  Each year PTO gives away pies during the Grits For Grands event.  If you can make or purchase a high quality pie please click the link to help us out.  Our grandparents sure love sharing the yummy pies!

We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online sign up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity.
Please sign up for Pies For Grits For Grands 2014 - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
   1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/tiYvS3


   2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 

   3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Peace Poster Contest





Congratulations to art teacher Ms. Jessica Burgess and her student Kamryn Jenkins, 8th grade.  Kamryn represented Blythewood Middle School in the district's Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the Lions Club International.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Meet Mr. Koelfhoffer



Blythewood Middle School gives a hearty "Charger" welcome to our newest faculty member, Mr. Marc Koelfhoffer!  Mr. Koelfhoffer is our new 7th grade ELA teacher.  Please join us on Tuesday, November 18th from 5:45-6:30 as our PTO hosts a "Meet & Greet" for Mr. Koelfhoffer in Room 209.  We hope that you will join us!










Grits for Grands Help Needed!



Volunteers Need for Grits For Grands on Monday,Nov 24, 2014 PTO is asking for help in setting up for Grits for Grands.  Then on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014 we need volunteers for the event.  Please click the link below to sign up.


We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online sign up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity.
Please sign up for Grits for Grands 2014 - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
   1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/Kh9sEB

   2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 

   3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.


American Education Week

American Ed Week Festivities: 

Monday Nov. 17:
Teacher Scavenger Hunt for students; Monday until Thursday- Blythewood participation points awarded. 
Paper Teacher Appreciation Apples to hang on teacher's doors for students to sign. (student Council members will deliver and hang those up)

Tuesday Nov. 18
Apple Grams! Available in cafe during lunch for students to create for teachers.

Wednesday Nov. 19th:
Staff appreciation coffee bar - media center production room

Thursday Nov. 20th:
Teacher massages by AHS Chiropractic

Friday Nov. 21st:
Duty-Free Lunch by PTO - Guidance Conference Room
College Spirit Wear Day & Hospitality Jeans Day

Winter Art Camp at Westwood High School