Monday, September 29, 2014

Walk for Life


Want to show your support for Breast Cancer Research, Richland Two, and Blythewood Middle School?  You should sign up for the 2014 Walk for Life/Race for Life 5k/10k.  The race is Saturday Morning October 18th.  Show your support for helping to knock out breast cancer.  Need an extra incentive?  All participants can wear their race day PINK shirts and get FREE entry into the State Fair on Saturday October 18 or Sunday October 19th.  See Mr. Abernathy in the Media Center if your are interested.  Sign-up by next Wednesday October 8th!  Lets knock out breast cancer!

Thursday, September 25, 2014


Is your child returning from an absence?  Please remember to provide an excuse for the absence. You may provide a parent/guardian written excuse or a medical excuse.  Attendance notifications and excuses should be emailed to Mrs. Kiesha Hardy:  khardy@richland2.org

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Early Dismissal Tomorrow...



Tomorrow is Early Dismissal
Thursday, September 25
Dismissal at 10:45 a.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Teachers will be available for conferences between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.  Should you have any concerns, please contact our Guidance Office to schedule a conference time.  If you are unable to come in for a conference, teachers may also be reached by phone by calling the school at 691-6850.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Mrs. Dissinger's Science Class



Students designed and conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of friction on objects.

By doing this lab, students will learn how to use the scientific method to answer a question that they posed. After sharing their data with the class, students have the opportunity to learn from their peers, ask questions of each other, and evaluate the validity of data collected.

Standards this lesson covers include: Math Practice Standards of 1. Model with mathematics, 2. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, 3. Reason abstractly and quantitatively, 4. Use appropriate tools strategically. ELA standards include: Research, High level questioning, and supporting claims with evidence.  Science Standards include: 1. Ask questions and define problems, 2. Plan and conduct investigations, 3. Use mathematical and computational thinking, 4. Construct explanations and design solutions, 5. Engage in scientific argument from evidence, 6. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information, 6. Analyze and interpret data to describe and predict the effects of forces on the speed and direction of an object.

Student learning was promoted as students were engaged in asking testable questions, generating hypotheses, and testing their hypotheses. Because students designed their own experiments, they took ownership of the lesson and came up with original designs. The most important part of doing an experiment is to share the results. Students had the opportunity to do this in class as they explained their data with graphs they created. This allows students to peer critique each other and learn how to modify experiments in order to get better results.








Parent University


Parent University
Tuesday, October 14th, 2014
6:00 to 7:35 p.m.
BMS parents are always eager to learn how they can help their children succeed.  Parent University strives to satisfy that desire by providing courses that address a variety of student needs.  This semester’s choices include three 45 minute classes. 

Please go to http://goo.gl/qdLyLF
to register for up to two classes. Or, if you prefer, you may sign and return a hard copy of this form to your child’s homeroom teacher.  Choose only two:

Getting to Know Edmodo,Google chrome and Google classroom (at 6:00 and 6:50 p.m.)
___Mrs. Christy Brown and Mrs. Denise Webster will teach parents the basics of Google Drive, Google Classroom, and Edmodo.  Students use these various educational tools in their classrooms to post assignments, view assignments, take quizzes, and collaborate with their peers.   
___Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Students (6:00 and 6:50p.m.) –Strong organizational skills are a determinant factor for success in school and life. Likewise, there is a correlation between disorganization and poor grades and school  performance. Having good organizational skills is a learned behavior that requires practice. The parental role in teaching children organizational skills is a significant one. If your child has poor organizational skills, you may benefit from this session. Dr.Richel  Sion-Johnson, school psychologist at Blythewood Middle School, will share information and practical tips that will help parents with teaching their children organizational skills with a focus on students with ADHD.
_____Charting your Child’s Academic Course (at 6:00 and 6:50 p.m.) Dr. Cheryl Canty-Caughman, our Director of Guidance, will share information about the academic choices available in middle school.  She will show how academic decisions and achievement in middle school prepare our students for success in high school.

_____I will not be able to attend.

__________________________   __________________________  _________________
             Parent’s signature                       Your Child’s Name                    Homeroom



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return the upper portion of this form to your child’s homeroom teacher.  Your signature lets us know that you received this information.  Or, if you prefer, go to http://goo.gl/GIXKKT to register for courses. Mark your calendar for:
Parent University: Tuesday, October 14th, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 19, 2014

It's Interim Report Time!

Interims & Parent Portal


Interim reports at Blythewood Middle School are accessible via Parent Portal. If you have an active Parent Portal account, you may check your child's grades each week. September 17th was our first official interim grade for each subject area. When you log in to your account, the grades will automatically appear on the screen. There is not a report tab to click in Parent Portal.



It is important to monitor your child's progress through Parent Portal before report cards are issued. If you note that grades are not being updated regularly, please contact the appropriate grade-level administrator, guidance counselor or Mrs. Mazyck. The first grading period ends on October 24th and the first report card will be issued on October 29th.



You can access Parent Portal at https://parents.richland2.org



Create a Parent Portal Account
1. Click Create an Account
2. Complete the top section with your personal information.
3. Add your child(ren) in the fields below. To add student(s), you will need to enter an Access ID and Access Password.
a. Access ID - Student ID number (please make sure 7900 is in the beginning of the number-if not please add it). Access Password - Student’s birthday, using 6-digits without dashes or slashes.
Example: MMDDYY - 010104
4. Click Submit.



If you have any questions, please call the school at 691-6850 EXT 85411.



We appreciate your support. Thank you!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Picture Day is tomorrow!

SMILE:

Picture Day!      

School picture day is tomorrow,
September 19.  Your child should have received a picture form last week.  If not, have them pick one up in the school's lobby.  Bring your envelope with money Friday, September 19.  All picture orders are prepaid.  To pay on-line visit:
www.strawbridge.net.  Use the following code:  (1067)

*After you have paid online, Strawbridge will give you an ONLINE PAYMENT CODE.  Your child MUST HAVE THE ONLINE PAYMENT CODE with form on picture day to order pictures.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ms. Dobyns' students show off their talents...


Ms. Dobyns' Orchestra classes got to display their talents last Friday and play for us during Muffins with Mom.  They did a TERRIFIC job and should being glowing with "Charger Pride"!
















Congratulations to our new School Improvement Council!


Congratulations to the School Improvement Council for the 2014-2015 school year.  Thank you all for your support and interest in our School Improvement Council. Thanks to several returning members serving their second year and the new members joining us, we are sure to have a productive and outstanding year in 2014-2015!  We are excited and looking forward to working together and serving with you this school year.

Our first School Improvement Council meeting will be Monday, September 29th in our Media Center.  

Martie Summerford, Cassandra Wormack, Gary Alexander, Latonya Freeman, Jenniffer Roof, Chaudra White and Joy Haynie.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Greetings Charger Families!


 Greetings Charger Families,
Thank you for coming out to join us for Open House on Thursday, September 11, 2014.  We had a full house and appreciate you taking time from your busy day to check in on your child(ren’s) progress.  It’s hard to believe that we are already four weeks into the school year.  We know that you are eager to see how your child is doing academically.  As a reminder, due to grades being available on Parent Portal, interim reports will NOT be printed, instead, your child's interim report(s) will be available for viewing on Wednesday, September 17th.  If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's grades you may choose to schedule a conference with your child's teacher on our Early Release day scheduled for Thursday, September 25th. 
Also, please note that our first home football game will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 4:00.  Our Chargers had their season openers for football and volleyball last week at Dent Middle School and brought home two wins!  We are looking to follow that up with another win.  Please come out and support our team.  There will NOT be a volleyball game this week, however.  The cost of the football game is $4 and students must have a student ID for entrance.   Students will NOT be allowed to stay after school!  All students MUST go home after school and report back if they desire to attend the game.
In order to further ensure our students’ safety, parents we ask for your continued support and assistance with the traffic flow in the morning in our front car rider area.  As you approach, please always pull all the way up to the designated sign or as far up as possible and ONLY drop students off under the canopy.  If traffic begins to back up, we ask that you wait until the cars ahead of you have pulled up to the canopy area.  Dropping off at the end of the side walk instead of pulling up to the canopy continues to slow the car rider area down and prevents other drivers from pulling into the school gates.  This causes traffic to back up onto the main road instead of allowing cars to enter into the school lot.  Thank you for your assistance with ensuring our students’ safety.
Finally, Blythewood Middle School picture day is scheduled for Friday, September 19th.  Picture order forms were sent home with students Friday, September 12.  If students desire to purchase pictures, they  must have their picture envelope with payment prior to having their picture taken on Friday, September 19th.  Pictures provide us with memories for the future.  Be sure to purchase a picture package to capture these wonderful middle school years!

Charged about Teaching & Learning,

Karis M. Mazyck,

Principal

Ms. Parker's Class

 Ms. Parker's 6th Grade Math Classes have been working hard!

 Give a child a number and they can learn to "add" onto it their entire life...

Look how hard these Math Whiz's have been  working, in their Math Interactive Notebooks.  Kudos to them for using an AVID Strategy!












You may not realize it but numbers are part of our everyday lifestyle.  That's why it is so important for our children to take Math.

This class is creating a poster depicting the integer rules for adding and subtracting (kids in groups on floors).  The other groups are creating their own mini-poster (working independently).




        
















Tdap Alert!





This is a reminder that all 7th grade students are required to have a Tdap vaccine for the 2014-2015 school year.The deadline for immunization compliance for 7th grade students is September 30, 2014. If you have not already turned in a copy of your child’s immunization record please do so.  After September 30, 2014, your child will be excluded from school until proof of having obtained the required vaccine is obtained. If you have questions or concerns please contact your school nurse, Beth Gladden, R.N. at 691-6850, ext. 85410.

Spanish 101

 "Learning a World Language is like riding a bike."  

7th grade Spanish students experienced first hand how learning a world language is like riding a bike. Learning Spanish is a process which requires "training wheels", someone who shows you how to do it, effort and persistence. These life skills were modeled as Tim, Les Mills RPM instructor, showed the 7th grade class how to challenge themselves during the ride and enjoy the results. 

Students were very excited and some of their comments were:

 "I learned that to accomplish something that is challenging, you have to get of your seat and pedal harder"

 "It was hard, but I'm feeling very proud of myself right now"

 "It was a new thing for me and I was scared." 

"It was hard, but I tried it and really enjoyed it. I  guess learning Spanish is like that"




This Friday is Picture Day!


SMILE:

Picture Day!      
Smile! 
Mark your calendars!

School picture day is Friday,
September 19.  Your child should have received a picture form last week.  If not, have them pick one up in the school's lobby.  Bring your envelope with money Friday, September 19.  All picture orders are prepaid.  To pay on-line visit:
www.strawbridge.net.  Use the following code:  (1067)

*After you have paid online, Strawbridge will give you an ONLINE PAYMENT CODE.  Your child MUST HAVE THE ONLINE PAYMENT CODE with form on picture day to order pictures.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Early Dismissal


Early Dismissal
Thursday, September 25
Dismissal at 10:45 a.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Teachers will be available for conferences between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.  Should you have any concerns, please contact our Guidance Office to schedule a conference time.  If you are unable to come in for a conference, teachers may also be reached by phone by calling the school at 691-6850.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

How to Sign Up for our blog!

Did you know that by signing up for the blog, you will get the latest information about what is going on at Blythewood Middle School straight to your email's inbox.  It's quick and east and only takes a minute.  See the attached power point and follow the quick and easy steps...



Chromebook Protection Plan PLEASE READ


Chromebook Protection Plan
Parents,
This year the district has a new protection plan in place.  Please read the plans so you are aware of fees if something should happen.  Click on the link that pertains to your child below.







Muffins with mom is tomorrow!

Tomorrow is Muffins with Mom

    Don't forget to come in for Muffins with Mom on Friday, September 12, 2014 from 7-8 am in the       Media Center!


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Attention 8th Grade Students and Parents:

Attention 8th grade students:

Eighth grade students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT during school on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at BMS. The cost to take the PSAT is $14.00 and the deadline to register for the test is October 9, 2014. If your child qualifies for free lunch there will be no cost to take the test. If your child qualifies for reduced lunch cost will be $8.40. Please make checks payable to Blythewood Middle School. If you have any questions contact Marcella McCoy (A-K) or Dr.Cheryl Canty (L-Z) at 691-6850 ext. 85407 or 85405. 

Open House tomorrow Night!

BMS Open House 
Thursday, September 11th 
6:00-8:00 P.M.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Open House

BMS Open House 
Thursday, September 11th 
6:00-8:00 P.M.


REBOUND

Bounce Back with REBOUND 


Where would you be without second chances? At BMS, we want to provide that opportunity for our students.  Rebound is the opportunity for your child to “G.R.A.B. a Rebound” and improve their test score. If your child makes a grade on a test that they are unhappy with, they will have an opportunity to retake another form of the test that will result in the average of the two grades. The replacement test will not be harder, but it will be a different format from the one that they did not score their personnel best on in class.

How does Rebound work?
We have told students to G.R.A.B. a Rebound:
G - get a Rebound form from their teacher when they receive the graded test
R - return the form within 2 school days to the teacher who issued the test
A - attend required tutoring prior to the test by either the teacher, parent, or private tutor
B - “be there” (in the media center by 2:30 on your designated day of retest)

Please note: this does not provide total grade replacement, but will result in an average of the two grades even if the second test grade is lower. Please ensure that your child prepares adequately for the retest opportunity. Retests must be completed within two Thursdays following receipt of the graded test.  We realize anyone can have a bad day, so encourage your child to “G.R.A.B. a Rebound”!

REBOUND  will start on Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 2:30-3:30 P.M. and will be every Thursday.  Please make sure you check our calender on the home page of this blog for any changes in the schedule.

Monday, September 8, 2014

It's Book Fair Time

The Book Fair has started...

“When you sell a man a book you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.” 
- Christopher Morley

Book Fair:
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the BMS Media Center September 8th through September 11th from 7am-2:30pm and September 12th from 7am-12pm.   The Book Fair will be open during BMS PTO Open House night on September 11th from 6pm-8pm and during Muffins for Mom September 12th from 7-8am.   


Students will visit the book fair with their Language Arts classes and individually with a pass from their teacher.  Stop by and support reading at BMS!


Muffins with Mom

Friday, September 12, 2014


Don't forget to come in for Muffins with Mom on Friday, September 12, 2014 from 7-8 am in the Media Center!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Knowledge is Growing at BMS


Ms. Russ's 7th Grade Language Arts Classes


Ms. Russ's 7th grade LA classes have been working on how to analyze informational text. This skill will help prepare them as they transition to learning about the research process. Students created anchor charts about non-fiction, which included the elements of non-fiction, as well as the steps to analyzing these types texts.