BMS eNEWS

January 30, 2024

In this Issue

College Credit Plus Meeting Follow Up

Hiram House Information Session

MAC Scholars Black History Recognition Night

Beachwood Neurodiversity Family Network Family Support Group

Lunar New Year Celebration

Black History Month Celebration

Student Attendance at Athletic Concerts

PBIS Survey

Classroom Spotlights

Winter Band Concert Highlights

Message from the Principal (in Training)

Dear Beachwood Middle School Families,

I am pleased to share this week's principal update as part of my journey towards obtaining an administrative license through Ursuline College. Throughout this year, I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Srithai during my field experience, taking on increased leadership roles at Beachwood Middle School. It's been a rewarding experience, and I'm excited to connect with you through this update.

The second semester is off to a strong start, highlighted by our band concert last week. Thank you to our eighth-grade and high school band ensembles for a wonderful display of talent. It's always inspiring to see our students excel in their passions. We look forward to tonight's concert, which will feature the Hilltop, sixth, and seventh-grade bands.

The start of a new semester is a perfect time to talk to your students about their progress. Work habits form an important part of learning at the middle school level. Our teachers frequently facilitate conversations about what students can and should be doing to be successful. Consider asking your child the following questions to encourage self-reflection and foster a home-school connection:

What are you most proud of so far this school year?
What is your favorite thing you’ve done in school so far this year?
What is something you are looking forward to in the new semester?
What is something you think you could improve on this semester? What is your plan to make that improvement?
Is there anything you need help with at home that would make you more successful at school?

We are so grateful for our supportive community of families! Thank you for the care and attention you give to help your children grow in their learning each week.

Sincerely,

Kate Vitek

English Language Arts Teacher

Important Dates

January 30: Grades 6-7 and Hilltop Band Concert, Beachwood High School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
February 1: Hiram House Informational Meeting for Sixth-Grade Families, 7 p.m.
February 9: No School: Lunar New Year
February 19: No School: Presidents Day
March 7: BMS Orchestra Winter Concert, Beachwood High School auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
March 22: End of Third Quarter
March 25 - 29: No School: Spring Break

Announcements

College Credit Plus (CCP) Meeting Follow Up

If you missed our CCP Information Meeting on January 16, you can find the presentation slides. General CCP information including application instructions can also be found on the Beachwood High School website. The CCP Intent Form is due by April 1 in order to participate in CCP classes next school year (including Summer).

Hiram House Information Session

We are excited to once again host the sixth grade Hiram House trip from May 29 - 31. Families are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, February 1, at 7 p.m. This meeting will be held in the Beachwood Middle School auditorium.

MAC Scholars Black History Recognition Night

Join us for the MAC Scholars’ Fourth Annual Black History Recognition Night during the boys and girls varsity basketball double header on Friday, February 2. The girls will face Lutheran West at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys’ game against Orange at 7:15 p.m. This year’s theme is "Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and the Divine Nine," highlighting their contributions to Black History. We warmly invite Beachwood High School alumni to be a part of this memorable event. Wear your favorite HBCU gear or represent your fraternity or sorority, and let’s cheer the Bison to victory!

Beachwood Neurodiversity Family Network Hosts Parent/Caregiver Support Group

Join the Beachwood Neurodiversity Family Network for a support group discussion on Sunday, February 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Beachwood High School Community Room. We will go around and share our recent “highs” and “lows” as well as anything else you would like to talk about. All are welcome, whether or not you identify as a neurodivergent family. Due to the sensitivity of the topics that may be discussed, as well as privacy concerns, this meeting is intended for adults only. However, if you do not have childcare, or are otherwise unable to attend in person, we are hoping to offer the option to call in virtually, please indicate if you would like the virtual option on the RSVP form.

Lunar New Year Celebration

The Lunar New Year is just around the corner! The Beachwood Chinese Family Affinity Group invites you to celebrate the Year of the Dragon during a Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February 9, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Beachwood High School.

Schedule of Events:

Artistic Performances: The evening begins at 5 p.m. with artistic performances in the auditorium.
Potluck Dinner: Enjoy a variety of dishes at the potluck-style dinner in the cafeteria, from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Please contribute a dish or drink for everyone to enjoy! You can drop off items in the cafeteria prior to the start of the dinner.
Games and Crafts: Engage in fun activities and crafts for kids in the Community Room, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Free and open to the public. Please RSVP with the number of participants to: chineseaffinity@beachwoodschools.org.

Black History Month Celebration

Join us for a Black History Month celebration presented by the African American Affinity Group on Sunday, February 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Beachwood High School. Free and open to the public, the event will feature African dance performances, crafts and cookie decorating, student performances, and many more activities! In addition, guests may participate in a drum-making workshop. In order to participate in this activity, drum kits need to be pre-ordered by February 14. Supplies may be limited. Please order your kit today!

Student Attendance at Athletic Contests

We welcome student spectators at our middle school sporting events. However, please be reminded that students are not allowed to remain on campus if they plan to attend sporting events. Students are required to leave campus by 3 p.m. unless staying for an after-school club or extracurricular activity. The gym doors open 15 minutes before the start of any athletic event (i.e., 4:15 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. game). For a list of dates and times, please review the winter athletics schedule. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for all.

Reminder: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Survey

Please provide your feedback to help us refine our PBIS strategies at Beachwood Middle School by taking the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) survey.

News & Highlights

Classroom Spotlight: Margaret Miller

Ms. Miller's classroom has been participating in the Great Kindness Challenge to see how many kind acts we can complete in one week. We are participating with more than 19 million students globally to build a culture of kindness in our communities. So far, we have smiled at more than 25 people, made flower bouquets for the front office staff, and created kindness posters for the hallways. Your Kindness Matters!

Congratulations: Power of the Pen!

Four Beachwood Middle School students participated in Power of the Pen's Lake Erie District 2 Creative Writing Tournament on Saturday, January 27.

Congratulations to Aiman Assylkhan, Priyasha Ghosal, Jenna Tsay, and Zane Razzak for their hard work and dedication. An extra congratulations to Jenna who took first place out of approximately 60 seventh-grade writers from 15 different school districts.

We look forward to receiving our overall standings to know who, along with Jenna, will move forward to the District Tournament in March.

Winter Band Concert Highlights

Last week, our eighth-grade students performed at the 2024 Winter Band Concert. We invite you to join us tonight at 7 p.m. at Beachwood High School for another winter concert. The concert will feature performances by the Hilltop, sixth, and seventh-grade bands.