Welcome to Brownstown Central Middle School!
BCMS Happenings
Mr. McClure's Weekly Blog
Week of: November 11 - 15
Week 14
“The Principal’s Post”
VETERANS DAY 2019
This Monday morning, BCMS will pause in recognition of those who have served our country in observance of Veteran’s Day.
BCMS has three veterans that we would like to thank and recognize for their service to our country: Mr. Will Hubbard (BCCSC Director of Technology), Mr. Richard Branaman (BCCSC Director of Bands), and Ms. Erin Gommel (BCMS Library Assistant).
Let us remember the courageous men and women who have valiantly fought to preserve our constitutional freedoms. And may it be that one day, through God’s gracious favor, we realize the ideals of peace and liberty for which our veterans served and sacrificed.
Thank you, Veterans. God’s speed.
STUDENT CONVOCATIONS
This week I will be holding my second series of convocations with the students, in their respective grade levels, to provide some “first trimester feedback” for this ‘19-‘20 school year.
Since we last met, we have completed our first grading period and have had four (4) school-wide on-level reward activities. As I promised the students in our first meeting together in August, we will continue to monitor our progress towards our individual and school-wide goals.
Daily we stress our need to practice the “Three R’s” . . . Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness . . . of BCMS. It is essential for the students to understand that our continuous improvement as a school is directly dependent upon our “Three R” efforts. To realize our goal of seeing our students, our school, and our standardized test scores improve in both academic proficiency and individual student growth, it is vital that we daily apply our core principles . . . which means choosing to exercise them even when we may not “feel like it.” Our Three R posture is a day-to-day, hour-by-hour, decision that we exercise to our benefit . . . or fail to exercise to our detriment.
My message to them . . . “Preparation is the key to success.” Attitude, effort and commitment to themselves and to each other are how we will achieve at higher levels.
I am going to continue to admonish them about their homework completion and overall academic effort. As of today (Monday), we are T-minus 93 school days and counting before our Spring 2020 ILEARN testing. ILEARN remains, quite literally, our school’s annual report card as assigned by the state of Indiana. It’s our “big dance!” It’s our “big chance!” It’s our “Super Bowl!!” The students know that what they choose to do in the days and weeks between now and April 2020 will say it all come test time. Every day, regardless of the academic trimester, counts!
Under the “right” circumstances, with the “right” support networks, the “right” instructional strategies, the “right” attitude and effort, BCMS will not only be transitional, it will be transformational for our students.
I continue to impress upon them, and us as parents and teachers, that we are in this collective effort together. It takes all three to complete the “success equation.” A three legged stool won’t stand with a missing leg. In similar fashion, without the co-equal effort and commitment of the school/ parents/students . . . all three . . . our success structure fails.
Please inquire with your child as to what we discussed. In doing so, you will be helping us communicate to him/her that there are many people who care about them and their success.
Note: All three grade convocation presentations will be available for parents viewing as part of next week’s post.
1st TRIMESTER COURTESY AWARD WINNERS
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
Congratulations to our 1st Trimester Courtesy Award winners! Two boys and two girls from each grade are chosen by their teachers for the award. This award honors students who exhibit courteous behavior to the staff and their fellow students. This is a very special recognition as it honors their choices in how they treat other people. In recognition, the winners were taken to Blondie’s Pizza for lunch last Friday, and they will receive a certificate at the Trimester 1 Awards Program.
The following students are 1st trimester recipients of the Courtesy Award:
6th Grade: Linkan Brittain, Trey Owen, Katlyn Mitchell, Taylor Smith
7th Grade: Robert Vaughn, Shane Ratliff, Claire Schepman, Brynn Burton
8th Grade: Kemora Chastain, Yazmin Fuentes, Conner Wynn, Spencer Penn
WASHINGTON, D.C. PAYMENT ALERT
8th grade BCMS student Washington, D.C. trip registrants are reminded that the second payment ($250) is due this Friday, November 15th. Please note that all trip payments are made directly to Brightspark, not BCMS.
First “criteria checks” will be done this week. I will again remind the trip registrants, as part of the 8th grade team talk this week, of this criteria. A complete list of these requirements can be found by visiting our Washington, D.C. web page.
FOURTH LEVEL REVIEW REWARD ACTIVITY
As mentioned last week, those students earning “on-level” status for the fourth level review period (October 7th – November 1st) enjoyed treats and/or recreation time as grade levels the afternoon of Friday, November 8th.
And, here are the number of BCMS students that participated in the fourth on-level reward activity:
Grade 6: 78 “on-level” / 120 6th graders enrolled = 65%
Grade 7: 79 “on-level” / 126 7th graders enrolled = 63%
Grade 8: 76 “on-level”/ 130 8th graders enrolled = 59%
All grades: 233 “on-level” / 376 BCMS students = 62%
After each level review, we look at where we are, in comparison to where we’ve been, to help us determine where we are going.
We would invite you to click on any one of the following On-Level History reports that might interest you.
2019-2020 All Current Grades On-Level History Report
Entire School On-Level History Report (2014-2015 thru 2019-2020)
Grade 6 On-Level History Report (Class of 2021 – Class of 2026)
Grade 7 On-Level History Report (Class of 2020 – Class of 2025)
Grade 8 On-Level History Report (Class of 2019 – Class of 2024)
We continue to track our on-level percentages as classes and as a school each level review period. When we meet as grade level teams at the end of the first trimester, these performance percentages will be a significant part of our discussion.
To have 100% of our student body earn “on level” status remains our ultimate goal. To achieve that goal would put us closer to our aim: for all BCMS students to develop those necessary study habits which will enable our students to be successful at BCHS and allow them to reach their fullest academic potential.
To do so will require “Respect” for self, the “Responsibility” to willingly accept tasks assigned, and the “Resourcefulness” to persevere when at first they may not succeed.
And, we challenge the students to always be cognizant of their level status. As we start “Week 14” of the school year, we are already starting “week 2” of the second trimester and the fifth level review period.
DAILY HABITS . . . DAILY RESULTS!
THE POWER OF ZERO: HOW TO AVOID LOW GRADES
Starting around 5th or 6th grade, the rules change about mid-terms, report card grades and high school credits for graduation. Instead of being based primarily on what a student knows, suddenly grades are also based on what a student does, especially on what a student turns in on time. This change in the rules is not always explained or written down, but it is an important rule for students to know.
Students might think that some homework assignments are not important, especially if the teacher does not keep asking for the missing work. Students might think that if it was important, the teacher would “bug” them to turn in those assignments. However, most teachers do count all assignments for the final grade. If the teacher is not bugging you to turn something in, it still probably counts. If it is not turned in, it will probably be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
When students have several different classes and teachers, they have to learn how to keep all their books and papers organized. Sometimes, they really did their homework, but they can’t find it to turn it in. Even though the student learned the information by doing his assignment, it is not just having the knowledge that counts. If the homework is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Sometimes, a student is really good at a subject and gets good grades on the tests. He might think that the homework assignments are not important because he already knows this stuff and he knows he will get an “A” on the test. However, grades are based on homework as well as tests, so homework that is not turned in will count as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
A student might be confused about how to complete an assignment, but not ask for help. If he doesn’t know how to do it, he might just ignore it and not turn in anything at all. By not asking for help, maybe no one in class will realize that he doesn’t understand. However, if it is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
As students get older, there are more long-term projects to do. These require the student to plan ahead or else he will be trying to do the whole thing on the last possible night. Students who put off getting started on big projects sometimes get frustrated and end up turning in nothing. If nothing is turned in, the project will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Here is an example about two students in the same class. All of their daily grades were exactly the same, but Student #2 passed with a “C,” while Student #1 failed! How did that happen?!
The only difference between getting an “F” and getting an “C” for these students was that Student #1 had 3 assignments with ZERO points! Student #2 had failed the same 3 assignments, but he did not have ZEROES for them. Perhaps he had not completed his homework for those three, or maybe he just didn’t understand it. Still, he turned in all of his assignments and had at least some points correct. A “high F” grade is better than an “F” due to a ZERO.
A smart student knows that if a teacher gives an assignment, it must be completed and turned in on time. It is important to ask someone for help if you do not understand how to do an assignment. It is important to ask someone to help you get organized so you don’t lose assignments.
Who can you ask for help?
Remember the power of ZERO.
Don’t let it have any power over you!
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Monday, November 11
Tuesday, November 12
Thursday, November 14
Saturday, November 16
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court!
“Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.”- Bobby Knight
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“We are limited not by our abilities but by our vision.” -Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Goals and Dreams: Being in Action”
Until next week,
Week of: November 11 - 15
Week 14
“The Principal’s Post”
VETERANS DAY 2019
This Monday morning, BCMS will pause in recognition of those who have served our country in observance of Veteran’s Day.
BCMS has three veterans that we would like to thank and recognize for their service to our country: Mr. Will Hubbard (BCCSC Director of Technology), Mr. Richard Branaman (BCCSC Director of Bands), and Ms. Erin Gommel (BCMS Library Assistant).
Let us remember the courageous men and women who have valiantly fought to preserve our constitutional freedoms. And may it be that one day, through God’s gracious favor, we realize the ideals of peace and liberty for which our veterans served and sacrificed.
Thank you, Veterans. God’s speed.
STUDENT CONVOCATIONS
This week I will be holding my second series of convocations with the students, in their respective grade levels, to provide some “first trimester feedback” for this ‘19-‘20 school year.
Since we last met, we have completed our first grading period and have had four (4) school-wide on-level reward activities. As I promised the students in our first meeting together in August, we will continue to monitor our progress towards our individual and school-wide goals.
Daily we stress our need to practice the “Three R’s” . . . Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness . . . of BCMS. It is essential for the students to understand that our continuous improvement as a school is directly dependent upon our “Three R” efforts. To realize our goal of seeing our students, our school, and our standardized test scores improve in both academic proficiency and individual student growth, it is vital that we daily apply our core principles . . . which means choosing to exercise them even when we may not “feel like it.” Our Three R posture is a day-to-day, hour-by-hour, decision that we exercise to our benefit . . . or fail to exercise to our detriment.
My message to them . . . “Preparation is the key to success.” Attitude, effort and commitment to themselves and to each other are how we will achieve at higher levels.
I am going to continue to admonish them about their homework completion and overall academic effort. As of today (Monday), we are T-minus 93 school days and counting before our Spring 2020 ILEARN testing. ILEARN remains, quite literally, our school’s annual report card as assigned by the state of Indiana. It’s our “big dance!” It’s our “big chance!” It’s our “Super Bowl!!” The students know that what they choose to do in the days and weeks between now and April 2020 will say it all come test time. Every day, regardless of the academic trimester, counts!
Under the “right” circumstances, with the “right” support networks, the “right” instructional strategies, the “right” attitude and effort, BCMS will not only be transitional, it will be transformational for our students.
I continue to impress upon them, and us as parents and teachers, that we are in this collective effort together. It takes all three to complete the “success equation.” A three legged stool won’t stand with a missing leg. In similar fashion, without the co-equal effort and commitment of the school/ parents/students . . . all three . . . our success structure fails.
Please inquire with your child as to what we discussed. In doing so, you will be helping us communicate to him/her that there are many people who care about them and their success.
Note: All three grade convocation presentations will be available for parents viewing as part of next week’s post.
1st TRIMESTER COURTESY AWARD WINNERS
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
Congratulations to our 1st Trimester Courtesy Award winners! Two boys and two girls from each grade are chosen by their teachers for the award. This award honors students who exhibit courteous behavior to the staff and their fellow students. This is a very special recognition as it honors their choices in how they treat other people. In recognition, the winners were taken to Blondie’s Pizza for lunch last Friday, and they will receive a certificate at the Trimester 1 Awards Program.
The following students are 1st trimester recipients of the Courtesy Award:
6th Grade: Linkan Brittain, Trey Owen, Katlyn Mitchell, Taylor Smith
7th Grade: Robert Vaughn, Shane Ratliff, Claire Schepman, Brynn Burton
8th Grade: Kemora Chastain, Yazmin Fuentes, Conner Wynn, Spencer Penn
WASHINGTON, D.C. PAYMENT ALERT
8th grade BCMS student Washington, D.C. trip registrants are reminded that the second payment ($250) is due this Friday, November 15th. Please note that all trip payments are made directly to Brightspark, not BCMS.
First “criteria checks” will be done this week. I will again remind the trip registrants, as part of the 8th grade team talk this week, of this criteria. A complete list of these requirements can be found by visiting our Washington, D.C. web page.
FOURTH LEVEL REVIEW REWARD ACTIVITY
As mentioned last week, those students earning “on-level” status for the fourth level review period (October 7th – November 1st) enjoyed treats and/or recreation time as grade levels the afternoon of Friday, November 8th.
And, here are the number of BCMS students that participated in the fourth on-level reward activity:
Grade 6: 78 “on-level” / 120 6th graders enrolled = 65%
Grade 7: 79 “on-level” / 126 7th graders enrolled = 63%
Grade 8: 76 “on-level”/ 130 8th graders enrolled = 59%
All grades: 233 “on-level” / 376 BCMS students = 62%
After each level review, we look at where we are, in comparison to where we’ve been, to help us determine where we are going.
We would invite you to click on any one of the following On-Level History reports that might interest you.
2019-2020 All Current Grades On-Level History Report
Entire School On-Level History Report (2014-2015 thru 2019-2020)
Grade 6 On-Level History Report (Class of 2021 – Class of 2026)
Grade 7 On-Level History Report (Class of 2020 – Class of 2025)
Grade 8 On-Level History Report (Class of 2019 – Class of 2024)
We continue to track our on-level percentages as classes and as a school each level review period. When we meet as grade level teams at the end of the first trimester, these performance percentages will be a significant part of our discussion.
To have 100% of our student body earn “on level” status remains our ultimate goal. To achieve that goal would put us closer to our aim: for all BCMS students to develop those necessary study habits which will enable our students to be successful at BCHS and allow them to reach their fullest academic potential.
To do so will require “Respect” for self, the “Responsibility” to willingly accept tasks assigned, and the “Resourcefulness” to persevere when at first they may not succeed.
And, we challenge the students to always be cognizant of their level status. As we start “Week 14” of the school year, we are already starting “week 2” of the second trimester and the fifth level review period.
DAILY HABITS . . . DAILY RESULTS!
THE POWER OF ZERO: HOW TO AVOID LOW GRADES
Starting around 5th or 6th grade, the rules change about mid-terms, report card grades and high school credits for graduation. Instead of being based primarily on what a student knows, suddenly grades are also based on what a student does, especially on what a student turns in on time. This change in the rules is not always explained or written down, but it is an important rule for students to know.
Students might think that some homework assignments are not important, especially if the teacher does not keep asking for the missing work. Students might think that if it was important, the teacher would “bug” them to turn in those assignments. However, most teachers do count all assignments for the final grade. If the teacher is not bugging you to turn something in, it still probably counts. If it is not turned in, it will probably be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
When students have several different classes and teachers, they have to learn how to keep all their books and papers organized. Sometimes, they really did their homework, but they can’t find it to turn it in. Even though the student learned the information by doing his assignment, it is not just having the knowledge that counts. If the homework is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Sometimes, a student is really good at a subject and gets good grades on the tests. He might think that the homework assignments are not important because he already knows this stuff and he knows he will get an “A” on the test. However, grades are based on homework as well as tests, so homework that is not turned in will count as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
A student might be confused about how to complete an assignment, but not ask for help. If he doesn’t know how to do it, he might just ignore it and not turn in anything at all. By not asking for help, maybe no one in class will realize that he doesn’t understand. However, if it is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
As students get older, there are more long-term projects to do. These require the student to plan ahead or else he will be trying to do the whole thing on the last possible night. Students who put off getting started on big projects sometimes get frustrated and end up turning in nothing. If nothing is turned in, the project will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Here is an example about two students in the same class. All of their daily grades were exactly the same, but Student #2 passed with a “C,” while Student #1 failed! How did that happen?!
The only difference between getting an “F” and getting an “C” for these students was that Student #1 had 3 assignments with ZERO points! Student #2 had failed the same 3 assignments, but he did not have ZEROES for them. Perhaps he had not completed his homework for those three, or maybe he just didn’t understand it. Still, he turned in all of his assignments and had at least some points correct. A “high F” grade is better than an “F” due to a ZERO.
| Assignment |
Total Possible Points (A+) |
Points needed for a “C-” |
Student #1’s points & grades |
Student #2’s points & grades |
| Homework | 10 | 7 | 10 = A | 10 = A |
| Homework | 25 | 18 | 24 = A | 24 = A |
| Homework | 20 | 14 | 14 = C | 14 = C |
| Quiz | 30 | 21 | 24 = B | 24 = B |
| Homework | 20 | 14 | 0 = F | 12 = F |
| Homework | 20 | 14 | 0 = F | 12 = F |
| Quiz | 30 | 21 | 18 = D | 18 = D |
| Homework | 15 | 11 | 12 = B- | 12 = B- |
| Homework | 25 | 18 | 23 = A- | 23 = A |
| Project | 65 | 46 | 0 = F | 38 = F |
| Homework | 20 | 14 | 18 = B | 18 = B |
| Test | 100 | 70 | 83 = B | 83 = B |
| Homework | 10 | 7 | 9 = B+ | 9 = B+ |
| Homework | 25 | 18 | 25 = A | 25 = A |
| Total Points |
435 | 305 | 260 = F | 322 = C |
| Final Grade | A+ | C- | F | C |
A smart student knows that if a teacher gives an assignment, it must be completed and turned in on time. It is important to ask someone for help if you do not understand how to do an assignment. It is important to ask someone to help you get organized so you don’t lose assignments.
Who can you ask for help?
Remember the power of ZERO.
Don’t let it have any power over you!
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Monday, November 11
- 6/8 Boys Basketball vs St. John Sauers- AWAY
- 6 Girls vs Salem- HOME
Tuesday, November 12
- 7/8 Boys Basketball vs Lutheran Central- HOME
- 6AB Girls Basketball vs East Washington- VALLONIA
Thursday, November 14
- 7/8 Girls Basketball vs Immanuel- AWAY
- 6AB Girls Basketball vs Oolitic- HOME
Saturday, November 16
- 7/8 Girls Basketball at Salem Tourney
- 7/8 Boys Basketball at Salem Tourney
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court!
“Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.”- Bobby Knight
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“We are limited not by our abilities but by our vision.” -Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Goals and Dreams: Being in Action”
Until next week,
Last Week
Mr. McClure's Weekly Blog
Week of: November 4 - 8
Week 13
“The Principal’s Post”
THE CONCLUSION OF FIRST TRIMESTER & REPORT CARDSAs the first trimester concluded last Friday, November 1st, please be looking for your student(s) to bring his/her report card home this Friday (November 8th). Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers and/or counselor with any questions. Our work continues!!!
TRIMESTER 2 STUDENT SCHEDULES
Students will be receiving their Trimester 2 schedules when they arrive to their TRIBE rooms Monday morning.
SAY, RE-“CHEESE!”
Student yearbook picture retakes will be taken this week. The photographer will be at the school on Wednesday (November 6th) for those students interested in having their 2019-2020 school year picture retaken.
RED RIBBON WEEK
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
BCMS will be observing Red Ribbon Week this. This is a week in which we, as a school, will stand together to say that we are not going to let drugs into our lives. One way in which we will bring attention to this matter is by having fun "dress up days" with Red Ribbon Week related mottos. A big "thank you" goes out to BCMS Tribal Council for coming up with our daily dress up days.
Tuesday: Don't Let Drugs Steal your Dreams (Pajama Day)
Wednesday: Team Up Against Drugs (Jersey or Team Shirt Day)
Thursday: Beach Day (Wave Goodbye to Drugs)
Friday: Be Brave Against Drugs (Red and Black Day)
The Tribe in each grade with the highest participation rate will receive a prize.
An educational component is also added to Red Ribbon Week. Tribal Council students, along with the group Teens for Change, have put together a slide show presentation about the harmfulness of drug and alcohol use. Tribal Council students will present the slideshow to each Tribe.
HOMEWORK
As mentioned previously (reference Principal Post week 2), your child should be regularly bringing home school work to complete as homework. As a school, we are firm believers that our students should be engaged in academic practice at home. The best way for our school to insure the optimal benefits for every child’s education is to provide opportunities to practice and reinforce at home those lesson concepts that he/she learns at school.
As we are now beginning our second trimester, our thirteenth week of the school year, our homework expectations are well established.
I am revisiting the topic of homework this week as it remains imperative that students complete and return their assignments. Getting into the habit of doing homework is, at times, as challenging as completing the homework assignments themselves. Once the habit is mastered, the learning will naturally follow.
Our progress as a school in recent years speaks to value of homework and our students’ attitudes toward it. And, when becoming high school students (what we are ultimately preparing our students for), the study habits that our students develop will serve them exceedingly well.
Every student should have homework to complete every night . . . even if it is spending 30-45 minutes reading. If your child says that he/she doesn’t have homework, and/or tells you that they finished all their homework “at school,” please be suspicious. Accessing our daily “Homework” link on this website (horizontal menu above in blog post) can help to validate what you are being told.
Contacting one of the teachers on your child’s team directly is another easy way to verify your child’s assertion.
In next week’s post, we will comment on, “The Power of Zero: How to Avoid Low Grades.”
4th LEVEL REVIEW & THE START OF THE 5th LEVEL REVIEW PERIOD
The fourth and final level review period for Trimester 1 concluded last Friday, November 1st. This week teachers will be reviewing and making determinations as to those students who earned “on-level” status for the fourth three-week review period. For those student “on-level,” their rewards activity is planned for Friday! J
We begin the 5th level review period today . . . the 1st level review period for Trimester 2!!! J
All BCMS students start with a “clean slate” as the work to be “on-level” for this fifth level review period (November 4th – November 26th) has begun.
To be eligible for three-week Level Reward Activities and any scheduled after-school dances, a student must have:
To be eligible for an end-of-trimester field trip, a student must be “on-level” 3 out of the 4 level review periods during the trimester.
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Congrats to all of our Fall Sports Team on Great Seasons.
BCMS 7th Grade Tourney Champs
MSC 8th Grade Tourney Champs
CC State Qualifiers
Keep up-to-date with BCMS Athletics on Twitter: @btown_ms
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court or field!
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships” - Michael Jordan
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“Don’t expect people to understand your grind when God didn’t give them your vision.” - Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Friendship: Encouraging One Another”
Until next week,
Week of: November 4 - 8
Week 13
“The Principal’s Post”
THE CONCLUSION OF FIRST TRIMESTER & REPORT CARDSAs the first trimester concluded last Friday, November 1st, please be looking for your student(s) to bring his/her report card home this Friday (November 8th). Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers and/or counselor with any questions. Our work continues!!!
TRIMESTER 2 STUDENT SCHEDULES
Students will be receiving their Trimester 2 schedules when they arrive to their TRIBE rooms Monday morning.
SAY, RE-“CHEESE!”
Student yearbook picture retakes will be taken this week. The photographer will be at the school on Wednesday (November 6th) for those students interested in having their 2019-2020 school year picture retaken.
RED RIBBON WEEK
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
BCMS will be observing Red Ribbon Week this. This is a week in which we, as a school, will stand together to say that we are not going to let drugs into our lives. One way in which we will bring attention to this matter is by having fun "dress up days" with Red Ribbon Week related mottos. A big "thank you" goes out to BCMS Tribal Council for coming up with our daily dress up days.
Tuesday: Don't Let Drugs Steal your Dreams (Pajama Day)
Wednesday: Team Up Against Drugs (Jersey or Team Shirt Day)
Thursday: Beach Day (Wave Goodbye to Drugs)
Friday: Be Brave Against Drugs (Red and Black Day)
The Tribe in each grade with the highest participation rate will receive a prize.
An educational component is also added to Red Ribbon Week. Tribal Council students, along with the group Teens for Change, have put together a slide show presentation about the harmfulness of drug and alcohol use. Tribal Council students will present the slideshow to each Tribe.
HOMEWORK
As mentioned previously (reference Principal Post week 2), your child should be regularly bringing home school work to complete as homework. As a school, we are firm believers that our students should be engaged in academic practice at home. The best way for our school to insure the optimal benefits for every child’s education is to provide opportunities to practice and reinforce at home those lesson concepts that he/she learns at school.
As we are now beginning our second trimester, our thirteenth week of the school year, our homework expectations are well established.
I am revisiting the topic of homework this week as it remains imperative that students complete and return their assignments. Getting into the habit of doing homework is, at times, as challenging as completing the homework assignments themselves. Once the habit is mastered, the learning will naturally follow.
Our progress as a school in recent years speaks to value of homework and our students’ attitudes toward it. And, when becoming high school students (what we are ultimately preparing our students for), the study habits that our students develop will serve them exceedingly well.
Every student should have homework to complete every night . . . even if it is spending 30-45 minutes reading. If your child says that he/she doesn’t have homework, and/or tells you that they finished all their homework “at school,” please be suspicious. Accessing our daily “Homework” link on this website (horizontal menu above in blog post) can help to validate what you are being told.
Contacting one of the teachers on your child’s team directly is another easy way to verify your child’s assertion.
In next week’s post, we will comment on, “The Power of Zero: How to Avoid Low Grades.”
4th LEVEL REVIEW & THE START OF THE 5th LEVEL REVIEW PERIOD
The fourth and final level review period for Trimester 1 concluded last Friday, November 1st. This week teachers will be reviewing and making determinations as to those students who earned “on-level” status for the fourth three-week review period. For those student “on-level,” their rewards activity is planned for Friday! J
We begin the 5th level review period today . . . the 1st level review period for Trimester 2!!! J
All BCMS students start with a “clean slate” as the work to be “on-level” for this fifth level review period (November 4th – November 26th) has begun.
To be eligible for three-week Level Reward Activities and any scheduled after-school dances, a student must have:
- No more than 1 incomplete homework/daily work assignment perclass
- No more than 3 incomplete homework/daily work assignments in total
- No more than 1 detention
- No discipline violations warranting a Wednesday School,Saturday School, ISS (In-school Supervision) or OSS (Out-of-school Suspension) consequence
To be eligible for an end-of-trimester field trip, a student must be “on-level” 3 out of the 4 level review periods during the trimester.
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Congrats to all of our Fall Sports Team on Great Seasons.
BCMS 7th Grade Tourney Champs
MSC 8th Grade Tourney Champs
CC State Qualifiers
Keep up-to-date with BCMS Athletics on Twitter: @btown_ms
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court or field!
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships” - Michael Jordan
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“Don’t expect people to understand your grind when God didn’t give them your vision.” - Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Friendship: Encouraging One Another”
Until next week,
Lunch Menu
Homework
Homework Assignments will be updated daily by 3:00 pm.
Trimester 2
Week 13: November 4 - November 8
Week 14: November 11 - November 15
Week 15: November 18 - November 22
Week 16: November 25 - November 29 (Thanksgiving Week)
Week 17: December 2 - December 6
Week 18: December 9 - December 13
Week 19: December 16 - December 20
Week 20: January 6 - January 10
Week 21: January 13 - January 17
Week 22: January 20 - January 24
Week 23: January 27 - January 31
Week 24: February 3 - February 7
Week 25: February 10 - February 14
Trimester 1
Week 12: October 28 - November 1
Trimester 2
Week 13: November 4 - November 8
Week 14: November 11 - November 15
Week 15: November 18 - November 22
Week 16: November 25 - November 29 (Thanksgiving Week)
Week 17: December 2 - December 6
Week 18: December 9 - December 13
Week 19: December 16 - December 20
Week 20: January 6 - January 10
Week 21: January 13 - January 17
Week 22: January 20 - January 24
Week 23: January 27 - January 31
Week 24: February 3 - February 7
Week 25: February 10 - February 14
Trimester 1
Week 12: October 28 - November 1
Fulfill Your Potential
To Fulfill Your Potential at BCMS, You Must:
- Behave in a manner appropriate for school
- Show respect for the people and property around you.
- Be in class every day with a positive attitude
- Come to class prepared with the appropriate materials
- Keep a folder, notebook, or binder for each class
- Update your agenda daily
- Complete daily assignments
- Participate in class discussions and activities
- Ask for extra help when needed.
- Study outside of school
-
Mr. McClure's Weekly Blog
Week of: November 11 - 15
Week 14
“The Principal’s Post”
VETERANS DAY 2019
This Monday morning, BCMS will pause in recognition of those who have served our country in observance of Veteran’s Day.
BCMS has three veterans that we would like to thank and recognize for their service to our country: Mr. Will Hubbard (BCCSC Director of Technology), Mr. Richard Branaman (BCCSC Director of Bands), and Ms. Erin Gommel (BCMS Library Assistant).
Let us remember the courageous men and women who have valiantly fought to preserve our constitutional freedoms. And may it be that one day, through God’s gracious favor, we realize the ideals of peace and liberty for which our veterans served and sacrificed.
Thank you, Veterans. God’s speed.
STUDENT CONVOCATIONS
This week I will be holding my second series of convocations with the students, in their respective grade levels, to provide some “first trimester feedback” for this ‘19-‘20 school year.
Since we last met, we have completed our first grading period and have had four (4) school-wide on-level reward activities. As I promised the students in our first meeting together in August, we will continue to monitor our progress towards our individual and school-wide goals.
Daily we stress our need to practice the “Three R’s” . . . Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness . . . of BCMS. It is essential for the students to understand that our continuous improvement as a school is directly dependent upon our “Three R” efforts. To realize our goal of seeing our students, our school, and our standardized test scores improve in both academic proficiency and individual student growth, it is vital that we daily apply our core principles . . . which means choosing to exercise them even when we may not “feel like it.” Our Three R posture is a day-to-day, hour-by-hour, decision that we exercise to our benefit . . . or fail to exercise to our detriment.
My message to them . . . “Preparation is the key to success.” Attitude, effort and commitment to themselves and to each other are how we will achieve at higher levels.
I am going to continue to admonish them about their homework completion and overall academic effort. As of today (Monday), we are T-minus 93 school days and counting before our Spring 2020 ILEARN testing. ILEARN remains, quite literally, our school’s annual report card as assigned by the state of Indiana. It’s our “big dance!” It’s our “big chance!” It’s our “Super Bowl!!” The students know that what they choose to do in the days and weeks between now and April 2020 will say it all come test time. Every day, regardless of the academic trimester, counts!
Under the “right” circumstances, with the “right” support networks, the “right” instructional strategies, the “right” attitude and effort, BCMS will not only be transitional, it will be transformational for our students.
I continue to impress upon them, and us as parents and teachers, that we are in this collective effort together. It takes all three to complete the “success equation.” A three legged stool won’t stand with a missing leg. In similar fashion, without the co-equal effort and commitment of the school/ parents/students . . . all three . . . our success structure fails.
Please inquire with your child as to what we discussed. In doing so, you will be helping us communicate to him/her that there are many people who care about them and their success.
Note: All three grade convocation presentations will be available for parents viewing as part of next week’s post.
1st TRIMESTER COURTESY AWARD WINNERS
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
Congratulations to our 1st Trimester Courtesy Award winners! Two boys and two girls from each grade are chosen by their teachers for the award. This award honors students who exhibit courteous behavior to the staff and their fellow students. This is a very special recognition as it honors their choices in how they treat other people. In recognition, the winners were taken to Blondie’s Pizza for lunch last Friday, and they will receive a certificate at the Trimester 1 Awards Program.
The following students are 1st trimester recipients of the Courtesy Award:
6th Grade: Linkan Brittain, Trey Owen, Katlyn Mitchell, Taylor Smith
7th Grade: Robert Vaughn, Shane Ratliff, Claire Schepman, Brynn Burton
8th Grade: Kemora Chastain, Yazmin Fuentes, Conner Wynn, Spencer Penn
WASHINGTON, D.C. PAYMENT ALERT
8th grade BCMS student Washington, D.C. trip registrants are reminded that the second payment ($250) is due this Friday, November 15th. Please note that all trip payments are made directly to Brightspark, not BCMS.
First “criteria checks” will be done this week. I will again remind the trip registrants, as part of the 8th grade team talk this week, of this criteria. A complete list of these requirements can be found by visiting our Washington, D.C. web page.
FOURTH LEVEL REVIEW REWARD ACTIVITY
As mentioned last week, those students earning “on-level” status for the fourth level review period (October 7th – November 1st) enjoyed treats and/or recreation time as grade levels the afternoon of Friday, November 8th.
And, here are the number of BCMS students that participated in the fourth on-level reward activity:
Grade 6: 78 “on-level” / 120 6th graders enrolled = 65%
Grade 7: 79 “on-level” / 126 7th graders enrolled = 63%
Grade 8: 76 “on-level”/ 130 8th graders enrolled = 59%
All grades: 233 “on-level” / 376 BCMS students = 62%
After each level review, we look at where we are, in comparison to where we’ve been, to help us determine where we are going.
We would invite you to click on any one of the following On-Level History reports that might interest you.
2019-2020 All Current Grades On-Level History Report
Entire School On-Level History Report (2014-2015 thru 2019-2020)
Grade 6 On-Level History Report (Class of 2021 – Class of 2026)
Grade 7 On-Level History Report (Class of 2020 – Class of 2025)
Grade 8 On-Level History Report (Class of 2019 – Class of 2024)
We continue to track our on-level percentages as classes and as a school each level review period. When we meet as grade level teams at the end of the first trimester, these performance percentages will be a significant part of our discussion.
To have 100% of our student body earn “on level” status remains our ultimate goal. To achieve that goal would put us closer to our aim: for all BCMS students to develop those necessary study habits which will enable our students to be successful at BCHS and allow them to reach their fullest academic potential.
To do so will require “Respect” for self, the “Responsibility” to willingly accept tasks assigned, and the “Resourcefulness” to persevere when at first they may not succeed.
And, we challenge the students to always be cognizant of their level status. As we start “Week 14” of the school year, we are already starting “week 2” of the second trimester and the fifth level review period.
DAILY HABITS . . . DAILY RESULTS!
THE POWER OF ZERO: HOW TO AVOID LOW GRADES
Starting around 5th or 6th grade, the rules change about mid-terms, report card grades and high school credits for graduation. Instead of being based primarily on what a student knows, suddenly grades are also based on what a student does, especially on what a student turns in on time. This change in the rules is not always explained or written down, but it is an important rule for students to know.
Students might think that some homework assignments are not important, especially if the teacher does not keep asking for the missing work. Students might think that if it was important, the teacher would “bug” them to turn in those assignments. However, most teachers do count all assignments for the final grade. If the teacher is not bugging you to turn something in, it still probably counts. If it is not turned in, it will probably be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
When students have several different classes and teachers, they have to learn how to keep all their books and papers organized. Sometimes, they really did their homework, but they can’t find it to turn it in. Even though the student learned the information by doing his assignment, it is not just having the knowledge that counts. If the homework is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Sometimes, a student is really good at a subject and gets good grades on the tests. He might think that the homework assignments are not important because he already knows this stuff and he knows he will get an “A” on the test. However, grades are based on homework as well as tests, so homework that is not turned in will count as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
A student might be confused about how to complete an assignment, but not ask for help. If he doesn’t know how to do it, he might just ignore it and not turn in anything at all. By not asking for help, maybe no one in class will realize that he doesn’t understand. However, if it is not turned in, it will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
As students get older, there are more long-term projects to do. These require the student to plan ahead or else he will be trying to do the whole thing on the last possible night. Students who put off getting started on big projects sometimes get frustrated and end up turning in nothing. If nothing is turned in, the project will be listed as a zero in the teacher’s grade book.
Here is an example about two students in the same class. All of their daily grades were exactly the same, but Student #2 passed with a “C,” while Student #1 failed! How did that happen?!
The only difference between getting an “F” and getting an “C” for these students was that Student #1 had 3 assignments with ZERO points! Student #2 had failed the same 3 assignments, but he did not have ZEROES for them. Perhaps he had not completed his homework for those three, or maybe he just didn’t understand it. Still, he turned in all of his assignments and had at least some points correct. A “high F” grade is better than an “F” due to a ZERO.
Assignment Total Possible
Points (A+)Points needed
for a “C-”Student #1’s
points & gradesStudent #2’s
points & gradesHomework 10 7 10 = A 10 = A Homework 25 18 24 = A 24 = A Homework 20 14 14 = C 14 = C Quiz 30 21 24 = B 24 = B Homework 20 14 0 = F 12 = F Homework 20 14 0 = F 12 = F Quiz 30 21 18 = D 18 = D Homework 15 11 12 = B- 12 = B- Homework 25 18 23 = A- 23 = A Project 65 46 0 = F 38 = F Homework 20 14 18 = B 18 = B Test 100 70 83 = B 83 = B Homework 10 7 9 = B+ 9 = B+ Homework 25 18 25 = A 25 = A Total Points 435 305 260 = F 322 = C Final Grade A+ C- F C
A smart student knows that if a teacher gives an assignment, it must be completed and turned in on time. It is important to ask someone for help if you do not understand how to do an assignment. It is important to ask someone to help you get organized so you don’t lose assignments.
Who can you ask for help?
Remember the power of ZERO.
Don’t let it have any power over you!
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Monday, November 11
- 6/8 Boys Basketball vs St. John Sauers- AWAY
- 6 Girls vs Salem- HOME
Tuesday, November 12
- 7/8 Boys Basketball vs Lutheran Central- HOME
- 6AB Girls Basketball vs East Washington- VALLONIA
Thursday, November 14
- 7/8 Girls Basketball vs Immanuel- AWAY
- 6AB Girls Basketball vs Oolitic- HOME
Saturday, November 16
- 7/8 Girls Basketball at Salem Tourney
- 7/8 Boys Basketball at Salem Tourney
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court!
“Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.”- Bobby Knight
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“We are limited not by our abilities but by our vision.” -Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Goals and Dreams: Being in Action”
Until next week, -
Mr. McClure's Weekly Blog
Week of: November 4 - 8
Week 13
“The Principal’s Post”
THE CONCLUSION OF FIRST TRIMESTER & REPORT CARDSAs the first trimester concluded last Friday, November 1st, please be looking for your student(s) to bring his/her report card home this Friday (November 8th). Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers and/or counselor with any questions. Our work continues!!!
TRIMESTER 2 STUDENT SCHEDULES
Students will be receiving their Trimester 2 schedules when they arrive to their TRIBE rooms Monday morning.
SAY, RE-“CHEESE!”
Student yearbook picture retakes will be taken this week. The photographer will be at the school on Wednesday (November 6th) for those students interested in having their 2019-2020 school year picture retaken.
RED RIBBON WEEK
Submitted by: Mrs. McCrary, BCMS Counselor
BCMS will be observing Red Ribbon Week this. This is a week in which we, as a school, will stand together to say that we are not going to let drugs into our lives. One way in which we will bring attention to this matter is by having fun "dress up days" with Red Ribbon Week related mottos. A big "thank you" goes out to BCMS Tribal Council for coming up with our daily dress up days.
Tuesday: Don't Let Drugs Steal your Dreams (Pajama Day)
Wednesday: Team Up Against Drugs (Jersey or Team Shirt Day)
Thursday: Beach Day (Wave Goodbye to Drugs)
Friday: Be Brave Against Drugs (Red and Black Day)
The Tribe in each grade with the highest participation rate will receive a prize.
An educational component is also added to Red Ribbon Week. Tribal Council students, along with the group Teens for Change, have put together a slide show presentation about the harmfulness of drug and alcohol use. Tribal Council students will present the slideshow to each Tribe.
HOMEWORK
As mentioned previously (reference Principal Post week 2), your child should be regularly bringing home school work to complete as homework. As a school, we are firm believers that our students should be engaged in academic practice at home. The best way for our school to insure the optimal benefits for every child’s education is to provide opportunities to practice and reinforce at home those lesson concepts that he/she learns at school.
As we are now beginning our second trimester, our thirteenth week of the school year, our homework expectations are well established.
I am revisiting the topic of homework this week as it remains imperative that students complete and return their assignments. Getting into the habit of doing homework is, at times, as challenging as completing the homework assignments themselves. Once the habit is mastered, the learning will naturally follow.
Our progress as a school in recent years speaks to value of homework and our students’ attitudes toward it. And, when becoming high school students (what we are ultimately preparing our students for), the study habits that our students develop will serve them exceedingly well.
Every student should have homework to complete every night . . . even if it is spending 30-45 minutes reading. If your child says that he/she doesn’t have homework, and/or tells you that they finished all their homework “at school,” please be suspicious. Accessing our daily “Homework” link on this website (horizontal menu above in blog post) can help to validate what you are being told.
Contacting one of the teachers on your child’s team directly is another easy way to verify your child’s assertion.
In next week’s post, we will comment on, “The Power of Zero: How to Avoid Low Grades.”
4th LEVEL REVIEW & THE START OF THE 5th LEVEL REVIEW PERIOD
The fourth and final level review period for Trimester 1 concluded last Friday, November 1st. This week teachers will be reviewing and making determinations as to those students who earned “on-level” status for the fourth three-week review period. For those student “on-level,” their rewards activity is planned for Friday! J
We begin the 5th level review period today . . . the 1st level review period for Trimester 2!!! J
All BCMS students start with a “clean slate” as the work to be “on-level” for this fifth level review period (November 4th – November 26th) has begun.
To be eligible for three-week Level Reward Activities and any scheduled after-school dances, a student must have:
- No more than 1 incomplete homework/daily work assignment perclass
- No more than 3 incomplete homework/daily work assignments in total
- No more than 1 detention
- No discipline violations warranting a Wednesday School,Saturday School, ISS (In-school Supervision) or OSS (Out-of-school Suspension) consequence
To be eligible for an end-of-trimester field trip, a student must be “on-level” 3 out of the 4 level review periods during the trimester.
BCMS ATHLETIC UPDATES
Submitted by: Mr. Young, BCMS Athletic Director
Congrats to all of our Fall Sports Team on Great Seasons.
BCMS 7th Grade Tourney Champs
MSC 8th Grade Tourney Champs
CC State Qualifiers
Keep up-to-date with BCMS Athletics on Twitter: @btown_ms
Great job athletes! Keep working hard in the classroom & on the court or field!
“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships” - Michael Jordan
THIS WEEK’S BRAVE V.I.S.I.O.N. QUOTE:
“Don’t expect people to understand your grind when God didn’t give them your vision.” - Anonymous
THIS WEEK’S PROJECT WISDOM THEME:
“Friendship: Encouraging One Another”
Until next week, -
Homework Assignments will be updated daily by 3:00 pm.
Trimester 2
Week 13: November 4 - November 8
Week 14: November 11 - November 15
Week 15: November 18 - November 22
Week 16: November 25 - November 29 (Thanksgiving Week)
Week 17: December 2 - December 6
Week 18: December 9 - December 13
Week 19: December 16 - December 20
Week 20: January 6 - January 10
Week 21: January 13 - January 17
Week 22: January 20 - January 24
Week 23: January 27 - January 31
Week 24: February 3 - February 7
Week 25: February 10 - February 14
Trimester 1
Week 12: October 28 - November 1 -
To Fulfill Your Potential at BCMS, You Must:
- Behave in a manner appropriate for school
- Show respect for the people and property around you.
- Be in class every day with a positive attitude
- Come to class prepared with the appropriate materials
- Keep a folder, notebook, or binder for each class
- Update your agenda daily
- Complete daily assignments
- Participate in class discussions and activities
- Ask for extra help when needed.
- Study outside of school