Greetings!
Hopefully this week we are all settling back into our routines. At BMS, we’re back in full swing. It has been so GREAT to be back at school and to see the students in the halls and classrooms. Butler is a busy place! And our students have been wonderful. They continue to do a great job with the procedures we have put in place this year to mitigate the risk of COVID. Thank you for your support as well.
I’d like to take a moment to reference the sad and discouraging events that happened in our nation’s capital. We also want to recognize that we have many different people in our school who represent different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and opinions, and that is something we celebrate as good citizens here at Butler. So at BMS, yesterday we reminded students of a couple things. This what we said,
First, you are surrounded by adults who care about you and want each day to be GREAT. You are safe here. Second, as Bruins we are always focused on being GREAT. Often as we interact with a variety of people, there are different opinions and ideas. One of the great things about our country and our school is this diversity. Please remember that we need to be kind to each other and respectful. One skill we should all be trying to develop is to truly listen to understand. We may not agree on everything, but we can be kind and respectful. That is what Good Citizens do. Remember, we are… GREAT Bruins–Good Citizens, Respectful, Engaged, Always Safe, and Totally Responsible.
School Permits – Tuesday, December 1 marked the start of the window for applying to attend a school other than your neighborhood school in 2021-2022. So-called School Choice transfers, or permits, are allowed under Utah law, and CSD families can apply for these transfers online through Friday, February 19, 2021.
BMS PTSA Opportunity – The PTSA President oversees school PTSA programs, , runs monthly meetings, and can attend district and council PTSA meetings. While this is a simplified explanation of the role, the person who steps into this role mid year will receive a well running PTSA machine! All arms of our Butler Middle PTSA are functioning well with strong individuals leading. The President works with the Executive Committee (treasurer and secretary) to oversee the budget and any communications to our school wide PTSA members. The time commitment each month varies between 5-10 hours (the exception being back to school projects in August which are more time consuming).
BMS Teacher of the Year Nominations – Hopefully you thought about who you want to nominate for 2021’s Teacher of the Year. Nominations for the BMS Teacher of the Year will be accepted through February 4th. All nominees are recognized by the school and the PTSA. Per tradition, Canyons District recognizes a Teacher of the Year from every Canyons school for outstanding teaching practices, professionalism, and community involvement. Every school-based Teacher of the Year receives gifts and prizes donated by CSD’s generous business partners. Nominations can be sent to the PTSA, dropped off in the main office or you can email the nomination to either the PTSA or to Ms. Logan. Attached is the nomination form. Last year’s BMS Teacher of the Year was Mr. Tellez, Band and Orchestra Teacher. Teacher of the Year Nomination Form
Safety Update – The district posts COVID information on the District Dashboard. BMS is listed with 0 cases and students on quarantine. We know there are several students whose parents are keeping them home due to an exposure. Thank you!!!. We are grateful for the care of our community. Remember to follow the Daily Symptom Checker, and if you have had an exposure to a confirmed case, please quarantine. Thank you for your efforts and please continue to be vigilant by taking the following precautions:
- Daily Symptom Checker .pdf
- Wear a face mask anytime you are around people with whom you don’t live.
- Maintain physical distance from those who aren’t in your household.
- Practice good hand-washing hygiene (use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water).
- Stay home when you: are sick, have symptoms of COVID, have tested positive for COVID, or have been placed on quarantine.
Parent Resources – I would like to remind everyone that we need to be diligent in helping our students develop safe online habits. Often during middle school years, many students acquire mobile phones or smart devices. Please be aware of these devices and the apps your children are using and the websites they are accessing/using. There are so many “traps” for children. Establish parameters to keep your children safe. There are quite a few online resources but here are a few recommendations to consider (there are many others—this list is not meant to be exhaustive, but a starting place).
- Remind your children to guard their privacy(and your family’s privacy). Do not share address information, personal information, where you attend school, or posting that your family will be out of town or your parents will be gone
- Remember that nothing online is truly private and that anything posted could have live forever. Currently many employers are googling prospective employees to find out what is out there about them. Please be careful what is shared online.
- Always tell a parent right away if something seems uncomfortable or odd.
- Check with parents before downloading or installing software or documents.
- Limit access to screen time.
- Keep computers and devices in a family room or living room so that access is always public.
- Create a “mobile” zone for all phones/mobile devices during dinner time, family time, and/or sleep time.
- Consider more recent studies that indicate a connection between depression and time on social media. 2 hours seems to be a tipping point.
Many of you probably already do this, but it might be a good time to review your family parameters with your students. Everyone can use the repetition if it keeps our kids safe. Adults and children are learning to manage mobile devices appropriately. Please take the time to set up guidelines for your children (and for yourself). And review them regularly to make changes or updates as needed. Good Luck!
Build-A-Bruin – The following 1st period classes reached their classroom goal and got to spin the wheel for prizes:
- Mr. Otto
- Mrs. Sollis
Upcoming Events
- January 14 – End of 2nd Term
- January 15 – No School (Teacher work day)
- January 18 – No School
- January 19 – 3rd Term Begins
Next Friday, January 15th, is a scheduled teacher work day. It will not be a virtual Friday. So, for our students, Friday is truly a day off school. You will have a nice 4 day weekend. Enjoy! Our teachers will be in the building. Their time will be focused on completing grades for the quarter and getting ready for 3rd quarter. We will not have specific office hours as we do on the Virtual Fridays.
Help Wanted – BMS is looking for a 19 hour ParaEducator. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Ms. Sara Allen at (801) 826-6813.
If there is anything we can do to support you and your student, please let us know. And remember,
It’s always a GREAT day . . . To be a BRUIN!!!
Ms. Paula Logan
Ongoing Items – These items have been addressed before, but may be needed again.
- Bruins Den – January 12, 13, and 14. The Bruins Den is available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the GREAT Room. This is a time for students to complete homework and/or get help from teachers. Each afternoon, two teachers are available in the GREAT Room to assist with student homework. Students can work on their own or get assistance from a teacher. Computers are available for homework.
