BMS Newsletter

Brookwood Middle School

Home of the Timberwolves

Newsletter for Parents/Guardians January, 2009  

Office Hours: 7:30-4:00 Office Phone: 758-5350         

From the Principal…

Dear Parent/Guardian:

With the start of a New Year, it is traditional for people to make resolutions to improve themselves for the upcoming year. At BMS we are doing the same for our students. We resolve to continue to work together-staff, students, and parents- to make BMS a caring, safe learning environment.

As children grow, their social world expands, parents have less control over their activities, and children make their own social choices. In the middle school years, they begin to develop more advanced interpersonal relationships, and peer approval and acceptance become more important.

Bullying in schools peaks in middle school and drops off by grades 11 and 12. Cliques are small, exclusive groups of friends. There are usually hierarchies of cliques and there are often many cliques in schools. Normal adolescent development often revolves around cliques. They provide a social niche and help kids develop a sense of belonging and support. Clique members can become nasty to outsiders by putting them down, using teasing, taunting, spreading rumors, and physical aggression. Boys who bully are more likely to be identified because their acts are more physical. Bullying between girls is generally verbal, more subtle, and indirect, such as ridiculing and starting rumors.

In general bullies:

•         Are good at talking themselves out of trouble

•         Derive satisfaction from inflicting suffering

•         Lack empathy for victims

•         Explain their actions by complaining that they were provoked

•         Are angry, impulsive, and have low self-esteem

•         Are likely to engage in problem behaviors later in life

Schools must establish school wide initiatives, such as PAWS, PBIS, and Citizen of the Month, which are at BMS, to counteract bullying and to promote pro-social behavior. Besides the Anti bullying campaign conducted in early September (and signs are still posted around the halls) we have had Choose not to Lose (anti gang) assemblies and the Cook County Sheriff’s department visit our 6^th grade classrooms to discuss conflict resolution.

Parents can take an active part in helping their children during the middle school years. As a parent you can:

•         Monitor your own behavior and aggression

•         Provide an appropriate model of conflict resolution

•         Be concerned and responsive

•         Know your child’s friends

•         Let your child know that you’re available

Students must understand that the appropriate response to violence is reporting it to an adult, such as a parent or school staff.

The first source for outside help with a problem is the teacher. If you can’t work things out with the teacher, go to the school guidance counselor, psychologist, or principal. Participation of the whole school community in partnership with parents is the key to a successful establishment of a climate of respect and learning.

     Sincerely,

     Joan Stoiber, Principal  

Important Dates…

Jan. 05                        School resumes

Jan. 10                        Market Day pick-up, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 12                        Board of Education meeting, 7:30 p.m. @ Central Office

Jan. 14                        2:00 p.m. District dismissal

Jan. 15                       Parent Advisory meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 16                        End of Quarter two

Jan. 19                        No School, Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday Observance

Jan. 23            Report cards issued

Jan. 27                        PTA meeting, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Jan. 30                        No School, Teacher Institute 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

   BMS Bill of Rights

 The rights apply to all persons, students and staff, and to the entire school day.

• The right to an education.
• The right to be treated with respect.
• The right to be treated equally.
• The right to have all personal and school property respected.

Absences…

 Calling in you child as absent before 8:30 a.m. is important. When calling, give your name, student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.

Absentee line (708) 757-2110.

Grant Received at BMS!       DDR for P.E.

 Kathy Powell, P.E. teacher at BMS was one of the winners of a mini grant sponsored by the South Suburban Business Managers group. Hers was one of many applicants submitted to be considered for the $2,000.00. The grant money will be used to purchase a system that is big in the video game world and has become very popular in schools because of the cardiovascular benefits from it. It is called Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Congratulations and thanks to Mrs. Powell.

Meet our new teacher…Mr. Dryjanski

Where did you go to college?

Aurora University

Do you have any pets?

2 cats, Lily and Colin

Do you have any hobbies?

Running, biking, and cooking on the grill

What is your favorite vacation?

Relaxing on Lake Michigan in South Haven, Michigan.

What do you like best about BMS? Why?

Close feeling of community, everyone seems to get along and help each other.

What is your favorite snack?

Peanuts

What is your favorite color?

Blue

What is your favorite T.V. show?

Myth Busters and My name is Earl

Do you have a favorite sport? If so, what is your favorite team?

Hockey - Blackhawks

“Choose Not to Lose!”

Alternatives for grades 5-8

          On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 and Friday, December 5, 2008, Tasha Williams from the State’s Attorney’s Office came to speak to the students on the violence that surrounds gang and drug involvement.  She was a motivational speaker who also talked about positive alternatives to these activities.  The students also watched a 20 minute video with “street” footage, which conveyed a strong message to the children about gang activity.  This program was set up through Risk Watch by Ms. Weis.

Reclaim A Youth (RAY)

Watch Your Manners Program

By Denise McField

On December 2, 2008 Brookwood Middle School had its first session of the RAY program Watch Your Manners.  Presenter Eunice Geron spoke to the students about the meaning and importance of social etiquette.  She informed students that you never know when you are being observed and by whom.  You should always put your best foot forward because first impressions are lasting.  In the weeks to follow, the program will discuss personal development, personal appearance, and daily courtesy.  All workshops will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm.  The workshops will be held on the following dates January 13^th and 20^th, February 10^th and 24^th in the Brookwood Middle School cafeteria. If you are interested in attending or need more information, please feel free to contact Ms. McField.

Youth Services…

Submitted by: Ms. McField, School Social Worker

On December 2nd, 5th, and 12^th the Cook County Sherriff Youth Services Department came to Brookwood Middle School. This conflict resolution taught basic skills of peaceful conflict resolution including anger-management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

BMS receives Walmart grant…

We are so pleased that our school has received a grant from the Walmart Foundation on behalf of the Glenwood store. Mrs. Stoiber applied for the grant earlier this fall. There was a short grant presentation ceremony at the store on December 15^th, 2008. Mrs. Stoiber received the $1000.00 check and thanked Walmart for their contribution to our students’ learning. The money will be used to support reading at BMS. Last year Mrs. Stoiber wrote a grant and we received Stack Cups for our P.E. program.

Early Act Club…

On Wednesday December 10 a group of dedicated volunteers helped bring cheer to under privileged students in the community.  The Early Act members of Brookwood Middle School and Junior High attended a meeting with the Homewood Rotary Club members, while enjoying lunch at the Calumet Country Club.  Students were able to witness a true Rotary meeting and how adults in our community provide service above self.  Once lunch was finished, it was down to business.  Students formed groups and worked at individual tables.  They wrapped a variety of presents for students at Glenwood School for Boys and Girls that do not receive many gifts on Christmas.  Niara Shama, Michael Adeleke, Dominic Brewer, Lucky Odiase, Andre Parker, Simon Williams, Ambrea Young, Ruth Adekale, Tyler Newkirk, Khryslyn Walker, Ciara Thomas, and Alecia Martin learned the art of wrapping presents very quickly.  They are also responsible for bringing joy to their peers this holiday season!        

Starting off the Season on a Good Note

By: Emilie Smith

On Tuesday, December 10^th, forty-nine fifth and sixth grade students participated in a holiday concert, which included performances from the Brookwood Middle School Chorus and Bands. Such songs as “O Christmas Tree”, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”, “Shalom Chaverim” and many others were performed for an audience so large that some people had to stand in the doorways. The students played and sang exceptionally well and received many compliments from family members, teachers, and administrators. The Chorus and Band students look forward to seeing you at our next performance, which is the Spring Concert in April. Ms. Smith and the Chorus and Band students would like to thank all the parents and staff members who made our amazing performance possible. Ms. Smith would also like to thank these students among others, for their dedication and loyalty to the music program:

Band students look forward to seeing you at our spring concert!!!

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