Beloit Memorial High School Newsletter
March-April  2018



Dear BMHS Families, Students and Staff,

Welcome to the March/April 2018 BMHS newsletter! As I write this letter, I hope I am welcoming you to Spring! We are all ready for that! I want to thank all families and students for your cooperation as we recently worked through situations that impact our school safety. Working together we can keep our students, staff, and school a safe place to learn and work. I want to assure you that our BMHS administration team works closely with our Central Office administration and the Beloit Police Department on a daily basis! We appreciate your help in monitoring and guiding your teen's social media activity. Responsible use of social media by our students is a key part to this effort. Thank you!
 
On March 5th, BMHS will hold the rescheduled EXPO KNIGHT which will be another opportunity for our students and incoming freshman to meet our awesome BMHS staff and departments and to learn about the many fantastic academic and career opportunities that BMHS has to offer students!!   PUT MARCH 5 th on your CALENDAR!! See you there!!
 
Winter activities are concluding and students are signing up for Spring sports and activities!
  • Spring Musical will be held March 9th and 10th and March 16th, 17th and 18th!
  • BMJE/BMJO and Choir/Orchestra concerts and shows will also be held in March and April !
  • Spring Break: March 24th - April 1st!   Students return to school on Monday, April 2nd!
  • Term 3 Exams: Term 3 exams are the afternoon of April 4th and morning of April 5th!
  • April 6th is a district PD day - NO School for students!
 
I want to thank all families and students for your cooperation and attention to the ACT testing that took place on Feb 27 th and 28 th ! 10 th grade students will take the Forward Exam on March 20th and 21st during Advisory - NO CHANGE FOR March school schedules.
 
As you receive this newsletter, our juniors have already begun the extremely important Statewide ACT Testing for ALL juniors! ACT Makeup tests will be held on March 21st and 22nd. You have received Skyward and email messages regarding the ACT schedule. As parents/guardians you can help your teens be ready for all testing by:
  • making sure your teen gets a good night's sleep!
  • making sure your teen eats well; breakfast (we have this at school) and evening meal!            
  • encouraging your teen to complete the whole test and to DO THEIR BEST!
We know that changes in schedules are hard to make and we appreciate your help. We have four days in April that will have modified schedules to make accommodations for the 9 th and 10 th grade Aspire testing:
  • 10th Grade Aspire testing: April 10th and 11th
  • 9th Grade Aspire testing: April 17th and 18th
**Please find the schedules and timelines in this newsletter. Information was already sent through email.
 
In conclusion, we look forward to seeing you and we welcome your attendance at Term 4 Parent-Teacher conferences on April 26 th !   We look forward to this opportunity to build our partnership between schools and families! Thank you for your time and cooperation! We look forward to seeing you at BMHS!
 
In Educational Partnership,

Carole Campbell
Principal 
Upcoming Dates

MARCH 

BMHS EXPO
March 5 (5-6:30)
NO SCHOOL - PLC DAY
March 9
Spring Musical- Pajama Game
March 9, 10, 16, 17 (7:00 PM)
Spring Musical - Pajama Game March 18 (2:00 PM)
Choir/Orch Concert
March 19 (7:00 PM)
Forward Exam
March 20 & 21
SPRING BREAK 
March 26-30

APRIL

School Resumes
April 2
Term 3 Exams April 4 & 5
NO SCHOOL - Report Card Prep
April 6
ACT Aspire Testing (10th Grade)
April 10 & 11
Hall of Fame Assembly April 13
ACT Aspire Testing (9th Grade)

April 17 & 18
Term 4 Parent-Teacher Conferences
April 26 (5-7 PM)

EXPO KNIGHT - MARCH 5th



5:00 - 6:30 PM
Explore all the great opportunities that BMHS has to offer:
  • Academy Model
  • Athletics, Activities
  • Fine Arts
  • Career & Technical Education
  • Student Support Services
  • Advanced Placement
  • College & Career Readiness
  • Exceptional Professional Educators
ACT State Assessments for ALL JUNIORS

The ACT Statewide Assessment will be on Tuesday, February 27th
The ACT WorkKeys State Assessement will be on Wednesday, February 28th

  • For ACT Testing, JUNIORS ONLY ATTEND school on Tuesday, February 27th.
    • JUNIORS ONLY report ON TIME to BMHS at 7:45 AM
    • JUNIORS MUST BE ON TIME FOR TESTING
THERE IS NO SCHOOL for FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES and SENIORS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27th
  • For ACT WorkKeys, JUNIORS ATTEND school at
    7:45 AM
    •  Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors ATTEND in the afternoon
      • 11:20 AM - All students MAY COME TO BMHS for Lunch at 11:45!
      • 12:25 PM - ALL CLASSES resume for ALL STUDENTS
        ***Students will participate in Course                 Selection and Blocks 1 and 2 this*** 
FORWARD EXAM

 

Students in Grade 10 will be participating in the Forward Exam on March 20th & 21st during Advisory. Students are tested in the area of social studies.  The Forward Exam measures the knowledge and skills your student should have acquired by the time they reach 10th grade.  Their performance on the assessment will not affect any of their current grades.  Please encourage your son or daughter to take the test seriously and do the best they can.  The results will be used to help school staff make determination or placement in classes to best support your child.

ACT Aspire Testing

 

The ACT Aspire test is a State assessment that measures what students have learned in the areas of: English, Reading, Math, Science and Writing. The state requires all 9th and 10th grade students to take the test. We will test 10th graders on April 10th & 11th. 9th graders will be tested on April 17th & 18th. Only students taking the test should be in the building during the assigned testing times. All other students will have a 1/2 day of school. More details and schedules to follow.

Course Selection for 2017-2018


Scheduling for current BMHS High School students will begin on February 28th.  

Students should sign up for at least 8 credits and select several alternate courses for additional options. 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact your student's counselor.

Mrs. Wolf (A-D) 608.361.3027 ewolf@sdb.k12.wi.us
Mr. Gamble(E-La) 608.361.3021 tgamble@sdb.k12.wi.us
Ms. Hart  (Lb-Rh) 608.361.3026 thart@sdb.k12.wi.us
Mrs. Snow (Ri-Z) 608.361.3028 asnow@sdb.k12.wi.us
     

BMHS Course Offerings - Challenge Yourself!

Beloit Memorial is continuing its focus on increasing student access to rigorous courses. One step is to ensure that essential information is shared with students and families. Capstone courses such as Advanced Placement courses, Project Lead the Way (pre-engineering and computer science courses), Microsoft Office Certification computer application class, and transcripted courses with Blackhawk Technical College. Students earn college credit while still in high school. These courses are challenging but provide an opportunity to experience a college-like learning environment. Additionally, these opportunities challenge students to extend their learning and build on the foundation they have received through the traditional coursework offered at BMHS.

Students who choose to take one or more challenging courses experience a number of benefits:
  1. Students experience college level expectation
  2. Students can earn college credit while still in high school
  3. Students are able to practice study skills that are necessary to be successful in college
  4. Students get the attention of colleges by taking challenging course work
  5. Students learn to improve their time management
  6. Students save money by earning college credit while taking these courses in high school
As BMHS students begin to think about course selection for next year, it is important to consider all of the opportunities offered. Students can access courses leading to college preparation, industry certifications, and even college and Technical College credit.

Career Cruising



Invitation to Explore College and Career Options with your Child

The school district has implemented an online planning tool called Career Cruising. Each of our students has access to this program and has been using it to explore their interests and how these interests might relate to a career. Using this program students are able to take part in
interest inventories, learn about careers, research post- secondary education options, find out about scholarships, and create an online portfolio. Inspire Rock County which allows students to ask professionals questions about their occupations in a safe and monitored environment is also a part of Career Cruising. Inspire Rock county is a powerful tool which allows students to see the companies in our area and the positions that they have open.

Each student has been instructed to invite their parent or guardian to participate in their portfolio development via email. Once you have your login you can access the program at https://www.careercruising.com/parent/ . If you have not received this email or are having trouble, please email me at mbriesemeister@sdb.k12.wi.us .

This program is a critical component in providing each of our students with Academic and Career Planning services. We want all of our students to have a plan and make the most of their time in the School District of Beloit- ultimately graduating well prepared to pursue their career path.

Mitchell Briesemeister
Director of Career and Technical Education


BMHS Theatre Presents...

A union strike at a pajama factory generates plenty of steam heat in this top-tapping, comedic love story.

March 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 PM
March 18 at 2:00 PM

Tickets $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults which
can be purchased online at TICKETS


Advanced Placement Exams

Advanced Placement Exams will be held on May 7th-18th
Student payments for the exams are due by MARCH 16th.   The cost for each exam is $94.00.  If a student does not take an exam after signing up for one, they will be charged $15.00.  If you have any questions, please see your AP teacher or Mr. Gamble in the Counseling Office.

AP EXAM DATES:

WEEK 1
Morning (8:00 AM) Afternoon
(12:00 PM)
Monday, May 7 Chemistry
Spanish Literature & Culture
Psychology
Tuesday, May 8 Seminar
Spanish Lang & Culture
Art History
Physics 1

Wednesday, May 9
English Literature & Composition Physics 2
Thursday, May 10 US Government Environmental Science
Friday, May 11 US History Computer Science Principles



WEEK 2


Monday, May 14 Biology
Music Theory
Physics C (2:00 PM)
Tuesday, May 15 Calculus AB/BC French Language & Culture
Comp Science A
Wednesday, May 16 English Language and Composition
Thursday, May 17 World History Statistics
Friday, May 18 Human Geography European History



ART NEWS

The art department has much to report this month.
Uyen Vo received a full scholarship to Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, based in part on her stellar art portfolio!
Melissa Jenkins got into the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design earning a $60,000 scholarship!
Madeline Cawkins received a gold key for her outstanding sculpture "steampunk, death mask" from the scholastic art competition. Only four percent of the 1000's of statewide entries were awarded this! Her artwork is on display at the Milwaukee Museum of Art!! She is going on to compete nationally and we will find out in March if she succeeds. Best wishes to Maddie!
Ten students were selected out of a 1000 plus to participate in the competitive Rockford and Vicinity High School art show.  Rosita Voss received a Juror's Merit Award, and Alex Lara and Alexus Bell were given honorable mention for their distinguished pieces. Kassumy Montiel-Reyes had two pieces selected. Isaic Pulliam, Makenzie Phelps, Bonnie Hamilton, Alex Lara, and Nathalia Zamora were the other talented artists selected. March 4th is the awards ceremony at the Rockford Art Museum. Please come out, see some very talented students!
Four students had work chosen for the Wisconsin Art Educator Association show in Madison. Uyen Vo, Isaic Pulliam, Rosita Voss and Alex Lara all submitted outstanding portraits. Three will move on to the state level show at the capitol building in March. 
BMHS was chosen from thousands of entries to participate in the Vans Custom Culture Shoe Design Competition. We are busy compiling teams to redesign sneakers for two themes, Off the Wall and Locale Flavor.
Students will be working with Beloit College artist in residence, Amanda Browder, to help create her new installation at the old Beloit river pump house. She is coming to the HS to lecture and have us sew the cloth needed to wrap this building. If you have fabric to donate please let Ms. Carpenter know. We are thrilled to be a part of this!
Digital Media Arts and Intro to Graphic arts students competed to create promotional materials for the 13th year of the Beloit International Film Festival. Rene Aguilar's design was chosen after a round of voting through social media and final approval by the board. Kia Kitto and Amaya Avila also received great praise for their designs. New billboard designs created in these classes are also in production for the 2nd year in collaboration with AIU. Last year's designs are still featured on billboards around town.
Our current art trip to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France is creeping up on us. We will be abroad in June and the excitement is growing!


BETTER SLEEP FOR TEENS

How can I help my teen get better sleep?
By: Jessica Anderson MA, LPC Counselor at the School Based Health Center
 
According to a survey completed by the Beloit School District, fifty-one percent of high school students reported difficulties with sleep. This is also a common issue mentioned in therapy sessions by both parents and teens. Lack of sleep can cause issues with attention and increase the likelihood that a teen will respond to situations with stronger emotional reactions--among other difficulties. Here are some ways to help your teen get better sleep.
  1. Stick to a schedule. Getting up and going to sleep at the same time every day helps the brain and the body to recognize when it is time to be awake and when it is time to be asleep.
  2. Establish a bedtime routine. Doing the same things each night to prepare for bed helps signal to the brain that it is time to "wind down" and get ready for sleep. There isn't a set routine that must be followed but it could include things like shutting off screens, putting on pajamas, brushing their teeth, washing their face, reducing noise, reading, etc etc.
  3. Don't drink or eat a lot right before bed. Eat a light dinner at least 2 hours before going to sleep. Avoid spicy foods which may cause heartburn and interfere with sleep. Drinking too many fluids prior to sleep may result in multiple trips to the bathroom throughout the night which interferes with restful sleep.
  4. Avoid caffeine. A good rule of thumb is to stop consuming caffeine 8 hours prior to going to sleep. For example, if bedtime is at 9 pm then caffeine should be cut out at 1 pm. Keep in mind that caffeine can be found in chocolate as well as soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
  5. Sleep primarily at night. Day time sleeping can make it difficult to sleep at night so keep naps during the day short (less than 1 hour) and no later than 3:00 pm.
  6. Keep it cool. Turn the temperature in the room down because this mimics the body's natural decrease in temperature when sleeping. If you get too cold, add more layers. If you get too hot, remove layers.
  7. Keep it dark, quiet, and NO SCREENS. Use shades or curtains that block out extra light. Use ear plugs or a white noise machine/fan to block out extra noise. Turn off screens at least one hour before bed time. That includes smart phones, tablets, computers, and the TV. All of these devices are backlit with blue light which interferes with the brain's ability to tell the difference between day time and night time. No screens can be the hardest one to add. If you're having a hard time getting your teen to agree with this one try to see if their phone or tablet has a setting that turns the screen to a warmer tone as this can also help.
If your teen is still having a hard time sleeping after adding in these tips/tricks, then you might want to consider checking in with their Primary Care Physician as sometimes there may be underlying medical condition/s that are making it hard for them to sleep.

In This Issue
Dear Families, Students & Staff
Upcoming Dates
EXPO Knight
ACT State Assessments
FORWARD EXAM
ACT Aspire Testing
Course Selections
Course Offerings Challenge Yourself
Career Cruising..
BMHS Theatre Presents...
AP Exam Dates
Art News
Better Sleep for Teens
Spring Sports
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Music Notes
Youth Options
School Board Policies
Seniors
Scholarship Awards
AIU
2018 Spring Sports
Start Dates 

Track & Field - March 5
Softball - March 12
Baseball - March 19
Girls Soccer - March 19
Boys Golf - March 26
Boys Tennis - March 26
 
Term 4
Parent-Teacher
Conferences

April  26th
5:00-7:00 PM
Fieldhouse
 
Music Notes



Spring Choir Concert

March 12th, 7:00 PM 

 

Masterworks Choir & Orchestra Concert
March 19th, 7:00 PM

 

 

Youth Options

Applications are now available for students who are interested in taking college courses while still in high school.  The Youth Options program is now referred to at the "Early College Credit Program"
The program provides opportunity for high school students to take one or more courses within the University of Wisconsin System or a private, nonprofit higher learning institution located in the state.  Students interested in taking courses with a Wisconsin Technical College can do so under the Start College Now Program.  Students interested in taking a Fall course must submit an application to Mrs. Snow in the Counseling Office by March 1, 2018.
School Board Policies to Review

With Spring aproaching, it is time to review our district dress code and cell phone policies.

 
SENIORS!



Midwest Scholastic was with us in January to take orders for cap, gown, tassel and announcements.   If you did not get your order in you will need to mail in your order .


 

Orders can be placed on their webite at mwscholastic.com

 

Email questions to:

 questions@mwscholastic.com

Scholarship Award Letters

Senior Scholarship Award's Night will be held on May 23rd. Seniors please bring in a copy of any Scholarship Award Letters you receive so that we may recognize you at our Senior Award's Night in May. Letters may be given to Mrs. Wolf in the Counseling Office or scanned and email to ewolf@sdb.k12.wi.us.  

If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Wolf 

at 608.361.3027. 

Letters must be received 

by Monday,  May1st

AIU


Seven students and three chaperones represented BMHS AIU at the Teen Summit in Wisconsin Dells in February.

If you are wondering what AIU is, Harley sums it up in her own words: "I am with an organization through my school, called A.I.U. (Accept, Include, and Understand me). Our activities promote building healthy, mutually beneficial relationships based on trust, spreading awareness and letting teens know they are not alone when life becomes confusing or frustrating. We are here to help.  We also embrace that everyone is different and has something to offer."