Thankfulness

By Richard Swanson


We have a lot to be thankful for at BMS.  We have had a great start to the school year with many new things happening in the system.  We are now a 6th-8th grade building and have added many new learning experiences for our students.  We have added a block schedule which has allowed our students to spend more time with teachers and dive deeper into the necessary relationships and learning materials.  We continue to get specific about what we are teaching and measuring our progress on those specifics.  We continue to find ways to share the BMS story and connect with the great families and community here in Byron.  In every example above, it is people that make all of those things a reality.  Those people have put many hours into creating a learning environment that is aligned to the unique and amazing students we serve.  Our students have had the right attitudes and put forth the effort to grow and learn to the best of their abilities.

It is a great thing to be a part of a "learning community" that focuses on creating students of good character who will work hard to learn at deep and meaningful levels.  We appreciate the parents, students, teachers, paras, support staff, custodians and community members that support the great things happening at BMS!  We will continue to get better at what we do, which is inspiring young adolescents to learn new things and become people that will make a positive impact on the world around them.  We thank you for your help and look forward to the future and all that it will bring!

Cupcake War Ss building cupcake displays without the carpenters!!!@ByronMSBears #bmsbears pic.twitter.com/lw15QnIUcD

— Cathleen M Johnson (@evpceojohnson) November 22, 2016

7th Grade BEARS are sharing what they are thankful for💛 #BMSBears @ByronMSBears pic.twitter.com/xsQ6wIU4m9

— Brooke Bordelon (@BrookeBordelon) November 22, 2016

Intense Kahoot game happening with the 6th and 8th Grade buddies at @ByronMSBears #byronbears #Belonging pic.twitter.com/5eRSCwudtn

— Katie Donlin (@DonlinSTEM) November 18, 2016

A little #NaNoWriMo2016 action happening in English class! 1,000-18,000 words in our novels!! Working hard! #bmsbears pic.twitter.com/gK106VYXO3

— Janelle Groehler (@JanelleGroehler) November 18, 2016

So proud of my students! This shows the big picture for them, how they're making a difference outside the classroom! https://t.co/niwexViFq3

— Mr. Pollock (@MrPollockBMS) November 17, 2016

Byron Middle School @ByronMSBears Gr. 8 Music Ss out in the community with their "Music Connects People" project #byronbears #BMSBears pic.twitter.com/IY5xg3GAqd

— Michael Mangan (@ByronBandMS) November 3, 2016

Developing Well-Rounded Students

By Abe Rodemeyer

In November, we often think of thankfulness and gratitude for all that we have.  Our school district believes in developing well-rounded students so they may become adults who are not only lifelong learners but citizens who show empathy and compassion for others.  At the Byron Intermediate School, this month, we kicked off a change for children campaign to support the Wishes for More Foundation.  Wishes and More supports children and their families who are ill with Wishes, Scholarships and Memorials.  A friendly competition between both the Primary and Intermediate schools to see who can raise the most money during the month of November will determine which school gets a movie and pizza.  In addition to this campaign, students at both schools are involved in activities and events such as All Pro Dads, school leadership along with service learning projects like lawn raking and classroom buddies where they have opportunities to learn about being a good person and serving others.  Way to go Bears!

Byron Primary & Intermediate Schools together learning about supporting a community service project, Wishes & More.#BISstars, #ByronBears pic.twitter.com/EXLKbymvvA

— Abe Rodemeyer (@aberodemeyer) November 4, 2016

5th-grade webcasters introducing Mr. Blom and Mrs. Barstad as a challenge for Wishes and More. 

5th-grade student council leadership member assisting our Kindergarten friends at morning breakfast

Elementary students at a recent All Pro Dads event learning about honesty, cooperation, and teamwork.

5th graders being a good neighbor with raking a community members lawn.

Developing Leaders

 

By Amanda Durnen

 

This year at the Byron Primary School, we have ventured into a unique and meaningful relationship with some of our 5^th grade students from the Byron Intermediate School.  Together we have created and implemented a 5^th Grade Leadership program.  The goal of this program is to empower our 5^th grade students to be role models and leaders for our younger students, while providing assistance with our morning routines. 

Our 5^th grade leaders report to the Primary School every morning at 7:15 to check in, get their safety vest, put on their nametag and decide where they will be helping that morning.  Students have the option of assisting in breakfast, assisting with parent drop off, or assisting on the playground.  Students rotate jobs so that they get to know the ins and outs of all supervision areas.

When asked how they feel about the leadership opportunities offered this year, students have responded with overwhelming positive comments! “It is so much fun!”  “I love being able to do this!” We look forward to having our 5^th grade leaders continue their roles and enjoy their experiences with the Primary students

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