BAMS NEWS
May 2019
A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL LYMAN
Dear BAMS Families,
This is one of my favorite times of the year but it's also an incredibly busy time in the school. Our eighth-grade families are preparing for the move up ceremony on June 19 and all the other transitions that happen when you move on to high school. Seventh grade families are considering summer learning opportunities and working their way through the first year of middle school. It's an exciting time for everyone! As you can imagine, there is a lot going on in our school this time of year. I hope you carefully review the list of events listed in this newsletter.
Our local Educator's Association hosts an annual event to recognize outstanding service to our Supervisory Union. I would like to recognize the following faculty and staff from BAMS for their service:
5 years: Rebecca Artessa, Jessica Earp, Patrick Johnson, Robert O'Connor, Rebecca Olmstead, Deborah Serafino.
10 Years: Daniel Bailey
15 years: Matt Betz
20 years: Kristie Henderson, Mary Linney. Robert Clark (Facilities)
35 years! Ginny Rockwood
Retiree- Joe Powers
Congratulations to all!
I want to highlight a few recent accomplishments and events in celebration of the great work we do at BAMS. …
The SBAC testing will be taking place over the next few weeks. In addition to math and English-language arts, 8th-grade students are assessed at the end of May in Science using the SBAC software. A detailed letter is towards the bottom of this newsletter.
The 7th grade Museum night will be on May 29 and 30. Team Leo's night is May 29 at 6:30 and the Draco evening is May 30 at 6:30. All 7th grade families are welcome!
Teams will be taking field trips as we finish the year. These are often some of the most memorable experiences for our students and staff! Please be sure you are returning permission forms. Thank you.
Our last parent night of the year will be held during the BAMS dress-up dance on the 31st in the cafeteria. There will be tons of fun! An additional message will be sent home.
Dress-Up Dance details for May 31
TIME: 7:00 to 9:00
Doors open at 7:00. Plan for your ride to pick you up at 9:00.
WHO : All BAMS students may attend the dance. You must be enrolled
at BAMS to come to our dances.
Cost: $5.00 - a benefit to Student Leadership
What to Wear:
Dress Code Appropriate clothing. We would like students to dress-up for the occasion.
Additional information
Once you arrive at the dance you must stay until 9:00.
(We are open to exceptions if approved before the dance.)
If you need to arrive at the dance later than 7:15 due to another school sponsored event you must bring a note to Mr. Lyman or Mr. Daughton before the end of school on the day of the dance.
Dances are chaperoned by BAMS Staff and Administration.
We hope to see you there!
TEAM DRACO NEWS
Draco News -
Cape Cod Update - Students did a great job with their fundraising efforts! Thank you for all of your help with this! The third payment of $25 will be due June 3rd.
Draco Math students are finishing a pre-algebra unit on linear relationships. Students have worked through increasing levels of complex equations with many students reaching “Draco Dragon” status and some reaching “Master Dragon” status. We will finish the year with work on volume and surface area.
Draco English is reading The Giver by Lois Lowry and practicing our skills in basic reading comprehension; analyzing character, setting, and symbolism; categorizing conflict; and identifying theme. We are also working on expository (essay) writing structure beginning with solid paragraphs and topic (thesis) statements.
Dragon Science
We are following our units on Fluid Dynamics and Pressure with a natural progression to Mechanics. There will be a lot of moving parts during this unit as we focus on forces and motion. Currently, students are working to complete a portfolio entry on graphing. It is pushing our patience, but will support our future analyses of data.
Draco Social Studies is working towards our Ancient World Museum Night on May 30th from 6 pm to 7 pm in the BAMS Multi-Purpose Room. Families are invited to attend the evening display of student work associated with the Ancient World. Students are researching questions they have chosen and are creating display boards of information demonstrating their learning. We hope you will be able to attend!
TEAM LEO NEWS
English
In alignment with Social Studies, our class is currently reading the epic tale of Gilgamesh, which is the oldest written story known in existence. Each chapter has had us analyzing the content, looking at the context of the time period, and connecting the story to the modern day through art and writing.
We are also in transition to a new vocabulary website for many students. A number of students have been using the website vocabtest.com for a few months now, and undertaking lists at their ability levels. We have anywhere from 7th grade vocabulary to AP English level vocabulary!
Finally, our last reading response will be due on May 31st. Students have written five essays for their independent reading books alone, and the quality of writing has improved significantly from September to now. All students are writing a paragraph on a character of their choice and their development through the novel.
Social Studies
We are currently working on our Museum Projects. Students are writing an essay, creating a model, and completing a map and timeline about their topic. We are focusing on writing a thesis statement and supporting it with evidence. I look forward to seeing families on May 29th for Museum Night. All student projects will be on display. We will finish the year by studying the kingdoms of Africa. We will also have a final for the geography places we have identified this year.
Math
We have completed our “Comparing and Scaling” unit and have moved on to “Moving Straight Ahead”. In this unit, students examine linear relationships and learn the connections between graphs, tables, and equations. Students worked to analyze each form and determine the other two. Students are also solving one-variable equations. Students will need to demonstrate the ability to solve equations that require one, two, and three or more steps.
Science
We are deepening our understanding of chemical reactions by investigating how photosynthesis creates the base of the Earth’s food chain. Students will start by be using microscopes to observe plant cells and their structures. From there students will be designing experiments that help to demonstrate photosynthesis, and the roll photosynthesis has on the carbon cycle.
TEAM TAURUS NEWS
English
We have been tracing and evaluating arguments to determine if they are valid. Students use the R.A.C.E.S. writing format to create their responses. Students have also been looking at the different types of sentence structures. They have put the tracing of an argument and ability to determine sentence types into a final product. They will be using these skills to create a written argument based on three options that came from a survey done in class. Students have also been working on an Independent Reading Project that
required them to read in various situations and then take a selfie or picture of the book/article.
Social Studies
8th grade students just completed their "Voices of the People" projects in social studies for Diversity Day. Students worked individually or in pairs researching the stories or voices of a marginalized group, people or person, and were expected to show how that person/group made positive changes in the world, fought to make things more equal, stood up for justice, etc. On Friday, May 3 BAMS celebrated Diversity Day with guest speaker Taina Asili who presented about music as a means of making social change, and students rotated through different advisories to see some of the Voices of the People projects. A number of students focused on the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, the Women's Rights Movement, #MeToo, indigenous resistance to oppression (such as Standing Rock & the Dakota Access Pipeline), and individuals with disabilities. Students on Taurus are currently studying the geography of the United States, and will look at aspects of the Civil War, current events & climate change before the end of the year.
Math
In mathematics we are learning Algebra. Our focus is on symbolic expressions and equations. We will see a variety of methods to reason about a situation that can lead to different but equivalent expressions. In class, we will use mathematical properties to rewrite expressions and in turn, we discover equivalent expressions allow us to think about a problem in a new way helping us to solve problems in the real world.
Science
In Taurus science class students have begun the Forces and Motion unit. We are finding factors that affect how objects move, calculating speed, acceleration, and forces. Students are engaging in inquiry labs to reinforce concepts. This is a fun unit for most students because it is so interactive.
TEAM CANIS MAJOR
Team News - Shark Tank Interdisciplinary Unit
For the past two weeks, Canis Major students have been creating a product to pitch on Shark Tank. In each of the core classes, we have been learning about the different pieces involved in the process.
In science, students learned about renewable and non-renewable natural resources, the difference between natural and synthetic products and the effects our products have on the environment. From there, they brainstormed different problems that had solved or could solve in order to generate ideas for a product. In their Shark Tank groups, students determined their product and created a prototype of it.
In English, students learned about persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos from Aristotle’s Rhetoric. They also learned how to write an effective argumentative essay with a counterargument and rebuttal. Students wrote a sales pitch essay that argued the main selling points of their product.
For social studies, we researched demographic maps of the United States and determined which markets would be ideal for different businesses. We also worked on aspects of public speaking like body language, volume, appearance, delivery, and articulation.
In math, we have spent a considerable amount of time looking at the math related to running a business. Students have learned about different sources or revenue and different expenses to run a business, with a focus on profit per unit sold and profit margin. We have also looked extensively at how the selling price of a product is related to the profit a business can make. As price goes up, profits will increase even though sales will decrease. At some point, maximum profit will be reached, and then profits will start to decline because so few people will purchase the product. This has been an introduction to quadratics and a graph called a parabola. Finally, students have had to calculate break-even points so find out when businesses will become profitable.
Up next in class:
Math
We are just beginning our next unit, It’s in the System, which is a continuation of many of the algebra concepts we have studied this year. There will be a focus on rewriting and manipulating equations to solve for a different variable, as well as solving for a system of equations (when two lines will intersect).
Science
At the conclusion of our Shark Tank project, students will move on to learn more about planet Earth and its system. By examining fossil evidence, we will learn how earth has changed over time. We will take a closer look at our atmosphere and the variables that affect our weather. We will apply our knowledge of density, gases and energy to better understand weather patterns to explain why our weather is becoming more dynamic.
English
Students are now exploring the thematic topic of technology and how it has impacted our lives. We are examining technology through reading short stories such as “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, through poetry, and through news articles. Students will be responding to several questions about technology such as, “What do you believe is the greatest technological invention of all time?” Furthermore, students will be asked to attempt to spend one day without technology and to then reflect on the experience.
Social Studies
8th grade students just completed their "Voices of the People" projects in social studies for Diversity Day. Students worked individually or in pairs researching the stories or voices of a marginalized group, people or person, and were expected to show how that person/group made positive changes in the world, fought to make things more equal, stood up for justice, etc. On Friday, May 3 BAMS celebrated Diversity Day with guest speaker Taina Asili who presented about music as a means of making social change, and students rotated through different advisories to see some of the Voices of the People projects. A number of students focused on the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, the Women's Rights Movement, #MeToo, indigenous resistance to oppression (such as Standing Rock & the Dakota Access Pipeline), and individuals with disabilities. Students on Taurus are currently studying the geography of the United States, and will look at aspects of the Civil War, current events & climate change before the end of the year.
NOTES FROM THE LIBRARY- Ms. Linney
Concerned about your child’s cell-phone use? Watch this 20/20 report on ScreenTime with Diane Sawyer: https://youtu.be/oGhTZrv49Fw
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by local author Ann Braden will be the focus of a community-wide discussion in the fall. If you’d like to borrow one of the Library’s copies, please contact Ms. Linney at mlinney@wsesu.org
The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s book award will be renamed with the help of the children of Vermont. Students will be allowed to nominate names to be voted on by students in grades 4-8. To see the new and as yet named DCF list for 2019-2020, go to the following link:
https://libraries.vermont.gov/sites/libraries/files/Masterlist1920.pdf or come to the BAMS/BUHS Library to pic up one of the great selections on the new list.
SUMMER PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY FOR BAMS STUDENTS- All Incoming 7th & 8th Graders Are Welcome
BAMS Summer: Just a reminder that BAMS has a summer program open to all incoming 7th & 8th graders. Please complete the 2019 BAMS Summer Learning Registration form and return it to the BAMS front office as soon as possible. Any questions about Summer Learning can be directed to Suzanne Grenoble at SGrenoble@wsesu.org.
BAMS WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE
Communication to our students, parents, and families is important to us at BAMS. In an effort to keep the lines of communication open and available with accurate information, we have our Website and BAMS Facebook page. We invite you to like us on Facebook or check out our website to keep up with all the latest news at BAMS.
Our website and Facebook page are updated daily and have the schedule for events. In addition, athletic game and practice schedules are available on our website and Facebook page. Directions to all of our away athletic events can be found on our website under the athletics tab. You can find us on Facebook here or check out our BAMS website here. In addition, we always welcome you to call the BAMS office for any questions you may have, 451-3500.
SBAC Letter to Families- Mailed home at the end of April
Dear Parent or Guardian,
This spring our school will join thousands of schools across the United States in the administration of the Smarter Balanced Assessments Consortium (commonly called the SBAC). The assessments are designed for students in grades 3-9 and will measure achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in 8th grade will continue to take the science testing but this year it will be assessed through the SBAC computer technology. Our tentative schedule for testing is as follows:
7-8 SBAC for English/Language Arts scheduled for May 14, 15
7-8 SBAC for Math scheduled for May 21, 22
8th grade Science VTSA (replaces former NECAP) scheduled for May 28
The Smarter Balanced tests are not timed. However, the total time students will be involved in the testing is estimated to be about 8 hours, which will be spread out across several days. The tests employ a variety of innovations, including the following:
All testing is administered using a secure online assessment system that includes a variety of tools and technology enhanced test questions that will improve the assessment experience for our students
Foremost among the new technologies is Computer Adaptive Testing or CAT. CAT selects a unique set of test questions for each student that will produce very precise results in less time than the last generation of pencil and paper tests.
In addition to the CAT portion of the test, students will also participate in a performance task that permits students to use their skills on an authentic and engaging challenge.
The assessment also includes an array of embedded accessibility tools for special populations – features such as read aloud, color and contrast choices, expandable reading passages, key word translation glossaries, American Sign Language translation, Braille, and many others
Because the test is administered on computer, results will be returned to schools very quickly. We can expect school scores by early July, and individual student scores before that.
To learn more about Smarter Balanced, log on to the VT Smarter Balanced Assessment Portal where you will find additional information for parents, as well as practice tests that will allow you to try out the test your student will be taking this spring. Here is the link: http://vt.portal.airast.org/
Please note that Vermont’s test delivery system uses state of the art security features that will protect our students’ privacy, and will adhere to all federal and state confidentiality regulations, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
BAMS values the results of these tests and we use the results to inform our instruction in the future and to assess how well our students have learned what we have taught them. Please encourage your child to work hard on the tests and to take them seriously. We will be sending you the results when they are available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 451-3500.
Sincerely,
Keith Lyman- Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
To view the BAMS calendar, click here.
Monday, May 13- BEAMS BONUS Session II Begins
Tuesday, May 14 &15- SBAC Testing- ELA
Thursday, May 16- 1:08 pm- Assembly, Preview BAMS Pop Concert, BUHS Auditorium
Thursday, May 16- 7 pm- BAMS Pop Concert, BUHS Auditorium
Friday, May 17- 7:30-8:25 am, BAMS Jazz Band Rehearsal
Friday, May 17- 1:30 pm- 8th Grade Career Fair w/ parent Presentations
Monday, May 20- BEAMS BONUS Session III Begins
Monday, May 20- 10-11 am, Vermont Foodbank Drop @ The BUHS Student Parking Lot
Monday, May 20- 7-8 pm, BUHS #6 Board Meeting, Cusick Conference Room
Tuesday, May 21 & 22 SBAC Testing- Math
Friday, May 24 - 7:30-8:25 am, BAMS Jazz Band Rehearsal
Friday, May 24 - 2-3:30 pm, Pep Rally and Variety Show, BAMS Gym
Monday, May 27- Memorial Day- No School
Tuesday, May 28 - BONUS BEAMS Session IIII Begins
Tuesday, May 29 - Science Testing for 8th grade only
Wednesday, May 29 - 6-8 pm, Leo Social Studies Museum Night, BAMS MPR
Thursday, May 30 - 6-8 pm, Draco Social Studies Museum Night, BAMS MPR
Friday, May 31- 7:30-8:25 am, BAMS Jazz Band Rehearsal
Friday, May 31 - 7-9 pm, BAMS Dress Up Dance, BAMS MPR (BAMS students only)
Friday, May 31 - 7-9 pm, BAMS Parent Social, BAMS Cafe
Monday, June 3 - 10-11 am, Vermont Foodbank Drop @ The BUHS Student Parking Lot
Monday, June 3 - 7-8 pm, BUHS #6 Board Meeting, Cusick Conference Room
Thursday, June 6 - Taurus Field Trip, Keene YMCA
Thursday, June 6 - Canis Field Trip, Adventure Park, Storrs, CT
Friday, June 7 - 7:30-8:25 am, BAMS Jazz Band Rehearsal
Tuesday, June 11 - Leo Field Trip, Vernon Pool
Friday, June 14 - 7:30-8:25 am, BAMS Jazz Band Rehearsal
Monday, June 17- 10-11 am, Vermont Foodbank Drop @ The BUHS Student Parking Lot
Monday, June 17 - Last Day for 8th Grade Only (full school day)
Monday, June 17 - 7-8 pm, BUHS #6 Board Meeting, Cusick Conference Room
Tuesday, June 18 - 12:30 pm, Early Release- Last Day for 7th Grade
Wednesday, June 19 - 6 pm, BAMS 8th Grade Move Up Ceremony, BUHS Gymnasium