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~~~~~~~~PRINCIPAL POINTS with RANDY SCHLUETER~~~~~~~

RRRRRandy Scandy Scandy Scandy Scandy Schlueterhlueterhlueterhlueterhlueter, Principal, Principal, Principal, Principal, PrincipalDaDaDaDaDavid Krvid Krvid Krvid Krvid Krausausausausaus, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant PrincipalTTTTTrrrrracacacacacy Py Py Py Py Post, Counselorost, Counselorost, Counselorost, Counselorost, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, Counselor

May 2011 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Vol. 19 No. 8

Beatrice Middle School Student OrientationTransition to 6th and 9th Grade for 2011-2012

Beatrice Middle School is supporting the current 8th and 5th grade students as they make thetransition to a new school for the 2011-2012 school year. Change is always a concern for stu-dents as they begin a new career at a different school building. Moving from a familiar locationto a bigger and more diverse school will bring new and different challenges for students. During the month ofMarch, high school counselors met with the 8th grade staff members to explain the registration process for highschool scheduling to their time and will give an overview of what students should expect at BHS and answer anyquestions they have. When students have completed the registration by selecting their classes, the forms are sentto BHS. To allow the students the opportunity to see BHS during a school day, each team has lunch and takes atour of BHS conducted by student council members. Parents are also invited to BHS to meet with the counselors,administrators, and teachers to talk about the registration during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

8th Graders Visit to BHS: 8 East - April 27; 8 West - May 4

Beatrice fifth grade students will meet with the BMS counselor and administration during the month of April. Thecounselor and an administrator will go to each elementary building and describe what a 6th grade student's daywill look like. The counselor describes classes students attend, supplies they will need, and activities they can beinvolved in. During the initial orientation, the administrators talk about three areas of concern that most 5th gradestudents have. The concerns are: not being able to find their classrooms, opening their locker, and how to gothrough the lunch line. To ease their concerns, students are invited to BMS during the first part of May to tourthe building and have lunch at the school. To help with lockers and finding their way around the building, allincoming 6th grade students and their parents will be invited to an orientation at BMS prior to school starting.The specific dates will be included with the schedule that will be sent home during the summer.

5th Graders visit BMS: April 29 - Lincoln Elementary; May 5 - Paddock Lane; May 6 - Cedar, St. Joseph, and St.Paul; May 9 - Stoddard

Change can be a concern to students and parents. BMS is working with the students to help them make the adjust-ment to Beatrice High School and Beatrice Middle School as smooth as possible by providing opportunities to seethe buildings during the day and ask questions they have.

6TH GRADE AND NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION will be held August in the middle school cafeteria.August 9 - Last names beginning A thru L @ 6:30 pmAugust 11 - Last names beginning M thru Z @ 6:30 pm

LAST SCHOOL DAY will be dismissed at12:00 noon on May 18th. Students willnot be allowed into the building withbackpacks on that day.

LOST AND FOUND.....Please check thelost and found at the office. All unclaimeditems will be distributed on May 20th.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS.... May 19th-June 10th: 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00.

BACK TO SCHOOL HOURS....August 3rd-August 12th: 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00.Regular school office hours beginningAugust 15th: 7:30-4:00.

FINES AND FEES......All fines and feesMUST BE PAID prior to receiving the finalreport card.

FINAL REPORT CARDS....will be mailedthe week of May 23rd.

Students are notified as soon as librarymaterials become overdue. At the end ofthe semester, we post in classrooms lists ofstudents who have overdue library materi-als. We also make an effort to call parents/guardians notifying them when a book islost and the amount of the fine. REPORTCARDS WILL BE WITHHELD for overduelibrary materials or fines for lost materi-als. Please look around the house forbooks or magazines that need to be re-turned to the Beatrice Middle School

Library.

TEAMS: Auburn, Beatrice, Fairbury, Falls City, Seward, Waverly.

ADULTS - $3.00 STUDENTS - $1.00

OVERDUE ORLOST LIBRARY

MATERIALS

BMS TRACK MEETFRIDAY, MAY 6

3:00 PM

With only a few more weeks of school , it's important to start thinking aboutdeliquent lunch accounts. All lunch accounts must be paid in full.

All free and reduced who have at one time charged will receive a letter inthe mail with balances due. These also must be paid in full by May 18, 2011.

Any balances left over in your child's account will remain there until next year.No cash will be given to children who ask for their balances. Only a call from parents tome will be honored. If you have any questions about any of these matters, you maycall me at 223-1500, ext 1111.

RaJean May, Middle School Foodservice

FROM THE CAFETERIA.......

NEWS RELEASE:PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVING GAGE, FILLMORE,JEFFERSON, SALINE AND THAYER COUNTIES, NEBRASKA

For Immediate Release: Contact: Natalie Kingston,April 1st 2010 Community Development

402 826 3880 or 402 826 6686natalie@phsneb.org

BOLTAGE is BACK at Beatrice Middle School

Project encourages more walking, biking to schoolStudents at Beatrice Middle School have been taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle. BOLTAGE is anongoing project at the middle school funded by Safe Routes Nebraska which encourages kids to walk orbike to/from school. Although the unit recently experienced some malfunctions through the extremely coldtemps the past few months, it is back up and running just in time for spring walking/biking.

How can I sign up?Students receive an RFID (radio frequency identification tag) when they sign up. The tag goes on theirbackpack or bike helmet. Each day a student walks/bikes they simply pass under the BOLTAGE unitwhich records the trip. Students can still sign up through Cally Hartig who is onsite Wednesday morningsbefore school or with Mrs. Henning anytime throughout the week.

Middle School students and staff who continue to walk/bike throughout the spring are awarded encourage-ment incentives based on the number of trips they record per month. Bike helmets are available to stu-dents/staff who commit to wearing one to increase safety when biking to school. “Wearing a helmet toprotect your head and brain from injury is critical, said Natalie Kingston, Public Health Solutions DistrictHealth Department, Project Coordinator. One never knows when an accident could happen and unfortu-nately a brain injury is permanent.”

Walking and biking to school is a great way for students to get more activity in their day. The Health De-partment continues to encourage more walking/biking as a way to alleviate traffic around the school at thebeginning and end of the school day. Kingston has been working closely with the HOOPS organization thispast year who have been on site most Wednesdays to distribute a healthy food incentive to studentschoosing to walk/bike.

The overall goal of the BOLTAGE project is to create a social norm that is more accepting and supportiveof walking or biking to school and school activities, thereby increasing the number and safety of thosewalking and biking to school. If families take time to re-evaluate their morning transportation modes, trafficand air pollution can be reduced in and around the school.

Public Health Solutions District Health Department was awarded funding through the Nebraska Depart-ment of Roads Safe Routes Nebraska. The program provides schools and community groups with fund-ing to address safety issues to and from school. These improvements include engineering solutions aswell as safety training, awareness and strategies to encourage children to get the exercise they need tolead happy, healthy lives. Beatrice Middle School is the first rural school in Nebraska selected as a pilotsite for the BOLTAGE project.

CARINGLeft to right: Cheyanne Worster, Zach Milke, Tabetha Steel, JakeBrod, Randal Westlake-Melroy, and Catrina Gould. Not pictured:Kaela Meyer.

CITIZENSHIPLeft to right: Brandon Stone, Kyle Murray, Gage Hoefer, KaitlynCopas, Lindsay Keane, Colby Riley, and Dalton Layman.

TRUSTWORTHINESSLeft to right: Blake Church, Breanna Trauernicht, LandonZarybnicky, Ty Bardsley, Cody Harlan, and Alli Carothers.

RESPECTLeft to right: Tony Martinez, Brendan Simpson, Ashten Vater,

Diamond Crouse, Scott Fischer, and Hunter Weiss.

RESPONSIBILITYLeft to right:Caleb McKernan,Krystina Billesbach,Steven Jordan,Tyler Wagner,Kaitlin Marley,Jarrett Carstens,and Emily Sandal.

CALENDAR

JUNE1-Shelby Meints1-Colt Morgan1-Brittany Lyons3-Logan Stevens3-Alex Brown3-Chase Stone4-Jackson Billesbach4-Tawnee Hawkins4-Hunter Hellmer5-Kylee Corter5-Spirit Vandel7-Allison Frerichs7-Dakota Kerner8-Grace Schuster8-Mrs. Grossman9-Jadrien Long10-Sarah Riekenberg10-Ms. Smaus12-Eric Cullison13-Skyler Deutsch13-Mariah Larimore14-Zach Bartels14-Mrs. Tiemann15-Devan Triplett15-Nathan Spilker16-Jarrett Schultze16-Ms. Krieger17-Hunter Rohr18-Olivia Pittman18-Allison Carothers18-Nathan Smith18-Dustin Dye18-Ashley Murray20-Alexsiss Briggs20-Delani Lunsford21-MaKayla Carel22-Kaylee VanWinkle23-Tyler Lyons23-Jaden McKeever23-Kyrsten Saul

23-Mrs. Czarnick24-Cody Harlan25-Austin Watts27-Randyjoe Merrill28-Orlando Hirschler29-Ben Gascon29-Kyle Leners

JULY1-Hannah Bauman2-Harley Ray2-Keegan Wegner3-Kimberly Higgins4-Mrs. Bulson6-Brandon Thomas6-Mrs. Hovendick7-Christian Heil8-Ariason James8-Joscelyn Zimmerman8-Mrs. Eckoff8-Ms. Laflin9-Katelyn Shipman11-Ryan Arterburn11-Mason Coates11-Cooper Weeks14-Tia Buhr14-Joseph Pinkerton14-Jared Stranberg15-Collin Stewart15-Brittany Weber16-Alyssa Huwaldt16-Jessup Workman16-Brooke VanLaningham17-Wesley White17-Melissa Ottersberg19-Riley Kraus21-Jordan Hanshaw21-Dawson Nelson22-Katie Steffen23-Tristan Pittman

AUGUST1-Taylor Nelson1-Samantha Daake3-Lily Eckert4-Joshua Crim5-Blake Paben6-Brendon Stege6-Mrs. Dierberger6-Mrs. McDougall7-Denise McAllister9-Alexis Collins9-Austin Oestreich10-Jon Speth10-Ms. Fink11-Skylar Shottenkirk11-Malarie Humble12-Tyler Baker12-Mrs. Mittan13-Teresa Goldsmith

14-Scotty Melroy15-Jasey Buhr15-Alexis Miller15-Mrs. Huck16-Ms. Brandt17-Noah Marshall18-Delaney Baxa19-Mrs. Vogel19-Carter Aden19-Alyssa Oakes20-Dylan Burenheide21-Connor Husa23-Barbara Fritzen24-Justin Busboom24-Lindsey Busboom24-Cassadie Eickmann24-Colten Massey26-Dakota Williams27-Keeli Boesiger27-Mr. Essam28-Cody Sohl29-Sean Kassmeier29-Taylor Easley29-Tyler Reiman30-Lindsey Durman31-Dalton Steelman

23-Noah Snurr23-Mitchell Trout23-Mr. Kassmeier24-Dominic Maguire24-Devon Swoboda25-Krystina Billesbach25-Christine Frerichs25-Mr. Schlueter27-Caleb McKernan28-Sammi Free28-Shayla Laue29-Angelina Aljanabi29-Dillon Corey29-Mr. Ehmke30-Paxton McClarnen31-Mrs. Covey31-Mrs. Gronewold31-Samantha Carver31-Shelby Taylor31-Trenten Fugett

Has her/his physical exam been performed by alicensed health care giver and a copy of such pre-sented to the school office/nurse? Please include acopy of student's immunization record. They are duethe first day of 7th grade…forms will be sent with 6thgrade report cards. This physical also meets therequirement for a sports physical. Nurse requeststhe long physical evaluation form. Coaches onlyneed the clearance form.

MEDICATIONS TO GO HOME

CHECKLIST FOR ENTERING7TH GRADE

Students who have medication kept in the nurse’soffice will be sent a note the last week of schoolrequesting that they pick it up to take home. Medica-tions cannot be stored at school over the summer.Parents may stop by to pick up their child’s medicationif they prefer. Students MAY NOT take home on thelast day of school.

Unclaimed medications will be destroyedafter NOON on May 18th.

PHYSICAL CONFUSION???

6TH GRADE:No physical exam required for entrance unlessentering Beatrice from out of state or participating incross country.

KINDERGARTEN AND 7TH GRADE:ALL -require the longer green physical form...there isno need to fill out an additional sports physical formfor 7th graders.

8TH GRADE THROUGH 12TH GRADE:Physical exam required for two circumstance:1. Participating in sports (Nurse requests the long physical evaluation form. Coaches only need the clearance form). Must be performed after May 1 of participating year.2. Entering Beatrice from out of state.

HERE'S THE "SCOOP" ONSCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Registration forms can be picked up at the Middle School front office

BMS SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMPSNext year's 7th and 8th graders:

Date: August 1, 2, 3Time: 8:00am - 10:00amLocation: BHS Practice Field

Next year's freshman:

Date: June 6, 7, 8Time: 8:00am - 10:30amLocation: BHS Practice Field

**Camp forms handed out at football meeting**

WASHINGTON D. C.–HERE WE COME!!!

Washington D.C. and historical Gettysburg will be the site of a five day / four night educational tour for 46Beatrice Middle School 8th graders, teachers, and parents. Worldstrides Educational Tours and 8th grade History and Civicsteacher Michael Policky are sponsoring the trip. Students will see Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home; the WhiteHouse, the Holocaust Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and other sites in the Washington D.C. area as well asGettysburg, the famous Civil War battlefield. Policky noted the reason for sponsoring this trip is to provide students witha once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the history, culture, and government of our country’s great capital and theearly beginnings of our country. The group travels to the east coast from May 31st-June 4th, 2011. Please watch foremails and notices of meetings for further information.

Beatrice Middle School 7th graders and parents also recently held meetings for the kickoff to the 2012 Washing-ton D.C. and Gettysburg trip scheduled for May 29th -June 2nd, 2012. Early registration discounts are available up toJune 1, 2010 for the 5day/4 night trip. Besides the discounted fares, it allows students and parents 12 months to workand pay off the trip. Those who sign up should also ask about Flag Scholarships that help pay for the trip. This trip isopen to 8th graders (2011-2012 school year), parents, and older siblings who did not have the opportunity to go toWashington D.C. but who would still like the chance to gain the experience and education associated with such a trip.There are currently nine people signed up for this trip.

Students who are currently in 6th grade are encouraged by Mr. Policky to establish a savings account and beginsaving for the 2013 trip. The tentative dates for this trip are May 28th -June 1st, 2013. With some hard work, thedesire for learning, and the ability to save, anyone can make this trip a reality.

Anyone with questions concerning the 2011, 2012, or 2013 trip should direct their questions to Mr. MichaelPolicky at 228-4642.

In Feb. we held the 2010/2011 dental screening at the Beatrice Middle School. Out of 64 students that wereseen by Dr. Mazour & Dr. Woodward, 59 were referred on for more comprehensive dental work. A HUGETHANKS to both the dentists and to Jennifer Collins, Starla Post and Kris Higgins for assisting these doctorswith the screening. If you received a referral letter in the mail, please return to the nurse before school is outfor the summer. Thanks!!*************************************************************************************************

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VACCINE ALERT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Beginning July of 2010 and thereafter, all students enrolling in 7th grade must provide evidence of having 1booster of Tdap vaccine, given on or after 10 years of age. What does this mean? If you have a 6th gradestudent this year they will be required to show proof of the Tdap vaccination before they will be able to enter7th grade.

Beginning July of 2011 and thereafter, ALL students, K-12 will be required to show proof of 2 VZV (ChickenPox) vaccinations before returning for the 2011-2012 school year unless your child has had the Chicken Poxdisease. Check your child’s immunization records and if they have not had 2 VZV vaccines you will want to getthem into the immunization clinic or your physician to have this done. Please do not wait until the last minute tohave this done!!!

The immunization clinic also has the Meningitis vaccine available. This is recommended for anyone ages 11-18.

Once vaccinations are received, please send a copy to the school nurse so it is on file andyour child is up to date before the start of school next fall.

GAGE COUNTYImmunization ClinicParkview Conference Room1201 S 9thBeatrice, NE 68310

The 2010-2011 6th grade Reading Classics Team made up of Nathan Spilker, Jacob Wolken, Noah Snurr and JacksonBillesbach. These 4 boys had the task of reading 85 chapter books from mid-October to mid-March and trying toremember details about each book for the competition. The competition is comprised of 5 rounds of 10 randomquestions from any of the 85 books on the list. The boys were tied for 1st place at the end of Round 5. After two- tiebreaker rounds this group of boys earned 2nd place!! We are so proud of them and their accomplishments! TheReading Classics Competition is held each March in several counties all around Nebraska. Each region has a competitionand the winners at each level are able to compete in the State Meet in early April.

NursNursNursNursNurse's Note's Note's Note's Note's Notes...with Mrs. Tes...with Mrs. Tes...with Mrs. Tes...with Mrs. Tes...with Mrs. Tiemanniemanniemanniemanniemann

*call for appointmentsPhone402-228-8503 or402-228-8513

Dates3rd Monday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3rd Tuesday 4-7 p.m.3rd Thursday 4-7 p.m.

Teens search for ways to . . .

Spend less time cooking and more time to eat and have fun!The FCS student learning communities (SLC) focusedon ways to save time while preparing food in thekitchen. First they did a little research by inter-viewing friends and adult family members. Cookingweb sites and classroom procedures were viewed toget a few more ideas. They also examined their homekitchens to see what large and small equipment theirfamily members used most often. Many ideas wereshared, but a few of the top ideas included: havingmore people help, preparing ahead of time, getorganized before starting your recipe, clean as youprepare and making large amounts and freeze for

later use. The top equipment savers included the micro-wave, Crockpot, toaster, blender and food chopper.

To try some of these time saving tips, students pre-pared a fruit salad and microwave apple crisp.

As part of the learning,students took a short fieldtrip to the BMS cafeteriakitchens to find out how pre-paration time is saved whencooking for more than 400people. Large equipment, large quantities of food stored and much orga-

nization by a few workers were the main factors for the fast preparation and service.

Microwave Apple CrispIngredients:2 apples – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced1/3 cup all-purpose flour1/3 cup quick cooking oats¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon cinnamon3 Tablespoons sugar3 Tablespoons melted butterDirections: 1. Place sliced apples into a microwave safe dish. 2. Melt butter in microwave, using a liquid measuring cup or custard cup. 3. Combine all other dry ingredients in a separate bowl. 4. Stir melted butter into dry ingredients. Mix until crumbly. 5. Sprinkle over top of apples. 6. Microwave 10-12 minutes or until apples are tender.

All students who plan to participate in Beatrice High School Athletic Activities or BeatriceMiddle School 7th and 8th grade activities for the school year 2011/2012 will need to have athleticforms turned into the office prior to first practice.

A health examination (physical) must be submitted to the Athletic Office each year prior topermitting an athlete to practice or compete in any athletic activity sponsored by the NebraskaSchool Activities Association. The requirement that a physical must be taken once each year meansthe examination must be given during the school year in which the student participates. A physicalexamination given May 1, 2011 or after will fulfill the requirement.

Beatrice High School also requires students to fill out a Medical History form. We ask par-ents and students to read and sign the Drug & Alcohol Activity/Athletic Rules and parents theBeatrice Public School Drug/Alcohol Parents & School Partnership. Please read the Summary of theNebraska School Activities Association Rules and sign the sheet. Parents also need to sign the Proofof Insurance form or ask about insurance information in the office. ALL THESE FORMS ARE INTHE HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE.

Following are the dates set aside for the sports physicals.

ATTENTION ATHLETES ! !

Gage County Medical Clinic (228-3436)**Dates: June 7, 17, 24; July 15

**Cost: $35 includes UA dip & Hemoglobin**Do not need to be an established patient

**Call to schedule

Beatrice Medical Center (228-3366)**Dates: May 23; June 10;

July 8, 25; Augist 15**Cost: $45 with a UA dip OR

$35 without a UA dip**Established patients only

**Call to scheduleCommunity Medical Center (228-4295)**No special dates

**Cost: $35**No need to be an established patient

** Call to schedule

Beatrice Children's Clinic schedules physicals anytime. Call 223-6518 to make an appointment.

May 9, 20116:00 p.m.

Hevelone Center

Children'sChildren'sChildren'sChildren'sChildren'sSummer Art SessionSummer Art SessionSummer Art SessionSummer Art SessionSummer Art SessionJune 14 - 17 and June 21-24

Mr. Dungan, Art Instructor

Grades 1-8

emailndungan@bpsne.orgfor more information

Delivering “Reading Raggies” to Victim’s Assistance

Music Notes… Throughout the year, I have communicated little ‘tidbits’ of information to you about the positive effects of music inthe lives of children (and adults). The research coming from our universities and medical communities is revealingthat music may become a component of healing illnesses such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimers. Music in the learningenvironment enhances core instruction, promotes thinking skills, develops cooperative learning skills, and allowschildren the opportunity to perform in front of large groups of people. These skills will aid them in the workplace andhelp them develop into well—rounded individuals, parents, and community leaders. It has been a great year for musicat Beatrice Middle School! We can only get better as we continue to learn and grow. Here is how you can get your child involved: Select choir in the Middle School is chosen by audition. Auditionswill be held on May 13th in the BMS music room. Auditions are conducted as follows:

*Students are informed of the audition date.*Students are asked to sign up for an audition by a specified date.*Practices for the dance portion of the audition are held before and after school for four days.*Audition times are posted. Each student is responsible to be present at his or her audition time. They may

switch times with another student, but it is their responsibility to inform the director of any changes. No late auditionsare permitted. Lists of those students accepted into a special choir will be posted at the school the Monday afterauditions.

*Auditions consist of: a group dance (approximately 5 to a group) singing ‘America’ (My Country ‘Tis ofThee), first verse, acappella; a one-minute solo of their choice (may be under one minute but not over), acappella;singing a scale (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do) both up and down, acappella

*The student wears a number, and is identified by that number. The students go in to the judges together forthe group dance, and then they go in separately to perform their solos.

*Students will be judged on the following criteria: Quality of singing voice – pitch and tone; Dance steps &stage presence – it is important to look energetic and smile!; A team teachers’ evaluation – this evaluation will centeron the student’s responsibility, dependability, cooperativeness, and school performance.

*Eighth grade members of Delegation plan the audition dance segment. They also lead the after-school and before-school practices.*Students are rank-ordered from the highest score to the lowest. Selection into a special choir isdetermined by total score.*The number of students selected is determined at the discretion of the director. This number may varyfrom year to year.*An individual student’s score may be given to the student and their parents; however looking at the scores

of other students will not be allowed.*The students’ vocal auditions may be recorded.*Previous membership in a select choir does not guarantee re-selection.

If your child is not chose, that does not mean that they cannot be involved in music. We have an annual PopsConcert where anyone in BMS can apply to perform at. I will also put together groups of students who would like tosing and get them involved as well. All they need to do is indicate to me on their audition form that they would like tosing whether or not they are chosen for Delegation. Have a great summer break!

Our Middle School Band Concert is on May 3 at the Hevelone Center and is set tobegin at 7:00 sharp with our 5th Grade Band. Groups other than the 5th Grade are:6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade and the Middle School Jazz Band. All students not inJazz Band are to be in the HS Band Room at 6:30. Jazz Band members are asked tobe at the HS Band Roon by 6:00 for our dress rehearsal. There will be a free willoffering to this program.

This program offers the students the opportunity to perform music of differentperiods and styles. Mr. LeFeber and myself are looking forward to sharing thetalents of all band students with you. Thank you, Mr. Ehmke

Congratulations to the Windy Wonders 6th grade eCybermission team who placed 2nd for thestate of Nebraska. This team, made up of Cooper Blum, Caleb McKernan, Madison Pieper andCole Schmale, worked on creating a windmill in order to create an alternate energy source forpower in the town of Beatrice. Their original goal was to be able to generate enough power tolight a city park. While they were not able to generate this much energy, they were able tomake a small-scale windmill and light up a play house. Already they have begun to think aboutwhat it would take to power these things that require much more energy and how they mightstore that power. Way to go, Windy Wonders, you have made Beatrice Middle School veryproud!

Congratulations to the Green Machines 6th grade eCybermission team who placed 1st for thestate of Nebraska. This team, made up of Eli Hoefer, Nathan Spilker, Kirsten Baete and EmmaDubois, worked on making our community aware of the dangers of distracted driving, specifi-cally texting and driving. They conducted a study on driving while texting on a closed courseusing a golf cart. They then created a video to raise awareness about the dangers. The videois filled with pictures of vehicles wrecked in texting related crashes, people who have died inthose accidents and statistics on texting and driving. They will be taking their video out toarea high schools. After students view the video they will be asked to sign a pledge vowing tono longer text and drive. Those students who pledge to cease this activity will be given athumb ring with DNT TXT & DRV on it to remind them of their pledge.

eCybermission is a math, science and technology competition for students in grades 6 – 9.Since 2002, more than 71,000 students from across the nation and in Department of DefenseEducation Activity (DoDEA) schools have participated in eCYBERMISSION, and the U.S.Army has awarded over $8.6 million in U.S. EE Savings Bonds in support of the STEM leadersof tomorrow. Over the last 4 years, 15 students from Beatrice Middle School have won acombined total of $20,000.

The months of February, March and April have offered excellent opportunitiesfor Middle School Band Members to develop their instrumental skills outside ofregular band class. Honor bands and contests provide such experiences. Beloware the Honor Band and Contest participants along with their instruments forthe 2010-2011 school year.

York Honor BandStudents are nominated by their director to participate in this particular honorband.Participating students for this year’s bands were:8th grade – Catrina Gould – Flute – 2nd year7th grade – Giselle Bergmeier – Clarinet, Kaitlyn Messner – Oboe, KaylinHagemeier – Trumpet, Gage Hoefer – Percussion

Crete MS Band ContestContests, festivals and other adjudicated activities are important features ofthe BMS Music Department. Through these activities we obtain valuable feed-back about our progress as individuals and as a program. Beatrice took the 8th

grade band, a soloist and 5 small groups to this year’s inaugural event. Ratingswere rewarded as follows: 1 – Superior, 2 – Excellent, 3 - Honorable Mention.

Superior Ratings (I)Clarinet Solo – Chauncey KlevelandClarinet Duet – Chauncey Kleveland and Rachel HoffmanTrumpet Duet – Allison Carothers and Lauren MillwoodSaxophone Trio – Nicole Weaver, Rebecca Garland and Jessica Ullman

Excellent Ratings (II)BMS Eighth Grade Band – We received a (II+)Flute Duet – Catrina Gould and Courtney YorkClarinet Quintet - Chauncey Kleveland, Rachel Hoffman, Bethany Cookus,Hannah Elliott, and Kaitlin Marley.

Meridian Honor BandTo be a member of this honor band, a student in 7th or 8th grade must auditionfor a chair. This year we had three band students achieve this.Clarinet – Chauncey Kleveland – 2nd yearBassoon – Connor HusaPercussion – Gage Hoefer

Summer lessons are now forming for students in grades 5 – 7. Students willreceive information during the first week of May. Please contact Mr. Ehmke toset up times that work with your schedule.

May is Mental Health Month 2011Do More for 1 in 4…. Live Well …Its Essential to Your Potential

Mental Health America is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating “May is Mental Health Month,” which began in1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.

This year, we are addressing these important issues through two themes:

Do More for 1 in 4 is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mentalhealth condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives.

The second theme, Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential, focuses on the importance of mental wellness andthe steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges.Mental Health America’s Live Your Life Well program offers ten science-based tools to manage stress and help yourelax, grow and flourish.

Good mental health is much more than just the absence of illness – it’s about being able to handle life’s challengesand even flourish. Celebrate Mental Health Month with us! Learn more at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may.

Embrace wellness this May is Mental Health Month. Find out more at www.LiveYourLifeWell.org.

Wellness encompasses the notion of balance in one’s life among the mental, physical, and emotional elements ofhealth. Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential! Learn more at www.LiveYourLifeWell.org.

A vast majority of mental health conditions are treatable, we can–no matter how challenging the mental health ob-stacle we face–always chart a course back to wellness. Live Well! It’s Essential for Your Potential! Learn more atwww.LiveYourLifeWell.org.

Did you know that 60 million Americans are diagnosed with a mental health condition in any given year, that’s 1 in 4.Learn more at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may.

Who’s your 1in4? Did you know that support from family, friends, and peers remains an essential element in therecovery process? Learn how to help at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/files/Support_1in4.pdf.

This message is brought to you as part of the “Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies” educational campaign sponsored by Beatrice Community HospitalGage County PATCH.. For further information and resources, contact Sharon Langvardt, MS, LIMHP, CMFT, Blue Valley Behavioral Health andBeatrice Hospital PATCH coordinator (402) 228-3386 or slangvardt@bvbh.net or slangvardt@bchhc.org. May 2011

After the tsunami hit in Japan, several students approached myself (Mrs. Ran-del) and Ms. Hollman about doing something to help. After getting special per-mission from Mr. Schlueter, the STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECI-SIONS decided to do a fund raiser for the week of April 4th in order to raisemoney to send to the American Red Cross. The SADD students made posters tohang around the school to raise awareness. Mrs. Grossman, 7th grade Lan-guage Arts teacher, has had an opportunity to visit and teach in Japan and sheshared information over the intercom about Japan and taught us some Japa-nese words. We also played "Are You Smarter Than the Rest of School". Stu-dents were asked Math questions related to the tsunami over the intercom andthe first class to respond with the correct answer via email won bragging rights.Mr. Bell's, Mr. Stuart's and Mr. Essam's classes were the big winners. Overallthe students and community worked together to collect %531.25 to donate tothe cleanup effort in japan. Mr. Schlueter had made a deal with the studentsthat if they could collect $500 they could have a "hat day" on Friday. Thestudents were very excited to be able to wear hats for the day. It is so reward-ing to know we have so many caring and helpful students and community mem-bers who want to help others. Way to go kids!!!

BMSHelpsJapan

Beatrice Middle School215 N. 5th StreetBeatrice, NE 68310

Non-ProfitU.S. PostageP A I DBeatrice, NE 68310Permit #64

The Mission of the Beatrice Public Schoolsis to prepare all students for lifelong learningand responsible citizenship.

BMS Messenger EditorsTina Buss

Laurie Bloomquist

FAREWELL& GOOD LUCK

to our 8th graders as they entertheir freshman year at BeatriceSenior High. We wish you the bestof luck and study hard!!