New York Stating Testing
As a 9 year old who grew up a few miles from Lake Champlain, my first exposure to ocean swimming was at Jones Beach. I still have mental images of being knocked over by 10 foot waves, managing briefly to get to my feet, only to get knocked over by another wave that was already bearing down on me. I'd get up, check myself for sand burns and dizziness, and then wonder what had hit me.
Of course as a 9 year old boy I'd immediately turn around and head back into the deeper surf to do it all over again, but for educators, students, and parents around New York State this week it feels like we've been in this same cycle with our New York State testing.
There is a Chinese proverb that states "may you live in interesting times" and while it's origins claim that it is supposed to be a blessing it is almost always used in current times as a curse. This week certainly qualifies as interesting in perhaps both ways and our response in Bethlehem, as educators, to all of the political commentary is to abstain and remain focused on providing as best we can for our students.
If, however, parents have any questions about the testing that is going on please do not hesitate to reach out via email (mklugman@bcsd.neric.org) or by phone.
The Power of Social Media - Uses and Disuses
(For all parents, including me!)
I struggle to keep up with kids use of social media.At more and more points throughout our school year, Mr. Warford, Mr. Zadoorian, I, and our High School administration consult on how students' use of social media becomes challenging for them.
The important point for all parents is that EVERY KID is susceptible. We need to treat the disuse of social media in emotionally unintelligent ways like a virus; something all kids are capable of catching regardless of their character and the lessons that parents and schools teach.
Really important reminders for parents:
- Anything posted on social media, including private emails and private texts is no longer owned by a student once they post it electronically.
- If you might have to tell someone "I was only joking" about anything that you say or post, don't say or post it.
- Students in middle school are discovering that many of their peers behave very differently in groups, and online than they do in 1:1 dynamics. Whether because of insecurity, the need for attention, or just being insensitive to others, students at the middle level often have turbulent shake ups in their peer circles because of this dynamic. This is the primary reason why 'authenticity' is a part of our character vocabulary with students. Our goal with our students is to teach them to be true to their values no matter the situation. In our partnership with parents we want students to represent their families, their community, and themselves in ways that maintain their dignity and the dignity of others.
Lastly, don't take my word for it. Here is a great article for any student (and parent) hoping to land a scholarship to college. With the costs of 4 year degrees escalating over $200,000.00 you can bet colleges will be paying lots of attention to students online footprint. This is a must read: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/bad-behavior-social-media-can-cost-recruits
As always, many thanks for your continued support of our students and ...
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
End of Week Notes:
Congrats to our 8th Grade Music Ensembles
- Our last concert for our 8th grade students was last night and we are so proud of this group for all of their effort and growth throughout their three years here!
NYS Testing update
- ELA Testing was completed this week
- Math Testing begins next week
- ONLY 8th graders take the NYS Science Test
BCSD STAFF ART SHOW
- During the month of April please visit the Bethlehem Public Library to see art exhibits by various BCSD Art Dept Staff
EVEN MORE Recycling...It's THIS WEEKEND!!!
- Town of Bethlehem Earth Day Recycle Fest
- Saturday, April 18, 10:00 to 1:00
- Elm Ave Town Park
- Clothing & Textiles
- Document shredding
- Books
- Electronics & scrap metals
Quote of the Week...
· "Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." --Winston Churchill
Congratulations to all of the academic competitors recognized at this week's Board meeting who were models of courage in competing in events such as Spelling Bee, Odyssey of the Mind, Science Bowl, National History Day, Geography Bee, and History Bowl... OUTSTANDING EFFORTS ALL!!
As Churchill reminds us the only failure is a failure to try one's best!
The Week that Will be:
Monday, April 20
- ELA Make Ups
- First day of 4th Quarter
- 6th Graders transition in their exploratories (Art - Music)
- 8th Graders transition in their exploratories (Art - Music)
Tuesday, April 21
- Late buses today
- Board of Ed meeting - Adoption of School Budget that will be put to vote 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 22
- NYS Mathematics Testing (AM)
- Late buses today
- EARTH DAY!
Thursday, April 23
- NYS Mathematics Testing (AM)
- PAC student meeting 3:00
- late buses today
- SAVE THIS DATE
- "Fed Up" film showing: Thursday, April 23rd. 6:30-8:30pm at the Bethlehem Middle School Auditorium. Film 1.5 hours followed by 1/2 hour panel discussion.Panelists: Mark Warford, Natasha Ruiz, Lester Betor and Allissa EiserJoin Bethlehem Healthy Kids Committee for our showing of "FED UP" - from the producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David, and narrated by Katie Couric. It’s time to get real about food. This film reveals a 30 year campaign by the food industry - aided by the U.S. government - to mislead and confuse the American public. It explains why the conventional truth of “eat right and exercise” is not ringing true for millions of people struggling with diabetes, childhood obesity and other serious conditions. It includes captivating interviews with the country’s leading experts and provides vital information that will change the way you think about food.Bethlehem Healthy Kids Committee is a volunteer parent group in the Bethlehem Central School District that works to increase awareness and advocate for science-based policy and practice within our schools and community that promotes children’s health and wellness.
- NYS Mathematics Testing (AM)
- FASS (Friday After School Support) today
- Report Cards Published
- BCMS World Rally Talent Show 6:45PM
Have a great weekend!
