Blog is Being Retired!

All news is now posted on the Announcements and News section of our Browns River website homepage. 

You can receive email of these announcements (and of calendar events, too) by subscribing to the new website per these directions: http://www.cesuvt.org/calendars/get-alerts

Feel free to contact Diane Border if you encounter access issues or have questions.

News From the Nurses (keeping BRMS Bug-Free!!)

Welcome back to school this year!!

It has been a very busy fall in the health office this year. We would like to remind you of few things as we already enter the season of colds, viral illnesses and flu.

The CESU district nurses want to promote healing and wellness in our schools. To that end, we ask that students who have been ill with a fever (100F or over) remain at home until they are feeling better AND have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of any ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Also students who have experienced diarrhea or vomiting  should remain at home until the illness has resolved and they have been free of  symptoms for at least 24 hours. We assess children all day for illness. Students can have a viral illness without a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. If a student comes to school ill or develops an illness that makes it impossible for the child to attend to school we will notify the parent or guardian. Our goal is to keep kids in school while trying to keep school a healthy place for everyone. If you are not sure whether to send your child to school, give us a “heads-up” call or email so that we know what has happened first thing in the morning.

Also, this is the time of year that we all become aware of the dreaded louse!!! Lice have been around for centuries and this year is no different. Lice only need a warm scalp and food supply--they are indiscriminate in where they take up housing; it is not related to hygiene in any way!

There are several things a parent can do to stay ahead of lice:

• Encourage your child not to share head items such as hats, brushes, ponytail ties, etc.
• Do not comb or brush each other’s hair.
• Encourage kids to bring their own pillows to sleepovers and not sleep head to head. 
• Inspect your child’s head on regular basis especially if he complains that his head or neck itch. 
• Look for tiny eggs close to the scalp (resemble sesame seeds but much smaller). They are usually tanish, and difficult to dislodge, unlike dandruff.
• Eggs that have hatched are whitish or appear to be light gray (empty cases).
• Live lice are wingless insects about the size of sesame seed and appear reddish brown or grayish brown. 

Lice are a nuisance (a big one for families) but they do not present a risk to others. They do not carry disease. We do not exclude kids from school for lice or nits.  Many times the lice spread at the sleepovers, or at a camp type environment where kids tend to be head to head.

Please call the nurses if you have concerns about your child and lice. Let us know if your child has lice so we can track where we have lice in the building. It is always kept confidential.  We are happy to do a head check on your student before or after treatments if requested. We also have many evidence based articles to help you make decisions on how to treat if needed. Thank-you for your cooperation on this matter.

Also, contact us if you have any concerns about your child’s health.

Tina Gallagher, RN

Ainee Commichau, RN

B.R.A.G.

BRAG meeting (BRMS PTO)

Wednesday, 10/12/16 @ 6:30pm 

In the BRMS Library

You are invited!

Progress Report Change

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I wanted to inform you of a change in our academic reporting practices.  This October we will not be issuing our traditional written “progress reports”.   The rationale for this adjustment to our reporting system follows.

The switch to  trimester reporting structure a few years ago moved our first “progress reporting” period to early October which also aligned  these reports with parent/teacher conferences.  This alignment of parent/teacher conferences and progress reports meant that teachers were creating a written document that was then discussed again at a parent conferences.  This overlap between  progress reports and parent/teacher conferences has eliminated the need for written progress reports

Also, in prior years teachers were developing progress reports based on very small work sample size.  As of today, October 10, 2016 students have been in school for twenty-nine school days.  Within these first 4 weeks teachers have been focusing on developing and building a community of learners, establishing team norms and forming personal and academic relationships with students.  While our current 6th and 8th grade teams are returning to their looping teams, 5th and 7th grade students are transitioning into new learning communities.  

During the weeks of October 10, 2016 and October 17, 2016 BRMS will be holding parent/teacher conferences.  These conferences provide us with an opportunity to discuss with you our initial impressions of your child and to also allow you the opportunity to discuss with us what your child is saying about their school year start.  We value these conference opportunities and look forward to discussing with you your child’s learner characteristic and academic  performance over these first twenty-two school days.  It is important for parents and guardians to sign up for these conferences.  Teachers will be contacting some parents/guardians directly if there is need to communicate about specific academic concerns that may need to be addressed with your child.  

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward.  Please contact me directly if you have concerns regarding the quality of the information shared during the upcoming parent teacher conferences.  

Sincerely,

Kevin Hamilton

Principal

October Delayed Start Reminder

Wednesday October 12th will be a delayed start day.  We will be offering student supervision from 7:30-10:00.  Currently we have few families signed up for this service.  We would like to get a final count as to the amount students who will be arriving at 7:30.  Please let us know if you need transportation as well for the early morning

All regular pickups will be approximately two hours later than the usual time.  

Please contact Diane Alexander if you would like to reserve a space for your child. 

Below are the delayed starts for the remainder of the year.

11/9,  12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 4/12,  5/10

Picture Day Tomorrow!

REMINDER!

Photographer Diane Parenteau will be at Browns River Middle School on the following dates to take pictures of students. An order form was sent home with your student last week.

Wednesday, October 5th: 5th and 6th Grade

Thursday, October 6th: 7th and 8th Grade

Friday, October 7: Reserved for a rain date should we have yucky weather either day.

See BRMS Website for more details.

Gratitude Graphic Novel Project Sign Up

Your child is invited to take part in an exciting project. We want a group of young illustrators in grades 5-8 to create a gratitude graphic novel with the support of illustrator, Marc Hughes and the Cabot Creamery Cooperative who will sponsor our efforts to creating a visual story of what gratitude means to us. We are looking for BRMS illustrators who want to take the challenge of developing a graphic novel. We start October 10 for three one-hour workshops with our students and then continue during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. Our students will come on Mondays, October 10, 17, and 24 between 2:45-4:00 to learn from illustrator, Marc Hughes. Our BRMS group will also work on our illustrated stories every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in November from 2:40 until 4:00 pm in the BRMS library.

Student Picture Day

An order form was sent home with your student last week. Following are the dates:

• Wednesday, October 5th: 5th and 6th Grade
• Thursday, October 6th: 7th and 8th Grade
• Friday, October 7: Reserved for a rain date should we have yucky weather either day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

All students are photographed for the school regardless of an order being placed and will get a complimentary class picture!

What to wear? Avoid: White, strong prints logs, neon, stripes...less is more.

Can I combine payments for children in the same school? Yes, but please put all forms and the check in ONE envelope and turn it into the photographer on the day pictures are taken.

Three or more children in the same school? 50% off the 3rd order (and beyond) of the same package.

Late orders? Yes, they can be placed with a late fee--contact photographer Diane Parenteau (dianephotovt@gmail.com). Orders placed after retake day will be delivered in January 2017.

Picture Day Reminder

Photographer Diane Parenteau will be at Browns River Middle School on the following dates to take pictures of students. An order form was sent home with your student last week.

Wednesday, October 5th: 5th and 6th Grade

Thursday, October 6th: 7th and 8th Grade

Friday, October 7: Reserved for a rain date should we have yucky weather either day.

BRMS Open House Schedule

BRMS Open House Tuesday September 27 6:30 p.m. 6:30-7:00 Parents of our 7/8 students visit our EXP teachers’ rooms 7:00-7:30 Parents of our 7/8 students visit the team area/teachers 7:00-7:30 Parents of our 5/6 students visit our EXP teachers’ rooms 7:30-8:00 Parents of our 5/6 students visit the team area/teachers

BRMS Design Technology will be on local television station WCAX Live Morning Show this Wednesday, September 21, four times between 5-6:30AM. 

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS and GUARDIANS!!!

Tomorrow night (September 14) is our first Browns River Action Group (BRAG) meeting of the year!

If you'd like to know what's happening at the school, and would like to be involved in helping with all kinds of events and activities, please come to our meeting in the BRMS library at 7PM.

There are many ways that you can help!  We welcome your ideas and your assistance!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Delayed Start Reminder Sept 14th

Wednesday September 14th will be our first delayed start of the school year.  We will be offering student supervision from 7:30-10:00.  Currently we have few families signed up for this service.  We would like to get a final count as to the amount students who will be arriving at 7:30.  Please let us know if you need transportation as well for the early morning

All regular pickups will be approximately two hours later than the usual time.  

Please contact Diane Alexander if you would like to reserve a space for your child. 

Below are the delayed starts for the remainder of the year.

9/14, 10/12, 11/9,  12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 4/12,  5/10  

Delayed Starts

Good Morning,

Wednesday September 14th will be our first delayed start of the school year.  We will be offering student supervision from 7:30-10:00.  Currently we have few families signed up for this service.  We would like to get a final count as to the amount students who will be arriving at 7:30.  Please let us know if you need transportation as well for the early morning

All regular pickups will be approximately two hours later than the usual time.  

Please contact Diane Alexander if you would like to reserve a space for your child. 

Below are the delayed starts for the remainder of the year.

9/14, 10/12, 11/9,  12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 4/12,  5/10  

Welcome Back BRMS Students and Parents

WELCOME BACK!!!   We hope that you had an enjoyable and restful summer vacation with your families and friends.   We are excited about welcoming back all of our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and we looking forward to meeting all of our new 5th grade students.  After several weeks of work the school has been cleaned and prepped and is ready to welcome our students back to a safe and clean environment.   Feel free to wander around the building to check out some of our changes. Be sure to check out the Design and Tech Lab that has received a major upgrade including new ventilation, equipment and a complete paint job!

Communication:  We will continue to use our River Raider Press Blog as the main source of information. This blog will be updated weekly.  Please sign up for email updates at the bottom of this page.  Additionally we will use our Twitter and Facebook pages as places to find additional information including pictures displaying different events that are happening at BRMS.  The new web page is still under construction and will continue to develop throughout the school year.   There are many links that are currently active but some are still under development.  Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.  You will find many announcements on this page along with a calendar that lists all of our school events and activities.   You can also sign up to receive these announcements via email.  Follow the directions in this link to sign up for this service.  You can get more specific information regarding your child's academic team by going to the Classrooms tab at the top of our web page.

SBAC Results: The Spring 2016 SBAC results will be mailed out early next week.  Please review the data from these results and let us know if  you have any questions about your child's scores.   Remember this is only one of the measurements that we use to evaluate our students progress as a learner.

Student Pictures: Diane Parenteau will again being taking our student pictures this fall.  Please put the following dates in your calendar.  We will be providing more information as the date gets closer.

• Wednesday, October 5:  5th/6th Grade
• Thursday, October 6: 7th/8th Grade
• Friday, October 7:  Rain Date

Open House:  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 PM.

Sports Teams: Our BRMS Fall Sports teams are now in full swing.  Below is a list of our teams and the coaches.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

• Cross Country 5th-8th Grade:  Jenny Magoon and Mac Sullivan
• Girls Soccer 6th-8th Grade:  Will Esmay and Heather Jo Didrichsen
• Boys Soccer 6th-8th Grade:  Scott McLaughlin and Greg Martin

Reminder: We are pleased to announce the replacement of most of the annual paper information forms with online versions through a program called InfoSnap!  Much of it will be pre-populated --you will only need to update information that has changed. And, if you have more than one student, then you will only need to do some of it once per family rather than repeat it for each child.

When?  InfoSnap will be open from August 1, 2016 to September 20, 2016.  We emailed you account information shortly before August 1st, which included a unique password for each child. If you did not receive an email by August 1st, please contact your school or the district helpdesk (helpdesk@cesuvt.org or call 802-899-4093).

Is it secure?  The system works via a secured server to which only you have a password for your child. It is similar to the security of online banking.

What if I have more than one student in the district?  Do I need to do this for each child? Yes, because you’ll need to provide information that is specific for each child. We recommend that you submit one form, and then start another – this will allow you to “snap over” shared family information, which will save you time.

What if I do not have access to the Internet or a computer?  You may use a computer at any public library, use a smartphone, or make an appointment to come into any school to complete the form on a computer.

May I still do a paper form?  We would prefer that you complete the forms online, but paper forms can still be obtained from the school.  MMUHS will still send home a pre-populated form on which you can choose to make changes rather than submitting them online.

Who do I contact for help?  Problems with the Infosnap website?  Obtain technical support via www.infosnap.com/parent-support/ or call 866.752.6850 (9AM-8PM EDST).

Have questions about the questions on the forms? Contact your school.
If you did not receive an email about InfoSnap by August 1st, contact the district helpdesk (helpdesk@cesuvt.org or 802-899-4093.

Date Change: Attention Parents of Fifth Grade Students:
Puberty Information Night has been changed to Tuesday, September 20 from 6-7PM in the health and wellness classroom. This is an opportunity for parents to review the curriculum and the puberty movie. Please email Tamara Pless with any questions: tamara.pless@cesuvt.org

grade5 7 slideshow2016

School's out for summer!

Trout Project 2016

BRMS Staff Send Off to Summer Video

S.T.E.A.M. CAMP Opportunity for 10-14 yr. Olds: Willie Lee and Suzanne McDevitt, teachers at Browns River Middle School, are facilitating a summer S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Camp, during the week of June 27-July 1.  The camp will take place, 8:30AM-1:30PM in the Design and Technology classroom at Browns River Middle School.  We welcome campers ages 10-14 to select from a variety of supervised projects including 3-D Design and Printing, Laser-Cut Design and Etch, Rocket Design and Launch, Robotics and Lego Machines, Computer Programming, Video Creation, Solar Powered Activities, AND more.  The cost is $250 per camper. Each camper needs to fill out a panel from our brochure to return with their check prior to June 10.  Space will be limited. For more information and to receive a brochure see Mr. Lee or Mrs. McDevitt at school OR email: brownsriversteamcamp@gmail.com .

Summer Newsela Nonfiction Reading Challenge: 

New for 2016!  Join the Summer Newsela Nonfiction Reading Challenge: Are you interested in following the presidential election?  Would you like to hear the latest in the science, sports, or health world?  Perhaps you find it interesting to remain current on the topics the world is talking about!  Browns River Middle Schoolers are encouraged to STAY CURRENT, and STAY ACTIVE as READERS this summer by taking the Newsela Reading Challenge. Check out this flyer for more information and to learn how you can earn cool prizes for reading this summer!

Vermont Youth Dancers Production

Vermont Youth Dancers (VYD) will present Pride, a production based on the story of the Lion King, at Mount Mansfield Union High School on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.. VYD tells the story of a playful young Simba, whose world is suddenly shattered by tragic loss, and his struggle to accept who he is to overcome his evil uncle, Scar.   VYD brings this time honored tale to life with exciting music, and a unique balance of exciting hip-hop, and touching lyrical choreography. VYD is a community dance company of area elementary, middle and high school students. This teen cast of 23 features local talented dancers from Jericho, Colchester, Underhill, Huntington, Hinesburg, Essex, and Fletcher, in a wonderful full length production. Tickets available online beginning July 1 for $7 (vyd-pride.eventbrite.com).  Any unsold tickets will be available at the door for $8. Call 802-448-0893 or email vydtix@gmail.com for more information. 

After School Supervision Concerns

Dear BRMS Parents and Guardians,

Each spring the warmer weather brings about some after school supervision challenges.  We are asking you to have a conversation with your child about after school expectations.   Several of our students are making the independent decision to stay after school without parent or school permission.  Students who ride the bus are not allowed to stay after school unless they are at a school sponsored activity.  Some students go to the Deb Rawson Library after school and wait for parent rides to go home.  These students should not plan on riding the late dismissal bus or returning to the school building.  Additionally, students who live in the area may use our outdoor facilities but they are not allowed to re-enter the school unless they check with the main office staff.  We are very concerned about reports of several close calls with students crossing Route 15 to pick up after school snacks at the Jolly.  This is a dangerous intesection and we want to avoid any possibility of a tragedy happening with one of our students.  Our goal is to make sure that every child gets home safely to their family everyday.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your child's afterschool plans.  

Hello BRMS Families!

Exciting news:

BRMS is building a Gaga Ball Pit for our community!

GaGa Ball is believed to have originated in Israel, and slowly spread across the U.S. over several decades. Ga means "hit" or "touch" in Hebrew. In the rules of GaGa ball, the ball must touch the ground two times before it is considered in play, hence the name. GaGa Ball consists of a lightweight bouncy or foam ball and an octagon enclosure known as the "GaGa Ball Pit." The object of the game is to hit the ball at or below opponents' knees to eliminate them from the pit. The last one left in the GaGa Ball Pit is the winner.

What makes GaGa Ball great is that kids of any size, age, or athletic ability can play and have the same chance to win as anybody else. Games generally last only a few minutes, and eliminated players are back in the action quickly. Once a player is out, they can have as much fun watching and cheering while the other players finish off the game. Then, a new game starts all over, and you're back in action again!

This is a game played by most all of the BRMS students  in the classroom, and now they could play tournaments outside! Ask your student about it!

We need your help!

• Interested in building the structure? 
• Not handy, but could donate funds for the cost of the lumber and the hardware? We need about $350.00.
• Have a pick up and can transport the lumber?
• Have tools to share?

Please email Julie Riddell at julie.riddell@cesuvt.org

Lawn Mowing Help

BRMS is looking to immediately hire a qualified person, at least 18 years old,  to mow the athletic fields for the summer and fall months.  Hours are flexible. This is part time work. Please contact Kevin Hamilton if you are interested in this work.  

Fall 2016 Incoming 5th Grade Parent Orientation Night

5th Grade Parent Orientation Night at BRMS

Tuesday May 24

6:30 in the Cafeteria

This is a parent/guardian focused event

Press Release

Mt Mansfield Modified School District and Chittenden East Supervisory Union are pleased to announce the hiring of Rebecca Thibault as our new Human Resources Director.  Ms Thibault comes to CESU after ten years of experience at Onion River Co-op, City Market as a Human Resources Benefits Manager.  Prior to that she worked for IBM as a Human Resources Program Coordinator.  At City Market, Ms. Thibault focused on the mission of the organization to ensure local farmers, vendors, and members of the community were supported while also serving all employees.  During her tenure she shifted the entire employee health care policies to align with the Affordable Care Act.  She has worked in policy development, labor relations, benefit plan structuring, and employee wellness, building a strong organizational culture, implementing human resources and payroll software and recruiting top talent.  In addition to her impressive skillset and experience, she brings energy, passion and a supportive demeanor, all of which will contribute immensely to our school district.  Ms. Thibault holds a bachelors from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Vermont.  Ms Thibault lives in South Burlington with her family including two young children. Please join us in welcoming her to our community!

Science Fest! May 31, 2016  BRMS Here’s how it works:

Set out on your quest. 

Choose an interesting topic from the wide world of science, and ask a testable question.

Put it to the test. 

Do a project.  Be creative and have fun!  You can:

• Conduct an experiment to test a hypothesis,
• Design a product that solves a problem, or
• Build a model to illustrate your topic.

Enlighten all the rest. 

Create an eye-catching poster to illustrate your topic, research, results, and conclusions.

Come and bring your best! 

Present your findings at the Science Fair Fest.

Earn certificates and compete for fun prizes!

Schedule of Events, May 31st:

• Bring posters/projects to school in morning
• Set up in cafeteria after lunch
•  2:45 pm – right after school – round 1 presentations to judges.  Kids should be done in time to catch activity bus home.
• Judges deliberate and select top projects
•  6:00 pm – Science Fest. 

o   Come see all the projects by BRMS students!

o   Top projects from round 1 presentations announced. 

o   Round 2 presentations of top projects

o   Guest scientists and BRMS judges select winners

o   Certificates and prizes

To sign up, ask questions, or get more information, see Mr. Warren, Team Journey  (jeff.warren@cesuvt.org).

 Hope to see you there!

FOUR WINDS ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Come join us before school or work in the Underhill I. D. Multipurpose room.  

Pancakes, local syrup, Harrington’s bacon, Green Mountain Coffee, and juice…..(maybe sausage)

FRIDAY MAY 20TH

6:30-7:45AM     

$5 individual, $15 family, $3 staff

This is the only fund raiser for Four Winds, our volunteer run Science and nature enrichment program.  

BRMS Coaching Openings

Boys B Soccer Coach needed for the fall 2016 & Girls B Soccer Coach needed for the fall 2016.  All coaches are expected to plan and implement a quality athletic program that focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship.  Applicants should possess knowledge of the rules and tactics of the sport, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and are effective communicators both with students and parents. Previous coaching experience is preferred.  Please contact Kevin Hamilton, principal BRMS, if interested at (802)-899-3711.

Jericho Underhill Youth Soccer 2016 Registration

Registration for the 2016 Fall JUYS Session is now underway. This recreational based soccer league is run solely by parents and friends who volunteer their time for the love of the sport. All children, age Kindergarten through 6th grade (in fall of 2016), who live in Jericho or Underhill are welcome to participate.

Visit www.juys.org for more information and to register/pay online. Avoid late registration penalties which include increased fees and the possibility of not receiving your child's uniform at the start of the season by registering before June 30th. Plan ahead and sign up now, and we hope you consider volunteering your time and energy as a coach or assistant coach!!

Eagle Scout Fundraiser at BRMS

Jacob Wechsler, a former BRMS student is doing his Eagle Scout Project by hosting a Spaghetti Dinner, May 23, 5:30-7:30PM at BRMS.  Cost is as follows:
$8 per person
$5 for children 10 and under
$25 for family of 4
$30 for family of 5

Note from BRAG

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that next week we are celebrating all of the staff at BRMS and showing our appreciation of all that they do by providing snacks, meals and raffle prizes for them every day.  There are still many ways that you can get involved.  Check out the opportunities here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4ba4ac2ba75-brms1.  

If you have already signed up to help, thank you!!  It takes many hands working together to make the week successful.  

Finally, if you might be interested in heading-up this fun week next year or if you have any questions about ways you can help please reach out to me.

Thank you!

7th/8th Grade BRMS Dance

The next 7th/8th grade dance of the school year is happening this Friday, May 13.  The starting time is 7:00 p.m. and ending time is 9:00 p.m.  Super Sounds will be providing the music and admission is $5.00. The dances are lots of fun and are well chaperoned.  Please be sure to pick up your child at 9:00 p.m. Our staff will not leave any child unattended at the end of the evening.

Guidelines for our dances:

• All BRMS school rules are in effect at the school dances.
• Students are to remain in the designated area from the time of arrival until the end of the dance.  Students must have written permission from a parent to leave the dance before 9:00PM. 
• Only students currently enrolled in the 7th or 8th grade at BRMS may attend our school dances.
• The dances will take place in the BRMS Dining Room.
• No students will be admitted after 8:00 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.
• Dance styles deemed unacceptable by chaperons for reasons of safety will not be permitted.