October 2023
BFA Fairfax Middle School
Family Newsletter
Embedded Files
From the Principal:
Happy October! Fall is certainly upon us, and by the next newsletter we will be moving into winter. Middle schoolers have been spending a lot of time outdoors during recess, for class, on Fun Fridays, and on field trips, soaking up the nice weather where and when we can. Team Horizon traveled to Hosmer Point in Craftsbury last week for a day outside participating in team building and team challenges. I was lucky enough to chaperone and spend the day (the weather was glorious!) with the 7th graders and their teachers.
Family Conferences: We will hold Middle School Family Conferences the three weeks before Thanksgiving break (October 30 - November 17). You will receive more information about conferences, including directions for how to sign up for a conference, from your student's teachers by October 24th.
Substitutes: We continue to need substitute teachers! Please reach out to me or Sally Sillado (sbillado@fwsu.org) if you are interested.
Volunteering: There may be opportunities to volunteer this year. Please remember that anyone who wants to volunteer in a classroom or go on a field trip must complete this link: 2024 Volunteer Agreement Form. This is a digital form that can also be found at FWSU.org main page under quick links. Please consider completing this form now so that you are all set when you want to volunteer. You will only have to do this once a year.
Halloween: We will be holding a Middle School Spirit Week from October 30 - November 3. On Halloween the theme will be "dress in orange, black, and purple". We ask that Halloween costumes (and candy!) stay at home. Thank you!
Warmly,
Heather Baron, Middle School Principal
Lots of smiles (and bunny ears) at Hosmer!
Congratulations Ms. Skerrett!
Congratulations Ms. Skerrett!
Ms. Skerrett, Team Endeavor Social Studies teacher, was recognized by FWSU for her excellence in teaching and her work with students. Well deserved!
From the Dean of Students:
We have had a strong start to the school year and I’m pleased at the progress that our students have made so far this year. One of our big focuses this year is our Advisory Program. For some of our students, this is a continuation of work that was either done in elementary school or as part of their classes last year. For others, this is a brand new program and concept. The point of Advisory is to work with students to build a safe, caring and academically strong community. There are things that we still need to work on in terms of establishing clear expectations so that students can be successful, but our students have made progress in a lot of areas.
There have been some questions come up regarding some of our policies and expectations. You can find most answers in our BFA Student Handbook: Please take a minute to review the BFA Parent and Student Handbook. You can access it on the BFA website under Parent and Student Resources.
I look forward to continuing to work with you and your students over the course of this year, and if you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email or phone call.
Dana Gore, Dean of Students
Classroom Corner
TEAM VOYAGER (Grade 5):
During the month of September, fifth graders focused on the theme, BELONGING. They participated in several activities to explore ways to help others feel a sense of belonging within our community. We held our first 5th grade assembly where we recognized several students for exemplary acts of belonging and celebrated successes within each subject area. Lastly, our fifth grade community is looking forward to our first field trip to Ethan Allen Homestead!
TEAM ODYSSEY (Grade 6):
This month in advisory Odyssey students have been focusing on empathy, respect, and perseverance as a way to build community and uphold school values.
In math this month we completed a study of probability. An assessment was given on Wednesday so now we are moving into an in depth analysis of fractions. In literacy this month we have continued analyzing personal narratives and are working diligently to craft our own writing pieces. In social studies students got to try several foods that Ancient Mesopotamians would have eaten and for the most part they enjoyed them!
TEAM HORIZON (Grade 7):
Team Horizon had an exceptional and scenic fun trip to Hosmer Point in Craftsbury! Aside from the picturesque fall foliage; students took risks and problem-solved during challenge points, a scavenger hunt, trivia questions, and group games. Throughout the morning, teams worked together to answer scavenger hunt questions while also participating in team-building activities: rope swing, balance platforms, egg-drop capsule, and more. During the afternoon, students watched as their egg-drop capsules were dropped from the roof of a building to test how well they were able to protect their eggs. Several eggs survived. After the egg-drop, students played a group game of stones to finish off the afternoon.
TEAM ENDEAVOR (Grade 8):
In Language Arts, Team Endeavor, has just wrapped up a Word Work unit on syllable types. Ask your 8th grader the difference between an “open” and “closed” syllable. We have also spent the last two weeks planning and writing a realistic fiction story. Next week, we will be peer-editing the stories. Lastly we will read a few fall/spooky themed short stories in anticipation of Halloween.
In US History students are learning about the “Road to Revolution”, and analyzing primary sources to unravel the stories of the past. Students are engaging in some high-level questioning and thinking about the past.
After completing a review on the particle nature of solids, liquids and gasses, students are applying their knowledge to a unit on weather in Science. The unit kicked off with students viewing videos of hail storms. These hail storms occurred in different locations and different times of the year. Some hail storms were accompanied by strong winds and rain. One storm produced hailstones the size of tennis balls! Students are currently graphing and analyzing data from 8 different hail storms to determine if there are any patterns in the location, scale, timing and weather conditions during these storms.
In Math, we have just ended our first unit on proportional relationships. Now students have been busy creating graphs and tables to model the results from our experiments testing bridge strength (pictured here). Next, we will be focusing on creating linear equations to represent situations in this unit.
Counseling Connections
Tip of the Month: How to help your middle school student to navigate challenging relationship dynamics?
Does it feel like your child is always talking about ‘drama’ with friends? Do they come home upset and not sure how to handle a situation with peers? Does this make you feel helpless? I bet you hate seeing them upset, hurt, confused and not know how to help! Here’s some tips for helping your middle schooler navigate complicated relationships and dynamics with peers:
Be a good listener. Your child may have very strong emotions surrounding their friendship issues and they often just need to vent. Take the time to listen and let them talk. You don’t need to have the answers.
Take things seriously. Remember that friendship issues and the drama associated with them are very real and serious to the middle schoolers involved. Adults looking at the situation are often prone to think it is “ridiculous” or “silly.” Communicating these thoughts to them will not make them feel validated.
Take a deep breath! Seeing your child upset can be incredibly heartbreaking, which can negatively impact how you respond in the moment. Giving your child advice that is based on anger, spite, and revenge might not be helpful. Remember these are kids. Try not to compare a child’s behavior with that of an adult in a similar situation. They are still learning how to engage in all kinds of relationships and are learning from all of us adults.
React slowly. Take their concerns seriously, but often by doing nothing, the problem will either be forgotten by the kids or they will correct it on their own. Often parental intervention should be a last resort.
Remind your child how real friends act. Words such as trustworthy, respectful, kind, good listener, and supportive may come to mind.
Determine if your kid is part of the problem. That does NOT make them bad kids! Remember, they’re still learning! But do try to keep a close eye on your child’s text messages and social media to make sure their behavior is in line with your expectations and isn’t unintentionally adding fuel to the fire. The best kids can make poor choices at this age (and can learn from them!).
Consider a phone/device blackout period. Giving your child a break from their phone, which can be a major source of social pressure and drama, can help things calm down a bit. I know this can be difficult, but it also gives them a chance to regulate, engage in some self-care (things that bring them joy) and times in which they feel good about themselves.
What if my middle schooler doesn’t want to talk to me? That does not make you a bad parent! Middle Schoolers are trying to find their way in the world, sometimes with your help and sometimes on their own. You can suggest they talk to a trusted adult at school, such as the school counselor. You could even give the school counselor a heads up! Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns!
Athletics and Activities
As the seasons are coming to a close at the end of October for our Middle School Cross Country and Soccer teams, we remain so proud of the growth, improvement, teamwork, and sportsmanship that are evident on a daily basis. As a school we take great pride in that our middle school co-curricular opportunities provide a safe and equitable environment for all students to try a new activity, take part in a sport or club they love, and foster valuable lifetime skills through the lens of sports and activities.
Geri Witalec-Krupa, Director of Activities
BFA Fall Musical
BFA Fall Musical
The Bellows Free Academy Dramatic Arts Ensemble is hard at work preparing for this year’s musical, “Little Shop of Horrors”. The program is made up of over 40 students from the middle and high school who have been working for three months designing sets, blocking scenes, memorizing music, and learning precise choreography to entertain audiences over four performances on November 9, 10, and 11. Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 28, at 10 AM. Last year’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” was sold out so it’s important to grab those tickets early. See you at the show! (Oh, and psst, there’s rumored to be an 8-foot person-eating plant on stage.) bfafairfax.brownpapertickets.com
Student Leadership Committee:
We are in the process of getting the Student Leadership Committee back up and running for this school year. This committee is led by Marisa Monette (School Counselor) and Jenn Foster (Middle School Special Educator).
Students interested in participating were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about how they can contribute to a positive community in the Middle School. Marisa and Jenn, with the help of classroom advisors, reviewed student applications this week. It was great to see so much interest. Since only a certain number of students could be selected, the students' advisors were asked to review the applications and rate applicants in the following areas:
1. How well the student demonstrates the schoolwide values of being safe, respectful and responsible
2. How well the student serves as a role model for their peers
3. Whether or not the student demonstrates leadership qualities amongst peers.
Members of the Student Leadership committee work together to create opportunities for students to contribute to a positive school environment. They help plan school wide events such as dances, fundraisers, Spirit Week as well as engage in unique learning opportunities that they then bring the learning back to their fellow classmates. Some upcoming events that the SLC will help with include the 7-8 grade dance on October 27th (see details below), the fall Middle School Spirit Week as well as planning for the holidays. This group had a lot of fun last year and planned some awesome events, so we’re excited to get this off the ground again!
2023/2024 Student Leadership Committee:
Maddy Foster - 5th
Theodora Burley - 5th
Nicholas Bedore - 5th
Cassidy Loyer - 5th
Magnolia Vance - 5th
Papa Oduah - 5th
Molly Ruth Palmer - 6th
Abby Savery - 6th
Vera Azur - 6th
Owen Beliveau - 6th
Levi Rabtoy - 7th
Lily Hebert - 7th
Rosemary Vance - 7th
Blake Von Sitas - 7th
Eryn Lawrence - 7th
Sophie Foster - 7th
Maameya Ntiriwaa - 7th
Savannah Jackson - 8th
Harper Previs - 8th
Asa Brown - 8th
Middle School Grade 7-8 Dance
The first Middle School Dance of the year will take place on October 27th from 6:30-8:30
All students must arrive, and enter, through the doors by the middle school gym, by 7 pm.
No admittance after that time will be allowed (unless prior approval from Principal Baron)
Pick up is promptly at 8:30 pm.
Students will exit through the doors by the middle school gym $5 admission
Costumes are welcome that are school appropriate. Please do not wear costumes that include weapons or masks that cover the face.
Nurse's Office
The school nurses keep a food shelf for families in need. We are running low! Please consider dropping off non-perishable food items or gift cards. If you have any questions, email our nurses, Amy Black, Courtney LaCasse, and Michelle Sheehan.
Thank you,
Courtney LaCasses, BFA Middle School, clacasse@fwsu.org
From the Land of Music, Art, Physical Education, and World Language
ART: Students have been working hard in art class this month. 7th and 8th graders completed their paper relief sculptures, and 5th and 6th graders finished up their pop-up cards. All students began a digital portfolio in their Google Drive that they will add images of their finished projects to throughout the school year. Ask them to show you their work so far!
Spanish: In Spanish class, students have finally been able to settle into a routine by entering class everyday and starting a “do now” warm up before jumping into whatever game or activity we are doing that day. We recently completed our greetings unit where students have been able to introduce themselves or a friend, and say “hello/good morning” or “goodbye/see you later” to someone in a spontaneous context. We have since started our calendar unit where students will be able to count to 32, share the day of the week, date, when their birthday is, and how old they are. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out via email at flenahan@fwsu.org
MANDARIN: Students in Mandarin class have learned how to greet other people and introduce themselves in Mandarin. Students can count numbers from 1-31 and how to say the dates and their birthday in Mandarin. We also learned 13 colors and how to say “I like” and “I don’t like” these colors in Mandarin. We celebrated the Mid-autumn festival and learned how to make mooncakes. Many students and their families made mooncakes with us on September 26th in the evening, thanks to those who could join us!
TECHNOLOGY: Students have been working in CoSpaces, a virtual reality creation tool, where they created virtual tiny houses and interactive games. CoSpaces uses 3D design techniques as well as block-based coding to make the spaces interactive and dynamic. The environments that they create incorporate 3D objects that they have designed in a program called Tinkercad as well. Students will test out their own and each others’ CoSpaces using Oculus Quest VR headsets. We will be working more with the Tinkercad design tool to create more objects which will be printed out (including a design challenge to design a means to store the Oculus headsets and controllers neatly and safely in a rolling cabinet). Stay tuned!
CHORUS: Middle school chorus students are working diligently on sight reading melodies. The students are given an unfamiliar melody and have a few minutes to study it in order to sing it correctly as a group. They are getting really good at figuring out key signatures and finding the “Do, Re, Mi’s”. I am so impressed with their work. As time goes by, being able to read music well will help us to learn our music faster and give the singers more independence.
We are also preparing pieces for our concert that is scheduled for December 13th at 7:00 PM. It seems a little strange to sing winter tunes when it is 80 degrees outside but we are having fun! We look forward to sharing our work with you soon!
GENERAL MUSIC: General Music students are wrapping up their piano units. In the process of learning many songs, learner traits like Self Direction, Persistence, Responsibility and Reflection became very important. I am extremely proud of the work that the students are doing and I hope that they are proud of themselves!
BAND: Our middle school band groups are the largest they have been in recent history, which is just a delight. It is great to have such enthusiasm from our young musicians. Students are learning new musical skills in each class, then learning how to perfect that learning as a team during full band rehearsals. As students improve, their range, endurance, and expressiveness increases. Our middle school band concert is December 13 at 7:00 PM in the high school gym. We can’t wait to show the community how much we are learning!
News from the Library
The Vermont Golden Dome Book Award was created to honor excellence in children's literature. Each year since 1957, Vermont students in grades four through eight select their favorite book from a list of nominees. It is recommended that students read at least five of the year's nominated titles before voting. Voting takes place in April. All of the nominees are available in the library. More information about the award and nominees can be found at the Vermont Department of Libraries. https://libraries.vermont.gov/vermont-golden-dome-book-award
Please be aware it is the school library procedure that when students move into middle school (5th-8th), they are able to choose books from the Young Adult (YA) section. This is not a section they have access to in the elementary school. The books in this section are written for a wide range of ages and reading abilities. If you have any questions, please reach out to school librarian, Joy Mercer.
Joy Mercer
School Librarian
jmercer@fwsu.org
Upcoming Events and Dates
IMPORTANT DATES:
Early Release: October 18 (students dismissed 12:50pm)
Spirit Week: October 30 - November 3
Grade 7 and 8 Dance: October 27, 6:30-8:30 (Middle School Gym)
Little Shop of Horrors: November 9-11
End of Trimester 1: November 17
Thanksgiving Break: November 20-24
Middle School Band Concert: December 13, 7pm (High School Gym)
SAVE THE DATE:
Grade 7-8 Dances: October 27th and May 17th
Grade 5-6 Dance: February 16th
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