RIVER RAIDER

Dear BRMS Families,

We had a great start to the school year here at BRMS.  All of our students settled into their routines quickly throughout the first week of school.  Everyone seems a little tired today and we are all looking forward to the three day weekend!

Most of our school sports programs kicked off their practices this week.  We have a large number of students participating in these activities and we are excited about seeing our athletes competing on the fields over the coming weeks. After school clubs will be starting up in the coming weeks and information will be provided in future editions of the River Raider Newsletter.

This year we initiated a slight change to our cell phone expectations at BRMS and we are already seeing positive results immediately in the first week.   Students are no longer allowed to have their devices with them during the school day.   Phones are expected to be kept in their backpacks or a classroom storage space.   Teachers are reporting less distractions and more engagement in the classroom due to this slight modification.   Thank you for your support in this change and we know that will have an overall positive impact on our school community.

I would like to highlight two events that are happening in the next month at BRMS.  Our annual Open House will be held on October 1st this year at 6:30 p.m.. This event is a great way to explore our hallways and to meet all of our staff members.  Families participate in a school wide scavenger hunt that will guide visitors throughout our building.  On September 11 we will be hosting an outdoor event sponsored by the Flynn Theater in Burlington.  The  Playing Fields Project is a back-to-school celebration that travels to school districts around Vermont.  The project invites communities to gather together for joyful and awe-inspiring performances on school fields. Everyone is invited to join the fun!

We hope you have a relaxing Labor Day Weekend and we look forward to seeing our students back on Tuesday!

Kevin

Health and Wellness Class Accepting Kitchen Supply Donations

Dear BRMS Parents,

I am reaching out to you for kitchen supplies for the upcoming school year.  Over the years our cooking supplies, such as pots, pans, utensils have begun to reach their full potential.

If you are like me, you have items at home just waiting to be tossed, given away or recycled.

Feel free to send your student in with any donations that would help both you (unloading) and mr (using in the health room).

Items include; large skillets, saucepans, large pots, sharp knives, silverware, rubber spatulas, cutting boards, plates, and any other items you think might be of helpful use.

I appreciate your consideration in this matter.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.  Thank you.

Mr. Nick

BRMS Health and Wellness Teacher

THINKING ABOUT GETTING A PHONE FOR YOUR CHILD? CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO SMARTPHONES!

Having a way to get in touch with our kids, and for them to be connected to their friends and schoolmates is important, but growing research confirms what many parents and educators have already experienced: the negative impact that smartphones and social media are having on youth, particularly when introduced at a young age. If you're thinking about getting a phone for your child, consider looking at alternatives to smartphones. There are several different smartwatch options (Gizmo, TickTalk, Gabb) and basic phones that don't give children unlimited internet and social media access (Gabb phone, Bark phone, Pinwheel, Light Phone, Wisephone). There’s a groundswell of action around this issue globally, and it's happening here too!

If you are looking for resources, or want to connect with local families working to foster healthier phone and social media habits for our kids, we invite you to join the conversation! ReConnect is a growing group of families from the MMU school district, looking to build community and share resources around this issue. Send us an email at reconnectvt@gmail.com with any questions or to join our email list, and to stay informed about local initiatives aimed at changing the tide and helping our kids to have healthier, freer childhoods. We look forward to connecting with you!

Sign up for Fall Drama Here:  https://forms.gle/QetjjKcmNvsdjfqP6

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SIGN UP INFO for 6th graders!

Hello BRMS 6th grade families,

My name is Berta Frank and I am the Instrumental Music Director at BRMS. I am a professional musician and an enthusiastic music educator who can't wait to start up the 2024 BRMS beginner BAND!!  

Parents are always pleasantly surprised at how much can happen in only a few months with dedicated practice sessions at home only a few times a week. 1 HOUR TOTAL per week is expected for at home weekly practice. Parents are KEY in helping students with support and encouragement - that is our job in making this activity a success!

INSTRUMENT TRIALS - will continue this week in school - students know when! Try an instrument before you fill out the SIgn Up Sheet!

SCHEDULE - 2 rehearsals and one lesson per week

6th Grade BAND meets at 9:40am on WEDNESDAYS every week to rehearse as a FULL group. 

Group lessons will take place during General Music & an extra rehearsal by TEAM will happen once a week during the school day - details coming!

Here are the steps needed to register and participate in the BRMS 5th Grade String Ensemble:

1. READ the INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC HANDBOOK (also attached)

2. FILL OUT An Instrument Sign Up Sheet which will have instrument choices to pick from (attached)

Once I receive the Sign Up Sheet - - - 

3. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM ME telling you which instrument I expect your child to play this year (1st, 2nd or 3rd choice) with rental & lesson info.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL

Some students have already made a decision and confirmed their selection with me at school. These students can move on to the LAST step which is filling out and submitting a CONTRACT. We do have some school owned BAND instruments available to use for $150 for the school year. Send me an email if you are interested! Rental company info outside of BRMS is in the HANDBOOK. All instruments should be delivered to BRMS. 

Contracts are due Oct 1st 

LISTENING - here are great links to listen and learn about the instruments you are considering. Here is video about all the instruments in the BAND - check it out!

Questions or need more info?  Please reach out!

:)

BERTA FRANK

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SIGN UP INFO for 5th graders!

I am looking forward to introducing the latest BRMS 5th graders to the world of STRING instruments! It's a very exciting time of year for me and the students who choose to participate in the instrumental program at our school. Parents are always pleasantly surprised at how much can happen in only a few months with dedicated practice sessions at home only a few times a week - 1 HOUR TOTAL per week is expected for at home practice. Parents are KEY in helping students with support and encouragement - that is our job in making this activity a success!

INSTRUMENT TRIALS - this week during General music for all 5th graders! Try an instrument before you fill out the SIgn Up Sheet!

SCHEDULE - 2 rehearsals and one lesson per week

5th Grade Strings meets at 8am on MONDAYS every week to rehearse as a FULL group.

Group lessons will take place during General Music & an extra rehearsal by TEAM will happen once a week during the school day - details coming

Here are the steps needed to register and participate in the BRMS 5th Grade String Ensemble:

1. READ the INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC HANDBOOK (also attached)

2. FILL OUT An Instrument Sign Up Sheet which will have instrument choices to pick from (attached)

Once I receive the Sign Up Sheet - - -

3. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM ME telling you which instrument I expect your child to play this year

(1st, 2nd or 3rd choice) with rental & lesson info.

LISTENING - here are great links to listen and learn about the instruments you are considering. SHORTSTRING video and LONG STRING video.

Students interested in BAND can participate next year in the beginner BAND program which starts in 6th grade.

Questions or need more info? Please reach out!

:)

BERTA FRANK