- Early Middle School
- Middle School
Dear Early Middle School and Middle School Parents,
The beauty of the season is all around us. Leaves change color and fall to the ground. There is a chill in the air. Every year, summer turns to autumn, and autumn turns to winter. Our students are transforming as well. They are maturing in relationships, finding their voices, and advocating for themselves. Their hearts and minds are growing as they develop the character of wisdom, compassion, and courage. My heart is full as I see this growth take place, day in and day out, in our hallways and classrooms.
Thank you for taking the time to meet with teachers on October 19 at parent/teacher conferences. It is a joy to celebrate excellent work as well as to articulate goals for the rest of the semester and beyond. Thank you for all you have done to provide encouragement to your children and for your support and partnership with teachers. I eagerly look forward to the second half of the semester.
Hopelink Food Drive Bear Creek’s chapter of the National Honor Society is sponsoring a food drive benefiting families in need on the Eastside. Please help us collect non-perishable food items, October 29 – November 2. The goal is to bring in five tons of food in five days. Food items will be collected this week as follows:
- Grades 5 and 6 students have baskets outside their classrooms
- Grade 7 boys in Room 207
- Grade 7 girls in Room 201
- Grade 8 boys in Room 205
- Grade 8 girls in Room 210
Tools for Success This Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. – noon, Bear Creek is hosting Tools for Success, a parenting and academic strategies seminar designed for both parents and students. Cynthia Tobias, an internationally recognized author and speaker, will give the keynote. I am presenting two new sessions: “Birth Order: Why You Are the Way You Are” and “Habits of Highly Successful Teens.” There are sessions specifically for students in grades 5 and above and many other fascinating breakout session topics. This free event is open to the public, so feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. I hope you can join us! Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and refreshments. A complete list of session topics and registration information is available online.
Veterans Day There is no school on Monday, November 12 in observance of Veterans Day.
ParentNet Meetup You are invited to a ParentNet facilitated conversation for parents of students in grades 5-8 on Tuesday, November 13 from 8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Farmhouse. Previous conversations have addressed friends (social impact and peer pressure), the dreaded NTIs*, and effective time management tools; attending parents will choose the parenting topics to discuss.
* Assignments that are not-turned-in are listed as NTI on the Student and Parent Portals (Veracross).
Green & Gold Night On Tuesday, November 20, students are encouraged to dress in green and gold to demonstrate school spirit. In the evening, we kick off the basketball season with scrimmages, competitions, and fun activities for the entire student body. Green & Gold Night is a big hit each year, and the entire family is invited. The Hungry Bear and gym doors open at 5:00 p.m. Watch your email and the school website for more details.
Thanksgiving Break School is closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 21, 22, and 23. Happy Thanksgiving!
Christmas Break School is closed December 21 through January 6. School resumes on Monday, January 7.
Please read on for news specific to Middle School and Early Middle School families.
Middle School
Fall Field Trip Last Friday Middle School students explored the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. They had a chance to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and our role as stewards of the ecosystems which sustain the animal kingdom while enjoying one another’s fellowship.
Middle Schoolers at the Pt. Defiance
Zoo & Aquarium
Middle School Division Head Connection Please plan to join me Thursday, November 8 from 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in the C.E. “Ted” Kindel Library. The focus will be on technology with Innovation Specialist Dr. Suzannah Calvery speaking. In September, we focused on math with guest speakers Mrs. Kristina Stevenson and Mrs. Linda Graham.
Middle School Drama Presentation Please join the Middle School drama students on Friday, November 16 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (in the Upper School). Mrs. Fry’s class will present Darcy and Elizabeth, adapted by Jon Jory, and Mrs. White’s class will present Peter Pan and Wendy, adapted by Doug Rand. Drama students will remain at school that afternoon between regular dismissal and showtime in preparation for these productions; a pizza dinner will be provided.
Christmas at Bear Creek Middle School band will perform at the Instrumental Concert on Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. Middle School choir will perform at the Choral Concert on Saturday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. Both concerts will be held in the Performing Arts Center (in the Upper School). Watch for more information about all the Christmas at Bear Creek concerts in the coming weeks.
Final Exams Middle School fall semester final exams will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, December 19 and 20. Students may wear free dress and will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m. both days.
- December 19: 8:10 a.m. English exam; 10:10 a.m. science exam
- December 20: 8:10 a.m. math exam; 10:10 a.m. history exam
Prearranged Absences If your child plans to miss one or more school day(s) during the holidays, or at any time, please turn in the Middle School Request for Prearranged Absence form at least five days prior to the absence (this form is also available on the Forms tab on the MyBC/Parents page and in Mrs. Willard's office). The second page of the form needs to be filled out and signed off by each of your child's teachers regarding work that will be missed. Thank you for helping your child stay organized by communicating prearranged absences as soon as possible.
JanTerm registration opens Wednesday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m. An email with details will be sent from Registrar James Woollard. New this year, there will be an opportunity to submit a “test” registration over the weekend of November 10-11.
Mark Your Calendar for Academic and College Planning Night on Thursday evening, January 17 (learn more register online).
Early Middle School
Grade 5 Walk-a-thon
Walk-a-thon Thank you for your generous support! At this year's Walk-a-thon, 380 K-6 students walked, jogged, ran, and danced in the rain and raised over $50,000 for the PTF! The effort by parent volunteers and students was outstanding! The PTF exceeded its fundraising goal, and all students are rewarded with free dress this Friday, November 2. The Golden Tennis Shoe Awards went to Claire L., Max B., and Drew C. for accumulating the most Walk-a-thon laps over their years in grades 3-6.
Fall Carnival Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this wonderful event happen! Early Middle School students and teachers enjoyed some “Fizz, Pop Boom” with the Mad Scientist followed by the many carnival-themed activities, petting zoo, cake walk, and all of the fun games!
Grade 6 Fall Carnival
Visiting Author Lois Brandt This Wednesday, November 1, noted author Lois Brandt will speak to grades K-6. She will discuss the writing process and her popular book, Maddi’s Fridge, which gently deals with childhood hunger. Parents are welcome to attend the student assemblies with Ms. Brandt at 8:45 a.m. for grades 3-6 and at 9:40 a.m. for grades K-2.
Step Over Day on Tuesday, November 6 is a chance for the current grade 6 students to experience a portion of the day in the life of Middle School students, including Chapel, advisories, and electives. Every year this is a highlight for grade 6 students. The Middle School students also look forward to hosting each year.
Early Middle School Division Head Connection Please plan to join me Friday, November 9 from 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in the Main Conference Room. The focus will be on technology with Innovation Specialist Dr. Suzannah Calvery speaking. In September, we focused on math with guest speakers Mrs. Kristina Stevenson and Mrs. Linda Graham. In October, we focused on memorization with guest speaker Mr. Ben Dale.
Christmas at Bear Creek The Early Middle School Christmas Program featuring grades 5 and 6 bands and choirs will be held Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cornerstone Theater (in the Main Building). Watch for more information about all the Christmas at Bear Creek concerts in the coming weeks.
Mark Your Calendar
- Tuesday, November 27 – Friday, November 30 – Secret Garden Book Fair in the Ida Lairson Library
- Thursday, January 17 – Academic and College Planning Night – Learn more and RSVP online
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me or Division Assistant Carol Willard (carol.willard@tbcs.org).
Take care,
Jenn McDonough
jmcdonough@tbcs.org
425-898-1720 ext. 229