“Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect,” is a famous quote thatis is often used by coaches as they encourage their student-athletes to achieve. The

perfect practice will carry over into the athlete’s ability to execute the offense or de- fense designed by their coach. And the ultimate goal is success for the team or indi- vidual athlete.

The same can be said for a student doing the homework, or independent practice, which isassigned by their teacher. Homework is an important learning strategy because it exercises your mind.When you are in class, the teacher is directing your thinking process. When you work on your own, itgives you a chance to direct your thinking in ways that are natural to you. Spending time on home-work also expands your knowledge of a subject and helps to build a solid foundation of the curriculum.

Beginning in December, Beatrice Middle School will implement the Beatrice Middle SchoolHomework Academy to provide time for students to complete homework that has not been completedand turned in to their teacher. The current practice of 9th period will continue when homework is notcompleted. If homework is still not finished, the Beatrice Middle School Homework Academy will beused. Each team will be focusing on those students who do not currently receive additional homeworksupport. Students and parents will be informed prior to the student being assigned to the BeatriceMiddle School Homework Academy. The time frame on Wednesday to complete the homework is from2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. for 7th and 8th grade students and 3:30 P.M. for 6th grade students. During thattime, your child will complete late or missing homework. When finished, your student may work onfuture work or read; they may not leave until the dismissal time.

The purpose of the Beatrice Middle School Homework Academy is homework completion. Thiswill support learning in the classroom and change your student’s behavior to complete the homeworkwhen first assigned. Parents, please encourage your student to complete all of his/her homework ontime or during 9th period when it is initially late. If the homework is not completed on time, pleasesupport your child and your child’s teacher when they contact you about the Beatrice Middle SchoolHomework Academy.

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RRRRRandy Scandy Scandy Scandy Scandy Schlueterhlueterhlueterhlueterhlueter, Principal, Principal, Principal, Principal, PrincipalDaDaDaDaDavid Krvid Krvid Krvid Krvid Krausausausausaus, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant PrincipalAmy RAmy RAmy RAmy RAmy Randel, Counselorandel, Counselorandel, Counselorandel, Counselorandel, CounselorTTTTTrrrrracacacacacy Py Py Py Py Post, Counselorost, Counselorost, Counselorost, Counselorost, Counselor

December 2011/January 2012 Vol. 20 No. 4

PRINCIPAL POINTS - RANDY SCHLUETER

Beatrice Middle School Newsletter

Lack of Homework Completion by StudentsLack of Homework Completion by StudentsLack of Homework Completion by StudentsLack of Homework Completion by StudentsLack of Homework Completion by StudentsBeatrice Middle School Homework AcademyBeatrice Middle School Homework AcademyBeatrice Middle School Homework AcademyBeatrice Middle School Homework AcademyBeatrice Middle School Homework Academy

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S CORNERDavid Kraus

COUNSELORS' QUIPSCOUNSELORS' QUIPSCOUNSELORS' QUIPSCOUNSELORS' QUIPSCOUNSELORS' QUIPSAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorAmy Randel, CounselorTracy Post, CounselorTracy Post, CounselorTracy Post, CounselorTracy Post, CounselorTracy Post, Counselor

Winter is Coming to BMS!!!With the approach of cold weather, please remember that the doors to Beatrice Middle School donot open until 7:50 A.M. Do not drop your child off at school or allow them to walk to school beforethat time. Students may not enter the building until 7:50 and if they are early, they must waitoutside for the bell to ring. Prior to 7:50A.M., there are no staff members to supervise students.Also, be sure they are dressed properly to walk to and from school. Students should have coats,hats, and gloves as they come to school.

College is years away, but that doesn't mean your child shouldn't start thinking about it and making plans for itnow. Studies show that college graduates are more likely than non graduates to:

** Talk about his interests. What does your child like to do? What are his passions? Whether it's graphicdesign or physical fitness, there's surely a college program geared toward it. He won't be enrolling anytimesoon, but it's okay to "plant the seed" and get him thinking about how he can continue doing what he loves at theuniversity level someday.** Encourage him to set goals. How does your child see himself in 10 years? As a college graduate? A suc-cessful employee? A business owner? Ask him what he envisions and how he plans to get there. Specifically,talk about what he can do now (such as studying harder or taking tougher classes) to help him reach his goalslater.** Widen his horizons. There are too many careers out there to count, and odds are your child hasn't heardof many of them. So go on-line and research various professions. Get him excited about the different optionsavailable to him! Source: Getting Ready for College & Careers.

PARENTS, PLEASE TAKE NOTE!!!

HELP!! HELP!! HELP!! HELP!!

To Help Your Child Begin Focusing On His College Future:To Help Your Child Begin Focusing On His College Future:To Help Your Child Begin Focusing On His College Future:To Help Your Child Begin Focusing On His College Future:To Help Your Child Begin Focusing On His College Future:

* Live healthier, longer lives * Stay employed * Enjoy their jobs * Change jobs more easily * Earn significantly higher salaries

NeSA-WritingThis year, all 8th grade students will take the NeSA-Writing test on February 6th and 7th as part of theirEnglish classes. The NeSA-Writing test measures students’ ability to write descriptively, considering thetraits of good writing (ideas and content, organization, voice and word choice, and sentence fluency andconventions). This year students will be composing their essays in a word-processing format online. Pleaseensure your student has had a good night’s rest and breakfast the day of the test!

Summer Stephens, Ed.D., Director of Curriculum & Assessment

The Beatrice Middle School concession stand is in need of parent help. The middleschool Parent-Council is responsible for the concession stand at all BMS athletic events.Volunteers are needed to help in the concession stand to work with and supervise the

students who volunteer for the events. Activity days vary and are on Mondays, Tuesdays, orThursdays. The time frame for helping is after school, approximately 3:30 to 6:00. The fundsgenerated from the BMS concession stand go to the athletic program (app. 25%) and the remaindergoes to fund Parent-Council Teacher Grants. If you can help, please contact the BMS office and inform them of when you could support BMS athletics with your time. Thank you.

RESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITY

MEET YOUR BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'SMEET YOUR BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'SMEET YOUR BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'SMEET YOUR BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'SMEET YOUR BEATRICE MIDDLE SCHOOL'S

STUDENTS OF CHARACTER!!STUDENTS OF CHARACTER!!STUDENTS OF CHARACTER!!STUDENTS OF CHARACTER!!STUDENTS OF CHARACTER!!

FAIRNESSFAIRNESSFAIRNESSFAIRNESSFAIRNESS

CARINGCARINGCARINGCARINGCARING

Left to Right:Lauren Daake,Maria Pinkerton,Tyler Boller, BryceBuss, AbigailWitulski, JocelynBowles, CaydenMcConnell, andKyleigh Swoboda.

Left to Right: Brenden Simpson, Jamison Theye,Giselle Bergmeier, Shay Moore-Allen, MarindaBryant, Bridget Christensen, and Gricelda Lopez.

Left to Right: Tiffany Regier, Mason Bletscher,Morgan Laflin, Brandel Riekenberg, VictoriaKlaus, Colby Riley, and Emily Sandal.

The “Reading Raggies” project is a middle school service learning pro-FCS in Action . . .FCS in Action . . .FCS in Action . . .FCS in Action . . .FCS in Action . . .ject that combines student work completed in Language Arts and FamilyConsumer Sciences. Rag bags are sewn by students in the 7th grade FCSclasses while learning to read and follow sewing directions. The 8th gradeLanguage Arts classes write and create the visuals for a children’s book. TheChildren’s Story Unit gives the 8th grade students an opportunity to take apiece of writing completely through the writing process from draft to pub-lishing. It also gives students an opportunity to create a piece of fiction to share with others, specifi-cally younger children. The final step is the delivery of the projects to the BPS kindergarten classes.Eight students were able to participate in this final step with the help of Mrs. Ragland and Mrs.Bergmeier, parents that volunteered to drive the students to the schools. THANK YOU LADIES! Also,thanks to the kindergarten staff and students for letting us visit your classrooms as we shared ourproject. View a few snapshots from the visit on the FCS web site.

6th Grade

8th GradeBethany AdenAngelina AljanabiCheyanne BaumannGiselle BergmeierHunter BoldenJacob BrodDylan BurenheideDawson CampbellLindsey DurmanTrevor EichenbergerTrinity FaklerDeva FreemanNickolas FunkDylan George

Graham SouthwickSamuel SteffenEvan SueperZachary ThiesBrittany ThomasAdam TjeerdsmaShawn VraspirAbigail WitulskiJoseph WrightGwendolyn Zumwalt

Brandon GrantKaylin HagemeierGage HoeferAshley HothanSkyler HulsConnor HusaJordan JurgensAustin KarlinBridget LovellHannah MeintsKaitlyn MessnerKaela MeyerMicaela NavarreteJordan NoackSamantha OakesAnissa PadgettOlivia PittmanHayley PlesselMegan PlesselAustin RaglandSarah RiekenbergEmily SandalMarissa SandmanJonathon SchleuferChesney SchmidtHannah SextonKyleigh SwobodaMitchell TroutMallory TvrdyJacob WrightCassidy WrightsmanBailey ZarybnickyLandon Zarybnicky

7th GradeBrady AchtemeierCamden AdamsDeAngelo AdenKirsten BaeteTilden BardsleyHannah BaumanMichelle BaumfalkJackson BillesbachKrystina BillesbachGarrett BloomquistCooper BlumKeeli BoesigerTia BuhrAlexis CollinsWilliam CrandallDylan CullisonJenna DaubendiekNatalie DoeringBrienna DreesEmma DuBoisMorgan EnglerDakoda FreitagCourtney FujanKameron HarlanDalton HartigChristian HeilCaylen HenningElijah HoeferAlyssa HuwaldtSteven JordanDakota KernerAlexis KessAugust Knobel

Kyle LenersChandler MaguireTyler MilkeTaylor NelsonBryce PardeMadison PieperJacob PinkertonJoseph PinkertonTrenton PoleyKendall PostColby RileyHannah SandsSkylar ShottenkirkNoah SnurrNathan SpilkerTabetha SteelKatie SteffenRiley StevensSkylar ThomasBreanna TrauernichtKaylee VanWinkleKennedy VaterAli WaltersNathaniel WeitzmanRandall Westlake-Melroy

Emily BartholomewDylan BassingerJorden BinnickMikayla BletscherChristian BorzekofskiDillon BussBridget ChristensenDillon DammeChase DeBoerHannah DrentArial EggertMadison EwaldKaleigh FielderBrayden FrerichsJessica FujanBenjamin GarlandColton GronewoldElijah HavekostKacie HeidbrinkTessa HoffmanLogan HuttAustin HuwaldtJenna JunkerKole JurgensWhitley KlevelandElizabeth KruseNathan LancasterSamantha MaguireAaron MayCayden McConnellJohn MenclAlexa NeukirchHayden OwensMaria PinkertonJada ProkopCorlyn RegierTiffany RegierMya RileyMakalah ScheeleTrevor SchmaleHaley SextonAaron ShumakerTrevor SmithAllison Snurr

Jenilee WrightJoscelyn ZimmermanIsabelle ZitoAndrea Zulauf

7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball7th Grade Coaches: Mrs. Thies/Mr. Campbell

8th Grade Coaches: Mr. Bell/Mr. Policky

7th Grade Girls BasketballDec. 1 Seward Tourn. TBA (T)Dec. 5 Crete 4:00 ( H)Dec. 8 Fairbury 4:00 (H)Dec. 13 York 4:00 (H)

7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball7th Grade Coaches: Mr. Brand/Mr. Menke

8th Grade Coaches: Mr. Post/Mr. Bruhn7th Grade Boys Basketball

Jan. 19 York 4:00 (H)Jan. 23 Wymore(B) 4:00 (H)Jan. 24 Crete 4:00 (H)Jan. 28 Fairbury 9:30 (T)Jan. 30 Marysville 4:30 (H)

7th & 8th Grade WrestlingCoaches: Mr. Vetrovsky/Mr. KassmeierDec. 5 Tri County Invite 6:00(T)Dec. 13 Crete 5:00(T)Dec. 17 Seward Tourn. 8:30(T)

8th Grade Girls BasketballDec. 1 Seward Tourn. TBA (T)Dec. 5 Crete 4:00 ( T)Dec. 8 Fairbury 4:00 (H)Dec. 13 York 4:00 (H)

8th Grade Boys BasketballJan. 19 York 4:00 (T)Jan. 23 Wymore (B) 5:00 (H)Jan. 24 Crete 4:00 (T)Jan. 28 Fairbury 9:30 (T)Jan. 30 Marysville 4:30 (T)

It’s hard to believe we only have six months until we are on our trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg. There are currently 41 students, parents, and teachers signed up for the trip and the students are actively working to pay off their accounts. Students have received FLAG-financial scholarships from Worldstrides, several had fun

and made money trick-or-treating for education, and the candle sale was a success with students selling just under $1,500.00 worthof candles. I am eagerly looking forward to the May 29-June 2, 2012 trip.

I would encourage students to consider asking for money for Christmas and the holidays to put towards their upcomingtrip. I would also encourage leaf raking, shoveling snow, babysitting, and asking people if they have jobs you could do for pay forthe purpose of this educational trip. We will continue the sale of community cards which make great gifts for the holidays. Peoplesupport education and educational experiences—find them and they will help make this trip possible. I would also like to inviteanyone else who may have considered signing up and who still would like to go. We have a few seats still available and there willbe a late sign up opportunity in January. Watch for information when your child returns from Christmas break.

I would encourage all 6th and 7th graders and parents who may be considering making this trip in the future to start savingnow to make the trip more affordable and realistic. The tentative dates for the 2013 Washington D.C. trip are May 28-June 1,2013. That will be here before you know it and if you would like to make this a possibility for your child(ren), you need to beginsaving now. I will have informational meetings for your 2013 trip in February and March. Watch the school newsletter for furtherdetails.

I would like to take this time to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas season, count and appreciate the manyblessings we have, and may you and your family spend quality time together over the Christmas break. As always, if you have anyquestions concerning the Washington D.C. and Gettysburg trip for 2012 or future years, please call Mr. Michael Policky, 8th gradeAmerican History/ Civics teacher at 228-4642.

To “CELEBRATE” means to make known publicly. Beatrice MiddleSchool students and staff held a celebration honoring Americas militaryveterans with an assembly on Veterans Day. Mr. Ben Essam and Mr. MikePolicky's mentor classes hosted the assembly. The students of the classeswere responsible for the organization of the assembly including set up,contacting the guest speaker, providing music, and for introducing theguests. The Veterans Day assembly is an annual event that the eighthgrade mentor students of Beatrice Middle School have sponsored.

Members of the Color Guard of the American Legion Post #27were guests at the assembly and brought the American flag into the assembly. The guestspeaker for the program was our very own head custodian, Mr. Duke VanEperen. He spokeabout his experiences and sacrifices during his service time with the United States Navyfrom 1973-1978. He served his country with pride and courage and looks back on the pastholding a positive attitude. He gave hope to the students in attendance as he shared, “Youhave a chance to get a great education and do great things in this world and you can doanything if you set your mind to it.”

Those who attended the assembly were entertained by Delegation members, underthe direction of music teacher Pam Burgess, who sang the National Anthem and We Are theWorld, along with 1st and 2nd quarter Civics classes who sang the Preamble of the Constitu-tion. The students involved in the project displayed many characteristics of the CharacterCounts program in which Beatrice Middle School participates. The students of Beatrice MiddleSchool received several compliments from the guests regarding the appropriate citizenshipdisplayed during the assembly.

The staff and administration thank Mr. Essam, Mr. Policky, and the students of BMSfor a job well done.

2012 WASHINGTON D.C. AND GETTYSBURGTRIP UPDATE

Our lost and found box at the office is quicklyfilling up. Please check to see if anything couldbe yours! All unclaimed items will be distrib-uted Friday, December 9th.

6 South Jaguars 6 Northern StarsSTUDENTCOUNCILMEMBERS

Dylan BassingerHayden Owens

Alternate:Mercades Shockley

Whitley KlevelandHaley Sexton

Alternate:Graham Southwick

Want to know what your child’s homework assignments are? Check out Mrs.Sykes website. Here you will find the homework assignments for Language Arts,Math, Pre-Algebra, Social Studies and Science. This page is updated on a daily basisand will let you know not only the daily assignments but also will keep you up to

date when long-term projects are due and when quizzes and tests will be. This is a great way tokeep on top of things and will also allow you and your child to keep current on assignments whenthey are absent. Simply log on to beatricepublicschools.org and click on the Middle School tab.From there, click on the gray Teacher Websites box and click on Sykes. The assignments are postedon the TEAM NEWS link.

7 SOUTH PARENTS.......

As we near the end of the semester, please encourage your student to returntheir library books. We have sent out overdue notices on a regular basis.Students who cannot find their books will have their report card withheld untilthey find the book and return it or pay for a replacement book.

Karen Dittbrenner, Beatrice Middle School Media Specialist

~ART NEWS~~ART NEWS~~ART NEWS~~ART NEWS~~ART NEWS~Each month an artist from each period of Mrs. Thies’ art classes will be recognized. The following studentshave demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship, art appreciation, and respect among their peers in the BMSart world. Congratulations to the following students:

Tia BuhrTia BuhrTia BuhrTia BuhrTia BuhrHannah SextonHannah SextonHannah SextonHannah SextonHannah SextonMadison EwaldMadison EwaldMadison EwaldMadison EwaldMadison Ewald

Tessa HoffmanTessa HoffmanTessa HoffmanTessa HoffmanTessa HoffmanIsabelle ZitoIsabelle ZitoIsabelle ZitoIsabelle ZitoIsabelle Zito

Trevor EichenbergerTrevor EichenbergerTrevor EichenbergerTrevor EichenbergerTrevor Eichenberger

FROM THE LIBRARY......

December 20 BMS Holiday Concert 7:00February 25 York MS Honor Band (7th & 8th) 12:00 – 8:00March 22 Crete MS Band Contest TBAApril 13 Meridian Honor Band (7th & 8th) 12:00 to 8:00May 1 5-8 Band Concert 7:00

MUSIC NOTES.....The holiday season is a wonderful time to enjoy lots and lots of music. There are

always concerts, cantatas, and other performances to enjoy during the holiday season.Holiday music is being played at the mall, at church, at home, and on the radio. It isfascinating to research the history of some of our favorite holiday carols. For instance, didyou know these interesting facts? ‘O Holy Night’ was denounced by church authorities forits ‘lack of musical taste’ and ‘total absence of the spirit of religion’. There are at least fiveseparate lyrics for ‘Silent Night’. Robert May strongly considered naming his red-nosedreindeer Rollo or Reginald. ‘Jingle Bells’ was originally written for a Thanksgiving program.‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ was written as an underground song for the Catholics who,during the reign of King Henry VIII were not allowed to practice their religion. The ‘truelove’ in the song represented God, the partridge represented Christ, the 2 turtle dovesrepresented the two testaments. Mel Torme wrote ‘The Christmas Song’ during the heat ofthe summer. He said he wrote it then because he wanted to ‘stay cool by thinking cool’.

A big ‘congratulations’ goes out to Natalie Meyer, Keeli Boesiger, Connor Husa, andWill Crandall for being selected to the UNO Middle School Honor Choir. This is a hugehonor! It is quite difficult to be selected and I know they will have a great time in January.

Some Upcoming Events:*On December 16th, Delegation will be singing at the elementary schools.*On December 20th, our Holiday Concert will be held at 7:00 pm, at the Hevelone Center. There is no charge for this event. This will be a joint concert showcasing the vocal students, along with band and orchestra students.*On January 6th, our honor choir members will travel to UNO.*On January 27th, Delegation Jrs. will go to Henderson, NE, to participate in the Middle School Choir Clinic.

Enjoy music this holiday season. Happy Holidays to all!

HOLIDAY CONCERT The Beatrice Middle School Music Department Holiday Concert will be at the Hevelone Center of Performing Arts, Tuesday, December 20. Bands performing at the concert are

the 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade. You will enjoy the music that the bands have been rehearsing.This year’s band theme is based on the Medleys of Christmas and no admission will be charged,however a table will be set up for free will donations. Refreshments will be served in the commonsfollowing the concert. Please contact Mr. Ehmke at dehmke@bpsne.org if you are interested involunteering for setting up or clean up. We could use 5 adults on each shift. Thank you, Mr. Ehmke

FUTURE MS BAND PERFORMANCES

Musical Phrases from theMiddle School Band Department!

Notes from the NurseNotes from the NurseNotes from the NurseNotes from the NurseNotes from the NurseHello everyone, my name is Jennifer Zimmerman and I am the new Beatrice Middle School nurse. I have been

an LPN for 14 years and have worked in a variety of healthcare settings. I am married and have two children, Chenoais a 7th grader at BMS and Tehya is a 2nd grader at Paddock Lane. I am excited to have this position and get to knowand care for your children. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 402-223-1500 Ext.1193.

Flu Season Is HereFlu Season Is HereFlu Season Is HereFlu Season Is HereFlu Season Is HereCooler weather is upon us and with that comes Influenza season. Influenza, also known as “the flu”, is a

contagious respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus. Illness caused by Influenza can be from mild to severeand even result in death in some very young children, the elderly and people with a low immune system.The flu usually has a rapid onset and can include the following symptoms:

Many people use the phrase “stomach flu” or “the 24 hour flu” to describe an illness that includes nausea,vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually caused by viruses and bacteria that differ from the Influenzavirus. Although these symptoms can sometimes be related to Influenza they are rarely the primary symptoms. “TheFlu” is a respiratory disease, NOT a stomach or intestinal disease.

The most common mode of transmission for the Influenza virus is from person to person in respiratory drop-lets such as coughs or sneezes. Healthy adults may be able to infect others anywhere from one day before symptomsbegin to five days after becoming sick. You can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick!!!

PREVENTION is the key!!PREVENTION is the key!!PREVENTION is the key!!PREVENTION is the key!!PREVENTION is the key!!*GOOD HANDWASHING

*AVOID TOUCHING YOUR MOUTH, NOSE AND EYES*WHEN COUGHING OR SNEEZING USE A TISSUE, YOUR ELBOW OR SHIRT SLEEVE.

*STAY HOME IF FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP

MEDICATION REMINDERMEDICATION REMINDERMEDICATION REMINDERMEDICATION REMINDERMEDICATION REMINDERIf you would like your child to receive any “as needed” medication at school for headaches, dental/orthodon-

tia pain, colds etc…… it must be brought in the original container and a medication consent form must be filled out andsigned by a parent or legal guardian according to regulations set herein. You can find the medication consent form onour website at beatricepublicschools.org, click on forms on the right hand side and go to nurses forms, or you may pickone up at the nurse’s office or the front office. If the medication is not in the original container and a consent form isnot completed, the medication will NOT be given. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE DAY!!* If your child wakes up and is not feeling well, but does not have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, it is ok to send yourchild to school but please take care of any medications they may benefit from BEFORE they get to school. Pleasesupply any cough drops for your child, they may keep these in their locker. If your child comes to the nurse’s officeand does not have a fever, is not vomiting and does not have diarrhea, they will probably be sent back to class (thereare some exceptions).

* Any open wounds or injuries should be covered or wrapped BEFORE coming to school.

* Make sure your child has had breakfast BEFORE coming to school, or in the cafeteria before school starts. We havehad several students coming down during mentor, 1st and 2nd periods with stomach aches that state they did not eatbreakfast. If your child does not have time to sit down and eat at home in the morning at least provide them with agranola bar or something to “grab and go” as they head off to school. I do not provide breakfast in the nurses office.

* Fever * Sore throat * Headache * Congestion* Runny nose * Dry cough * Muscle aches (mild to severe)* Extreme fatigue * Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Well that’s exactly what we havefor you!!! Purchase restaurantgift cards for friends and familyonline at www.QSP.com andreceive a $100 gift card for just$35. Not only a great deal foryou. . . But every dollar spent atwww.QSP.com goes to help ourschool raise money! We keep40%.

Buy gift cards for:

Family

Friends

Co-Workers

Even yourself!

Thank You!For your support of the QSP

Magazine sale! Although we fellshort of our goal, it’s not too late tohelp raise important funds for ourschool!

If you did not get the opportu-nity to renew your current sub-scriptions and/or order new, orplan on giving the gift of readingthis holiday season, you may doso online at: WWW.QSP.COM

Something NEW and VERYEXCITING!!!

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE:

eRestaurant.com gift cards at qsp.com!$100 gift card for just $35 or

$50 gift card for just $20!!!9 South Char Grill, Grisanti’s, Sam and

Louie’s, MaxatlanView complete list online!

Our school retains 40%!Great for gift giving across the

country!Just enter zip code and see what

restaurants are available!!!!

Beatrice Middle School,

What if you could get $100 forjust $35?

Or $50 for just $20?

Looking for greatgift ideas. . . ?

* Just go to www.QSP.com* Click on “Just Shopping” in the center of the page.* Enter our school’s account number: 1086811* Then click on “Restaurant E-certificates” on the left side.* Select your Zip code and then select the restaurants.

ITS THAT EASY!

ACCT # 1086811If you have any questions aboutyour order call: (800) 678-2673

The School Community Intervention Program (SCIP) provides an opportunity for parents to address concernsthey or the school may have regarding their students behaviors. The idea behind prevention is to educate andprevent problems from occurring. The idea behind intervention is when a concern is identified, to bring it tothe students and parents attention early enough to prevent the concern from continuing or developing intosomething more serious. SCIP is available to assist with both prevention and intervention strategies to assistfamilies.

PREVENTION:· SCIP Teams in many schools offer prevention activities during Red Ribbon Week or health fairs that

showcase positive choices kids can make. Parents can offer support to them in planning and carryingout their efforts and taking an interest in the information your student is bringing home.

· SCIP provides publications to all SCIP teams that are often very helpful to parents. This includesinformation regarding new trends and resources so parents can stay current on what is happening withyouth. The publications may also address mental health and bullying issues that keep parents up-to-date.

· Research shows that parents have a tremendous impact on their children deciding whether or not touse alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Taking the time to talk to children about dangers, your expecta-tions, consequences, etc. can help children establish their own guidelines in accordance with the onesof their parents. These talks are most helpful if done early and often, not just one time.

WHAT IS AN INTERVENTION?It can be as simple as a conversation with the purpose of approaching your child directly about your concerns.It can be successful even if it tackles small goals at first. Addressing the concerns may be uncomfortablefor both parent and child or you may think it is unnecessary. But it is necessary to make it clear that you donot want him/her to engage in such behaviors. That is why it is so important to address the concerns as soonas your instinct tells you that something is wrong. An intervention can address concerns regarding behaviors,mental health and substance abuse issues.

INTERVENTION:What to do if you think or know that your child is using drugs or alcohol:

· Take action right away· Have productive conversations, remaining calm, sharing concerns and listening· Set tighter limits with clear consequences· Get outside help and support, if strategies you try arent as successful as you'd like· Closely monitor activities and behaviors

Things to say if your child becomes defensive: · Child says, “You went through my stuff?! Youre a snoop.”Parent says, “Im sorry you feel that I brokeyour trust, but as a parent, my job is to keep you safe and healthy, so I have to be nosey when I believeyou're doing something unsafe.” · Child says, “You smoke/drink! You're such a hypocrite. ”Parent says, “I wish I had never startedsmoking because it's so hard to stop.” Or “I love you too much to let you make the same mistakes I did.” · Child says, “Ive never done drugs! You're wrong.” Parent says, “I love you way too much to let any-thing happen to you. I need you to tell me the truth so I can figure out how to help you. I have no intentionof getting mad or punishing you.”

These suggestions can also be used with younger children who exhibit behaviors that are unacceptable. Theycan be used with older children whom you may suspect are using alcohol or drugs. The important thing is toact…the sooner the better. Don't be dissuaded by arguments such as “all kids do this” or “they'll grow out ofit.” Prevention and early intervention are valuable tools for any parent! And remember that SCIP at yourchild's school can help!

(Source:www.drugfree.org) SCIP is funded in part by: Lincoln Public Schools • Nebraska Department ofHealth and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services • Region V Systems • Region 4• UnitedWay of Lincoln and Lancaster County

PREVENTION ANDINTERVENTION

December,

2011

Beatrice Middle School215 N. 5th StreetBeatrice, NE 68310

Non-ProfitU.S. PostageP A I DBeatrice, NE 68310Permit #64

The Mission of the Beatrice Public Schools isto prepare all students for lifelong learningand responsible citizenship.

BMS Messenger EditorBMS Messenger EditorBMS Messenger EditorBMS Messenger EditorBMS Messenger EditorLaurie BloomquistLaurie BloomquistLaurie BloomquistLaurie BloomquistLaurie Bloomquist

Middle SchoolHoliday Concert

December 20, 20117:00 p.m.

Hevelone Center

To receive informationon Beatrice PublicSchools closing or a latestart due to inclementweather, please call:

223-1555