

The Bulldog Bulletin
Volume 1 Issue 4 December '2022
It’s time to bring back scholar spirit! A student becomes a scholar the moment they become a BCMAR bulldog. Scholars strive for excellence with both their studies and character. This is the BCMAR way. What specifically is the BCMAR way? It begins with Brilliant. We consider our bulldogs brilliant when they work hard to be the best they can be. This can be achieved by being Committed. Bulldogs are committed to do the right thing repeatedly, with their studies, and with their treatment of others and themselves, even when tired or in the face of distraction. Third is Mindful. Bulldogs pay attention to their actions and how their actions affect themselves and others and thus become more aware of self and others. Fourth is Achievers. Bulldogs get things done. Fifth is Respectful. Bulldogs show kindness, respect and professionalism even when they don’t feel like it or receive it. Scholar Spirit Thursday is the day to celebrate and show scholar spirit by wearing blue scholar coats, a symbol of the BCMAR way. Be on the look-out for opportunities to get a coat if you don’t have one. Students wearing scholar coats on Thursday will have photo opportunities and chances to be put on the scholar celebration board. We can’t wait for the school to be blue with scholar spirit!
Daylight Savings has come again and this time of year, the days are shorter and this can greatly alter our moods.
Does the early farewell to sunlight gets you in a gloomy state of mind or maybe depression seems like something you cannot escape? If so, you are not alone. December is National "Seasonal Depression Month".
With fall daylight savings each year, the days become shorter and it can make anyone feel a sense of depression. It can feel almost like our days are non-productive and spent indoors tackling work and school and no time for fun.
What is Seasonal Depression also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder?
It is a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year.
Seasonal affective disorder occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year.
Symptoms include fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal.
Most patients that are diagnosed, seek treatment that includes light therapy (phototherapy), talk therapy, and medications.
With research, there is good new that this can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet and exercise, having conversations with family and friends, and enjoying daylight outside as much as possible.
For more information on details about seasonal depression, please click the image in the upper right corner of this section.
A Warm Holiday Thanks to the amazing Baylor College of Medicine medical students!
On this holiday season, we would like to express gratitude to all our wonderful Baylor College of Medicine medical students, who came to campus 3 different occasions providing support in one of the following ways: ready the edible garden for the garden class, advise students on independent investigations (science fair projects), advise Health Occupations Students of America students on their Take Down Tobacco (and Vaping) campaign presentation, and judge student medical innovation posters. We are so blessed by them! Save the date, January 12th, 5:30 pm, for family STEAM night where you can view student projects and participate in fun activities (click here for more information). Also, be on the lookout for the HOSA holiday newsletter announcing the winners of the projects.
What's a Health Science school without a student advising committee from our partner Baylor College of Medicine
Med students go above and beyond to give our scholars the attention they need through a supporting learning environment that fosters collaboration and one-on-one advisory and tutoring. We truly appreciate our partnership with BCM.
Time for gardening
Our alliance with BCM's med students is not always scholastic work. They are always willing to lend a hand even in the campus garden. From scholar coats to outdoor wear with shovels, they are always ready to dive in with dedication and smiles.
BCM med students hosted Ms. Holley's science students
Our bulldog scholars work closely with BCMs med student in identifying new ways innovative medicine improves the medical field. Baylor College of Medicine med students assist our students in gaining knowledge and skills that are required to impact the future of healthcare.
Cold and Flu Season has arrived
As we all know, the flu is a contagious disease that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and body aches.
Flu outbreaks can occur as early as October and last as late as May. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Please follow this link https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/data-reporting/flu-reports for some helpful tips to keep you, your family, and friends safe from getting sick.
December's Character Education topic is Genrosity
Generosity is human quality very similar to unselfishness. Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need. Generosity is a quality — like honesty and patience — that we all probably wish we had more of. Scholars should create a personal challenge to be generous to someone not just in the month of December, but throughout the calendar year.
Thanks to our amazing PTO officers for catering a Thanksgiving breakfast for our teachers before they headed out for Thanksgiving Break
Our teachers got their fill on an amazing pastry and beverage breakfast.
Our PTO officers do an amazing job connecting our families and the campus by building strong working relationships
Our PTO officers did a fantastic job by creating a decorative atmosphere to the conference room
Teachers were all smiles with full bellies on the last day of school before Thanksgiving Break
Special thanks to BCMAR's PTO for making the teachers feel so special before heading out for Thanksgiving Break
Parent meeting discussing Carnegie Math
Parents met with our leadership team and HISD Math curriculum department for an informative and collaborative discussion on meeting our scholars academic needs through the use of Carnegie Math. BCMAR is one of the few selected campuses to pilot this math program that will be district-wide in the future. Click the following link for a detailed explanation of Carnegie Math's implementation in the state of Texas. Follow this link: https://discover.carnegielearning.com/texas-math-solution
HISD's math curriculum specialists joined the leadership team to meet with families to share helpful strategies for academic success with the use of Carnegie Learning for Math
Principal Edwards speaks with families about the components of Carnegie Math Series
Dean De Dios answers families questions on ways they can help their scholars with the Mathia program in Carnegie Learning
What a December to Remember! Our 8th graders paid tribute to Langston Hughes
Eighth grader Karson Ceasar-Anderson welcomes the audience at the Centennial Celebration of Langston Hughes' poem "Mother to Son"
Our eighth grade scholars made this an "all-black" attire affair.
Our panel of eight grade speakers did an amazing job. A giant "Thank You" goes to Mrs. Vanetta Dupree for setting this all up and allowing our scholars to showcase their love of poetry and talent on the piano.
Coach Jones' P.E. class participates in a Kahoot online game with their Verizon chormebooks
Who wouldn't want to be a part of a winning campus. Our campus goes above and beyond educating the "whole child" Our coaching staff effectively infuses technology and STEM+M into the BCMAR physical ed. curriculum. Great job Coach Jones!
Coach Johnson's P.E. class discuss the history of physical education
Our bulldog scholars got a bit of knowledge on the history of physical education in Coach Johnson's P.E. class.
The search is on for future bulldogs as Mrs. Scott visits local elementary schools to recruit scholars
Beyond visiting elementary campuses, our campus will host magnet tours throughout the months of December and January. Stop by the main office and see all we offer our bulldog scholars. We are the place to be where our STEM+M curriculum meets the needs of our changing biomedical society.
Friday, December 2, ended a short, yet busy week with another Patio Tailgate Luncheon for our bulldog scholars.
Students had a variety of healthy snacks to choose from
Ms. Crocket and her team did an amazing job is setting up the patio
Scholars enjoyed the nice weather on the patio while enjoying a tailgate party lunch
Chromebook Care
Device Protection:
Chromebooks should always be inside the carry case when not in use. Mrs. Harris will be on the lookout with on-the-spot prizes for scholars who are "chromebook care CHAMPS"!
Chromebook Wars Winners:
Big Congrats to our seventh grade "chromebook-care Champs". You had the least amount of device repairs and because of your attention to care of your devices, you will be treated to a movie and popcorn in the school's auditorium. Way-to-Go!!!
Students are charged up about being charged!
Sixth grade Scholars are all hands up for a prize for being 100% charged on their chromebooks
Gimme the goodies
Chromebook care has its rewards!
Mrs. Harris makes another surprise pop in to check for fully-charged chromebooks
Scholars are aware of the importance of having a fully charged device each day for classes.
Do you know of anyone in our school community that may need support?
Important December Dates
PTO Parent Meeting: Wednesday, December 7 @ 6:30 pm (virtual)
PTO hosted "Donuts with Dad and Father Figures": Friday December 9 from 8 am-10:30 (school library)
Student Progress Report go home Friday, December 9Winter Break: December 22-26
Cycle 3 Dates: November 14-December 21
Bulldog Business
Please make sure your students is in attendance each school day
School Uniform Policy and Dress Codes
Hoodies are not to be worn indoors
No sunglasses
Grade-level polo shirts
School logo outerwear
Student Report Cards for Cycle 3
Cycle 3 Progress Reports go home Friday, December 9
Report Cards will go home with students on Friday, January 13, 2023The Bulldog Bulletin "Staff of the Month" Super Star Highlight
December's Bulldog Scholar of the month highlight
Kennedi Lewis is a conscientious and diligent student; she works independently and is self-motivated. She consistently completes assignments that exceeds expectations that displays quality results. Nevertheless, she readily grasps new concepts and ideas with understanding and readiness.
She displays model behavior both inside the classroom and in the hallways. She exemplifies that of a true bulldog scholar that is Brilliant Committed Mindful and an Achiever
Her attentiveness to classroom instruction has been a major benefit in her academics. She has scored in the top percentile in her classes, including the latest interim STAAR assessment.
Congrats on being nominated by your teachers for Bulldog Scholar of the Month of December.
Thank you for your sponsorship and making this newsletter possible
Your support to our school and the community is greatly appreciated
Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/Page/31699
Location: 2610 Elgin Street, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713) 942-1932
Twitter: @BCMAR_HISD