Ben Reifel Middle School
https://www.facebook.com/brmsbison/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/brmsbisonEmail: SFSDBRMSOffice@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/ben-reifel/home
Location: 6700 East 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-371-4155
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
May 10
- PTO Meeting
May 13
- Color-A-Thon Run
May 19-23
- District HS Semester Tests
May 20
- Student of the Month Breakfast (Semester 2)
May 25
- Last Day of School
June 15, 22, 29 & July 6, 13, 20
- Cheer & Dance Camp
July 25-28
- Bison Boost Sessions 1 & 2
- Bison Boost Sessions 3 & 4
- Volleyball, Cross Country, & Football Camps
- WEB Orientation Day for incoming 6th graders (8:30am to 12:00pm - more information to come in June's newsletter)
- Bison Roundup Day (all afternoon sessions - more information to come in June's newsletter)
From the Principal's Desk
Ben Reifel Families -
Where has the school year gone? It seems just like yesterday we were welcoming students and families into the building for the first time. The inaugural year of Ben Reifel has flown by, and we have many things in which to be thankful. As the 2021-22 school year ends, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for your continued support of the Ben Reifel Community and your dedication to supporting your student in their education over the last nine months. We truly believe a strong relationship between home and school is an essential component of academic, social, and emotional success for all students. Thank you for entrusting your children with us and being a partner in providing a positive educational environment for all our students and being an integral part of our Ben Reifel Family. We are truly blessed to work with such an amazing group of students and parents.
Although there are roughly three weeks of school left, we still have essential standards and work to complete. Our students will be completing the Measure of Academic Progress Assessment (MAP), and our 8th graders taking high courses have semester finals. All our staff and students are working extremely hard right up to the last few days to make sure every minute of instruction and learning is not wasted. I often compare the school year to running a marathon. When you run a marathon, you need to have a steady, consistent pace throughout the race so that you have a “little kick” at the end and in some instances, just enough energy in the tank to make it the 26.2 miles. We are currently in that “little kick” stage and need to push through the last few miles of the “school year marathon.” Please continue to encourage your student to finish strong and to give that extra “little kick” at the end of the race.
A special thank you to Ms. Espeland for her dedication and commitment to Ben Reifel Middle School. She has made valuable contributions to the SFSD, to education, and to our students. Ms. Espeland will be retiring at the end of this school year, and we wish her the best in her new endeavors.
Another special thank you goes out to the Bison PTO and the leadership team of the Bison PTO. Heather DeWit, Krista Wright, Sinda Reichelt, and Jen Van Oort have been instrumental in our Bison PTO. We are so appreciative of their leadership and dedication to the Bison PTO, our students, staff, Bison Community, and our mission.
Thanks again for a wonderful school year. We are truly honored to be able to work with such an amazing group of students, staff, and parents. Have a relaxing and enjoyable summer! Go Bison!
Office Tips...
If you need assistance logging into the Parent Portal, please call the Counseling Office clerical at 605-371-4153.
summer camps
Bison Boost Information Flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQD1P3TOd7_e-sAAX35uJDsOctpgMGuhMxrmjntjLmA/edit?usp=sharing
Camp dates and times, contact info for coaches, and the sign up link is in the button below for Bison Boost and Athletic Camps.
Ben Reifel Middle School PTO
Hello from the PTO!
The BRMS PTO has been having fun with a wide variety of activities throughout the school year and we certainly will be finishing the year out strongly as well!
JOIN US for our FINAL PTO MEETING OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR on MAY 10 at 6pm in the Library.
Please connect at BRMS during one or all of the following opportunities. Strong connections make strong schools and strong students!
- SCHOOL STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK: The PTO is planning some small tokens of appreciation for the staff to enjoy throughout the week of May 2-6, 2022. We also encourage you to send a note, email or small token of appreciation specifically to your child’s teachers.
- BRMS Color-a-Thon FUN COLOR RUN/ WALK on May 13 at 4:30pm: The event begins at 4:30pm with registration at 4pm. We need some help with set up, the event, and clean up. We also need a couple of volunteers to bring their leaf blowers and make a little wind to help kids clean off color powder from their shoes and pants before they leave for the day. Even if you didn’t sign up, you can still join us for the fun!!! There is an option to register at walk-up for $30 per person. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da5a829a6f5cf8-brms3
- The 8th GRADE PARTY on May 25 at 1:30pm is an end of year celebration to wrap up the Middle School career. We still need some snacks, volunteers and lawn games.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da5a829a6f5cf8-brms2
Our Amazon wish list has some yard games that will be used year after year, so even if you don't have an 8th grader, you can help us build our collection: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/312DTF2HQKHX7
***To donate funds for any of these projects, you can send a check or money in an envelope to the office. Be sure to label the envelope with what the funds are for so we use them for the correct event. You can also give online: https://benreifelpto.weebly.com/donate.html ***
Greetings from Student Council!
Student Council visited our neighbors working at the Fire Department across the street. A banner of appreciation and snacks were delivered during our meeting on the morning of April 29th. Being able to visit the station and meet these amazing people proved to be a fabulous experience for all.
We look forward to concluding our year by celebrating Teacher Appreciation week May 2nd-6th with notes of appreciation and dessert from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Our last meeting will be May 13th with breakfast provided for our representatives. During our inaugural year, each one of them did an amazing job representing BRMS and setting a strong example by practicing the Bison Way. We wish the graduating 8th graders best of luck as they begin high school and we hope to see our current representatives run again next school year.
From the Nurse’s Office
Leftover Medication at School
On the last day of school, we will send any remaining medication home with your student. If you do not wish for us to send the medication with your student please contact the school office and we will hold the medication for you to pick up. Medication remaining at school after May 25th will be destroyed.
2022-2023 School Year
To have everything in place for the beginning of the year next year, "Medication Administration Form" needs to be filled out completely by your physician, and signed by both physician and parent/guardian. A new form must be completed each school year. Please provide each medication your child is to take in a pharmacy labeled container with your child's name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be given at school. The label directions on the container, and the doctor's directions on the form must be the same or the school will not be able to dispense the medication. This applies to daily medications as well as medications given on an as needed basis. All medication forms, special diet forms and other health related forms are located at: www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/health-services
National History Day
Earlier this year, 8th grade accelerated SS students participated in the National History Day program, a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. Four 8th grade students qualified for the state competition which was hosted by SDSU April 13th.
We are excited to announce that Mollie Kruse from team 8-3 placed 1st in the Individual Junior Exhibit category for her project entitled "Who Owns the Black Hills?" She will represent our school and district at the NHD national contest which will be held virtually this summer. We are proud of this amazing achievement. Congratulations, Mollie!
Welcome to Ben Reifel Choir Department
Spring Choir Concert
Our Spring Choir Concert was held on Tuesday, April 26. The students did a wonderful job. We are so proud of the progress all of the choirs have made this year!
WHS Show Choirs Informational Meeting
WHS Choirs will be having a show choir information meeting for students who will be in Stage Lights and Classic Connection for the 2022-2023 school year with show reveals on May10th at 6:00pm in the WHS Auditorium.
WHS Middle School Show Choir Camp
Dates: Monday, June 6 th - Thursday, June 9 th
Times: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Washington High School (Auditorium and Choir Room)
**Final Performance: Thursday, June 9 th at 6 p.m. in Washington High School Auditorium
Camp Information: Students should wear athletic clothing (or clothes they can dance in) and comfortable shoes (preferably tennis shoes). They need to bring a water bottle with their name on it and a folder and pencil for their music. Students will receive a t-shirt and music on the first day of camp. They will wear the camp T-shirt with jeans/jean shorts and neutral colored tennis shoes for the final performance.
**Transportation must be arranged by parent or guardian.
Registration Fee: $50. We would like registrations turned in by May 15th . Late registrations or walk-ins will be $60. Please fill out the registration form and return the form with registration fee to Jeff Spencer at Washington High School (501 N. Sycamore Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57110). Make check or money order payable to WHS Choirs.
Registration forms are in this newsletter, are available in hard copy in the BRMS choir room, and can be e-mailed if needed. Send e-mail request to Mrs. Spencer to have a digital copy sent to you. Forms and payment can also be returned to Mrs. Spencer at BRMS.
Facebook Page
BRMS Choirs are on Facebook! Stay up to date with information by liking and following our page. Click this link: https://www.facebook.com/Ben-Reifel-Middle-School-Choirs-102400049050456/
or search for Ben Reifel Middle School Choirs.
As always, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Spencer at Jennifer.Spencer@k12.sd.us or Ms. Green at Pamela.Green@k12.sd.us.
Band at BRMS!
6TH-8TH SPRING BAND CONCERT
Tuesday May 3rd, 2022
6th Grade - 6:00pm - Students Arrive by 5:40pm
7th Grade - 7:00pm - Students Arrive by 6:40pm
8th Grade - 8:00pm - Students Arrive by 7:40pm
Students should wear all black
Summer Music Camp Opportunities
There are many excellent summer playing opportunities available in the region for middle school students. Opportunities range from summer band to various music camps. Look for more information to come or contact us if you are interested.
Those interested in playing in South Dakota Symphony’s junior orchestras may find information at sdsymphony.org or ask your band director.
We also recommend Summer Music Camps. You may email the
directors for possible options.
SUMMER YOUTH BAND!
The Sioux Falls School District will be offering a summer band program for students entering grades 6-12.
Information and applications were emailed to families in early April.
Linked Here is the registration. Otherwise you may email a band director for the registration info.
Summer Practice
We encourage your child to continue practicing over the summer. Mrs. Dunbar will email the marching band music for this fall soon. We encourage your child to get started right away as we are eager to march in the Festival of Bands parade next fall on Oct. 1! If you'd like other items for your child to practice please have them go through their Sound Innovations band book or email a band director for supplemental music.
Private Lessons
At BRMS, we have a number of students who study privately (take private band lessons) with someone who specializes in their instrument. Private lessons can really spark their enthusiasm and boost their playing ability. If you would like more information on private lessons or would like us to help connect you with a private teacher, please contact one of the band directors.
School Owned Instruments
Students with school-owned instruments may be asked to return their instruments for inspection and possible cleaning/repair. The instrument will be reissued or, if repairs are needed, sent in for repairs. Make sure to let one of the directors know if you need an instrument over the summer.
Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band News
We have a few unique performance opportunities that we were recently asked to perform for. If your child cannot attend one of the performances, please let us know. I know our students have busy schedules and I do not want them to feel overbooked. Below are the performance & rehearsal details:
Friday, April 29 - Jazz Band Rehearsal at 7:40am
Monday, May 2nd - Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble
Jazz Band will perform at 5:40pm before the 5th grade band festival begins.
Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble are encouraged to practice with the 5th graders at 4:30 and then perform in the 5th grade concert at 6:00pm.
J.B. & W.E. students should wear their red ensemble shirts and black pants.
Monday, May 16 - Wind Ensemble Rehearsal at 8:00am
Tuesday, May 17 - Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble Perform at 9:30am as 5th graders arrive for BRMS tour
Students should wear their red ensemble shirts and black pants.
Friday, May 20 - Jazz Band Performance
Jazz Band perform at Student of the Month Breakfast
Arrive by 7:20am, Perform at 7:30am-8:00am
Breakfast will be provided
Students should wear their red ensemble shirt and black pants.
Ali Dunbar
BRMS Head Band Director
Brooke Bigge
BRMS Assistant Band Director
Ben Reifel Orchestra
Spring Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, May 17
6:00 - 6th Grade Orchestra, Arrive between 5:30-5:40 for tuning
7:00 - 7th Grade Orchestra, Arrive at 6:40 for tuning
8:00 - 8th Grade Orchestra, Arrive at 7:40 for tuning
Students should dress nicely for this event
Summer Playing Opportunities:
Students are encouraged to participate in the summer youth orchestra program! Continuing to play over the summer will help your student continue to grow as a musician and have fun playing! In the same way we encourage students to continue reviewing math and literacy skills during the summer, continuing to challenge their brains musically is so beneficial for them!
This past month, we have been wrapping up our second semester FitnessGram testing. Students also learned a new game called ‘Speedball.’ We are trying to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible this semester, so students have been told to dress for the weather.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher:
Teacher Contact Information:
Mrs. Bergan - ginger.bergan@k12.sd.us
Mr. Egstad - peter.egstad@k12.sd.us
Mr. Ricketts - jim.ricketts@k12.sd.us
Mrs. Smith - julie.smith@k12.sd.us
