BRMS Cub Corner
February 2023 Newsletter
Benjamin Rush Middle School
Email: powersj@rushville.k12.in.us
Website: https://brms.rushville.k12.in.us/
Location: 1601 North Sexton Street, Rushville, IN, USA
Phone: 765-932-2968
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminRushMS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BRMSCubs
2023-2024 School motto:
Who's Who at BRMS
Assistant Principal: Mr. Dusty Neal - neald@rushville.k12.in.us
Guidance Counselor: Ms. Amy Hedrick - hedricka@rushville.k12.in.us
Student Assistance Counselor: Mrs. Jessica Mastin - mastinj@rushville.k12.in.us
Athletic Director: Mr. Kerry Brown - brownker@rushville.k12.in.us
Athletic Director: Mr. Isaac Sliger - sligeri@rushville.k12.in.us
Athletic Secretary: Mrs. Paula Shelton - sheltonp@rushville.k12.in.us
Technology Coordinator: Mrs. Chrissy Tabeling - tabelingc@rushville.k12.in.us
Nurse: Mrs. Becky Wicker - wickerbe@rushville.k12.in.us
Secretary: Mrs. Julie Mahan - mahanj@rushville.k12.in.us
Treasurer: Mrs. Carri Flannery - flanneryc@rushville.k12.in.us
Attendance & Cafeteria Secretary: Mrs. Connie Amos - amosc@rushville.k12.in.us
Upcoming Events
February 2nd - End of 3rd Nine Weeks
February 10th - Rush County Music Festival @BRMS 8:00am-3:30pm
February 15th - Lion's Snack Shack 3:30-6:00pm at RCHS
February 16th - Teacher In-Service Day, No School for Students
February 19th - No School or Make-Up Day
February 25th - Honors Concert Rush County Music Festival 2pm at Laughlin Center
A Message from Mr. Powers
The second semester can be a long one for everyone due to dreary winter weather, cold temperatures, and not having the ability to get outside much. Be sure during this time to take the time to find something fun to do, read, or find a new hobby. This is also a critical time of the school year, where it can be difficult to not give your best because of the winter. We encourage all of you to work hard, keep up the good work from the first semester and strive to be an even better student for the rest of the school year.
Students of the Month - January 2024
Students of the month: Emily Griffith, Chance Norman, Bailey Asher, Elizabeth Burke, and Logan Montgomery. A big congratulations to all!
Staff Members of the Month - January 2024
Congratulations to Maranda Marcum and Yessica Leon as they have been named staff members of the month for January. These ladies interact with over 80% of our student body on a daily basis in study hall and work extremely hard to ensure students are on task and completing their assignments. They always do it with a smile on their face, are in this for the kids, and we truly appreciate them!
Positive Office Referrals
BRMS History Bee
Congratulations to this year’s BRMS School History Bee Champion John Wehr! John edged out this year’s runner-up Jake Hauk for the championship. Rounding out the top 10 students of the History Bee were: Jakob Sloan, Vance Cupp, Maggie Wicker, Trimm Anderson, Brady Martz, Joey Berkemeier, Cass Leisure, and Caleb Short-Ogunmola. 220 students participated in this year’s Benjamin Rush Middle School History Bee. Congratulations to this year’s top 10 and all those who participated! Great job!
A Note from our Superintendent, Mr. Jameson
RUSH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Mr. Jim Jameson Ed.S, Superintendent Mr. Grant Peters, Asst. Superintendent
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. We are thrilled to inform you about a rare and incredible celestial event that will take place in 2024 – a total solar eclipse! This natural wonder provides a unique opportunity for both learning and creating lasting memories with your children.
On April 8, 2024 the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that will completely block out the sun's light for a brief period. This event is known as a total solar eclipse, and the path of totality for the upcoming eclipse will pass through Rush County. We encourage you to consider taking advantage of this exceptional opportunity to share an awe-inspiring moment with your family.
Here are a few reasons why experiencing the solar eclipse together can be an enriching and educational adventure:
Science Education: Witnessing a solar eclipse is a hands-on science lesson for both children and adults. It provides an opportunity to discuss astronomy, the solar system, and the mechanics of eclipses.
Rare Experience: Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events, and being in the path of totality offers a chance to witness one of nature's most stunning spectacles. It's an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Family Bonding: Sharing the excitement of a solar eclipse with your children can strengthen family bonds. Whether you plan a viewing party, take a trip to the path of totality, or simply observe from your backyard, it's an occasion to enjoy together.
Safety Precautions: While viewing a solar eclipse is an incredible experience, it's crucial to take safety precautions. Ensure everyone has proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses, to avoid any harm to their eyes.
In light of this celestial occurrence and recognizing the educational and memorable opportunities it presents, we have made the decision to NOT be in school on April 8, 2024 due to Rush County being in the Path of Totality. This was already a snow make-up day on the calendar. We feel it is in the best interest to NOT be in school on April 8, 2024. There are several factors that have contributed to this decision:
(1) Rush County is in the path of totality, they are anticipating the eclipse to last a total of 3 to 4 minutes. Rush County EMA has had several meetings in preparation and is planning on a major influx of people in Rush County to view the Solar Eclipse.
(2) With the anticipation of a large number of visitors to Rush County, they are predicting traffic issues / wrecks as visitors will want to follow the eclipse to the next primary destination once it leaves Rush County.
(3) The timing of the solar eclipse is when students will be on school buses heading home. We are very concerned about student safety of viewing the eclipse. Lack of supervision for students on the buses to make sure students are not viewing the eclipse with the naked eye.
If you have any questions or concerns about the solar eclipse or if you'd like resources for safe viewing, please don't hesitate to reach out. We hope you take advantage of this rare opportunity to marvel at the wonders of our universe together as a family.
Wishing you an unforgettable solar eclipse experience!
Warm regards,
Mr. Jim Jameson Ed.S.
Superintendent
Rush County Schools
Community News
I hope your 2024 is off to a great start! I am excited after a short hiatus that we plan to resume First5 Coalition meetings in 2024. Many things to help the advancement of early learning + support the littlest in our community have been happening behind the scenes in 2023, but we are ready to get the First5 name out in 2024!
One of my goals for 2024 is to share an activity for littles each month + info about Early Learning. Attached you will find a PDF that I would encourage you to share with your families or add it to your newsletter.
Another exciting item to share if you have not heard is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is LIVE in Rush County! Any parent/guardian of a Rush County resident (age 0 - their 5th birthday) can register and receive a FREE book mailed to them each month! We currently have 300 littles signed up! A JPG is attached with more details.
Thanks for your time and the difference you are making in the lives of our littlest residents! If you have any questions, please let me know. Feel free to share this info with others as well. More details to come on coalition meetings!
Thanks,
Arika Marlatt
First5 Early Learning Coalition Director
Rushville Lions 2024 Youth Baseball Camp
BRMS Study Tables
School Reminders
-Please refer to student handbook (BRMS Student Handbook) for dress code, attendance policy, cell phone policy and other important expectations.
-Clarification on extra curricular events:
May NOT attend and/or participate IF:
1. You leave school early due to illness (sent home from the clinic)
2. You leave school early due to parent choice/parent coming to pick you up
3. You are sent home from someone in the office for disciplinary or other reasons.
May attend and/or participate IF:
1. Leave early due to a doctor's, dentist, or other medical appointment
2. Leave early due to a funeral
3. Leave early due to a school activity or other school sponsored event
-We look forward to continuing an incredible year of growth at BRMS!
February Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Mental Health Services
Centerstone is also providing most services via telephone or telehealth (video). We are concerned that those in need have access to mental health, addiction, and counseling services during a time of crisis. You may contact us for additional information, to make a referral, or to access our 24/7 crisis services at:
- Information or Appointments: (800) 344-8802
- 24 Hour Crisis Line: (800) 832-5442
If you would like to start the referral process, please reach out to Mrs. Mastin.
Vaping Education
STOPit App
Recently, Rush County Schools partnered with the STOPit Solutions group. Your Trusted Partner in Safety & Wellness for Schools, Workplaces, and Communities.
STOPit works with more than 8,000 organizations nationwide to help protect their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
To find out more: CLICK HERE
To report an incident for BRMS: CLICK HERE and find Benjamin Rush Middle School. You can do it on the website or download the STOPit Solutions App.