The Bulldog Bulletin
Volume 2 Issue 2 February '2023
February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
“February is Black History Month.” Since the 1970s that familiar declaration has introduced countless celebrations of African American history and achievement, from Black History Minutes on local television stations to the pronouncements of U.S. presidents. But why is February designated as the month to commemorate African American history?
Did you know that February is the birth month of two figures who loom large in the Black past: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (born February 12), who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and African American abolitionist, author, and orator Frederick Douglass (born February 14). Since the deaths of Lincoln and Douglass (in 1865 and 1895, respectively), the Black community had celebrated their contributions to African American liberation and civil rights on their birthdays.
Please click the thumbnail image or follow this link https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month for a plethora of information documenting the origin and commemorative efforts led by many to honor the significance of African Americans that have greatly contributed to society.
Below you will see creative hallway and door- decorations as our campus display reminders of not only contributions by black men, but also black women who have paved the way for life as we know it today.
Special 'Thanks' to our very own VILS partners, Mrs. Harris and Ms. Amado for using your talents to make our second floor hallway a wonderful reminder of amazing African-American women that have impacted our society in such a powerful way for generations to come.
February is also National Heart Month
It's February – American Heart Month – a time when the nation spotlights heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.
During American Heart Month, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.
heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and getting regular checkups.
Follow this link https://nationaltoday.com/american-heart-month/ for fun facts about the human heart tips to stay healthy, and the history of American Heart Month.
Another cause that is highlighted in February is National Cancer Prevention Month
Education and screening tests can help find cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread. This can make the cancer harder to treat or cure. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, we can all be a part of a national initiative to decrease the mortality rate of this awful disease. Please click the thumb image in the upper right hand corner within the column or the following link for an informative article by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) on the importance of cancer screenings.
https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/january-is-mental-wellness-month/
Phase 2 School Choice application window opens April 5!
Here at BCMAR, we focus on Health Science, not to create future doctor, but leaders of a technology-fueled world.
Our instructors work diligently to center on a cultural shift around STEM in their teaching with a variety of powerful and engaging STEM lessons coupled with technology and our partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS).
Our scholars are able to gain valuable critical thinking skills that will aid. them in evaluating real-world experiences.
Our teachers enjoy facilitating instruction that inspires scholars to activate their inner discoverers.
We feel our integration of health science in all content propels scholars academically with guaranteed success in college, careers, and beyond.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our curriculum and to see what we have to offer your scholars. Click the following link: https://www.houstonisd.org/schoolchoice or the image in the upper right hand corner of this section for information on applying to our campus or to acquire information of selecting an instructional program for your scholar(s).
Flu season has heightened and is still quite unpredictable
As we embark on a new year, the last thing anyone wants is influenza commonly known as the flu. Just when communities are seeing declining numbers from COVID, the infamous flu outbreak enters at full speed. While this is disheartening news, everyone in our surrounding communities must act as "Health Ambassadors and do what needs to be done to combat the effects and spread of this potentially deadly virus.
For helpful information on prevention and how the influenza vaccine can offer you protection click the following link https://www.bcm.edu/news/flu-central
For helpful information on the latest COVID new, please follow this link https://www.bcm.edu/coronavirus/for-the-baylor-community/from-the-president#:~:text=We%20continue%20to%20carry%20out,Hear%20from%20Dr.
Here you can get weekly updates from our partners Baylor College of Medicine's President, Dr. Paul Klotman.
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February's Character Education topic is 'Kindness"
Here at BCMAR we instill in our scholars that kindness starts with each of us. We strive for showing small act of kindness each day. This means showing random acts of kindness to someone each day.
Each morning in homeroom, our scholars have the opportunity to journal and discuss their thoughts on kindness. The staff here at BCMAR feel it is an important component of character building.
This will help build morally-conscious citizens, that will positively impact society.
Our Bulldogs are also Chess Champs
Our Chess Coach Mr. Stephen Bowen, has done an amazing job with our Chess Team. His and the team's hard work and stellar commitment to practice has definitely paid off.
This past Saturday, our team had the privilege to compete in a regional chess tournament at Fellowship Christian Academy.
On behalf of the entire BCMAR family, we would like to congratulate our Chess Champ Bulldogs: Romundo Gates, Kyle Dunbar, Koran Wilkins, Ezekiel Barbosa, and Maxwell Gross.
Maxwell won fourth place and Ezekiel won first place in their division! Additionally, the BCMAR team tied for second place out of seventeen schools! Photos are attached above
School counselors are 'beary' special. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Berry (fitting last name) on our campus serving our kiddos and staff. She builds relationships, goes the extra mile, and has high expectations for our scholars. So to you Ms. Berry, we celebrate you times infinity!
Eighth grade students get a handful of fun learning the Periodic Table of Elements in science class
Students are enjoying learning the Periodic Table of Elements in their science class. The creativity builds much engagement with class participation being positive and enticing to our scholars.
February's Parent Meeting was very informative
It was a good turnout at our monthly Parent Meeting on Wednesday, February 8. The Mardi Gras theme came with Chic-Fila refreshments and a traditional King Cake shared by our VILS coach Mrs. Kimberly Harris.
Our PTO President Mr. Ansari spoke about upcoming events and PTO membership. If you are interested in joining our PTO, please click the box below this column.
Parents got some best-practices to use with Mathia by our instructional rep Isaac Daniels with HISD Curriculum Department.
HISD's curriculum department was in attendance discussing Carnegie Math and how Mathia complements the program.
Ms. Yap spoke about STAAR 2.0 changes and National Junior Honor Society fundraising with the Ugandan Orphanage.
Our very own on-call Scientist, Dr. Sweeney spoke about physical and mental development of the teenage brain and she shared some helpful tips on organization at school and home.
Please check our website for future Parent Meeting dates.
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:
Just a friendly reminder to all grade levels: The competition between grade levels for the least amount of device repairs will earn rewards for the entire grade level.
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 has been known for her pop-in reward goodie bags at any given time. Let's get caught caring for our chromebooks.
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 resources or support?
Important Second Semester Dates
Cycle 4 Grading Period: January 9 - February 24
Cycle 4 Progress Reports go home: Friday, February 3
Cycle 4 Report Cards go home: Friday, March 3
February 20: No school (Teacher Service Day)
School starts promptly at 8:30 am and ends at 4:00 pm
Please ensure you student gets a good night's rest to be at their best academically during the school day.
If you student is a car rider, it is always a great idea to leave a bit earlier to anticipate traffic issues.
Upcoming Holidays/Breaks
February 20: Teacher Service Day (No Students)
Spring Break is March 13-17
March 31: Chavez/Huerta Day
Spring Holidays: April 7 and 21
Please make sure your student(s) 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 4
Semester 2 is well underway!
Cycle 4 Progress Reports go home Friday, February 3
Cycle 4 Report Cards go home Friday, March 3
Student Assignments and Teacher Contact are posted weekly on the campus website.
February's staff highlight features Mrs. Vanetta Dupree
Our eighth grade Language Arts teacher comes to us with over 25 years of teaching experience. This is her first year at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan. Needless to say she is truly an asset to our scholars and campus.
It would be an understatement to say she came in and hit the ground running. Whether it is offering additional tutorials for students or generating excitement among student body and staff with school events like our holiday dance, Mrs. Dupree makes it happen and does it all with bulldog pride and commitment.
She has spearheaded a memorable poetry event in celebration of Langston Hughes. This showcased our students' creativity and presented to the community bulldog pride and spirit that so many speak of when our campus is described.
Her heart is for our scholars, she has dedicated personal time to accompany our Chess team to a weekend event to support and cheered them on.
Let's give a great big "Congrats" to Mrs. Vanetta Dupree for being chosen as Bulldog Staff of the Month of February.
February's Scholar of the Month
The title of Student of the Month is designed to highlight a student's drive and grit inside and outside of the classroom. They must exemplify what it is to be a true bulldog. It entails good citizenship, self-respect, and BCMAR bulldog pride. The scholar must be Brilliant, Committed, Mindful, an Achiever, and Respectful.
Klaudia Rogers embodies all the aspects of a high-achieving, well-rounded student. If it is not her studies (which are constantly A's across the board), then it is her natural inquisition and desire to do achieve more. (As stated by her Language Arts teacher Ms. Emsley, Klaudia quickly and enthusiastically out-paced the classroom's reading of "Night" on her own time, and eagerly asked high-order questions when she finished the assigned novel.)
Klaudia constantly acts as role-model in the classroom. In academics, she leads discussions, asks questions, pushes students to think further, and constantly goes above and beyond.
Outside of the classroom, Klaudia is involved in a variety of extra-curriculars which includes our morning and afternoon PA announcements.
Overall, Klaudia is the type of student for whom any classroom or school is better for having her in it!
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