Herd It Here

Within the Ben Reifel family circle, we foster growth of academic, social, and emotional

skills to positively impact our lives and the community beyond our walls.

https://www.facebook.com/brmsbison/

Instagram:

Email: 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

October 4 and 6

• Conferences (Evening)

October 10 and 11

• No School - Native American Day & Inservice

• Quarterly PTO Meeting - 6pm (Library)

October 21

• Picture Retake Day for All Students

• No School - Veterans' Day Observance

• No School - Thanksgiving Break

BRMS Families,

We are off to a great start, and it is hard to believe it is already October. The students and staff have been working hard on making connections with each other, as well as academics, and building on the Bison Way. The Bison Way is our core values of empathy, integrity, excellence, and unity. Everything we do at Ben Reifel is centered on the Bison Way and bringing our core values to life. If you get a chance, ask your students about the Bison Way. The core values are not just something we want them demonstrating at Ben Reifel, but rather living them in our community to make it a better place.

Please note that we have Parent/Guardian Teacher Student Conferences on October 4th and 6th. We will be conducting in-person or virtual or phone conferences this fall. If a virtual or phone conference is preferred, please indicate that in the comment section of your selected time slot when you sign up on the Signup Genius from your student’s PRO-Time teacher. You should have received a Signup Genius link from your student’s PRO Time teacher the week of September 19th. Students should attend conferences with you. Our conferences are “student-led conferences,” and your student will play a vital role in the conference. The presence of your student provides your child the opportunity to show you the progress s/he has made in their classes. Conferences are a great time to have your student share with you what they are doing in school, share some of their strengths with you, and possibly areas they might need to improve on. Whether it is for extra help in a particular subject area, perhaps a concern they are having in school, or a time to share personal goals and expectations for the upcoming year, students are encouraged to share those with their teachers and parents/guardians.

Please know that we are all working together to ensure that all students are safe, supported, and learning in a highly motivating environment in which to succeed. If you have concerns or questions regarding your student’s social, academic, or emotional needs, please feel free to contact a teacher, counselor, or administrator to get your concerns and/or questions addressed.

Please continue to support your student’s teachers in their effort to provide the best learning environment possible. I know with teamwork between the home and school, we can ensure that all students will succeed. Our staff is committed to ensuring that through teamwork, hard work, and dedication, as well as our love for children as our compass, we can meet the needs of all our students, and we will have a successful year.

We are all one family, the Bison Family, and we want to make sure we are supporting your student and your family. We have the same goal for our students and that goal is to educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world. We help our children achieve their dreams by working together to ensure that our students are successful and healthy each day and throughout their lives. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions or concerns. Take care!

Shane Hieronimus

Principal - BRMS

Safety of our students and staff are of utmost importance! All visitors to Ben Reifel must bring a driver's license or other ID (passport, state-issued ID, or military ID) to receive a visitor's badge before leaving the office and entering the building. This will let any staff you encounter know that you've been checked in by the office and are an approved visitor.

Fall Conferences-October 4 and October 6

Fall Conferences are right around the corner. At Ben Reifel, PTO provides meals for the teachers during conferences to show our appreciation for all that they do. Please take a look at the sign up to see how you can contribute. All items need to be dropped off by 2:30pm on October 5 except for beverages, snacks, and paper products, which should be dropped off by October 3.

BRMS Conference Meal Sign Up

The BRMS PTO is always looking for new members! Get involved at school and help us fulfill our mission to strengthen, complement, and encourage the educational and social culture of BRMS and to unify and enhance the school experience with other opportunities for families, staff, and students to learn, socialize, connect and flourish. There are no membership costs to becoming part of the PTO, either!

The best way to learn about PTO activities and get involved is to follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BenReifelMiddleSchoolPTO

In an effort to provide the most benefit while balancing busy lives, the PTO has switched to a quarterly meeting schedule! Our next meeting is on OCTOBER 18th at 6pm in the BRMS Library.

• Email: benreifelpto@gmail.com
• Web Page: https://benreifelpto.weebly.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenReifelMiddleSchoolPTO/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benreifelmiddleschoolpto/

Counseling Center phone:

(605) 371-4153

Counseling Secretaries

Tanya Carlson (Monday - Wednesday)

Ashton Parker (Thursday - Friday)

Counselors

6th Grade - Nick Stansbury Nick.Stansbury@k12.sd.us

7th Grade - Lindsey Carmon Lindsey.Carmon@k12.sd.us

8th Grade - Rachael Anderson Rachael.Anderson@k12.sd.us

Any student who had a picture taken and wants to have them retaken needs to bring their picture packet back to school on October 21 to turn into the photographer in order to have another picture taken.

Click Here to Pre-Order Your Pictures

***Pre-Order window will be open October 14 through October 23 at 11:59pm

Access Code: C79NQ3

Scherling Photography

2801 13th Ave South

Fargo, ND 58103

** Students needing a paper packet should get one from their PRO-Time teacher **

Our first BRMS Student Council was elected! Congratulations to the following students:

6-1: Solomon Gayflor and Cale Farmer

6-2 Sinisa Kantar and Lauren Kennett

6-3: Joy Glay and Will Schoolmeester

7-1: Harper Fonder and Hudson Tirevold

7-2: Amen Tereda and Gracyn Dubisar

7-3: Aubrey Bleeker and Dayani Long

7-4: Jude Abdalla and Alphalyn Johnson

8-1: Kacie Wiechmann and Abby Johnson

8-2: Calli Schmitt and Israel Tereda

8-3: Maysa Jongejeugd and Josie VandeGriend

RISE: Lydia Alula and Rosa Aervao Aguirre

We are all excited to get to work creating fantastic events for the upcoming year! The first meeting will be held Friday, October 7th in room H902 at 8:15. All representatives need to make plans to attend this meeting. We will be discussing a beginning-of-year event for the Student Council members and planning our activities for the first few months. Thank you to all the students who applied to be a part of the Student Council. The campaign posters made our team areas bright and exciting.

BRMS already took part in a week of dress-up/school spirit days in support of Washington High School's homecoming activities. Our Student Council hopes to have many more dress up days, all-school events, and even community events for our 2022-23 academic year.

With Bison Pride,

Mrs. Cleveland and Mrs. Todd

Student Council advisors

Greetings! Things are in full swing in the BRMS Learning Center.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know what the Learning Center is all about.

My name is Mrs. Patti Hancock and this is my 35th year in education. Early in my career, I taught music classes at all grade levels; however, most of my teaching years have been at the middle school level teaching math and science. Helping students reach their goals and become successful learners has been a passion of mine throughout my career as an educator.

The Learning Center is available to all BRMS students and is located in room H905. It is a place where students can go to get caught up on assignments or have concepts they are struggling with retaught. If students need a quiet place to work or study, the Learning Center is a great place for them. When students have had multiple absences, they are often sent to the Learning Center to get caught up.

Students are scheduled during their Directed Studies, Encore classes, and during PRO-Time; therefore, they do not miss core classes to receive the services in the Learning Center. Staff members often refer students that need extra help, but students can also request time in the Learning Center.

I am looking forward to an awesome year in the BRMS Learning Center!

The Ben Reifel Athletic Website is one that you will want to bookmark on your phone and/or computer. It has the following information for you and your student:

Ben Reifel Bison Fan Club

We are in the process of launching the BEN REIFEL BISON FAN CLUB. Any Ben Reifel student may complete the application which in turn permits them to get an “Activity Pass” sticker. The following explains the “ins & outs” of the Fan Club expectations.

Where: Ben Reifel Middle School Home Sporting Events

When: The schedule of Home Game Events is available on the District Website and the BRMS Athletic website. Student spectators must be picked up by someone no later than 6:00 PM - NO exceptions will be made. Failure to be picked up by 6:00 PM will result in students not attending future Bison Activities as a spectator.

How:

1. Complete the application form once and return to Mr. Brown in Room C110.

2. Get a Bison Fan Club sticker from Mr. Brown for the back of your student ID once the form is completed and turned in.

3. Your ID is needed and REQUIRED to attend games.

4. You MUST sign up by using your Schoology Account and using the link in your PRO-Time’s

folder at least 24 hours in advance to go to a game. The first 50 students to sign up if

they have their ID with the sticker will be allowed to attend the game.

Rules and Etiquette at Games:

1. Students must be in the gym at the event by 4:00 PM.

2. Students who come to the game MUST stay at the game in the designated student section.

3. Students are not allowed to stay after school if they have ISS or detention.

4. All fans should cheer in a positive manner.

5. Cursing and other offensive language towards refs, coaches, players, spectators, and

other classmates/fans will not be tolerated.

6. Games are free; however, students must have their ID to attend.

Any questions, please email me at the address below.

Darwin Brown

Coordinator of Athletics

605-371-4155

Darwin.Brown@k12.sd.us

I am so excited to kick off Cheer (formally

Cheer and Dance) here at Ben Reifel this fall/winter! As a reminder, Cheer is open to all Ben Reifel students (yes, even sixth grade)! This year we will have tryouts, but that shouldn’t discourage you to give us a try - even if you’ve never cheered before! We are looking for girls with spirit, willingness to learn something new, and to be LOUD and PROUD!

Tryouts will be held November 1-3 in the auxiliary gym after school until 5:15PM. Results will be posted November 4th by 4PM. Students can register with this link CLICK HERE

Schedules will be given out at our first practice, Tuesday, November 8th. Practices will be held twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesday after school from 4:00PM to 5:15PM. Please make sure you are picking up your athlete on time. At practice, athletes only need to come in clothes they can comfortably work out in and tennis shoes along with a water bottle and pompoms (if they already have a pair).

What does my athlete need for equipment? Because we are not school sponsored, equipment is not provided; however, there is not a lot to purchase outside of pompoms, a t-shirt, and a bow. I will send home a short list with the schedules on November 8th with more information. This year we have traditional uniforms; however, a limited number of them. I am hoping to be able to purchase more in the future!

If you have further questions: joy.yount@k12.sd.us & alyssa.rofshus@k12.sd.us

This past month, students participated in football and soccer activities outside.

Students should have a pair of tennis shoes to allow for safe participation in class. Please talk to your child to ensure that they are wearing the correct footwear.

Grading in Physical Education

Your child will receive a letter grade under Principles of PE and Engagement. This grade will include: engagement/effort in class, knowledge of our Fitness for Life curriculum, and the use of our IHT Heart Rate Zones. Additionally, they will receive a learning behavior score for collaboration and responsibility.

Injuries and Illness:

If your child is ill or injured and unable to participate in class, please send a note. If the illness or injury requires your child to sit out of 2 consecutive class periods, please provide us with a note from a doctor to excuse your child.

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

Welcome to Ben Reifel Choir Department!

Reifel Rock - BRMS School Dance: Thursday, November 3, 2022 the BRMS music department will be sponsoring an all-school dance from 4:00-6:00. Tickets will be sold in advance from Mrs. Spencer in the choir room (B110) before and after school starting Monday, October 31 and at the door. Tickets will include entry to the dance, one piece of pizza, and a glass of pop. Advance tickets will be $5.00 and tickets sold at the door will be $6.00.

8th Grade/HS Fall Concert: Eighth grade choir students are invited to perform with the high school choirs so the students can meet the high school directors, sing with high school singers and start to get a "feel" for the outstanding high school choir programs in Sioux Falls. The WHS fall concert is Monday, October 17 at 7:00. Students will rehearse together the evening of the concert prior to the concert and we will work together to learn the music in class. Students should wear a Ben Reifel shirt or Ben Reifel school colors and blue jeans, joggers, or khakis. This is a terrific opportunity for our 8th graders!

Concert dates for 2022-2023 - all choirs
Winter Concert – December 6, 2022; 6th grade – 6:00pm; 7th grade – 7:00pm; 8th grade – 8:00pm
Spring Concert – May 15, 2023; 6th grade – 6:00pm; 7th grade – 7:00pm; 8th grade – 8:00pm

Concert attendance is mandatory. Absences due to non-school activities of any kind will not be excused. Choir is a graded class, and performances are our main form of assessment. In addition, it is vital to the success of our program that students honor the commitment made to the BRMS choirs.

More specific information about attire and what time to report will be sent as the event date gets closer.

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.

Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band (for 7th & 8th Grade Band Students)

Marching band will wrap-up for the season after our Oct. 8 event and Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band will begin!

Wind Ensemble is open to all 7th-8th grade band students; it is not a required ensemble but we highly encourage your child to give it a try! We play a variety of styles and genres of music including pop, rock, musicals, classical and much more! Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:40-8:40am and will begin on Monday, Oct. 17.

Jazz Band is open to all 7th-8th grade band students; it is not a required ensemble but we highly encourage your child to give it a try! The jazz band focuses on playing rock, swing, blues, samba and other jazz styles. Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:40-8:40am and will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Drum set, piano, guitar and bass guitar Students: We would like students interested in playing drum set, piano, guitar and bass guitar to stop by the band room to pick up a short excerpt of music. Miss Bigge would like to get an idea how each student plays before jazz band begins so that she may distribute the appropriate level of music. We hope to allow all interested drum set, piano, guitar and bass guitar students into jazz band, but if there is a high number of interested students on a rhythm section instrument, we may have to hold auditions.

One of our favorite performances each year, includes our Music Ensembles Tour Day. We travel to John Harris, Cleveland, Harvey Dunn and Rosa Parks playing for the whole school with a quick stop at Pizza Ranch for lunch.

The concert schedule is below:

Thursday, Jan. 19 - 7:00pm

Wednesday, Mar. 29 - During School Day (Elementary Tour)

Thursday, Mar. 30 - 7:00pm

We will wear Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band shirts for our concerts. A webstore link will be sent at a later date. If funds are a concern, please reach out to a band director and we will secure funds so that your child may participate if they choose.

If your child is in both jazz band and wind ensemble, they only need to purchase one of the shirts as these groups will always perform on the same concerts.

The music will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

Linked Here is the Wind Ensemble Sign-Up Form.

Linked Here is the Jazz Band Sign-Up Form.

Please let me know if you need a paper copy of either of these forms and I can send one home with your child.

WHS Indoor Marching Band Show!

Indoor show matinee for all 7th & 8th grade band students: Thursday, November 3rd, 1:30pm in WHS Auditorium (students will be bussed)

8th Graders to Perform With High School Bands

All 8th Grade Band members will have the opportunity to perform with the Symphonic Band at WHS! Our BRMS band students will perform with their top band for a concert on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00pm. This performance gives the students the experience of playing in a top high school band. The dress for the concert is all black.

Middle School All-State Band Auditions

Some of our BRMS Band Members have been busy preparing for the South Dakota Middle School All-State Band auditions. These auditions involve practicing and performing selected scales and etudes specific to their instrument. The auditions are recorded at BRMS (in most cases) in November and early December. They are then submitted to be judged. Results are posted in January. Those who are selected prepare special music for an All-State concert in Huron on the first Saturday in March. We highly encourage your child to give it a try!

Middle School All-State Jazz Band Auditions

Similar to All State Band, audition materials for All State Jazz Band are now available. Those selected will be part of an event that takes place February 3-4 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center. The audition deadline is Friday, January 6, 2022.

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 and we can help you with that.

Parent/Teacher Conference Plans

Conferences are October 4th and October 6th. At this time, there will be both virtual and in-person options.

Students are expected to attend both the Winter and Spring concerts. If a student will not be at a performance, advanced notice must be given to a band director so that alternate arrangements can be made.

If you have questions or concerns please contact one of the directors.

Ali Dunbar, Ali.Dunbar@k12.sd.us

Brooke Bigge, Brooke.Bigge@k12.sd.us

Always feel free to reach out with questions or concerns. Thank you!

Greetings Orchestra students and families,

Orchestra students should be practicing their instruments only on the days that they breathe! Every student should have an instrument to use at school. Every student should be practicing 15-45 minutes per day depending on the difficulty of the music. Practicing daily for a small amount is always more effective than once per week even if the total time is larger!

Students should also be equipped every day with their music folder, Orchestra Expressions Book 2, and a pencil for writing in their music. I will check out this book to any student unable to afford their own book next week.

Our November 8th Arena concert is approaching and we are in need of volunteers!

1. Volunteers to wrangle instruments (especially basses (4), and Cellos (16)).
2. Volunteers to assist teachers during the concert (fill out the volunteer form section 1)
3. Volunteers to assist and will be alone with students (fill out volunteer form section 1 and 2)

Please reach out to Mr. Travers if you can help in these areas. The SFSD website will return the form for download with the search term ‘volunteer.’ There is a shortage of available buses to get us and our equipment to the Arena from BRMS on the afternoon of 11/8, and there is no guarantee of any bus transportation after the event at the present moment. We are in active negotiations to solve this problem, but I am interested in creative solutions should we need to mobilize volunteers!

A t-shirt will be provided by Schmitt Music for all students participating. There will be a different color design for middle school students than high school students. Please plan on wearing dark pants, slacks, or other formal bottoms, with dark shoes and dark socks. The concert will conclude by 8 PM at the Arena and is free to all!

Musically,

Andrew Travers

Andrew.Travers@k12.sd.us

605-299-5223 (text only)