Good Afternoon Black Hawk Community, 

This Friday doesn’t bring a lot of new “News” from the Principal.  Our work this week has truly been digging into how we stay connected during these challenging times.  We understand how difficult it is for students to thrive in a distance learning model and we are looking forward to the prospect of returning to the hybrid model as soon as we are able to do it in a safe manner.  Until then, our teachers are here and available to students to connect and support them during this difficult time.

We cannot stress enough how important it is for students to join their Panther Time and all scheduled Zoom classes on their assigned co-hort day.  As often as possible, we love our students to show up and show their faces so teachers are able to see and connect with their students in a more personal manner.  

I’ve visited some Zoom classrooms and it is extra challenging to “read the room” when the Zoom is full of screens with only student names.  Teachers are racking their brains and doing their darndest to engage our students.  We are all fighting the fatigue with distance learning and these cold January days add an extra challenge.   

We are truly looking forward to conferences coming in early February to connect with students, parents, and caregivers.  

Media Center Update

BHMS Alum Plays with U.S. Air Force Band! Attend the MLK Celebration and Meet Director, Writer, and Producer Matthew A. Cherry!  Is Mr. Fritz related to a Flatulent Reindeer? Meet Author Molly Beth Griffin this Saturday--- Get all the details and more by clicking on the link to the library newsletter

Booked for the Week

BHMS Winter Choir Concert Premiers January 21

The official BHMS Winter (virtual) Choir Concert premiered last night on Thursday, January 21, at 6:00 PM.  For those of you who might not have a student in choir but are interested in viewing/listening to the concert, use this link!  

BHMS Winter Choir Concert  

Winter Conferences

Winter conferences will be held on:

The middle school model of conferences has always been student lead.  Of course, this is challenging in our current model so we simply expected students to attend conferences with their parents. This allows school, students, and parents to collaborate and all be on the same page! 

You should have received an initial communication from the teacher your student will conference with this week.  The email includes directions on how to sign up for a conference time slot.  Please leave comments to share if you prefer a phone conference, Zoom conference, and/or  if you have other accommodations (e.g. an interpreter, or need to meet in person on campus).  

We are following the same format as we did this fall.  Please reach out to us in the main office with any questions.

More information on Conferences>

 

Receive Messages Via Text Message

Please note you can now “opt” in to receive messages via text message.  Just text “opt in” to 67587. Standard message and data rates may apply. Participating carriers include : AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Alltel, Boost, U.S. Cellular, MetroPCS and other carriers. For help information, text HELP to 67587, To opt out at any time, text STOP to 67587.

Food Services Programs

Information on the following programs is available on the BHMS Food Services webpage

• Free and Reduced Priced Lunch

• Every Meal meal kits (Formerly Sheridan Story) 

More information on Food Services Programs>

 

Who do I go to for help? 

 

Important Dates

Community Education

Group Guitar Lessons (ages 9-15)

Mon | Feb 8 - Mar 15 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | 6 sessions | $45 | CVLC

Music Electronics and Recording (ages 10+)

Tue | Feb 9 - Mar 9 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | 5 sessions | $45 | Music Magic

Code Championship Tournament-Virtual Coding Competition (grades 3-9)

Sat | Feb 20 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | $27 | Live Online

Travel Club

Africa!

Thu | Jan 28 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. | $15 | Live Online

Australia

Wed | Feb 17 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | $15 | Live Online

London

Thu | Mar 18 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | $15 | Live Online

Divers Challenge: Introduction to Competitive Diving

Sun | Jan 24 - Mar 14 | 7:45 - 8:30 p.m. | 7 sessions | $98 | BHMS

Young Engineers STEM Machine Creation - Online (grades 2-7)

Tue & Thu | Feb 2 - Apr 1 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | 16 sessions | $245 | skip Mar 23 & 25 | Live Online

Plans for summer programming are underway! Stay tuned and visit ce.district196.org/learnnow frequently!

Parents … Just for You! - Parenting in a Pandemic

Empower yourself with strategies that will make you feel capable and motivated! Hear Erin Walsh, M.A., a dynamic knowledgeable speaker will provide practical, down-to-earth ideas and strategies this uncertain time.

Wed | Feb 17, Mar 3, 31, Apr 14 & 21| 6:00-7:00 p.m.| Pay What You Can | Live Online