Enjoy Winter Break!

What a wonderful day at BJHS!  I started the day off meeting students coming off the bus with Christmas music.  You just can't beat Christmas music at 7:00 in the morning on a tuba.
Students worked in class and enjoying holiday fun with their teachers.
At 1:00 we started our annual holiday cheer with our basketball/volleyball assembly. The teachers took on the students and had a great time.  Not only do we get to watch the teachers compete with the students, but we get to listen to several hundred students sing songs and watch Santa and the Grinch hand out candy canes.
Today was a wonderful day and I really enjoyed watching all of our students have a great time. On behalf of BJHS, I wish you and your families a warm and wonderful holiday season.

Our Penalty Box for the basketball game.  

Staff and Students enjoying the festivities.

8th Grade Basketball Action

Ms. Bankowski still coaching the staff during volleyball. 

My music stand, Mrs. Adkins, and myself starting the day with Tuba Christmas.

Fact or Opinion?

Mrs. Richter is new to BJHS. Our students are lucky to have her as one of our English teachers. Today the class was playing a game on fact and opinion. Students were able to answer questions and determine whether the statement was a fact or an opinion   The students had a great time with the game and I enjoyed watching them work.

Songs & History

Here is a presentations done in Mr. Davis' History class, enjoy!

Command Vs. Market EconomiesM

Today I learned about the differences of command and market economies in Mrs. Verdon's Social Studies Class. The students were very excited to be learning. I am very jealous of the technology that Mrs. Verdun is able to use in class. I wish I had the interactive board when I was teaching math!

Mrs. Verdun's Second Hour 

Theater of the Absurd

Dr. Robinson's Junior High puppeteers will be presenting a hilarious puppet show just right for the holiday season.  The "Theater of the Absurd" will entertain and delight you.  All ages welcome.  Don't miss the fun tonight at 6:30 at the Bedford Branch Library.

Animation Domination

Mrs. Davies class was doing some animations for English.  The students were creating various animations that told stories and jokes.  Technology is a big part of BJHS.  Our students have computers available in multiple flex labs, our media center, and with mobile labs.  Check out Mrs. Davies' Blog here.

Superintendent Search

Friday, December 7, 2012

BJHS Cafeteria

6:00-7:00pm

The Bedford Public Schools Board of Education has secured the services of the Michigan Leadership Institute to assist the Board with the selection of the district's next Superintendent of Schools. The Board is seeking input from stakeholders across the district.

A Representative of the Michigan Leadership Institute, Dr. Mike Wilmot, will be in the district to gather input regarding desired attributes of the next Superintendent should be able to demonstrate. All interested community members are invited to be part of this activity at a Community Forum to be held on Friday, December 7, 2012 in the Bedford Junior High School Cafeteria from 6:00-7:00pm.

Mistletoe & Tails

Bedford Athletic Association

Presents

“Mistletoe and Tails”

Come out and support your Bedford Public School’s Bedford Athletic Association, by visiting the first local tour of exotic animals in your area.
“Proceeds from this event will be used to help provide funds for students to participate in athletics”
Call 419-509-7108 or 419-349-5955 with any question regarding this event
 Camels
 Zebras
 Walabies
 Donkeys
 Peacocks
 Guinea Hens
 Emus
 Alpacas
 Goats

When:
Saturday, December 8
10am-4pm
Raindate
December 15

Cost:
$5 per person

Where:
2740 Consear
Lambertville MI 48144
(North on Secor, East on Consear)
Parking at
White Park/
Walk across

Thank you for supporting Bedford Kids!

Robot Time

I am live blogging from BHS. I am a judge at our FTC Robotics Competition. Come to the senior high if you want to see some robot action!

Welcome Mrs. Kay!

I would like to welcome Mrs. Kay to BJHS.  Mrs. Kay is our new 6th grade teacher, joining Mr. Dukate and Mrs. Johnston's team.  Mrs. Kay will be teaching Reading, Writing, and Social Studies.  Mrs. Kay received her teaching degree from the University of Toledo and is transferring from a SIP position from Temperance Road Elementary. I am very excited for Mrs. Kay and I know she will be a great addition to BJHS.

Food Drive

We are currently in the midst of our annual holiday food drive. The food drive is coordinated by Mr. Lopinski and our student council. Not only do we collect food, but also collect any other items that are useful in the home. We have a contest for the rooms that bring the most by providing a home cooked breakfast from some parent volunteers. Please support our food drive and if you have any questions, just email Mr. Lopinski. Thank you

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful break.  Please enjoy your family and friends this week and re-energize for school.

Fun Fridays

It is Fun Fridays in Mrs. Melnyk's class. The class is doing some mathematical line art. Students are able to pick different designs and make their mathematical art. The students are having fun and doing some great math. If you like string art, click here to learn more.

Parent/Teacher Conference Survey

Below is a survey for our  Parent Teacher Conferences.Please fill it out so we can use the information to make decisions on future  conferences.
Please remembering to hit the submit button at the bottom.

Thank you.

Patriotic Projects

Here are some great projects from Mrs. Jan's classes.  These students created a 4 part diorama of some historical events that they are studying.  The students did a great job and I wanted to share some of their work.  However, I am always scared to see students take apart my favorite action figures or use pieces from my favorite board games:)

Great Assembly!

What a great assembly today. It is always nice to have our students together as one group. Great job to Mrs. Connolly for finding the speakers, Mrs. Richter for getting the essays, the setup/tear down crew of Mrs. Kopka, Mrs. Kaufman, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Dager, Mrs. Bankowski, and Mr. Rairigh, and to our Music teachers, Mr. Glover and Mr. Thomas, for preparing the music.  Thank you very much to the student performers and our essay readers today.  Bedford is better because of our students and staff.

Mr. Barger, World War II veteran addressing the student body.

Veterans' Day and Honoring Our Country

BJHS has a proud tradition of honoring our veterans.  This Friday we will be having a school wide assembly saluting those that have served in the armed forces. I am always very proud of our students.  
I would like to recognize staff members Mr. Snowberger and Mr. Laburn for their service to our country. 
Our 8th grade band and Junior High Choirs will be performing under the direction of Mr. Glover.  Mr. Thomas will be leading our Junior High Orchestra.
We will be featuring 8th grade student speakers Carson Barr, Molly Vogel, Max Marquardt, and Laura Shake.
 I am very excited to have David Chilson from Honor Flight to address our students.  Mr. Chilson is bringing special guest and World War II Veteran Melvin Barger.  To find out more about Honor Flight,  

Go to www.honorflight.org for more information. 

Mr. Davis' history classes also worked on a display in the front case honoring our founding fathers.

Dr. Robinson also ran a mock election for the presidency.  Student had to register last week and they voted earlier this week. The results were 324 votes for President Obama and 274 votes for Governor Romney.  BJHS parents, Mrs. Kraine, made an interesting comment to me noting that some of these students will be old enough to actually vote in the next presidential election!  Time flies when you are having fun.

Part of the culture of a school is defined by how we present ourselves. I am very proud of the BJHS students and how they are honoring our heroes and our country.

PTSA Book Fair

We are having our Scholastic Book Fair from November 5-November 9, it is open during lunch hours and homerooms, as well as the two conference nights.
The Storia information is a free App for the iPads along with 5 free books.  Storiat has a really cool feature that allows parents to make a bookshelf of books for their children.  Check out the site.
Having you check out the site will help us earn extra BONUS dollars for more literature and books that we need to help keep our Media Center up to date and encourage AR points!

Thank you very much for your support!

BJHS Craft Show

BJHS will be hosting our annual PTSA Holiday Arts Craft Show.  The show will be this Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Join the fun and festivities.  The show will have shopping, bake sales, concessions, a raffle, decor for your home, and pictures with Santa.
Spaces are still available and we are still looking for bake sale donations.  For more information, please call 734.850.1509.

Click here for the flyer.

Hot Air

Our BJHS Science classes are literally full of hot air.  When studying the weather and layers of the atmosphere, our 8th grade students make hot air balloons.  Today was a brisk afternoon for Mr. Ostermyer's class outside, but they had fun launching their balloons.

Meanwhile...

I hope everyone is having a great long weekend. While all the candy is being bartered between siblings and family members our staff received training. The JHS had staff members distributed throughout the county, taking classes at various locations. The junior high had classes for teachers on students being actively engaged and had classes on new ways to use technology. Administrators were also in sessions that covered new laws and teacher evaluations. As the saying goes, "You are never too old to learn."

Happy Halloween!

Congratulations to our contest winners.  We have a trash can, I can't find the person in the middle, and a sponsor from the Hunger Games.  Today was a lot of fun.  Have a great and safe time tonight and enjoy your extra long weekend!

Pumpkin Winner

Congratulations to Mrs. Matney for winning the pumpkin carving contest.  Thank you to all teachers who participated and thank you to Mrs. Currie's Charity Club for monitoring, and to the students for donating to the Monroe Humane Society.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Today we are having a pumpkin decorating contest. Here is a small sample:

Several staff members decorated pumpkins and the students are judging during lunches. Students vote by dropping coins in the cup of their favorite pumpkin.  The pumpkin with the highest amount wins.  All proceeds will be going to the Monroe Humane Society and the winning pumpkin will be featured on this very blog. Thank you Mrs. Currie and the Charity Club for counting and monitoring. Good luck teachers!

Great Job Orchestra

Mr. Thomas and the BPS Orchestras performed to a packed house tonight. A special shout out goes to the BJHS Broncos performing,
Please make sure you check out the calendar link on the right for future music performances.

Outstanding job 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

Fun At Dance

Here is some shots from tonight's dance. Thank you Mr. Lopinski, Student Council, and the parent volunteers.

Clubs

BJHS has a lot of activities for students. In order to see when different clubs are meeting, you can click on the announcement link on the right side of the page.
Currently our Bible Study Club has been raising money through a bake sale in order to help people with clothes in the West Virginia Area.
Our Art Club is currently meeting. We have so many students involved, we have two groups going at the same time.

Art Club Fun

Bible Study Students Helping At Bake Sale.

Red Ribbon Fun

Today during lunch students competed in relays to demonstrate how drugs make doing simple tasks harder. Students raced to a chair to unwrap and eat chocolates. Then they had to repeat the race, but with the addition of wearing gloves. Needless to say, we had some interesting results. Great job to Mrs. Sansom and the NJHS crew on running the event.

More Projects from the Bronco Builders

Here are a few more projects that Mr. Allison's classes are working on.  If you are interested in the items, please contact Mr. Allison at mark.allison@bedford.k12.mi.us or call him at 734.850.6259.

Please help fund our technology education classes by buying a garden bench for $35.00.

Students learn design and construction skills and you get a sturdy outdoor bench!

Support 8^th Grade Technology Education by ordering an 8ft long picnic table made from treated 2 by 6’s. The cost for the table is $110.

Thanks again for the support for our classes!

Red Ribbon Week

Visit www.redribbon.org for more information. 

Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for students to promote being drug free.  Our NJHS branch has organized a variety of activities for the students to do next week.


Monday
Pajama Day – Show your commitment to being drug free by putting drugs to rest and wear your pajamas.
NJHS students will take pledges from students to be drug free by having them sign their name on a red strip of paper during lunch hours.  The paper strips will be put together to make a paper chain showing our schools commitment to being drug free.  NJHS students would like to display the chain in the hallway around the school. Pledging to be drug free will also allow you to enter to be a contestant in the relay races that will be played during lunch hours on Wednesday.
Tuesday
“Team” up against drugs by wearing a shirt for one of your favorite sports teams and show your commitment to being drug free.
More pledges will be taken during lunches for our drug free commitment chain.
Wednesday
Turn your back on drugs and wear your clothing backwards for the day.
During lunch NJHS students will lead students in a relay race to show how being on drugs or alcohol can affect your motor abilities. For info on the game see this link.
Thursday
“Put A Cap On Drugs” day.  Everyone will be invited to wear their favorite hat to show their commitment to being drug free.
Friday
Red Out - Red Ribbon week will conclude with students wearing red a as a call to action.  It will symbolize the urgency and necessity for making a real change and spreading awareness of the impact of drugs in our society.
Students can encourage others to take the pledge to be drug free at www.redribbon.org/pledge
Also students and their families can participate in the Red Ribbon Week 2012 2nd Annual Photo Contest: “The Best Me Is Drug Free”.  Students can enter by decorating their homes together with their parents, mailboxes, front doors or fences and taking a picture of their decorations.  Parents can upload photos at www.redribbon.org/contest starting Oct 1st.  Then friends and family can vote for their entry Nov 2-16.  The entries with the most votes can win $1,000 for their school and an iPad 2 for themselves.
Check out this link for info and a video about the contest
http://redribbon.org/blog/2012red_ribbon_contest/

Thank you to Mrs. Sansom and the NJHS crew for their work and all of the great posters.

PTSA Reflections

REFLECTIONS CONTEST NOW OPEN!

The PTSA Reflections arts contest is now accepting entries in 6 categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Photography, Film/Video Production, Musical Composition, and Dance Choreography. A set of rules are posted in the Media Center windows and are also available in the office. You can also check online at http://bedfordptareflections.weebly.com/.

Entry forms are available in the Media Center and Office, plus online at the site listed above. Entries can be dropped off in the Media Center and the entry deadline is November 9th. There is no limit on the number of entries you can turn in or the number of categories you can enter.

Every entry will get a prize. Prizes will be handed out on November 12th. On November 12th there will also be a grand prize drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Would you like to increase your chance of winning? Refer-a-Friend! When you submit an entry, a card will be delivered to their homeroom. Give that card to a friend and if they turn in a qualified Reflections entry and that card, you both get an extra ticket in the grand prize drawing!

We have a lot of creative talent here at Bedford Junior High School. We can't wait to see what get's turned in!

If you have any questions, please contact the Reflections chair: Sandy Kraine  at sandy.kraine@bedford.k12.mi.us.

Helping WWF

Mrs. Davies 6th grade students are doing a service project by selling carnations for Sweetest Day and having the proceeds go to the World Wildlife Fund.  Carnations will be on sale during lunches Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week for only a $1 each.  A variety of colors are available.  For more information on th World Wildlife Fund, click on this link.

Playhouse Time

One of the many things that I am proud about BJHS is our Technology Education Program or as many of you remember it; Shop Class.  I am disappointed that many schools have dropped their programs, but I am very pleased that BJHS stills has a strong class.
I am always amazed at the craftsmanship of our students and the great things that they build.  One of the projects they work on is building and selling playhouses.

Mr. Allison's Class with a completed playhouse

In order to enhance the students’ learning opportunities, Mr. Allison finds projects, such as the playhouse.  Mr. Allison has two 8^th grade classes that would benefit from constructing playhouses.  However, in order to afford this project, the class needs customers.  The classes need at least two customers that would buy a 4’ x 5’ shingled playhouse for $200, 

If you have any questions or would like to order, email Mr. Allison by clicking on his name.

MEAP, MEAP!!!

Today we started our annual Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP).  Students will be taking tests in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies over the next few weeks.  Our PTSA have been handing out juice in the morning and our teachers have been handing out MEAP Mints during testing.  Our students and staff take the testing very serious.  Our results will be available this spring.

Leadership In School

BJHS has various leadership opportunities.  One of those is membership in National Junior Honor's Society.  Members of NJHS have shown leadership, character, service, and scholarship. Shown below is a picture of our NJHS leadership council for the 2012/13 new year.

NJHS is a service organization and if your group would like assistance from the membership, please contact the NJHS advisor, Mrs. Copley-Sansom.

Student Council is also starting up.  The current group is planning our annual Halloween Dance and Costume Contest (last year's winners).  Student Council is currently raising money through a bake sale to support getting materials for the Halloween festivities.  One of the parents made muppet cupcakes!

 Student Council will be selecting members from the 6th grade classes in order to help with the food drive in December.  If you have any questions regarding Student Council, please contact Mr. Lopinski.

Welcome BCSN

Today BCSN came and spoke to our 6th grade students about important issues such as decision making, working hard, setting goals, team work, and much more.
BCSN has been an excellent part of the greater Toledo community and has been an advocate for being active and positive in our schools. Last Spring our PTSA Council awarded them our "Partners In Education" award for all of their work in the community.
Thanks again Mr. Franke and BCSN for speaking to our kids!

Staffing 2.2

I would like to formally welcome Bradley Lorenz and Jennifer Richter to the BJHS teaching staff.  Mr. Lorenz will be teaching 8th grade Special Education English and will be co-teaching English and Mrs. Richter will be teaching 8th grade English and Americas Cultures.  Thank you especially to Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Hugo for assistance in the interview process.  

Great Environment Makes A Great School!

BJHS has been doing various things in order to promote a great learning environment.
Mrs. Eltschlager has met with the 8th graders, Mrs. Johnson has met with the 7th graders, and I have met with the 6th graders to go over the school rules and our expectations for your children.
Out art instructors, Mrs. Matney and Mrs. Sansom, had students design posters for an anti-bullying contest through the Monroe County ISD.
Mrs. Miller has been having her computer students design posters about various technology issues, including cyber bullying.

Our counselors, Mr. Majewski and Mrs. Connolly, are currently addressing our 6th graders on what they can do to be successful at BJHS and what they can do to make this a great place.

We also have a report bullying webform.  This allows students or parents to report issues to the BJHS administrative team.  Please remember that the more details that you give allows the administrators to do a better job handling the situation.
BJHS is a great school and this is because we have students and parents that care and want this school to be a great place to learn.

Morley Candy Sale

Currently our Morley Candy Sale is going on.  Please see the information that your son or daughter brought home.  We use this money for clubs, activities, and materials for the school. The last day for the sale is October 1st.  The delivery date is November 7th after school.

Out of town friends and family can help raise funds for BJHS also. Simply go to www.cherrydale.com and click "Sellers Login". Create a sellers account using the group code: FRBEDTM, enter your friends and family member email addresses and click send.  They will receive an email explaining how their online purchases directly benefit our students.

Today we had a money machine reward for students that sold 20 or more items.  It was a lot of fun!

Help Needed!

The Bedford PTA Council has joined with the Temperance Action Committee to keep our roads clean with the Adopt a Road Program! We have been assigned Monroe Rd from the Summerfield Rd to the Sterns Rd intersections.

Volunteers are needed for this important program.

When: September 30th 2012
Time: 10:00am

Please contact  Christina McCloud by clicking on her name.  Please email her your name and contact number.

All volunteers are required to watch a 7 minute safety video that can be found below:

Thank you!

PTSA Membership Drive

Our PTSA is having its annual membership drive.  During lunch hours PTSA parents are selling wristband tickets to an after school dance on Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30.  The dance costs $6 to get in and this amount also covers your child's membership to PTSA.  Not only will we have music playing in the cafe, we will have the gym open for games.  Addition food and drink will also be on sale for the students.
Our Parent Teacher Student Association is an excellent organization that provides support for the students and staff here at Bedford Junior High School.  If you would like more information regarding PTSA, please feel free to attend our October meeting on 10/9 at 7:00 in the media center.

8th Hour

One of the great programs that we have at BJHS is 8th Hour.  This is a time to get extra help on homework after school. Some things to remember:

• 8th hour is in the Media Center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• You must have your own transportation home.  Some students take Lake Erie Transit.
• 8th hour is a privilege to attend. If you are misbehaving, we will send you home.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out this form and bring it to the main office.  If you have any more questions, email Mrs. Bennisatto. 

Great Week!

We had a great first week at BJHS.  The administrative team is currently meeting with groups of students to discuss school rules and procedures.  The students have had great attitudes and are very positive.  The community is very fortunate to have great children here and we are blessed to have them in our school.

Staffing 2.1

The posting for the two jobs at BJHS are online.  Here are the links:

English Teacher
Special Education Teacher

If you know of anyone interested, please have them go to those links and apply.

Happy First Day!!

What a great first day.

I started the day in the gym with our 6th graders.  Many of them did not know the pledge to the state of Michigan , so I shared it with them.  After a few announcements, I sent them with their teachers.

Students were very excited to get to classes and see their teachers. Teachers started the day giving out lockers, books, and our new assignment books.  Replacement cost for the assignment book is $5.

Lunches went very well and all students were able to finish their lunches on time.

The day ended with a group of parent volunteers that helped students find the correct bus to ride home.

What a great day!  We are lucky to have the students, teachers, and parents that make Bedford wonderful. 

Staffing Update 2.0

I am pleased to say that the majority of staff have been called back to BPS and we are now looking to hire two new teachers at BJHS. 
Mrs. Lehr will not be teaching 8th grade for us and she is moving to JRE to teach kindergarten.  Good Luck Mrs. Lehr! This opens up an 8th grade English position at BJHS.

BJHS welcomes Mr. Andrew Muck from the SHS.  He will be team teaching in 6th grade special education.  This fills Mrs. Curry's role, as she moves to a 6th grade general education teaching position.  We still have one additional special education job to be filled.

Postings for the positions will be up on the BPS main webpage. 

Open House

Open House is tonight at 6:45, starting in the Gym.  This is an opportunity to meet many of your teachers and to get expectations for your students' classes.  I am looking forward to meeting many parents tonight.

The schedule is below.

BJHS Open House 2012/2013

PTSA Welcome Back

            Welcome to BJHS in Gym: 6:45 to 7:00.

Quick Meet & Greet with Teachers: Follow the schedule below.

7th/8th Grade (Follow Bell)
Hr	Start	Stop	Length (Minutes)
1	7:05 PM	7:12 PM	0:07
2	7:15 PM	7:22 PM	0:07
3	7:25 PM	7:32 PM	0:07
4	7:35 PM	7:42 PM	0:07
5	7:45 PM	7:52 PM	0:07
6	7:55 PM	8:02 PM	0:07
7	8:05 PM	8:12 PM	0:07
6th Grade (Teachers Will Switch)
Hr	Start	Stop	Length (Minutes)
Elective	7:05 PM	7:12 PM	0:07
1st Teacher	7:15 PM	7:27 PM	0:12
2nd Teacher	7:30 PM	7:42 PM	0:12
3rd Teacher if needed	7:45 PM	7:57 PM	0:12

Cookies and punch will be available in the café please come down during the lunch/homeroom time or after you have met with your teachers.