May BMS News

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

MAY22 FINALSMAY23 FINALSLASTDAYOFSCHOOL

ROWLAND VERNON Principal Administration P: 918.366.2201 E: rvernon@bixbyps.org

RICHARD WALLACE Assistant Principal (G-O) Administration 918.366.1705 E: rwallace@bixbyps.org

look who's in the principal’s office

Hello Bixby Middle School Families!

"May is the month of promise and the sweet beginnings of summer." - Unknown

As the month of April retires, I hope you agree with me that we do not need anymore of those "spring showers"! Although the weather was harsh, our student's commitment to learning and growth has been truly inspiring, and as Principal it fills me with optimism for the bright futures that lie ahead. May is a time to encourage all of our students and families to embrace the spirit of cooperation, positivity, and optimism. Let yourself absorb the anticipation and planning of summer time activities. The time for recharging and reconnecting is just around the corner. May everyone embrace those opportunities to cooperate with one another and simply prioritize quality time with loved ones. So let's celebrate each other's achievements, share in each other's joys, and lend a helping hand to those in need. Enjoy our last newsletter and enjoy a safe summer break!

Rowland

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

- 19

As the summer months approach, it's time to think about how we can engage our children in meaningful activities that promote growth and compassion. In a recent episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker leads an insightful conversation with Dr. Tim Elmore, the esteemed founder of Growing Leaders, and Christa Campbell, the inspiring creator of the Gwinnett Meal Bridge program. Throughout the episode, Dr. Elmore and Christa Campbell share motivational stories and practical advice on nurturing resilience, compassion, and leadership in children. They emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful family discussions, where children can learn to recognize and act on their compassion for others.

A central theme of the discussion is the idea of transforming personal struggles into opportunities for community service. Christa Campbell's journey with the Gwinnett Meal Bridge program serves as a powerful example of how adversity can be channeled into positive action that benefits others.

Moreover, the episode explores strategies for instilling a growth mindset in children, teaching them to embrace setbacks as learning moments and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

By empowering children to lead, learn, and serve, we set them on a path towards becoming compassionate and capable adults who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone invested in the future of our youth, this episode offers invaluable insights into nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders and changemakers. Tune in to discover actionable tips for empowering your child to make a difference in the world.

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

NURSE’SBEAT

All medications brought to the nurse's office will be sent home with students on the last day of school. Please check your child's backpack.

OSSMSUMMERPROGRAMS

P:918.366.2352

E:tmorrow@bixbyps.org

OklahomaSchoolofScienceandMathematicsOffersFreeSummerPrograms forMiddleandHighSchoolStudents

The schedule begins in June with one-day math workshops for students entering grades six, seven, and eight in the fall. All materials, including lunch, are provided. Through the free workshops, OSSM faculty and local master teachers will help middle school students prepare for the upcoming school year and learn math through a fun and interactive approach. The classes will be held June 10-12, June 17-19, and June 24-26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Studentscanattendasmanysessionsastheychoose.

For high school students, OSSM hosts three career-exploration workshops in the summer. The workshops are for students entering ninth and tenth grades next fall. There is no registration cost, and all supplies, including lunch, are provided. These includetheHealthcareandMedicalCareersWorkshoponJune14, the Engineering Workshop on June 21, and the Science in the SummerLabDayonJune27,allfrom9a.m.to2p.m.

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

FCCLA

In April, Bixby Middle School came home with one STATE CHAMPION and two SILVER MEDAL WINNERS from the State FCCLA Competition!!!!

Congratulations to:

Lily Turgeon, State Champion, Category: Teaching Strategies

Kim Tennell, Silver Medalist, Category: Public Policy Advocacy

Alivia Vogel, Silver Medalist, Category: Hospitality, Tourism, & Recreation

All three competitors are officers with our FCCLA chapter and have already been accepted as officers for the high school FCCLA chapter next year!

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

BESTBUDDIES

Our Bixby Buddies Middle School class had the opportunity to walk in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 27th. It was a great opportunity to come together to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We had 4 girls who were able to participate and had the opportunity to speak at the opening ceremonies about what Bixby Buddies means to them. The funds raised at the walk allow Best Buddies to grow programs in the community and serve people with IDD. It was a fun day of friendship and fun!!

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

April8,2024

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Bixby Middle School had the honor of hosting a Naturalization Ceremony on April 10, 2024. Thirty-nine individualsfromnumerouscountriesweresworninasUnitedStatescitizens. Thiseventbroughttogether individualswhomadetheimportantdecisiontobecomecitizensofthisgreatnation.Theceremonymarked the culmination of a long journey towards citizenship and is a momentous occasion that holds great meaning for both the individuals and their families. As the host of the naturalization ceremony, Bixby Middle School created an atmosphere of celebration, warmth, and inclusivity to honor the efforts and sacrificesmadebythesenewcitizens.

Our Naturalization Committee worked closely with the US District Court of the Northern District of Oklahoma to ensure a successful ceremony. Our hallways were decorated with patriotic posters and signs designed by Mr. Aaron Evans and the Art Club. Several middle school students welcomed the new citizens and their families as they arrived at the school. Breakfast, snacks and drinks were provided for our guests as they met with Citizen and Immigration Services. The families were then escorted to the gym as the new citizens finished their paperwork. Shortly thereafter the citizens were shown to their seats for the ceremony.

The ceremony began with the opening of court by the Northern District Court Clerk, Mark McCartt. Chief District Judge John F. Heil, III presided over the court proceedings. Principal Rowland Vernon welcomed the citizens and special guests followed by several of our bilingual students who greeted the families in variouslanguagesrepresentedattheceremony.

FollowingthegreetingsandremarksmadebytheCourt,theBixbyMiddleSchoolChoirsang

God Bless the USA. Our guest speaker and BMS math teacher, Mr. Simon MacFarlane, shared his own experience of becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019. The new citizens were then introduced and took the Oath of Allegiance. This oath signifies their commitment to uphold the laws and values of their new country. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by student Eva Garrett followed by the presenting of colors by the Bixby High School JROTC students. Each individual was then presented with their certificates of citizenship.

The new citizens were given treat bags and gifts provided by Mrs. Meredith Fuller and the Family and Consumer Science class after the ceremony concluded. Our students were incredibly warm and welcoming toourguestsandwebelieveitwasatrulyunforgettableandinspirationaleventtheywillnotforget.

Abigthankyoutothefollowing:

BMS Naturalization Committee: Rowland Vernon, Lindsay Barton, Sheila Lowe, Heidi Dees & Erin Stuart fortheirworkinorchestratingthemeaningfulevent.

Special thanks to Mrs. Meredith Fuller, Mr. Aron Evans, Ms. Meredith James, Mr. Rodney Flowers, Mrs. Toni Ross, Mr. Simon MacFarlane, Mrs. Debbie Baker, Colonel Chris French, Chief Warrant Officer WilliamTinneyandMs.KaryWideman.

We would also like to thank Mattress Firm for providing breakfast and the Daughters of the Revolution for providingsnacksanddrinks.

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

OESLSTATETOURNAMENT

ThisisanupdatefromourBixbyE-Sportsstatetournamentheldlastmonth.

Jackson Shupert won the Spring OESL state tournament. Shupert scored 6-0 defeating Atoka, Waller,Byng,andJohnMarshallstudents. Hetook1stplaceoutof32studentsacrossOklahoma, where all students had to qualify by placing in the top 8. Jackson placed 1st in the fall and spring for Super Smash Bros making him the first Spartan and middle school OESL player to win 1st placebacktoback.Jacksonhascompetedin3statetournamentstotal!

Peter Connor placed 5th at State, going 5-2. He faced many players who had already placed 1st at a previous tournament. This was Peter's fourth state tournament making him the very first Spartantoattendandcompeteineverystatetournamentduringhismiddleschoolcareer.

Ben Morris and Lucas Lynam placed 13th at state and went 2-2. This was their second state tournament.Theyplayedtheirheartsoutandgaveittheirbest.

Coach England and Coach Hopkins are very proud of all the E-Sports players. They received many compliments from other teams regarding their performance, great sportsmanship and encouragmenttootherteamstobetheirbest.

Middle School E-Sports now has two big 1st place trophies for Super Smash Bros!! We could not havedoneitwithoutouroutstandingstudents.IttrulyisagreatdaytobeaSpartan.

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBOTICS

The inaugural "Bixby Bowl" tournament provided an opportunity for a friendly inter-district competition between our intermediate robotic teams! Our middle school students had the opportunity to take on leadership roles throughout the tournament and served as volunteers, judges, referees, and event officials. Overall, it was a wonderful day of learning and collaboration for everyone involved!

Teamwork Champions: TEAM WALL-E (WI) and Iron Toast (WI) Excellence Award: Tye Dye (EI) Skills Champion: Iron Toast (WI) Design Award: Iron Toast (WI) Judges Award: Pink Tigers (EI)

BIXBY MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Three of the four spots allocated to Oklahoma to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship were taken by Bixby Middle Schoolstudents.Theyspentthelastweekcompetingwiththetop competitors from 70 countries from across the globe. Despite language and cultural barriers, our students stepped up to the plate and competed with the best of the best internationally. Ultimately, the Atomic Nerds were awarded the "Judges Award" for their remarkable tenacity, perseverance, and dedication to the game. We are extraordinarily proud of our robotics program andtheincredibleskillsourstudentsaretakingaway.