April is here! This is a busy month for our students. Between testing and Washington DC, your student willbe quite busy.

Next Week

Monday: Tennis Practice Begins, Drama Rehearsals
Tuesday: WACC Cyber Safety Presentation (more below), Drama Rehearsals, Music Parent Zoom (more below), 8th Washington DC Mandatory Meeting
Wednesday: PSAT8 Pre-ID Session (more below)
Thursday: Drama Rehearsals
Friday: No School

WACC Cyber Safety Presentation

The Washtenaw Area Council for Children (WACC) presents to our students on a yearly basis. The presentation consists of how students can protect their identities online, avoid dangerous interactions, and reinforce safe online habits.

Music Parents Virtual Meeting

Katy Steklac, Nathan Peters, and Aaron Pollard will hold a virtual meeting to discuss the educational pathway for all music students in the Chelsea School District. Please consider attending if you are a music parent and are curious about the benefits and trajectory of our music program!

PSAT8 Pre-ID Session

All 8th graders will be participating in the PSAT8 at Beach. On Wednesday, students will take part in the Pre-ID session. The goal will be to fill out their answer sheets with their student information before the test, so as to save time during the actual PSAT8. This is not the test, itself. Please make sure your 8th grader attends school on Wednesday!

Testing Schedule Reminder

The PSAT8, MSTEP, and NWEA are all happening between now and early May. Here are the important dates:

• PSAT8 Pre-ID Session – 8th Grade Only – April 5th, 1st Hour
• PSAT8 Test – 8th Grade Only – April 12th, 1st – 3rd hour
• MSTEP ELA – 6th/7th Grade Only – April 13th (make-ups on 14th) – 1st – 3rd 
• MSTEP Sci/SS – 8th Grade Only – April 18th (make-ups on 20th) – 1st – 3rd
• MSTEP Math – 6th/7th Grade Only – April 20th (make-ups on 21st) – 1st – 3rd
• NWEA ELA – May 2-3 All Grades
• NWEA Math May 10-11 All Grades

We’ve made it to Spring Break! As much as I would like to say that things slow down this time of year, it’s quite the opposite. This update is to prepare everyone for big events that are on the horizon. Please read carefully and add important dates to your calendar!

One quick request,

Please do not bring your school iPad on vacation. They get lost VERY easily when taken abroad. Thank you!

Testing

The PSAT8, MSTEP, and NWEA are all happening between now and early May. Here are the important dates:

• PSAT8 Pre-ID Session – 8th Grade Only – April 5th, 1st Hour
• PSAT8 Test – 8th Grade Only – April 12th, 1st – 3rd hour
• MSTEP ELA – 6th/7th Grade Only – April 13th (make-ups on 14th) – 1st – 3rd 
• MSTEP Sci/SS – 8th Grade Only – April 18th (make-ups on 20th) – 1st – 3rd
• MSTEP Math – 6th/7th Grade Only – April 20th (make-ups on 21st) – 1st – 3rd
• NWEA ELA – May 2-3 All Grades
• NWEA Math May 10-11 All Grades

I know this is a lot, but I will be including testing schedules each week so there are no surprises. It’s vitally important for your students to get plenty of sleep, eat good meals the night before, and morning of, the test to promote their best performances.

State Testing Electronics Policy

Please look this over. Thank you!

CSD Parent Education Series

What I Noticed

• Beach Middle School hosted Chelsea District Library’s “Authors in Chelsea” event this week. Pablo Cartaya, author of The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora. What an amazing experience for our students!
• 7th grade English classes started a dive into grammar, beginning with sentence structure and key terms.
• 8th grade science spent time analyzing scenarios to determine force interactions in a system.
• Building-wide celebration of Pi Day! Ask your student about what Pi means and how we use it!
• 8th grade ELA students are writing arguments with valid reasoning, fluid organization, and sufficient evidence.

Next Week

Monday: Music students will visit CHS, Drama rehearsals
Tuesday: ALICE Drill (more below), Drama, 6th grade Orchestra concert
Wednesday: Nothing 🙂
Thursday: BESS screener in class, Drama, Band Concert
Friday: End of Quarter 3 (last day before Spring Break!)

Testing Out in High School

From Dr. Luman Strong, Assistant Principal at CHS:

Greetings  parents of a soon-to-be CHS freshman!
Your child has requested to test out of the CHS class “Civics”. The actual test will occur at CHS in early May. I’ve attached the syllabus for this test out. You’ll notice that the content for the test is given as well as a current event assignment which is due on test day.

Please connect with Ms. Laura Lutz  (llutz@chelsea.k12.mi.us), social studies department chair, for any questions specific to the test.

I will be communicating to you closer to May as to the exact testing day.

Welcome to CHS and let me know if you have any questions…

ALICE Drills

ALICE Drills have been a yearly occurrence in Chelsea, and most schools statewide, to help prepare students for different internal/external crises. Your student will receive instruction on what to do in case of external or internal threats to the building. As a building, we will drill these scenarios. If you have further questions, please reach out!

SEL Screener

In our continued effort to proactively meet the needs of the whole child, we will be conducting another round of our social-emotional screener for all students. This will be a second opportunity for us to gather data and reflect on how our students are doing. Students in grades 5-12 will be completing the student self screener between 3/16-3/24.

Teachers will be completing the screener for students K-8 in early April. If you opted your child out in the fall, they will remain opted out unless we hear otherwise. Click here for more information on the screener. Please reach out if you have any questions.

What I Noticed

• 6th grade science students discovering chemistry and how do we smell odors (a helpful hint to all middle schoolers 🙂 )
• Algebra students are solving a system of exponential functions graphically.
• 8th Grade Gold team students took advantage of the half day on Friday to learn about Women in History.
• An incredible Creative Arts night, featuring our exceptionally creative and innovative students and staff. Special thanks to Kim Eder and Brian Boos, as well as Katy Steklac, Nathan Peters, and Aaron Pollard for putting this on!
• Student Teachers at Beach Middle School met with Mr. Ceo this week to discuss various topics that impact schools, specifically middle schools. They learned more details about the scheduling process, how classes are formed, and what the Chelsea Community expects of us.

Next Week

Monday: Start of the new trimester and marking period, Drama Rehearsals
Tuesday: Pi Day!, Drama Rehearsals, Fiddle Club Performance
Wednesday: America and Me Contest Winners,
Thursday: Drama Rehearsals
Friday: Nothing 🙂

Authors in Chelsea!

What I Noticed

• Debates in Ms. Watson’s history class. 8th graders are learning about civil discourse, how to manage intellectual disagreements, and how to listen to opposing viewpoints.
• 6th Grade ELA is learning the difference between pathos, ethos, and logos while reviewing the question, “what is an argument?”
• 8th grade ELA students are making their pitches for Passion Projects this week! This is always an exciting time of year, and something of a “right of passage” for our 8th graders.
• Our Winter athletics seasons have officially ended. We are very proud of our Swim and Dive Team, Girls Basketball Team, and Wrestling Team!

Next Week

Monday: Nothing 🙂
Tuesday: Nothing 🙂
Wednesday: Drama Auditions!
Thursday: Creative Arts Show (6:00pm – 8:00pm)
Friday: Half Day for Students, end of second trimester and marking period 4

SEL Screener

In our continued effort to proactively meet the needs of the whole child, we will be conducting another round of our social-emotional screener for all students. This will be a second opportunity for us to gather data and reflect on how our students are doing. Students in grades 5-12 will be completing the student self screener between 3/16-3/24. Teachers will be completing the screener for students K-8 in early April. If you opted your child out in the fall, they will remain opted out unless we hear otherwise. Click here for more information on the screener. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Athletics Boosters

The Athletics Boosters group is looking for someone to coordinate the Athletic Boosters Annual Golf Outing. If you are interested, or know someone who may be, please send Ryan Ratliff an email at ryan.ratliff@siemens-healthineers.com.

Drama Auditions and More Information

If your student is interested in joining the Beach Middle School Drama Club, please check out the following documents!

Safe Sitter Training

What I Noticed

• 8th grade Spanish students are learning how to order food (tapas, specifically) in Spanish with Mrs. Bertoni.
• Algebra students in Mr. Thorburn and Mrs. McIntosh’s class are investigating exponential equations using y=b^x
• Band, Orchestra, and Choir are all preparing for impending concerts!
• 6 Blue celebrated “Random Acts of Kindness” Day!

Next Week

Monday: 8th graders schedule input
Tuesday: Drama Workshop, Homework Club, Girls BBall vs. Tecumseh
Wednesday: Homework Club
Thursday: Homework Club
Friday: Band and Orchestra Festival @ CHS during the day
Saturday: Chelsea Robotics – Robot Reveal from 2:00pm – 4:00pm (more below)

Book Fair

Please check out the letter below regarding our Spring Book Fair!

Beach CREW

Beach CREW (Creating Relationships in an Empathetic Way) is a peer support program we are piloting at Beach as a way for us to develop connections and foster friendships between our general education and Resource Room students. The time together will be spent connecting through team building activities, games, and service projects. The concept for Beach CREW comes from an evidence-based practice that has been proven effective in leading to improved outcomes in the areas of socialization, communication, and independence. All students who participate will hopefully gain a better understanding of students with disabilities and improve the way they interact with our students in the Resource Room. 

Chelsea Robotics – Robot Reveal

CAP Jr. Presents The Little Mermaid

Next week is Paraprofessional Appreciation Week! Paraprofessionals are integral to the functioning of our building. They primarily support students with special needs, whether that means taking notes in class, collaborating with teachers to accommodate work for students, updating the Homework Hotpage, or just being a trusted adult kids can rely upon.

We love, cherish, and value our wonderful paraprofessionals at Beach!
– Marcie Gilbreath
– Michelle Vanover
– Tara Holmberg
– Karen Paul
– Teri Donajkowski
– Steven Fifield
– Mary Pearson
– Kelly Jordan
– Amber Flores

What I Noticed

• Mrs. Knupp’s 6th grade ELA class presented on their Natural Disaster research projects.
• Mrs. Bertoni’s Spanish class continued work on writing their group stories en Español.
• 8th grade History students in Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Henry’s classes worked on their Constitutional Law review
• Technology classes, with Mr. Boos, were using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) this week.
• Mrs. Eder’s Art classes are creating clay designs for a community project.
• 8th grade science classes used different materials to model plate boundaries. Mrs. Lombardo and Mr. Coon created this experience using graham crackers, frosting, and fruit roll-ups (delicious science is always a good way to engage students).
• Medical Detectives in Mr. Coulombe’s class dissected sheep brains while identifying different parts of the organ.

Next Week

It’s Paraprofessional Appreciation Week!

Monday: No School
Tuesday: BMS Choirs Karaoke Concert
Wednesday: Girls BBall vs. Jackson Parkside, Band/Orchestra Clinic Concert,
Thursday: Nothing
Friday: Chelsea District Librarian visiting at lunch
Saturday: Wrestling @ Jackson Parkside

Athletic Transportation Form

We are excited to announce that we are moving to an online athletics transportation form effective immediately!  THE PAPER TRANSPORTATION FORM WILL NO LONGER BE VALID. If you require to transport your child to and/or from an athletic event that has district transportation then you need to fill this form out PRIOR TO THE EVENT!  Once this is filled out, you will provide a digital signature and a copy will automatically be sent to the coach selected and the athletic department!  Your form is then automatically approved.  The coach can verify this by checking their email for the form.  You will also be emailed a copy of the form.  As always, the legal guardian of the child is the only one who can fill this form out.  If you do not see your child’s coach listed on the form, please contact Jason Morris in the athletic office for assistance.  Only head coaches of teams are listed.  Again, if the district is NOT providing transportation, this form is NOTneeded. 

Here is the link:  ATHLETICS TRANSPORTATION FORM

Thank you and we hope you will find this more convenient! 

What I Noticed

• 6th Math students have calculating the area of quadrilaterals
• All math students at Beach took the NWEA and worked towards meeting their growth goals. More info to come on that as soon as we dive into the data!
• The Student Services team attended Restorative Practices training at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. RP is a framework for resolving conflicts between students with a focus on repair relationships through empathy and clear communication.

Next Week

Monday: Girls BBall @ Saline, Music Boosters
Tuesday: Drama Workshop
Wednesday: 1/2 Day For Students, Girls BBall vs. Dexter
Thursday: CDL Librarian Visit, Seniors will be visiting 6 Blue, Wrestling @ Saline
Friday: 6 Blue Pool Party

Athletics Communications Tool

Parents and Athletes:

We invite you to join our new Chelsea Athletics Communication App called SportsYou.  This is finally an all-inclusive way to send quick messages and information right to your mobile device, tablet, or computer!  We will continue to communicate important information via FinalForms email as well but this app will give you quick alerts for game changes, meeting reminders, etc.  

Head Coaches will also be given the opportunity to use this for their teams down the road so stay tuned for that as well.

The directions to join the Chelsea Athletics group is very easy!  Simply click on the attachment for instructions.  Thank you and GO BULLDOGS!

Parking Request

If you are picking up at Beach, please be mindful of not occupying or blocking handicap spots. Thank you!

Ele’s Place Survey Reminder

Ele’s Place is a grief support organization focused on providing structured, small-group grief counseling. They frequently partner with schools to run these groups if there have been losses in the schools or with individuals and their family members. It’s a necessary and welcomed support for grieving students and families.

As part of our partnership with Ele’s Place, students will be asked to complete a quick survey on February 13 during their first hour class to express interest in participating in the group. The survey will take students less than one minute to complete. Families of students who are interested in participating will be contacted and asked to sign a permission slip before the student is able to participate in the group.

Please read the attached letter below if you have questions or if you feel like your student could benefit from Ele’s Place.

What I Noticed

• All Beach students took their English NWEA test. This test gives us a data point to help our teachers and administrators analyze our current supports for students and hone our teaching practices and curriculum choices. Your student is not defined by their test numbers, but it sure does help us find areas of growth for your student and for us!
• 8th grade students received a visit from Mr. Angel, CHS Principal, and Daniela Bickel, CHS Counselor. Students were walked through the high school scheduling process and what to expect in the coming months.
• Quiz Bowl teams for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade were all finalized. Students are prepared to go to Saline Middle School this Saturday for battle of wits and trivia!
• Ms. Emlaw’s class talking about “Good and Bad Academic Habits” with her 8th graders.
• 7th grade ELA students in Mrs. Skrypec and Mrs. Deland’s classes are working on “Compare and Contrast” language.
• 8th grade Tech students are learning about OnShape, a new computer-aided design program, and how it’s used in the professional world.

Next Week

Monday: Yearbook Club, Girls Basketball vs. Monroe
Tuesday: NWEA – Math Test, Eligibility Captured, 7th Grade Washington D.C. Meeting (More Below)
Wednesday: Student Count Day, Girls BBall @ Adrian
Thursday: STEM Challenges Class @ Ypsi, Wrestling (Home), Competitive Cheer (Home)
Friday: Nothing
Saturday: Choir Solo and Ensemble, 7th grade Girls BBall @ Saline, 8th grade Girls BBall at Chelsea High School, Competitive Cheer @ Pennfield

Yearbook Sale Reminder

Families,

The yearbook staff has been working hard to create a beautiful yearbook.  If you are interested in buying, the last date to guarantee a book is January 27th.  After that date quantities will be limited. Here is the link to purchase if you choose.

http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A03647100

Thank you,

The Yearbook Staff

Ele’s Place

Ele’s Place is a grief support organization focused on providing structured, small-group grief counseling. They frequently partner with schools to run these groups if there have been losses in the schools or with individuals and their family members. It’s a necessary and welcomed support for grieving students and families.

As part of our partnership with Ele’s Place, students will be asked to complete a quick survey on February 13 during their first hour class to express interest in participating in the group. The survey will take students less than one minute to complete. Families of students who are interested in participating will be contacted and asked to sign a permission slip before the student is able to participate in the group.

Please read the attached letter below if you have questions or if you feel like your student could benefit from Ele’s Place.

7th Grade Parent Washington D.C. Meeting

This meeting is with Nick Schumann, our DC Coordinator. The meeting is intended for families that have not registered for next year’s Washington D.C. trip.

You can still receive the trip discount if you sign up! Please contact Nick Schumann at nschumann@chelsea.k12.mi.us.

Into February! Let’s dive right in!

What I Noticed

• Science students investigating whether food containing carbohydrates undergo a chemical reaction to glucose.
• A handful of our 8th Leadership students visited Mill Creek Middle School in Dexter on 1/27 for Leadership Day. This is an annual event hosted by SEMMLAA (Southeastern Michigan Middle Level Administrators Association). 8th graders get experience working with students from across Washtenaw county.
• Students and staff enjoying some time to catch up on work and rest during two snow days.
• District leadership spending their snow days coordinating district-wide PD and team-building.
• 8th grade math students are working on multiplication and dilation. Those students then wrote about what happens when sides are multiplied by the same number.

Next Week

Monday: 8th graders will speak to HS counselors about class selection, Yearbook Club, Girl’s Basketball @ Tecumseh, 8th grade parent moving up meeting
Tuesday: NWEA – ELA, Drama Workshop, 5th & 6th grade Band Concert,
Wednesday: Girl’s Basketball vs Dexter 7th grade only,
Thursday: Wrestling @ Adrian
Friday: 8th Grade course selection sheets due, Competitive Cheer @ Mason
Saturday: Quiz Bowl in Saline

Bus Drivers Needed

We are once again seeking BUS DRIVERS for our District!

Are you looking for a way to help our students? Are you looking for a job that works with your child’s school schedule, including summer vacation, Christmas break, Spring break, holidays, and snow days off? Would you still like to have time to run errands while your kids are in school? Then BUS DRIVING may be just the right job for you.

Due to the importance of this job, the training is rigorous; however, we will pay for your time and your training and assure you are prepared!  Stop by the Transportation Office at 14138 E Old US 12; give us a call at (734)-2274, or email us at lbook@chelsea.k12.mi.us. We will answer all of your questions and help you get started.

We look forward to hearing from you!