Notes from the Administrators

Fri, 02/09/2018 - 12:34pm
Winter MAP Testing
In Grades 1-5, Winter MAP testing began on Monday, January 29th and will continue through Thursday, February 15th.  Students will take their MAP assessment in their normal classes.  Make-up testing will be administered through Friday, February 23rd.  Teachers continue to share specific dates for their classes' MAP testing date on their Canvas pages. Please remember to allow your child to have a good night's sleep and send your student to school on time so that he/she is ready for testing on their assigned day.
 
TCOE Awards Recognition
The Council of Elders Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, February 1, 2017 at Hammond High School.  Select students were recognized for their academic achievement by The Council of Elders (TCOE).  TCOE provides a historical perspective of moral standing and spiritual leadership for children in the Howard County community. Congratulations to all of our scholars who were recognized for their academic achievements:
 
  • Alex Appiah-Mensah
  • Moriyah Barnett
  • Majida Bonsu
  • Shuvai Chivanga
  • Albert Davis
  • Nina Emmanuel
  • Shayla Garnett
  • Aloniab Ghebre
  • Jarred Halls
  • Larry Hunt
  • Laila James
  • Marley Jarmon
  • Bria Kagwima
  • Ammanuel Kidanue
  • Lawrence Lewis
  • Brooke McNeally
  • Kellie Miles
  • Kofi Osei
  • Salahdin Salih
  • Gabriel Suarez
  • Xavier Webster

 

ACCESS Testing
Students who receive English Language instruction will participate in ACCESS.  Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate a progression of knowledge and skills related listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  If your student receives ELL services and you have questions about ACCESS testing, please contact Ms. Arroyo.
 
Cold Weather Reminders
The varying temperatures these past few weeks are very confusing.  We have survived the polar vortex that visited the Eastern portion of the country during the first week of January and today's temperatures are almost spring like.  With that said, we'd like to remind our families to dress their students according to the weather.  Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are staples in frigid weather.  If your student is in need of any of these items, please contact our school counselor, Ms. Armstead.  Additionally, we would like to remind families that in the event that temperatures dip below 32 degrees, students will have recess indoors.  We would also like to remind families that morning arrival drop off for students is at 8:10.  Students should not be dropped off earlier as temps are often frigid and students are not supervised until 8:15.
 
 
School Closings and Delays
Often times, weather events cause schools to close early, open late, or close altogether.  If you haven't already done so, please sign up for HCPSS alerts to receive emails and/or text messages that notify families of delays and closings as teachers are not always able to make individual phone calls.  Many thanks to all of those families who respond promptly to these notifications.

Weather-Related Make-Up Days
 

 
String Fling Concert
On the evening of Thursday, February 1st, string students performed with other area schools at the Jim Rouse Theatre at Wilde Lake High School for the annual String Fling concert.  Students shared their talents and demonstrated their ability to perform a large group of students.  Ms. Zepp has served as our band and strings teacher for a number of years and she is applauded for her hard work and dedication to the fine arts at BWES.  Congratulations to those string students and Ms. Zepp for their hard work.
 
Quarter 2 Report Cards
Quarter 2 Report Cards were originally scheduled to be distributed on Monday, February 5th.  Due to the inclement weather, they distributed to students on Tuesday, February 6th.  Please take a moment to review and celebrate your students' accomplishments and make goals for the 3rd Quarter.  Once you have had a chance to review your child's report card, please return the signed report card envelope to school.
 
Unheard Perspectives- Black History Expo
This year's Unheard Perspectives - Black History Expo is occurring on Saturday, February 10 from 9-12 at Wilde Lake Middle School.  Selected students from schools across the county are competing for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards for their research presentations on Innovative African Americans.  The students that are representing BWES are:
  • Madame CJ Walker:  Ashley Portillo (4th grade) and Kellie Miles (5th grade)
  • Kimberly Bryant:  Laila James (4th grade)
  • Dr. Rebecca Cole:  Naasir Williams, Khalil Wilkins, and Leni Frederick (5th grade)
We wish all of the participants best wishes as they represent Bryant Woods at tomorrow's expo.
 

Smoothie King Partnership and Fundraiser
BWES has established a partnership with the Smoothie King in the Wilde Lake Village Center.  We are excited about this partnership and encourage families to visit our local Smoothie King and take advantage of the great specials and deals that they provide to the community.  Please visit Smoothie King on Friday, February 16th between 1:00-4:00 as a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Bryant Woods.

 
 
Family Fit Night
Bryant Wood's annual Family FIT Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 6:00-8:00.  Family FIT Night is a great opportunity to participate in wellness activities as a family.  This year we will have a yoga instructor, zumba instructor, a martial arts instructor and more! to sign up for your family to participate in Family FIT Night please use the link:
 

 

 
If you have any questions about Family FIT Night please feel free to contact Mr. Janasek.
College Day!
On Thursday, February 8th, teachers and staff wore their college shirts to represent their college and/or university for Bryant Woods' College Day!!!  The purpose of the day of was to promote college and career readiness.  Students were excited to see and learn more about the possibilities that college can offer to them.
 
County Executive Visits BWES
On Thursday, February 8th, County Executive, Allan Kittleman, visited Bryant Woods.  Mr. Kittleman had an opportunity to tour BWES and see the wonder things that our students are doing.  Mr. Kittleman expressed his commitment to BWES and plans to visit again in the future.
 
National School Counselors' Week
Monday, February 5th - Friday, February 9th has been designated as National School Counselors' Week.  Bryant Woods has the BEST counselor ever...Ashley Armstead!!!  School staff and students celebrated Ms. Armstead with notes, a banner, and a t-shirt that proclaimed our LOVE for Ms. A!!!  Many thanks to the students who wrote love notes to Ms. Armstead to express their thanks for all the wonderful contributions and support she provides to students, families, and the staff of BWES.  Thank you, Ms. Armstead, for all you do!!!