A Message From The Principal…

Dear Blue Ridge Parents,

Welcome to May, the month of flowers! Similar to May’s flowers showing off their

brilliant blooms, we expect our Blue Ridge students to bloom this month with

knowledge. However, before we discuss knowledge and curriculum; let’s reflect on

April’s wonderful events, and the year so far.

First, a grateful thank you to all the parent volunteers and staff that

made our CAMS 6 code demonstration just outstanding. Sixth grade

students taking Keyboarding, semester two, showed off their coding

projects. Both A/B day students displayed their coding creations each

block in their classroom. We are so excited about our coding program

and its STEM based course, Coding 7. CAMS 7 (Coding 7) has had an exciting year

so far. During first semester, Mr. David Bock, founder of Loudoun Codes, visited the

classes and shared his love of computer programming and some “old school”

computer games. Second semester, thirty-nine students competed in teams of three in

the DXC Global Coding Competition. They created amazing projects and three teams

took first, second and third place for the Northern Virginia region. Winning teams

received prizes and attended a celebratory luncheon with Dr.

Jim Northrup at DXC in Tysons. Our next Code Walk will

be June 2, 2017. Students will showcase their coding

competition entries and the exciting 3D projects they are

creating: Agent Cubes. Our second-year coding class is an

amazing success thanks to our wonderful teacher, Mrs.

Brady, and the support of the kids, parents, and community.

Blue Ridge Banner 551 East A Street, Purcellville, VA 20132 Phone 540-751-2520 FAX 540-338-6823 Absentee Line 540-751-2522

www.lcps.org/brms

School Hours: 8:35 a.m. to 3:23 p.m.

LLLou

Administration Dean Counselors Principal: Brion Bell Sixth Grade - Karin Nixon Eryne Racino

Assistant Principal: Matt Bolen Seventh Grade – Karin Nixon Todd Peterson

Assistant Principal: Nancy Griffith-Cochran Eighth Grade - Andy Olejer Penny Cohen

We held our third Character Counts recognition reception in

April. We recognize students demonstrating great character

each quarter with a reception. We awarded over 40 Dawg

Cards to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. To date, this

program has recognized over 180 outstanding school

citizens!

April was quite a month of scholarship for selected

Bulldog students. During the quarter three

Cornerstone awards held on April 26th, we honored

our Blue Ridge Middle Cornerstone winners, 7th

grade Blue Ridge Books participants, our You-be-

the-Chemist Winners, and our Region champion’s

Odyssey of the Mind team.

Katia Holguin, Eaven Ojers, Nathan Clark

and Ian MacDonnell were among 28 competing in Richmond,

VA at the Math and Science Innovation Center on Saturday,

April 29th. Ian and Nathan made it past the preliminary

rounds and into the top 16. Nathan progressed to the final round of four and finished

in fourth place. We are very proud of how well Blue Ridge represented in

this tough competition.

Congratulations to our Step Up Loudoun team of 8th

graders Priyanka Mosur and Sahana Arumani. They

spent most of this year making a difference in their

local community with their “Littering is Crippling” project. They

researched questions such as, “What is the main cause of litter?” and

“Can flowers discourage and repel litter?” They met with their town

mayor, Kwasi Fraser to discuss some of their ideas for combatting litter

in Purcellville. They plan to continue working on their project and taking it back to

the SULY competition next year.

Finally, Blue Ridge received a recent visit by local artist,

Bobbi Carducci. She is Vice President of a nonprofit

organization, Pennwriters, and devotes her time to inspire

young authors to write and publish their work.

Administration Dean Counselors Principal: Brion Bell Sixth Grade - Karin Nixon Eryne Racino

Assistant Principal: Matt Bolen Seventh Grade – Karin Nixon Todd Peterson

Assistant Principal: Nancy Griffith-Cochran Eighth Grade - Andy Olejer Penny Cohen

May 1 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 1 6th Grade Band STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 2 6th Grade Band Concert 7:00 pm

May 3 7th Grade Band STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 3 Writing Honors Night 7:00 pm

May 4 7th Grade Band Concert 7:00 pm

May 8 8th Grade Guitar STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 8 Special Education Tea 5:00 pm

May 9 PTO Meeting 9:30 am

May 10 Nurse’s Day

May 10 7th Grade Guitar STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 11 7th Grade Guitar Concert 6:00 pm

May 11 8th Grade Guitar Concert 7:30 pm

May 14 Mother’s Day

May 15 6th Grade Orchestra STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 17 Interims

May 17 7th Grade Orchestra STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 17 8th Grade Chorus Spring Concert 7:00 pm

May 22 6th and 7th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm at LVHS

May 23 8th Grade Band/Orchestra STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 25 8th Grade Band/8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm

May 29 Memorial Day: NO SCHOOL

May 30 6th & 7th Grade Chorus STAGE Rehearsal 3:30 pm

May 31 6th & 7th Grade Spring Chorus Concert 7:00 pm

June 1 8th Grade Band/Orchestra/Guitar Rehearsal 3:30 pm

June 1 Hershey Park Parent Chaperone Meeting 6:00 pm

June 1 6th & 7th Grade Field Day

June 1 BULLDOG MILE

June 1 8th Grade Field Trip to Franklin Park

June 2 Hershey Park Music Trip

June 2 7th Grade CAMS Walk

June 5 8th Grade Field Trip to Franklin Park Rain Date

June 6 8th Grade Awards Night

June 9 Last Day of School for Students

June 13 PTO Meeting 4:00 pm

June 16 Report Cards Mailed

BRMS Calendar

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be

able to demonstrate at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts,

foreign language, health/physical education and driver education. SOL

ensure that students across the state are taught the same content at nearly the same time. Cumulative, annual assessments – SOL tests

and alternative assessments – provide information on individual student achievement. For additional information on testing,

accommodations, or score reports please contact your school's School

Test Coordinator.

Technology-Enhanced Tests

Online is now the primary delivery mode for all SOL assessments, although SOL tests continue to be available in paper-and-pencil format

for students with a documented need. The benefits of online testing for students and schools include:

Faster return of student scores

Increased instructional and remediation time due to timely

return of student results

Improved efficiency of data collection and management

Increased accuracy of student data

Increased security of test content and student data

Reduced administrative burdens on school and division staff

The ability to include "technology-enhanced" items that allow

students to indicate their responses in ways other than

multiple choice that also may demonstrate critical-thinking skills

May 3 Reading 8

May 4 Reading 8

May 5 Science 8

May 8 Civics 8

May 9 Reading 7

May 10 Reading 7

May 11 Reading 6

May 12 Reading 6

May 15 Algebra

May 15 Math 8

May 16 Algebra

May 17 Algebra

May 18 Geometry

May 19 Math 7

May 22 Math 7

May 23 Math 6

May 24 Math 6

May 25 - 31 Retakes

May 25 - 31 Make-ups

2017 SOL SCHEDULE

Please make sure your child gets a

good night’s rest and eats a healthy

breakfast on test days.

Please avoid making appointments

during SOL testing if possible.

Scheduling Updates Counselors have worked with students to complete the course selection process for the

2017-2018 school year. If you would like to make any changes to the courses, please

contact your child’s grade level counselor.

Schedule changes will not be made after June 2nd, 2017.

AOS Open House

The Academy of Science, AOS, will host an information session at Dominion High School on

Tuesday, May 17th at 7:00 p.m. For general information regarding AOS, please find AOS on

the LCPS website.

Expunging High School Credit-Bearing Courses

Middle school students who take a high school credit-bearing course in grades 7 or 8 (such

as Algebra I, Geometry, or a foreign language) may elect to have the grade expunged from

the high school transcript, and, if desired, take the course again. Strong consideration

should be given for expunging low grades in credit-bearing courses. For sixth and seventh

grade, if you wish to expunge your child’s high school credit-bearing course, please

complete the expunge form which will be included with the last report card and return to

your child’s current counselor by August 18. If your child is currently in 8th grade, please

return those forms to the school counseling director at Loudoun Valley High School or the

school counseling director of the school your child will attend for the 2017-2018 school year.

If you have questions, please contact your child’s counselor.

Attention students who have been volunteering in our community:

The Loudoun Valley Community Center Advisory Board Recognizes students for their volunteer hours. If

you have volunteered your time in our community, please see your school counselor about how to receive

credit for your service (a minimum of 50 hours is required). Volunteers will need to submit their

applications NO later than Wednesday, May 3rd in order to be recognized. Please see your school

counselor for more information.

School Counseling Eryne Racino-6th Grade Todd Peterson-7th Grade Penny Cohen-8th Grade

Blue Ridge Middle School Bands Supply List 2017-2018

Method Books: All 6th Grade Band Members Except Drummers: Traditions of Excellence,

Book 1

All 6th Grade Drummers: Alfred’s Drum Method Book One

All 7th Grade Band Members: Traditions of Excellence, Book two

All 8th Grade Band Members: No new book. Will finish working in their book from 7th grade.

Other Supplies for All Band Members:

*1 Black Binder

*Reeds

Clarinets & Saxophones:

2-3 (6th grade – 2’s, 7th & 8th grades – 2 1/2)

(Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren)

Crystal Pyne mouthpiece

Oboes & Bassoons: 2-3 Soft or Medium-Soft Reeds (Gower)

*Mouthpieces: Tuba: size 24 AW

Baritone: size 6 1⁄2 AL (short shank)

French Horn: size Bach 11

Trumpet: size 5C

Brass: Valve or Slide Oil & Cleaning Kit

Woodwinds: Cleaning kit

Percussion:1 pair of Vic Firth wood tip sticks (2B)

snare drum/bell kit

Guitar Supplies for 2017-2018

Guitar Level 2 Materials (8th Grade)

Method Book: First Year Guitar-H.O.T. Hands On Training (5th Edition) by Nancy Lee Marsters

**Order online at www.classguitar.com

Ensemble Book: Jerry Snyder’s Guitar School Ensemble Book 1

(Can be ordered at www.alfred.com )

1” Black Binder

We will continue to use our footstools and tuners. If you cannot find yours, you will

need to replace this before the start of school. Guitar Level 1 Materials (7th Grade)

1. standard size classical guitar with nylon strings in a case ***Electric guitars and steel string guitars are not appropriate for use in class.

2. guitar footstool 3. guitar tuner (battery operated)

4. guitar book for class (see below) 5. 1” black binder

These are also recommended: 6. battery for the guitar tuner (it’s good to have an extra battery) 7. an extra set of guitar strings

8. music stand (for home practice) 9. a luggage style name tag (attach to the handle of the guitar case) 10. a small drawstring bag to carry all supplies for class

The method book will need to be purchased at the music store. You might want to call ahead and see if the store has the book in stock before you make a trip. **The guitar book for class is:

Essential Elements for Guitar Book 1

by Will Schmid and Bob Morris

Take this list with you to the music store to be sure you purchase all of the supplies your child needs. Local music stores who carry these things are Shamrock Music Store in Purcellville, Melodee Music and Music and Arts in Leesburg and Sterling.

If your child already has a guitar, be sure it is in proper playing condition before school begins. By the second class, students should be bringing their music books, tuner, and footstool to school on the day their guitar class meets. Please be sure everything is labeled with the student’s first and last name. We will be using a classroom set of guitars to start.

2017-2018 Required Orchestra Materials Materials 1. Method book: Make sure to get the right book for your instrument.

6th grade: Orchestra Expressions Book 1 7th grade: Orchestra Expressions Book 2 (plus finishing your Book 1 from 6th grade) 8th grade: Bring your Book 2 from 7th grade

2. Instrument (see below). 3. Rosin, pencil, cleaning cloth 4. 1-inch black binder 5. Shoulder rest (violins/violas: Kun brand recommended-correct size) or rock stop (cellos/basses) 6. Music stand for home (strongly recommended)

Shoulder rests (violins/violas) The standard Kun shoulder rests tend to work for most people and they are very sturdy. All violin and viola students must have a shoulder rest.

Instrument (Make sure your instrument case is labeled with your name, phone number, and address.) All basses rent from school for $100/year. Cellos must have a rental instrument at home but will use a school cello during class. Do not buy an instrument for 6th grade. Renting an instrument is the best thing to do at this stage in your playing careers. Be wary of stores that push you to buy an instrument. All instruments must have 4 working fine tuners, Prelude level strings or better, a bow with new horsehair, and a case. Avoid big-box stores (and websites) – they will sell you a very inexpensive instrument that looks like it would work, but they are nearly impossible to play or tune, even by a teacher. If financial need is a factor in obtaining an instrument, please contact your son/daughter’s counselor, Mr. Beder, or Mrs. Galang. If you must buy, check with Mr. Beder before doing so! Never get a bigger size to grow into. Recommended brands: Otto Benjamin, Eastman, and Bellifina. Avoid Cecilio and Stentor at all costs. Instrument Rental Suppliers: This is not meant to be a complete list, but a list of suppliers who have a history of supplying quality instruments to the Blue Ridge community.

Bob’s House of Basses, PO Box 420, Glenn Dale, MD 20769 Call for an appointment (888) 289-9877, www.bobshouseofbasses.com Brobst Violins, 5584 General Washington Dr, Alexandria, VA 22312, (703) 256-0566, www.brobstviolinshop.com Day Violin, 14221A Willard Road, Suite 500, Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 391-9444, E-mail: Jason@dayviolins.com (This is where Loudoun County Public Schools buys all instruments.) Music and Arts, 617 Potomac Station Drive NE, Suite B, Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 779-4905, www.musicarts.com Potter Violin Co, 7711 Eastern Ave, Takoma Park, MD, (301) 652-7070, 1(800) 317-9452, www.potterviolins.com Shamrock Music, 160 Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132, (540) 338-3313 http://shamrockmusicshop.com/ Shar Music, www.sharmusic.com (This is the one exception where online is a good option)

MaryAnn Stetter RN BSN

School Nurse

Blue Ridge Middle School

Purceville, VA 20132

540-751-2520

Medication Pick-up from the Clinic next month: State requirements do not allow the school clinic to store medications over the summer. Students

that have Doctor’s orders to self-carry will be able to take medications home. All others need to

be picked up by a parent or guardian by the end of the last school day. Please make

arrangements to pick up the remaining medication during school hours by 2pm on Friday,

June 9, 2017. This includes oral medications, Epi Pens, inhalers and Diabetes supplies. Left over

medication will be discarded if it is not collected.

Friendly Reminder Medication Orders and Care Plan DO NOT continue to the following school year.

All Medication and Care plans need to be updated with the nurse for the next school year.

Care plans can be obtained from LCPS Web site or you can pick up a copy from your child’s

school.

In accordance with the LCPS Policy all medications must be transported to and from school by a

parent or guardian.

Rising 6th Graders

FREE T DAP Vaccine Clinic

Saturday July 29th

Park View High School

9:00-2:00 pm

It is required that students entering the 6th grade receive

this vaccination.

Students will not be able to start school without one. The Tdap vaccine is free, but parents must accompany their child

to the clinic and bring the child’s insurance card if the child has

medical insurance.

ATTENTION: AFFORDABLE SPORTS PHYSICALS... VHSL sports physicals for all high school athletes and youth football players will be performed by local health care providers!

Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove Athletics

These physicals will satisfy the 2017-2018 pre-participation examination

requirements for all high school athletes and youth football players. Come

to:

Loudoun Pediatric Associates 205 East Hirst Road Suite 302

Purcellville, VA 20132

JUNE 1, 2016

New ONLINE REGISTRATION! High School https://webinter.lcps.org/SPAR/

ULYFL Players 5:00 PM

Rising 9th Grade 5:30PM

Rising 10th Grade 6:00PM

Rising 11th Grade 6:30PM

Rising 12th Grade 7:00PM

PRE-REGISTER FEES-CASH/CHECK ONLY; NO CC!

$30 for the first athlete in the family…$25 for each additional

athlete in the family! $35 walk-ins

Please Contact the LVHS Athletic Department with any questions at

(540)751-2410