Inside Billings: October 1, 2021

Inside Billings

September 24, 2021

"I love Billings. When I go through those gates,

I'm in my happy place."

Will R, 2022

Looking for back issues of the E-News? They are archived here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

DROP-OFF PRO TIP!

Five minutes before you arrive to school, ask your students to make sure they have their backpacks, water bottles, and all of their stuff ready to go so they can exit the car promptly.

Remember, there is likely a car waiting behind you.

With all three grades dropping off at the same time this will help prevent backups.

THANK YOU!

CURRICULUM NIGHTS!

10/4 - 6th Grade Curriculum Night, 6pm

10/11 - 7th grade Curriculum Night, 6pm

10/14 - 8th grade Curriculum Night, 6pm

CONFERENCES!

10/22 - Parent/Student/Advisor Goal Setting Conference.

REMINDER - In order to enter the building you must be vaccinated against COVID. If you have not already, please upload your vaccination card to ALMA, or bring it with you.

Seattle Ultimate is hosting an all-day clinic on Oct 8th at Montlake Playfield.

We've got some great coaches lined up - bring your friends and let's chase some plastic

Friday, Oct 8th, Montlake Playfield, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

INFO & REGISTRATION

Executive Function Workout!

FEEL THE BURN!

Join me (Greg: Director of The Learning Center at Billings) for a regular Friday morning EF workout from 9am to 10am starting Friday, September 17th. Developing EF, or Executive Function, requires the exercise of the brain in specific ways. Drop in on any Friday morning, to share stories and explore strategies for strengthening our EF muscles and by extension, that of our students.

Think of Executive Function as the CEO of the brain, helping us improve our self-regulation and aid our ability to make both short and long-term plans that enhance our performance in many aspects of our life. At a middle school pragmatic level this includes things like, doing your nightly HW, working on long term projects, or doing chores around the house. This is not a class. This is an opportunity to share collective wisdom. While 30 plus years as a middle school educator has certainly allowed me to garner some wisdom, I am really a facilitator on Friday mornings. Regular attendance is not a prerequisite. I don't need advanced notice. Drop in any Friday morning.

We will be meeting in person in Mercury after advisory is over. There are no rooms available at 8:30am drop-off. Mercury will provide an external door for ease of access. If you do not want to attend in person and prefer Zoom, let me know and I will send you a recurring Zoom link. Because Billings requires proof of vaccination for all adults on campus, please send me an email indicating you will be attending so I can let Becca know in the front office. Becca will reach out if there is any issue with your vaccination record.

And if Friday mornings are not a viable option for you, but you want to learn more, don't hesitate to e-mail me, and let's find time to chat 1-1.

Greg Smith

Director of The Learning Center

[email protected]

Walk After Drop Off!

A note from Annick Garcia (Eamon, 2022)

Are you looking for a fun and safe way to meet or reconnect with other members of our community? Come join the weekly Pinehurst walk every Tuesday morning, open all BMS families, rain or shine.

We meet up in the parking lot just south of the drop-off area around 8:30 am and stroll around the neighborhood for about an hour. No agenda, except to catch up, talk about our kids, discuss what and where we're eating/cooking (I can't help it, I'm a retired chef), and just enjoy the fresh air. The walk is about 1.5 miles, and so, will wrap up around 9:30. It's a quick step away from the usual routine.

First walk is September 28th, so come join us and (re)connect with the BMS community!

-- Annick Garcia (Eamon, class of 2022)

What are we doing in school?

8th GRADE FLO (Fall Leadership Outing) TRIP

Great campground (Rassar SP), beautiful hikes, so much bonding, team-building, and learning! Ask your student about stove chemistry, the ramen challenge, and the talent show!

From Andres - In science, 6th graders are learning about the water molecule:

They were building a water molecule with jelly beans and toothpicks, and bonding their molecule with their peers. They were also learning that the water molecule is polar.

From Becky - In 7th Grade Science we practiced the steps of the scientific method by investigating the question “What is the best fidget?”. Sadly, our results were inconclusive.

From Heidi-Marie - 8th graders vigorously prepared for their Mock Trial in which an environmental group is suing UW Bothell for their role in destroying a vital crow roosting habitat on their campus. (Please note: this is a fictional accusation, with real elements but ultimately fabricated for this class!)

We had picture day!

At All School Meeting 8th graders reported on the highlights of their trip.