Homecoming for the 2011 school year is fast approaching! September 26th-29th has been designated as Homecoming week. There are many festivities to get involved in both at school and after school. Be sure to check out the posters around the building to see what to wear to school each day during the week. We will kick off the week on Monday with a friendly competition of dodge ball between the grade levels. Last year the senior class won, so they will be looking to defend their title. After school on Tuesday chariot races will be held! Wednesday holds two opportunities to get involved with window painting after school and the girls powder puff game starting at 6:30. Thursday will be a battle of tug-of-war between the classes and Friday we will be participating in the parade of floats created by the students. The Homecoming football game against Madison West is sure to be an entertaining event, come and cheer on your Purple Knights! The dance will conclude the Homecoming festivities on Saturday night and will be held in the Barkin Arena. Don't forget to get your dance contracts and bring your I.D to ALL after school events, or you will not be allowed to participate.

On October 24, 25, and 26, sophomore students will be taking the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam - the WKCE. This test is taken by all Wisconsin students in grades 3 through 8 and in grade 10 in the fall of each school year. Students will be assessed in the areas of reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. This testing provides students, parents, and staff information that will support instructional planning and is a measure of accountability for schools and districts.

We ask that parents reinforce the importance of this testing. Please encourage your child to get a good night's sleep and to eat a nutritious breakfast each morning of testing.

In an effort to help prepare students for the test, we are offering after-school tutoring for 10th graders from 3:20 to 4:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays. Tutoring will begin on September 19th and continue until October 20th. You may still enroll your child for tutoring by contacting Ms. Sara McGlasson-Maynard at 608-361-3007 or at smaynard@sdb.k12.wi.us.

BMHS WKCE SOPHOMORE INCENTIVE PLAN 

Tested Areas for Sophomores: Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies

PERFORMANCE: Student scores Proficient or Advanced in 2 out of 5 tested areas...INCENTIVE: Student receives a $5 gift certificate to the BMHS Knight's Korner School Store.

PERFORMANCE: Student scores Proficient or Advanced in 3 out of 5 tested areas...INCENTIVE: Student receives a $5 gift certificate to the BMHS Knight's Korner School Store and an Athletic Punch Card worth 10 free admissions to a BMHS home athletic event.

PERFORMANCE: Student scores Proficient or Advanced in 4 out of 5 tested areas...INCENTIVE: Student receives a $5 gift certificate to the BMHS Knight's Korner School Store and an Athletic Punch Card worth 10 free admissions to a BMHS home athletic event and 1 Exam Exemption Coupon.

PERFORMANCE: Student scores Proficient or Advanced in 5 out of 5 tested areas...INCENTIVE: Student receives a $5 gift certificate to the BMHS Knight's Korner School Store and an Athletic Punch Card worth 10 free admissions to a BMHS home athletic event and 2 Exam Exemption Coupons.

BMHS Theatre will hold a Haunted Hayride "The Devil's Playground: A Journey to Insanity" at Lesson's Park on October 28th-29th.  Join us for a 30 minute ride from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.  Kidzone will also be available with prizes.  Cost is $5.00 for Hayride, $3.00 for Kidzone and $1.00 for Face Painting.

Kids 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult.

Did you know that students involved in an "active" lifestyle do better in school?

Did you know that 60 minutes of activity a day can make a difference in your life?

Did you know that obesity in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate?

Did you know that people that are involved in an "active" lifestyle decrease their rate of depression?

Once again the physical education department will be assigning active homework and giving opportunity for extra credit for activities beyond the gym. During the quarter students will be asked to pick one of three options for the active project.

Active Project Choices:

• Complete and document a series of tasks on the BINGO sheet
• Log activity time and food/drink intake
• Training reflection if participating in a sport

Extra Credit Options:

• Complete the entire BINGO card.
• Participate in a community organized sporting/activity event. Some examples would include: YMCA Fall Classic Run, Big Hill Run/Hike for AEDs, Zumba Marathon, Skateboard Tournament, Dance Recital, Kickboxing Tournament.
• Organize and participate in a family/friends activity. Some examples would include: Visiting a park and going for a hike, doing a bike hike on some trails or from one destination to another, Geocaching...

Celebrate National Get Active Day on September 24, 2011.

Counseling Staff

Tamuriel Grace-McKinley (A-De) 

Jeanie Schoenenberger (Di- I) 

Susan Stavn (J-M)  

Erin Wolf (N-Sh)
 Angela Snow (Si-Z)
 Sallie Cavitt (Secretary)
361-3029

Welcome

The Counseling staff at BMHS would like to introduce our newest counselor, Erin Wolf. Erin has worked the past fourteen years as an Elementary Counselor at both Cunningham and McLenegan Schools. Erin graduated from BMHS and also completed her Counseling Internship here. Erin is excited to meet with all of her parents and students and we welcome her addition to our counseling department.

ACT Test Dates

This test is required to get into Wisconsin colleges and universities. The ACT will be given at BMHS on Saturday, October 22, December 10, February 11^th and April 14, 2011.  The ACT will be given at Janesville sites June 9th.  The test fee is $34 without the writing portion and $49.50 with the writing section.    Seniors should take it as soon as possible if they haven't already done so. You can register on-line at www.actstudent.org.

PSAT Test Date

The Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) will be given Wednesday October, 12th.  The cost of this test is approximately $15. Doing well on the test may mean National Merit Scholarship consideration.  Sign up information and fee payment deadlines will be announced soon. Any 9-11^th grade student can take the test, but only 11^th grade students are eligible for scholarships.

SAT Test Date

BMHS will be offering the SAT on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 and May 5th, 2012.  The cost of the SAT is $49.00 and the cost of the SAT subtest is $22 based on how many and what subject test a student decides to take. For additional information regarding the SAT, parents and students should go to http://sat.collegeboard.home or call Mrs. Grace-McKinley.

ACT Test Strategies Class

If you are interested in the Beloit Memorial ACT preparation workshops, please call Mary Kaye Richardson at (608) 751-9293. Preparation has already begun for the October 15^th ACT tests. There is a cost involved with this workshop and Mrs. Richardson will give you all the information required.

Scholarship Updates

Seniors, there are new scholarships arriving weekly. Please check with Mrs. Wolf for the scholarship updates, as well as checking in the Scholarship File Cabinet located in the Guidance Dept. and on the "senior" Web-Site.

The Wendy's High School Heisman award is available to a male or female high school senior who participates in one sport and is a school/community leader.  Applications are due October 2, 2011.  Go to www.wendysheisman.com for more info or see Mrs. Wolf.

Blackhawk Bank in Beloit is offering an ongoing chance at a $1000 scholarship each time your student earns an A.  For more information please call 1-800-209-2616.

The 100 Black Men of Chicago Scholarship fair will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  Certain requirements of a 3.3 GPA and 23 on the ACT are required, as well as, an invitation.  Transportation is on your own. Please see Mrs. Wolf for details.

Youth Options

Juniors and seniors interested in the Youth Options Program during the second semester of this school year are reminded of the October 1^st application deadline.  Youth Options is a program that allows juniors and seniors to take postsecondary courses at nearby colleges and technical schools at no charge to the student as long as the courses taken are not offered at the local high school. See your counselor for more information or application forms. The completed application should be given to Mrs. Snow in the guidance office by the deadline date.

Police Science, Fire Science, Medical Terminology and Public Speaking are classified as Youth Options and the students who signed up for these courses will receive the applications in the mail. If you are interested in any other college courses, see your counselor.  Remember, you must sign up for the Youth Options Class of your choice the semester prior to the class beginning.

College Preview Days

Every year colleges and technical schools offer Preview Days. You can find the dates and make appointments through the college's web sites or see your counselor. It is important that students visit the campuses they are considering before making a decision. Your counselor can help you organize this visit and provide you with a list of questions to be asked.

Applying to Colleges and Technical Schools

Seniors, do you know where you are going next year?  Then there is no reason to wait.  Apply as soon as you decide. Waiting (especially at Technical Colleges) often results in being put on waiting lists. Thanksgiving should be your deadline for applying wherever you decide to go. After that, you may lose your chance for next year. Most UW campuses will accept applications beginning September 15th.  They prefer that you apply on-line at www.apply.wisconsin.edu.

Parent Conferences

Our first opportunity for parent conferences is Thursday, October 6^th from 4-7:30 p.m.  After meeting with the teachers, parents are invited to meet with the counselor. Please make sure you know how many credits your student (s) have and if they are "on track" for graduation.

Meet Your Child's Teacher

One way to help your child succeed in school: Get to know his/her teacher. Jan Domene, former PTA national president, suggests taking the following actions:

-          Introduce yourself. Get acquainted with the teachers at back-to-school night or the start of the school year.

-          Be positive.  Emphasize that you are there to help, not disrupt the education process.

-          Understand the teachers' objectives' for the semester so you can help guide your student and eliminate end-of-the-year surprises.

-          Attend parent-teacher conferences, even if your child is doing well.

-          Show up regularly at school events to establish visibility.

-          Join parent groups including online communities such as greatschools.net.

Senior Web Site

 Seniors have their own site on the BMHS Guidance page. Look for scholarship information, important dates, college facts and many other interesting and valuable resources.

College Fair and Scholarship Information

On Tuesday, October 11^th the Wisconsin Education Fair will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Delavan-Darien High School.  This is for Seniors only. Transportation will be provided.

On Thursday, October 13^th,   Rockford/ Dekalb/ Elgin/ Illinois-College Fair would like to extend a special invitation to your high school seniors to participate in the Fall College and Career Fair at Cliffbreakers River Resorts in Rockford from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Representatives from colleges, universities and trade schools will present the programs and opportunities offered to your students. Seniors please see Mrs.Wolf in the Counseling Office for a permission slip. All signed slips must be turned in to Mrs. Wolf no later than October, 1^st.  This is a wonderful opportunity!