8th GRADE CLOSING EXERCISES INFORMATION

June 8, 2017

Important Closing Exercise Details

For Bache-Martin 8^th graders and Families

·      Closing Exercises will be held on Tuesday June 20th at 9:30 AM.  We will start PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM.

·      The Ceremony will be held at Franklin Learning Center (FLC)—located at 616 North 15^th Street, 19130

·      Students should arrive at FLC no later than 9:10 AM on the 20^th , please do not arrive earlier than 9:00 AM, no one from Bache-Martin will be there to greet you.

·      Please bring your 8^th grader to the Franklin Learning Center, NOT Bache-Martin.  No one will be able to transport students from Bache to FLC on the 20th.

·      Please be advised there is no parking lot for parents at FLC. Please find street parking or use the pay lot at Broad and Spring Garden.

·      Students should wear their gowns to the ceremony. Boys should wear a collared shirt and nice pants, girls should wear a nice dress or pants outfit.

·      Please be aware that no balloons are allowed inside the school.

·      Each family will receive 10 tickets to Closing Exercises.

·      We will have a cake to celebrate immediately following the ceremony.

We are looking forward to a wonderful morning!  Thank you,

The Eighth Grade Team

UPDATED!! Important Information on Suicide Prevention & "Thirteen Reasons Why"

Dear Bache-Martin Families,

A social media issue is affecting youth around the country. It is the Netflix series called "Thirteen Reasons Why."   It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the effect this program can have on youth and what you can do to help your child.

 “Thirteen Reasons Why” portrays a teen, Hannah, whose faces struggles and ultimately chooses to end her life.  The series includes graphic and sensitive issues including rape, bullying and the main character’s suicide.   Many students are watching and talking about the show. There might be students who identify with some of Hannah's issues and some young people might misunderstand the message and believe that suicide is the only logical option.

We need students and adults to know and understand that adolescents have other options. There are always ways to seek assistance and make a situation better.

We are concerned about the questions and feelings this series may raise with students, especially if they are watching it unsupervised. They may need to talk to you about it. Here is advice from mental health/suicide prevention organization about watching this show and talking about it with young viewers:  

Considerations that parents can talk to youth about watching the show:

• Think carefully about whether or not you choose to watch the show. If you have experienced significant depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the past, this show may be risky for you to watch.
• If you choose to watch the show and you start to feel upset or depressed, are having trouble sleeping, or having thoughts of suicide, stop watching it and tell a parent, trusted adult or counselor. You can also text start to 741- 741 for confidential, professional help 24/7.
• If you choose to watch the show, consider watching it with others and take breaks between episodes instead of binge watching. It would be especially good to watch with parents or other trusted adults. Discuss what you are seeing and feeling during the show and after.
• Whether you choose to watch this show or not, we should all work to be caring of and vigilant about our family members, friends and ourselves. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or showing signs indicating a possible suicidal crisis get them (or yourself) to help. Professional mental health care when needed saves lives every day.

Highlights of talking points to use to discuss the show with teens:

• You may have experiences and thoughts similar to those of some of the characters in 13RW.  It is typical for people to identify with TV or movie characters, but it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW.  Acting on suicidal thoughts is NOT one of them.
• Suicide is NEVER heroic or romantic.  Hannah's suicide is fictional.  It is a story warning us. It is, NOT meant to appear heroic. Suicide is a tragedy.
• Suicide is NOT a common response to life's challenges or hardships. The vast majority of people who experience adversities described in 13RW like bullying or the death of a friend, do NOT die by suicide. Most reach out, talk to others and seek help, or find other better ways to cope. There are many treatment options, and treatment works. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives.
• It is important to know how to acknowledge and respond to your child if they share their emotional distress or their thoughts of suicide.  Do not judge the child or their thoughts. Listen.  Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer to go with them to get help, or contact a crisis line.
• The entire list of talking points can be found here (from Suicide Awareness Voices of  Education)

Additional Resources you might find helpful:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/13-reasons-why-suicide-how-to-talk-with-your-teen-about-netflix-show/

https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-reasons-jed-point-view/

PA Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative (PAYSPI)

http://www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org/youth

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, text 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255).

Our goal is to keep the health and well-being of all our students in mind.  Suicide affects everyone and we want parents to be a part of the solution to prevent it. We are available to assist you, should you have questions.

Suicide is preventable.

Sincerely,

Mark Vitvitsky                                                            Ashley Cocca
Principal                                                                        School Counselor

Bache-Martin Elementary                                                Bache-Martin Elementary

**PLEASE NOTE – The School District is holding 2 suicide awareness and prevention training sessions for parents and caregivers, and having a table with suicide prevention resources on June 8th from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the Family and Community Engagement end of year event at 440 N Broad St. We encourage all parents and families to attend! 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE On Suicide Prevention and the Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why

from Bache-Martin principal, Mr. Vitvitsky and counselor Ms. Cocca:

https://cc.philasd.org/service/home/~/?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=92372&part=2

Please take time to read this and discuss with your children if necessary. It is important that we all work together to keep our students safe.

Best,

Mrs. Luebbert

2017 Current 8th Grade Activities & Closing Exercise Information

UPDATE ON 8TH GRADE ACTIVITIES

Dear Parents and Guardians of Eighth Graders,

·       As we have previously communicated, our 8^th Grade Closing Exercises will take place on Tuesday June 20^th, 2017. The ceremony will take place at Franklin Learning Center at 9:00 AM sharp.

·       Gowns are $20.00 and will be ordered soon. Homeroom teachers will collect money and provide receipts--you may send in the money with your child at any time.  We cannot order until all monies are received.

·       Please be aware that if a child is removed from participating in Closing Exercises for either disciplinary or academic reasons, we will not be able to refund gown money.

8th Grade Trip (cancelled):

·       We planned an 8^th grade trip to Mother Bethel AME Church and Independence National Historic Park, with lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. However, over 50% of the students have indicated they will not attend. Low participation makes the trip too expensive; therefore, we have cancelled the trip due to lack of interest.

8^th Grade Luncheon:

·      This event is traditionally planned by a parent committee, so far plans have not been finalized.

8^th Grade Dance:

·       On May 26^th, Ms. McAdoo and others have planned a dance for all 8^th graders who have consistently shown that they can follow school rules and procedures. The 26^th is a half-day for students and the dance will take place at Bache-Martin from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Important Information for 8th Grade Luncheon and Closing Exercises

 June 1, 2016  EIGHTH GRADE LUNCHEON DRESS CODE

Dear Parents and Guardians,

            Our Eighth Grade Luncheon is approaching. The luncheon will be held on Friday June 17^th in the Bache Library (menu to follow).  We are going to have a no uniform day that day, BUT there is a dress code.  All students will still need to be dressed appropriately.  Please make sure that your children follow the dress code below so they will be able to participate in the day’s activities.

GIRLS: Girls should wear an outfit that would be appropriate for a nice social event—not for a picnic or club! Please be aware that you should dress modestly and be covered from shoulder to knee.

• ALL shorts/skorts/dresses/skirts must be fingertip length (when arms are held straight down at sides, shorts/skorts/dresses/skirts must be at the same length as fingertips).
• Please wear clothes made from cloth that is not jean cloth or denim.
• Shoes MUST completely enclose the foot—sandals are fine IF they have a back strap.
• Flat heels only.

BOYS: Boys should wear long pants and a collared shirt. Please be aware that you should dress modestly and be covered from shoulder to knee.

·       Wear long pants.

·       Please wear clothes made from cloth that is not jean cloth or denim.

·       Boys MUST wear a collared shirt to this event

·       Pants MUST be at waist and belted (NO underwear visible).

·       Shoes MUST completely enclose the foot—sandals are fine IF they have a back strap.

Keep in mind that this is a nice event for the students, and they should dress accordingly. Please help your child pick out an outfit that adheres to these rules so they will not be disappointed on the day of the luncheon.  Any student NOT adhering to the dress code will have to call a parent to bring them appropriate clothes OR be excluded from the luncheon.  Thank you for helping us to provide our students with a rewarding 8^th grade luncheon.

June 2, 2016

Important Closing Exercise Details

For Bache-Martin 8^th graders and Families

·      Closing Exercises will be held on Tuesday June 21st at 9:30 AM.  We will start PROMPTLY at 9:30 AM.

·      The Ceremony will be held at Franklin Learning Center (FLC)—located at 616 North 15^th Street, 19130

·      Students should arrive at FLC no later than 9:10 AM on the 21^st, please do not arrive earlier than 9:00 AM, no one from Bache-Martin will be there to greet you.

·      Please bring your 8^th grader to the Franklin Learning Center, NOT Bache-Martin.  No one will be able to transport students from Bache to FLC on the 21st.

·      Please be advised there is no parking lot for parents at FLC. Please find street parking or use the pay lot at Broad and Spring Garden.

·      Students should wear their gowns to the ceremony. Boys should wear a collared shirt and nice pants, girls should wear a nice dress or pants outfit.

·      Please be aware that no balloons are allowed inside the school.

·      Each family will receive 8 tickets to Closing Exercises.

·      We will have a cake to celebrate immediately following the ceremony.

We are looking forward to a wonderful day!  Thank you,

The Eighth Grade Team

Proposed 8th Grade Costs

April 8, 2016

Dear Parents & Guardians of Eighth Graders,

Below is an estimate of the anticipated costs for Closing Exercises and 8^th grade activities. Please read carefully and sign the notation about non-refundable deposits at the bottom.

PROPOSED CLOSING EXERCISES & EIGHTH GRADE ACTIVITY COSTS

8^th Grade trip to Baltimore--proposed for May 26^th:                      $75.00

    ****$20.00 deposit due April 14^th, 2016

*****FINAL Payment of $55.00 due May 1, 2016

Yearbook (approximate cost—to be determined):                            20.00

Gown for closing exercises (no caps):                                                      $20.00

Class Luncheon:                                                                                                 $20.00

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

IMPORTANT! Please sign below and return JUST this portion to your child’s homeroom teacher:

Because reservations must be made and paid for ahead of time, we will be UNABLE to refund any amount paid if a student is unable to participate in an activity because of poor behavior or absenteeism or any other reason.     

I, _________________________________, parent of  ______________________________________,

understand that all trip and 8^th grade activity funds are non-refundable.

Signature:  ________________________________________________                                                                                                                                   

URGENT! Parent Clearences Needed

URGENT UPDATE 1/5/16

SECOND REQUEST

10-26-15

Urgent Message to Parents of Eighth Graders:

Dear Parents,/Guardians,

As you may have heard, the School District of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are requiring that all volunteers that work with children obtain Child Abuse and PA State Police background Checks. This INCLUDES parents or guardians who accompany us on field trips. These clearances are free for volunteers. The 8th grade needs to have 4-6 parent chaperones apply for and get clearances in order for us to plan any kind of 8th grade field trip. We cannot begin planning until we have chaperones with clearances. Please consider obtaining these clearances so we can plan an enjoyable, educational, and rewarding end-of-year trip for our 8th graders.

Link: http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/clearances/index.htm


Thanks, The Eighth Grade Team

Kristin Luebbert, krluebbert@philasd.org

Jeffrey Rupertus, jrupertus@philasd.org

Jaqueline Bennett, jbennett@philasd.org