Dear Families,
I want to make you aware of a troubling TikTok trend known as the āChromebook Challengeā that has started to appear in schools across the countryāand has now reached our own classrooms.
This challenge encourages students to insert items like pencil lead or other small objects into Chromebook charging or USB ports. While it may appear harmless, this behavior can cause significant damage to devices and poses a real safety risk.
Unfortunately, we have already seen Chromebooks returned to our tech department with damage directly linked to this trend. While we have not had any fires or injuries within our district, other school districts nationwide have reported classroom fires and serious safety incidents as a result of this behavior.
We are sharing this message as a precaution and to ask for your help. Please take a moment to talk to your child about:
The dangers of viral online challenges
The importance of treating school-issued technology with care
The potential consequences of participating in destructive trends
Even students who are not actively engaging in this challenge may be exposed to it through social media or peer conversations. Awareness is key to prevention.
Please note: Any student found responsible for intentional damage to a Chromebook will be held accountable and charged for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Thank you for helping us keep students safe and informed.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Maples
Director of Technology
Willits Unified School District
Come and see the awesome Baechtel Grove Middle School Choir and Bands!
Tonight, Thursday, May 22nd, 7PM at Willits High School.
Support your local young musicians.
It's going to be an exciting night!
Free admission.
BGMS 8th Grade Promotion is approaching quickly. We invite you to come watch all these amazing students promote on Wednesday, June 4th, at 6:00 p.m. at Willits High School Maize Field. We will have mandatory promotion practice on Tuesday, June 3rd, as well as a dance after promotion. More details will come soon.
Don't miss out on this production of The Little Mermaid happening May 16th, 17th and 18th. We hope to see you there.
The Mendocino College Family Information Night, for high school students in grades 9-11, will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the North County Center. This program is also available to current eighth-grade students. Learn how the Mendocino College Summer Student Program can help your student jump-start their future for free. Bilingual registration support is available. This meeting will also be available via Zoom. The meeting ID is 879 8542 6912 and the access code is 326922. Please contact your Willits High School counselor for more information.
La Noche de InformaciĆ³n Familiar de Mendocino College, para estudiantes de preparatoria de 9.Āŗ a 11.Āŗ grado, se llevarĆ” a cabo el miĆ©rcoles 14 de mayo, de 17:30 a 18:00 h, en el Centro del Condado Norte. Este programa tambiĆ©n estĆ” disponible para estudiantes de octavo grado. Descubra cĆ³mo el Programa de Verano para Estudiantes de Mendocino College puede ayudar a su estudiante a impulsar su futuro de forma gratuita. Ofrecemos apoyo bilingĆ¼e para la inscripciĆ³n. Esta reuniĆ³n tambiĆ©n estarĆ” disponible por Zoom. El ID de la reuniĆ³n es 879 8542 6912 y el cĆ³digo de acceso es 326922. Para obtener mĆ”s informaciĆ³n, comunĆquese con su consejero de la Preparatoria Willits.
Dear BGMS Families,
This afternoon during 6th period, Baechtel Grove Middle School experienced an earthquake. We want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Our team responded quickly and followed our safety procedures. After a thorough check of the campus, no injuries or damage were reported or found.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.
Sincerely,
Chris Kinney
Principal
To all 5th Grade Families:
Weāre excited to welcome you to the Baechtel Grove Middle School family! As your child prepares to take this next big step, we want to make sure they feel confident, supported, and ready to start strong. Thatās why weāre inviting all incoming 6th graders to our Cougar Welcome Campāa fun, engaging, and informative summer event designed just for them. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dRv7LfgRvptAEjGzSMf1-Fh2IzoK7KCT9LSbv4MIrmg/edit?usp=sharing
The Mendocino College Family Information Night, for high school students in grades 9-11, will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the North County Center. This program is also available to current eighth-grade students. Learn how the Mendocino College Summer Student Program can help your student jump-start their future for free. Bilingual registration support is available. This meeting will also be available via Zoom. The meeting ID is 879 8542 6912 and the access code is 326922. Please contact your Willits High School counselor for more information.
La Noche de InformaciĆ³n Familiar de Mendocino College, para estudiantes de preparatoria de 9.Āŗ a 11.Āŗ grado, se llevarĆ” a cabo el miĆ©rcoles 14 de mayo, de 17:30 a 18:00 h, en el Centro del Condado Norte. Este programa tambiĆ©n estĆ” disponible para estudiantes de octavo grado. Descubra cĆ³mo el Programa de Verano para Estudiantes de Mendocino College puede ayudar a su estudiante a impulsar su futuro de forma gratuita. Ofrecemos apoyo bilingĆ¼e para la inscripciĆ³n. Esta reuniĆ³n tambiĆ©n estarĆ” disponible por Zoom. El ID de la reuniĆ³n es 879 8542 6912 y el cĆ³digo de acceso es 326922. Para obtener mĆ”s informaciĆ³n, comunĆquese con su consejero de la Preparatoria Willits.
š Get your BGMS Yearbook!
Yearbooks are $35 until May 1, 2025.
Starting May 2, they will cost $40.
Don't waitābuy yours today before the price goes up!
https://www.yearbookforever.com/school-store/RAV1DipEGbkvjp9g5hi31yDL
BGMS will continue state testing (CAASPP) tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30. Please help your child be prepared by making sure they get a good nightās sleep and bring their charged Chromebook to school. Thank you for your support!
Dear BGMS Families,
On Monday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 30, Baechtel Grove Middle School will begin the state testing known as CAASPP. Please help your child do their best by making sure they get plenty of rest the night before and bring their charged Chromebook to school.
Students who are absent during these testing days will be called out of class to complete the test when they return.
Thank you for your support!
Attention 8th Grade Students,
You can earn $300 this summer through Mendocino Collegeās Summer Program!
š© For questions or help applying, contact Mrs. Sanbeck at hollysanbeck@willitsunified.com or call 707-459-2417.
This incredible program is open to Baechtel Grove 8th grade students and provides:
A $300 stipend for passing classes
Free meals
3 college-level courses
Classes from 9:00am to 3:00pm, MondayāFriday, for 6 weeks
There will be a Family Information Night on May 14th at 5:30pm at the North County Center, 372 E. Commercial St, Willits, CA.
Donāt miss out on this opportunity for your student to get ahead in schoolāand earn money while doing it!
šāļø At BGMS, weāve developed universal writing rubrics for all classes to help students succeed! Parents and guardians, weāre sharing these with you to support your studentās academic growth.
Need extra help? Students can get assistance with writing or any classwork after school in the library every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Letās work together for student success! š”š
View the writing rubric here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DAOfdrsUHnyCx4PtO7BcHcEz5v8JQHXjpOn_OqoXSos/edit?usp=sharing
Reminder: Baechtel Grove Middle School will be closed tomorrow, March 14, 2025. We hope you have a safe and warm weekend!
From BGMS PTO: Attention Parents! This month's fundraiser is a Cash Calendar. Each square is $5. If your child can raise $155, this will absolutely help with your child's end of year trip. If your child raises less, it's ok. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS! Let's go Cougars! The calendar was handed out to students today. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CtuJiqqlHi2Prv3NPrswftYXUoTjciO6/view?usp=sharing
Attention 8th Grade Parents! Your student has the opportunity to explore college and career options at College Day 2024 at Mendocino College North County Center! On Thursday, March 20 from 10:00 AM ā 12:00 PM. Lunch will be provided!
Permission slips are due by Tuesday, March 11! We apologize for the short notice, as this opportunity was just opened up to our 8th graders
You can access a digital copy of the permission slip here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1va25fMyezHohOpHpJ2GG3YUAYUEBAmSt0OGncoQO39A/edit?usp=sharing
You can also pick up a permission slip from the office, and students will be given a copy during their social science classes today (3/7/25)!
8th Grade Parents- Mark your calendars for Promotion Pictures happening May 8th. More details to come.
There will be no school on Friday, March 14th for our make-up snow day.
BGMS is still looking for a Soccer Coach. If you are interested please contact Conan McKay at BGMS
From the BGMS PTO:
The flu and pneumonia have hit our community hard so PTO has decided to postpone their Friday the 28th, Spaghetti Dinner/ Movie Night to next month. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. If you bought a ticket, it will still be honored in March. Thank you and stay healthy.