Hello, Middle School Students and Families! Here is a recap of today’s Middle School Meeting.
Coco Bandtel ’32 and Leila Torres-Vega ’32 ran today’s meeting. You can check out the slides from this week’s meeting here.
The BVR Student
Max Bensonoff ’31 and Evan Johnson ’31 presented Stays on Task and Follows Directions.
“This is pretty important. If I feel distracted, I could use a fidget. In class, I stay quiet, not talking and not getting distracted by friends. I try to focus on what’s important in class. I make sure I have everything on my table that I need, all the necessary materials. I ask my teacher questions as I do my work. It’s important to listen when my teacher gives instructions. I print out my rubrics and check off the boxes as I go to make sure I am meeting expectations. Remember, if you feel like you can’t stay focused in class, you can always talk with a teacher or any trusted adult.”
Announcements
✨ Ms. Garayúa announced that the next Hiatt Leadership Institute is happening this Monday, April 27 at 245 Woodland (the house). The topic is Collaborating for Success. Using the model of teamwork of the astronauts on the recent Artemis II missions, students will explore how leading is listening, sharing responsibility, and making informed, collective decisions under pressure.
🗣️ Ms. Garayúa introduced Alessandro Traverso ’30, who spoke about a social justice issue important to him: Immigration Rights. Alessandro spoke about his interest in immigration enforcement and its effects on civil and human rights.
🦫 Upper School juniors, Lelia Sakoulis ’27 and Ezra Devonshire ’27, announced that we are having a special guest speaker at MS Meeting next week. Iván Espinoza-Madrigal is the Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice. He has worked on a wide range of civil rights issues, including racial justice and immigrants’ rights. The Hiatt Center has coordinated his visit in response to our community’s interest in learning more about immigration and human rights.
🎉 Mr. Castillo announced the Second Annual One Beaver Cultural Heritage Festival, happening next week, with the theme Celebrate Your Roots! This is a celebration of the myriad cultural and ethnic backgrounds present in our school, showcasing how we take pride in who we are as one Beaver community, molded by diverse roots and origins. There is an event during the school day and at night. The evening event is for students and families to enjoy food, dance, games, and storytelling. See more information and sign up to participate in the fair and/or attend the evening program here.
📣 BVR’s SpringFest is this Friday! Middle School Boys and Girls Lacrosse will compete against Park School on the Upper Field at 3:00 p.m., and all Middle School students will attend. There will also be a food truck serving pizza and dessert. Dismissal will be at the regular time. Families are also welcome to stay and cheer on the Upper School Baseball and Softball teams, who will play at 4:30 p.m.
We also have spirit days all week leading up to Friday’s pep rally for SpringFest.
- Wednesday: Dress Like a Teacher
- Thursday: Beach day
- Friday: Wear all white
👀 I announced that all Middle School students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and reflections on this year as we prepare for next year. Ms. Smith and I collect information from students and families through a form called Looking Ahead to 2026-2027. 8th grade families will receive an email to complete their form this week. 6th and 7th grade will complete their Looking Ahead form in May.
✅ Students were reminded about the math competition happening on Thursday, April 30, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., run by Upper School students. Students can compete solo or with a partner, and can sign up with their math teacher. Middle School students who participate will miss Afternoon Activities.
🧇 Tomorrow, the Wellness Team will be serving waffles at lunch to spread happiness.
Happening This Week
☀️ RISE: sun catchers
📋 Advisory agenda:
- 6th and 7th grade: Group Doodle Challenge
- 8th grade: Sharing the Wisdom (preparing their presentations)
❤️ Wellness:
- 8th grade: Sexually transmitted diseases and consent
This week’s home games:
Friday is SPRINGFEST!
🥍 Girls Lacrosse vs Park | 3:00 p.m., Upper Field
🥍 Boys Lacrosse vs Park | 3:00 p.m., Upper Far Field