September 2011 Good News Report
by Tim Chapman
September 14, 2011
Bayless Junior High School
Good News Report
September - October - November
Student-led Conferences
Student-Led Conferences are scheduled at the end of the first quarter and again at the end of the third quarter. Through Advisory classes, parents are contacted to set up conference times. The Student-Led Conference is a requirement and graded activity that student must fulfill for Advisory class. Student-Led Conferences provide the opportunity for parents to become involved in their child’s education. Students get to showcase their grades and progress, share what they need help with and become accountable for their own learning. Students practice participating in formal and informal presentations, discussion of issues and ideas, which is a Missouri Show-Me Standard. Thank you to all the parents that showed their support for learning by attending the conferences.
Affton Days Parade
About 13 junior high students and a half dozen faculty and staff participated in the parade on Saturday, September 17. The parade route started at Affton High School and ended by St. George Parish. The weather was sunny and the temperatures were perfect for the walk. Many residents and families lined the streets as the bands, floats, area schools and participants walked by playing music, marching to the beating drums and handing out candy to the excited kids waiting along the parade route. Bayless Junior High School 7th grade health/PE teacher Mr. Doug Harness was also judging the floats for the event.
Volleyball Team Keeps Winning
The 2011 BJH Volleyball Team is off to another great start. There are 15 girls participating. The players are split into two teams: the Gold Team and the Green Team. The girls practiced for two weeks before the games began; many had never played competitive volleyball before. The team is coached by Woody Babb, the BJH art teacher for the past 21 years. He has coached the Bayless High School boys' Varsity volleyball team for 17 years; this is his fourth year coaching the Jr. High team.
We have played local rivals such as Affton and Hancock as well as private schools including Whitfield and Westminster. The student athletes have been competing hard and displaying excellent sportsmanship. Several coaches and officials have commented on the way the Bayless players conduct themselves. This has been an incredible experience for the girls.
New Teachers Join theBayless Family
 |
 |
 |
| Mr. Emmerich | Ms. Zoeller | Mr. Williams |
The Bayless School District would like to welcome Mr. Nathan Williams, Ms. Katy Zoeller and Mr. Andrew Emmerich to the Junior High. Mr. Williams, 7th grade science, and Ms. Zoeller, speech and drama, are both enjoying their first year of teaching after graduating from college.
Mr. Emmerich, 7th grade communication arts, is starting his third year in the profession. He stated, "The beginning of the school year is always a little hectic, but I'm happy to say that the incoming seventh graders were a delight for the first weeks. I look forward to the rest of school year with such a respectful group of students."
Ms. Zoeller said, she is “…looking forward to my students sharing their thoughts and ideas about the world we live in through our Public Speaking class.” And Mr. Williams stated that he is “…looking forward to seeing my students become more capable and enthusiastic learners!
All three of these educators bring a real passion for middle-level students along with rigors and relevant instruction.
Bayless Jr. High Welcomes 7th Graders
On Monday, August 4, 2011 the incoming 7th Grade Students attended an orientation to have some fun and learn the “Bayless Way”. Several of our faculty and staff members were in attendance, along with approximately forty-five students, which was a great turn-out for the last week of summer.
While at the orientation, students were divided into three groups and rotated between three different stations. They were able to tour the building; participate in a question/answer session; and learn about the “Bayless Way”, our motto for expectations of respect and responsibility. They finished off the morning with lunch consisting of chips, drinks, and hot dogs grilled by our very own Principal, Mr. Paul Sharp. The students left feeling more comfortable and excited to begin their new journey at the Junior High.
