2-15-22 Meeting Minutes

During our meeting yesterday we discussed how to get more donations for our care packages. * We will be having a contest by homeroom to see who can collect the most supplies * The homeroom who collects the most will win a Donut party * All donations must be in by March 16. Once we have collected our items we will discuss a time to meet and package the materials!

Next Meeting is tomorrow, February 15, 2022

Hello Beta members!
Just a reminder that we will meet tomorrow, February 13, from 2:30-3:15 in room 303. See you then!
Ms. Connor

1-11-22 Meeting Minutes

Good afternoon Beta members! Thank you to everyone who joined our zoom meeting today. I appreciate your flexibility and willingness to make our virtual meeting a success! Here is a recap of our meeting for anyone who missed it: * The advertising committee has created posters and a script for WMBA. These have been approved by Mrs. Martello and will be rolling out on Thursday and Friday this week. Great job on these! * The collection commitee will be putting out boxes beginning next week (Tuesday). They will be in 5 locations; one in each hallway, one in the main entrance, and one in the rotunda. We will monitor the boxes to see when they are filled and ready to begin packaging. If they are not filling, we may reach out to other places in the community. * Julia will be contacting Big Y to get reusable bags to donate. These will be used to package materials. Our next meeting is TBD, but hoping to meet in February for a brief check in and to package these materials. I will email you all with more details once we have this information. You all have done an AMAZING job organizing this project! I am excited for all that is to come this year. Ms. Connor

Next meeting is virtual

Hello Jr. Beta members! An email was just sent to you with information of our next meeting which is Tuesday, 1-11. We will be meeting via zoom from 3:15-3:45. Below is the information to log in: amanda.connor@somers.k12.ct.us is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Jr. Beta Club Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/j/88251683279?pwd=YnM2anlIYndrZW9lNVdoRmpTSWRDZz09 Meeting ID: 882 5168 3279 Passcode: 247207 Please email me with any questions you may have! Thank you for your flexibility! Ms. COnnor

Meeting Minutes-12/21/21

Good afternoon! At our meeting today our officers were appointed. They are as follows: President: Delaney Drinan Vice President: Julia Settevendemie Secretary: Cole Delskey Treasurer: Lily Meier Reporter: Maddy Salka Historian: Evan Poulin Congratulations to our officers! I know that you will lead our club well. We also began discussing our first service project. We will be collecting personal essentials and toiletries for homeless shelters. -Collection(led by Delaney)Evan, Zoe, Natalie R, Madeleine -Advertising (led by Lily) Haylie, Ben, Brant, Daniella -Packaging (led by Julia)Sadie, Natalie, Ella, Maddy -Distributing (led by Cole) Nate, Theo, Michael. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 11th from 2:30-3:15. I hope everyone has a very happy and restful holiday break! See you next year! Ms. Connor

12-21-21 Meeting

 Good morning! 

A friendly reminder that we will meet tomorrow, December 21 from 2:30-3:15 in room 303. At our meeting I will announce the officer positions and we will assign each of you to a committee. We will begin to plan our service projects during this time. 

Please remember that you should wait until the LAST bus group is called before coming to my room. 

Thank you! 

Ms. Connor

Meeting Minutes 11-30-21

 Thank you for your enthusiasm today! I am so glad everyone was able to make it today and I am excited for our year ahead. 

Here is what we discussed today: 

-All officer nominations are due by December 13. On that date, I will send out the Google Form ballot. 

-Votes are due by December 20.

-Our next meeting will be December 21. At that time we will introduce the officers and begin planning our service projects. All students will choose a committee to serve on. 

I will send you the meeting dates via email this week. Remember that these are proposed dates and are subject to change! 

Ms. Connor

First Meeting-November 30th, 2021

 Hello Beta members!

Just a reminder that we will meet tomorrow, November 30th in room 303 from 2:30 to 3:15. If you have not already handed me your membership agreement, please be sure to do so at our meeting tomorrow. 

See you then! 

Ms. Connor

Community Service Opportunity

 Hello prospective Jr. Beta Club members, 

There is a local opportunity that has come up that you can use to meet your community service hours. If you are interested in volunteering for the Scarecrow festival, there are a few ways to reach out. Your parents must do this for you: 

1. Email karawolters52@cox.net 

2. There is a Facebook page for the festival and they can direct message Kara Wolters on Facebook expressing your interest. 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

Ms. Connor

Edit: Here is a link to sign up to volunteer! Scarecrow Festival Volunteer Sign Ups 

2021-2022 Application

 Hello prospective Jr. Beta Club members!

An email has been sent to you and your families regarding the application for Jr. Beta Club for the 2021-2022 school year. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, September 21 from 2:30-3:00 in room 303 (Ms. Connor's room).

Your membership fee, completed application, letter of recommendation, and community service log are due November 1, 2021. The application can be found in your email as well as on the blog.

Any questions you may have, please feel free to reach out to me! I look forward to working with you this year!

Ms. Connor

amanda.connor@somers.k12.ct.us 

Junior Beta Celebrates The Hardwork Of Its Members

 The staff and students of Mabelle B. Avery Middle School offer their heartfelt congratulations on a job well done to its Junior Beta members.  To qualify as a member of the national organization students must consistently exhibit exemplary effort and achievement, while demonstrating ideals of service and leadership.  This year, inductees maintained honors in all four quarters of seventh grade, as well as honors in the first, second and third quarter of their eighth grade year. 

 

Additionally, students were expected to participate in two community service projects. The group developed service projects in an effort to better the school community, the town of Somers, and our country.  Projects included a candy collection for Operation Gratitude collecting over 75 pounds of candy for service members.  In addition, students fundraised for Pawsafe in Ellington and raised $278.  A ceremony will was held on May 27th in honor of the exemplary efforts of these students.   

As Beta sponsor, I feel privileged and proud to work with such amazing young people.  Congratulations to our members-

Accorsi, Madeline	Drinan, Sydney	Loupe, Kinsey
Accorsi, Natalia	Dwyer, Cooper	Marks, Cody
Arruda, Tatiana	Guyette, Madeline	Mike, Chloe
Brayton, Jack	Hale, Lyndsey	Mira, Juliette
Burzynski, Stephanie	Halligan, McKenna	Randall, Jocelyn
Cassidy, Sydney	Hight, Charlotte	Reynolds, Alyssa
Cicciarella, Emma	Huestis, Bryce	Saso, Thomas
Clarity, Aiden	Joyal, Cowen
D’Amour, Avery	Kobjack, Aubrie
DePeau, Ava	Leiphart, Aiden

Quarantine Plan for the Beta Ceremony

Dear Beta Members Quarantining, 

I was so sorry to hear about your recent quarantine.  This is such a bummer as I was looking forward to honoring you at the Beta ceremony.  I am working on a plan to allow for remote participation.  Please share this with your parents.  I have provided you with a Zoom link via email.  

I know a few of you have speaking parts which you will still be able to complete as we are going to tap a computer into the sound system.  Be sure your computer is on mute until it is your turn to speak.  

Your name will still be called for acceptance of your certificate.  Simply say, "Thank you" after you are called.  The certificate and pin will be waiting for you at school.  

I know this is not ideal but at least you will still be able to participate.  Hang-in there!  This crazy year is almost over!  

Best,

Mrs. Wilson

Ceremony Practice on Thursday, May 20th

Attention Junior Beta members- Mrs. Wilson would like to announce; practice for the Junior Beta Club ceremony will be next week on Thursday, May 20th. This is a mandatory meeting. Please report to Mrs. Wilson’s room, room 207, directly after school. Practice will run until 3:15.  Those with speaking parts should be sure to practice before the meeting. All members should work to practice the Beta pledge. Reach out to Mrs. Wilson with any question. 

Agenda-

1. Review seating order.
2. Practice walk-in.
3. Run-through the ceremony (including speaking parts).

 If you have a speaking part and do not attend the practice, you will forfeit your part.   See you then!

Junior Beta Club Ceremony 2021

 

• Date- Thursday, May 27th

• Location- MBA gym

• Start time- 7 pm

• Beta members should arrive by 6:45 pm

• Purpose- to honor all of the hard work of the Beta members, as well as to distribute the Beta certificates and pins

• Number of invitations per member- 2

• Dress code- “church” attire; dresses, slacks, button down shirts, khaki shorts, polo shirts, etc.; Beta mask.

• Masks are required for Beta members AND members of the audience.

• There will not be a reception after the ceremony.  However, we will take a group photograph for the yearbook.  A copy of the photograph will also be posted in the Beta Google Classroom for you to share with others as desired.

Your next steps-

Please complete the Google Form attached to the 4/21 Meeting in Google Classroom.  This form will ask about your willingness to participate in the ceremony, the days which are best for you in terms of the ceremony, as well as the names of the two family/friends you plan to ask to attend the ceremony.  The form is due on Friday, April 23.

Also, please practice the Beta pledge.  You do not have to have the pledge memorized as you will repeat after me. However, knowing the words does help the ceremony to proceed more smoothly.

Lastly, speaking parts for the ceremony have been assigned. If you volunteered to read, check your email for your assigned part and script.

The next Junior Beta Club meeting is Wednesday, April 21st.

The next Beta meeting will be April 21st at 3:30 pm via Google Meets. The agenda for the meeting is focused on discussing the Beta ceremony.  The meeting information was sent to you via email and is also posted on the Beta blog.  See you then!

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/ksk-jmzt-vjo



Phone Numbers

(‪US‬)‪+1 669-244-4576‬

PIN: ‪434 132 488#‬

Pennies for Pups Update

They say dogs are a man’s best friend.  Well, Junior Beta Club agrees with that sentiment and worked tirelessly through the month of March to raise funds for PawSafe.  PawSafe is a local animal shelter that relies entirely on donations and volunteers to provide pups with a healthy and happy home until an adoption can be made.  The total donations collected for the fundraiser was $277.00.  The money will help to provide food, shelter, and enrichment for the pups at the Ellington PawSafe location.  We raffled four stuffed pups as an incentive for students and teachers to donate.  The five recipients of the fluffy-pups were Mrs. Bohan, Mrs. Rivard, Aubrina Kizis, Tyler Beers, and Julia Settevendemie.  Mrs. Bohan generously re-entered her winning puppy into the drawing which allowed Beta to increase donations.  Beta members would like to extend a big thanks to all who donated.

Pennies for Pups

Did you know that only half of the animals in animal shelters go to new homes? So wouldn’t it be nice if the half that stay at shelters have toys and supplies to live good lives?

That is where Pennies for Pups helps. Beta Club is sponsoring Pennies for Pups in order to collect money and materials for puppies at PawSafe in Ellington, CT.

You might be asking yourself, why should I donate? Here are two reasons: it would feel nice to help out a puppy in a shelter and with every donation you get the chance to win a big stuffed dog!

Dollar donations will be collected throughout March in the rotunda at the start of the school day. Also, community donations can be made in the drop box outside of the school.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Beta meeting dates are:

• The Advertising Group on Thursday, February 11th at 3:30 via Zoom.

• The Community Outreach Group on Wednesday, February 17th at 3:30 via Zoom.

• The Collection Group on Thursday, February 25th at 3:30 via Zoom.

• The Preparation Group on Thursday, February 25th after school until 3:15.

Club Meeting Link (for all meetings in February)

 3:30-4

Zoom Link

miranda.wilson@somers.k12.ct.us is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: miranda.wilson@somers.k12.ct.us's Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting

https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/j/2577434640?pwd=d28rWDh4d1JGMWNoMnVDV1ZDdGFQZz09

Meeting ID: 257 743 4640

Passcode: 587870

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,2577434640#,,,,*587870# US (Washington DC)

+13126266799,,2577434640#,,,,*587870# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 257 743 4640

Passcode: 587870

Find your local number: https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/u/k8Ontdzqe

Next Junior Beta Meeting is February 3rd

Mrs. Wilson would like to announce; there will be a meeting of Junior Beta Club on Wednesday, February 3rd from 3:30-4 p.m. via Zoom.  The link will be posted on the Beta blog- https://mbajuniorbetaclub.blogspot.com/.  Topics on the agenda include: certificate confirmation and discussions of our next community service project- Pennies for Pups.  See you then!

Next Junior Beta Meeting is Thursday, December 10th

miranda.wilson@somers.k12.ct.us is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Junior Beta

Time: Dec 10, 2020 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/j/87853646889?pwd=bkdWRkhxRDZ2VjFCblBlb0t6dXVNQT09

Meeting ID: 878 5364 6889

Passcode: 210422

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,87853646889#,,,,,,0#,,210422# US (Washington D.C)

+13126266799,,87853646889#,,,,,,0#,,210422# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 878 5364 6889

Passcode: 210422

Find your local number: https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/u/kduylPk8kk

November 4th- Junior Beta Meeting 3:30-4 pm

miranda.wilson@somers.k12.ct.us is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/j/83478719482?pwd=aVNGaXErQ2dLWXBpZjNEUUxUUElndz09

Meeting ID: 834 7871 9482
Passcode: 558658
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83478719482#,,,,,,0#,,558658# US (New York)
+13017158592,,83478719482#,,,,,,0#,,558658# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 834 7871 9482
Passcode: 558658
Find your local number: https://somers-k12-ct-us.zoom.us/u/kbXwHMV0LP

Operation Gratitude Candy Give-Back Program

Grateful Americans across the nation share a portion of their Halloween candy with Operation Gratitude, and we donate it to Deployed Troops, Veterans, and First Responders.  

Show your gratitude by donating your candy!

Where: MBA Homerooms

When: Monday, November 2

How: Place your candy donation in the ziploc bag provided to your homeroom teacher.

Questions?  

Ask the Beta sponsor, Mrs. Wilson, or a Beta member.

Junior Beta Meeting November 4th

On Wednesday,November 4th, please access the link for the Zoom meeting.  The meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.  The agenda includes: 

1. Swearing-in of Beta officers.
2. Continued work with Service Committees.

Please check your email for your Beta invitation and missing materials list.  Be sure to bring in all missing items to Mrs. Wilson in room 207.

October 7, 2020 Beta Club Meeting 3:30-4 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

ID: 84494438834
Password: 033481

Announcement of Beta Officers and Committees

On Wednesday, October 7th, please access the link for the Zoom meeting.  The meeting is schedules for 3:30 p.m.  The agenda includes: 

1. Announcement of the Beta officers.
2. Discussion of Service Committees.
3. Brainstorming possible community service projects. 

Please check your email for the officer ballot.  Be sure to cast your vote by October 6th.

Community Service Recommended By Beta

Socially Distanced Service Ideas

Finally, we can meet!!!

 The first meeting of Junior Beta for the 2020-2021 school year will be September 14th via Zoom.  The Zoom link will be posted here.  The meeting will run from 3:30-4 p.m.

Agenda

1. Review requirements of the club.
2. Discuss flexibility of due dates.
3. Establish personal goals for joining the program.
4. Determine possible interest in acting as an officer for the club.
5. Choose a service committee. 

2020-2021 Junior Beta Club

Dear Eligible Students and Parents,  

Recently an email went out to parents sharing eligibility guidelines for the 2020-2021 Junior Beta Club.  To recap, if you earned honors or high honors in all four quarters of your seventh grade year, you are eligible.  In addition, you must log 5 hours of community service before the induction ceremony in November.  Applications and community service logs are found in the right hand browser of this website.  All materials are due to Mrs. Wilson as early as possible.  I also recommend scrolling to the bottom of this page and signing up for email notifications.  

With that being said, it is really hard to tell what the future holds.  Community service at this time is a bit tricky with social distancing.  On this blog is a list of suggested community service activities you can do from afar.  You are asked to have at least 5 hours of community service completed by the November induction.  Keep in mind, I will also provide opportunities for you to earn service hours once the school year begins.  If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out.  I look forward to meeting you in the fall.  Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay productive!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Wilson

Junior Beta Sponsor

Still Looking For Ways To Serve?

Join Unicef in their efforts to fight hunger!

1. Play short, interactive Kid Power Ups daily. Choose from dance to yoga to SEL topics!
2. Unlock lifesaving nutrition and save children around the world.
3. Earn Kid Power Coins and support local causes in the Kid Power Exchange®.

Unicef Kid Power

Light A Candle In Honor Of Those We Have Lost And Those Who Are Still Fighting

As we continue to live in these uncertain times, it has become clear COVID-19 will have lasting effects on our community and world.  I would ask that Beta students and families take a moment to light a candle on Sunday evenings as a remembrance to those we have lost to COVID-19.  In addition, I ask you please take a moment to send positive mental messages of hope to COVID-19 sufferers.  Together we are stronger! Please stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay productive.

Service From Afar

Project Ideas:

1. Work with Operation Gratitude to send items to first responders and/or our troops, called #VirtualVolunteerism by the organization. https://www.operationgratitude.com/

• Handmade With Love Items. There is something about receiving a handmade item that warms the heart. If you knit, crochet, or sew, we are calling on you to get out your needles and hooks and redouble your efforts during these challenging times. If you love to craft, consider hand-making greeting cards so our Deployed Troops can write to their loved ones at home.  Every Handmade With Love item is an expression of deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our recipients. 
• Make Paracord Bracelets. We include handcrafted paracord bracelets in every one of our Care Packages, because they’re both functional and meaningful. You can purchase the cord in bundles of 5 by visiting Operation Gratitude’s eBay site, or you can respond directly to this email to order 100 or more paracords for your family and friends.
• Write Letters. We hear time and again that handwritten letters are the most cherished items in our Care Packages. You can learn more about how to write a letter to a Deployed Service Member or a First Responder on our website. This is a great activity for volunteers of all ages! 

2. Write letters to people in nursing homes

• Send them a video (with permission from the director) to brighten their day.
• Create greeting cards and send them.

3. Post positive messages in public places

• Inspirational videos to be posted on the schools message board.
• Poster of thanks posted in the grocery store to employees.
• First responder thank you hearts in your windows.
• Rainbow decorations on your home and lawn (representing the rainbow after the storm).
• Send a thank you email to your teachers.
• Create positive chalk messages in public places.

***Be sure to add any community service you do over the summer to the Community Service Log. Remember, you are required to have five hours of service before the November induction ceremony.*** I am posting the form here: Service Hours Log

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay productive! I look forward to seeing the amazing service projects you develop from afar!!!!!

Induction Ceremony

On March 5, 2020 the Junior Beta Club at Mabelle B. Avery Middle School inducted 38 new members.  To qualify as a member of the national organization students must consistently exhibit exemplary effort and achievement, while demonstrating ideals of service and leadership.  This year, inductees maintained honors in all four quarters of seventh grade, as well as honors in the first and second quarter of their eighth grade year. 

Additionally, students were expected to sit on one of four service committees.  Each committee developed service projects in an effort to better our school community, the town of Somers, and our country.  Planned projects include a movie night to raise money for the American Red Cross, “bracelets for donations” in contribution to the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, spirit days to fund Easter baskets for the Children's Shriners Hospital, and a teacher appreciation breakfast.  

Movie Night to Raise Money for the American Red Cross

 We want to extend a big thank you to those who attended the movie night at SES.  What a night it was!  We may not of had a huge turnout but the students who did attend were more than willing to buy snacks and make donations.  The night closed with the national service committee earning $551.27 for the American Red Cross.  We were OVERJOYED to have made and surpassed our goal.  This could not have been possible without your support.  We know you could easily have said the dreaded, "Sorry, I can't," but instead you chose to make time for our cause.  Thank you!

Founder's Day- October 25th

Mrs. Wilson will be holding a Founder's Day celebration on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in honor of Dr. John W. Harris.  Participants will be working with Any Soldier Inc. to write letters to service men and women overseas who may not receive much or any mail.  State approved snacks and drinks will be provided.  Time spent at this celebration will count toward service hours.   Make a soldier's day, take a moment to write a letter, and show your Beta pride!

Official National Beta Video

Junior Beta Club at MBA

Junior Beta Club meets once a month and emphasizes community and school service projects.  The club is reserved for eighth grade students who made honors in all four quarters of their seventh grade year, as well as honors the first quarter of their eighth grade year.  Furthermore, students must have 5 hours of community service.  Students must notify the Junior Beta Club sponsor (Mrs. Wilson) of their interest in the club in September, as well as obtain a service hour log.  As long as all requirements are met, students will be officially invited to join Junior Beta Club at the end of quarter one. An induction ceremony for National Junior Beta Club will be held in November.


*Please note- club requirements for the 2020-2021 school year reflect changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beta applicants will be required to have earned high honors for all four quarters of seventh grade, as well as high honors for quarter one of eighth grade for the 2021-2022 school year.*

Constitution

Believing that exemplary student effort and achievement should be encouraged and rewarded, and seeking to cultivate the ideals of service and leadership in our citizens of tomorrow, the governing body of the National Honorary Beta Club has instituted this organization for the promotion of these ideals and those stated in the Beta Creed, among elementary and secondary school students. To implement this purpose, The National Junior Beta Club Constitution has been adopted.

Link: National Beta Club Constitution

Mission Statement

To promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.

• ACHIEVEMENT - Recognizing and honoring high academic achievement
• CHARACTER - Preparing young people for life and empowering them to be successful
• LEADERSHIP - Developing the leaders of tomorrow
• SERVICE - Demonstrating our motto: Let Us Lead by Serving Others