Welcome Back to All Families
Mr. Smith's & Mrs. Rosen's Back to School Newsletter 23-24
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We hope that you have enjoyed these last few weeks with your families! Although we still have time for more summer fun, we would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you back to the 2023-2024 School Year at Barkalow Middle School.
The 2023-2024 will kick off with our theme, “You Matter.” Our commitment to our students remains at the forefront of all that we do. Together in partnership, we will work to ensure that every student knows the integral part they play in our school community. The first days of school afford time for the students to meet their teachers and peers, goal set for the upcoming year, and understand the courses and activity offerings at CTB.
This coming school year, we will provide a rewarding and balanced educational experience both academically and socially for all students at Barkalow Middle School. Our school building is ready! Our custodial crew has worked tirelessly to clean, sanitize, and organize it providing students with an inviting academic work environment so they can reach their full potential. Our main office staff, incredible Guidance Counselors, and Child Study Team members have devoted their summers to ensure we are prepared for the first day of school. We encourage our students to “kick off” the year with a little fun at our Annual Color Run hosted by our Positive Behavior Support Team.
Barkalow Middle School is continuing its commitment to being environmentally responsible. To that end, we will continue to communicate with you via email for all notices. Please check your Genesis Parent Portal to confirm that the email addresses on file are correct. Schedules, report cards, parent teacher conference notices, etc will be accessible through Genesis Parent Portal. Specific assignments and class information will be available on Schoology once the school year begins. It is very important that we have your most current email address on file for your child.
We would like to take this opportunity to assure you that we will extend our best efforts to provide a stimulating and meaningful educational program and environment for your child. If we can ever be of assistance to you or your child, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Welcome Back, Barkalow Blue Jays!
Mr. Smith & Mrs. Rosen
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ~ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH
Parent Portal Opens & Schedules Will Be Available on August 28th @ 3pm
If you plan on printing your child's schedule, we suggest you choose the block format so that it is easier to understand. Have them bring it with them on the first day so that they can be prepared.
PARENT RESOURCES
Parent Portal
District Handbook
School Calendar
Freehold Township Education Foundation
Schoology
Frequently Asked Questions
Sports & Activities
Guidance Office
Student Absence
Health Office Forms & Information
Student Registration
Lunch Application & Menus
TECHNOLOGY
Student Chromebooks will be distributed during homeroom on the first days of school.
COUNSELOR'S OFFICE
Our counselors have been working on schedules for the students over the summer. Ms. Colford will be working with students whose last names begin with A through L. Mr. Murphy will be working with students whose last names begin with M through Z. If your child needs some assistance, they can see their school counselor during the day by stopping in the main office to make an appointment, or email the counselor directly. The counselors are available to provide academic, social and emotional support to all students.
SCHOOL HOURS ~ 7:15 a.m. – 2:01p.m.
Entry into the Building
- Students will be allowed entry into the buildings at 6:45 a.m. and report to the cafeteria until 7:15 a.m.
- Each grade level will be assigned a specific labeled door to enter in the mornings.
- All sixth grade students will enter through the main office door and proceed to their Block 1 class.
- All seventh grade students will enter through the front door closest to the ECLC (New Gym Doors) and proceed to their Block 1 class.
- Eighth grade students will enter through the front center doors (Cafeteria Doors) and proceed to their Block 1 class.
- Walkers and parent drop off students will enter their assigned doors according to grade level.
Dismissal
- Students will be dismissed at 2:01 pm and will leave through the door most appropriate for them.
PICK UP/DROP OFF PROCEDURE
If a parent chooses to pick up their child early, please follow the procedures to sign your child out.
- We would require a note prior to dismissal (emails accepted) indicating your intention of picking up your child.
- We will add you to our visitors log which is maintained on a daily basis.
- You need to ring the bell by the main office with appropriate identification and the office staff will help you with the sign out process.
The drop off and pick up procedures remain the same.
- During drop off and pick up, cars will proceed to the loop between Barkalow and the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).
- Please be sure to move all the way forward in line so that we can avoid traffic in the lot.
- There will be no cars permitted into the front entrance lot while buses are present.
- After school hours, due to safety and security, you are not to park in the fire lane in front of the school as you wait for your child.
- You can park in the bus lanes once buses leave or park in the many parking spots that are available.
- The lanes directly in front of the building are fire lanes and must remain clear. Please do not park by the yellow lines or by the cones that are placed in front of the building.
As is procedure, students will not be allowed to ride another student’s bus for any reason. This is due to the full capacity of the buses that are being utilized. Students must ride on their assigned bus only.
📌 Important Events 📌
Locker Set-Up ~ August 29th ~ 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
Using a locker is one of the most exciting transitions for a middle school student! Therefore, we will be holding an opportunity for students to set up their locker prior to the first day of school. It is our hope that by practicing this skill early, lockers will not be a source of stress or anxiety. Locker set up will take place on Tuesday, August 29th. In an effort to limit the number of people in the building, only one adult may accompany the student in the building. We ask that you kindly take any trash or cardboard generated home with you.
Please note that locker numbers and combinations can be found in Genesis Parent Portal which will be open for schedules at 3:00 pm on August 28th. Below are the assigned set-up times.
Date: Tuesday, August 29th from 9am-12noon
Odd numbered lockers - 9:00am - 10:00am
Even numbered lockers- 10:00am - 11:00am
All lockers - 11:00am - 12noon
If you can not make any of the times, your child will be given time on the first day.
🪑Back to School Night🪑
Thursday, Sep 28, 2023, 06:30 PM
Barkalow Middle School
Color Run ~ September 8th ~ Second Day of School
Barkalow Middle School
5th Annual Color Run
Join the fun! Rain or Shine!
Friday, September 8, 2023
Check-in: 2:05 pm
Race starts: 2:25 pm
@ Barkalow Middle School
All proceeds will be donated to
The Barkalow PBS Soar for Four program
This program promotes a positive school environment and teaches respect, safety,
kindness and preparedness throughout the Barkalow community.
Registration forms can be found in the main office as well as linked here.
PTO INFO
📰 Forms to Complete 📰
📎 📎 Resources 📎 📎
Barkalow Middle School
Website: https://ctb.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us/
Location: 498 Stillwells Corner Road, Freehold, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-431-4403
Twitter: @CTBarkalow