BHMS Principal's Update
July 29, 2020
By now, you have been inundated this Summer with surveys and deciding what is best for your family and child's needs. While you're trying to make these decisions, we are still (as a district) getting new information daily. Just want to you to know that we appreciate your patience with this uncertainty and will continue to do the best we can to get you relevant information. Dr. Muscelli and I are finishing up some discussions with students entering the 6th grade and their parents. After next week, we will send correspondance regarding different virtual meetings we will conduct for the student body. This will include information about social distancing, drop off/pick up, santizing protocols, etc. To keep you up to speed, please stay abreast of the re-opening schools link to the WTPS web page. https://www.wtps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=31231. This link houses all the correspondence from the district regarding the reopening of schools.
First and foremost, I want to appolgize for the families of rising 6th graders who tried to log on to a virtual presentation on July 28 but couldn't log on. This meeting was for those parents who missed the first one on July 13. The tech error was unforeseen, and we feel we have rectified the problem. In the section regarding the 5th to 6th grade transition labeled "Learning About BHMS" we will include the new information. Dr. Muscelli and I will combine the parent and student meeting into one so that we don't have to encumber the time of families twice in a week. The new presentation will be on August 5, 2020 at 7pm
For Bunker Hill Class of 2020/Rising 9th graders: Due to social distancing restrictions still currently in effect and in consultation with district administration, BHMS is not permitted to have an end of the year in person event for the Class or 2020. While this is upsetting to hear, it is understandable as an effort to ensure all students and families remain safe and not put them in area where they could be compromised. Since this will be your last notification from BHMS, please know Class of 2020 we love you, and we will miss you terribly.
Please see the video message here that summarizes this newsletter: Principal's Video Message. Also please see the items discussed in this newsletter.
- Tips for Returning to School
- Road Back Document from the state of New Jersey
- Character Education: Conversations About Race
- Summer Reading
- School Supply Lists
- Bulldog Apparel and Spiritwear (including masks) Sale
- Rising 6th Graders
- Reclaiming Belongings
- Rising 9th Graders
- Athletic Information Updates (Field Hockey, Dance Club, and Running Club)
Regards,
Mike D'Ostilio (Prinicpal)
New and Important Information
- ***Mondays in July and August...Reclaiming Belongings (Lost and Found, Artwork, Yearbooks, Locker)***...See poster below
- New Date: August 5...7pm...Virtual Meeting with In Coming 6th Grade Students and Parents (Second Meeting for those who couldn't attend in July)
- By August 7, 2020...District Back to School Plan Unveiled
- August 26, 2020...6th Grade Transition Camp (1 Day...Changed from August 4-6)...More Information to come
- August 31, 2020...First Day for Middle School Field Hockey Try Outs.
- September 8, 2020...Tentative first day of school. See this link for the new calendar: 2021 School Year Calendar. For explanation of the changes, click here: Explanation of calendar changes.
- September 15 and 17, 2020 (Depending on your cohort)...Picture Day. See this link to find out what Lifetouch is doing to reduce risk and social distance during the time of the photo shoot: Lifetouch Photos
- October 15, 2020...All Immunizations Due for Incoming 6th Graders
Keeping Up with What is Going on at the Hill!!!
Tips for Parents to Help their Students on the Return to School
Restart and Recovery Plan for Education in WTPS
Additionally, the district will roll out its final plan on August 7, 2020. For up to date information regarding the district's correspondence, notifications, and information requests, go to the "Return to School Plan" hosted on the district webpage. That URL is https://www.wtps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=31231
Continuing the Conversations about Race
As a result of the work in the equity committee, some parents who are on the committee and have ties to BHMS have been communicating with me in the last few weeks. I am thrilled that BHMS parents want to embark on these difficult conversations as it seems to coincide what I
said in my letter about my thoughts on the work BHMS needs to do to engage in real conversations that bring action (June 7, 2020 Letter to Families). I also read the above letter in a video message last week (Video Message).
I wanted to let you know that the group of BHMS parents are organizing an ongoing round table discussion. They would like to begin the work of establishing a partnership with administration especially regarding race and equity at this time. If this is something that interests you and you'd like to be a part of the planning phase, please contact Megan Watson at mwatson@bkwfamily.com.
After the equity committee, Mr. Bollendorf wrote a letter to the community, which can be found at the link: Mr Bollendorf's Letter. I referenced that letter in my own letter as well. Finally, the district has populated an alert on each school's homepage regarding the work of the equity committee and resources to assist with fostering the work in home and in school.
Race and the systemic inequities are real and incredibly painful for the Black community to endure. Similarly in schools, particularly middle schools, students continue to deal with microagressions based on gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability. These microagressions need to be eliminated, and our charge is to help our students/children understand this and be even better than they are. This work, while daunting, can work at Bunker Hill as the ideals of a Bulldog are rooted in the service of others and the enduring understanding that there is always a cause or a mission greater than us as individuals. This is a massive work in progress for adolescents as they are trying to figure out their own world. Bulldogs are up to the challenge. I truly believe it is the Bunker Hill Bulldog that can set this standard.
Our character education and Building Better People days will center around these hard conversations with our students and knowing our families, you will expect the same at your home. We are eternally grateful for that partnership of staff, parents, and community members who are committed to this change.
Summer Reading and Assignments
There are no summer assignments this year for math and science.
Students will need the following for every class:
- Mask
- Hand Sanitizer
- Earbuds
- Computer/charger
- General School Supplies (pens, pencils, color pencils, dry erase markers, high lighters, erasers, post its, looseleaf notebook paper)
Grade 6
- ELA...1 in binder w/ dividers
- Science...1 in binder w/dividers
- Math...1 in binder w/dividers
- Social Studies...accordion folder
Grade 7
- ELA...1 in binder or folder with pockets/page holders
- Science...1 in binder or folder with pockets/page holders
- Math...1 in binder or folder with pockets/page holders
- Social Studies...1 in binder or folder with pockets/page holders
Grade 8
- ELA....1.5 in binder w/ dividers, red pen
- Science...1 in binder or folder w/ dividers
- Math...Spiral notebook, folder
- Social Studies...1.5 in binder w/ dividers, red pen
BHMS Spiritwear is now available for purchase! All proceeds will go directly to our PTO. Orders will be available for pickup the week of September 7th. If we are full remote, we will find a way to get you your orders.
We added in a mask option. The logo will be different than the picture on the WebStore. We asked the existing logo to be moved to the side and shrunk so it looks a little better. Click the link to be outfitted and known as a Bulldog. Place your order by August 16, 2020
UPDATED INFORMATION BELOW....ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS...Click the Image Below to Access Current Information Regarding 5th Grade Transition to 6th Grade
Also, the August 4-6 6th grade Transition Camp Dates have been moved to one day: August 26, 2020. This is in conjunction with the high school's effort to ensure students are safe throughout the summer and giving an extra 20 or so days should social distancing regulations change
Learning about BHMS
Beginning July 14th, Dr. Muscelli and I will be holding virtual meetings to help orient rising 6th grade parents and students to BHMS. We love this school and want to make sure you have the best transition possible to your new school for the next three years. Can't wait to meet you Bulldogs. Stay tuned for more specifics about that.
Again, much apologies for the tech error on the scheduled WebEx for July 28, 2020. Below is the information for the WebEx for the students and parents to join on August 5. This meeting is a duplicate of the ones in July. This is for the parents/students who weren't able to attend the first one. If you cannot attend the presentation, you can view the previous presentation from July 21, 2020. A link to that video is below.
Below are a couple of helpful links:
If you plan to attend the new August 5, 2020 Meeting. See Below for the information. You will be asked to verify your email address.
Event address for attendees:
https://wtps.webex.com/wtps/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec6bee4decc27e0e0f147969129099c70
Date and time:
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 7:00 pm
Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Duration:
1 hour
Description:
Event number:
129 202 9232
Event password:
Bulldogs
See Below if You Still Need to Reclaim Items from BHMS
Rising 9th Graders Check Here for Frequent Updates
Not Attending WTHS in the Fall?
If you are attending a private school for high school, please reach out to Mrs. Schilling in the counseling office at hschilling@wtps.org. She has information to share to help with that transition.
Interested in Playing High School Football in the Fall?
Washington Twp 2020 Freshman Football Announcement: Any current 8th grade students (Class of 2024) interested in playing Football at Washington Township High School this fall, please click the link below to fill out information and submit via Google Docs. See link below. For questions, email Coach Schatzman at <MSchatzman@wtps.org>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjzyp9lTevIq5QsV47px6Qcu41enLTCuE0hx7N3zjMTIxKCw/viewform
Information about High School Physicals for the Fall
Students going into High School (9th graders) and wanting to play fall sports, soccer, field hockey, football and had their completed physicals within the last 365 days, must complete the Electronic Health History Update only (otherwise they need a complete physical packet). Please scroll down to the athletics information to download the forms.
Athletic Teams Information...Fall Sports...TAKE NOTE OF THE ADJUSTED DEADLINES
First, if your child would like to play a fall sport (at BHMS it's just field hockey, but at the high school, there are more opportunities), you have to register/create an account with the Family ID Portal beginning May 1, 2020. The link to Family ID can be found here: Family ID. Everyone who plays sports and/or after school physical activity (field hockey, basketball, wrestling, dance club, yoga club, running club) must register on Family I.D.
Once you do that, you should download all the physical information. As of right now, this is now changed to July 1, 2020. This timeline is vital to give all principal parties like you, your doctor, school nurse, and contracted school physician to review the physical forms. This can take weeks. Please adhere to the deadline so that it provides ample time to review the forms so your child is ready to try out /participate in school sports. The date is very important.
COVID-19 UPDATE
The state has made some adjustments due to COVID-19 for the Fall (FIELD HOCKEY)
- Middle School: 7th & 8th grade girls, who had their completed physicals within the last 365 days, and want to play field hockey must complete the Electronic Health History Update only. (otherwise they need a complete physical packet)
- Middle school incoming 6th grade girls who want to play field hockey, must have their physical forms completed and also must fill out the electronic Health History Update.
- The electronic Health History Update/Questionaire can be found at the following link: HHQ. The Electronic Health History Update/Questionnaire (HHQ) is important because it contains questions regarding COVID19.
To Obtain a New Physical...
By Clicking on this link: Participation Information, you need to download/print all relevant "physical forms" paperwork. This includes:
- Asthma Treatment Plan
- Health History Questionnaire
- Sports Physical Form.
Keep in Mind, as of right now, Middle School Field Hockey Will Begin on August 31, 2020
For questions, please reach out to our school nurse Mrs. Keane at bkeane@wtps.org
Please see the information below that Coach Burns wanted to share with those interested in trying out. Please remember all the physical information needs to be taken care of prior to going out for the team. It provides a step by step process to accessing the Athletics information above. If you need to contact Coach Burns directly, she is a teacher in the district and available at sburns@wtps.org
REGISTRATION PROCESS:
Parents/Guardians should register by clicking on this link:
https://www.familyid.com/washington-township-high-school
Follow these steps:
1. To find your program, click on the link provided by the Organization above and select the registration form under the word Programs.
2. Next click on the green Register Now button and scroll, if necessary, to the Create Account/Log In green buttons. If this is your first time using FamilyID, click Create Account. Click Log In, if you already have a FamilyID account.
3. Create your secure FamilyID account by entering the account owner First and Last names (parent/guardian), E-mail address and password. Select I Agree to the FamilyID Terms of Service. Click Create Account.
4. You will receive an email with a link to activate your new account. (If you don’t see the email, check your E-mail filters (spam, junk, etc.).
5. Click on the link in your activation E-mail, which will log you in to FamilyID.com
6. Once in the registration form, complete the information requested. All fields with a red* are required to have an answer.
7. Click the Save & Continue button when your form is complete.
8. Review your registration summary.
9. Click the green Submit button. After selecting ‘Submit’, the registration will be complete. You will receive a completion email from FamilyID confirming your registration.
At any time, you may log in at www.familyid.com to update your information and to check your registration(s).
To view a completed registration, select the 'Registration' tab on the blue bar.
SUPPORT:
- If you need assistance with registration, contact FamilyID at: support@familyid.com or 781-205-2800.
- Support is available 7 days per week and messages will be returned promptly.
Geared for students of all fitness levels, the Running Club is for anyone who wishes to be more physically fit. We welcome:
· Cross-country runners looking for new training partners
· Athletes trying to improve their fitness for the upcoming season
· Novice runners who want to learn how to begin
· Non-runners who just want to walk and talk with their friends
We will address training plans, proper pre/post run stretching, proper fuel and hydration during a run and how to find a race in which to participate.
The Running Club is a year-long club so students are able to participate in whichever meetings fit their schedule.
Please remember, while this is not a competitive middle school sport, in order to participate, you still need proper physical paperwork.
National School Folders Partnership
We have a partnership with National School Folders to provide each student with a free folder to help the child stay organized. Similar to folders in middle school, there are two sides...one for papers to leave at home and the second to return to school. Special thanks to Breen Roofing, Frank Batastini Orthodontics, Dan Ayars Landscaping, and National School Folders for being our sponsors. If we can get 13 more sponsors for next year, National School Folders will donate $1200 to our school. If you have a business, please consider being a sponsor. Please contact Mike D'Ostilio mdostilio@wtps.org if you are interested.
For information how to support this endeavor...Go to the parent information letter. This link discusses the partnership, durability, usefulness, and advertisement potential of the folders.
Bunker Hill Middle School: Home of the Bulldogs
Sign up for Remind Notifications
--Current Grade 5...Text @BHMS2023 to 81010
--Current Grade 6 (If you weren't able to get into BHMS2022) Text @BHMS2022a to 81010 for same information as other Grade 6 remind.
--Current Grade 7…Text @BHMS2021 to 81010
Email: ddijohn@wtps.org
Website: https://www.wtps.org/bunkerhill
Location: 372 Pitman Downer Road, Sewell, NJ, USA
Phone: 856 881 7007
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialBHMS
Twitter: @Official_BHMS