Caught In the Middle
Berlin Middle School's Monthly Newsletter September 2014
Welcome Back to School!
Parents and Guardians of Middle School Students,
This marks the first official weekend of your children being back to school. As I observed students entering on Thursday, it was clear that everyone was coming back refreshed and ready to learn; ready to begin another school year focused on working hard and being nice. I am always encouraged by how awesome our students, teachers, and staff are at Berlin Middle School.
As a tradition, I began the year with an assembly to welcome the grade levels back to school; this also provided a great time to discuss a few very important items. Student planners were handed out and I reviewed three key pieces that will help to ensure a respectful, responsible, and safe learning environment for all.
This year, our student planners include the student Code of Conduct, calendar pages, and the student passport. The Code of Conduct is a detailed listing of rules, procedures, and protocols that help to ensure a safe and orderly environment and I encourage you to read through this with your child. The calendar pages offer an excellent two-way communication method between you and your child's teachers; students are always encouraged to write assignments down and show you. The passport pages are your child's "ticket out the door" - if they have to use the bathroom, visit the library, etc. their teacher or staff member will sign this section. Using the student planner correctly is essential and students have been asked to carry it with them at all times. We kindly ask that you help us reinforce this expectation by talking with your child about the importance of the student planner.
As we continue to build a culture of continuous improvement at Berlin Middle School, keeping the lines of communication open are essential. If at any time you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact BMS at 658-2515. Thank you and I look forward to a great school year!
Jason M. Breh
Principal
Berlin Middle School
Where Everybody Belongs
On Wednesday, August 27, more than 50 incoming 6th graders attended an Orientation Day at Berlin Middle School in preparation for their first day of Middle School on September 5 and their entire middle school experience. Students participated in a program that utilizes mentors from the 8th grade class.
The program, “Where Everybody Belongs” (WEB) serves as a way to make incoming middle school students feel comfortable throughout their middle school experience. The first day of this program included student-run team building exercises, but is actually a year-long program including social events, academic follow-ups and continued mentorship.
Ten eighth grade BMS students volunteered their time and were trained for the program prior to the day’s activities. The idea is that these students can provide support and guidance as they have been through the challenges that middle school can often pose and understand how the transition may be overwhelming.
According to Erin Rightmyer, 6th grade social studies teacher and WEB coordinator, the program is beneficial to the 6th graders in terms of making them feel more comfortable during this transition. Additionally, the program is beneficial for the 8th grade mentors.
“I’m amazed with how some of our really quiet 8th grade leaders have blossomed,” said Rightmyer. “We had a few that were really shy at first but they have truly stepped up to the plate and exceeded our expectations.”
In addition to the student-driven WEB program, Orientation Day also included a brief morning session for parents of incoming students. Here, 6th grade teachers from each subject area summarized their goals and expectations for the year, while parents had the opportunity to ask questions.
BMS Welcomes New Faculty & Staff
Mr. Nathan Ellis
Ms. Laura Hunt
Ms. Marissa Petta
Ms. Sara Roth
Mrs. Kathy Smith
Mr. Brendan Scannell
New PBIS Coordinator
Fallfest
Saturday, Oct 11, 2014, 10:00 AM
Berlin Central School District, New York 22, Cherry Plain, NY, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Jason M. Breh, Principal - Berlin Middle School
Email: jbreh@berlincentral.org
Website: www.berlincentral.org
Location: 17400 NY-22, NY, United States
Phone: (518) 658-2515
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Middle-School/356992697661213
Twitter: @bmsmountaineers