BHMS Principal's Update
July 1, 2020
We hope everyone is enjoying their time away from the grind of school, especially away from the 14 weeks that was remote learning. We will be sending Principal's Updates frequently (most likely bi-weekly) throughout the summer, and with this update, we want to keep you informed on several things such as:
- Character Education
- Summer Reading
- Report Cards
- Reclaiming Belongings
- Rising 9th Graders
- Rising 6th Graders
- Athletic Information Updates (Field Hockey, Dance Club, and Running Club)
- Reopening Process and Safeguards
- Recurring Items (Sponsor our school folders, commemorative bricks)
For a synopis and introductory message, please go to https://youtu.be/xJVaE8L8d0c to view a video message.
Regards,
Mike D'Ostilio (Prinicpal)
New and Important Information
- ***Mondays in July and August...Reclaiming Belongings (Lost and Found, Artwork, Yearbooks, Locker)***
- July 1, 2020...Fall Sports Physicals Due
- July 14 and 21, 2020...7pm...Virtual Meetings with In Coming 6th Grade Parents
- July 16 and 23, 2020...7pm...Virtual Meetings with In Coming 6th Grade Students
- 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.
- October 15, 2020...All Immunizations Due for Incoming 6th Graders
Keeping Up with What is Going on at the Hill!!!
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.
See Below if You Still Need to Reclaim Items from BHMS
Rising 9th Graders
Rising 9th Graders Check Here for Frequent Updates
8th Grade End of Year Celebration
BHMS Staff and the BHMS PTO are working on a summer celebration/gathering should social distancing restrictions be relaxed. If we are permitted this event will be in Late July or August. We so want to see you before you go to the high school.
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.
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.
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.
Restart and Recovery Plan for Education in WTPS
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
--Current Grade 8…Text @BHMS2020 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