BMS BUZZ
All the things to know about BMS! 9/28/18
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, October 4th - PTO Meeting 7:00pm - BMS Library
Friday, October 5th - NO SCHOOL - Staff PD day
Monday, October 8th - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
Friday, October 12th – PTO Family Fun Night – Urban Air 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 20th – BHG Gym – Wizards Basketball 6:30pm (flyer below)
Friday, October 26th – 4th and 5th Grade PTO Halloween Dance 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, October 31st – Early Release 11:05am
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Four weeks in to the year has found us settling into classroom routines, following through with extracurricular commitments, and finding ways to get more involved throughout the school community. This year’s summer reading has been discussed, class pictures have been taken, and we’ve settled into a rhythmic familiarity of inquiry and learning. One especially exciting thing that’s happened to bring our school together is Mrs. Benson’s art classes creating a personalized mural that represents all the students in the building. Each hand has a student’s name on it; each spring, the 7th grade class’ hands will fall and be replaced by the incoming 4th graders’ hands the following September. This visual representation of our students brings us together and reminds us to make the most of each and every day of our time together.
As we move into the regularity of the school year, we encourage parents to engage in regular conversations about classes, school events, and homework with their children each evening. Talking about the importance of education and seriousness of purpose will help the work we are doing in the building each day and we truly appreciate you sharing a consistent message. Ownership for learning, accountability for actions, and expanding inquiry are all things we can collectively help our students achieve through a supportive partnership.
NURSE'S NEWS
We still have almost 30 7th graders who are STILL non-compliant with the state mandated updated physicals and immunization documentation. Letters will be going home in early October setting a cut off date for attendance for those students who have not presented the previously mentioned documentation. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at 508-883-2248 or mloftus@bpsdk12.org
The Town of Bellingham will be holding their Family Flu Clinic on Monday, October 15thfrom 4 - 7 PM at the Town Hall, in the Arcand Room. Please bring insurance information, no one will be turned away!
TO 7TH GRADE PARENTS: SBIRT screening for 7th grade will begin in October. If you wish to opt your 7th grade student out of the SBIRT screening, please return the opt out form sent to you in August. If you have misplaced the form and want to opt out your student, please call the Nurse, Maureen Loftus at 508-883-2248.
FOOD SERVICES
Breakfast is $1.50 and lunches are $2.75 ($.30 breakfast & $.40 lunch for qualified reduced meals). If you qualify for free meals, we hope your child takes advantage of both meals at no cost. We provide a wide variety of delicious and nutritious meals for your students to choose from!
The 2018-2019 Free & Reduced Meals application is available either in the main office or on the District website. You must reapply annually, so if you qualified last year, you must have applications submitted by October 16th to ensure your student is eligible for this school year! You can apply throughout the school year if you need assistance.
Students are expected to pay for their meals at the time of service. Snacks and beverages are not allowed to be charged if no money is on the account. Our District charging policy has a maximum of -$9.00 at BMS. We encourage you to prepay in advance either at the register by cash, check (made payable to Bellingham School Nutrition) or myschoolbucks.com.
Please take advantage of myschoolbucks.com to set up a free account that allows you to receive low balance email notifications, view meal purchases, or pay student meal accounts online by credit & debit card (for a transaction fee). To set up a new account you will need your student ID# (if you are unsure what that is, please contact the School Nutrition office).
Feel free to contact the School Nutrition Office at (508) 883-0744 if you have any questions and check us out on the District Website & our Bellingham Public Schools Nutrition & Wellness Facebook page for menus and helpful information!
SCHOOL COUNCIL COMMITTEE
The BMS administration is seeking 4 volunteers to be a part of the BMS school council committee. The committee will meet for a total of 3 meetings throughout the school year (November, January, and March). The meetings will be on Tuesdays from 2:30pm – 3:00pm. Please notify the office if you are interested. lsurrette@bellinghamk12.org or kfortier@bellinghamk12.org
SCHOOL WEBSITES
BMS uses a variety of websites and apps to enhance communication and student learning. In an effort to streamline that information for you, we have created this overview of websites that your child may be using for school. Please be aware that not every student will be using every website or app, but we hope you find this database to be useful. Please contact individual teachers with questions regarding access to specific websites or apps as appropriate. Also, please be aware this is a "live" document and may be updated throughout the school year to reflect changes or updates.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1leCQReFmyyCdIL89VvPPb37Q5RJscI4k68J2LMI4RCc/edit?usp=sharing
If you haven't already done so, it is very important to complete the important beginning of year paperwork which we are now collecting through FamilyID. All of the questions on these forms are important to ensure student safety with medical updates as well as other important information. If you have not already done so, please log onto the district website and choose your child’s school to access the FamilyID site, or click on the links below:
https://www.familyid.com/bellingham-memorial-school/bms-2018-2019-school-year-forms
7th GRADE CHROMEBOOK INFORMATION
All students have received the serial numbers for their devices so parents can purchase insurance if you choose. The deadline to purchase Chromebook insurance is September 30. If you are interested in purchasing insurance, the information can be found here: http://bmms.bellinghamk12.org/chromebook-insurance-62019f2b
If you are considering purchasing your own Chromebook for your child to use in school, please note this has to be done in conjunction with the district so the proper licenses and software can be included. For additional information, please refer to this link: https://bellingham.schoolblocks.com/technology-20d6b94c
LATE BUSES, EXTRA HELP, & EXTRACURRICULARS
Late buses have started! They run every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The late bell rings at 3:05 and buses leave BMS at approximately 3:15pm. Late bus stops vary from regular scheduled bus stops. Please communicate with your children so you know whether or not they are staying after.
Teachers come in early or stay late on some days to provide extra help for students. Teachers' help days can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Ou7AZjSn_7tsHc9X9E2kkIVAP8gCz9eW6s5mqnk8fQ/edit?usp=sharing
BMS offers several after school activities for the students. Click below for information regarding the clubs being offered this Fall.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lln169jIVW2y7GdO-DjIJQgEHpG8jWZf3oHdCINo0xo/edit?usp=sharing
The Ski Club is not a BMS sponsored activity, but is available for students in our school. The Ski Club goes to Wachusett Mountain every Sunday starting January 6th for six (6) weeks. The Ski club is the ideal way for kids to get outdoors during the winter for a fun, healthy activity. Great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn to ski or snowboard. Rental equipment and lessons are available for all levels. Students Grade 4 through 7 and their parents are welcome. Any 4th grade students must have a parent who skis or snowboards must accompany them each week. Registration will open in October. Additional information will be available soon. If you have any questions in advance please free to email Debbie Forget at bmmskiclub@gmail.com
BMS Buzz - 9/21/18
SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, September 21st- 6-8 PM-PTO Ice Cream Social-BMS Caf
Monday, September 24th – Team Pictures-All Grades
Tuesday, September 25th - Bus Evacuation Drill - AM Drop Off
Thursday, September 27th – Grades 4 & 5 - School Pictures
Friday, September 28th – Grades 6 & 7 - School Pictures
Thursday, October 4th - PTO Meeting 7:00pm - BMS Library
Friday, October 5th - NO SCHOOL - Staff PD day
Monday, October 8th - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Our school seemed to come to life this week with the beginning of late buses and after school activities! It was amazing to walk the halls and see how many students were getting extra academic help, participating in clubs, playing intramurals, and making our school community a better place! We are lucky to have so many committed staff members whose love for learning extends beyond the classroom and traditional school day.
It is hugely important for parents and students to communicate with regards to staying after. Please check with your children to confirm if they are leaving school at the regular time or staying for an extracurricular. It prevents students from taking time out of learning to make phone calls home during the day, or parents from being nervous when their child isn't home at the regular time. Likewise, if you do parent pickup in the afternoons, please be cognizant of dismissal times and ensure you're present to get your children at the appropriate times. We do not have staff available to supervise students beyond our extracurriculars, and it is unsafe to have students wandering. If you are ever unsure of a dismissal time or have a schedule question, please refer to the BMS website, district-wide calendars, or call the main office. We truly appreciate your help with this matter.
As our school year continues and students become more engaged with learning, please be sure to like our Facebook page by searching "BMS02019" to see what we're up to, both in and beyond the classrooms!
NURSE'S NEWS
- The Town of Bellingham will be holding their Family Flu Clinic on Monday, October 15th from 4 - 7 PM at the Town Hall, in the Arcand Room. Please bring insurance information, no one will be turned away!
- TO 7TH GRADE PARENTS: SBIRT screening for 7th grade will begin in October. If you wish to opt your 7th grade student out of the SBIRT screening, please return the opt out form sent to you in August. If you have misplaced the form and want to opt out your student, please call the Nurse, Maureen Loftus at 508-883-2248.
FAMILY ID
If you haven't already done so, it is very important to complete the important beginning of year paperwork which we are now collecting through FamilyID. All of the questions on these forms are important to ensure student safety with medical updates as well as other important information. If you have not already done so, please log onto the district website and choose your child’s school to access the FamilyID site, or click on the links below:
https://www.familyid.com/bellingham-memorial-school/bms-2018-2019-school-year-forms
7th GRADE CHROMEBOOK INFORMATION
If you are considering purchasing your own Chromebook for your child to use in school, please note this has to be done in conjunction with the district so the proper licenses and software can be included. For additional information, please refer to this link: https://bellingham.schoolblocks.com/technology-20d6b94c
LATE BUSES & EXTRACURRICULARS
Late buses have started! They run every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The late bell rings at 3:05 and buses leave BMS at approximately 3:15pm. Late bus stops vary from regular scheduled bus stops. Please communicate with your children so you know whether or not they are staying after.
BMS offers several after school activities for the students. Click below for information regarding the clubs being offered this Fall.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lln169jIVW2y7GdO-DjIJQgEHpG8jWZf3oHdCINo0xo/edit?usp=sharing
The Ski Club is not a BMS sponsored activity, but is available for students in our school. The Ski Club goes to Wachusett Mountain every Sunday starting January 6th for six (6) weeks. The Ski club is the ideal way for kids to get outdoors during the winter for a fun, healthy activity. Great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn to ski or snowboard. Rental equipment and lessons are available for all levels. Students Grade 4 through 7 and their parents are welcome. Any 4th grade students must have a parent who skis or snowboards must accompany them each week. Registration will open in October. Additional information will be available soon. If you have any questions in advance please free to email Debbie Forget at bmmskiclub@gmail.com
BMS Buzz - 9/14/18
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
We are looking forward to the start of our clubs and extracurriculars next week as our late bus services start. Please see the documents below for details. We love to have our students involved in learning beyond the school day, so encourage your children to participate!
As our school year continues, please be sure to like our Facebook page by searching "BMS02019" to see pictures of how we're growing and learning every day!
Meet the Teacher Follow-Up
Administration Presentation:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AsVAN6x1UHtX2_vYJYxlGs5VD5V1jI0YREKZDiORUg8/edit?usp=sharing
Grade 7 Packets:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ct0L1xRle65-384_1j7HJbsCNremOcMR6AZ7fVOuQgU/edit?usp=sharing
FAMILY ID
If you haven't already done so, it is very important to complete the important beginning of year paperwork which we are now collecting through FamilyID. All of the questions on these forms are important to ensure student safety with medical updates as well as other important information. If you have not already done so, please log onto the district website and choose your child’s school to access the FamilyID site, or click on the links below:
https://www.familyid.com/bellingham-memorial-school/bms-2018-2019-school-year-forms
LATE BUSES & EXTRACURRICULARS
Late buses will be offered at BMS beginning Monday, September 17th. Late buses will run on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. The late bell rings at 3:05 and buses leave BMS at approximately 3:15pm. Late bus stops vary from regular scheduled bus stops.
BMS offers several after school activities for the students. Click below for information regarding the clubs being offered this Fall.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lln169jIVW2y7GdO-DjIJQgEHpG8jWZf3oHdCINo0xo/edit?usp=sharing
The Cross Country team is forming and it's not too late to join! To view the letter with relevant information, use this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13soU17gtqqH_0muxG65AT2Ep0kJetl_Wd3vDUOQdUxg/edit
NURSE NEWS
Two important reminders from the Nurse's office:
1. All classrooms at BMS are NUT FREE. The cafeteria at BMS is not nut free; there are allergy-friendly tables for students who need them.
2. There should be no medication being sent to school with a student. Mediciation must be brought in by an adult and be accompanied by a doctor's order.
BMS BUZZ - 9/7/18
FAMILY ID
Now that school is back in session, we are reminding all families to complete the very important beginning of year paperwork which we are now collecting through FamilyID. All of the questions on these forms are important to ensure student safety with medical updates as well as other important information. If you have not already done so, please log onto the district website and choose your child’s school to access the FamilyID site, or click on the links below:
https://www.familyid.com/bellingham-memorial-school/bms-2018-2019-school-year-forms
For any family who needs computer access or more help completing these forms, we will have IT representatives in the computer labs at our Meet the Teacher nights.
MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
The evening is a drop-in; you do not need to come from the very beginning to the very end unless you choose to. During the two hours:
- All teachers will be available for the duration of the evening
- 5:45-6:15: Administration will be presenting to parents in the auditorium to give an overview of the exciting work BMS is undertaking this year
- 6:15-7:00: Assistant Director of Technology will be in computer lab C106 to assist with FamilyID, SchoolBrains log-ins, and Chromebook insurance (7th grade only)
The evening is a drop-in; you do not need to come from the very beginning to the very end unless you choose to. If teachers are not presenting in the library, they will be in their wings welcoming parents. During the two hours:
- All teachers will be available for the duration of the evening
- 5:00-5:45: 6th grade teachers will be formally presenting in the library
- 5:45-6:15: Administration will be presenting to parents in the auditorium to give an overview of the exciting work BMS is undertaking this year
- 6:15-7:00: 7th grade teachers will be formally presenting in the library
LATE BUSES & EXTRACURRICULARS
BMS offers several after school activities for the students. As the school year progresses there will be announcements on when these activities will be beginning. Some of the activities that students can choose from are Art Club, Drama Club, Student Council, Newspaper Club, Intramurals, and Math Club.
The Cross Country team is forming and it's not too late to join! To view the letter with relevant information, use this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13soU17gtqqH_0muxG65AT2Ep0kJetl_Wd3vDUOQdUxg/edit
NURSE NEWS
1. All classrooms at BMS are NUT FREE. The cafeteria at BMS is not nut free; there are allergy-friendly tables for students who need them.
2. There should be no medication being sent to school with a student. Mediciation must be brought in by an adult and be accompanied by a doctor's order.
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
All of these topics, and more, will be discussed at Meet the Teacher night, and we look forward to seeing you there!