Dear BMS Families,
School opening is nearly upon us! The first days of school are always a flurry of nervous excitement for our students. I am happy to say that our faculty and staff are truly experts when it comes to working with middle school students. During our opening days, and throughout the year, faculty and staff are here to guide and support students on their middle school journey. Should you have any questions or concerns as the year begins, please note the following key faculty members you may connect with:
Nuts and Bolts for Parents, Sept 9: For all families that are new to Middle School (and anyone else that would like to join us) we will run an optional "nuts and bolts" session to review life at Middle School. This session will be via Webex on September 9 at 10:45. Please watch for an invitation to register for that meeting in a separate email. It will run about an hour and there will be a chance to ask questions.
Orientation day, Sept 9: Students in grades 6 and 7 may arrive between 8:20 and 8:30. As they enter the building, we will help students find their home room classes. Please print a copy of the schedule the night before and have your child bring it to school, along with school supplies.
School buses will offer regular service on Sept 9. If you choose to drive your child, please note the car line passes through the lower parking lot, with students exiting/entering cars at the base of the steps. We will dismiss students at 12:15.
First full day, Sept 10: Students may arrive between 8:20 and 8:35. As they enter the building, they should go directly to the home room indicated on their schedules. Students should bring:
Lunch: Students will eat lunch in the MS Dining Room, seated at individual tables spaced 6 feet apart. As we can only accommodate half the grade level at one time, we will ask students to sign up for a "session" so they can choose some friends to be with at lunch and recess. We will do this on Sept 9 -10. Half the grade will eat lunch first, and then go out to recess. The other half will have recess first, and then come in for lunch. We anticipate full food service once again, with a choice of hot entrees, deli sandwiches, prepared salads, snacks and beverages. Parents should use My School Bucks to add funds to students accounts (no cash on the lunch line) and NutriSlice so you can pre-order grab and go items such as deli sandwiches and salads. Pre-ordering will help us maximize time for eating and shorten the line in the serving area. Please note that snacks and beverages (other than milk that comes with a student lunch) are an additional cost. You find links to both My School Bucks and NutriSlice on our website: https://www.briarcliffschools.org/lunch-menu
*Due to student allergies, please remember that any foods consumed in a classroom must be nut and peanut-free. We discourage food sharing, and any food items to be shared must be clearly labeled with ingredients.
Student Assistance Counselor: We continue to have the benefit of a part time Student Assistance Counselor. In Middle School, Ms. Alexa Mennuti offers prevention education for drugs and alcohol beginning in grade 7, as well as counseling for students and families. Please click here for more details: SAS letter
Finally, if you missed Dr. Kaishian's Town Hall meeting regarding the District's reopening plan, you can find the recording on our website or use the link below. https://www.briarcliffschools.org/district-information/covid-school-communications
Warm regards, Susan Howard and Amy Gladstone
444 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY - 10510 |