The Charger Chronicles

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Charger Chronicles, your go-to source for all the latest news, updates, and events at Blythewood Middle School!

Charger Families!

Please consider joining us on Friday, September 18th for our annual Career Day! Our Career Day focuses on showcasing a wide range of jobs and careers, and we would love to include you! Feel free to reach out with any questions! Please click the link below for the schedule and more information!

2026 Blythewood Middle School Career Day

Interested in learning more about upcoming travel opportunities for our Chargers? Join us Tuesday, September 15th for our virtual information sessions!

⚡ 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip — 6:00 p.m.

Both sessions will use the same meeting link:

🔗 Meeting Link:

We hope to see you there! ✈️⚡

Conditioning for 7th and 8th grade boys basketball will begin Tuesday, September 1st at 5:00 p.m.

All players planning to attend MUST have a completed Richland 2 Athletic Packet, including:

• A current physical dated April 1, 2026, or later

• Richland 2 Health History Form

• Parent's Permission & Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Students planning to attend must also complete the following 7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball Fall Workouts Registration.

You do NOT need to submit a birth certificate or the $50 participation fee at this time; those are only required if your student makes the team.

Important Notes:

• Students currently participating in a fall sport cannot attend conditioning.

• Conditioning is optional and NOT tryouts. Attendance does not guarantee a spot on the team.

• Any behavioral issues during conditioning will result in your student not being allowed to return.

• Conditioning and tryouts are closed to the public.

• Please see the calendar below for all conditioning dates.
  
  If you have questions, please email Coach Burgess at loburgess@richland2.org.

Charger Parents, Students, and Fans!

As we gear up for our first athletic contest of the season, please remember that the RSD2 Clear Bag Policy is now in effect for all middle school athletic events. Here are a few important reminders:

• BMS students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend.

• Tickets are $5 and may be purchased with cash at the gate

• Face coverings that completely cover a person’s face are not permitted.

• Diaper bags and camera bags are not allowed. See the flyer below for examples of approved bags.

  
  

  Thank you for your cooperation and support. Let’s make it an amazing season—Go Chargers!

Helping Your Child Adjust to Middle School

The transition to middle school is an exciting time, but it can also bring new challenges. Students are adjusting to a larger school, multiple teachers, changing classes, increased responsibilities, and higher academic expectations. It’s completely normal for students to need time to find their rhythm.

One of the best ways parents and caregivers can help is by establishing consistent routines and healthy habits at home.

⏰ Establish a Consistent Daily Routine

Middle school students benefit from knowing what to expect each day. A predictable routine can reduce stress and encourage independence. Try establishing regular times for waking up, eating breakfast, completing homework, preparing for the next day, relaxing, and going to bed.

Don’t underestimate sleep! A consistent bedtime helps students arrive at school better prepared to focus, learn, manage emotions, and make good decisions.

🎒 Get “Ready for School” the Night Before

A little preparation can make mornings much easier! Encourage your child to:

• Check their schedule and assignments
• Pack their backpack
• Charge their Chromebook
• Gather materials needed for activities
• Choose clothes for the next day
• Set an alarm with plenty of time to get ready

📚 Build Good Homework Habits

Help your child establish a consistent place and time for schoolwork. The goal is to help them develop the skills to manage their responsibilities independently.

Instead of giving answers, try asking: “What do you need to accomplish tonight?” “What should you work on first?” or “How can I help you get organized?”

💬 Check In Without Interrogating

Instead of the usual “How was school?” try questions that encourage conversation: What was the best part of your day? What was challenging? Did you learn anything interesting? Who did you spend time with? Is there anything happening at school that you need help with?

Most importantly, listen before trying to solve the problem. Let your child know they can come to you when something is bothering them.

🌟 Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!

Adjusting to middle school takes time. Students may experience academic struggles, friendship changes, frustration, or moments of self-doubt.

Remind your child that they don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Celebrate effort, progress, responsibility, and perseverance—not just grades.

⚡ Small Routines Create BIG Results!

It may take several weeks for students to become comfortable with their new schedules and expectations. Be patient, provide structure, and gradually encourage your child to take ownership of their responsibilities.

If your child is struggling socially, emotionally, or academically, please encourage them to reach out to their school counselor. We’re here to support our Chargers and their families throughout the school year!

During the 2026 - 2027 School Year:

For middle schools in Richland School District Two,

the start and stop times are as follows:

School Start Time: 8:20 am

School Dismissal: 3:15 pm

*At Blythewood Middle School, students may begin arriving at

7:45 a.m., unless they are enrolled in our Early Bird Boys & Girls Club program. Please do not leave students unattended prior to the opening of the building.

Richland School District 2 Free to Focus Policy

Blythewood Middle School Lunch Menu

Free/Reduced Lunch Application Form - Deadline September 30th

Please contact Ms. Dottie Grant, Cafeteria Mgr. if you have any questions or for more information: sagrant@richland2.org

We would love to have your child in our before/after care program! To register and enroll your child into either program, you will need to go to www.begreatacademy.org and create an account to utilize these services. There is a one-time registration fee of $25.00 and then you will be able to enroll in all services for the 26-27 school year. If you already have an account, please make sure to change your campus to Blythewood Middle and update any other important information. If you have further questions, please contact Crystal Munson at cmunson@richland2.org or at 839-228-4498.

Richland School District 2 Attendance Information

2026-2027 Bus Route Information is linked HERE.. Please contact the Killian Bus Center at 803-699-2892 if you have any questions regarding bus transportation.