Black River Middle School
"A School to Watch"
May 2026
About Us
Email: andrew.white@chester-nj.org
Website: www.chester-nj.org
Location: 133 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Phone: 908-879-6363
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChesterNJSchools/
Twitter: @chesternjschool
Dr. Piascik's Concert Finale a Testament to the BRMS Band Program
Dr. Kenneth Piascik, the BRMS instrumental teacher for 21 years, will retire in June. His only wish was for the spring band concert to be a celebration of his students, past and present. His wish was fulfilled on April 29th when former students returned to BRMS to play in the spring concert alongside our current students. Many of the alumni are professional musicians who fondly reminisced on their time at BRMS and the influence Dr. Piascik had on their careers. The performance was outstanding, and it was capped off with refreshments for all so that the students and honored guests could enjoy a few more moments with Dr. Piascik and his family to wish him well in his next chapter.
8th Peer Leaders Discover Their Strengths at Camp Bernie
On May 1st, our 8th grade Peer Leaders traded in their screens for the great outdoors during a fun-filled retreat at Camp Bernie, where they fully immersed themselves in the nature that surrounded them. Designed to strengthen team dynamics and build personal resilience, the trip pushed our peer leaders to reach new heights - literally! The day's activities featured students tackling the high ropes course and soaring across a field on the zip line. For many, it was a true test of courage that required them to step outside of their comfort zones and rely on the encouragement of each other to tackle their challenges.
Amelia Graham Chosen as the Superintendent's Leadership Award Recipient
Chorus Concert Celebrates Music through Musicals!
On May 7th, the BRMS chorus gave two outstanding performances, one during the school day for their peers, and the other in the evening for families and guests. This year, our choral director, Mrs. Kathleen Vespignani, centered the vocal pieces on songs from musicals. In addition to the talent of the combined and select choruses, the two shows featured solos from the following gifted students: Mariana Chacon, Natalie Coughlin, Isaiah desBordes, Luca Graziano, Tatum Greiner, Mia Malyk, Theo Meseck, Colette Schoenmaker, and Karsyn Wishert. Thank you to all for sharing your voices with us!
Coming Soon:
June 1- 6th grade field trip
June 2- 7th grade field trip
June 4- Drama production, 7 p.m
June 9-11- 8th grade trip to Washington, DC
June 12- 6th grade LEAD pool party
June 15- 6th grade LEAD pool party RAIN DATE
June 16- FULL DAY; 8th grade BBQ
June 17- Early dismissal 12:25 p.m.
June 18- Early dismissal 12:25 p.m.; 8th grade graduation 5 p.m. at Dickerson
June 19- Early dismissal 12:25 p.m.; last day of school
