Bulldog Bulletin

• Message from the Principal
• Important Dates
• Become the Bulldog!
• College and Career Corner
• School Picture Day: September 16
• Back to School Hub
• BHS Scheduling FAQs
• Transportation Updates
• Athletics Information
• Join the Cross Country Team!
• Join the Drama Club
• UPDATE: BHS Student Parking Passes
• Senior Parking Spot Contracts
• Fundraising Process at BHS
• BHS Fall Sports Interest Form
• Student Code of Conduct
• Updated Cell Phone Policy
• Update Technology/Personal Device Policy
• New Outside Food Policy
• Meet the Coaches Night
• Rank One Assistance
• BHS Fall Sports Interest Form
• Updated Cell Phone Policy
• Wellness Center
• BHS Baseball 5th Annual Golf Outing
• D.E.E.P. at BHS
• Schoology Access for Parents
• Volunteering at BHS

Bulldog Community,

What a phenomenal first week our students and staff had at Brandywine High School! The energy was high and our culture was vibrant and positive. I had the chance to meet with each class and the theme of my message revolved around the opportunity to create or finalize your legacy at Brandywine High School. For our underclassmen, now is the time to find yourself as a learner in their classes, prove you can do hard things, and establish positive relationships with staff. For our upperclassmen, they are finalizing how they will be remembered at BHS. What can they still accomplish, how can they leave their mark on this great school, and ultimately how will they be remembered in these halls and within these walls for years to come? I hope that students left our class meetings feeling excited and focused on what they can do to become their best selves. We could not be more optimistic for what this school year will bring for our entire school community.

All The Best,

Dr. Sterling H. Seemans

Principal

sterling.seemans@bsd.k12.de.us

26-27 BSD Calendar

BHS Athletics Calendar

• 9/4: Schools Closed. Offices Open
• 9/7: Schools and Offices Closed (Labor Day)
• 9/11: Rosh Hashanah
• 9/15: Schools Closed. Offices Open (PD Day for Staff and State Primary Election)
• 9/16: School Picture Day
• 9/21: Schools Closed/ Offices Open (Yom Kippur)
• 9/24: Marking Period 1 Interim Ends
• 10/23: Schools Closed. Offices Open (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
• 10/30: Marking Period 1 Ends

WHO’S READY TO BECOME THE BULLDOG?! 🐾 Brandywine High School is looking for an energetic and spirited underclassman to bring our Bulldog mascot to life! 💙🤍 🏈 Football Games 🏀 Basketball Games 📣 Pep Rallies 🎉 School & Community Events …and more! We’re looking for someone who can bring the energy, show their Bulldog Pride, and keep the Bulldog’s identity a SECRET! 🤫🐾 Think you have what it takes? REPRESENT. ENERGIZE. INSPIRE. BE THE BULLDOG. Interested students should complete the interest form to be considered! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdS3TrMJHgCswJrtSN8C0D6sXfmE98IVlJ3TLnthhSnCVc-OQ/viewform?usp=dialog 💙🐾 #ThePlaceToBe #BulldogPride

Planning Your Future- Grade Level Info Sessions for students and families

In-Person, Zoom, and Recorded

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASS OF 2027

Concord High School 12th grade- Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:00pm in the Raider Room

Brandywine High School 12th grade- Wednesday, Sep 9 at 6:00pm in the C3

Mount Pleasant High School 12th grade- Thursday, Sep 10 at 6:00pm in the Library

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASS OF 2028

For all BSD 11th grade students and families

Tuesday, Sep 29 at 6:00pm

Hosted at Brandywine High School in the College & Career Center (C3)

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASSES OF 2029 & 2030

For all BSD 9th and 10th grade students and families

Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:00pm

Hosted at Mount Pleasant High School in the Library

To RSVP and get the Zoom link, go to https://forms.gle/eFSC4xDFk8Y2dbLy8

Recordings will be posted on this webpage following the events

🥞🐾 Senior Breakfast! 🎓💙

A huge THANK YOU to the Delaware National Guard for helping us celebrate the Class of 2027 by providing breakfast for our seniors this past Wednesday morning!

We are incredibly grateful for our community partners who continue to show up for our Bulldogs and help us create memorable experiences for our students. What a great way for our seniors to kick off their final year at Brandywine High School!

Thank you, Delaware National Guard, for your generosity and continued support of our students! 💙🤍

#ClassOf2027 #BulldogPride #ThePlaceToBe

Brandywine School District’s Back-to-School Hub is live at www.brandywineschools.org/BackToSchool. The site provides families with central, convenient access to important information for the upcoming school year, including calendars, schedules, dress code information, school supply lists, technology resources, transportation information, and more. A link to the hub has also been placed on the front page of each school’s website.

With the school year right around the corner, students and families will want to know their schedules for the upcoming school year and may have questions regarding possible next steps or changes. Please refer to the attached FAQ sheet regarding schedules at Brandywine High School. Please reach out to your child's school counselor with any questions or requests for change:

Counseling:

Counseling Department Chair: Ms. Lisa Street lisa.street@bsd.k12.de.us

9th-11th Graders

Students with Last Names A-K: Mr. Kreig Joseph kreig.joseph@bsd.k12.de.us

Students with Last Names L-Z: Ms. Renee Kershaw renee.kershaw@bsd.k12.de.us

12th Graders

College and Career Counselor: Ms. Susan Hullman susan.hullman@bsd.k12.de.us

Families, as a reminder, bus information is now available through Infinite Campus and the WheresTheBus app. Physical bus cards will not be mailed home this school year. Families are encouraged to review their child’s bus stop location, pickup time, and transportation information before the first day of school.

Infinite Campus information, including login and access resources, is available at www.brandywineschools.org/InfiniteCampus.

Transportation information and details about the WheresTheBus app are available at www.brandywineschools.org/Transportation.

For information around our athletics department please visit https://www.bulldogssports.com/ or reach out to Athletic Director, Darren Schulke darren.schulke@bsd.k12.de.us.

Our cross country team, particularly our Girls team, are looking for students to join. Whether you’re an experienced runner or have never laced up before, we welcome everyone to be part of our team. XC is about more than just running--it’s about building friendships, supporting one another, and pushing yourself to achieve new goals. No experience is needed. Come run with us, make lasting memories, and show your Bulldog Pride!

BULLDOG PARKING UPDATE

At Brandywine High School, we’re proud of our traditions—but we also recognize that strong communities listen, reflect, and respond.

For many years, Brandywine has charged a student parking fee as a fundraiser to support student programs and activities within our school community. Over the past several days, we’ve heard feedback from our students, families, and community members regarding this long-standing practice.

We value the voices of our stakeholders, and after listening to that feedback, we are making an update.

Watch this message from Dr. Seemans for an important update regarding student parking for the 2026–2027 school year.

Brandywine High School will no longer charge students a fee to park on campus.

Students who plan to drive to school will still be required to:

🔹 Complete the BHS Student Parking Application

🔹 Receive an assigned parking space

🔹 Display their BHS parking placard on their rearview mirror while parked on campus

Thank you to our Bulldog community for sharing your feedback and continuing to partner with us. Traditions are an important part of Brandywine, but so is being willing to listen and evolve alongside the community we serve.

That partnership is part of what makes BHS #ThePlaceToBe! 💙🐾

Please use this link to complete the contract:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNqThVUvMjNKWkaR5gZ4omgwcZuWAjrSnu277qG3VSBTR8DQ/viewform

Please complete this form for any fundraiser associated with clubs and organizations associated with Brandywine High School. Approval for the fundraiser will be sent via email by Dr. Seemans or Ms. Schiavino.

Any student interested in trying out or participating in a Fall sport is encouraged to complete the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmkgNV76h2EffJKITAhSN9nnDLe3uwM3AQ7vB9Zop08z2GtA/viewform

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Athletic Director Mr. Darren Schulke at Darren.Schulke@bsd.k12.de.us

The Student Code of Conduct serves as a guide for creating safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed. It outlines the expectations for student behavior, promotes positive relationships, and helps students understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of making responsible choices. The Code also describes the procedures used to address behavioral concerns in a fair, consistent, and supportive manner.

We encourage all families to review the Student Code of Conduct with their child each school year. By working together, families and schools can foster a positive school climate that supports student learning, well-being, and success. To view the complete Student Code of Conduct, please select the link below.

The District’s Student Code of Conduct is an official policy of the Brandywine School Board. The primary goals in discipline are improving behavior and protecting the welfare of all students.

Provisions in the Student Code of Conduct apply to all students in grades K-12 as well as those in the District’s 18 to 22 year old program, unless noted otherwise. Each student holds responsibility for their own behavior. It is noted that differences in age and maturity are recognized as staff, students, and families make decisions about appropriate disciplinary action.

Brandywine High School's Updated Cell Phone Policy

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, Brandywine High School is implementing our updated cell phone expectations to create an environment where students can stay engaged, minimize distractions, and maximize learning.

Our goal isn't to punish students—it's to help them succeed by ensuring classrooms remain focused on instruction while still allowing students to access their phones during appropriate times.

📱 Students may access their phones:

✅ Before & After School

✅ During Class Transitions

✅ During Lunch

🚫 During Instructional Time:

• Phones must be turned off or silenced.

• Phones may be stored in a teacher-designated location.

• Phones may not be accessed during class unless directed by staff.

Progressive Consequences:

📌 1st Offense: Phone taken for the day & parent/guardian contacted.

📌 2nd Offense: Phone taken for the day & parent conference.

📌 3rd Offense: Student will receive a cell phone pouch and be required to secure their phone each morning for a minimum of one marking period.

Thank you to our students and families for partnering with us as we work to create classrooms where everyone can learn, participate, and thrive.

Focused on Learning. Respectful of Instruction. Ready for Success.

UPDATED TECHNOLOGY POLICY | 2026–2027

As we prepare to welcome our Bulldogs back, we want families and students to be aware of an important update to our technology expectations.

Personal devices are not permitted for use in class. This includes personal laptops, iPads/tablets, and other personal technology devices.

Students are expected to use their Brandywine High School-issued 1:1 Chromebook for all classroom technology needs.

Need a school-issued device? Students who need a 1:1 Chromebook should pick up a Technology Agreement Form, have it signed and completed by a parent/guardian, and return the completed form to Mr. Holt to receive their device.

Please make sure your school-issued Chromebook is charged, ready, and brought to school each day.

Thank you to our students and families for helping us create consistent learning environments where technology supports instruction and keeps our Bulldogs focused and ready to learn!

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind all students and families that no outside food or beverages are permitted in the building after 7:30 AM.

This is especially important for students arriving late to school. All students arriving after 7:30 AM are required to enter through the Main Office. Students who arrive with outside food or beverages—including coffee, breakfast, fast food, or energy drinks—will be required to throw those items away before being admitted to class.

Our goal is simple: students should arrive at school on time, prepared, and be IN CLASS by 7:30 AM ready to learn.

This also includes DoorDash, Grubhub, and other food delivery orders during the school day. Parents/guardians may still drop off lunch for a student who has forgotten one at home.

Our baseball team will be hosting their 5th annual golf tournament at Deerfield Golf Club on Monday, September 21. Players can sign up as an individual or foursome. The team is also looking for hole sponsors. All proceeds go directly to the Brandywine High School baseball team. Please email Coach Julian (Michael.Julian@bsd.k12.de.us) with a any questions.

Brandywine high is the home of D.E.E.P. @ BHS. The dance elective education program can only be found at Brandywine high. It allows our students the opportunity to study and train in dance for credit. Current courses include: Exploration of Dance for the student who is unsure of which genre of dance to study. Exploration of dance takes a semester long look at ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop.

Ballet/Modern/Lyrical I, II, III & IV progresses through all three styles. Each level challenges the student to take a deeper look into his or her own artistic perspective as they are given additional projects and assignments to foster artistic growth.

Jazz/HipHop/Tap/Funk I, II, III, IV is grounded in these American born dance artforms. Each level challenges the returning student to discover his or her own artistic perspective as they too complete additional assignments to foster artistic growth.

The benefits of participating in performing arts are numerous and quite robust. Creativity, collaboration and communication skills are developed. Confidence is built. Additionally, dance students can anticipate gains in coordination, flexibility, strength and stamina.

While it is important to be mindful of meeting all of your requirements for graduation, D.E.E.P. @ BHS fulfills your elective credits and more. Check and see if you can fit a dance course into your schedule today.

📘 Getting Started with Schoology (for Parents)

These guides explain how to log in, view assignments, and track upcoming work:

• Schoology Parent Guide (PDF)
Step-by-step instructions for setting up a parent account and viewing assignments
https://uc.powerschool-docs.com/en/schoology/latest/parents

• How Parents Can Use Schoology (Video)
A short overview showing what parents can see and how to navigate the platform
https://www.powerschool.com/video/how-parents-can-use-schoology/

📬 Staying Informed & Organized

These tools help parents stay aware of assignments and deadlines:

• Schoology Parent Communication Tools
Learn how to turn on email notifications and weekly summaries for assignments and due dates
https://www.fcps.edu/schoology/parents/communication-tools

🗣️ Supports for Students with Communication or Processing Challenges

These resources highlight tools that can make written directions easier to understand:

• Text-to-Speech & Immersive Reader Tools (Video)
Shows how students can have instructions read aloud, which can help with comprehension
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB1CVfUftSc

• Schoology Accessibility Features
Information about accessibility options teachers may use to make content clearer and more student-friendly
https://uc.powerschool-docs.com/en/schoology/latest/accessibility-checker

🧠 Supporting Executive Functioning at Home

These strategies can be used alongside Schoology to help students stay organized and reduce frustration:

• Visual schedules or checklists for daily schoolwork
• Breaking assignments into smaller steps
• Using timers or reminders to support task initiation and completion

Families may also find these assistive technology resources helpful:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/special-education/services-and-programs/assistive-technology-services

Brandywine High School relies on the generosity of time from our great families within the community. We welcome those who want to help be apart of our village and have a plethora of opportunities for volunteers to engage with our students and staff to better the middle school experience of our youth.

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