The Bulldog Blast
BCMS Community Newsletter
Dear Ballenger Creek Middle Families,
I hope that you and your loved ones are well. As I write this, we’re about three weeks from the end of term three and spring break is five weeks away. This stretch until spring break almost always feels challenging for students, parents, and school staff.
Thankfully, the sun is now setting after 6:00 p.m. and the clocks spring forward this weekend--combined with warmer weather, hopefully the increased daylight and time outside will be good for everyone both physically and emotionally.
As we head towards the fourth quarter, how has the school year gone for you and your child so far? I always tell parents that because we’re guiding almost 750 adolescents at school each day, things will never be perfect, but we strive to be collaborative with you and responsive when challenging situations present themselves.
If you need support to help your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor, grade level assistant principal, or me.
6th grade counselor: David.Ledyard@fcps.org
6th grade assistant principal: Sarah.Gordy@fcps.org
7th grade counselor: Johnny.Webber@fcps.org
7th grade assistant principal: Susan.Messmore@fcps.org
8th grade counselor: Rebecca.Reese@fcps.org
8th grade assistant principal: Nyesha.Lanes@fcps.org
Take care,
Jay Schill
Principal, BCMS
As you all know, February was a busy month. We worked hard to collect registration information for our current 6th and 7th graders as well as our incoming 6th grade students. We really appreciate all the students and families who submitted their registration forms on time so we can start preparing for next school year.
March 19th is the end of term 3, which means students still have a few weeks to make sure all their work is submitted before the end of the term. Please check in with your child to make sure they are keeping up with their assignments, so they are not scrambling at the last minute. Reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions about specific assignments.
For general questions, please reach out to your child’s grade level counselor:
6th Grade Counselor Mr. Ledyard David.ledyard@fcps.org
7th Grade Counselor Mr. Webber johnny.webber@fcps.org
8th Grade Counselor Ms. Reese Rebecca.reese@fcps.org
Below are a few important dates to keep in mind this month.
Important Dates:
March 19th – end of term 3 and 2hr early dismissal
March 20th – No School – Teacher workday
March 23rd – Day 1 of Term 4
Our department has been busy scheduling upcoming IEP meetings as we head into the spring season. We encourage you to continue reaching out to your child’s case manager with any questions or for additional support. A strong partnership between school and home is the key to every child’s success.
The case managers for each grade level are as follows:
6th Grade: Elissa Grimm and Danielle Holt
7th Grade: Emily Pemrick and Tyler Britt
8th Grade: Ashley Nuckols and Kelsey Summers.
Speech and Language: Kellee Byun
This year, Ballenger Creek Middle School is focused on helping every student achieve their best, with goals around academic success, attendance, behavior, and wellness. We're working to improve proficiency in both English and Math, reduce chronic absenteeism, and ensure that students are supported in making positive choices. Strategies include high-dosage tutoring, early intervention for attendance, social-emotional learning, and wellness activities.
Families play a huge role in student success! Please encourage your child to attend school every day, and check in regularly on their progress. Together, we can create a strong foundation for your child’s future success.
Thank you for your continued partnership!
Advanced Academics
Dual Enrollment:
Dual Enrollment (DE) courses allow students to earn college credits before they graduate from high school. These courses are offered through a partnership between Frederick Community College (FCC) and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).
For more information, visit the DE website: https://www.frederick.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.aspx (there are three upcoming information sessions) and to get an idea of the current course offerings, view the slideshow: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IyUhzmObvNVVaFCMyK3LcKTG3YbvxpIupJFxJtwH0BE/edit?slide=id.g2b28bc03c83_0_0#slide=id.g2b28bc03c83_0_0 ;
Mathematics Department:
In honors classes, students will complete Module 6 (Equations and Inequalities) and start Module 7 (Relationships between Two variables). In Module 7, students extend their knowledge on solving equations to the relationship between independent and dependent variables in linear equations. They will show and explain this relationship with equations, graphs, tables, and words.
7th Grade: Students will be finishing Module 6 (Write and Solve Equations) and begin Module 7 (Write and Solve Inequalities). Module 6 involves solving equations by isolating the variable, as well as writing equations to represent word problems. Module 7 involves solving and graphing the solutions to inequalities, as well as writing inequalities to represent word problems.
7ACC: Students will work through Module 8 (Linear Equations and Slope) and move into Module 9 (Probability). In Module 8, students will explore the relationship between proportional relationships and slope, similar triangles, direct variation, and graphing linear equations. In Module 9, students will begin by finding likelihoods and relative frequency of simple events.
8th Grade: Students will be finishing up Module 7 (Triangles and Pythagorean Theorem) and working through Module 8 (Transformations). In Module 8, students will be learning how to translate, rotate, reflect, and dilate geometric figures.
Algebra: Students will be finishing Module 10 and working through Module 11 (Quadratic Functions). In Module 11, students will be learning the key features of quadratic graphs, how to solve quadratic equations via multiple methods, and how to solve a system of linear and quadratic equations.
Students should be completing weekly ALEKS topic goals in Math. Students should be checking their Math Schoology pages to see their specific weekly goal. Students can monitor their own progress by checking their topic reports in ALEKS. For questions about ALEKS topic goals, please reach out to your student’s grade level math teacher, our school Math Specialist, Ms. Moffitt (Maleita.Moffitt@fcps.org), or our school Math Department Chair, Ms. Dickson (ashley.dickson@fcps.org).
Students should be checking their grade reports on Schoology weekly to see updates regarding missing/re-do work. If there are any questions regarding student grades, please reach out to your student’s grade level math teacher.
Media Center And Technology
Please use the following link for updates and information regarding the Media Center and Technology: https://secure.smore.com/n/7pd81
- Jenn Lungociu
Science
Are you interested in participating in the Frederick County Science and Engineering Fair this spring? This is a chance to explore a scientific question or engineering challenge, present your project, and possibly earn recognition and awards. Check out the FCPS Science & Engineering Fair Homepage for more detailed information.
Top middle school winners qualify to enter the national Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Competition (JIC)!
300 semifinalists are selected from across the nation and the top 30 compete in Washington DC!
Fill out the Science Fair Interest Form 2026: here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3IK7wHVtQI2j41AT9RFEinthITcq9F_FUdIC4AbMeNo1UzQ/viewform
For more information about the Science Fair click the link and see the flyer below.
Register by March 6th!
M.I.S.A. Testing
Dear Families,
We want to let you know that 8th grade students will be participating in the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) during their regular science classes from March 3–March 6.
MISA is a state-required assessment that measures students’ understanding of key science concepts and practices aligned with Maryland’s science standards. This assessment is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout middle school science.
To help your child feel prepared and confident, please ensure they:
Get a good night’s sleep
Arrive at school on time
Bring their charged device
Thank you for your continued support of our science program. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s science teacher.
-Rebecca Satterfield, Science Department Chair
Music Matters
A huge congrats to the instrumental students of BCMS for their successful Solo and Ensemble performances this week. Alice Rupp, oboist, and Angela Vallecillo Rangel, flutist. Both earned ratings of a Superior (I) for their solo performances.
The small mixed ensemble of Alice Rupp- oboe, Corinne Poticny- flute, Andrew Kirchhoff- clarinet, and Bruce Edelin- percussion, also earned a rating of Superior (I). All Three performances will advance to the state level of competition representing Ballenger Creek Middle School Music Department and our great community in May. Break A Leg Bulldogs!!!
The Music Department would also like to send their best wishes to the 7th and 8th grade Band, the Orchestra, and the Combined Chorus as they head to Adjudications this month for county festivals.
While for many students, this may not be their first time experiencing the assessment of performance arts, our students have been putting in long hours of practicing and really proving they can hold up to any other group in the county. We wish them all luck and want them all to know, they are truly LEADers.
-Ms. Windy Schmidt, Music Director
Fellowship Of Christian Athletes
Our school is only as good as its volunteers, so if you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself and helpful to the school, think about joining the PTSA, Membership is $10 for the year. If you are interested please contact ballengercreekms.ptsa@gmail.com.
BCMS VOLUNTEERS are needed!
Interested family and community members should be directed to the FCPS Volunteer Webpage to follow the new onboarding process found below:
· Complete a registration form.
· Complete one training module on Unified Talent.
· Await school approval on application.
· Once approved, sign-up for volunteer opportunities facilitated by individual schools.
**Please note, this is an annual process and must be completed every school year. To avoid delays, volunteer applicants should only apply once and can be added to multiple schools AFTER initial building approval. Additionally, we are advising all prospective volunteers that they must complete the registration form and training using the exact same full name and email address each time. Using nicknames, abbreviations, hyphen variations, or alternate spellings or email addresses will create delays in import.
Lunch For All
Ballenger Creek Middle’s fundraising page is now live on AllforLunch.org!
www.AllforLunch.org/BallengerCreekMS
This page is dedicated specifically to BCMS, and 100% of the donations will go directly to our school to help eliminate school lunch debt of our students, which is significant. There are no fees, and all donations are tax-deductible. Donors will automatically receive a receipt via email after giving.
All for Lunch and Lunch for All!
BCMS Multicultural Night
Please join us for our annual Multi-cultural night here at BCMS on April 23, 2026 from 6-7:30 pm.
Share with us about your culture through music, games, clothing, food or whatever you would like to share.
If you would like to participate, please see Ms. Kathleen Rogers as soon as possible, as I would like to know all participants no later than February 27th.
All displays must be to me, Ms. Rogers, no later than April 13th.
-Kathleen Rogers, Community Liaison
Smiles Program
Tooth decay is the No. 1 chronic disease of childhood—but it’s preventable. It’s Children’s Dental Health Month, and a great time to remind families to act now. When parents enroll early, children are more likely to receive care that keeps them healthy, in school, and ready to learn.
Parents, sign up your child(ren) for the in-school dental program as soon as possible. Convenient online sign up is available at:
Children covered by Medicaid can receive dental care at no cost, making this a convenient option.
Unclaimed Items
There is a large amount of clothing, lunch boxes shoes etc. in the lost and found here at BCMS. These items are in the cafeteria and outside of the P.E. door. While the students might not value the cost of these things, parents do. Please ask your students to search the lost and found for items they may be missing and pick up any belongings no later then March 8th.
All unclaimed items will be donated to the Rescue Mission (Beyond Shelter) on March 8th.
March 2nd through March 6th is BCMS Words Matter Week!
Join us in celebrating by wearing the following each day:
Monday — INTENT
Theme: School Swag / School Colors Day
- Wear: school colors, school hoodie/gear, team jersey, club shirt—whatever your building already loves.
- Thought To Remember: Intent is what you meant. Not just what you said. Be INTENTional about speaking kind and positive words to others.
Tuesday— IMPACT
Theme: Be Aware of The Impact Our Words Have On Others/ Wear Bright Colors To Show Awareness
- Wear: Yellow ,Green, Red, Orange
- Thought To Remember: “Impact is how it landed. If someone says it hurt, we don’t argue; we try to repair.”
Wednesday — MARGINALIZED
Theme: Instead of Pushing Others Out, We Will Invite Others In/Dress Like A Twin Day
(students have the option to match with a teacher if they don't have a trusted peer)
- Wear: match with a friend OR a trusted adult (counselor, favorite teacher, coach, security, cafeteria staff).
- Thought To Remember: Marginalized means pushed out or treated like you don’t matter. Twin Day reminds us: nobody should feel alone here.
Thursday— OPPRESSION
Theme: Breaking Patterns-Dress in Patterns
Oppression is when unfair treatment becomes a pattern
Wear: Stripes, Plaid, Polka Dots, Mixed Patterns, Graphic Prints
- Thought To Remember: Oppression is when unfair power becomes a pattern people stop questioning. We’re choosing to notice patterns and choosing better.
Friday— XENOPHOBIA
Theme: Embrace Your Unique Self!-Dress Like Yourself Day
- Wear: something that represents you: hobby shirt, team/club gear, favorite color, family business shirt, music interest, etc.
- Thought To Remember: Xenophobia is judging or targeting people for names, accents, culture, language, or where their family’s from. Different isn’t weird, it's beautiful.
This is an important reminder regarding morning drop-off and
afternoon pick-up procedures for car riders.
We have noticed an increase in families using the staff parking lot for morning drop-off. This creates challenges for staff attempting to park and disrupts traffic flow, as students must cross active car and bus lanes. For student safety and efficiency, all students should be dropped off using the designated car rider line that loops around the basketball court.
Additionally, Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church has opened its daycare. They have graciously continued to allow BCMS families to use the gravel lot located to the left of the church for drop-off and pick-up. Please note that the paved parking lot is coned off and reserved exclusively for daycare providers and families. We kindly ask that you respect these boundaries so we may continue to use their space.
Yearbooks Are On Sale Now!
Ballenger Creek Middle
Order your yearbook before it's too late!
Click the link to order:
8th Grade Baby Pictures Needed
BCMS Families of 8th Grade Students,
Please click the link below to fill out and submit this form by March 2nd to have your student's baby picture featured in the yearbook. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Kelsey Summers at kelsey.summers@fcps.org.
Join The Celebration
February was National Black History Month, and Ballenger Creek Middle School proudly invites parents, families, and community members to join us for our Black History Month Program. This special event is a celebration of the history, culture, resilience, and contributions of African Americans. Through performances and presentations, we will honor the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future with hope and pride.
This event will be held in the cafetorium. Please enter through the cafeteria entrance.
Doors open at 5:15pm.
Come early to enjoy free food samples and our Culture Cafe!
Admission is free!
We hope to see you there!
The 20th Annual Summer Soccer Camp is set for Monday June 22nd through Thursday June 25th. Friday the 26th will be used as a make up date if needed.
Camp runs from 8:30am-12:30pm each day.
This is a boys only camp (information on a girls camp will be coming soon).
Camp is for boys entering Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. We are expecting upwards of 125 campers again.
Go here to learn more about the camp and to register:
Learn more : https://soccer.titansportscamps.com/index.cfm
Register: https://register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?sport=7&id=321396
Here is a video from Camp a few years ago to give you an idea of what you'll experience:
https://youtu.be/nKQ6lX7SgTQ?si=LjaA-zzJn4-wdxAT
Here is a recap of our 2025 Season (if you haven't seen it yet):
https://youtu.be/wvaz_waZB1g?si=kKv4jqJOeVd_6wUr
Thank you for considering! Please reach out with any questions.
I am also pleased to announce that we are planning a World Cup watch party for the USA vs. Australia game on 6/19 at 3pm. This event will be held in the Tuscarora High Auditorium and feature a jumbo screen. Details to come!
-Coach Knepper
Troubling Social Media Trends
Parents and guardians, please be aware that social media users are participating in the “Picked my Date” trend on Tik Tok to post their suicide date.
The state’s attorney shared that there is a 200% increase in online sadistic exploitation, where people are telling kids to harm themselves, others, younger siblings, etc.
Youth are being targeted through SnapChat, Instagram, Discord, TikTok, Reddit, WhatsApp, YouTube, and video games with messaging options, like Roblox.
Please take some time to monitor your child's social media accounts and to talk
with them about their mental health and wellbeing.
School Year 2025-2026
For the 2025/2026 school year,
we wanted to provide a reminder about school meals.
In 2025-26, the price for meals is $1.75 for breakfast and $2.80 for lunch for elementary school students and $2.00 for breakfast and $3.05 for lunch for middle and high school students.
To apply for free and reduced-price meals, Visit the FCPS Food Service
online parent portal at www.linqconnect.com and click on
School Services and then select Free & Reduced Meal Application.
BCMS Spirit Wear Is Here!
Our BCMS Spirit Wear Store is finally OPEN!
Click the link below to see the store.
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/stores/ballenger-creek-middle-school-spiritwear-2724241
If you are looking for a specific item and can't find what you want, let us know! We can try to add more items if there is demand, and if our vendor offers that option.
-The BCMS PTSA Board
Volunteer Registration And Training Now Available
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is thrilled to partner with family and community members who are interested in joining efforts to support our students and schools with their time and talents by way of volunteering.
Last year, we welcomed over 12,700 volunteers into our school system contributing over 76,550 volunteer hours.
THANK YOU!
This year, FCPS collected the feedback from our volunteers and staff to modify the volunteer process, while prioritizing the safety and security of our students, staff and community. As a result, we have streamlined the process of registration and training to be completed by all volunteers across the county. All volunteers will be equipped with the necessary information they need to partner with our schools.
Family and community members interested in volunteering should begin the volunteer process by visiting our FCPS Volunteer Webpage. Applicants will be directed to:
Complete a registration form.
Complete a training module on Unified Talent.
Await school approval on application.
Sign-up for volunteer opportunities facilitated by individual schools.
*Complete only ONE registration form per person. Additional school selections may be added after original approval.
Please note: To avoid delays, you must complete the registration form and training using the exact same full name and email address each time. Do not use nicknames, abbreviations, hyphen variations, or alternate spellings or email addresses.
The volunteer registration and training process is completed annually for each school year. Volunteers must complete the process before being signed up for volunteer opportunities. FCPS encourages family and community members interested in volunteering to complete the process early as processing times can vary.
For technical support in Unified Talent, volunteer applicants may contact unifiedtalent@fcps.org. For all other volunteer related questions, volunteer applicants may contact: FCPSVolunteers@fcps.org. FCPS is grateful for the generous support from our family and community volunteers.
Click here for the FCPS Volunteer Webpage.
Be sure to consult the Frederick County Public Schools parent handbook and calendar for important dates and observances.
For a copy of the FCPS 2025-2026 SY Calendar, click here.