BPMC #32 Updates & Announcements

We hope you and your loved ones are having a safe, restful, and joyful summer!

Your Child’s First Day of School 2026-2027

Here are a few things to help you and your child prepare for their first day of school. The first day of school, Thursday, September 3, 2026, is for all K-8 grade students. All returning students should report to their previous homerooms on the first day of school.

Phasing-In

Phasing-in is an important tradition at BPMC. It is an opportunity for your child to get comfortable with school, meet new friends, and work with some materials. We realize it may be an inconvenience for families, but the benefits to your child will last all year. We encourage you to make arrangements for your child to attend these important phasing-in days at school.

4-Year-Old (PK) Phasing-In

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 & Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – AM ONLY

Students may take the AM bus to school. Only on Tuesday, September 8, only 1 parent is permitted to walk their child to his/her class. Please plan to pick up your child by 12:15pm on this day.

The first full day for our 4-year-old students is Thursday, September 10, 2026. PM bussing will begin on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for our 4-year-old (PK) students.

3-Year-Old (PS) Phasing-In

Monday, September 14, 2026 & Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – AM ONLY

Students may take the AM bus to school. Only on Monday, September 14, 2026, only 1 parent is permitted to walk their child to his/her class. Please plan to pick up your child by 12:15pm on these days. The first full day of school for our 3-year-old (PS) students is Wednesday, September 16, 2026. PM bussing will begin on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for our 3-year-old students.

New Students in grades PS-3rd

Please be sure that your child has identification with them (ex: label bookbag, label school supplies, etc.).

Our 2026-2027 New Parent Gathering/Ready Freddy event at Bennett Park Montessori Center will be held on Tuesday, August 25th from 10:00am-12:00pm.

This event is a special day dedicated to ensuring that our young students are ready for the first day of school. During this event, you and your child will have the opportunity to:

• Meet building administrators
• Engage with teachers and building-based staff members
• Get familiar with and tour a Montessori classroom
• Meet other parents, as well as your child will be able to meet other classmates!
• Tour a yellow school bus – parents and students will receive important information on bus safety, such as waiting safely at the bus stop, boarding and exiting the bus correctly, finding a seat, and behaving appropriately while on the bus
• Learn arrival/dismissal procedures and expectations in advance of the start of school

There will also be a supply drop-off for new PreK & Kindergarten families.

We hope you can attend!

All students will need an updated physical for the required grades. To avoid the back-to-school rush, we encourage families to get into their primary care provider ASAP. If you have questions about your child’s health record, please contact our school clinic during regular school hours (9:10am-4:05pm). Last day for proof of immunizations is September 16, 2026. For more information in immunization requirements, please visit: https://www.buffaloschools.org/o/dept-social-emotional-and-wellness-supports/page/immunization-requirements

These clinics are walk-in clinics; no appointments will be scheduled. Doors will open at 10am and we will stop letting individuals in at 2pm.

4th Saturday - Various WNY Cultural Organizations: Free admission July-September for Grade 4 and 8 students and up to 2 family members (zip codes: 14201-14280): Buffalo Maritime Center and Seneca Chief, Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo Black Rock Museum, Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Buffalo Harbor Museum, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo Presidential Center, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Burchfield Penney Art Gallery, Explore & More Children’s Museum, Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church, Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, Martin House, TR Inaugural Site, and WUFO Black History Collective.

FREE admission in August and September for Grade 4 students and 1 family member (zip codes: 14201-14280)

This summer, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, all children (K-8) are invited to join in the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Participants will read and track 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 4. Every book counts! Once students have read 12 books, they can submit the linked form to receive a personalized certificate, an America 250th anniversary-themed bookmark, and a special link to receive a prize! They will also be entered for a chance to visit the nation’s capital and the White House with a chaperone. For more information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/read/

During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child (PreK- 6) who meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single-topping Personal Pan Pizza®* from participating locations. Parents/Caregivers can download the BOOK IT!® Mobile App and follow the steps to create an account to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards.

Please join us this summer as we support our Community garden. Outdoor learning is an essential part of our Montessori learning environment. No experience is necessary- everyone is welcome to help plant, water, weed, and learn. Come on out as we continue to grow!

Following the Buffalo Public Schools Facebook page is one of the best ways for families, students and staff to get updates, see celebrations from across our schools, and stay connected to district news.

The BPS Family Resource Centers are open to all BPS families, students, and staff! Located conveniently across the city, our FRCs offer free programming and resources year-round.

https://www.buffaloschools.org/o/dept-family-and-community-engagement/page/familyresourcecenters

School District Website:

• https://www.buffaloschools.org/o/ps32

Facebook:

• “Bennett Park Montessori BPS 32 Community”
• “Bennett Park Montessori News and Events”
• Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization (BPTO)

Instagram:

• bennettparkmca

Administration:

• Erika LaMar (Principal) - elamar@buffaloschools.org
• Rene' Cooley (Assistant Principal) - rcooley@buffaloschools.org
• Mark Przybysz (Assistant Principal) - meprzybysz@buffaloschools.org
• Cameron Stelmach (Assistant Principal) - stelmach@buffaloschools.org