August 16th
Bonnie's Message
Mrs. Gonzalez’s update
Hello Raider Families!
What a fantastic first two days we had. Your students are amazing! Throughout the halls I can hear laughter and excitement as students meet up with each other. The smiles on their faces when they would see their teachers and other educators was infectious.
My team and I visited many classrooms this week and we saw kids engaged in culture-building activities, goal setting, creating learning objectives, working with technology, creating classroom norms, practicing organizational strategies, and having fun! As an educator, it feels incredible to be surrounded by such engaging instruction and it has only been two days!! I cannot wait to see the great things that will be happening in classrooms as we progress through the year. Black Mountain is truly a special place!
Thank you Raider Families for doing your best to follow our traffic procedures in the morning and afternoon. Traffic was very busy this week, especially with our neighbor Sunset Hills. Please make sure you are dropping off your student in the designated areas only. Please also be respectful to our neighbors in the surrounding community and not park in front of private driveways.
If your child forgot an item at home, you can drop it off at the front office. Students can come to check items dropped off throughout the day.
Alternative Vehicle Information (aka bike permit). Please use this link to get information and instructions on how to obtain an Alternative Vehicle Permit.
Our theme is Lego this year. Legos represent how we will work and build on each other in our many spaces on campus. The song “Everything is Awesome” keeps playing in my head when I walk through the halls and listen to the excitement in our educators and students. I am looking forward to building “Awesome” creations with all of you this year!
Your proud principal,
Bonnie Gonzalez
EFBMMS Fundraiser
PTSA Dining Fundraiser - Kebab Shop 8.19.26
School Site Council Members Needed!
Dear Raider Families,
We currently have THREE open seats for parent representatives on Black Mountain Middle School’s School Site Council. This is a two-year commitment and a wonderful opportunity to become more involved in our school community.
The School Site Council brings together parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators to review school goals, discuss student needs, and help guide decisions regarding programs and the use of certain school funds. As a parent representative, you will provide an important family perspective, help shape decisions that affect our school, and contribute to the continued success of Black Mountain Middle School and its students.
Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 16, from 3:15–4:15 p.m. in the PCR. At that meeting, the council will establish its meeting calendar for the remainder of the school year. The anticipated commitment is approximately five to six meetings each year.
If you are interested in serving on the School Site Council, please use this link to submit your name for consideration. A vote will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity to represent our families and support Black Mountain Middle School.
Warmly,
Jeff Bales
Assistant Principal (M-Z)
Two Student Representatives Needed for School Site Council
Attention: 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students!
Would you like to have a voice in decisions that help shape Black Mountain Middle School? We are looking for two responsible and dedicated students to serve on our School Site Council.
The School Site Council brings together students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators to review school goals, discuss student needs, and help determine how certain school funds are used. As a student representative, you will share ideas and provide an important student perspective on how we can make Black Mountain an even better place to learn.
Student representatives serve a two-year term and attend approximately three to five meetings during the year. Meetings will be held from 3:15–4:15 p.m., either in person or on Zoom.
If you are interested, please pick up an application from Mrs. Coble in the Front Office. Applications are due Monday, August 24. If you have questions, please see Mr. Bales or Mrs. Gonzalez.
Let your voice be heard and help make a difference at Black Mountain!
SORA Summer Reading Program
It's almost time for the Sora Summer Reading Program Ice Cream Social! If you read 10 books or 10 hours this summer, you can join us Thursday, September 10th, during your lunch in the library for an ice cream party. In order to join, you need to submit your summer reading log to the front office by September 1st. There will be reading logs available to fill out in the library or the front office, or we accept reading logs from public libraries or the SORA reading log. Those of you that qualify will receive a golden ticket to join! Please see Mrs. Simmons or Coach Furtak with any questions.
Coffee with the Principal, 9/11/26
Ms. Gonzalez is hosting a Virtual Principal Coffee on Friday, September 11, at 8:15 a.m.
This is a wonderful opportunity to grab a cup of coffee, connect with Ms. Gonzalez, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation about our school community.
Additionally, our counselors and Assistant Principals will join the meeting from time to time, as their schedules permit, providing another opportunity to connect with members of our leadership team.
To help us prepare for the discussion, please submit any questions for Ms. Gonzalez by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9.
The meeting link will be emailed on Thursday afternoon, September 10, to everyone who has RSVP'd.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the BMMS Library!
August 31-September 4
Students will have the opportunity to shop the book fair before school, at lunch and after school. This is a fundraiser for the library; in person and online purchases support the library’s efforts to select new books and materials for our students.
Visit BMMS’ Book Fair page to:
Set-up your student’s e-wallet (recommended)
Preview books featured this year
Shop the online book fair starting August 31
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/blackmountainmiddleschool
Volunteer for the Book Fair
We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the book fair run smoothly so that students and educators have an enjoyable experience. Click the link below to sign-up!
Thank you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445ABA72FA1F9CE9-64491066-bmms#/
Hiring Fair - Noon Duty
8/19 Picture Day for 8th Grade & Make-Up Day for 6th/7th
8th Grade - Picture Day
and 6th/7th Grade students that didn't have their picture during registration.
Science Olympiad Information Night
Is your student interested in Robotics? Check out the BMMS Robotics Teams at our Info Night on Thursday, August 27 at 7pm in the covered Lunch Area. Interested students and parents can hear about the program and try their hand at driving the robots. Got questions? Please email bmms.ftc.robotics@gmail.com
BMMS Running Raiders Info Meeting 8/17 @ 3pm
SPIN Club
BMMS Math Team
Volunteer Needed for Scholastic Book Fair
6th Grade - Camp Cuyamaca Open House
Below is information about Camp Cuyamaca's upcoming Open House being held on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 10am-2pm. Participants will have the chance to meet the staff, tour the campus, take a short hike, sing campfire songs, and more.
The SDCOE hosts camp for 6th Graders. Our 6th graders will have the opportunity to attend camp February 2027. More information about the opportunity to participate in 6th grade camp including registration, payment, with deadlines will be forthcoming to all sixth grade families in mid to late September.
https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/parenting-classes-educationParent Education Workshops
Courses are offered for parents of students in the grade ranges listed below:
- Empowering Parents: Strategies for Managing Challenging Behaviors
Grades TK-5th - Developing an Effective Individualized Education Plan: Prevent Parent Burnout
Grades TK-12th - Raising Children in Multiracial Families
Grades TK-12th - Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety
Grades TK-5th and Grades 6th-12th - Navigating Adolescence: Effective Behavior Management for Parents
Grades 6th-8th - Using Your Strengths to Navigate Life's Storms
Grades TK-12th - Taming Your Child's Tantrums and Meltdowns
Grades TK-5th - Parenting Preteens: Growing Confidence and Connection
Grades 5th-7th
Quick Links
August
08/17/26 - Running Raiders Info Meeting, 3:00pm
08/19/26 - 8th Grade and Make-Up Picture Day (during school day)
08/24/26 - BMMS Math Team Information Night on Zoom, 7:30pm
08/25/26 - BMMS Science Olympiad Information Night,
- Interactive Session 6:15-7:00PM
- Info Session 7:00-7:30PM
08/26/26 - Back to School Night, 5:30-7:30pm
08/27/26 - Robotics Info Nights, 7pm in the Lunch Area
08/31/26 - 09/04/26 - Scholastic Book Fair, Fundraiser
September
09/15/26-10/15/26 - Hispanic Heritage Month
09/01/26 - 09/04/26 - Scholastic Book Fair, Fundraiser
09/03/26 - Spin Club begins, 4pm in the Quad
09/07/26 - Labor Day, No School
09/09/26 - AVID Induction Day, 6pm
09/10/26 - PUSD Board Meeting, 6pm
09/11/26 - Coffee with the Principal, 8:15am (MS Teams)
09/11/26 - Picture Make Up
09/12/26 - 6th Grade Open House @ Camp Cuyamaca, 10am -2pm
09/16/26 - School Site Council Meeting, 2:45-3:45pm
09/18/26 - Breakfast of Champions - PE (by invitation only)
09/25/26 - End of 6-week grading period - progress reports
*Subject to Change
