Banks Trail Middle School

Dear Timberwolf Families,

I can hardly believe we’ve reached the final month of the school year! May always brings a special kind of energy—equal parts excitement, celebration, and just a touch of middle school chaos. From field trips to performances, projects to end-of-year events, our students and staff are making the most of every moment as we head toward the finish line.

As we enter this busy time, we also begin state testing tomorrow (a reminder of the testing dates are below.) This is an important opportunity for our students to show what they’ve learned this year. We ask for your support in helping your child be successful by ensuring they are present at school each day, well-rested, and have a healthy breakfast before arriving. Please also note that there can be no dismissals during testing sessions, so we appreciate your help in planning appointments accordingly.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTO for the incredible way they spoiled our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week last month. From thoughtful treats to generous gifts, your kindness and support mean so much. We are grateful not only for that special week, but for all that you do for our school community throughout the entire year.

In addition, as we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to recognize our outstanding teachers and staff that we are fortunate enough to have here at Banks Trail. Their dedication, care, and commitment to our students do not go unnoticed. You are valued not only as educators, but as people who make a difference every single day. Quite simply, our school would not run without you! THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!

I also want to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am of our students. They have worked hard, grown in so many ways, and continued to show resilience and determination throughout the year. We are looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments with several end-of-year recognitions and events later this month.

A special congratulations goes out to all of our spring athletes and coaches! Thank you for your dedication, teamwork, and the pride you’ve shown while representing Banks Trail. You have truly made our school community proud both on and off the field.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. It takes all of us working together to create such a positive and successful school environment for our students.

Wishing you and your family a strong finish to the school year and a wonderful start to summer!

With gratitude,

Marc Pyrc

Principal, Banks Trail Middle

Please click here for the weekly Parent Trail Guide to see the updates from your student's teachers.

Congratulations to these students for being chosen as Leaders of the Pack! The focus last month was on students who show outstanding Integrity. We are so proud of these students for how the Walk the Trail.

6th grade: Ella G. and Jackson G.

7th grade: Rutisha B. and Libby Jane E.

8th grade: Alicia N. and Brewer C.

Related Arts: Ava V.C. and Celine G.

We are thrilled to announce our Teachers of the Month! These teachers are selected by students and colleagues and they demonstrate what it means to Walk the T.R.A.I.L. each day!

Congratulations to Connor Lee, one of our 6th grade Math teachers!

Congratulations also to Leonardo Francisco, one of our 8th grade ELA teachers!

Thank you both for all that you do for our BTMS students and teachers!

May 1-Early Release Day-1:10 pm dismissal; ALL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE

May 1-2-7th grade Band and Chorus Dollywood Trip

May 4-6-Lion King, Jr. Auditions and callbacks 3:30-5:00 pm

May 5-SC Ready ELA (Writing)

May 6-SC Ready (Reading)

May 8-5th grade Tours / 8th grade Read Out

May 8-Cheer Tryout Clinic 4-7 pm

May 12-SC Ready Math / Rising 6th grade Parent Meeting

May 12-14-Cheer Try-outs

May 13-SC Ready Science (6th grade only)

May 14-English I final exam

May 15-6th grade band and chorus trip to Carowinds

May 18-20-Rising 7th and 8th grade Honors Chorus Auditions

May 19-Geometry Final Exam

May 20-7th grade This I Believe-1:30

May 21-7th grade field trip to Anne Springs Greenway

May 22-6th grade Field Day

May 22-Club Day / Last Trail Ticket Exchange

May 25-NO SCHOOL-MEMORIAL DAY

May 26-8th grade PTO FUN DAY FIELD TRIP

May 26-7th grade Field Day

May 27-6th grade Awards Day 9am

May 27-7th grade Awards Day 10:30 am

May 27-8th grade Kickball Tournament

May 28-8th grade Promotion Ceremony 9 am

May 29-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL/half-day 11:35 am dismissal

May 29-4th quarter report cards posted

HAPPY SUMMER!

Auditions for 7th and 8th grade honor choir will be held on May 18th, 19th, and 20th (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) during one of your student's related arts periods. Students who are auditioning will be given a 5-minute time slot to complete their audition. Results will be sent out on the evening of May 22nd (Friday). Placement in honor choir is a major accomplishment for students -- that comes with a specific set of expectations and commitment. Please read all of the attached information carefully when deciding if the honor choir ensembles would be a good fit for your student. In order to audition, your student must complete the following:

1. Complete the honor choir audition form that corresponds with your student's future grade level. This must be filled out by May 15th in order for your student to be assigned a time/date for their audition. Please reach out about any song choices if needed!
1. Rising 7th Grade Students: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3hD5xdgqwTBmRrw3nCQCvb-ERIOgGYWjKXsmo_c9vgK57Nw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
2. Rising 8th Grade Students: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWzTKvjAweSEBX7qndtdODcZBXbYLCFKn4yeaz1YOtPpoZ2A/viewform?usp=publish-editor
2. Sign and turn in a completed honor choir student contract. Please read this contract carefully as a family to determine if your student can commit to the requirements and expectations. Your student will turn in this form at their audition.

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HDyxS4ck61Fum2BDwT1x1aDnrGOjThDa/view?usp=sharing
1. Turn in a completed teacher recommendation form. This form can be printed off and/or picked up from a stand outside of the choir classroom. Your student will give this form to their teachers to complete and will not be viewing any of the recommendations.

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_R8Qa61_3GHlFgilw8IE5GOJAlRuJkVK/view?usp=sharing

Dear 8th Grade Families,

It’s hard to believe, but high school is just around the corner!

Reminder about the upcoming deadline for 8th Grade Promotion Yard Signs and magnets in partnership with Pony Express Graphics. See below for ordering details.

Also, today opens the VIP Parking/Seating Raffle for Promotion Day! Raffle ticket entries can be purchased via the SignUp Genius link below. There will be 5 winners selected. Each winner will receive a designated parking spot in the Guest Parking spots near the front of the school and 4 marked seats in the bleachers for the promotion ceremony. Each entry is $5, you may purchase as many entires as you’d like. Raffle closes This FRIDAY, May 8th and winners will be announced May 11th. Good luck!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4AAAAB23A3FB6-57546816-2526

Promotion Yard Sign Order Details:

· Deadline to Order: Friday, May 8th

· How to Purchase: You can order directly through the Pony Express website using the link below: 👉 Click Here to Order Your BTMS Yard Sign

Pickup Information: Please note that all signs will be available for pickup at the Pony Express storefront once they are ready.

· Pickup Address: 3160 US-21 Ste 103, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Congratulations to all of our Spring Athletes and Coaches on a very successful spring season! You all represented our school well and walked the T.R.A.I.L. BTMS Sport Summer Camps are a great way to explore our sports and get ready for next year! Please see below for our camp offerings!

Bookmark the BTMS Athletics website to stay up-to-date on all things BTMS Athletics! https://fortmillathleticzone.com/banks-trail/

Football Conditioning-Monday-Thursday 3:30-5:00 pm until May 21, 2026

Volleyball Conditioning-Monday-Tuesday 3:30-5:00 pm until May 21, 2026

*Students must have their updated physicals to attend!

All library books are due today, May 1st! Please check with your student and your email to see if you have any overdue library books!

Options for books during DEAR and State Testing:

-Bring a book from home

-Borrow a book from your teacher's classroom

-Take a book from the FREE Book Shelf outside of the library!

Make sure you are reading this summer! See you next year!

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Heather McCloskey

BTMS Library Media Specialist

Follow us!

https://sites.google.com/fmsdmail.org/btms-media/home

Please have your student’s medications that are in the health room picked up by May, 29, 2026 before 12:00 pm.

The medications cannot be transported with your child.

If they are not picked up by this date and time they will be discarded.

If you have a child at Banks Trail Middle School then you are automatically a member of the PTO. Our mission is to encourage communication between parents, teachers, administration and the community. We also want to enrich our children's educational, social and developmental experiences.

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our Spring PTO Meeting. We look forward to next year! Thank you to everyone that helped with the 8th grade Dance and also Teacher Appreciation Week! We heard great reviews from the 8th grade students and teachers about the dance and all of the offerings throughout the week. We appreciate the donations and support!

Website: https://btmspto.wixsite.com/btmspto

Email: ptobtms@gmail.com

Social Media: "BTMSPTO" on Facebook & "ptobtmsfortmill" on Instagram

Spirit Rock 2025-2026

Please consider signing up for the Spirit Rock to celebrate your child's special day.

South Carolina State Law prohibits students from accessing or using “personal electronic communication devices” during the school day. Personal Communication Devices include cell phones, smartwatches, and any communication device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the Internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone. Below are the details pertaining to the use of cell phones on campus:

Names

Please make sure to write your students name on all items brought into the school (lunch boxes, water bottles, sweaters, jackets etc.).

Start and Finish Times

School starts at 8:10 and dismisses at 3:10 daily. A half day will start at 8:10 and release at 11:35. Two hour early release days will start at 8:10 and release at 1:10. Students may enter the building at 7:45 each morning.

Guidance Counseling Staff

Counseling Staff:

Mr. Smith– 6th Grade smithd@fortmillschools.org

Mrs. Knight-7th Grade knighta@fortmillschools.org

Mrs. Middleton– 8th Grade middletonr@fortmillschools.org

Transportation

Bus transportation is provided and set up through the FMSD transportation. Please visit the FMSD website and click on transportation website. You can sign your student up for bus transportation through this website. As a reminder it takes approximately 36 hours for processing.

Students must ride their assigned bus and cannot change buses unless it is a change of address. All changes must be made through the transportation department.

Lunches

Student lunches are no longer free, so please make sure that your student has funds on their lunch account. Food delivery services, like Grubhub and UberEats, are not permitted for students.

Parents, please be aware of your student's lunch account balance and discuss it with them. There are many times students are unable to purchase the snacks/drinks they have selected due to a balance that is too low. This can sometimes be embarrassing for students as they have to return the items. Please note that students can ALWAYS get a complete breakfast and lunch. This is in reference only for snacks, special drinks and extra food. Thank you

STUDENT REMINDERS

When bringing items into the school for your students, please have the name of the student on the item and leave it with Mrs. Giametta in the office. Please note that instructional time will not be interrupted for the delivery of forgotten items.

TARDY / TIME AND ATTENDANCE

If your student arrives late to school - 8:10 or after, or is Returning from an Appointment -

a parent or adult must come into the office to sign them in. Students are not allowed to sign themselves in. Please remember to put both first and last name on all doctors, tardy and absent notes. If you have any questions please email Ms. Hartman at Hartmanm@fortmillschools.org

EARLY DISMISSAL

If you are picking up your student for early dismissal, please be cognizant of class times. The fewer times we have to interrupt our classrooms the more instructional time our students receive. The cutoff for students being picked up by a guardian is 2:40. The district policy for dismissal states that there are to be no dismissals between 2:40 and 3:10 pm.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

Guidance Counselors recommend that you send a change of clothes for students to keep in their possession for any accidents or dress code issues. Counselors have a few items for students to change into, but most students prefer to wear their own clothes.

Email: giamettab@fortmillschools.org
Website: http://btms.fortmillschools.org/
Location: 861 Fort Mill Parkway, Fort Mill, SC, United States
Phone: 803-578-2990
Twitter: @BTMStimberwolf