Black River Middle School

Community Bulletin

Black River Middle School is a School to Watch!

Email: andrew.white@chester-nj.org
Website: www.chester-nj.org
Location: 133 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Phone: 908-879-6363
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChesterNJSchools/
Twitter: @chesternjschool

Congratulations to Mrs. Maico for being named the New Jersey Middle Level Educator of the Year! She received the honor at the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education conference on March 18th which was attended by educators and administrators throughout the state. In addition to teaching 7th and 8th grade math, Mrs. Maico serves as head coach of the BRMS cross country team, 8th grade team leader, 8th grade graduation coordinator, and a math curriculum facilitator. We're proud to share Mrs. Maico's accomplishment with the community because she epitomizes the excellence in education our district is known for, and we are fortunate to have her at BRMS!

Congratulations also go out to Dr. Kenneth Piascik, BRMS instrumental teacher, and Mr. Joseph Pizzo, 7th grade language arts teacher, for jointly being selected by the Morris County Council of Education Associations as recipients of the 2026 "Friend of Education" award! Dr. Piascik and Mr. Pizzo were selected in recognition of their leadership efforts with the "Schools to Watch" national program as well as for their creation and implementation of the "Inspiration Cafe" program at BRMS. Their extraordinary dedication to students and educators both locally and beyond will impact generations to come.

Heroes are often defined as "larger than life," but in the case of 8th grader Mariana Chacon, her heroism is for quiet strength. The 8th grade teachers chose Mariana as the 2026 BRMS Unsung Hero award recipient presented at the New Jersey School Boards Association Unsung Hero event on March 5th. According to her teachers, Mariana has a strong work ethic, demonstrates grit and teamwork on the BRMS soccer team, and is an outstanding performer in the BRMS select choir. In addition, she lifts others up, leads with kindness, and makes everyone around her better. Congratulations Mariana!

On March 24th the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey performed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for the 8th graders. After the performance, the actors spent the day leading students in activities and games that explored the continued relevance of Shakespeare's works in modern society. The students had a great time interacting with the cast and their peers as they analyzed the complexities of human nature that really haven't changed since Shakespeare's era. We're grateful to the Chester Education Association for sponsoring the program and to Mrs. Aiello for organizing it.

Don't get left out-- order your yearbook today! The BRMS yearbook is on sale for $47 until April 15, 2026. Eighth grade parents, make your 8th grader's yearbook extra special by purchasing a Well-Wisher ad. Well-wisher ads are also due on April 15, 2026. If you have any questions, please email brmsyearbook@chester-nj.org.

March 30-April 3- Spring Break

April 7-9- 7th Grade Poet in Residence, Georgia Heard

April 8- An Evening with Georgia Heard, 7 p.m. BRMS Cafeteria (Everyone Welcome!)

April 17- BRMS Career Day

April 23- Take Your Child to Work Day

April 29- BRMS Band Concert

Welcome warm weather!