Boonsboro Middle Newsletter

Attending school on a regular and consistent basis has been proven to increase student achievement and well-being. It is important for students to attend 90% of school days in order to make adequate academic growth.

At the end of December, our cumulative attendance rate is 94.88%. Our goal is to end the year at over 95%!

Eligible students witnessed our annual Lip-Sync Battle before the Thanksgiving break, and participated in "Reindeer Games" prior to Winter Break.

See pictures below!

Each month students meeting Good Standing criteria will be eligible to attend exciting events.

Eligible students in January will be able to watch a movie of their choice on Jan. 30.

January 14 - PTO Public Meeting

January 15 - 6th Grade Chorus Concert

January 16 - 2 Hr. Early Dismissal

January 19 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King's Birthday

January 20 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (PD Day for staff)

January 30 - PBIS EVENT, Movie Super Scramble

February 3 - 8th Grade Visit to BHS (See Below)

February 5 - 8th Grade Visit to Tech High (See Below)

Feb. 5 - Feb. 13 - Winter Book Fair

February 13 - 2 Hr. Early Dismissal

February 16 - NO SCHOOL, President's Day

February 18 - Freshman Transition Night at BHS (for current 8th graders) - see below

The following events have been planned for students in the 8th grade to assist with their transition to high school. A more detailed communication will be published as the dates draw closer:

Feb 3: Visit to Boonsboro High School to explore CTE/ Arts/ Language Programs

Students will visit Boonsboro High School to learn about the programs that exist within the Career and Technology Education, Fine Arts, and World Language programs. Students will indicate interest in programs in order to inform scheduling for their freshman year.

This is a student's only event; this will occur during the school day and students will be chaperoned by the middle school staff.

Feb 5: Visit to Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School to explore program options

Students will visit Tech High to learn about the different program options offered at the school. Students cannot apply to Tech High until their 10th grade year, but this information is important so that students and families can make decisions about courses in 9th and 10th grade that may align to long term plans should they be interested in attending Tech High.

This is a student's only event; this will occur during the school day and students will be chaperoned by the middle school staff. Permission slips will be sent home later this month.

Feb 18: Freshmen Transition Night at Boonsboro High School, 6:00 p.m. (Snow Date Feb.19)

Families of current 8th graders are invited to meet Boonsboro High School staff, learn about graduation requirements, school policies, and scheduling options. Each student will be provided a list of selected courses for their 9th grade year and given an opportunity to request edits.

Parents/ guardians of students are required to attend with their student

Our 6th and 7th grade Magnet classes have organized a series of donation drives to occur over the next several months. Please see the information below.

Recently there has been increased parent drivers using the side lot (between the middle and elementary school campus) for morning drop-off.

This area is not designated for drop-off and can create safety concerns, as well as block staff members that are attempting to park and enter the building so that students can be properly supervised.

As a reminder, all car rider drop-off should occur in the front parking lot. Drivers should not use the bus loop to drop off students prior to 8:40 a.m.

Also, a heads up to put it on your calendar: our next public forum PTO meeting for anyone to attend is scheduled for January 14th at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The link is below. We are always looking for more parents to attend the meetings to gain insight into community feedback and support. It doesn't mean you have to get roped into serving in any official PTO role or officer position; we just love having support from our parents and teachers!

As part of our PBIS program, students will be able to use B-Bucks to access the VIP Room during their lunch shifts. In order to make this space rewarding and exciting for students, we have created a wish list of items. See the link below if you are interested in supporting our students!

Stay up to date with PTO information, join their mailing list but sending them an email at:

boonsboropto@gmail.com

Connect with them using the sites below:

Students taking a planned absence will need to complete a "Vacation Approval Form."

Families should notify Mrs. Muse in the Attendance Office at least 10 school days in advance of the absence to initiate getting the form completed.

By county policy, students can only have 3 approved "Vacation" days in a year. Any absence beyond 3 days associated with a vacation/ trip will be "Unexcused."

Arrival:

• Doors open at 8:20
• Please do not block staff parking spots
• No car riders can be dropped off in the bus loop prior to 8:40 a.m.

Dismissal

• Car riders and walkers dismissed at 3:30 and should use the cross walk to access the car rider line. Please do not begin lining up in the car rider line prior to 3:20 p.m.
• First wave buses dismissed at 3:32, second wave by announcement

• Cell phones are expected to be off and out of sight during the instructional day.

• Students are encouraged to lock their cell phones in their lockers, or place them in the designated cubbies in each classroom. Administrators have the authority to confiscate a student's cell phone if it is out or being used.

• Students are permitted to have their cell phones during lunch and lunch recreation. However, per WCPS policy, students cannot be making phone calls, FaceTime, taking pictures, or recording during this time.

• Students are only permitted to have refillable water bottles, with a lid, during school and in their classrooms.
• Other drinks, such as sodas, juice boxes, etc. can be kept in lockers and consumed at lunch.
• Students are not permitted to have energy drinks at any time while in the school building.