BGMS Bulletin

Dear BGMS Families,

Happy New Year, Bison community! We hope your holidays were restful and filled with joy. As we begin 2026 together, we’re excited to welcome students back on Wednesday, January 7 and support them as they settle into learning, routines, and school life.

Important Reminders

• Please check your family calendar for upcoming events, early-release days, and parent–teacher conferences.
• Review Parent Portal and ensure school contact information (phone, email, emergency contacts) is up to date in our office.
• If your child has medication, medical forms, or updated health plans for 2026, bring them to the main office as soon as possible.
• Winter weather can affect schedules — watch for official messaging from ACPS about delays or closures.

Welcome Back — Getting Back Into the Swing of School

After two and a half weeks away from school, it’s normal for students to need time and support to reestablish routines. One reason ACPS moved to our current calendar is that long winter breaks can lead to some learning loss. Returning to good study habits and behavior expectations takes deliberate effort — and that’s okay. Our students can do difficult things, and we believe in them.

We share high expectations with families. Here are a few practical ways you can help at home:

• Encourage reading every day — even 15–20 minutes makes a difference.
• Re-establish consistent bedtimes and morning routines so students arrive rested and ready to learn.
• Set a quiet, organized place for homework and study; support short, focused study sessions; and encourage your child to ask questions when they’re stuck.
• Review behavior expectations with your student and reinforce the importance of respectful, responsible choices at school.

Academics & Study Tips

• Small, regular practice prevents learning loss. Try short daily review sessions rather than long, infrequent cram times.
• Help your student set one or two specific goals for January (e.g., read a chapter book, improve organization, turn in assignments on time).
• Communicate with teachers if you notice changes in motivation, grades, or behavior — we’re partners in your child’s success.

Thank You: Bison Community Council

A special thanks to our outstanding Bison Community Council. Our parent organization partners with the school in infinite ways — supporting events, fundraising, volunteering, and shaping programs that benefit all students. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside you to serve our Bison community. If you’d like to get involved, please contact the school office or the BCC directly.

Final Thought

Transitioning back to school after the break may take a few days or a few weeks — that’s normal. With patience, clear routines, and strong school–home communication, our students will regain momentum quickly. We believe in their ability to meet high expectations and grow this semester.

Wishing your family a healthy, successful, and joyful 2026!

TOGETHER, we are BISON STRONG!

• Monday, 1/5
• No school for students - professional development for staff
• Tuesday, 1/6
• No school for students - professional development for staff
• Wednesday, 1/7
• First day of second semester
• Thursday, 1/8

• Friday, 1/9
• Report Cards Distributed
• Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Please join us in thanking Officer Matt Reeves, our dedicated School Resource Officer, as we observe Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday, January 9. We appreciate Matt for keeping our school safe and for being a dynamic, approachable member of the BGMS community. Thank you as well to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and continued support of our students and staff.

We love chances for families to participate in the life of BGMS. We have many opportunities throughout the year for families to join us on field trips, supervise events and help in classrooms. If you would like the school to have a volunteer form on file, please download the attached form, fill it out, and send it back to school with your student.

As the year begins, we want to remind you that STOPit is still here to support your student’s safety and well-being. The app provides a safe, anonymous way for students to report concerns, get help, or find resources—anytime, anywhere.

With STOPit, students can:

• Submit a Tip — Share something serious without giving their name
• Crisis Text Line — Connect 24/7 with a trained mental health counselor
• Resources — Access help for needs like food, shelter, bullying, or anxiety

Your encouragement can make a difference—please take a moment to remind your student how to access STOPit:

1. Open the app or download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play
2. Search for our school in the list or enter the school code
3. Accept the terms—and they’re ready to go!

[Click here to learn more!]

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and supported.

Calling all parents! The Bison Community Council is our new parent organization and they need your participation.

The mission of the Bison Community Council is to:

● Support the teachers, staff, and students of Buffalo Gap Middle School;

● Encourage family and community involvement in the life of the school;

● Promote a culture of volunteerism and engagement within the school;

● Strengthen relationships between the school, families, and the greater Buffalo Gap

community.

Please consider ways you can help support our school this year. Many hands make light work!

Middle School Basketball is underway! Both teams practice after school on non-game days unless school is closed. Boys will practice from 3:15 - 5:00 and girls will practice from 3:15 - 4:45. If you have questions, please reach out to our athletic coordinator, Julie Sanger, at jsanger@augusta.k12.va.us

Cafeteria Information

Breakfast and Lunch are offered free again this year for ALL students. A la carte items can be purchased during your student's lunch period. Students may either pay in cash or by having money on their account.

Safety

Students and visitors will enter the building and move through our weapons detectors daily. Just as last year, note that zippered binders are not permitted due to weapons detector procedures. Regular notebooks/binders and zippered pencil pouches are acceptable; however, some items must be removed from the backpack and reviewed by our staff at the detector stations. Items such as Chromebooks, umbrellas, glasses cases, large scissors, and certain other metal items must be removed before students are able to pass through the detectors.

Chromebook Charging

Students are asked to charge their Chromebooks each evening so they are ready for use each day.

Cell Phones/Smart Watches

Cell phones and smart watches can be a huge distraction in the educational setting. Since our students have Chromebooks, they have all the technology they need for the academic setting. Phones and smart watches must be turned off and stored in backpacks, and students are not allowed to use these during the day at school. If you need to contact your child for an emergency, please call the front office. Students may also come to the office to call home if needed.

Looking for some BGMS Gear? CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE! We've got you covered! Shenandoah Awards and Apparel has created a merch store with several designs for purchase. Some designs have our HERD acronym and others contain the logo or another BGMS design. All orders can be placed online, but they will need to be picked up at Shenandoah Awards and Apparel, 220 Frontier Drive, Staunton, VA 24401. Buyers will receive an email when orders are ready. More designs and products will be added. Join the HERD and get yours today! Click the picture above to be linked to the store.