Bulldog Newsletter
- Upcoming Dates
- 2025-26 Parent/Student Handbook Calendar
- Message from BMS Principal, Ms. Kim Monette
- Picture Retake Day
- STEAM Highlights
- GPS Leaders
- AVID - Advancement Via Individual Determination Information
- Important Back to School Forms
- Transportation Information
- Parenting Teens
- Athletics for Grades 7-12
- Cell Phone Policy
- After School Activities
- PACT - Parents & Community Together
- Community Resources
- Who To Contact
- Social Media Resources
October 13 - 8th Grade Choir Concert at PC Auditorium 7:00pm
October 14 - Picture Retake Day
October 16 & 17 - Education MN Conference - NO SCHOOL
October 23 - Tri 1 Parent/Teacher Conferences in classrooms - 3:00-7:15pm
October 28 - Tri 1 Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences by appointment 3:00-7:15pm
November 4 - Staff Workshop day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
November 13 - Bulldog BINGO Family Night 5:00pm
November 18 - 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Concert 6:30pm
November 19 - 6th 7th & 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band Concert 6:30pm
November 25 - Last Day of Trimester 1
November 26 - Mark Reporting Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
November 27-28 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School - District is Closed
Families should have received a copy of our important 2025-26 Parent/Student Handbook Calendar in the mail in September. Please be sure you keep this throughout the school year and refer to it for important dates as well as school expectations and policies.
WELCOME TO THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR AT BMS!
Dear Brooklyn Middle STEAM School Families,
What an incredible start to the 2025-2026 school year! The energy in the hallways is amazing, and it’s wonderful to see our Bulldogs—students and staff alike—settling into the new routines with such enthusiasm.
Learning on Display: Our New Look
If you haven't been in the building lately, prepare to be amazed! The summer was a blur of activity as we completed the 2nd and final phase of our major renovation project. This wasn't just about fresh paint; it was about transforming our physical space to reflect and enhance our commitment to student achievement and flexible spaces that support 21st Century learning needs of our students. The most exciting change is how the building itself is now part of the learning experience. We call it "Learning on Display." Throughout the school, you’ll notice walls have been replaced with glass panels, strategically placed whiteboards and displays, and open design elements that showcase student work and in-progress projects. This transparent design not only brightens our school but visually connects different classrooms and disciplines, fostering a truly collaborative atmosphere.
6th Grade Success and Flexible Learning
A special shout-out to our newest Bulldogs! Our 6th graders and all new students have done an exceptional job navigating their first few weeks in a big, new building. Their adaptability and eagerness to learn a new routine have been truly impressive. They, and all our students, are already making great use of the new flexible learning spaces incorporated into the renovation. These areas, equipped with movable furniture and varied seating options, allow students a space to visit with each other in the mornings, but teachers to easily shift between small group collaboration, individual study, and whole-class instruction. Our dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and Maker Spaces are bustling with creative activity! Students are designing, coding, building, and innovating in these hands-on environments. It's a joy to see theoretical knowledge come to life as they engage in real-world problem-solving.
After-School Programs in Full Swing
The learning doesn't stop when the bell rings! We are proud to announce that our after-school programming has begun in full swing. We have robust offerings this year, ranging from Future Chefs, Code Academy, Book Club, Hoops and Stats and a large array of other engaging activities for students to participate in. These programs are a fantastic way for students to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships outside of the traditional classroom setting. We encourage every student to find a club or activity that excites them!
This year is off to a remarkable start. The combination of our renewed physical space, our dedicated staff, and the incredible energy of our students ensures that Brooklyn Middle STEAM School will continue to be a place where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are looking forward to a fantastic year together!
Warmly,
Kim Monette Principal
Brooklyn Middle STEAM School
If your student was absent on Picture Day in September, they should plan to have their picture taken on Picture Retake Day, Tuesday, October 14th. You should have received communication from Kemmetmueller Photography regarding instructions to order school pictures. We have attached a flyer for you with this information as well.
All communication regarding your orders should be through Kemmetmueller Photography at www.k-photography.com or call 952-473-2142.
Back-to-school forms
All back-to-school forms will be filled out online this year. Forms that are a part of this process include emergency cards, family contact information updates and photo/military denial releases. Complete the necessary steps today by going to the ParentVUE system, which is accessible from the "Families" on the top right of any district or school website. On-screen prompts will then walk you through the back-to-school forms process.
Learn more about how to fill out back-to-school forms at district279.org/forms.
If you have any questions regarding your students transportation please go to https://www.district279.org/services/transportation or call 763-391-7244.
FirstView bus tracking app and opt in procedure
Existing riders from 2024-25 will only need to declare changes to their needs. If your student currently rides the bus from a stop near your residence or a daycare site and will use that same location for transportation in 2024-25, no action is required, and your student will be routed from that same location. Final bus information will be sent out by email one week prior to the first day of school.
If your student’s needs are changing, please email BusQuestions@District279.org to request a change form. Forms are student specific; please include each student requiring changes in your email correspondence.
The FirstView bus tracking app can be used to track buses, which uses GPS to track your students' bus arrival.
Learn more at district279.org/departments/transportation.
Parenting teenagers can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's also a time of growth, connection, and discovery for both you and your teen. Here are some thoughtful reflections to inspire and encourage you:
1. Embrace the Journey
Teen years are a time of transformation. Your child is learning to spread their wings, and while it can be challenging, it's also a privilege to witness their growth. Be patient with them—and yourself.
2. Connection Over Perfection
Your teen doesn’t need a perfect parent; they need a present one. Show up, listen without judgment, and let them know they’re loved unconditionally, even when they push boundaries.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
Teenagers may not always express gratitude, but every smile, shared moment, or small success is a victory. Celebrate these moments—they’re the building blocks of your relationship.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Parenting teens is tough, but it’s also deeply rewarding. You’re doing better than you think!
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
No cell phones allowed during the academic school day.
Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones or other electronic devices including smart watches, headphones and earbuds/air pods to school. If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school the expectations are the cell phones, electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/air pods will remain in the student backpacks/lockers during the academic school day, including lunch, passing times and other non-instructional time. Students assume the risk of damage, theft or loss when choosing to bring a phone or device to school. Cell phone use of any kind is not permitted in locker rooms or bathrooms.
The following consequences are cumulative starting the first day of school and they do not reset until the following school year:
· Initial Warning: The first time staff witnesses a device during the academic day when not permitted, staff will provide the student a warning and allow the student to put the phone away. If the student does not put the phone away, it will be considered a First Offense.
· First Offense: Staff member turns the device into the front office for the remainder of the school day. Student picks up the device at the end of the day. If a student refuses to turn in to the teacher or front office, it will be considered a Second Offense.
· Second Offense: Staff member turns the device into the front office for the remainder of the school day. Parent or guardian is contacted about the offense and student picks up the device at the end of the day. If a student refuses to turn in to the teacher or front office, it will be considered a Third Offense.
· Third Offense: Staff member turns the device into the front office for the remainder of the school day. Parent picks up the device. If a student refuses to turn in to the teacher or front office, it will be considered a Fourth Offense.
· Fourth Offense: Individual call phone plan created for that student. Phone no longer allowed on site.
Students who require the use of cell phones or other electronic devices as reflected in the students IEP or 504 plan may have their device with them at the times designated, but must adhere to all other expectations of the cell phone policy.
Student personal electronic devices are subject to search upon reasonable suspicion that the device has been used in a manner that violates the law or District Policy 505.
ATHLETICS GRADES 7-12
Learn about opportunities to get involved in high school athletics and activities for grades 7-12 (be sure to register for athletics/activities on EduTrakConnect!
We are BMS PACT... It is PTO reimagined at the Middle School level. Have you been wondering how to stay involved post elementary school ...PACT is it!! We support & strengthen our STEAM programming and do as many things as possible to support our kiddos, teachers, support staff, and administrators of our Bulldog family financially and socially.
UPCOMING MEETING DATES:
Tuesday, October 21st at BMS Media Center
Tuesday, November 25 - location TBD
No meeting in December
Tuesday, January 27
Tuesday, February 24
Tuesday, April 28
Tuesday, May 26
UPCOMING EVENTES:
Wednesday, October 29 - Dine to Donate Fundraiser - Raising Canes - See flyer below
Thursday, November 13 - BMS Bulldog Bingo Family Night 5:00-7:00pm at BMS
VOLUNTEER NEEDS :
PACT Coordinators organize some of these events for the school year:
Dine/Shop/Play to Donate (spirit nights with local restaurants or other businesses)
Family Engagement (hosting PACT tables at various school events to recruit more help and share upcoming events)
Fundraising opportunities
Conference Meals (organized feeding our amazing BMS Staff on Conference Nights).
Make an imPACT, join the PACT!!
We can be reached via email at BMSpact@gmail.com - President is Rachel Johnson
Sign up to get regular information or link to a specific committee here
Afterschool programming, family and community events, and so so much more …
Bulldogs…Let’s make this happen!!!
We are Brooklyn Middle STEAM School Parents and Community Together
#bmsgoodthings #bmsbulldogsrock #bmssteambulldogs
Website: https://bms.district279.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmssteambulldogs/
Twitter: bmssteam