The Burgaw Beacon

Good afternoon, BMS families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and are ready to start another amazing school year here at Burgaw Middle School!

My name is Jeremy Mortensen and I am honored to join the Burgaw Middle School Red Devil community as the newly appointed principal. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and families. I look forward to building strong relationships, supporting our teachers and staff, and helping create a school environment where students feel connected, challenged, and supported every day. I look forward to meeting everyone at Open House, in the car line, and throughout the year!

We have several fun and important activities planned over the coming weeks, so be sure to check the important dates listed below.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back at Open House on Wednesday and to school on Monday, August 24th!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• 8/17: Pender Middle School Football Tryouts @ Penderlea School (3:30-5:30pm.) - Students may ride the bus from BMS @ 3:15pm. and be picked up @ 5:45pm.
• 8/19: Open House @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm.
• Meet the Principal & Title 1 Meeting in the cafeteria @ 4pm.
• Visit Teacher Rooms from 4-6pm.
• 8/24: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
• 8/25: Cheer tryouts @ BMS Gym (@ 3:30pm.)

We are looking forward to welcoming our students and families to BMS Open House!

Title I Meeting:
Mr. Mortensen will host the BMS Title I Meeting in the cafeteria at 4:00 PM.

Open House Procedures:
Open House will begin in the gym. When you arrive, please visit each table in the gym, even if you think the information may not apply to your family. This will help ensure that you receive all necessary information and complete any requirements for the upcoming school year.

A staff member at each station will verify your visit on your Open House card. Once you have visited all of the stations and completed your card, please visit the “Finish Line” table to receive your student’s schedule. After receiving your schedule, you are welcome to tour the building and locate classrooms.

As we prepare for a successful school year, we encourage all students and families to carefully review both the Burgaw Middle School Parent/Student Handbook and the Pender County Schools Parent/Student Handbook.

These handbooks contain important information about school and district procedures, expectations, attendance, student conduct, communication, transportation, safety, and other policies. Reviewing them together will help ensure that students and families are informed, prepared, and ready for a positive year at BMS.

Important Policies:

Please review the following policies with your child/children:

• Policy Code 4318 – Use of Personal Electronic Devices: This policy outlines the acceptable use of personal electronic devices and consequences for inappropriate use on school campuses. Review Policy Code 4318
• Policy Code 4316 – Student Dress Code: Please review the dress code expectations with your child before the school year begins. Review Policy Code 4316

Thank you for partnering with us to support a safe, respectful, and successful learning environment for every Red Devil!

Our BMS PTO is always looking for families who are interested in supporting our school, students, and staff. Please visit the PTO table in the gym during Open House to meet PTO members, learn more about the organization, and discover how you can make a positive impact on your child’s experience at Burgaw Middle School.

The PTO will also have BMS shirts available for purchase and a 50/50 raffle. In addition, the PTO is seeking volunteers to assist with concessions at home athletic events, including Senior Night at Pender High School on October 7.

If you are unable to attend Open House but would like to get involved or learn more, please contact the PTO at bmspto@gmail.com. You can also follow the Burgaw Middle School PTO on Facebook for updates and upcoming opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you and working together to support our Red Devil community!

2026-27 Established Student Beginning of Year Information Update Application is ready to go! This Beginning of Year Information Update is a requirement so your student will be approved for a Chromebook and more.

If you have your Infinite Campus Parent Portal Log In already set up, please log in and there should be a pop up to guide you through. If you need any assistance please let me know. You can use the App or the web link: Infinite Campus Parent Portal

If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account yet please contact our office and I will help you get it set up to save you time. Parent Portal Access Needed Click Here

School Calendar:

Here is a copy of our 26-27 Calendar and links to items that might help you through the school year!

• Hours: Our regular school days begin at 7:30am each day. We expect students to be in their seats on time daily. If they are not in class on time they will need to be brought into the main office to be checked in at the tardy kiosk at the front desk. Our day ends at 2:45pm.
• https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/school-bell-schedule

We are so excited that our students receive free breakfast and lunch here at Burgaw Middle School. Please see the link below to access menus and more information.

• https://www.pender.k12.nc.us/page/dining
  

• Bus Riders (Here Comes the Bus App):
  
• Step 1: Pender County Schools offers the Here Comes the Bus app for tracking your child's bus location. To get started, you'll need our district code: 29081. This five-digit code is essential for registration, so keep it handy.
• Step 2: Once you have the district code, click here to begin your registration. You can complete this process using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Step 3: If you're using a smartphone or tablet, download the Here Comes the Bus app from the Google Play Store or App Store. The app provides added convenience with features like push notifications when the bus is near and, if available in our district, alerts when your child scans in using Student Ridership.
• Car Riders: Students may be dropped off each morning starting at 7:10 am in the parking lot by the gym & cafeteria.
• Walkers: Please make sure that you have completed the Walker Permission form for your student.

This is your go to spot for attendance, grades, updates, and more!

• Keep us up to date on any phone number and email address changes so you don't miss anything.
• Are sick notes getting lost in the bookbag? Use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal App to keep absence excuse notes from disappearing! Here's how!
• Here are some more tips and tricks about the Infinite Campus Parent Portal!

Steps to Activate your Account:

• Step 1: Get your student’s activation code here: Lookup Activation Code
• Step 2: Use your code to create your account here: Infinite Campus Login

We have got you covered!

• All student supplies (paper, pencils, binders, glue and more) have been purchased!
• Bring your own book bag and be ready to learn!