BMS Newsletter

"Quality Learning and Positive Personal Development for All" is BRUNSWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL'S mission. Envisioning a high-achieving, low-stress school, we work to ensure academic excellence and to maintain a healthy, inviting school environment. Believing communication is vital, we consult with and survey teachers, parents, students, staff and community members in determining where to place our efforts in school improvement and student achievement.

Please check out the FCPS Calendar for additional information about upcoming events

Dear BMS Community,

We are excited to welcome everyone to the start of the 2025–2026 school year! First and foremost, thank you for your continued trust and support of Brunswick Middle School. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and intellectually engaging school environment for every student. Our staff is energized and ready to make this a great year of learning and growth.

We will continue to support student well-being and connection through our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons during weekly advisory. As a district, we also recognize a growing need to strengthen students’ writing skills. To support this goal, we will be layering additional structures into Extended Learning Time (ELT) to provide targeted support in literacy, math, and writing. We also remain firmly committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, guided by the FCPS Student Code of Conduct, which ensures consistency and clarity across all schools.

I’d also like to highlight our continued success with the middle school elective model. Over the last two years, students have had access to a mix of year-long and semesterized electives. We remain committed to offering students at least one of their top three elective choices and expanding opportunities for mixed-grade level classes. This has opened doors for students to explore interests in areas such as Art, Chorus, Spanish, and other exciting options.

Throughout the summer, we’ve continued our school improvement efforts and welcomed several talented new staff members to our team. Please join me in welcoming the following educators to BMS:

• Ms. Kayra Icard – Social Studies

• Ms. Alivia Maas – Science

• Ms. Helena Ocharan – Spanish

• Ms. Kara Spiezio – Physical Education

• Ms. Erin Wrotniewski – School Counselor

At BMS, we firmly believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to each student’s success. To keep you informed, we will continue using Schoology, email, SchoolMessenger, and our monthly newsletters to communicate important updates and upcoming events.

All FCPS family members who are listed as a primary contact in our Student Information System do not need to sign up. For other community members anyone interested in receiving FCPS and/or school updates via email, text, or phone call:

Visit: https://asp.schoolmessenger.com/fcpss/subscriber

This quick step-by-step guide will help you sign up to receive SchoolMessenger messages from both BMS and FCPS.

Important Reminders for the Start of the Year

Schedules: Student schedules were made available in Schoology on August 6. These schedules reflect course requests submitted during registration. Schedule changes will only be made in cases where there is an error in academic placement.

• 7th Grade Counselors: Ms. Greenfield (Last Names A–K), Ms. Wrotniewski (Last Names L–Z)
• 8th Grade Counselor: Ms. Wrotniewski
• 6th Grade Counselor: Ms. Greenfield

Back-to-School Night – August 18, 4:00–6:00 PM

• Families are welcome to stop by at any time during this window to tour the school and participate in informal “meet and greet” sessions with teachers and staff. Please bring a paper or electronic copy of your student’s schedule to assist with room locations.

First Day of School – August 20
We can’t wait to welcome students back to campus!

Chromebook Distribution

• FCPS provides Chromebooks for all students at no cost. All students are expected to use the device issued by the school. Chromebooks will be distributed to incoming 6th graders and new students during the first few days of school.

Transportation Information – Available August 10

• Initial bus routes and information are available on the FCPS Transportation Website. You will need your child’s student ID number to access their bus information.

As always, thank you for being an integral part of the BMS community. We look forward to another successful year of learning, connection, and growth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Enjoy the rest of your summer—we’ll see you soon!

Principal Warren

Welcome back BMS Railroader Families! Please read the information below to familiarize your child with first day directions:

• Students will start school on Wednesday, August 20th.

• Students may enter the building at 7:30 AM.

• Eighth and seventh graders will report to the gym.

• Sixth graders will report to the cafeteria.

• School begins at 8:00 AM and dismisses at 3:00 PM.

• During the first three days of school, all students will attend their Co Curricular Time class at the start of each school day where they will receive valuable information to help them have a successful year. Students will begin reporting directly to their first period class on Monday, August 25th.

• Co Curricular Time will be on your student's schedule (listed as period "A" for Advisory)and all staff will be available to help students locate their classes.

• FCPS provides a Chromebook for your student to use throughout the school year. New students to BMS and 6th grade students will receive their Chromebooks during the first few days of school.

(See our Student and Family Handbook for additional information)

Brunswick Middle School Student and Family Handbook 2025-2026

Brunswick Middle School's phone number for the main office is (227) 203-2200.

School based staff can be reached by calling the school's main number and choosing the appropriate option from the call menu or by dialing a staff member's extension at any time:

1. Front Office
2. Attendance
3. Counseling Office
4. Health Room
5. Cafeteria

FCPS is fortunate to have family and community members join efforts in supporting our students and schools with their time and talents. There are many ways to get involved and volunteer in and out of our schools.

Because safety is of utmost importance, extracurricular club sponsors, coaches, and all volunteers, regardless of their role, are required to complete mandatory volunteer training annually. Please keep in mind that this is an annual process (July-June) that takes place and must be completed every school year.

If you would like to be a volunteer visit the FCPS Volunteer Webpage. Applicants will be directed to:

1. Complete the Registration Form - Use the following link: https://fcps-md.formstack.com/forms/fcps_volunteer_center_registration to complete your registration form. This can be completed in either English or Spanish. Please be sure to complete the information accurately.
2. Complete the Required Training - Follow detailed directions provided on the registration form to create an account in Unified Talent and then how to complete the required training in either English or Spanish.
3. Await for Approval - You will receive an automated email that you have completed the volunteer training. Please keep this for your records as confirmation of training completion. An approval notice of your completed application will be sent from Raptor and confirms your approved status for volunteer opportunities.

Please be aware that the process may take 48-72 hours to complete and MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR to you volunteering for FCPS. For technical support in Unified Talent, volunteer applicants may contact unifiedtalent@fcps.org. For all other volunteer related questions, volunteer applicants may contact: FCPSVolunteers@fcps.org. FCPS is grateful for the generous support from our family and community volunteers.

If you are a current FCPS employee who is interested in volunteering, you must complete the registration form first, and then complete the Volunteer training listed under your “Recommended Courses” on your Unified Talent Home Page.

FCPS is proud to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities including: classroom support, office support, library support, chaperone, after-school event support, cafeteria support, guest speaker, PTA/PTSA, transportation support and more. Please be advised decisions regarding selection, placement and replacement of volunteers are at the discretion of the individual school administration.

Frederick County Public Schools is thrilled to bring Xello to our middle school students this year! Xello is a cutting-edge, student-centered digital platform designed to help students explore who they are, connect their interests to future pathways, and build the academic and life skills needed for success.

Why Xello?

Xello is:

• An award-winning design that’s inclusive and accessible for all learners

• Engaging, age-appropriate activities for self-exploration and future planning

• Top-rated technical support, including real-time help for educators and families

• Strong track record of boosting engagement and planning outcomes

What Students Will Do in Grades 6–8:

• Discover learning styles, strengths, and interests

• Explore future careers with Matchmaker quizzes

• Set academic and personal goals

• Learn critical life skills like time management, advocacy, and planning

How You Can Support:

• Talk to your child about what they’re discovering in Xello

• Explore career and education options together

• Encourage them to keep their Xello profile up to date

Get started with this helpful guide:
👉Xello Quick Start Guide for Parents & Guardians

Together, we’re building the foundation for lifelong learning and success!

Ms. Marilyn Greenfield

6th Grade & & 7th Grade Last Names Beginning with A-K

Marilyn.Greenfield@fcps.org

Ms. Erin Wrotniewski

8th Grade & 7th Grade Last Names Beginning with L-Z

Erin.Wrotniewski@fcps.org

Ms. Daniele Richmond

Registrar

Daniele.Richmond@fcps.org

All required community service hours are built into the FCPS Essential Curriculum, but if a student has completed additional service hours that extended beyond class requirements, those hours may be documented on the FCPS Volunteer Hours and Community Service Form . The form details the types of activities that qualify for recognized service hours. Completed forms may be returned to the School Counseling office or emailed directly to the School Counselor. Additional information regarding SSL can be found on the FCPS website.

PREPARING FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR

Medication/Treatment Orders from your Health Care Provider

The medication/treatment authorization form(s) specific to your child's health/medication needs must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. Forms are available online at www.fcps.org or at your child's school.

Maryland regulation dictates that we determine expiration dates as follows: (1) one year from the dispensing date on the pharmacy label or, (2) the expiration date on the medication package, whichever comes first.

To help make your child's first day a success, please bring:

• any medication your child needs
• all completed forms

to your child's school health room during the week of August 18 between 9 AM and 3 PM.

Important! Please check the expiration date on the pharmacy label before bringing medication to the health room with the authorization form. Maryland law allows prescription medication to be used only for 1 year beyond date of issue or expiration date indicated on the medication, whichever comes first. For more information, please see FCPS Regulation 400-23.

Note: Students may bring and apply over-the-counter sunscreen without a written order.

IMMUNIZATION

REMINDER: Parents and guardians are responsible for their children being up-to-date on their school required immunizations. Per Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), beginning on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, FCPS will EXCLUDE ANY STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS unless they present evidence of an appointment for the missing immunizations scheduled within the next 20 calendar days. This includes students enrolled in the Virtual School program.

What vaccines are needed? View the complete immunization schedule here.

Need vaccines? Students can receive the required vaccinations the following ways:

• From their primary care provider.
• Local Pharmacies provide vaccinations on a walk-in basis. Please call your local pharmacy for hours and locations near you.
• If you do not have a primary care provider or insurance, you can schedule an appointment with the weekly back-to-school immunization clinics offered by Frederick County Health Department from August 6 through October 29. You may schedule your child's appointment by calling 301-600-1733. The immunizations will be provided at the health department building, located at 350 Montevue Lane.

Many children have already received the required immunizations from their healthcare provider during their well-child visits. However, double check your child's record before school starts to avoid being excluded from school!

Pay for school field trips, sports fees, spirit wear and more, School Cash Online is:

• Convenient and easy to use-Available 24/7 via the Internet
• Safe-Best in Class security, avoids students carrying cash or checks, and remembering to turn them in
• Time saving-Shows your payments/order history in one place; eliminates teacher time collecting them
• No more costly than paying with cash or check

Register now: https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com. Select "Get Started Today"

Update on Student Attendance Policy – Family Trips During the School Year

The Board of Education recently updated the student attendance policy. As of March 25, 2025, family trips taken during the school year—even with parent/guardian approval—will now be marked as unlawful absences.

However, there's an important note for families: Up to five (5) days per school year will not count toward truancy, as long as the school receives written notice in advance of the trip.

This change will be officially reflected in the updated attendance regulation this September. In the meantime, schools are required to follow the new policy.

If you have questions about how this may affect your child’s attendance record, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) or the school office.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Email: BMS.Attendance@fcps.org
Website: https://edu.fcps.org/bms/
Location: Brunswick Middle School, Cummings Drive, Brunswick, MD, USA
Phone: 227-203-2200

Please check out the FCPS Calendar for additional information about upcoming events