Smore logo
remove_red_eye 511
page background
Logo

BGMS Bulletin

December, 2025

BGMS Bulletin December, 2025
BGMS BulletinDecember, 2025

December Family Newsletter December Family Newsletter

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

A message from your admin team

Dear BGMS Families,

Happy December! As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to share a few important reminders and send a big thank-you to our entire school community.

Students finishing strong!

Over the next three weeks our students will be working hard to finish projects, prepare for final assessments, and demonstrate the growth they’ve made this semester. Please encourage regular attendance, restful nights, and consistent study time—those small routines make a big difference.

Thank you!

Thank you for your continued support — from helping with homework to attending conferences and supporting school activities. Your partnership is essential to student success and we appreciate all you do.

December Fun!

We are excited to once again celebrate the holiday season at BGMS! There will be special dress up days for each of the 15 school days in December. Scroll down to check out the lineup!


Wishing you a peaceful and joyful month ahead. If you have questions or need anything, please reach out to the main office!


TOGETHER, we are BISON STRONG!

Countdown to Winter Break - Dress Up Days Countdown to Winter Break - Dress Up Days

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Student Testing and Events 11/5 - 11/7/25 Student Testing and Events 11/5 - 11/7/25

  • Monday, 12/1
    • Spelling Bee Practice
    • Middle School Basketball Practice after school
      • Boys - 3:15 - 5:00
      • Girls - 3:15 - 4:45
  • Tuesday, 12/2
    • Middle School Basketball Practice after school
      • Boys - 3:15 - 5:00
      • Girls - 3:15 - 4:45
  • Wednesday, 12/3
    • English 6 - Test
    • BGMS Spelling Bee - 1:30 pm
    • BGMS Basketball - AWAY - Riverheads
      • Girls - 5:30 pm
      • Boys - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday, 12/4
    • English 6 - Test
    • Middle School Basketball Practice after school
      • Boys - 3:15 - 5:00
      • Girls - 3:15 - 4:45
  • Friday, 12/5
    • Algebra Test
    • Math 8 Quiz
    • 8th graders meet with BGHS counselors
    • Fun Afternoon - 3:15 - 5:00 pm
    • NO BASKETBALL PRACTICE

December Menus December Menus

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

December 5 - Fun Afternoon December 5 - Fun Afternoon

Friday, December 5 is our second Fun Afternoon that was rescheduled from November. Here are a few reminders:

  • On MONDAY (12/1): Permission forms (which are also the entry tickets) go home with students.

  • By THURSDAY (12/4): Permission forms (tickets) and $3 entry cost MUST be received by your student's homeroom teacher.

  • Students should be picked up by no later than 5:00 at the designated locations. Our students are not allowed to stay at school for any high school evening events between 5:00 and the event.

  • Students with second quarter suspensions, significant missing work and/or multiple unexcused absences may not be eligible for BGMS Fun Afternoons.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

ACPS Volunteer Form ACPS Volunteer Form

User uploaded image
open_in_new zoom_out_map

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.

CLICK HERE FOR INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL

STOPit App STOPit App

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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.

ACPS School Communications Between Home and School - 2025-2026 ACPS School Communications Between Home and School - 2025-2026

pdf
insert_drive_file
School Communication Information for Parents '25-'26.pdf
Download
90.2 KB
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

BGMS PARENT ORGANIZATION BGMS PARENT ORGANIZATION

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

BISON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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!

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

See Sports Section Below for Athletic Schedules See Sports Section Below for Athletic Schedules

Event Information
BGMS Spelling Bee

When?
Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025, 01:30 PM
Where?
Buffalo Gap High School, Buffalo Gap Highway, Swoope, VA, USA
location_on Open maps
Event Information
Fun Afternoon

Students with no ISS or OSS suspensions and less than 5 unexcused absences this quarter are eligible to attend the event.

When?
Friday, Dec 5, 2025, 03:15 PM
Where?
Event Information
EL Field Trip

When?
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025, 10:00 AM
Where?
Event Information
6th grade Field Trip

When?
Monday, Dec 1, 2025, 10:00 AM
Where?
Event Information
Winter Band Concert

When?
Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, 06:00 PM
Where?
Event Information
BCC Food Truck

The Bison Community Council will be having a fundraiser event on the last day of school before the break. The Sweet as Honey coffee truck will be parked at school this day. Grab a cup of coffee and support your BGMS parent organization!

When?
Friday, Dec 19, 2025, 07:00 AM
Where?

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS

Middle School Basketball Middle School Basketball

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

Middle School Basketball Schedule Middle School Basketball Schedule

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

IMPORTANT REMINDERS IMPORTANT REMINDERS

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

#SCHOOLEVERYDAY
School attendance is critical for success. Use the tips in this flyer to help your child attend regularly. If absences are necessary, please see the information below regarding our BGMS absence email to report absences. Notes may also be sent.
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Click Here for School Website
Click here for the ACPS Handbook for Middle & High School Students & Parents
Click here for the 2025-26 ACPS School Calendar

BGMS FAN GEAR!! BGMS FAN GEAR!!

Looking for some BGMS Merch? 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.
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size

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.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Robert Lunger
Principal

Buffalo Gap Middle School

1770 Buffalo Gap Highway

Swoope, VA 24479

540-414-0510

lunger.rc@augusta.k12.va.us

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557378877820

Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter