BHS Principal's Corner

Hello BHS Families!

Welcome to the third edition of the BHS bi-monthly newsletter, the Principal's Corner! Every month you will receive two newsletters from the High School (the last Monday of each month you will receive a copy of the The Belleville Buccaneer) regarding what is going on academically, socially, athletically, etc. at BHS through your email, as well as postings on our social media pages ("X" - @bucs_bhs, @MrRhodesBHS, and Instagram - @bucs_bhs). We truly have some great things happening here at BHS and are excited to share them with you!

Save the Date: 11/12/25 7pm Financial Aid Night

Please join us on November 12th 2025 at 7pm for Financial Aid Night. Come and learn about the financial aspects of the college application process. This is open to all students and parents at Belleville High School. It is particularly important for students in the Junior and Senior class to attend if they have not done so in the past.

Please enter through the main entrance of the High School (Door #1)

The English Speaking Presentation will be in the auditorium.

The Spanish Speaking Presentation will be in the Media Center

Please click here for a copy of the presentation for your review prior to the 12th.

As some of you may already know, we have started contacting the parents/guardians of students who already have high chronic absentee numbers as we enter the third month of the school year. The intention of these meetings is to determine if there is anything that can be done to address the issues/concerns that might be related to the absences. Please make sure to return those calls and speak with the counselor or administrator so that we can work together to develop a plan for your child.

Each month, in addition to a Student of the Month, we look to recognize a Staff Member of the Month as well. If there is a staff member who has gone above and beyond for you or your child, please consider nominating them to be recognized for their work!

November Staff Member of the Month Submission

Belleville Athletics has a website where you can find the most updated schedules, coach information, physical paperwork, etc. If you have any interest in learning more about our athletic program here at BHS, please click the link below:

Belleville Athletics

Under N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.6, the State of New Jersey defines a chronically absent student as one who is not present for ten percent (10%) of the school year for any reason, including absences due to medical circumstances.

As we all know, being present for as many school days as possible, is essential for students to be successful during their time in school. The state does recognize certain absences as "excused", and those are listed below:

1. Religious Observance
2. Veterans Day (already a Single Session at BHS)
3. Take Our Children to Work Day
4. College Visits (students in grades 11 and 12 can be excused for up to three college visits per year)
5. Military recruitment
6. Civic Events (once per year)

Please make every effort to ensure that your children at in school as often as possible, and if an absence is required, please make sure to contact the BHS Main Office (973-450-3500).

In late August, the Board of Education adopted an updated Dress Code Policy with the intention of simplifying what students are permitted to wear. The updated policy will go into effect on January 1, 2026 and can be found here: Updated Dress Code Policy.

As we head towards January 1, the previous Dress Code Policy will remain in effect and can be found on page 19 of the 2025/2026 Student Handbook.

Please make sure that your child is not wearing a "hoodie" during the school day, as that is an absolute requirement that will not change, even when the new policy is in effect.

BHS offers a wide range of Clubs/Activities for students to get involved in. The list of available clubs and their advisors are listed below:

BHS 2025/2026 Clubs and Advisors