Bulldog Newsletter
August 26 - New Student Orientation 9:00-11:30am
September 2 - Parent/Teacher Learning Conferences (open house format) 4:00-7:00pm
September 2 - All School Family Picnic 6:00-7:00pm
September 7 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
September 8 - First Day of School for Students
September 15 - Picture Day!
October 13 - Picture Retake Day
October 13 - Tri 1 Parent/Teacher Classroom Conferences 3:15-7:30pm
October 15-16 - Education MN Professional Conference - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
October 19 - 8th Grade Choir & PC Choir Concert 7:00pm - PC Auditorium
October 22 - Tri 1 Parent Teacher Virtual Conferences by appointment only 3:00-7:15pm
October 28 - 8th Grade Band & PC Band Concert 7:00pm - PC Auditorium
November 3 - Licensed Staff Workshop - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Please see this Handbook Calendar for upcoming event dates
Families will soon receive a copy of our important 2026-27 Parent/Student Handbook Calendar in the mail. It is also available on the BMS website. Please be sure you keep this throughout the school year and refer to it for important dates as well as school expectations and policies.
INTERPRETERS
Free language services offered
Our school is dedicated to ensuring that every family has timely and meaningful access to information and services. With more than 125 languages spoken throughout the district, we’re committed to providing multilingual communication that promotes the inclusive participation of all families and community members.
If you’re a parent/caregiver of a student in a public school and your preferred language is not English, you have the following rights established by law:
School districts must have a process for identifying your language needs.
Schools must provide information in a language you understand.
School districts must provide effective language assistance to you, such as by offering translated materials or a language interpreter.
Schools must provide you with language assistance even if your child is proficient in English or you have some English proficiency.
Schools must provide translation or interpretation from appropriate and competent individuals and may not rely on or ask students, siblings, friend or untrained school staff to translate or interpret for you.
Language assistance must be free to you.
For more information on language services here at Osseo Area Schools, please visit OsseoSchools.org/LanguageServices.
Welcome Back to the 2026–2027 School Year!
Dear Brooklyn Middle STEAM Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with opportunities to relax, spend time with loved ones, and create lasting memories. As I begin my role as the new Head Principal of Brooklyn Middle STEAM School, I am honored and excited to join this incredible school community.
Brooklyn Middle STEAM has a proud tradition of excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to students. I have already heard so many wonderful things about our students, families, and staff, and I look forward to meeting each of you as we begin this exciting journey together.
As we start this school year, our goal is not to start over, but to build upon the strong foundation already in place. Brooklyn Middle STEAM has created a culture where relationships, belonging, and student success are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we will continue strengthening that culture while helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Brooklyn Middle STEAM, we believe every student has unique strengths, talents, and limitless potential. Through our STEAM and AVID programs, students will engage in meaningful learning experiences that develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Our teachers are committed to helping students understand not only what they are learning, but also why it matters and how they can continue to grow. When students know what success looks like and receive the support they need, they can accomplish amazing things.
2026–2027 Theme of the Year
Every Piece Matters
Building on Our Strengths. Completing the Bigger Picture.
This year's theme reminds us that every member of our school community plays an important role.
Every student
Every staff member
Every family
Every day
Like pieces of a puzzle, each of us contributes something valuable. When we work together, support one another, and celebrate our unique strengths, we create a school where everyone belongs and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Throughout the year, we will continue focusing on the important pieces that make Brooklyn Middle STEAM such a special place:
Every relationship matters
Every lesson matters
Every conversation matters
Every act of kindness matters
Every family partnership matters
Every student matters
Whether you are beginning sixth grade, returning for another year, or preparing for high school as an eighth grader, know that you are an important part of our Brooklyn Middle STEAM family. We want every student to feel welcomed, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
To our parents and families, thank you for the trust you place in us each day. Your partnership is one of the most important pieces of our students' success, and we look forward to working alongside you throughout the year.
As we begin this new school year, I encourage every student to come ready to learn, every family to stay connected, and all of us to continue building a positive school community where kindness, respect, responsibility, and perseverance are demonstrated every day.
Important Dates to Remember
We are excited to welcome everyone back to Brooklyn Middle STEAM!
Tuesday, August 26
9:00–11:30 a.m.
6th Grade & New Student Orientation
Our newest Bulldogs will have the opportunity to become familiar with the building, meet staff, make new friends, and begin middle school with confidence.
Wednesday, September 2
Learning Conferences (Open House) 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Family Picnic (Grades 6–8): 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Meet your teachers, learn about the upcoming school year, explore the building, and connect with other Brooklyn Middle STEAM families as we celebrate the start of another exciting year.
Tuesday, September 8
First Day of School!
We can't wait to welcome all of our Bulldogs back for a year filled with learning, growth, and success!
I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead and look forward to meeting each of you. Together, we will make this an outstanding year filled with learning, growth, new friendships, and memorable experiences.
Remember:
You Matter.
Because Every Piece Matters.
Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!
With excitement and appreciation,
Robert Ware
Head Principal
Brooklyn Middle STEAM School
Plans are underway for a smooth transition to new attendance boundaries at the elementary and middle school levels, which start Sept. 8, 2026. Families can double-check whether or not their household is impacted by using the 2026-27 search tool available via osseoschools.org/boundaries.
Families who have students impacted by the attendance boundary changes received a letter with information about their new school and other pertinent details last December.
Students relocating can expect a similar educational experience across district schools, with shared goals for academic rigor and a welcoming environment at all sites. Efforts have also been made to keep neighborhoods together as much as possible so that any school changes are made with familiar students.
These changes can be tough; however, every effort is being made to ensure families have great experiences at all schools. This fall’s open houses will help welcome and support families relocating. Families can also check out school websites and/or schedule a tour in the weeks ahead.
The flexibility with this needed change is appreciated. Questions? Check out osseoschools.org/boundaries, or reach out to BetterFuture@district279.org or 763-391-8990.
Parents and guardians, please review the district's Back-to-School information before the school year begins.
As part of this process, families must complete several important forms, including:
- Emergency card information
- Family contact information updates
- Photo release opt-out forms
To complete these forms, log in to ParentVUE, available through the Families tab located in the upper-right corner of any district or school website. On-screen instructions will guide you through the process.
For additional assistance, visit district279.org/forms.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
The BMS School Supply Lists for the upcoming school year are provided below. Some items include links for your convenience if you would like to purchase them online. However, you are welcome to purchase supplies from any retailer of your choice.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Since September 2023, all Minnesota K-12 students attending school in person have one free breakfast and lunch available to them each academic school day due to the state's Free School Meals for Kids bill. A la carte items outside of a complete meal will still incur a cost (mile will incur a cost unless taken as part of a school meal). You can access additional information and set up your students account or deposit meal money here.
All communication regarding your orders should be through Kemmetmueller Photography at www.k-photography.com or call 952-473-2142.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Watch for more information as the schedule is finalized. Students will need to have a parent permission form for each activity they wish to participate in. Announcements will be made in school when forms are available for students to pick up later in September.
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!
Sign Up for EduTrak Account: Field Trips 26-27
Beginning next school year, we will be using EduTrak for all field trip permission forms and payments. This is the same district portal families already use to register for sports and activities and to add lunch funds, providing a more streamlined and familiar process for managing field trip participation. Families should follow the attached directions to register an account if they have not already done so.
BMS Families
As we prepare for an exciting 2026-27 school year, we are committed to helping every student develop the skills and habits they need to be successful not only at Brooklyn Middle STEAM, but throughout high school and beyond.
One of our schoolwide focuses this year will be student organization. The middle school years, grades 6-8, are an important time for students to build strong habits, learn to manage their responsibilities, and take greater ownership of their learning. These skills provide a strong foundation for success in high school, college, careers, and life.
To support this goal, we are asking all students to come to school each day prepared with the following:
- Binder/Trapper Keeper: Students should have a binder or trapper keeper to organize materials from all of their classes. Teachers will provide guidance and expectations for how students should use this system throughout the year.
- Charged Chromebook: Students are expected to bring their school-issued Chromebook to school fully charged every day so they are ready to learn and participate in all of their classes.
- Planner: Students should bring their planner to school every day. Teachers will use planners regularly to help students track assignments, important dates, responsibilities, and materials they need for success.
We know that developing strong organizational habits takes time, practice, and consistency. That is why home-school partnership is so important. We ask families to help by encouraging students to check their planners, organize their materials, charge their Chromebook each evening, and prepare for the next school day.
Our goal is not simply to have students keep their materials organized. We want students to develop the ability to manage their time, take responsibility for their learning, and advocate for themselves. These are lifelong skills that will serve them well long after they leave Brooklyn Middle STEAM.
Thank you for partnering with us and supporting your student as they grow into a confident, responsible, and independent learner. Together, we can help our students build the strong foundation they need to succeed in middle school and take their next steps toward high school and beyond.
We are excited for the 2026-27 school year and look forward to working together to make it a great year for every Bulldog!
Sincerely,
Robert Ware
Head Principal
BE IN CLASS. BE PREPARED. BE SUCCESSFUL
At BMS we value every minute of class time. Students are allowed to enter the building at 7:50am and school begins promptly at 8:10am. Being in class every minute each day matters. Frequent late arrivals and early dismissals cause students to miss valuable instructional time, classroom discussions, assessments, and important beginning and end of day information.
When possible, please schedule appointments before or after school. Every minute of instructional time matters, and consistent attendance plays a major role in student success. If you do need to sign your student out early, please see the BMS process for early pick-up below.
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 2025-26 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 2025-26, 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.
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES
STUDENT EARLY PICK-UP PROCEDURES
If you need to pick your student up early from school, please review the options below to help ensure a smooth and efficient process:
Option 1 (Preferred):
Send a written note with your student to school indicating the reason for early dismissal and the time you will be picking them up.
- Your student should bring the note to the front office upon arrival in the morning.
- A pass will be issued so they can leave class at the appropriate time and be ready when you arrive.
Option 2:
Call the school office as soon as you know your student will need to leave early.
- We will do our best to send a pass and have your student ready at the requested time.
PLEASE DO LATE DAY PICK-UPS PRIOR TO 2:15PM. PICK-UPS AFTER 2:15 CAN NOT BE GUARANTEED AS IT IS CLOSE TO THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY AND A VERY BUSY TIME IN THE OFFICE.
PC SPORTS – EARLY RELEASE FOR GAMES
If your student needs to leave school early for a PC game or match, parent/guardian permission is required.
- Coaches are not permitted to excuse students from school.
- Please send a note with your student in the morning indicating the sport and the time they need to leave.
- The school will verify dismissal times with PC Athletics to ensure your student is released on time.
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.
DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to dress appropriately for the school day. Shoes and shirts/tops must be worn at all times in the building for health and safety reasons. Clothingshould be appropriate and should not interfere with the rights of other persons to have a safe and supportive school environment.
Examples that are inappropriate include but are not limited to:
• Clothing that damages or potentially damages school property (e.g. cleats or spikes on shoes/clothing)
• Clothing advertising substances illegal for children and adolescents
• Clothing containing obscene and/or profane language, slogans, emblems or pictures
• Clothing containing language, slogans, emblems or pictures that promote or depict violence, hate, discrimination, harassment toward other students or staff
• Clothing that reveals or does not adequately cover intimate body parts of the student
• Clothing that substantially and materially interferes with the school environment/educational process or otherwise violates school district policy
• Ski masks/ninja masks/balaclavas (or similar masks or face coverings that cover the entire face except when worn in observance of a legitimate religious observance
Parents, we ask that you please support our goal of maintaining school appropriate dress.
PLEASE DO CLOTHING CHECKS AT HOME PRIOR TO COMING TO SCHOOL. Students
in violation of the dress code policy will be expected to change and may be subject to
additional discipline, as appropriate. If students do not have alternative clothes to change into
they will be expected to change into clothing provided by BMS.
Our school community supports and will enforce School Board Policy 504: Student Dress and Appearance.
Chromebooks provided to students are DISTRICT OWNED DEVICES and are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Students are expected to bring their district issued device to school and back home every day to utilize in cooperation with their teachers to enhance their educational experience. It is the responsibility of each teacher to establish procedures and expectations for use of the digital learning devices in their classroom, and it is the responsibility of each student to follow those
procedures and expectations. Students are advised to secure their digital learning and electronic devices at all times as we are not able to provide staff time to investigate lost or stolen items.
REMINDERS:
• Bring Chromebook each day to and from school
• Chromebook should be fully charged at the start of each day
• Only authorized Apps should be downloaded onto the device
• Social Media sites are not allowed to be accessed using ISD 279 devices and networks
Any photographic or movie image taken by students or adults on ISD 279 property without the consent of the individual(s) will result in disciplinary action. Any photographic or movie image taken of students or staff members on ISD 279 property cannot be published on any personal public forum, social media platform, or group messaging application without the written consent of each individual. Any violation will result in disciplinary action.
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: TBD - Stay tuned!
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
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!
#bmsgoodthings #bmsbulldogsrock #bmssteambulldogs
Website: https://bms.district279.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmssteambulldogs/
Twitter: bmssteam