Black River Middle School

Community Bulletin

Black River Middle School is a School to Watch!

Email: andrew.white@chester-nj.org
Website: www.chester-nj.org
Location: 133 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930
Phone: 908-879-6363
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChesterNJSchools/
Twitter: @chesternjschool

Thanks to a grant from the Chester Education Foundation, world-renowned poet Georgia Heard spent April 7-9 with our 7th graders and the evening of April 8 with the community. Mrs. Heard led poetry workshops with the students and encouraged them to express themselves in a meaningful and impactful way. The students enjoyed learning how to create verse that became an artistic interpretation of their experiences. A highlight of the visit was when Mrs. Heard presented her poetic process to the community and spotlighted some of our own students' poetry that was written in class during her residency. It was an inspiring event for all who were privileged to participate.

The BRMS Service Club recently held a donation drive for the Randolph Animal Shelter, which services surrounding communities. In addition to food, the students collected blankets and toys for the dogs and cats waiting to find homes. Pictured below are (L. to R.) Sophia Smeureanu, Annie Solazzo, Gemma Lawse, Club Advisors Sra. Rodriguez and Sra. Werner, and Berlin Pajunas.

On Friday, April 17, a group of 17 volunteers visited BRMS to share insights about their careers with the students. Prior to the event, students chose which careers they wanted to learn more about. Presenters offered three sessions, so students heard about a variety of options. We are grateful to the parents and community members who took time out of their day to enlighten our students about their chosen fields.

On Tuesday, April 21, the 5th grade class visited BRMS to learn about becoming 6th graders in the fall. Mr. White, Mrs. Tsihlas, the guidance counselors, and a group of 8th grade students made the 5th graders feel welcome as they toured the building and had a chance to ask questions. Welcome to the class of 2029!

While our middle schoolers attended Take Your Child to Work day with their parents, the BRMS faculty participated in the spirit of the day by bringing their own children to work with them. The BRMS "junior faculty" had a great time in the classrooms and in the gym!

NJSLA testing takes place in May. Eighth graders (only) will take the science test on May 5 and May 6. ALL students will take the reading, writing, and math tests on May 12, May 13, and May 14. It's important that students are ON TIME to school for testing days because late comers will not be allowed to enter a classroom once testing has begun. As a result, tardy students will remain in the office during the test and will have to make it up at a later date. Please be on the lookout for an upcoming letter from Mr. White that gives specific details about the testing protocol.

May 1- Peer Leader Trip

May 5-6- NJSLA science test (8th grade only)

May 7- Chorus Concert, 7 p.m.

May 12-14- NJSLA testing (all grades)

May 15- Dorney Park Band Competition

May 20- BRMS Variety Show, 7 p.m.

May 25- Memorial Day

May 27- 7th Grade Zoo Trip

May 28- Select Chorus Trip

Welcome warm weather!