Our parent newsletter is typically published mid-month; however, in effort to keep information timely, we are publishing a special edition.

In the spirit of transparency, I want you to know that there are BMS students using vapes and juuls. Maybe some equate this to "kids being kids" with a new type of contraband, but as a principal and a mother, I'm extremely concerned and feel the need to call in the village (all of you) in curbing this issue.

Here's what I know: Getting vapes/juuls and the cartridges is very easy for students, regardless of purchase age requirements. Some students are getting the items from older siblings, but some are purchasing them on Amazon. If you are like me, then your own Amazon account is linked to many devices, including ones belonging to our children. Check your orders and credit card statements and change your passwords. Even if your child doesn't have access to your Amazon account, check their devices for the Amazon app because some of those purchases are being made with Amazon gift cards.

As a school, we do assign consequences if found in possession of vapes/juuls and/or accessories, and possession of vape pens (by minors on school property) is a chargeable offense. A non-punitive referral to the Student Assistance Program (which links the family to various community resources) is made for any student we think may be involved in substance use or abuse.

As a final request, I'd like to ask that if you have information about substance use occurring among our students, especially inside of our building, please contact BMS administration directly so that we can investigate appropriately.

Thank you for being part of our village!

I can't thank you enough for the parental support of our recently updated cell phone policy. I have appreciated the candid conversations with many of you over the last several days and would like you to know that our first day of implementation had very little disturbance.

Something especially interesting happened when students participated in a PBIS reward volleyball game. Whereas previously, the students in the stands would have half-heartedly watched the game while interacting with various apps on their phones, this time was VERY different! Students in the stands were conversing with one another, cheering for those playing, and even singing along to Bon Jovi (who can resist that?)! I would've taken some photos, but I, too, am trying to disconnect.

Though this change may be especially hard for students, I 100% expect the end results to be worth it.

The Math PreviLearn will be administered over the next two weeks. These assessments are reflective of the material taught in most recent modules and I encourage all students to take them seriously. In addition to providing feedback on student learning, the results of these assessments are used as part of the matrix that determines next year's math placement.

8th Grade Chorus Concerts--April 9th/10th @ 7PM

8th Grade Dance---May 18th @ 6PM

8th Grade Hershey Trip---June 5th

8th Grade Award Ceremony--June 11th (AM--Exact time TBD)

8th Grade Celebration--June 11th (PM--Students only)

Marking Period 3 ends April 4th. Please be sure your student has submitted all missing assignments in accordance with teacher policies.

Students failing classes due to missing assignments have been:

• Assigned to Saturday School
• Assigned to academic lunch/after-school detention
• Assigned to study hall during the PBIS reward

We appreciate your support in ensuring your student is demonstrating adequate skill mastery.