The Burgaw Beacon
Week of October 26th - Week 10
Important News and Information Regarding our School!
Exciting Changes Ahead: Introducing WINN Time!
Good afternoon, BMS families.
Beginning Monday, October 26, BMS will launch WINN (What I Need Now) time! This focused morning block from 7:40-8:15am. and will replace I&E Monday through Thursday, providing targeted instruction based on students’ beginning-of-year i-Ready results and individual academic needs.
Here’s what families can expect:
Monday and Tuesday: Reading instruction and support.
Wednesday and Thursday: Math instruction and support.
Friday: Our regular I&E/Fun Friday schedule will continue.
Personalized learning: Students will work in groups designed to strengthen specific skills, build confidence, and support academic growth.
A schoolwide team effort: Teachers and instructional staff will work together to provide focused support for students.
To make the most of WINN time, we will protect this block from interruptions. Students will have an opportunity to use the restroom beforehand, and nurse visits will be limited to emergencies. Please plan early pickups outside this instructional block whenever possible.
We are excited to provide this dedicated time to help every student grow. WINN reflects our commitment to knowing students by name and need—and giving them the instruction they need to move forward!
Important Upcoming Dates:
- All week - Mental Health Awareness Week - Anti-Bullying Week! (Wear orange)
- All week - Red Ribbon Week (Wear Red!)
- This Week - NC Check-ins - Science (8th grade)
- 10/26 - WINN Starts! (Monday-Thursday)
In the Spotlight: Dr. Breedlove Joins the BMS Broadcast Team as Guest Anchor!
The BMS Broadcast Team welcomed a very special guest to their set, Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools and the North Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year!
Stepping into the spotlight as a guest news anchor, Dr. Breedlove highlighted upcoming school events, and student broadcasters had the exciting opportunity to interview him about his state recognition. To show their appreciation, the team presented him with a thoughtful gift basket and a custom canvas featuring student and staff fingerprints, while afterschool students gifted him a handmade poster to mark the occasion.
A huge thank you to Broadcast Team supervisor Caroline Borders for her outstanding work behind the scenes, coordinating the visit, and making Dr. Breedlove’s appearance an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
BMS Girls Explore STEM Through Robotics and Engineering
Last Thursday, six of our 8th grade girls had the opportunity to participate in the Girls in Technology event sponsored by GE. The girls had to code a Lego robot to do four different actions and create a poster about their experience. They worked alongside two engineers that supported and mentored them throughout the process. This program gave our students the chance to see what a job in STEM would look like and an opportunity to talk to other women that work in the engineering field.
BMS Student Attendance Week Ending 10/23: 91.6%
School Food and Celebration Guidelines
In accordance with Pender County Schools Board Policy, please be aware of the following guidelines:
Celebration treats, such as cupcakes, may only be eaten after all lunch periods have ended and must remain in the classroom.
Outside food may be delivered but must be eaten in Student Support, unless it is eaten during the student’s lunch period in the cafeteria.
Food sales are not permitted during school hours.
Thank you for helping us follow these guidelines and keep student learning a priority!
October is Pender County Schools Awareness Month!
We will be celebrating various themes throughout the month with matching colors to support each cause!
This Week - October is almost over, but it is time to celebrate Red Ribbon Week and scary away drugs! Wear red this week to show that you pledge to stay drug free!
BMS Athletics At a Glance
Grade and Department-Level Newsletters
CIS Weekly News
Another exciting week for Communities In Schools at BMS! In our 21st Century After-School Program, students participated in activities promoting leadership, creativity, community involvement, and making a positive impact!
Our Girls Mentor Group, the Lit Crew, began planning a student-led video about why they love being part of Communities In Schools! This project encourages public speaking, confidence, collaboration, and leadership while empowering our girls to share their voices.
In recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, another group of girls took the initiative to create an anti-bullying video for our student news! The pictures below highlight their incredible student-led planning and scriptwriting session.
Our after-school students also surprised Dr. Breedlove with a congratulatory poster celebrating his incredible achievement of being named the 2027 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year! What a special opportunity for our students to recognize and celebrate leadership within their own school community!
We wrapped up the week with our community partner, Fresh Start Rescue Inc., who brought an entire reptile exhibit! This local nonprofit rescues and rehabilitates reptiles and other animals while promoting education and responsible animal care. Students enjoyed hands-on learning while discovering the importance of compassion, responsibility, and community partnerships!
Help Us Revitalize Our PTO!
Burgaw Middle School’s PTO is currently inactive as a result of not having enough volunteers available to fill the required officer roles needed to operate the organization.
We are working to revitalize the PTO and are seeking interested parents and community members to serve on the PTO Board and help get the organization up and running for years to come. If you are interested in being part of this effort, please email Principal Mortensen at jeremy_mortensen@pender.k12.nc.us.
Thank you for your interest and support as we work to revitalize our PTO. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all current and former PTO members for the time, dedication, and countless contributions they have made to Burgaw Middle School throughout this year and in years past.
Lunch Menu
Please CLICK HERE for October's lunch menu!
Water Safety Night at UNCW
The UNCW Yacht Club invites families to Water Safety Night on Monday, October 26, from 6–7 p.m. in Cameron Hall, Room 105. Hear practical water safety tips from The Qualified Captain and a personal story from UNCW women’s basketball coach Nicole Woods, a drowning survivor. This free event is open to all and includes a raffle with prizes! Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP.
A Few Reminders & Important Systems to Help Out!
2026-27 Established Student Beginning of Year Information Update Application is ready to go! This Beginning of Year Information Update is a requirement so your student will be approved for a Chromebook and more.
If you have your Infinite Campus Parent Portal Log In already set up, please log in and there should be a pop up to guide you through. If you need any assistance please let me know. You can use the App or the web link: Infinite Campus Parent Portal
If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account yet please contact our office and I will help you get it set up to save you time. Parent Portal Access Needed Click Here
School Calendar:
Here is a copy of our 26-27 Calendar and links to items that might help you through the school year!
- Hours: Our regular school days begin at 7:30am each day. We expect students to be in their seats on time daily. If they are not in class on time they will need to be brought into the main office to be checked in at the tardy kiosk at the front desk. Our day ends at 2:45pm.
We are so excited that our students receive free breakfast and lunch here at Burgaw Middle School. Please see the link below to access menus and more information.
Whether by bus, by car, or by foot we want you here safely!
- Bus Riders (Here Comes the Bus App):
- Step 1: Pender County Schools offers the Here Comes the Bus app for tracking your child's bus location. To get started, you'll need our district code: 29081. This five-digit code is essential for registration, so keep it handy.
- Step 2: Once you have the district code, click here to begin your registration. You can complete this process using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Step 3: If you're using a smartphone or tablet, download the Here Comes the Bus app from the Google Play Store or App Store. The app provides added convenience with features like push notifications when the bus is near and, if available in our district, alerts when your child scans in using Student Ridership.
- Car Riders: Students may be dropped off each morning starting at 7:10 am in the parking lot by the gym & cafeteria.
- Walkers: Please make sure that you have completed the Walker Permission form for your student.
This is your go to spot for attendance, grades, updates, and more!
- Keep us up to date on any phone number and email address changes so you don't miss anything.
- Are sick notes getting lost in the bookbag? Use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal App to keep absence excuse notes from disappearing! Here's how!
- Here are some more tips and tricks about the Infinite Campus Parent Portal!
Steps to Activate your Account:
- Step 1: Get your student’s activation code here: Lookup Activation Code
- Step 2: Use your code to create your account here: Infinite Campus Login
School Supplies:
We have got you covered!
- All student supplies (paper, pencils, binders, glue and more) have been purchased!
- Bring your own book bag and be ready to learn!