Bulldog Bulletin

• Message from the Principal
• Important Dates
• Back To School Night September 14
• Stay Connected with Your Child's PTO Group!
• NWEA MAP Testing for 9th & 10th Graders
• College and Career Corner
• Arrival and Dismissal Procedures at BHS
• Hall Sweeps at BHS
• School Picture Day: September 16
• Year Books Are Now On Sale!
• 3rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Springer Middle School
• State Trooper Open House
• BHS Visitation Night
• BHS Scheduling FAQs
• Athletics Information
• UPDATE: BHS Student Parking Passes
• Senior Parking Spot Contracts
• Fundraising Process at BHS
• Student Code of Conduct
• Updated Cell Phone Policy
• Update Technology/Personal Device Policy
• New Outside Food Policy
• Updated Cell Phone Policy
• Wellness Center
• Schoology Access for Parents
• Volunteering at BHS

Bulldog Community,

School culture is important. You can feel it, whether you’re a student, staff member, or parent it is palpable when you step foot on property. I can confidently say that the school culture at Brandywine High School is strong. This was evident at our first home football game of the year, which took place on Thursday night. It was a beautiful blend of our broader diverse community! One thing that struck me as both proud and motivating was how our students comprehensively support one another! Our students in the band, color guard, and on our cheerleading team were supporting our players on the field. Afterwards, our players reciprocated by running over to the band to support them as they played our school’s song! That is what makes this school so special. We truly are a village and an incredibly tight school community that collectively lifts one another up and celebrates our success. When one wins, we all win. Our school culture was on display last night and I think it demonstrated exactly why Brandywine High School is the place to be!

All The Best,

Dr. Sterling H. Seemans

Principal

sterling.seemans@bsd.k12.de.us

26-27 BSD Calendar

BHS Athletics Calendar

• 9/7: Schools and Offices Closed (Labor Day)
• 9/11: Rosh Hashanah
• 9/14: Back to School Night 6pm-8pm
• 9/15: Schools Closed. Offices Open (PD Day for Staff and State Primary Election)
• 9/16: School Picture Day
• 9/21: Schools Closed/ Offices Open (Yom Kippur)
• 9/24: Marking Period 1 Interim Ends
• 9/29: PTO Meeting 5pm
• 10/23: Schools Closed. Offices Open (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
• 10/30: Marking Period 1 Ends & Homecoming Dance

We are excited to welcome parents to Brandywine High School on Monday, September 14 from 6pm-8pm for our Back to School Night. Parents will be able to visit each one of their child's classes. Teachers will introduce themselves, share information on what your child will learn, explain expectations for behavior and academics, cover grading policies, etc. This night is not intended to ask teachers for updates on individual student performance or share academic concerns. Our agenda is tight and it will not allow for our staff to properly and confidentially engage in these conversations. Should you have concerns or want updates, families are encouraged to reach out to teachers individually via email to either receive an update electronically or set up a meeting. We are happy to connect with parents around students' success.

• Schedule

• 6:00 – 6:10 Parent Welcome – Auditorium

• 6:15 – 6:23 Period 1

• 6:28 – 6:36 Period 2

• 6:41 – 6:49 Period 3

• 6:54 – 7:02 Period 4

• 7:07 – 7:15 Period 5

• 7:20 – 7:28 Period 6

• 7:33 – 7:41 Period 7

• 7:46 – 7:54 Period 8

Parents and Guardians,

Each graduating class has its own page on the Band app dedicated to sharing important information, updates, and opportunities specific to their graduation year.

Parent involvement is essential to help make after-prom a memorable experience for our students. We’re asking parents to join their class Band page, stay informed, and support the fundraising efforts throughout the year. Every bit of involvement makes a difference!

Links to each class Band page are posted below. Please take a moment to join your student’s class page and help make their after-prom celebration a success.

Thank you in advance for your support and involvement! 💙

Class of 2027

https://band.us/n/a2a4b8h672l5i

Class of 2028

https://band.us/n/a1afbeI3pepeM

Class of 2029

https://band.us/n/aaa1b1G3T4Lct

Class of 2030

https://band.us/n/a6a1b1GcT209h

9th and 10th graders will be taking the NWEA/MAP Growth assessment in math and ELA classes over the next two weeks. This test allows teachers to understand where your student is academically so that they can monitor student progress. Testing will take place on Chromebooks, so make sure students bring their Chromebook to school fully charged every day! Prior to testing, students will turn in their cellphone, smartwatch, and any other electronic device to their teacher. Students that are absent will attend a makeup session during the school day.

Planning Your Future- Grade Level Info Sessions for students and families

In-Person, Zoom, and Recorded

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASS OF 2027

Concord High School 12th grade- Tuesday, Sep 8 at 6:00pm in the Raider Room

Brandywine High School 12th grade- Wednesday, Sep 9 at 6:00pm in the C3

Mount Pleasant High School 12th grade- Thursday, Sep 10 at 6:00pm in the Library

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASS OF 2028

For all BSD 11th grade students and families

Tuesday, Sep 29 at 6:00pm

Hosted at Brandywine High School in the College & Career Center (C3)

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE: CLASSES OF 2029 & 2030

For all BSD 9th and 10th grade students and families

Wednesday, Sep 30 at 6:00pm

Hosted at Mount Pleasant High School in the Library

To RSVP and get the Zoom link, go to https://forms.gle/eFSC4xDFk8Y2dbLy8

Recordings will be posted on this webpage following the events

Brandywine High School conducts hall sweeps each day at:

• 7:30 AM
• 9:05 AM
• 12:50 PM

Students should be inside their assigned classroom by these times and prepared for learning.

Moving forward, students identified during a hall sweep will progress through the following consequences:

• First Offense: Documented Warning
• Second Offense: Lunch Detention
• Third Offense: After-School Detention
• Fourth Offense: In-School Suspension (ISS)
• Continued Offenses: Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

The purpose of our hall sweeps is not simply to issue consequences. Our goal is to ensure that students are in class, on time, and ready to learn. Every minute of instructional time matters, and consistent punctuality helps students start each class successfully.

A special reminder for families of 10th-grade students enrolled in Driver Education: Being late to Driver Education can count against the student's attendance requirements for the course. Students are only permitted to miss two class periods, making it especially important that they arrive to class on time.

Please take a moment to speak with your student about the importance of arriving to class before the bell. We appreciate your partnership in helping us establish strong routines and expectations for a successful school year.

Interested in a Career in Law Enforcement? 🚔

The Delaware State Police Trooper Youth Program is hosting an Open House for students in grades 9–12 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement!

Students will have the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn about police training, explore community service opportunities, and participate in meetings throughout the school year.

📅 September 15, 2026

⏰ 5:30 PM

📍 DSP Troop 6 – Community Room

3301 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808

This is a great opportunity for Bulldogs interested in law enforcement, public safety, and serving their community! 💙🐾

For more information, contact our SRO Detective Alexander or contact Lt. Edward Larney at Edward.Larney@delaware.gov.

With the school year right around the corner, students and families will want to know their schedules for the upcoming school year and may have questions regarding possible next steps or changes. Please refer to the attached FAQ sheet regarding schedules at Brandywine High School. Please reach out to your child's school counselor with any questions or requests for change:

Counseling:

Counseling Department Chair: Ms. Lisa Street lisa.street@bsd.k12.de.us

9th-11th Graders

Students with Last Names A-K: Mr. Kreig Joseph kreig.joseph@bsd.k12.de.us

Students with Last Names L-Z: Ms. Renee Kershaw renee.kershaw@bsd.k12.de.us

12th Graders

College and Career Counselor: Ms. Susan Hullman susan.hullman@bsd.k12.de.us

For information around our athletics department please visit https://www.bulldogssports.com/ or reach out to Athletic Director, Darren Schulke darren.schulke@bsd.k12.de.us.

BULLDOG PARKING UPDATE

At Brandywine High School, we’re proud of our traditions—but we also recognize that strong communities listen, reflect, and respond.

For many years, Brandywine has charged a student parking fee as a fundraiser to support student programs and activities within our school community. Over the past several days, we’ve heard feedback from our students, families, and community members regarding this long-standing practice.

We value the voices of our stakeholders, and after listening to that feedback, we are making an update.

Watch this message from Dr. Seemans for an important update regarding student parking for the 2026–2027 school year.

Brandywine High School will no longer charge students a fee to park on campus.

Students who plan to drive to school will still be required to:

🔹 Complete the BHS Student Parking Application

🔹 Receive an assigned parking space

🔹 Display their BHS parking placard on their rearview mirror while parked on campus

Thank you to our Bulldog community for sharing your feedback and continuing to partner with us. Traditions are an important part of Brandywine, but so is being willing to listen and evolve alongside the community we serve.

That partnership is part of what makes BHS #ThePlaceToBe! 💙🐾

Please use this link to complete the contract:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNqThVUvMjNKWkaR5gZ4omgwcZuWAjrSnu277qG3VSBTR8DQ/viewform

Please complete this form for any fundraiser associated with clubs and organizations associated with Brandywine High School. Approval for the fundraiser will be sent via email by Dr. Seemans or Ms. Schiavino.

The Student Code of Conduct serves as a guide for creating safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed. It outlines the expectations for student behavior, promotes positive relationships, and helps students understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of making responsible choices. The Code also describes the procedures used to address behavioral concerns in a fair, consistent, and supportive manner.

We encourage all families to review the Student Code of Conduct with their child each school year. By working together, families and schools can foster a positive school climate that supports student learning, well-being, and success. To view the complete Student Code of Conduct, please select the link below.

The District’s Student Code of Conduct is an official policy of the Brandywine School Board. The primary goals in discipline are improving behavior and protecting the welfare of all students.

Provisions in the Student Code of Conduct apply to all students in grades K-12 as well as those in the District’s 18 to 22 year old program, unless noted otherwise. Each student holds responsibility for their own behavior. It is noted that differences in age and maturity are recognized as staff, students, and families make decisions about appropriate disciplinary action.

Brandywine High School's Updated Cell Phone Policy

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, Brandywine High School is implementing our updated cell phone expectations to create an environment where students can stay engaged, minimize distractions, and maximize learning.

Our goal isn't to punish students—it's to help them succeed by ensuring classrooms remain focused on instruction while still allowing students to access their phones during appropriate times.

📱 Students may access their phones:

✅ Before & After School

✅ During Class Transitions

✅ During Lunch

🚫 During Instructional Time:

• Phones must be turned off or silenced.

• Phones may be stored in a teacher-designated location.

• Phones may not be accessed during class unless directed by staff.

Progressive Consequences:

📌 1st Offense: Phone taken for the day & parent/guardian contacted.

📌 2nd Offense: Phone taken for the day & parent conference.

📌 3rd Offense: Student will receive a cell phone pouch and be required to secure their phone each morning for a minimum of one marking period.

Thank you to our students and families for partnering with us as we work to create classrooms where everyone can learn, participate, and thrive.

Focused on Learning. Respectful of Instruction. Ready for Success.

UPDATED TECHNOLOGY POLICY | 2026–2027

As we prepare to welcome our Bulldogs back, we want families and students to be aware of an important update to our technology expectations.

Personal devices are not permitted for use in class. This includes personal laptops, iPads/tablets, and other personal technology devices.

Students are expected to use their Brandywine High School-issued 1:1 Chromebook for all classroom technology needs.

Need a school-issued device? Students who need a 1:1 Chromebook should pick up a Technology Agreement Form, have it signed and completed by a parent/guardian, and return the completed form to Mr. Holt to receive their device.

Please make sure your school-issued Chromebook is charged, ready, and brought to school each day.

Thank you to our students and families for helping us create consistent learning environments where technology supports instruction and keeps our Bulldogs focused and ready to learn!

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind all students and families that no outside food or beverages are permitted in the building after 7:30 AM.

This is especially important for students arriving late to school. All students arriving after 7:30 AM are required to enter through the Main Office. Students who arrive with outside food or beverages—including coffee, breakfast, fast food, or energy drinks—will be required to throw those items away before being admitted to class.

Our goal is simple: students should arrive at school on time, prepared, and be IN CLASS by 7:30 AM ready to learn.

This also includes DoorDash, Grubhub, and other food delivery orders during the school day. Parents/guardians may still drop off lunch for a student who has forgotten one at home.

📘 Getting Started with Schoology (for Parents)

These guides explain how to log in, view assignments, and track upcoming work:

• Schoology Parent Guide (PDF)
Step-by-step instructions for setting up a parent account and viewing assignments
https://uc.powerschool-docs.com/en/schoology/latest/parents

• How Parents Can Use Schoology (Video)
A short overview showing what parents can see and how to navigate the platform
https://www.powerschool.com/video/how-parents-can-use-schoology/

📬 Staying Informed & Organized

These tools help parents stay aware of assignments and deadlines:

• Schoology Parent Communication Tools
Learn how to turn on email notifications and weekly summaries for assignments and due dates
https://www.fcps.edu/schoology/parents/communication-tools

🗣️ Supports for Students with Communication or Processing Challenges

These resources highlight tools that can make written directions easier to understand:

• Text-to-Speech & Immersive Reader Tools (Video)
Shows how students can have instructions read aloud, which can help with comprehension
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB1CVfUftSc

• Schoology Accessibility Features
Information about accessibility options teachers may use to make content clearer and more student-friendly
https://uc.powerschool-docs.com/en/schoology/latest/accessibility-checker

🧠 Supporting Executive Functioning at Home

These strategies can be used alongside Schoology to help students stay organized and reduce frustration:

• Visual schedules or checklists for daily schoolwork
• Breaking assignments into smaller steps
• Using timers or reminders to support task initiation and completion

Families may also find these assistive technology resources helpful:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/special-education/services-and-programs/assistive-technology-services

Brandywine High School relies on the generosity of time from our great families within the community. We welcome those who want to help be apart of our village and have a plethora of opportunities for volunteers to engage with our students and staff to better the middle school experience of our youth.

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