BWMS Family Update

It was a great staggered start week at BWMS. I was impressed with our students and their willingness to support each other as many learn a new space with new schedules, routines, and people. Each classroom had a goal to get to know each other as learners and establish common norms and expectations so our school year will go well. We look to build upon this positive environment next week as we choose daily to S.O.A.R daily in the areas of Scholarship, Ownership, Awareness and Respect. We will also strive to grow in all areas of the Eagle Profile - (Adaptable Learner, Collaborator, Communicator, Problem Solver and Responsible Citizen).

Fridays in Sunbury in the late summer, early fall are something special and just hit different. We love to see our Eagle Pride and the greater community come together to support each other.

Have a great weekend and Go Eagles,

Mr. Josh Frame

• STAR assessments will be given in Reading and Math during the week of 8/24/26. All students participate in the STAR universal screener to help our staff personalize instruction and supports. Language Arts and Math Teachers will give the assessment during the normal class schedule and teachers will review results next week.
• BWMS will have grade-level meetings during Advisory next week to help communicate our school goals and expectations for 2026. 8th grade will meet on Tuesday, 7th on Wednesday and 6th on Thursday.
• Student Council & SOAR Leadership elections will be happening soon. Have your student attend the meeting with Mrs. Berry, Ms. Lawless, and Mrs. Miller on Wednesday 9/2/26 if they are interested in this student leadership position. Student council serves as a the voice of the student body as we plan for special events like pep rallies, dances, SOAR Days and Eagle Nights.
• The last day to request a schedule change is Friday 9/4/26. Please see details below.
• There is no school on Monday 9/7/26 due to Labor Day.
• STAR reports will be sent home in the mail on Friday 9/11/26. This will include information about tier 2 and 3 support in the areas of reading and math which would take place during our advisory.

• The 1st School Dance for 6th through 8th grade is Friday 9/18/26 from 6:30 - 8:00 in the Gymnasium. We will have a DJ play some good tunes and the kids will have a great time eating snacks from the concession stand. School Dances at BWMS are limited to our students and chaperoned by school staff. They are causal so no need to purchase a new outfit just for this occasion. The cost is $5.00 at the door.

• There is no school for students on Monday 9/21/26 due to a Teacher PD Day.

Other Opening of School Details

• The 2026-27 Student Supply List can be found Here as well as other relevant school information on our BWMS Website.
• BWMS will continue to have a "Not Seen, Not Heard" policy for cell phones and electronic devices for the 2026-27 school year. Please reference this document for additional details.
• BWMS cannot provide supervision of students until 7:05 AM each morning so we ask that parents arrange drop off schedules accordingly. At that time, students will report to the Auditorium and Atrium until released to go to their 1st period class. Breakfast is available in our cafeteria beginning at 7:10 AM.
• Although most students at the MS have traditionally selected not to use a locker, we do have some lockers that are available upon request. Please CLICK HERE to request a locker for your student. Please complete the form to request a locker and someone from the office will connect with your student to assign a locker and provide the passcode via email.
• If your child will be absent, please call the school by 8:20 AM on the day of the absence or submit the online absence form. Please find the 2026 attendance updates here.
• Student pick up will be different this year and we appreciate your patience and support. Parent Drop Off and Pick Up should use Letts Ave entrance and the loop in front of the school and continue to the athletic side of the building before exiting using the same road. Only buses should enter and leave using S Old 3C Rd path for transportation and safety reasons. For parent drop off, we ask that you pull all the way around the front loop, around the front of the school and drop off on the athletic side by the Large Orange Cones. This will allow for safe exits from cars and for all of our students to be in the school by 7:25 AM. Most important thing to remember, if your car stops in the unloading zone, please have your student exit the car on the curb side and enter from either entrance. Please see the image and directions below.
• Interested in volunteering in Big Walnut Schools this year, please go to the following website and complete the process which requires 3 easy steps - https://www.bwls.net/parentscommunity/volunteer-information

Special Thanks to our Production Team including and Excellent Actors (Officer Whiteside and crew) for helping us put together these tips for our students at BWMS!

• We appreciate everyone following our car line procedures to start the school year. Students have been arriving on time and getting to class before our first period bell. Please remember to drive slowly through the line, pull up to the furthest available space before dropping off, and DO NOT PASS cars while in the line. Thank you for helping us have a safe and efficient drop off process.

• ParentSquare - Communication with Families
• PowerSchool Parent Portal - Grades & Attendance
• Schoology - skoo·luh·jee - Assignments & Classwork

All 7th grade students are required to have an updated Tdap and meningitis vaccine. We would ask that parents provide written proof of immunization or a letter of objection to the school within the first two weeks of school. Please contact our School Nurse at MeganTruax@bwls.net or the office with any questions.

BWMS is excited to welcome the following school counselors in the 2026-27 School Year.

As we prepare to release school schedules online, all students will follow the prescribed schedule in PowerSchool to begin the year. Although many related arts classes are at capacity, students will be able to submit an online schedule change request form to the School Counselors. All adjustments for the year need to be completed by Friday, September 4th. As time permits, the grade-level school counselor will review the request and make any available adjustments during the first weeks of school. Thank you for your patience and support.

Reminder that all athletes should have their final forms complete and a current OHSAA Evaluation Exam Form uploaded to Final Forms directly or emailed to Mrs. Kreager stephaniekreager@bwls.net. All physicals must be received prior to the first tryout date or first practice of the season.

All information for BWMS athletics can be found at bigwalnutathletics.net and on ParentSquare/Schoology.

The SOARing Staff Award and used to recognize a Big Walnut Middle School Staff Member who goes above and beyond to support the mission of BWLS to inspire and guide each student to his or her maximum potential. If you would love to recognize a staff member, please submit their name and reason on the following form... HERE.

August

24 1st Day with All Students

24 W STAR Assessments (6-8 Reading & Math)

September

7 Labor Day (no school)

8-11 Student Council/SOAR Elections

8 BWMS PTO Meeting, 7:00

11 STAR reports sent Home

18 School Dance, 6:30-8:00

21 Teacher PD Day / Fair Day

25 Grade Update Day

22 Picture Day 7:45-2:20

22 Conferences, 3:00-7:00

28-2 Spirit Week

28 6th SOAR Celebration

28 Art Contest for Yearbook begins

Month View Calendar Link

iCalendar Link

Email: JoshFrame@bwls.net
Website: bwls.net
Location: 555 S Old 3C Road, Sunbury, OH, United States
Phone: (740)965-3006
Twitter: @Josh_Frame