Bass Middle School

*Please access the parent calendar on the BMS website for club meeting dates. Most clubs begin in September.

Aug. 5: Open House 10:00-12:00 OR 4:00-5:00

Aug. 6: 1st day of school

Aug. 6: Soccer tryouts until 5:15 pm (current 7th/8th grade students only)

Aug. 7: Hat days begin (click on the link below)

Aug. 10: 7th grade Immunization records must be turned in today

Aug. 10: Safety drills will take place this week

Aug. 18: Soccer - BMS @ EMS (4:30 - boys play first)

Aug. 20: Football tryouts begin

Aug. 24: Chick-fil-A Spirit Night @ Coweta Crossroads CFA (let them know you are from BMS)

Aug. 25: Soccer - BMS @ AMS (4:30 - boys play first)

Aug. 27: Soccer - LMS @ BMS (4:30 - girls play first)

Aug. 28: College Colors Day (wear your favorite team's colors/jersey)

Every school day matters. Regular attendance helps students build strong academic habits, stay connected to classroom learning, and develop meaningful relationships with their teachers and classmates. While we understand that appointments and family trips are sometimes unavoidable, we encourage families to plan them during scheduled school breaks whenever possible. By maximizing time in the classroom, we give every Bulldog the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. At Bass Middle School, Every Day Counts because every day is another chance to be Bulldog BOLD.

Hey Bulldgos! I'm Dr. Ashley Dawson and I am honored to serve as the 6th Grade Assistant Principal at Blake Bass Middle School. Originally from Alpharetta, Georgia, I have been an educator for 15 years, serving students in high school, elementary, and middle school. Since joining the Coweta County School System in 2016, I have taught at Lee Middle School and was proud to help open Blake Bass Middle School in 2021 as a founding faculty member. Throughout my time at BMS, I have served as a Georgia Studies teacher, Audio Video Broadcast & Film teacher, Bulldog TV producer, yearbook advisor, cheerleading coach, and sponsor of several student leadership organizations. I love Blake Bass Middle School!

I earned my bachelor's degree from North Georgia College & State University, my master's degree from LaGrange College, and both my Educational Specialist and Doctorate in School Improvement from the University of West Georgia. My husband, Tim, and I have four children—Ryley, McKinley, Halley, and Brody—as well as two Labradoodles, Beau and Elly. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, reading, photography, and cheering on my favorite sports teams.

As I begin this new role, I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, families, and staff while helping every Bulldog feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. My goal is to create a positive school culture where students are encouraged to grow academically, develop as leaders, and discover their unique potential.

Welcome to Bass Middle School! My name is Angie Markham, and I am excited to be entering my sixth year as the 7th grade Assistant Principal here at Bass!

I am a lifelong resident of Coweta County, graduating from Newnan High School in 1996. I am also a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and the University of West Georgia. My husband Brad and I have been married 20 years, and we have one daughter, Avery, who will be a freshman at Georgia Southern this year. We also have one dog named Murray and a cat named Tilly. I will be starting my 27th year in education, all in the Coweta County School System, this year!

It’s going to be another great year in the Dawg House, and I am excited to continue building an amazing school environment with our wonderful staff, students, and parents! I can't wait to see you all soon!

My name is Bryan Hicks and I am excited to join the leadership team at Blake Bass Middle School as the 8th Grade Assistant Principal. Originally from Douglasville, Georgia, I bring more than three decades of experience as an educator, coach, and athletic leader dedicated to helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

Before joining Blake Bass, I spent 18 years at Northgate High School, including five years as Athletic Director. I also served as the head coach of the boys' and girls' varsity soccer programs for 13 seasons, earning more than 250 career victories, a 2013 GHSA Girls Soccer State Championship, multiple state finals appearances, and several Coach of the Year honors.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Jacksonville State University and my Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Leadership from LaGrange College.

My wife, Erin, and I live in Sharpsburg with our son, Colson. Outside of school, I enjoy coaching youth soccer, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on student-athletes.

As Assistant Principal, I am excited to bring my passion for developing students to the middle school level. After years of helping high school students succeed as athletes, leaders, and young adults, I look forward to working with students during these important formative years. My goal is to build meaningful relationships, support every student's academic and personal growth, and help create a positive school culture where every Bulldog is encouraged to work hard, lead with character, and discover their full potential.

Hello! My name is Jessica Fortier, and I have more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in education, social services, and juvenile justice. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Charleston Southern University, my master's degree in school counseling from the University of West Georgia, and my Educational Specialist degree from Valdosta State University. I am currently working toward obtaining my professional counseling licensure.

I am passionate about helping students achieve academic success while supporting their social and emotional growth. Building relationships with students and families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, serving my community, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on my son, Trae, as he pursues his many interests and activities.

Hi Bulldogs!
My name is Grace McKoy, and I’m so excited to be starting my third year as a school counselor at Bass Middle School! I earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and I also have a background in Early Childhood Education. Supporting students as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically is truly my passion, and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful school community. I can’t wait to continue building connections with our amazing students and families this year!

Hello, my name is Deputy Michael Berry, or as the kids say, Officer Berry. I am excited to begin my second year as the Blake Bass Middle School SRO! Prior to my career in Law Enforcement, I served 6 years active duty as a medic in the Army. Outside of the school, I enjoy traveling around Georgia with my wife and spending time at home with our three fur babies Dontino, Oliver, and Penelope. I look forward to continuing to serve, protect, and support the students and staff of Blake Bass Middle School!

My name is Rachel Posson RN, BSN and this is my 3rd year as the school nurse at Blake Bass. I’m very excited to be back for another great year! I'm a former Air Force veteran, ICU and operating room nurse enjoying my time and transition into school health. I have a wonderful husband and two amazing children, we enjoy traveling, camping, and hiking as a family. I look forward to a great year and as always please reach out if you need anything!

The form below must be completed by a parent/guardian and accompany the medication when delivered to the school by a parent/guardian.

Students cannot begin the school year without updated required immunizations. You may turn immunizations forms in at Open House or on the first day of school.

Students may arrive to school no earlier than 7:30am. Vehicles should use two lanes to drop students off in the morning. If you are using the far lane (away from sidewalk), your student must walk up the center lane to the adult at the crossing in the middle to wait until all cars have been stopped. They may NOT cross over a lane of traffic without an adult stopping all traffic first.

If a student needs to take a different bus or get off at a stop that is not their assigned stop due to childcare needs, the student must bring a note with the requested changes that has been signed by a parent or guardian. The student must give the note to Kristina Landkamer in the attendance office when the student arrives at school. After confirming the request, Ms. Landkamer will give the note back to the student who will give the note to the driver to board the bus at dismissal.

Afternoon bus dismissal procedures: Bus numbers are called out over the intercom as the bus arrives to the school. Students are dismissed to the bus zone when they hear their bus number. Once we have our bus line up, we will share the LIVE spreadsheet with you so you are able to see when your student's bus number has been called and any changes that may have been made. Bus numbers will be highlighted on the spreadsheet as they are called out. The link to the spreadsheet on the BMS website and posted below for your convenience. This is NOT the same as Bus Bulletin.

Bus route information will be shared at Open House and is available on the CCSS Transportation website.. Additional information will be in the July 28th newsletter as well.

Please use the form below to request a transportation change for your student. All requests MUST be made by 3:00 pm on the date requested. We ask that you limit transportation changes to emergency situations only. All students should know how they are getting home each day before they arrive to school.

Please keep changes to emergency situations only.

Cell phones and smart watches may not be used during the instructional day and must be on silent and put away in student's backpacks at all times. Backpacks will be placed in lockers each morning until the end of the day. Students are permitted to use the designated student phone located in the office during school hours for emergencies or for illness. Students should not use a cell phone or smartwatch to call home or text when sick. Any student who is ill should go through the Bass clinic. The school nurse will call parents directly. Calling home for homework, a school project, or to make arrangements to attend an after school event that wasn't previously arranged is not permitted.

We appreciate your support of this policy so we can minimize interruptions to learning and ensure that all students feel safe and free of distractions.

*CCMSAL permits 7th and 8th grade students to participate in school sports.

Click the link below to sign up to tryout for the BMS Soccer Team. This link is for both the girls' and boys' teams. Tryouts begin on the first day of school, Aug. 6th, and last until 5:15pm. Rides must be waiting in the car line at 5:15 for pick up.

We will have a parent meeting immediately following the first Open House session on Aug. 5th at 12:00 in the BMS gym. Please bring all tryout paperwork, including a current physical, with you to this meeting. All questions relating to soccer tryouts should be sent to Coach Becky Bush (girls coach) or Coach Isaac Strickland (boys coach).

becky.bush@cowetaschools.net

isaac.strickland@cowetaschools.net

*All sporting events begin at 4:30 p.m. and cost $6.00 per person to attend. Student spectators must go home after school and return if they are attending the game. All students must be picked up by 6:30 p.m.

Fall: Football, Cheerleading & Volleyball

Winter: Basketball

Spring: Track

BMS Athletics Twitter: @AthleticsBass

BMS Instagram: bassmiddleschool

BMS Facebook: @BassMiddleSchool

BMS Website: http://bms.cowetaschools.net/

Assistant Principal: Angie Markham

Assistant Principal: Dr. Ashley Dawson

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Bryan Hicks

Email: cindy.bennett@cowetaschools.net
Website: bms.cowetaschools.net
Location: 500 Shaw Road, Sharpsburg, GA, USA
Phone: 770 254 2600