Bulldog Bits-n-Bytes

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Our Vision

"Brooklyn STEM Academy students and staff believe in being positive, working hard, and learning in an environment that is rich in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math so that everyone is prepared to meet the challenges of the world around them."

Doors Open: 8:25am

Tardy Bell: 8:40am

W.E.L.L. Wednesday: 1-Hour Delay

End of School Day: 3:40pm

Email: jennifer.teare@msdmartinsville.org

August 1st- LiftUp Supply Event

August 1st- Teacher Assignment Available on Skyward

August 5th- Open House

August 6th- First Day of School

August 26th- Vaccination Deadline

Free backpacks and school supplies will be available for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade on Saturday, August 1, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., at Hoosier Harvest Church. Vaccination information and many other resources will also be available. Students must be present.

Please complete the RSVP in Skyward Family Access by August 5, 2026, to ensure the District has updated contact and emergency information.

https://skyward.iscorp.com/p12edumsdmartinsvillein/web/seplog01.w

We need your help! We want to make sure that Brooklyn STEM Academy is a good community neighbor. We realize that we have an extensive car rider line. The staff works really hard to ensure student safety as well as efficiency to keep it moving smoothly. However, because the line in the afternoon is so lengthy while waiting for dismissal, some are unintentionally blocking neighbor’s driveways where they can’t get out. If possible, please be cognizant of blocking the drives. If you are able to leave those areas open as we progress through the line, we would appreciate it. Please pass this information along if you have other family members that do the pick-up line. Thanks for your help with this matter.

Students in all grades (PreK through 12) are required to meet the minimum immunization requirements. Students entering Kindergarten, 6th, or 12th grade typically need to complete a series within the immunization schedule before the first day of school. The MSD of Martinsville provides a 20-day extension waiver beyond the first day of school, which expires on August 26, 2026. Additional vaccine paperwork can be found on the District website.

August 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Morgan County Prosecutor's Office, Morgan County Probation Office, and the MSD of Martinsville have joined forces to address student absenteeism. Our goal is to cut student absenteeism, educate students and parents/guardians on impacts of chronic absenteeism, and lessen the loss of learning opportunities.

INDIANA LAW

Under Indiana's Compulsory Attendance Law [20-33-2-6] any individual who is at least seven (7) years of age and less than eighteen (18) years of age is bound by compulsory attendance requirements until the individual either graduates, becomes eighteen (18) years of age, or becomes at least sixteen (16) years of age and meets the requirements to withdraw from school before graduation.

The superintendent, attendance officer, or designee will report a child who is habitually truant from school to an intake officer of the juvenile court (Prosecutor's Office) or the Department of Child Services. Habitual truancy includes students who are absent ten (10) days or more from school within a school year without being excused.

AUTHORIZED ABSENCES

In each of the below circumstances, the student is excused from school and is not to be recorded as absent, and is not to be penalized in any way by the school. They are exempt from compulsory attendance required for the day the event occurs.

1. Serving as a page or honoree of the General Assembly (IC 20-33-2-14).

2. Serving on the precinct election board or as a helper to a political candidate or party on the day of a municipal, primary or general election (IC 20-33-2-15).

3. When subpoenaed to testify in court (IC 20-33-2-16).

4. Serving with the National Guard for no more than 10 days (IC 20-33-2-17).

5. Or serving with the Civil Air Patrol for up to 5 days (IC 20-33-2-17.2).

6. The student is approved for an educationally related non-classroom activity (IC 20-33-2-17.5).

7. The student or a member of the student’s household exhibits or participates in the Indiana State Fair for educational purposes (IC 20-33-2-17.7).

OTHER EXCUSED ABSENCES

Any other type of absence must be recorded as either excused or unexcused and does count towards a student's compulsory attendance requirement. It is up to each school district to define what is excused and what is unexcused.

The MSD of Martinsville Attendance Policy (pending Board approval) states excused absences include:

1. Personal illness or serious illness of the immediate family.

2. Death of a member of the immediate family or relative living in the home.

3. Court appointments.

4. Required religious observance.

5. Absences which are pre-arranged and approved by the principal.

A parent note (up to 5 parent notes), medical statement, court statement, or memorial/prayer card must be submitted upon student return to school or within 6 days in order for an absence of reasonable excuse to be excused.

Regular attendance is essential for children to be successful in their educational endeavors. Students are bound by the requirements of the Indiana Compulsory Attendance Laws. Students are expected to attend school regularly and be on time for classes in order to benefit from instructional programs and develop responsible personal habits that are respected in society and therefore a part of the educational process.

The MSD of Martinsville does have legal responsibility to follow all Indiana attendance laws, but the District also wants to make sure that staff members are working closely with parents to address any reason that is causing their child to be absent from school.

Please reach out to your child's school with any questions or to work with your child's school to formulate a plan to address reasons why your student is absent.

If you have any questions, please call or email Suzie Lipps.

Sincerely,

Suzie Lipps

Ph: (765) 342-6641 ext. 1052

Email: suzie.lipps@msdmartinsville.org

If your student will be taking a prescription medication during the school day, you must fill out a Prescription Medication Form found in the front office. One may also be emailed to you at your request. Prescription medications will be stored in the clinic at all times. Only emergency medications with self-administer permissions will be permitted to remain with the student.

The state of Indiana also requires parent/guardian permission for over-the-counter medications to be administered in the school clinic. If you would like for an OTC medication to be administered to your student during the school day (including cough drops), an OTC medication form must be completed.

Please note that students must supply ALL of their own medications in unopened packaging. Medications will be labeled with student name/date of birth and kept in the clinic. Age-appropriate medications should be sent. Should your child need something different (i.e. for weight, etc.), a physician may send a written order to the clinic for alternative dosing.

The school year will be here before we know it—and the YMCA is here to help! Registration is now open for Before & After School Care in Martinsville.

Give your child a safe, welcoming place to learn, play, make friends, and grow before and after the school day, while you enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re in caring hands. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your child’s place for the upcoming school year! Register by clicking on the photo below, call 765-342-6688, or stop by our Membership Desk!

Any adult wanting to volunteer in the building or on field trips must have a background check on file for the 26-27 school year. A new background check is required for each school year. These are no cost and may be completed at any time by stopping by the front office or emailing kirsten.clayton@msdmartinsville.org for a digital copy. No background check can be submitted without a copy of your valid Driver's License or State I.D. District policy is that anyone with a misdemeanor within the last 5 years or a felony within the last 10 years may not volunteer in any capacity.

Join our PTO group on Facebook to stay involved!

Funding has been made available through School Wide Title 1 Services to Brooklyn STEM Academy for the purpose of providing students with extra support in reading/language arts and math. This extra support is available for all students at Brooklyn STEM Academy. Classroom teachers, Title 1 Teachers and instructional aides provide assistance through small group and individualized instruction as children demonstrate a need for support. Please contact your teacher about services your child may receive.

“Together we challenge and inspire our children through rich experiences, empowering them to achieve success while making positive contributions to our world.”