BMS Family Weekly
Update from the Principal...
October 23, 2026
Happy Friday! We are off and running with a great start to 2nd Quarter! We finished this 4-day week with a celebration of all the great things our BMS students did during 1st Quarter by giving those who qualified an opportunity for Reward Time. Each grade level had a modified schedule where they still attended all their regularly scheduled classes, but they also had about 40 minutes of Reward Time. They were able to relax in the cafe with some popcorn and a short movie or go to the gym and play games and run around and release some energy! As a reminder - above 90% attendance, passing grades, and positive behaviors are a part of students receiving all reward opportunities here at BMS!
Lastly, we have a HUGE weekend of events on campus this weekend. See the flyers below - PTO is hosting their annual Craft Fair here at BMS from 9-3 and then there is the Halloween Carnival (4-7) and the Haunted House (5-8) at 4 Bulldog. Come up to campus and make a day of it for the whole family! Take care & Go Bulldogs!
Important Dates
October 24 - PTO Craft Fair, 9am-3pm @ BMS
October 24 - PTO Halloween Carnival (4pm-7pm) & Haunted House (5pm-8pm) @ 4 Bulldog
October 28 - Picture Retakes
November 3 - Teacher Inservice, No School for Students
November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Key Information
Building Fast Facts:
Start time: 7:30am
End time: 2:20 pm
Main office phone number: 513-732-9534
Fax number: 513-732-3696
If your student is absent, call
513-732-2341 and leave a message on the attendance line
Important Documents:
School Fees:
All general fees, tech fees, and any other charges your child accrues during the school year, including cafeteria balances must be paid during this academic school year. As a reminder that all fees must be paid and Final Forms updated in order to attend field trips. Thank you for helping us ensure everything is up to date! As a reminder all cafeteria balances are transferred to our general fee system at the end of each quarter. Our 4th quarter cafe balances will show up in the summer and on your fall fee sheet. These will need to be paid as soon as possible.
Emergency Medical Forms:
It is that time of year where you need to complete all forms in Final Forms. It is important that each year we have up to date contact information for all emergency contacts listed for your child. These forms as well as fees must be paid for students to attend any field trips or dances throughout the year. As a reminder our new online payment system as of August 1st is PaySchools.
Attendance Connection
Our building goal is to maintain a 94% daily attendance rate. We truly appreciate the families who make it a priority for their students to be at school and on time each day. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically and feel more prepared and confident in their learning.
This Week by the Numbers:
Overall daily percentage: 94%
6th Grade: 95%
7th Grade: 94%
8th Grade: 92%
Quick Ohio Attendance Facts
Chronic Absenteeism:
Chronic absenteeism is defined in Ohio as missing 10% or more of school for any reason.
- Counts ALL absences
- Emphasizes academic impact of missed days
- Does NOT lead to court involvement
Truancy:
Ohio law defines that a “habitual truant” is determined by certain thresholds of unexcused absences only:
a. 30 or more consecutive hours (approximately 5 school days)
b. 42 or more hours per month (approximately 7 school days)
c. 72 or more hours per year (approximately 12 school days)
- Counts ONLY unexcused absences
- Can lead to court involvement
Grade Level Updates
Counselor's Corner
Dr. Couch
School Counselor/Encore Theater Club Director
couch_h@bataviaschools.orgFrom the Couch, with Dr. Couch, check out the updated information about bullying awareness and prevention!
Ms. Maggie
Ms. Tina
PTO and Community News
BMS PTO Craft Fair
Red Ribbon Week 26-30
PTO Bulldog Halloween
Student Life
1st Quarter Honor Roll
Mid-Quarter Celebration!
Athletics
Fall 2026 School Athletics:
If your child is interested in participating in a fall sport at BMS or BHS make sure you update your Final Forms ASAP to get summer communications from the athletic department and coaches. All communication about open gyms, workout sessions, try-outs, etc. will be heading to your inbox via Final Forms. Also as a reminder all students must have a Sports Physical on file to participate.
Batavia Middle School Office Contacts
Principal: Nate Baughman
Assistant Principal: Tyler Sanders
Dean of Students: Melissa Kidwell
School Counselor: Heather Couch
If your student is absent, call
513-732-2341 and leave a message on the attendance line