Panther Tails

As we wrap up the 2024–25 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a meaningful experience it has been to serve as the Principal of Bel Air Middle School over the past six months. I have learned so much and grown both personally and professionally during this time, and I am truly grateful for the warm welcome and support from our school community. To our 8th graders, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as you move on to high school. I am confident that you will continue to achieve great things.

This will be our last newsletter of the school year. Have a safe and restful summer!

Sincerely,

Principal Silk

The 2nd edition of the 2024-2025 Panther Print is online and ready for you to enjoy.

This newsletter features interviews with our new principal, Ms. Silk, and three new staff members (Mrs. Cellitto, Mrs. Henfey, and Ms. Kelleher), plus a look at extracurricular clubs. You'll also find a Tai Chi restaurant review, history articles, a 2024-2025 recap, summer activity suggestions with a fun wordsearch, and a candid take on BAMS cafeteria food.

Just use the link below to access the online Panther Print newsletter today and enjoy reading all the interesting articles created by you for you!

https://secure.smore.com/n/qmwty

A special shout out to ALL the 2024-2025 Newsletter Club Members! Your hard work has truly paid off, and it shows in the Panther Print! Bravo! 😊

Happy Reading!

Students MUST bring both their Chromebook in its case and charger to school that day to be collected. Please have your child(ren) remove non-HCPS stickers/labels from the Chromebook prior to collection day. (Do NOT remove the sticker with the bar code… see image above.)

If a student has lost the charger that was given to them with their Chromebook at the beginning of the year, please read the following information:.

If students do NOT have a charger to turn in on Chromebook Collection Day, they will be fined $36.00… even if parents have purchased the student device protection plan.

Rather than get fined, we recommend you purchase a charger that is compatible with the Chromebook and cheaper in price than the $36 fine. (see link below) This purchased charger will be turned in on Chromebook Collection Day to eliminate getting fined $36.

• Chromebook USB C Charger – currently $21.98

Thank you for your support in having your child(ren) return their borrowed HCPS technology devices from this school year.

Fall 2025 Athletic Team Tryout Information

The first date permitted by the MPSSAA for Fall Sports is

Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

Athletic Director: Craig Reddish, craig.reddish@hcps.org

Bel Air Website: https://bahs.ss18.sharpschool.com/

Bel Air High School Athletics and Expectations

• Bel Air Athletic Philosphy: To Develop Young Men and Women of the Highest Character through Sports!
• Student-Athletes must meet HCPS Eligibility Standards.
• Student-Athletes must follow all HCPS rules and policies.
• High school athletics is a 5-to-6-day commitment. The expectation is to be at all events and practices.
• Some teams will make cuts. There will be a 3-day minimum tryout period. Coaches will evaluate your skills, athleticism, coachability, effort, conditioning, and character.
• Fall Coaches emails are on the Bel Air High School Website.

Physical Examination Form-On the Bel Air Website

• Exam must take place on or after June 1st for the 2025-2026 school year. Doctor must sign, date and stamp for approval.
• The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form must be handed in to Mr. Reddish in person on one of the drop off dates below. You may not drop off at the school or email the nurse or Mr. Reddish.
• Physicals must be on the NEW HCPS form, NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Physicals must be signed by parent and student/athlete.
• Free physical opportunities: UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
• Physical drop off days and times. (All student athletes must hand in a hard copy of their physical in peron to Mr. Reddish. All physicals must be reviewed and approved by the school nurse)
• 1st Physical Drop Off: Any time till the end of School (June 18th) in the AD Office. Must hand to Mr. Reddish personally. Do not drop off at the front office or leave in mailbox.
• 2nd Physical Drop Off: July 30 and 31st (4-6 pm at the front entrance of the school)
• 3rd Physical Drop Off: August 6th and 7th (4-6 pm at the front entrance of the school)
• Last Physical Drop Off: August 7th

• Form Releaf opens June 1st and must be completed before summer conditioning and tryouts!
• http://app.formreleaf.com/organizations/bel-air-high-school

BEST OF LUCK AND WELCOME TO BOBCAT NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 8th grade dance on Friday night was a huge success. Thank you to all the parents, families, and staff who helped with decorations, serving, chaperoning, and clean up. It was a flawless event.

YEARBOOK SIGNING, June 13th: BAMS PTA is providing a refreshment station with cookies and waters.

We need your help to make this events a success! Please consider signing up to help.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A44ABAA2EA5F94-56754304-8thgrade#/

By signing up to volunteer, you agree to actively volunteer for the length of the event and to help in any location needed. Parent volunteers are the reason we can make these events happen, so thank you for your support!

Please bookmark our school website and remember this is a great place to find out information about everything "BAMS related".

https://bams.ss18.sharpschool.com/