Food Deliveries
Parents, please help to minimize the amount of school disruptions by refraining from ordering take-out or fast-food for our students. When we receive deliveries, we have to contact students and teachers about them. This is distracting and time-consuming. Food drop-offs can also disrupt classrooms and learning when they are delivered after the student's scheduled lunch time. We understand that there may be some unforeseen circumstances when your child forgets his/her lunch. In cases like this, it is best to drop off a packed lunch from home or money for your child to purchase a school lunch. Please do not plan any reward or celebratory restaurant deliveries to the school. Thank you for understanding.
Kristine Snyder
Mrs. Snyder has joined our team, at last. We are so excited to have her as our new 6th grade assistant principal. Kristine Snyder has proudly dedicated twenty-five years to Harford County Public Schools. She called Southampton Middle School home for twenty-one years where she worked as a special education teacher. In 2021, she made the decision to join the Magnolia Middle School family, where she recently served as their Special Education Department Chair.
Mrs. Snyder’s educational philosophy is rooted in collaboration, ensuring that students, families, and staff feel supported and valued. She is passionate about creating opportunities for success, enabling both students and staff to achieve their full potential.
Outside of school, Mrs. Snyder enjoys making memories with her husband and four children. Whether attending a sporting event, participating in a school activity, or relaxing at home, Mrs. Snyder treasures her time with her family above all else.
Mrs. Snyder is honored to have the opportunity to serve the Bel Air Middle School community. She looks forward to being a member of the Panther family, building strong relationships and supporting the mission of providing an exceptional education.
State Testing Update
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is comprised of state assessments in the areas of mathematics, English/reading/language arts, science, and social sciences. These assessments are required for students enrolled in grades three through high school and are designed to measure a student’s mastery of the content. This program will build a pathway to measure a student’s progress toward obtaining college and career readiness (CCR). In addition, these assessments will provide educators with valuable information to inform instruction and provide student support. Students will receive a paper copy of their score report after they have been shipped to the schools. More information about the importance of MCAP assessments can be found here (https://support.mdassessments.com).
Expected BAMS Testing Dates (testing begins after homeroom):
- MISA (8th Grade Only): 3/12, 3/13
- MCAP Practice: 4/14
- ELA: 4/29, 4/30, 5/1, 5/2
- SS (8th Grade Only): 5/7, 5/8
- Math: 5/14, 5/15
To help your child perform their best on this assessment, the following actions are recommended:
- Continue to revisit charging their device.
- Ensure they have wired earbuds for classroom use and testing use (Bluetooth connection is not permitted).
- Attending regularly and participating in all academic activities is the best way to prepare for these assessments.
Parents Needing a Conference With a Teacher
Parents wishing to conference with teachers should reach out to teachers by email or phone to schedule a time to conference. Parents wishing to meet with an entire team should reach out to one teacher and indicate that they would like to meet as a group so that a time may be arranged.
Conferences may be scheduled throughout the year and it is not necessary to wait until after report cards or progress reports to schedule. Conferences may be arranged virtually or in-person during the normal school day.
For those parents with schedules who do not afford them to meet during the school day, Quarterly after hours conferences are available virtually. The next date is March 6th from 3:30-5:30 pm Please contact your child's teacher to arrange a time.
Performing Arts
Music Festival Assessments are coming up for 8th Grade Ensembles- permission slips and more information will be coming home soon from your child's performing arts teachers. All Festivals are held at Havre de Grace Middle/High School.
Band Festival Assessment: Monday, March 17th
Orchestra Festival Assessment: Tuesday, March 18th
Chorus Festival Assessment: Wednesday, March 19th
Mark your calendars NOW for our Spring Concerts!
Friday, May 16th- Jazz Band Concert @ BAMS
Tuesday, May 20th- BAND Night @ BAHS
Wednesday, May 21st- ORCHESTRA Night @ BAHS
Thursday, May 22nd- CHORUS Night @ BAHS
Maryland Immunization Requirements
Maryland immunization requirements will impact your student in the school year 2025-2026.
All students entering 7th grade must have had one Tdap vaccination and one Meningococcal vaccination.
You should work with your child’s doctor to get his/her immunization record documenting these vaccines or receive the required vaccinations if needed. Please email, fax, or mail a copy of your child's updated immunization record documenting the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines.
According to Maryland School Immunization Regulations (COMAR 10.06.04), to be allowed in school, students must be immunized according to the Maryland Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule. A child has up to 20 days from the start of school to show proof of vaccinations. Your child may not be allowed in school without these vaccinations.
If you have questions about immunizations that are required for school, please call your child’s health care provider or the school nurse. If you have recently provided new immunization documentation to your school nurse, kindly disregard this letter.
Sincerely,
Mary Nasuta, RN, MS, NCSN
Supervisor of Health Services
Bel Air MS Nurse's Contact information
Michelle Taylor
Wendy Kraus
410-638-4140
410-809-6227