BMS Bugle
SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
TRANSLATIONS
English:
This newsletter can be translated using the translation feature in the box to the right.
Spanish:
Este boletín se puede traducir utilizando la función de traducción en el cuadro de la derecha.
Portuguese:
Este boletim informativo pode ser traduzido usando o recurso de tradução na caixa à direita.
Arabic:
يمكن ترجمة هذه النشرة الإخبارية باستخدام ميزة الترجمة الموجودة في المربع الموجود على اليمين
SAVE THE DATE
January 20 - No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 22 - 4th Grade Winter Chorus Concert
January 24 - Grade 6/7 - 1/2 Year Fall Classes End
January 24 - Grade 6/7 - Second Semester Progress Reports Issued - After 3pm
January 27 - 1/2 Spring Classes Start
January 29 - Early Release - 11:05am
2025 MCAS DATES
4th GRADE CHORUS CONCERT
If you havn't seen the bus / video opt out form for the chorus concert on January 22nd, please click on the below link. This form is only if you want to opt out your child from taking the bus to the High School or not wanting ABMI Cable to video your child for broadcasting this event at a later time.
ADMIN CORNER
The Importance of Attendance and the Massachusetts Student Opportunity Act
School attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of student success. In Massachusetts, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days during the year. When students miss school, they miss opportunities to learn, engage, and grow. Attending school regularly lays the foundation for academic achievement and long-term success.
At Bellingham Memorial School, we have set a schoolwide attendance goal of 96% to ensure all students are consistently present and making the most of their educational opportunities. To support this goal, we will monitor attendance on a weekly basis and share updates in this newsletter.
This focus aligns with the Massachusetts Student Opportunity Act, which highlights the critical role of consistent attendance in promoting equity and academic progress for all students. By prioritizing attendance, we are helping our children maximize their potential and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.
Below is our attendance report for the week of January 6–10, 2025:
Grade 4: 95.5%
Grade 5: 96.7%
Grade 6: 93.9%
Grade 7: 95.4%
Schoolwide Goal: 96%
Schoolwide Attendance for 1/6/25 to 1/10/25: 95.4%
We are close to reaching our target! Let’s continue to encourage consistent attendance and help our students succeed.
4TH GRADE CONCERT
The 4th Grade Winter Chorus Concert will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (Snow date: Thursday, January 25, 2025). The concert will be held during the school day in the Bellingham High School auditorium at 1 pm.
There is no required dress code for the concert but we ask that students “dress to impress” and be ready to put on a show!
Doors Open at 12:45 - Bellingham High School Auditorium
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Miss Signa, jsigna@bpsdk12.org.
ADMIN CORNER
Dear BMS Families,
Welcome back, and Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful and restful holiday season. As we begin 2025, we are excited to continue supporting your children’s growth and success and look forward to all that this new year has in store.
We also want to keep all families informed about an exciting and important training taking place at Bellingham Memorial School on Monday, January 6th. UMASS LifeFlight will be visiting our school to conduct a training session. As part of this session, their helicopter will land on the school field, specifically closer to the football field side.
This training is part of our ongoing efforts to support emergency preparedness. The school field serves as the designated landing zone for UMASS LifeFlight in the event of a town emergency. This visit allows us to use the site for training and familiarize staff with the procedures. Please rest assured that this is a planned and controlled activity, and there is no cause for concern.
Additionally, we’ve noticed an increase in cell phone use during the school day and instances of students calling or texting their parents to arrange dismissals from the bathrooms. As a reminder, cell phones must remain silent and stored in lockers throughout the day, as per school policy. Dismissals must go through the main office or the school nurse to ensure proper communication and safety. Please take a moment to review these expectations with your child to help maintain a focused and orderly school environment.
Thank you for your attention to these updates and for your continued partnership in making BMS a safe, productive, and supportive place for learning. We wish you and your family a fantastic start to the new year!
Best regards,
Dr. Cutler
Principal
4th GRADE CHORUS CONCERT
The 4th Grade Winter Chorus Concert will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 (Snow date: Thursday, January 25, 2025). The concert will be held during the school day in the Bellingham High School auditorium at 1 pm.
There is no required dress code for the concert but we ask that students “dress to impress” and be ready to put on a show!
Doors Open at 12:45 - Bellingham High School Auditorium
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Miss Signa, jsigna@bpsdk12.org.