BHMS Principal's Update 8/28/24

Hi Bulldog Families,

I hope everyone had a restful summer. The opening of school can be overwhelming as there are a lot of nuances happening to start the year. For those of us with multiple children in multiple schools, and with new digital platforms, I recognize the stress this can cause. With this newsletter, I hope to allay some trepidation for the upcoming school year.

By now you should have at least received your child's homeroom. On September 3, please have your child report to their homeroom. 7th and 8th graders will get their locker information at that time.

*THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION IN HERE FOR THE START OF THE YEAR. PLEASE READ IT OVER THOROUGHLY SO YOU AND YOUR CHILD ARE PREPARED FOR THE START OF SCHOOL*

We are always here to help. Please reach out if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Mike D'Ostilio

New and Important Information

• Calendar Dates
• What it Means to be a Bulldog
• New Bell Schedule
• Genesis
• Parent Square
• Drop Off/Safety and Security
• Curriculum Updates
• PTO Support
• Summer Reading
• School Supplies
• Attendance
• School Nutrition Information
• Schoology
• FutureActs Club
• 6th Grade Vaccines
• 
  

Recurring Information

• Book Smiles
• PTO
• Social Media Reminders
• Building Better Bulldogs
• Click this Link for More Repeat Information from Week to Week

September 3, 2024...First Student Day

September 4, 2024...Student Grade Level Code of Conduct Assemblies

September 10, 2024...World Finest Chocolate PTO Fundraiser Kickoff Assembly

September 12, 2024...Picture Day (More Information to Follow)

TBD...3pm...7th and 8th Grade Back to School "PAW"ty

September 19, 2024...3pm..6th Grade Back to School Dance/Party

September 26, 2024...6:30 PM to 8:30 PM...Back to School Night

October 17, 2024...BHMS Make Up Pictures

October 22, 2024...6:30-8:30 PM...BHMS Schoolwide Harvest Dance

Click on these links:

• Past newsletters and correspondence

• Bunker Hill Daily Morning Announcements

• Board of Education Policies Regarding Students

• Don't forget to scroll all the way down on this newsletter for X (formerly Twitter) and Remind Updates

Important Note about the Schedule: Students who walk or are driven to school are permitted entry into the building at 7:55. This is 20 minutes prior to the start of the school day. We cannot have students enter the building until staff are able to receive them. If a student is dropped off between 7:55 and 8:10, they are to report to the cafeteria.

Families, Genesis will become the new Student Information Software for students. From the parent's end, you will be able to access Genesis as well. However, you will not be getting alerts from Parent Square if you did not set up Genesis. Users who are missing / have an incorrect phone number or email can simply email genesishelp@wtps.org Thank you for your continued patience as we work to transition to this new platform. We are aware that some may have reached out to the genesis help desk. The department is working diligently to field all requests.

Good Afternoon Washington Township Families,

Schedules and Bus Information are now live in Genesis. Please note that both Schedules and Busing Information are subject to change between now and the beginning of school. You will want to check again shortly before the start of school to ensure you have the most up to date information.

As stated before, you will need to complete the required Annual Information Forms before you are able to view any scheduling information as both a Parent or a Student.

Parent Login Information:

Login Link: https://parents.c3.genesisedu.net/wtps/sis/view?gohome=true

Student Login Information:

Login Link: https://students.c3.genesisedu.net/wtps/sis/view?gohome=true

Username: Full Student Email (Ex. john.smith@students.wtps.org)

Password: Student Number (Ex. 123456)

Scheduling Issues:

• For specific scheduling issues you will need to reach out to your student’s respective counselor.

Busing Issues:

• You will want to reach out to the Transportation Department at 856-589-9190

Technical Issues and Login Issues:

• If you set your account up earlier and have forgotten your password, you may utilize the forgot password button. Note that if you press this multiple times you will need to utilize the last password reset email's information to get in.

• If you continue to have issues you may reach out to genesishelp@wtps.org, Please note that we are receiving a high volume of emails and it may take some time to get back to you.

• Note that other applications such as Schoology, ClassLink, Parent Square, etc may take some time to populate the proper classes as we work through the transition.

Parent Square is the way we are engaging in mass communication with parents and families...signing up and verifying your accounts is essential for this. Please click on the Buttons below to set up and start using Parent Square. Remember having Parent Square is a must to stay in touch with all facets of the school district (events, emergencies, updates, etc).

Powerschool is shutting down as of 6/26/24. So you need to make sure all is good on Genesis

Make sure you use all the parent square resources for parents (video overview, getting started guide, parent training video).

At BHMS School Safety is paramount. We have outlined some procedures to help ensure students are as safe as possible. Each of our procedures have been vetted with the Washington Township Police Department. Please adhere to these procedures at all times. View the links and images below for assistance.

Families, this was sent out last month. The newsletter includes: the starting and end times for middle school, new executive functioning course, and a new grading scale. This already came through parent square, but still is a good resource. Please note that accurate grades can only be viewed in Genesis, not Schoology.

The BHMS PTO Executive Board and Parent Volunteers are critical to the continuing the magic of BHMS year after year. They work hard to raise money to support school wide events that include recognition assemblies, anti bullying initiatives, and class events. Without their volunteerism and generosity, BHMS does not have the opportunity to provide those opportunities for children. Please take the time to support the PTO through fundraisers, being a paid member, and volunteerism. It means more than you realize. Please read the flyer below regarding our upcoming fundraiser (the biggest of the year) and click on the QR code in the bottom corner to donate. We need support from everyone.

If your child is going to be out, late, or needs to be picked up early, please contact the attendance office at 856-881-7007, Click Option 1 Or email BHMSAttendance@wtps.org

REMEMBER...A school is mandated to intervene by policy if a student is absent a significant number of days regardless of excused or unexcused. If you fail to report your child absent, the absent will be considered unexcused. Please adhere to the attendance policy. It is well documented that regular student attendance has a direct correlation on a students academic and emotional success at school.

Click here for a letter to parents about the 2024-25 free and reduced meal program. Access the application in English at this link. Access the Spanish language version at this link.

The Washington Township middle school FutureActs Clubs are dedicated to the cause of community service, and two of their biggest events take place in November and December.

In November, the clubs provide Thanksgiving meals to around 200 families in the District. In December, they assist with providing holiday gifts.

In order to support our struggling families, FutureActs has created a Microsoft Form in order to gather information of families in need. If you or someone you know is in need for the upcoming holidays, please go to this link so FutureActs can offer there support as needed

Thanks so much!

During the summer for 2020, a team of teachers and community members got together to discuss what we should affirm as a school in order to provide student voice and acknowledge that student voice and provide them an opportunity not only to be heard but for us to truly listen and learn from what the students are telling us.

This pandemic has created so many questions and concerns for students that are well beyond academics. We are committed to providing a safe environment where students can express themselves as they question the ebb and flow of their world around them. Please see below our affirmations about Buidling Better Bulldogs and the people we as Bulldogs aim to be.

Click on this link for our Mission and Goals Plan 2023-2029

Email: skern@wtps.org
Website: https://www.wtps.org/bunkerhill
Location: 372 Pitman Downer Road, Sewell, NJ, USA
Phone: 856 881 7007
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialBHMS
Twitter: @Official_BHMS