Briggs Chaney Middle School

Home of the Bears!

Mrs. Stephanie Nesmith, Principal

Mr. Shane Warner, 6th Grade Assistant Principal

Mrs. Kimberly Bell, 7th Grade Assistant Principal

Mr. Kenneth Alford, 8th Grade Assistant Principal

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School Hours: 7:55 am - 3:00 pm

School Office Hours: 8:10 am - 3:00 pm

Doors Open: 7:55 am

1st Period Begins: 8:10am

Early Release: 12:30 pm

2-Hour Delay: 9:55am

Email: Stephanie_W_Nesmith@mcpsmd.org
Location: 1901 Rainbow Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20905
Phone: 301-288-8300

Dear Briggs Chaney Middle School Families,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! I would like to extend a special welcome to all the new families joining us this year and a warm welcome back to all of our returning families. This year holds special significance for me, as I have the honor of returning to Briggs Chaney, not just as your principal but also as someone who was once a proud Briggs Chaney parent.

I hope you have had an amazing summer and are just as excited as I am about beginning what I believe will be an amazing school year. Our theme of “Every Student, Everyday” emphasizes our commitment to meeting the unique needs of every student by maintaining high expectations and fostering an equitable, bias-free learning environment that yields growth in student academic achievement and emotional intelligence through restorative approaches.

Working with our dynamic Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) to review data and plan for the upcoming school year has been both insightful and productive. We’ve been hard at work analyzing our academic data, along with feedback from parents, students, and staff, to focus on our instructional strategies and revise our School Improvement Plan. We are committed to engaging with parents, building positive relationships, and creating a supportive school climate for both staff and students. Our goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to grow in their reading and math skills while also developing their emotional intelligence through restorative approaches.

I have created a Back-to-School Parent Q&A to gather any questions you may have as we prepare to open our doors in two weeks. Feel free to include questions you still may have after reading through the newsletter.

Please feel free to contact me if you have a question. It’s going to be a great year! I can feel it in my PAWS!

Your BEARy Proud Principal,

Mrs. Nesmith

• Thursday, August 22- New Student Orientation. 8:00am - 12:00pm

• Saturday, August 24- MCPS Annual Back-to-School Fair, 10:00am-1:00pm, Wheaton Mall

• Monday, August 26- First day of school. Doors open at 7:55am

• Monday, September 2- Labor Day- School and Offices Closed

• Thursday, September 12- Back-to-School Night BEAR Fair

Thank you so much for taking the time to attend the Principal Meet and Greet. It was a pleasure to connect with you and your family. Your presence and engagement are vital to our school community, and I am grateful for the warm welcome you extended to me as your new principal.

I look forward to working closely with you to ensure a successful and enriching year for all our students. Here are some photos from the meet and greet.

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. There will be family-friendly activities, entertainment, an immunization clinic and more. Westfield Wheaton is located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road.

Alert MCPS is a way that you can receive text messages or email from Montgomery County Public Schools during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Alert MCPS is administered by Montgomery County Public Schools and is part of the Montgomery County Alert System. You can choose Alerts in English, Spanish, or for specific schools. Sign up here.

Sports team tryouts start in September, for 7th and 8th grade students. Student-athletes will need a sports physical if they are registering for the first time, or if it has been two years since the date of their last exam. Parents/guardians must submit their student’s physical form as part of the online registration process. For more information on registration, required forms or other resources for sports physicals, visit the MCPS Athletics website. Additionally, feel free to contact our athletic coordinator Mr. Adam Mutal (adam_o_mutal@mcpsmd.org ) with any questions.

Pre Participation Physical for Athletics / Examen Físico Previo a Participación en Deportes

Fall tryouts are September 10, 2024.

To prevent learning distractions, promote student engagement, better concentration, and academic achievement, we will continue to implement an Away All-Day cell phone policy.

All students must secure their cell phones in their lockers upon arrival to school and throughout the instructional day; this includes lunch and advisory. Please discuss and share this vital information with your students.

Our goal is to enhance student academic achievement, and understanding these effects is crucial to our students learning. I encourage you to read the article to better understand the impact of cell phone use in class, and support our efforts to create a more focused learning environment.

For your review, I have linked an article from EdWeek titled, "Digital Distractions in Class Linked to Lower Academic Performance."

Briggs Chaney Middle School is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged items.

Our goal is to support students by providing them with essential decision-making skills, conflict resolution abilities, and a deeper understanding of the importance of positive behavior and accountability. Inappropriate behavior that violates our school's values is not acceptable and there are consequences. We are committed to promoting a positive learning environment and preventing conflict in our school building. Students may face disciplinary actions as a consequence of any behavior that disrupts classes, causes disorder, invades the rights of others, is unsafe, or violates a school or district rule/ core value.

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Student Code of Conduct is implemented in every MCPS school. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is to promote fairness and equity through clear, appropriate, and consistent expectations and consequences in addressing student misbehavior, and to ensure that students learn from their mistakes and make appropriate amends when their behavior affects others. Please take time to review these at home and reach out to the school with any questions. Please click here for the Student Code of Conduct and Student Rights & Responsibilities documents.

As students arrive at school, they should report to one of the following locations:

• 6th grade- Cafeteria
• 7th grade- Media Center or Gym
• 8th grade- Media Center or Gym

At 8:05am, the bell will ring to transition students to their 1st period class. Please share this information with your children so they know where to go on the first day of school.

The online FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) application is now available. Families can go to www.MySchoolApps.com to complete and submit the 2024-2025 online application for the Free and Reduced-Price meals. Translations in other languages are available through the online application.

Non-FARMS cost for lunch is $2.80

At Briggs Chaney there is no cost for breakfast. All students may eat breakfast without a charge.

*You must apply for Free and Reduce Meals every year.

If you are interested in prepaying for your child’s meal or paying online, visit HERE for more information. The Non-FARMS cost for lunch is $2.80

Families may apply online at or complete a Household Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals by applying online at MySchoolApps.com. Students who qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals will not be charged for meals. You will need to apply for Free and Reduced Meals every year. You may do so HERE.

Feel free to access the MCPS school menu HERE.

It's school supply shopping time!! Please find linked school supply list for this school year. It can also be found on the Briggs Chaney Website.

If you need assistance with school supplies or backpacks, please send an email to your child's school counselor.

BCMS Counseling Team:

• 6th Grade: Ms. Allyson Swailes: Allyson_P_Swailes@mcpsmd.org
• 7th Grade: Mr. Chris Moen: Chris_B_Moen@mcpsmd.org
• 8th Grade: Ms. Cecelia_J_Harmon@mcpsmd.org
• ELL and Bridge: Ms. Kim Showman: kimberly_J_Showman@mcpsmd.org

Please review the MCPS School Calendar and save dates as appropriate. I have linked the school year calendar here (English version) and/or here (Spanish version) for your convenience.

Please remember that doors open at 7:55 am. This allows students 15 mins to eat breakfast and settle prior to the start of their day. Instruction begins at 8:10 am. In order to maximize student learning and reduce class distractions, please be sure that your child arrives with enough time to get settled in their classroom by 8:10 am.

Attendance is critical for student learning. There is a direct correlation between student attendance and academic achievement. A student who misses 2 or more days of school each month is in greater danger of reading below grade level and not making academic milestones. The opposite is also true~ attending school daily leads to success in school! Please be sure your child attends school each day. If support is needed, be in touch with your child's counselor. We are here to support you!

Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled. The Maryland State Department of Education has issued an expectation to school districts that daily attendance will be recorded. All attendance will be recorded and can be viewed via ParentVue. Parent outreach will occur to inform parents if their child has been tardy or absent regularly. Parents/guardians must submit a note, phone call, or email to the attendance secretary, Ms. Rosa D Mejia Guerrero at Rosa_D_MejiaGuerrero@mcpsmd.org if a student will be absent for a full or partial school day. All absences for which no documentation is received will be listed as unexcused.

All students will have access to a chromebook device throughout the school year for educational purposes. It will remain stored in their classroom. If your child needs a device to use at home, please complete the request form and one will be provided.

Because we recognize the importance of us working together our continued goal for this year is to cultivate a partnership with parents and caregivers. We encourage you to become actively engaged in our school through the PTSA, but, more importantly, to stay involved in your child’s academics and social development during these critical middle years. We have several opportunities for parents/caregivers to be engaged and informed.

• Website: Visit our website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/briggschaneyms to stay informed with the latest information.

• Remind: Log into your Remind account via the web or using the Remind app to communicate with your child's teacher. Through Remind, you can select your preferred mode of communication, such as text message, email or phone call and in your preferred language.

• ParentVue: This is a tool that allows parents and students to connect directly with classroom teachers regarding assignments, grades and notices. It is strongly recommended that all parents/guardians establish a ParentVue account.

• In September, parents/caregivers new to MCPS will receive an activation letter from MCPS with instructions on creating accounts. Please visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/mymcps-classroom/ for more information.
• Those with ParentVue accounts should review and edit any changes made to your contact information. If you already have an account, but need support, please review the Parent Vue log in instructions or contact the main office at 301-288-8300 for assistance.

• Sunday Call- Every Sunday a brief message is shared with families about important BCMS information.

• PAW Print Newsletter- Sent weekly on Sundays via email. Parents must have an active email address in Synergy to receive important notifications

Let us know how we can best communicate with you!

I love to take pictures around the school of students hard at work and having fun! These photos are usually shared out in the weekly PAW Print Newsletter to show off the wonderful moments and great learning happening at Briggs Chaney MS.

If you would like to opt your child out from sharing their photos or highlighting them in the weekly parent newsletter, please complete the form HERE.

ParentVue is a communication tool used to provide families with information about their child's attendance, grades, report cards, calendars, and more. Is your ParentVue account activated? See below for information on how to access your ParentVue account.

• If your account has been previously activated your information will remain the same. No further steps are needed

• Parents new to MCPS will create a ParentVue account during the enrollment process
• New parents will be sent an activation letter by email or by US mail in September
• Contact your child's school to obtain an activation letter if you have not receive one by September

Once you have received your activation letter follow the directions or quick guide to activate your account. Any questions can be made to the main office at 301-288-8300.

Each teacher is equipped with the skills and ability to provide a successful learning environment for our students. Due to the complexity of the master schedule and our efforts to have balanced classrooms, we are unable to accommodate teacher preference requests. We appreciate your understanding.

The 2024-2025 school year schedules are available to view in Student and Parent Vue. Please note: The order of classes listed is subject to change. Additionally, not all requests may be granted but will be considered. Please review this with your student and reach out to the appropriate grade level counselor with any questions or requests.

BCMS Counseling Team:

• 6th Grade: Ms. Allyson Swailes: Allyson_P_Swailes@mcpsmd.org
• 7th Grade: Mr. Chris Moen: Chris_B_Moen@mcpsmd.org
• 8th Grade: Ms. Cecelia_J_Harmon@mcpsmd.org
• ELL and Bridge: Ms. Kim Showman: kimberly_J_Showman@mcpsmd.org

Registration for The Virtual George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. (Saturday School) is open. Saturday School provides academic tutoring and instruction with certified teachers in a nurturing and supportive environment.

The closest site for Briggs Chaney is Paint Branch High School. For more information and to register, visit www.saturdayschool.org/.

Over the course of the school year, students will participate in safety drills. In addition to five fire drills, students will experience the following drills as part of the MCPS Emergency Preparedness plan: Lockdown, Shelter, Severe Weather, Drop, Cover and Hold, Evacuation, and Reverse Evacuation.

Click here for additional information on the drills that are practiced and monitored throughout the school-year.

If you have a student entering Grades 7 or 8 this year, they must be up-to-date with immunization requirements established by Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Montgomery County is offering free vaccination clinics. Students must have meningococcal (MCV4) and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis/whooping cough (Tdap) before the first day of school. Please be mindful of the following important dates:

• Monday, August 26, 2024: Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations unless

parents/guardians provide documentation of an exemption. Students who have not received their

vaccinations may enter school if they provide evidence of an appointment to be vaccinated by

Monday, September 16, 2024.

• Monday, September 16, 2024: Students who have not provided documentation of the required

vaccinations must be excluded from school until such documentation is provided.

Free vaccinations taking place at multiple locations.

All incoming students new to Briggs Chaney are invited to join us for an orientation on Thursday, August 22nd from 8:00a-12:00p.

MCPS transportation is provided to our bus riders. For bus routes visit the Briggs Chaney Website to find the link on the upper left side under school information.

Briggs Chaney bus routes are designed by MCPS transportation. To review bus routes, please visit the Briggs Chaney Website to find the link on the upper left side under school information. If you have questions about your child's bus route, please contact the bus depot.

Bus Safety Rules are very important. Please make sure to review the rules of the bus with your child prior to the start of school. Ongoing behavior concerns or unsafe practices may prevent students from accessing the school bus.

• Ride by the Rules Parent Role: CLICK HERE
• Ride by the Rules Student Guide: CLICK HERE

If your child is planning to get off at a stop that is different from his/her regular stop, a note must be given to the bus driver. This may be accommodated if space on the bus is available. If throughout the school year, your child needs to ride home with another student, a note must be provided to the main office.

As we prepare for our return to school, I want to provide parents/caretakers an opportunity to ask any questions you may have pertaining to the start of school. Please keep in mind that responses are subject to revisions. You are encouraged to periodically check for updates and review other questions/responses. Back-to-School Parent Q&A.