Barrington Middle School

“We are BMS”

BMS Connected Learning Newsletter: Week of 9.15.2024

The BMS Learning Community is Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Excel! 

Mission:

Barrington Middle School’s Mission is to empower all students to excel in character, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking, so that they may positively impact the future.

Welcome, 

Bienvenido, Bienvenu, Bem-vindo, Willkommen,

歡迎, benvenuto, Hoş geldin,Καλώς ήρθατε

Fáilte, Bem-vindo, स्वागत छ, добро пожаловать,

ברוך הבא

to BMS 


This year, we would like to celebrate and recognize the various languages spoken at Barrington Middle School. If you would like to include the language spoken in your home, please complete the following link. 

Let’s Celebrate the Languages Spoken at BMS 2024 - 2025

Important Dates:

  • BMS Start with Hello Week- Monday, September 16, 2024 - Friday, September 20, 2024

  • Picture Day - Wednesday, September 25, 2024

  • BMS Open House- Thursday, September 26, 2024 

  • Parent Forum: Talking About Belonging and Connection With Young People in Your Life- Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm in the BMS auditorium (see below for more information) 

Barrington Public Schools believes accessibility and inclusion benefit everyone. The District is committed to planning accessible events and providing reasonable accommodations to support the full participation of all members of our community. For accommodations, please contact Barrington Middle School at 401.247.3160

Stay Connected with BMS:

~ 2 Week Look ~


Day/Date

Monday

9.16.2024

Tuesday

9.17.2024

Wednesday

9.18.2024

Thursday

9.19.2024

Friday

9.20.2024

Odd/Even

Block/Non

Odd

Non-Block

Even

 Block

Odd

Block 

Even

Non-Block

Odd

Non-Block

Activities or Events

Positive Message DAy

Wear Green! 

Mental Health Awareness Day

Wear Tie Dye and Wave Hi! 

Cluster Color Day

Blue and Gold Day! 



Day/Date

Monday

9.23.2024

Tuesday

9.24.2024

Wednesday

9.25.2024

Thursday

9.26.2024

Friday

9.27.2024

Odd/Even

Block/Non

Even

Non-Block

Odd

 Block

Even

Block 

Odd

Non-Block

Even

Non-Block

Activities or Events

Picture Day

BMS Open House

~ BMS Current and Relevant News ~

Start with Hello Week: 

Throughout the week BMS students and staff members are encouraged to perform random acts of kindness and say hi to people you may have never interacted with  throughout our BMS learning community. 


Monday, September 16

Positive Message Day

Wear a shirt with a positive, uplifting message!


Stop by the Eagles Nest to pick up a positive message from your School Counselors!

Tuesday, September 17

Mental Health Awareness Day-

Wear Green


Stop by the Eagles Nest to check in on the Mood Meter and use some self-regulation strategies.

Wednesday, September 18

Wear Tie Dye and Wave Hi!

Students are encouraged to wear tie dye and wave hi to someone new. 


Stop by the Eagles Nest to pick up compliment & Kindness notes to give to a friend or someone new!

Thursday, September 19

Cluster Color Day!

Show unity within your cluster by wearing your cluster color!


Stop by the Eagles nest for a photo-op with your cluster friends.  Pictures will be shared in the BMS yearbook.

Friday, September 20

Wear Your Blue and Gold Day

Wear your Blue and Gold to show unity and inclusion at BMS!

BMS Open House: 

BMS’s Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024!  Below are a few important notes regarding the event: 

  1. Students will be bringing a copy of their schedules home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Please bring these schedules with you on Thursday, September 26, 2024 (or take a picture of it!) 

  2. If your child “forgets” their copy, don’t worry. We will have a copy in the office. Please plan accordingly, as there may be a line in the office due to forgotten schedules. 

  3. Would your 7th or 8th grader be able to volunteer to help guide adults to their classrooms during open house?  Please consider signing them up here!


6th Grade Schedule: 

5:30 - 5:55 pm- Auditorium for Informational Canvas/Aspen Presentation 

6:00 - 7:16 pm- 6th Grade Cluster/Core Classes 

7:20 - 7:28 pm- 6th Grade Allied Arts 


7th Grade Schedule: 

6:00 - 6:28 pm- 7th Grade Special Classes 

6:32 - 7:48 pm- 7th Grade Cluster/Core Classes 

7:52 - 8:17 pm- Auditorium for Informational Canvas/Aspen Presentation 


8th Grade Schedule: 

6:00 - 6:28 pm- 8th Grade Cluster/Core Classes (part 1)

6:32 - 7:00 pm- 8th Grade Special Classes 

7:04 - 7:48 pm- 8th Grade Cluster/Core Classes (part 2) 

7:52 - 8:17 pm- Auditorium for Informational Canvas/Aspen Presentation 

Special Parent Forum: Talking About Belonging and Connection With Young People in Your Life


BMS and HMS are excited to partner together and invite you to join us for a special parent forum.


Title:  Talking About Belonging and Connection With Young People in Your Life

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Place: Barrington Middle School 

Audience: BMS and HMS Parents/Guardians

(Note: child care will be provided for families by BHS students)


What does it feel like to have a community where we all belong and feel connected?  How do we have conversations with the young people in our lives about belonging and connection, particularly when these conversations happen along with questions of identity?


We will explore these questions in interactive learning led by Julia Hendrix and Kayla Lambright, facilitators from the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity.  Together we will practice and learn strategies for having conversations about connection, belonging and identity in a community.


By the end of the evening you will have the following:

  • Shared ideas about what is important in a community where everyone belongs and feels connected

  • Considered the difference between belonging and fitting in

  • Learned strategies and tools for talking about connection, belonging, and identity with young people in your life


To help the facilitators prepare, please take a moment to complete this survey about your expectations for the evening.

Join BMS’s School Improvement Team or Special Education Advisory: 

BMS is seeking family membership on our School Improvement Team and our Special Education Advisory taskforce. If you are interested in serving on either one of these committees, please complete the form below.   Student representatives are needed as well!


2024 - 2025: BMS SIT / Special Education Task Force


For planning purposes our first Special Education Advisory meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm.


Our first BMS School Improvement Team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 3:45 to 4:45 pm. 

BMS Picture Day - Wednesday, September 25, 2024

BMS School Picture Day is on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.  Picture packages may be purchased online at CoffeePond. We will also have paper order forms in cluster classrooms and the front office (cash or checks accepted).  

Technology Tips From Ms. Slaughter:

If you currently have a student at BMS who has a device that they can text from, it is more than likely they are active in at least one group chat. Sometimes a group chat can be a small group of friends that communicate about school related issues. Sometimes a group chat gets very large (over 100 people), contains numbers your student does not know and spirals quickly into negativity. The reports we receive about larger group chats mention that content in a larger group chat may contain inappropriate language, homophobic language, racist language and sexualized language. We recommend that students remove themselves from large group chats so that they do not get caught up in anything inappropriate.


Tips:

  • If you do not recognize a phone number…..get out of the chat

  • If someone adds you, remove yourself

  • If someone adds you again, remove yourself and block them. (You can always unblock them again later if you’d like)

Barrington Free Flu Clinics:

Has everyone in your family had their flu vaccine?

Barrington is hosting two FREE flu clinics this fall.


Sowams School Wednesday, 10/23/2024

364 Sowams Road 3:30-7 p.m.

Barrington, RI 02806 In the multi-purpose room


Barrington High School Tuesday, 11/12/2024

220 Lincoln Avenue 4-7:30 p.m.

Barrington, RI 02806 In the cafeteria


COVID-19 vaccine will also be available.

Here’s some important information about the FREE flu vaccine clinic:

• Register online at schoolflu.com to schedule an appointment.

• Online registration is required to ensure the availability of the vaccine, walk-ins will be limited.

• Insurance information will be collected, but the vaccine is FREE whether you have insurance or not.

The flu is a serious, highly contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Catching the flu means missing days of work and school. You might even have to spend time in the hospital. Don’t take the risk — the flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu.

For more information, visit health.ri.gov/flu/, or call the Department of Health’s information line at 401-222-5960.

News from the BMS Library:

We are holding a public library card drive for September. We have paper applications available in the library. Families can fill out applications and get them back to the school library. We will deliver the applications to the public library and pass out library cards in early October.

With a public library card, patrons have access to:

  • Libby/eZone (OverDrive for public libraries)

  • Hoopla Digital

  • Kanopy

  • Providence Journal Online

  • Barrington Times Digital Archive

  • Flipster

  • Library of Things

  • Museum Passes

  • Seed Library

  • Book Club in a Bag (geared for adults but good to know)

Additionally, the public library's eZone can be added to Sora so that you can see all of your options when searching for a title. 

Ms. Tanya, the BPL Teen Librarian, will have a table in the front hallway at the BMS Open House to remind caregivers of this valuable asset. 

~ BMS Student Activities ~

BMS Science Olympiad Club: Join Us

Science Olympiad is a state and national team competition which covers all domains of science. If your student is interested in participating, they must sign up using this link by October 2, 2024. There will be a placement test to make a spot in the team.

Important dates:

Sign up deadline:October 2

First Meeting and Placement Test:Wednesday October 2, 2024 in the 6th grade breakout space

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at  mottanas@barringtonschools.org.

BMS Fall Tennis:

BMS Fall tennis has started! Tennis will be occurring Monday-Wednesday right after school. All abilities and grade levels may sign up for any day but please limit your student's sign up to one day per week.  We will be offering five weeks of tennis and each week will focus on a different set of skills culminating in some games between classmates (HERE is the sign-up for week 3).  There is no cost to participate! There will be a new Sign-Up Genius in the Connected Newsletter each week so keep an eye out for that. Please reach out to Riley Spillane (spillaner@barringtonschools.org) with any questions. 

Please sign up using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49AAAE2EAAF9CE9-51406674-bmsfall

Thanks!

-Riley Spillane

BMS Fall Enrichment is live for families to register on myschoolbucks.com.  Classes with spots remaining are listed below. If you are having trouble with your myschoolbucks.com account please email Christine Francis at francisc@barringtonschools.org Phone: 401-245-5000 ext 335. If you have questions about programming,  email bmsenrichment@barringtonschools.org

1. Monday 7:20-8:20 AM (15 students) Badminton with Ms. Gower 

Overview: In this enrichment class students will apply skills and knowledge to further understand the etiquette, scoring, and concepts of badminton.  Students will use individual and cooperative learning to demonstrate the game of badminton. Students will continue to strengthen their basic badminton skills (serving, forehand, backhand, underhand shots). They’ll look to improve their serve during this class as well as an introduction and practice with the drive, smash, clear, and drop shots. Along with working on their skills, they should begin to understand the strategy/rules of the game of badminton. 

September 23, 30

October 7, 21, 28 

November 4, 18, 25 


2. Tuesday: 3:20Pm-4:20PM (15 Students) Chinese Language Class with Ms. Mei Sun from Barrington High School 

Welcome to the Chinese language and culture enrichment class at BMS. Students in this class will explore the Chinese language and culture with sun laoshi in the next 8 weeks. Do you know how to count the numbers from 1–100 in Chinese? Do you know how to write Chinese words like your names in Chinese? Do you know how to say colors in Chinese? Do you know how to sing Chinese songs and dance in China? Do you know that there are a lot of activities you already know about that are also played by Chinese kids in their ways? Do you know the ways that Chinese people celebrate Western’s Thanksgiving and New Year? Do you know that China has so many dynasties? Are you proud of yourself if you can tell your body parts in Chinese to others?  A lot more you might want to know…. Come join our class, you will find the answers with Sun laoshi and have a lot of fun.


September 24

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 

November 12, 19 


3. Wednesday 7:20-8:20 AM (15 students) Badminton with Ms. Gower 

Overview: In this enrichment class students will apply skills and knowledge to further understand the etiquette, scoring, and concepts of badminton.  Students will use individual and cooperative learning to demonstrate the game of badminton. Students will continue to strengthen their basic badminton skills (serving, forehand, backhand, underhand shots). They’ll look to improve their serve during this class as well as an introduction and practice with the drive, smash, clear, and drop shots. Along with working on their skills, they should begin to understand the strategy/rules of the game of badminton. 


September 25 

October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

November 6, 13 


BMS Unified Theater:

Students and students with intellectual disabilities come together to create, write, produce, and perform a theater production that includes everyone involved with the show.  Everyone is invited to join!  Sign up for Unified Theater here!

~ Spotlight on Learning ~ 

This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Mark Aubin, Traci Taglione, Jenn Scott, Kayla Sawyer, and Steph Nary for their preparedness in a recent family meeting. In particular, the team did an amazing job reviewing student accommodations and getting a good handle on the student in the last few weeks before the meeting. The family felt heard, valued, and supported. Great work, LIme! 


Do you know of a BMS Faculty/Staff/Student member who is shining bright? If you do, please complete the form below and we can include the nomination in an upcoming newsletter. 

BMS Spotlight Nomination 

~ BMS Standing Items ~

BMS Procedures

  • Dropoff/Pick Up Process - If you choose to drop-off and pick-up your student from BMS, please see this map for directionsBus Eligibility Guidelines

  • Early Dismissal:  Handwritten notes brought to the office before homeroom or emails to bmsattendance@barringtonschools.org are needed every time you need to dismiss your student prior to the end of school.  Middle School level students are not allowed to bike home early, even with permission by note.  ID and a physical presence is required to dismiss your student early. Please note that the last early dismissal of the day is at 2:45 pm.  Please click here for full details about dismissing your student early from school.

  • Daily Announcements:  Click this link daily to find out important information about upcoming clubs, sports, enrichment activities and more!

~ Community News ~

Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America):

EXPERIENCE THE FUN & ADVENTURE OF SCOUTING!  Scouting features outdoor and family activities, adventure, fun, hands-on learning, friendship and strong values!

Welcoming Boys and Girls ~ Ages 11-17 years old

Troop 46 Barrington (boy troop)

Meet us on 9/17/24 or 10/15/24 at 7:00PM

Barrington Congregational Church

461 County Rd, Barrington RI

Questions? Ask, Dara - drcolacc@gmail.com

Troop 55 Riverside (girl troop)

Meet us on 9/16/24 or 10/21/24 at 6:30PM

St. Andrew’s Lodge

18 Turner Ave, East Providence, RI

Questions? Ask, Sheila - committeechair@troop55riverside.org

JOIN THE FUN AND FIND YOUR ADVENTURE AT ncbsa.org/join

Register between August 1 - September 21, 2024, and use code Scout2024 to unlock a $25 discount on your membership fee. Don't miss this limited-time offer to join the adventure and fun with the Scouting community!

Lions International Peace Poster Contest:

For peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, we’re asking our young students to create a poster that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits.  Sponsored by the Barrington Lions Club

Contest Guidelines:

The contest is open to children who will be 11, 12, or 13 on November 15, 2024. Children must be residents of Barrington, RI.  All artwork must be the child's original creation. Duplications are not accepted. Only one entry per child.  All art media are accepted. Three-dimensional entries are not accepted: Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached to the artwork. Artwork has size restrictions: check BarringtonRILionsClub.org for details.  The use of lettering or numbering on the front of the poster, in any language, is not allowed.

Click here for more information.

Barrington Youth Basketball Association

REGISTRATION OPEN! Visit www.bybahoops.com to REGISTER!

Recreational League Program:

The Recreational League Program allows youth who are both new to the game and experienced and are interested in learning the fundamentals, to continue to learn new skills, while participating in a fun atmosphere. This commitment is optimal for families who travel on weekends during the winter months, but whose child is still interested in playing the sport of basketball. Playing time will be equal among all players.

The season will begin the week of November 25th and end with a one day tournament on February 8 th . Divisions in the recreational league program will be divided by grades (3/4), (5/6), (7/8). Each team will have a one hour practice during the week and a game on Saturday.

Scholarships are available upon request

REGISTRATION ENDS ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 st !

Coaching Opportunities Available! Please register on the league website for consideration!

Barrington Education Foundation (BEF) Duck Race:

The annual BEF Duck Race is happening again this year on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 2-4pm at the Town Hall Gazebo.  There will be a raffle basket, popcorn, Del's lemonade, games, balloons, music and much more!  Click here for more information.