Dear Parents and Guardians of Bethel Middle School students,
Welcome to Bethel Middle School. Our entire BMS staff is excited to meet your student and start this next adventure with them. Our mission is to prepare all students to be career and college ready, both academically and socially. Our core values are Respect, Responsibility, Courage and Respect. You can expect your Bulldog to learn how to live these values throughout the year.
6th grade WEB Orientation
Wednesday, August 30th 9:30-2:00
Our first day of 6th grade is August 30th! Join us for a great day of orientation for 6th graders only. The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one. Eighth graders will be serving as leaders and mentors to the sixth graders. Large and small group activities are designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Students will receive their locker and schedules on this day. Transportation is provided. School busses will pick up students at their regular bus start, on a late-start schedule.
Bethel Bulldog Evening
Tuesday, September 5th from 5:00-7:00 pm
This is an opportunity for you and your child to pick up their schedule, get their locker (practice their combination), make in person cash or check purchases of ASB cards or ipad fees, get sports information, tour the school, reacquaint with friends and other new students, and get other back to school anxiety out of the way. Grade 6 & 7 encouraged at 5:00; Grades 8 encouraged at 6:00. Schedules will also be available to print on-line starting on Aug. 30th.
Summer reading and math
Our teachers recommend that all students continue reading and math over the summer. Students should read at least 1 book per month, and work on math daily. A suggested website for math summer learning is www.khanacademy.org. A suggested website for reading is www.newsela.com.
School Supplies
Note: Each Core Class (Math, Science, Social Studies, English/Language Arts) require the following materials every day. This list may need to be replenished throughout the year.
- 1 box colored pencils
- Pencil pouch
- #2 pencils
- Pens (blue or black only for writing, one red for correcting/editing)
- Highlighters assorted colors
- One binder with dividers/pocket folders for each class
- One 3 inch 3 ring binder for organizing classes/materials
- One composition book for each Core Class-total of 4
- Earbuds
1st Day of School, Thursday, September 7th
The first day of school is Thursday, September 7st for all students. Classes begin at 7:30 AM and dismiss at 2:00 PM. All students will begin on the first day of school.
School Picture Day, Tuesday, September 12th.
Students will take their ASB/Yearbook photo on Tuesday, September 12th. Forms will be sent home so you can purchase photos if you desire. All students will have their photo taken.
On-Line Forms & Payments
All paperwork for iPads will now be available through InTouch starting August 1, 2017 at https://wa-bethel.intouchreceipting.com/. This includes completing the hold harmless form, coverage, and coverage payment. If you wish to pay by cash or check, you can download the forms at our school website and pay at school in the ASB office. You can also visit this link to pay for ASB, sports, pre-purchase a yearbook and pay other fees. Access the Family Resource tab on our BMS webpage to the Pay On-line link.
School Dress Code
Per Board Policy 3224 Clothing: All clothing needs to be appropriate for school. Markings or insignias on clothing must not be obscene, suggestive, or advocate disruptive, sexual, or illegal activity. Clothing may not advertise or promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang affiliation/activity, or weapons. BMS dress code guidelines include the following: Shirts/Tops: Shirts must cover adequately to show no cleavage; must cover backs, stomachs and sides completely; and must have sleeves, which cover to the edge of shoulders. Pants/Shorts/Skirts: Pants/shorts need to fit the student and be worn AT THE HIP. Shorts, dresses, skirts, or holes in jeans, must not show visible skin above the fingertips.
PE Information
All PE students should have the following PE attire: T-shirt (no drug or alcohol related logos), athletic shorts, socks, and athletic tennis shoes with laces. Sweatpants are recommended in cold weather. Please label each item with first and last names using permanent ink. Lockers and combination locks are provided for all PE students.
Arrival on Campus / Breakfast Hours
On a regular basis students should not arrive on camps earlier than 6:50 AM. Students arriving before then are expected to report to and remain in the cafeteria until the hallways open. The front doors remain locked until 6:50. Breakfast will be served daily from 7:00 – 7:20 AM. We expect students to move to their classes when the hallways open at 7:20 AM. Instruction will begin promptly at 7:30.
ASB ACTIVITIES and LEADERSHIP CLUB
We have a very active ASB (Associated Student Body – Student Government) at BMS. Our Leadership club organizes dances, school spirit events, assemblies, activity nights, and promotes positive social engagement throughout the school. ASB cards are required for students taking part in ASB clubs, organizations and school sports. ASB cards are available on Bulldog Day and in our ASB office during the year.
SPORTS
All athletic forms will be available on-line under family access. A Doctor’s Examination/Physical Form must be turned in to practice. These are needed yearly. Pay to Pay fee and ASB card must be purchased yearly, before participating in a competition. Grade checks occur every Monday. The first practice is September 7th. 6th graders are eligible for all sports except football; 7th and 8th are eligible for all sports. Please reference our Athletics tab on our website for more information.
Website and Facebook Page
Please visit our website at: https://www.bethelsd.org/bms and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bethelmiddle/
Have a great remainder of the summer. Our office will open 2 weeks prior to the first day of school. Prior to our returning, feel free to call and leave a message at 253.683.7200 and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Julie Shultz-Bartlett, Principal
Jake Dorn, Assistant Principal
