FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for new students & parents.
*For a printable PDF click here*
Updated 6/3/10
(Click on any of these general headings for detailed questions and responses and/or links to more information. Some repetition exists between different subject headings.)
Academics
How can I keep up with my child's academic progress?
Teachers send Agendas home every day with notes and assignments. In 6th grade, teachers also send folders home that include weekly and bi-weekly progress reports. In addition, mid-term progress reports are sent home midway through each quarter (9 weeks). Finally, formal grades are provided at the end of each 9-week quarter.
What is included in the BMS Student Agenda and why is it so important that my child bring it every day?
The BMS Student Agenda is used by all three middle school grades, but it is especially important and well-used in the 6th grade. Teachers will enter homework assignments and notes regarding behavior or events in the agenda. Each night, your child should bring home their agenda and have you sign or initial them. In addition, the agenda contains the full text of the BMS student manual and helpful homework resources, including a world map, examples of how to cite resources, mathematics terms, and more!
How much homework can my 6th grader expect?
No more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours per night. This ususally includes at least 20 minutes of reading time.
How do teachers monitor student progress?
In addition to keeping grade books and portfolios for parent-student conferences, teachers in math and communication skills also administer short assessments (no more than 5-minutes), called "probes". These are given periodically to determine how the class and individual students are grasping content.
What is my 6th grader going to be learning?
You can see the BMS Curriculum Guide here: 6th Grade Curriculum Guides.pdf
You can read the NC State Standard Course of Study for 6th grade subjects on the Department of Public Instruction's site, linked below:
Communication Skills / English Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Sciences / Social Studies
Science
Music 6-8
Visual Arts 6-8
Career & Technical Education
What is pre-AP or pre-Advanced Placement?
This is a new program to help prepare middle school students for the intense work that is expected in the high school Advanced Placement courses. Students interested in participating in these classes need a recommendation from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the students' classroom behaviors and work habits. This recommendation form is attached to the regular BMS registration packet.
Here are the qualities that our teachers are looking for when they approve students to join pre-AP classes:
Anticipation (working ahead on their own volition)
Imagination
Hardworking
Passionate
Self-Disciplined
Accepts constructive criticism
Thinks for his/herself
Tenacious
Creative
Mature thinker
Civil / Shows respect for self & others
Questions self and others
Quality evident in work
What is SRA?
SRA is a corrective reading program adopted by BMS and BES in 2007-08. It is an instructional program that first assesses where students need the most help in becoming proficient and accomplished readers. Small group classes are conducted for these students in addition to their regular core classes of Communication Skills, Social Studies, Science, Math, and electives. SRA does not involve homework.
What other forms of academic support will my 6th grader be able to access?
Individual teachers offer after-school tutoring labs. The schedule for these are established at the beginning of each school year. The Rise and Shine program in Brevard also offers tutoring help to those who apply. Once the school year begins, Saturday Academy will rev up. Saturday Academy serves two purposes: to offer extra help for students to meet teacher standards and to give students a chance to make up classroom instruction time lost due to absences or tardies. Saturday Academy details for this past year are available here: saturday academy.pdf
What is Saturday Academy?
Once the school year begins, Saturday Academy will rev up. Saturday Academy serves two purposes: to offer extra help for students to meet teacher standards and to give students a chance to make up classroom instruction time lost due to absences or tardies. One day in Saturday Academy (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) is worth a full day absence. Saturday Academy details for this past year are available here: saturday academy.pdf
What are field trips like in middle school? Do classes go on many trips?
Hands-on learning is sometimes best accomplished off campus. Science classes often go on short treks around campus to investigate natural phenomenon. Students also will rotate through "Enrichment" classes that offer students the opportunity to explore educational interests beyond the curriculum for 35 minutes each day. These classes often end each quarter (9 weeks) with some kind of special activity which is often a field trip. So, your 6th grader may go on more field trips at BMS than they did as an elementary school student. To participate in any field trip that involves travel off campus requires a parent signature on a permission sheet that details what teacher is taking what students off campus and for what purpose. All school rules governing dress, digital hand-held equipment, valuables, and behavior are in effect during all field trips. When possible, field trips are taken on foot to local educational resources.
How will my child access the BMS Library?
Students may access the library in two ways. Usually Communication Skills teachers will reserve time for book checkout as a group. Sometimes pairs of students are sent to check out books on their own during class time. In addition, students may visit the library with any one of their classes for research projects.
How are classrooms at the middle school different than at the elementary school?
The actual classrooms may differ very little, except that the average 6th grader will go to at least 6 different classrooms through out a school day! Each teacher will teach their students how the classroom is managed, including when and how to leave the room with permission.
How does the class schedule work for 6th graders?
Although the daily schedule for 2010-11 is not set in stone yet, 6th graders can expect to have 4 core classes and an enrichment period which will not change throughout the year. On the other hand, their 2 electives classes will change, but only in terms of location and subject, not time slot. Lunch is usually early for 6th graders, at approximately 10:50 am. 6th grade teachers usually establish designated times for students to go to lockers. This helps the new 6th graders ease into the habit of using lockers efficiently.
How many different teachers will my student have?
Your 6th grader will possibly have as many as 7 different teachers. Some teachers are certified in more than one subject area and may have the same class for more than one period. In addition, your child will be meeting other faculty and staff members around campus, including the BMS Library staff, cafeteria staff, custodial staff, and office staff. We all work to make the new 6th graders feel welcome!
What are electives and how do they work for 6th graders?
Each grade has 2 Elective blocks. One of these blocks must be Physical Education, per NC state policy. The other may be band or choir for all 4 quarters, or a rotation through general music, Spanish, typing, biotechnology, and art.
Will my 6th grader be in any classes with 7th or 8th graders?
No. In fact, schedules for all 3 grades are not in sync, so that often students may never meet another grade level student all day, except for in the cafeteria prior to school opening or on buses. In addition, effort is made to keep each grade level in their own grade-specific hallway, as much as possible.
How does A or A/B Honor Roll work?
To qualify for the quarterly and annual A and A/B Honor Roll academic recognition program, students must maintain A's and B's in all courses, including elective classes.
What is the Enrichment period used for?
Each day, 35 minutes is set aside in the schedule for students to explore aspects of education that they would not otherwise have an opportunity for in normal classes. Examples include: mathematics applied to fantasy football, creating visual journals, forensic science, wilderness survival skills, popular genre reading groups, and historical cooking.
Are the computers filtered at BMS?
Yes. All computers on any TCS campus access the Internet via the same filtered servers in the TCS Technology Department. Federal law, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act (or CIPA), requires that any school receiving federal funds applied to Internet access must provide filtering to help protect students from offensive or adult/mature online content. You can learn more about CIPA here: Federal Communications Commission
Are students allowed free-access or unsupervised access to computers?
No. Students generally access computers in an environment very similar to that of their classrooms. They visit the computer lab or the library computers as a group and follow a teacher's instructions to use computers for tasks ranging from creating multimedia presentations of curricular content to researching primary resources via such online databases as the Library of Congress's American Memory site or the National Archives.
Student Activities
How can I keep up with BMS news and events?
Check the BMS and TCS web sites often. Also, look through your child's student agenda and 6th grade folders. Important news items are also sent to parents via automated telephone and email messages. Become a part of the BMS Parent-Teacher Organization. Make sure the BMS office has your most up-to-date mailing address so you can receive any newsletters.
How can my 6th grader participate in sports?
6th graders are not allowed to participate in BMS team sports, but are encouraged to take part in local sports leagues, such as:
Transylvania County Little League Baseball
Transylvania Youth Soccer Association
Transylvania Parks & Recreation Dept. Summer Camps
What are some community resources that support BMS and BMS students?
The Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County
Communities in Schools of Transylvania
Rise & Shine
Transylvania County Library
How do lockers and locks work in 6th grade?
Students are assigned a lock and locker by their homeroom teacher. Locks are provided free to students, who are not allowed to use their personal locks in order to ensure administrative access. Each teacher will show the class how to work the locks and actually allow time for practice lock opening. Replacement locks cost $5.00. In 6th grade, students are encouraged to only go to their lockers during designated time periods. 6th grade teachers also help show students how to use their lockers most effectively to reduce the amount of books and notebooks that need to be carried to and from classes between access to lockers.
What clubs are available for my 6th grader to join?
Unlike team sports, 6th graders are welcome and encouraged to join after-school clubs. Currently active groups include: Earthkeepers, Battle of the Books, Thump (a percussion ensemble), the Drama Club, BETA club, Wrestling Club, Art Guild (by art application/audition), and Student Council.
Tell me more about the security and rules at school dances?
There is usually only one or two dances each year that is actually sponsored by the BMS Student Council. These dances are held in the BMS cafeteria, chaperoned by BMS faculty and staff volunteers. Administration and the SRO are present. Prior to the dance, tickets are sold to students during lunch. Ticket sales are tracked, so that when your child enters the BMS building for the dance, their name is checked off as present. ONLY BMS students are allowed at BMS Student Council dances. Also, prior to each dance, specific formal wear dress codes will be shared with students. Please be aware that any dances sponsored by the TCS Youth Council or held at the Transylvania Co. Recreation Department are not BMS-sponsored functions.
What is the difference between BMS Student Council and the TCS Youth Council?
The BMS Student Council consists of only BMS students. A teacher volunteer from each grade level helps to organize and faciliate BMS Student Council activities and functions, which include fund-raisers and dances. On the other hand, the TCS Youth Council consists of high school students who work with the larger community to organize social functions for local youth. The Youth Council is not affiliated with the BMS Student Council.
I've heard rumors of drug use at the middle school. Do I need to be worried?Although there is no way to be 100% sure that drugs are not present on our campus, we are happy to report that the random drug testing results (required of any competitive team sponsored by the school) have been 100% clean in the last 3 years. In addition, drug dogs visit the campus 2 to 4 times a year and have not detected illegal substances in the last 3 years.
What if my child needs to take medications during the school day?
We are happy to store and administer medications as needed once the required medical documentation has been filed in the BMS front office. In the case of short-notice needs, children may call home for parents to visit the office to administer medication. BMS works closely with TCS nursing staff to ensure that the medical needs of all BMS students are met.
What time do 6th graders eat lunch?
Lunch for 6th graders is usually around 10:50 am.
My 6th grader is worried about getting lost. Will there be opportunities for help navigating campus beyond the orientation day in May?
Yes. Teachers will take students on tours of the entire campus during their first week of school in August 2010. Campus staff are also ready to help with wandering 6th graders. If students must walk far to their next class, they are sometimes escorted during the first week until everyone feels comfortable with routines.
What if my child needs counseling or personal assistance during the school day?
We have a full-time counselor on campus, Mrs. Long. Our SRO, Officer Mosser, and all administrators are happy to listen whenever a student needs someone to talk to. In addition, we work closely with each other to make sure necessary faculty and staff are aware of any special needs that students may have.
Parent Involvement
Part of being involved with BMS is knowing more about the school's mission and goals. It is a myth that students and schools do not benefit from parent involvement beyond elementary school. In fact, we are proud of a very active PTO and volunteer base. But each year, we lose some of that help to the high school! Please join us in volunteering for a class, special activities, sporting events, the School Improvement Committee, and/or PTO.
What is the BMS Mission and Vision Statement?
You can read the full BMS Mission and Vision statements here: http://bms.tcsnc.org/school_information/mission_statement/
How can I keep up with BMS news and events?
Check the BMS and TCS web sites often. Also, look through your child's student agenda and 6th grade folders. Important news items are also sent to parents via automated telephone and email messages. Become a part of the BMS Parent-Teacher Organization. Make sure the BMS office has your most up-to-date mailing address so you can receive any newsletters.
How do I contact my child's teachers or BMS administration?
Contact information is available online:
School Contact Page
Administration
All Faculty Contacts
Grade and Departments
How can I keep up with my child's academic progress?
Teachers send Agendas home every day with notes and assignments. In 6th grade, teachers also send folders home that include weekly and bi-weekly progress reports. In addition, mid-term progress reports are sent home midway through each quarter (9 weeks). Finally, formal grades are provided at the end of each 9-week quarter.
Is there a student manual?
Yes. The Student Manual for BMS can be found in the front portion of your child's agenda. The manual includes TCS board policies, such as consequences of breaking rules regarding possession of cellular or digital music devices.
How can I participate in the PTO?
You can always contact Mr. Williams, the BMS Principal, to have your name added to the PTO contact list. As the new school year kicks off, we'll be circulating more information about ways to get involved with PTO through leadership, volunteering, attending any of the monthly PTO meetings, and planning for events and fundraisers.
What is the School Improvement Team (SIT) and can I participate in it?
The School Improvement Team consists of any interested parents and all teachers. It is a group of committees that address each of the priority goal areas of the BMS School Improvement Plan, which are aligned with the county school system's own priorities, which are in turn aligned with state Department of Public Instruction priorities. The School Improvement Plan is a dynamic working document that guides school-wide efforts to organize improvement, giving us goals and steps to attain those goals. You can read the entire School Improvement Plan (a revision for the next 3 years will be available soon) here: BMS 2007-10 SIP.pdf
The priority committees address these goals:
1. BMS will produce globally competitive students.
2. BMS will be led by 21st Century professionals.
3. BMS students will be healthy and responsible.
4. BMS leadership will guide innovation.
5. BMS will be governed and supported by 21st Century systems.
Please contact Mr. Williams, the BMS Principal, for more information.
What is a PEP? Or an IEP?
A PEP is a Personal Education Plan, which is usually needed for students when academic weaknesses are identified, often along with developmental or behavorial concerns. When it is decided by teachers and parents that a PEP would help a student, then the child is referred to the BMS Care Team (see below), who then organize interventions to help implement the plans.
An IEP is an Individualized Education Program and is mandated by the United States law known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (or IDEA). The IEP for any student is designed to make sure the school provides a Free Appropriate Public Education to that student, as guaranteed under IDEA.
What is CARE Team?
The Care Team at BMS is made up of a variety of faculty and staff that work to support and implement strategies to support any child identified as struggling academically, or otherwise, at BMS. This often includes students who have PEPs in place.
Is there a supply list for my student's new classes?
A general supply list is usually posted online either at the end of the preceding school year or some time during the summer. Students and their families are welcome to also wait until after the first day of school to see what changes may have been made to the supply lists. You can usually count on your child needing plenty of pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, paper, and a calculator.
How do I join BMS as a volunteer?
To volunteer at the school, please contact the front office at 884-2091 or directly contact one of your child's teachers. If you are first-time volunteer for the school system, you will be asked to fill out a form to allow you to work directly with students. You can also contact the school online here: http://bms.tcsnc.org/contact_school/
What is included in the BMS Student Agenda and why is it so important that my child bring it every day?
The BMS Student Agenda is used by all three middle school grades, but it is especially important and well-used in the 6th grade. Teachers will enter homework assignments and notes regarding behavior or events in the agenda. Each night, your child should bring home their agenda and have you sign or initial them. In addition, the agenda contains the full text of the BMS student manual and helpful homework resources, including a world map, examples of how to cite resources, mathematics terms, and more!
Tell more about the security and rules at school dances?
There is usually only one or two dances each year that is actually sponsored by the BMS Student Council. These dances are held in the BMS cafeteria, chaperoned by BMS faculty and staff volunteers. Administration and the SRO are present. Prior to the dance, tickets are sold to students during lunch. Ticket sales are tracked, so that when your child enters the BMS building for the dance, their name is checked off as present. ONLY BMS students are allowed at BMS Student Council dances. Also, prior to each dance, specific formal wear dress codes will be shared with students. Please be aware that any dances sponsored by the TCS Youth Council or held at the Transylvania Co. Recreation Department are not BMS-sponsored functions.
I've heard rumors of drug use at the middle school. Do I need to be worried?
Although there is no way to be 100% sure that drugs are not present on our campus, we are happy to report that the random drug testing results (required of any competitive team sponsored by the school) have been 100% clean in the last 3 years. In addition, drug dogs visit the campus 2 to 4 times a year and have not detected illegal substances in the last 3 years.
What happens if there's an unscheduled early dismissal?
Unscheduled early dismissals are rare. If one does occur, most likely due to weather, telephone and email notices are sent via the Transylvania County Schools' ProActive alert system. According to School Board Policy JI: Wireless Communication, no middle school student may have wireless or electronic devices, including cell phones on campus. We arrange for students to call home from school phones if there is any issue that the alert system does not cover.
What if my child needs counseling or personal assistance during the school day?
We have a full-time counselor on campus, Mrs. Long. Our SRO, Officer Mosser, and all administrators are happy to listen whenever a student needs someone to talk to. In addition, we work closely with each other to make sure necessary faculty and staff are aware of any special needs that students may have.
Daily BMS Life
What are the 3 basic rules at BMS?
BMS introduces all students to 3 basic rules of conduct:
1. Pay attention.
2. Follow instructions.
3. Act friendly.
Following these 3 basic rules will keep students out of trouble and aware of what's going on around them. This helps ensure a safe and respectful experience on campus!
How can I keep up with BMS news and events?
Check the BMS and TCS web sites often. Also, look through your child's student agenda and 6th grade folders. Important news items are also sent to parents via automated telephone and email messages. Become a part of the BMS Parent-Teacher Organization. Make sure the BMS office has your most up-to-date mailing address so you can receive any newsletters.
Is there a Student Manual?
Yes. The Student Manual for BMS can be found in the front portion of your child's agenda. The manual includes TCS board policies, such as consequences of breaking rules regarding possession of cellular or digital music devices.
What is included in the BMS Student Agenda and why is it so important that my child bring it every day?
The BMS Student Agenda is used by all three middle school grades, but it is especially important and well-used in the 6th grade. Teachers will enter homework assignments and notes regarding behavior or events in the agenda. Each night, your child should bring home their agenda and have you sign or initial them. In addition, the agenda contains the full text of the BMS student manual and helpful homework resources, including a world map, examples of how to cite resources, mathematics terms, and more!
What is the dress code?
The full dress code can be found in the Student Manual, at the front of each student's agenda. Basically, students should come to school dressed modestly, clean, neat, and in a manner that is not a health or safety hazard. The School Board allows decisions governing dress appropriateness to be at the school's principal/administrator's discretion. Pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses should reach the child's knees or longer. Holes, slits, or tears above the knee are not allowed.
Does P.E. have different dress code expectations?
Dress code for Physical Education classes follows the basic BMS guidelines for dress, with the addition of non-skid, white-soled athletic shoes. PE faculty will fully explain how part of each student's grade is linked to their "dressing out" for each day's class.
What is the BMS Mission and Vision Statement?
You can read the full BMS Mission and Vision statements here: http://bms.tcsnc.org/school_information/mission_statement/
How do lockers and locks work in 6th grade?
Students are assigned a lock and locker by their homeroom teacher. Locks are provided free to students, who are not allowed to use their personal locks in order to ensure administrative access. Each teacher will show the class how to work the locks and actually allow time for practice lock opening. Replacement locks cost $5.00.
Is there a supply list for my student's new classes?
How do I contact my child's teachers or BMS administration?
Contact information is available online:
School Contact Page
Administration
All Faculty Contacts
Grade and Departments
What is Saturday Academy?
Once the school year begins, Saturday Academy will rev up. Saturday Academy serves two purposes: to offer extra help for students to meet teacher standards and to give students a chance to make up classroom instruction time lost due to absences or tardies. One day in Saturday Academy (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) is worth a full day absence. Saturday Academy details for this past year are available here: saturday academy.pdf
How will my child access the BMS Library?
Students may access the library in two ways. Usually Communication Skills teachers will reserve time for book checkout as a group. Sometimes pairs of students are sent to check out books on their own during class time. In addition, students may visit the library with any one of their classes for research projects.
Is there an SRO (Student Resource Officer) at the middle school?
Yes! Officer Mosser is the BMS SRO. He is usually on campus throughout the school day and assists with education and safety programs.
How does the class schedule work for 6th graders?
Although the daily schedule for 2010-11 is not set in stone yet, 6th graders can expect to have 4 core classes and an enrichment period which will not change throughout the year. On the other hand, their 2 electives classes will change, but only in terms of location and subject, not time slot. Lunch is usually early for 6th graders, at approximately 10:50 am. 6th grade teachers usually establish designated times for students to go to lockers. This helps the new 6th graders ease into the habit of using lockers efficiently.
How many different teachers will my 6th grader have?
Your 6th grader will possibly have as many as 7 different teachers. Some teachers are certified in more than one subject area and may have the same class for more than one period. In addition, your child will be meeting other faculty and staff members around campus, including the BMS Library staff, cafeteria staff, custodial staff, and office staff. We all work to make the new 6th graders feel welcome!
What is the policy on cell phones?
According to School Board Policy JI, students at middle school in Transylvania County are not allowed to possess wireless communication or electronic devices (like iPods) on campus.
What time does 6th grade eat lunch?
Lunch for 6th graders is usually around 10:50 am.
My 6th grader is worried about getting lost. Will there be opportunities for help navigating campus beyond the orientation in May?
Yes. Teachers will take students on tours of the entire campus during their first week of school in August 2010. Campus staff are also ready to help with wandering 6th graders. If students must walk far to their next class, they are sometimes escorted during the first week until everyone feels comfortable with routines.
What is the Enrichment period used for?
Each day, 35 minutes is set aside in the schedule for students to explore aspects of education that they would not otherwise have an opportunity for in normal classes. Examples include: mathematics applied to fantasy football, creating visual journals, forensic science, wilderness survival skills, popular genre reading groups, and historical cooking.
What if my child needs counseling or personal assistance during the school day?
We have a full-time counselor on campus, Mrs. Long. Our SRO, Officer Mosser, and all administrators are happy to listen whenever a student needs someone to talk to. In addition, we work closely with each other to make sure necessary faculty and staff are aware of any special needs that students may have.
Who do I contact about bus issues?
Assistant Principal Alan Justice (ajustice@tcnsc.org) is in charge of buses at BMS.
Are the computers filtered at BMS?
Yes. All computers on any TCS campus access the Internet via the same filtered servers in the TCS Technology Department. Federal law, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act (or CIPA), requires that any school receiving federal funds applied to Internet access must provide filtering to help protect students from offensive or adult/mature online content. You can learn more about CIPA here: Federal Communications Commission
Are students allowed free-access or unsupervised access to computers?
No. Students generally access computers in an environment very similar to that of their classrooms. They visit the computer lab or the library computers as a group and follow a teacher's instructions to use computers for tasks ranging from creating multimedia presentations of curricular content to researching primary resources via such online databases as the Library of Congress's American Memory site or the National Archives.
Rules
What are the 3 Basic Rules at BMS?
BMS introduces all students to 3 basic rules of conduct:
1. Pay attention.
2. Follow instructions.
3. Act friendly.
Following these 3 basic rules will keep students out of trouble and aware of what's going on around them. This helps ensure a safe and respectful experience on campus!
Is there a Student Manual?
Yes. The Student Manual for BMS can be found in the front portion of your child's agenda. The manual includes TCS board policies, such as consequences of breaking rules regarding possession of cellular or digital music devices.
What is the Dress Code?
The full dress code can be found in the Student Manual, at the front of each student's agenda. Basically, students should come to school dressed modestly, clean, neat, and in a manner that is not a health or safety hazard. The School Board allows decisions governing dress appropriateness to be at the school's principal/administrator's discretion. Pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses should reach the child's knees or longer. Holes, slits, or tears above the knee are not allowed.
Does P.E. have different dress code expectations?
Dress code for Physical Education classes follows the basic BMS guidelines for dress, with the addition of non-skid, white-soled athletic shoes. PE faculty will fully explain how part of each student's grade is linked to their "dressing out" for each day's class.
How do I contact my child's teachers or administration?
Contact information is available online:
School Contact Page
Administration
All Faculty Contacts
Grade and Departments
What is Saturday Academy?
Once the school year begins, Saturday Academy will rev up. Saturday Academy serves two purposes: to offer extra help for students to meet teacher standards and to give students a chance to make up classroom instruction time lost due to absences or tardies. One day in Saturday Academy (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) is worth a full day absence. Saturday Academy details for this past year are available here: saturday academy.pdf
What is included in the BMS Student Agenda and why is it so important that my child bring it every day?
The BMS Student Agenda is used by all three middle school grades, but it is especially important and well-used in the 6th grade. Teachers will enter homework assignments and notes regarding behavior or events in the agenda. Each night, your child should bring home their agenda and have you sign or initial them. In addition, the agenda contains the full text of the BMS student manual and helpful homework resources, including a world map, examples of how to cite resources, mathematics terms, and more!
Tell me more about the security and rules at school dances?
There is usually only one or two dances each year that is actually sponsored by the BMS Student Council. These dances are held in the BMS cafeteria, chaperoned by BMS faculty and staff volunteers. Administration and the SRO are present. Prior to the dance, tickets are sold to students during lunch. Ticket sales are tracked, so that when your child enters the BMS building for the dance, their name is checked off as present. ONLY BMS students are allowed at BMS Student Council dances. Also, prior to each dance, specific formal wear dress codes will be shared with students. Please be aware that any dances sponsored by the TCS Youth Council or held at the Transylvania Co. Recreation Department are not BMS-sponsored functions.
What are field trips like in middle school? Do classes go on many trips?
Hands-on learning is sometimes best accomplished off campus. Science classes often go on short treks around campus to investigate natural phenomenon. Students also will rotate through "Enrichment" classes that offer students the opportunity to explore educational interests beyond the curriculum for 35 minutes each day. These classes often end each quarter (9 weeks) with some kind of special activity which is often a field trip. So, your 6th grader may go on more field trips at BMS than they did as an elementary school student. To participate in any field trip that involves travel off campus requires a parent signature on a permission sheet that details what teacher is taking what students off campus and for what purpose. All school rules governing dress, digital hand-held equipment, valuables, and behavior are in effect during all field trips. When possible, field trips are taken on foot to local educational resources.
Is there an Student Resource Officer (SRO) at the middle school?
Dress code for Physical Education classes follows the basic BMS guidelines for dress, with the addition of non-skid, white-soled athletic shoes. PE faculty will fully explain how part of each student's grade is linked to their "dressing out" for each day's class.
How does BMS handle bullying?
There is no tolerance for bullying at BMS. Faculty, staff, and administration work very hard to help keep the BMS campus a bully-free zone. This includes in-class lessons, conferences with staff as needed, and peer mediation as needed.
What is ISS, OSS, or C-Stop?
ISS refers to in-school suspension. This takes the form of isolation from a student's normal peer groups and classes, although the student will continue to work on assignments under staff supervision. Students referred to ISS are not allowed to participate in school events while in ISS. The ISS contract of behavior and expectations can be read here: ISS CONTRACT.pdf
OSS is out-of-school suspension. This form of discipline requires the student to be retained at home for a certain number of days. Students referred to OSS are not allowed to participate in school events while in OSS.
C-Stop is an off-campus suspension that takes place at Davidson River School, where the student will continue to work on school assignments under staff supervision.
What is the policy on cell phones?
According to School Board Policy JI, students at middle school in Transylvania County are not allowed to possess wireless communication or electronic devices (like iPods) on campus.
What happens if there's an unscheduled early dismissal?
Unscheduled early dismissals are rare. If one does occur, most likely due to weather, telephone and email notices are sent via the Transylvania County Schools' ProActive alert system. According to School Board Policy JI: Wireless Communication, no middle school student may have wireless or electronic devices, including cell phones on campus. We arrange for students to call home from school phones if there is any issue that the alert system does not cover.
What if my child needs counseling or personal assistance during the school day?
We have a full-time counselor on campus, Mrs. Long. Our SRO, Officer Mosser, and all administrators are happy to listen whenever a student needs someone to talk to. In addition, we work closely with each other to make sure necessary faculty and staff are aware of any special needs that students may have.
Who do I contact about bus issues?
Assistant Principal Alan Justice (ajustice@tcnsc.org) is in charge of buses at BMS.
Are the computers filtered at BMS?
Yes. All computers on any TCS campus access the Internet via the same filtered servers in the TCS Technology Department. Federal law, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act (or CIPA), requires that any school receiving federal funds applied to Internet access must provide filtering to help protect students from offensive or adult/mature online content. You can learn more about CIPA here: Federal Communications Commission
Are students allowed free-access or unsupervised access to computers?
No. Students generally access computers in an environment very similar to that of their classrooms. They visit the computer lab or the library computers as a group and follow a teacher's instructions to use computers for tasks ranging from creating multimedia presentations of curricular content to researching primary resources via such online databases as the Library of Congress's American Memory site or the National Archives.
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