Welcome to Benicia Middle School!

Benicia Middle School provides a safe and respectful learning envoronment where students are encouraged to meet their full potential as life-long learners and productive citizens.

Information for Eighth Grade Students and Parents

This is information for you and your parents to read and understand.

Friday, May 25 - Textbook Return Deadline

All materials, books, and equipment must be returned to the teachers by Friday, May 25.  No books or materials will be accepted in the Main Office!  A list of lost or damaged materials will be maintained in the Main Office. Fees and/or fines must be paid by Wednesday, May 30 by 1:20 PM. (This includes library books and any fees/fines).  Allfees must be paid in order to attend the Farewell Dance.

Tuesday, May 29 - 8^th Grade ID pictures for BHS - BMS Gym

A Benicia High School staff member will be here to take pictures during regular PE classes for BHS ID cards for the 2012-2013 school year.

Wednesday, May 30 - 8^th Grade Farewell Dance - 6:30 to 9:00 PM - BMS Gym

This dance, sponsored by our PTSA, is for BMS 8^th grade students only.  No guests are allowed.  All students must have a student ID, a pre-purchased ticket for $6.00, and arrive no later than 7:00 PM.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Light refreshments will be served.  Boys should wear a dress shirt and slacks.  A sweater, jacket or tie is optional, but NO TUXEDOES.  Girls should wear a Sunday dress, simple party dress, or nice pants and blouse but NO FORMALS. Strapless and short dresses are not allowed.  If students are dressed inappropriately, they will not be allowed to enter the dance.  Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately.  There should not be undergarments, midriffs, or cleavage exposed.  If in doubt, please check with a Vice Principal before the dance.  Limousines and dating are not appropriate for middle school students.  No limousines will be allowed at BMS.  Please pickup your student promptly at 9:00 PM.

Thursday, May 31 - Grade Promotion Ceremony Practice - BMS Lower Field

Promotion practice will be held at BMS during the morning and immediately before the ceremony during the school day on May 31. Do not bring backpacks or hats to school.

Thursday, May 31 - 8^th Grade Promotion Ceremony - 2:00 to 3:00 PM - BMS Lower Field

All eligible 8^th grade students may participate in our ceremony.  All eligible students will have their name recited and they will be able to walk across the stage. To be eligible, students must pass 5 of their classes for the second semester. A professional photographer will be taking pictures so every family will receive an optional photograph that may be purchased, if desired, through GradTrak.  During the summer, students will receive a certificate of promotion in the mail.

Students should plan to dress nicely for school on May 31.  (See the dress code expectations for May 30 Farewell Dance above).

Students and spectators will be facing the same direction, looking toward Benicia Bay.  Chairs will be provided for our students.  Parents and family members can either stand or bring a folding chair or a blanket to sit on.  No “high chairs” or umbrellas that block the view of others will be allowed.  If parents must have an umbrella for shade reasons, they will be asked to sit toward the back or far sides of the ceremony.  Everyone should be able to see and hear the ceremony.

Parents and family members will be allowed on campus AFTER 1:20 PM when school is dismissed.  Parking will be available in the two adjacent church parking lots, our BMS parking lot, and nearby surface streets.  General information was printed in the November, January and February Viking Times and will be reprinted in our May Viking Times as well as our website www.beniciaunified.org/bms.

Friday, June 1 - 8^thGrade Extravaganza - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM - BMS MP Room

8^th Graders will be participating in an 8^th grade Extravaganza which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and 26’ slide, obstacle course, Jumbo Bounce House and bungee run all from Plan-It Interactive.  Come join the fun!

How Parents Can Help Improve Student Attendance

1) Schedule doctor/dental appointments later in the day and return to school after they are completed.

2) Keep your child home from school only when they are seriously ill (with a fever, vomiting, or with a contagious condition such as pink eye).

3) Plan family outings only on weekends or during non-school days. Plan vacations during vacation time. The State of California only allows 2 days unexcused absence for the year. On the third day of unexcused absence students are considered truant and will be sent a truancy letter.

4) If you must go out of town try to make it at least a 5-day trip so you can apply for an Independent Study contract. Independent Study contracts must be requested in writing 2 weeks before the start date. Teachers will gather all plans for lessons, books and materials for the independent study.

Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a shared set of learning expectations in English and Language Arts and Mathematics developed by teachers, administrators, parents, and education experts across the nation to ensure that all students graduate with the skills they need to succeed in life. The California State Board of Education adopted the CCSS in August 2010.

The Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) is transitioning to the CCSS. While the new standards are very similar to our previous state standards, some content will be taught at a different grade level than in the past. Next school year our Kindergarten and firstgrade teachers will fully implement the CCSS. All other grade levels will begin to align their curriculum to the CCSS with the goal of full district implementation by the 2014-2015 school year.

Please watch for upcoming information about CCSS and how they will impact your child’s education. The BUSD staff will be working collaboratively to prepare for the transition to the CCSS. We look forward to continuing to provide an excellent PreK-12 education to our students.

Second Annual BEF Parade of Pigs 4 Kids

Twenty talented artists have created this year’s fantastic line-up of adorable piggy banks to raise money for Benicia public schools. They have marched into different locations all over town and are waiting for visitors so pick up a bookmark in your school office or go on-line at:

www.BeniciaEducationFoundation.org

to learn more about this fun event. Or follow them on Facebook and post pictures with you and your favorite pig. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 18, 2012 so you can bid to win one of the 2012 Parade of Pigs 4 Kids.