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.

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.