Joseph Pirraglia, Jr.          Ryan Shea  Principal  Assistant Principal 
 
 
August 22, 2018
 
 
Dear families,
 
The start of the 2018-2019 school year is just around the corner!  Our first day of school is Wednesday, September 5, 2018.  Whether you are the parent of an incoming 5th grader, or a returning parent, we want you to know that we will do our best to provide the best possible learning experience for your child.  
 
At Beckwith, we believe in fostering a growth mindset, celebrating effort, and encouraging independence.  We understand the importance of struggle and hope to expose students to challenges to maximize their potential.  Teachers and staff understand that students will eventually make mistakes.  It is the growth from these mistakes that is essential to a student’s development.  We strive to support students and develop a culture that emphasizes growth.  We work to create a positive learning environment at Beckwith and reinforce positive behaviors by recognizing students for going “above and beyond” the school expectations.  It is our goal to make Beckwith Middle School a place where both students and staff want to be every day.
 
Our doors are always open. If you have any concerns please contact your child’s teacher by email (teacher’s first initial, last name, @drregional.org) or call our guidance office (508-252-5080). If you feel that your concerns are not handled appropriately or to your satisfaction, please contact Ryan Shea, assistant principal, or me. We will always try to listen and make decisions in your child’s best interest. Working together as partners, we can ensure success for all students.
 
Thank you,
 
Joseph Pirraglia, Jr.

REMINDERS:

 
 School starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:15 pm.  
 
 We encourage all students to use bus transportation to and from school; however, if students are driven to and from school, please follow the traffic patterns included as attachments.  We encourage morning drop-offs before 7:50 am and afternoon pick-ups before 2:20 pm to avoid bus traffic.  School bus routes are published on the district website.
 
 Student agenda books will be distributed on the first day along with important information for parents/guardians.  Please be sure to ask your child for notices and forms including Pupil Info Sheets (both sides must be reviewed, signed, and returned with updated information including emergency contacts), Free/Reduced Lunch Forms, and Student Handbook and Acceptable Use Policy (must be reviewed, signed and returned).
 
 Suggested school materials lists can be found on our website:  drregional.org/BMS.
 
 Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
 
 Beckwith Middle School sends out daily updates through our email listserv.  If you do not receive our Beckwith Top 10, please call the office.
 
 Students are not allowed to use cell phones at BMS.  The phone in the main office is available for students to use to call home.
 
 Students should always turn in a signed note to the office if they are being dismissed during a school day.  If students do not have a note, the front office will call primary contacts for verbal confirmation.  If primary contacts cannot be reached, emergency contacts will be called.  Please be sure emergency contacts are updated.
 
Parent Portal:
 
The Parent Portal is a great way for parents and students to keep track of graded assignments and homework.  Parent Portal information including login and passwords will be given to students on the first day of school.
 
1. Grades are only expected to be updated every two weeks. 2. Please contact teachers directly if you have questions about grades. We have found that almost all issues can be resolved between parents and teachers.  If you do contact a building administrator with a concern on the portal, please know that they will be in contact with the teacher for what has already been covered between the parent/teacher before having a discussion with the parent.  Following our norms and procedures, if there needs to be further discussion, the discussion will include the parent, the teacher, and the administrator.  

 
Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected group.
 
3. Please note that different courses have different grading criteria and assignments.  In order to meet the needs of the students and the standards, you will see variances across the board.  Teachers will provide grading policies to students and/or during Open House.   4. Keep in mind that bigger projects/assignments take longer to correct than smaller projects/assignments. 5. Since the Portal is a great way for parents to monitor their child’s performance, BMS does not provide progress reports. Report cards are provided via the portal and are printed at the close of each term.
 
From the health office:
 
All 7th grade student immunizations and current physical information must be up to date and provided to the health office.  If you have not provided this information to Ms. Mondor, our school nurse, it must be submitted before the start of school.  All students must have a current (less than one year old) physical on file in order to try-out for any sport.
 
After School Activities:
 
At Beckwith, there are many opportunities for students to be involved in extracurricular activities.  Please monitor our Beckwith Top 10 Daily Email for notifications regarding extracurricular activities including our ACE (Activity Clubs for Enrichment) Program, and Massasoit League sports and academic clubs. 
 
 
Thank you! We are looking forward to a great year!