Your First Month at BMS

We know that joining a new school can be challenging for both parents and children. It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed during this transition. We want you to know that we're here to support you and make this process as easy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where your family feels comfortable and valued.

During your first month with us at BMS, there are several things you and your child can do to help get yourself settled and involved in school life. Check those out below, and you can always reach out

For Parents

Starting a new school can be just as daunting for parents as it is for kids, especially if it's your first time navigating online learning or homeschooling. Adapting to a new system can feel overwhelming, but diving into the administrative tasks and getting involved in school life can be incredibly beneficial. By understanding the new routines, schedules, and resources available, you can better support your child's learning journey.

Participating with us can help you feel more connected and informed. This involvement not only boosts your confidence but also shows your child that you're in this together, making the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

Finalize all the school transition administration

Of course, joining a new school means there will be some paperwork to take care of. Please make sure to let your child's previous school know that you are transferring to us, so they can update their records and ensure there are no gaps in your child's education. If you are sending us your child's transcript yourself, please get it to us as soon as you can. We need it to complete our records and ensure we can support your child in the best way possible. If you require our assistance in obtaining transcripts or student records from your child's previous school, please note that a processing fee will apply.

Familiarize yourself with your state's homeschool requirements

Homeschooling parents need to know their state's requirements to make sure they're following the rules and giving their children the best education possible. This helps avoid any problems and keeps everything on track for a great learning experience.

In a few states, you may need to send paperwork to your State Department of Education or Local District to confirm your home-schooling status, even if your child is enrolled with us. Essentially, this process affirms your responsibility for your child's education before transferring oversight to our school.

To find more out for this, check out our Navigating State Requirement Section.

Get set up with Toddle Family

Once your child is all set up on Toddle, it's really important for you to create a Toddle Family account too. This is how you'll stay connected with your child's teacher and keep tabs on things like attendance, progress reports, and any updates from their teacher. It's super handy for staying in the loop and being part of your child's school life!

You can always reach out to us if you need help with Toddle, and you can also check out the Toddle section of the handbook

Familiarize yourself with our learning apps

It's a good idea to take a look at the different apps your child uses in their online classes. Getting familiar with these tools can help you support your child better. You'll be able to assist them if they have any issues and make sure they're using the apps effectively for their learning. Plus, understanding these tools lets you keep track of their progress and have meaningful chats with them about what they're learning and how they're doing. This way, you can really help them succeed in their online school experience!

To take a look at the apps we use, have a look at the Learning Apps section of the handbook.

Bookmark our School Calendar

Bookmark our school calendar to keep track of important dates, events, and deadlines. National holidays are observed, and we can accommodate any religious or cultural holidays you subscribe to. We ask that you inform your teacher as soon as you know of any additional days off needed so that they may better prepare activities for that day.

Get involved in our community

While we are an online school, we are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community comparable to the best brick-and-mortar schools. At Brilliant Microschools, we believe that meaningful connections and shared experiences are vital to a well-rounded education.

That's why we organize various activities, from local meetups to exciting field trips and engaging school events. There's always something happening at Brilliant Microschools, ensuring that every student and family feels connected and supported within our vibrant community. To find out more about this, check the Community section.

For Students

Starting a new school is a big step for your child. You know your child best, and your support can make all the difference in helping them settle in quickly and enjoy their new school experience.

Simple things like talking to them about their day, encouraging them to join in on school activities, and keeping a consistent routine can really help. With support, your child will feel comfortable and confident in no time.

Get set up with a workspace and school routine

Now that home is the classroom, it’s important to have some separation. Creating a dedicated school zone can help. This doesn’t have to be a desk—a seat at the kitchen table works just fine. Using the same place every day and ensuring your child is comfortable and ready to engage in their lessons is key.

It’s also a good idea to establish a school routine, just like if you were leaving the house. Getting up, changing into fresh, comfortable clothes (even though it seems fun to do school in last night's pajamas), and having a good breakfast or lunch before starting class can set you up for success. Make sure to have all your supplies ready before class starts too

Check out here for more tips on setting up your school space.

Get comfortable on camera

Having your child's camera on during online classes is important. It helps them stay focused and participate more in lessons. Teachers can support them better when they see their reactions and body language. Plus, seeing their classmates creates a sense of community and connection, making learning more enjoyable.

We understand that this can be hard at the start, but being able to see their face whilst we teach is worth it in the long run. If you have any questions, have a look at our camera policy and reach out to parent support or your child's teacher if you have any more questions

Explore Toddle and our learning apps

As your child spends more time in class, they'll start using various learning apps. To boost their confidence, it's helpful to explore these apps together outside of class. Take some time to go through the ones they use most often so they can feel comfortable with how they work. This familiarity will help them feel more at ease during class, allowing them to focus on learning effectively, without being held back by technical issues.

have a look at our learning apps here, for a bit more information about what they do and why we use them

Ask us for technology help if you need it

If your child is new to online school, they might find it overwhelming to learn all these new technology skills. Even if your child is great with technology, it's still useful to get some support. During your parent onboarding meeting, you can schedule a Student Onboarding Meeting for your child to practice basic online skills, which will boost their confidence. You can also reach out anytime after starting school to arrange a meeting, or your child's teacher may suggest one if needed—we're always here to assist!

If you have any issues with our apps, feel free to give us a call, and if needed we'll contact our tech team on your behalf to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Looking into clubs and electives

We offer a variety of extracurriculars to cater to every child's interests, with plans to expand further. From electives like Spanish and Health & PE to clubs like Roblox and Film, these activities provide a fun way for students to meet others and learn something new beyond their regular classes. Explore our electives in the Community section, and if you're interested, give us a call to get started.

Currently, electives are available only for our general education students. We're actively working to introduce options for our ESE students as well, so stay tuned for updates on that front.

Have fun learning with us

Above all else, our top priority as a school is ensuring that your child is happy and truly enjoys their learning experience! We encourage you to fully engage with us, and please remember that we're always here to support you. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or simply want to chat, we're just a call or text away. Your child's happiness and educational journey are our utmost concern, and we're dedicated to making it a positive and enriching experience every step of the way.

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