A Global School for Students of Character
News & Announcements
Breakthrough Magnet School South Named Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America!!!
January 30, 2023
Breakthrough Magnet School South has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. We are the only School of Excellence recognized In the state of Connecticut this year!
The mission of Breakthrough Magnet School South is for staff, families, and community members of diverse backgrounds to work in partnership, developing students as models of outstanding character. Breakthrough South has been recognized for excellence over the past 25 years, including being a Magnet Schools of America Merit Award Recipient for the past 16 years, In 2015, we received Dr. Ronald P. Simpson School of Excellence Award, which is considered the most prestigious award for magnet schools in the nation. We were also named a Teach for America School to Learn From in 2015, and named a National School of Character In 2017. More recently, we were recently featured on Ch. 8 news for our Lunar New Year celebration as well as on NBC CT for our after school 2-4-1 fencing program.
Principal Gustafson will be recognized and receive a National Magnet School of Excellence Award on behalf of the school during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 40th National Conference hosted by Dallas Independent School District, April 18-22, 2023.
Magnet School of Excellence Awards are only given to a select group of magnet schools. Schools of Excellence are eligible to receive monetary awards and are eligible to be named the nation’s top Elementary, Secondary, or New & Emerging Magnet School. One of the Schools of Excellence will also be selected to win $5,000 and the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which is considered the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation.
To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.
NEW - Congratulations to our Girls' Basketball Team!!!
Just wanted to say a huge congratulations to our girls' basketball team for winning the middle school basketball championship Monday night against Milner School at the Basketball Hall of Fame!!!! We are so proud of them!
NEW - Reminders for this week (Mar. 20-24):
Mon, Mar. 20 - Happy First Day of Spring! Tues, Mar. 21 is "Rock Your Socks" World Down Syndrome Day - if your child would like to participate, have them wear a pair of brightly colored, mismatched socks (but still dress in uniform), Wed, Mar. 22 is a FULL DAY with regular 3:40 pm dismissal and students come in uniform.
NEW - 241 TOP Self spring session starts March 27! Register now!
We are excited that 241 TOP Self Spring session is starting the week of March 27-31. Before-school programming will be the same as last session: Gr. 4/5 Mondays & Wednesdays, Gr. 2-3 Tuesdays & Thursdays, and Gr. 2-5 Free Play Fridays. If you would like your child to participate, please complete this online registration form: https://forms.gle/BThtPfKJxGQCakEk7
Reminders for student conduct on field trips:
We are so excited that after over 2 years of no field trips due to COVID, we have been able to take many field trips this year - with many more coming up this spring. As a reminder, we expect students to display BRICK behavior when on field trips - they are not only representing our school but also our district. We may ask for specific parent chaperones to join us if students are struggling with their behavior so that they are still able to participate but with parent support. Thanks for your parent partnership!
Reminder - BMSS Talent Show (Thur, April 6):
We are excited that our annual BMSS Talent Show is scheduled for Thur, Apr. 6 from 1-3 pm (right before Spring Break starts). All students are invited to participate - they can choose a solo act, group act, and some classrooms will be doing class acts. Teachers will be having interested students sign up this week, and then we will start providing time for students to practice their acts during the day (recess, end of day, etc). We will be limiting the number of parents who will be able to attend in person since we will already have all students in the gym for the show (which is over 300). Mrs. Gustafson will be live-streaming the show for those who would like to watch!
Reminder - April Intersession (April 10-13):
We will be identifying students in Gr. 3, 5 & 8 that will be targeting for extra reading support and inviting them to attend April Intersession (during Spring Break - April 10-13). Be on the lookout for a phone call or Parent Square message in the next couple of weeks.
Reminder - Returning Student Survey for 23-24:
The Regional School Choice Lottery for the 23-24 school year is going to end soon (Feb. 28), and families will be learning whether their children were accepted to the school of their choice. At the same time, we are making plans for our class enrollments. We would appreciate it if you would please let us know whether your child is returning to Breakthrough South -- we hope the answer is yes!! Please complete this google form by Tuesday, Feb. 28. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Principal Gustafson at (860) 695-5701 or email her at gusth002@hartfordschools.org. Form: https://forms.gle/MPVdwi7JUUTgMyQa9
Reminder: SAVE THE DATE
“Show Our Stuff” Spring Celebration & 25th Anniversary of Breakthrough is Wed, May 24 from 9 am - 12 pm!!! Stay tuned for more information…