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 - Spring Co-ed Flag Football for Gr. 6-8 students!

From Mr. Gaffney: I wanted to reach out to you in order to give you the information regarding Middle School Athletics this spring, namely flag football. In order to participate, each parent must register in FinalForms. Attached is a flyer with all the information and here is a link: https://hartford-ct.finalforms.com/ All practices and games will be after school hours and there is no late busses so students must have their own transportation. The season will be starting after Spring Break and the coaches will be Mr. Silverman & Mr. Jacobs!

NEW - Spring After-school Boxing Program for Gr. 4/5 students!

Mr. Cruz, our former student and current Building Sub and OPMAD staff member, Is going to be starting an after-school small group boxing program for students In Gr. 4-5! This will be every Tuesday & Thursday from 4-5 pm, and the enrichment program will run from April 18-June 6. This program Is created to help Improve fitness, confidence, self-defense, respect, discipline & focus, & drive for academic achievement In a safe positive environment through boxing training and functional movement! To register, please complete online application using the QR code (on flyer).

NEW - Spring Gr. 3-8 AM Running Club!

We are excited that Mr. N will be starting up our Gr. 3-8 AM Running Club again after we return from Spring Break. He will hold an Informational meeting first for students who are Interested, and then students will need to return a signed permission slip before they will be allowed to participate. It will be from 8:30-8:50 am every morning. Students must be displaying BRICK behavior In order to participate as well. Any questions? Please reach out to Mr. N.

NEW - Reminders for this week (Mar. 27-31):

TOP Self AM programming starts this week at 8 am: Gr. 4/5 Mondays & Wednesdays, Gr. 2-3 Tuesdays & Thursdays, and Gr. 2-5 Free Play Fridays.- it's not too late to register: https://forms.gle/6h5aLhENRnkekBcu7 Wed, Mar. 29 is a FULL DAY with 3:40 pm dismissal and student wear uniforms. Spring Book Fair is also this week in the gym - open 8:30-9:30 am and 3:30-4:30 pm. Online ordering is an option if you can't attend in person: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/breakthroughmagnetschsouth

NEW - Spring Book Fair (Mar. 27-31):

Spring Book Fair is also this week in the gym - open daily for parents and families from 8:30-9:30 am and 3:30-4:30 pm. Classroom teachers will also be taking their classes to visit the book fair during the day. Online ordering is an option if you can't attend in person: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/breakthroughmagnetschsouth

NEW - 2-4-1 TOP Self spring session starts this week!

NEW - K-5 Green Project after school Club:

If your child is interested in participating with Ms. Macey & Ms. Marolda, The club will meet every Thursday from 4-5 pm and learn more about supporting the environment, gardening & more! If you are interested in signing your child up to participate, please use the QR code on the flyer (posted in Parent Square) and paper copies also were sent home in backpacks. This starts this week - Thursday, Mar. 30!

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…