Greetings Middle School families! And here we are in the last two half-days of the year. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you this year! We will bid each other “So long” and not goodbye because we will never leave each other as we will carry one another in our hearts always! I bid you a wonderful summer If you/your student did not clean out their locker this past Friday, they must do so Monday. All items left in lockers after Monday will be discarded. Additionally, no backpacks/tote bags/book bags/gym bags are to be brought to school. Students only need a pen/pencil.full of joy, rest, and peace! And beyond, I remind you to make great choices daily; walk in your greatness; and shine, baby, shine! If there is ever anything that I can do to support you or help you, please reach out to me immediately!

We are a non-profit organization serving now 21 years and have supported the development of the community through the arts. You have to come and see this positivity in the midst of all we have been dealing with in the last 3 years!!! Tell a neighbor and a friend and let's sell this show out! 

From the Desk of Mrs. Barnes in the BDF Dance Department:

Proper dance attire is essential for the dance learning experience, and it remains a graded portion of the students' dance learning experience.  Therefore, ALL STUDENTS enrolled at Benjamin D Foulois CPA academy are required to wear the identified dance attire to school on their scheduled dance class day - Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5)m & Middle School (Dance Majors & Non-Majors)!  

The 2022-23 Primary (Grades K-2) dance schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd Grade (Mrs. Smith & Ms. Ward's Classes)

Wednesdays - Kindergarten (Mrs. Howard & Ms. Davis)

Thursdays - 1st Grade  (Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Manning)

4th Quarter 2023 Intermediate (Grades 3 - 5) Arts Rotation FOR DANCE:

A - Day: Ms. Johnson - 3rd

B-Day:  Ms. Torchiano - 3rd

C- Day:  Ms. Anderson - 4th

Full 4th Qtr. Intermediate Arts Rotation Schedule 

All questions and/or concerns regarding such should be directed to the dance education for which the student is assigned.  Please view the students' schedules to determine which dance education your child is assigned to.  

From the Desk of Mrs. Barnes in the BDF Dance Department:

Proper dance attire is essential for the dance learning experience, and it remains a graded portion of the students' dance learning experience.  Therefore, ALL STUDENTS enrolled at Benjamin D Foulois CPA academy are required to wear the identified dance attire to school on their scheduled dance class day - Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5)m & Middle School (Dance Majors & Non-Majors)!  

The 2022-23 Primary (Grades K-2) dance schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd Grade (Mrs. Smith & Ms. Ward's Classes)

Wednesdays - Kindergarten (Mrs. Howard & Ms. Davis)

Thursdays - 1st Grade  (Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Manning)

4th Quarter 2023 Intermediate (Grades 3 - 5) Arts Rotation FOR DANCE:

A - Day: Ms. Johnson - 3rd

B-Day:  Ms. Torchiano - 3rd

C- Day:  Ms. Anderson - 4th

Full 4th Qtr. Intermediate Arts Rotation Schedule 

All questions and/or concerns regarding such should be directed to the dance education for which the student is assigned.  Please view the students' schedules to determine which dance education your child is assigned to.  

From the Desk of Mrs. Barnes in the BDF Dance Department:

Proper dance attire is essential for the dance learning experience, and it remains a graded portion of the students' dance learning experience.  Therefore, ALL STUDENTS enrolled at Benjamin D Foulois CPA academy are required to wear the identified dance attire to school on their scheduled dance class day - Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5)m & Middle School (Dance Majors & Non-Majors)!  

The 2022-23 Primary (Grades K-2) dance schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd Grade (Mrs. Smith & Ms. Ward's Classes)

Wednesdays - Kindergarten (Mrs. Howard & Ms. Davis)

Thursdays - 1st Grade  (Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Manning)

4th Quarter 2023 Intermediate (Grades 3 - 5) Arts Rotation FOR DANCE:

A - Day: Ms. Johnson - 3rd

B-Day:  Ms. Torchiano - 3rd

C- Day:  Ms. Anderson - 4th

Full 4th Qtr. Intermediate Arts Rotation Schedule 

All questions and/or concerns regarding such should be directed to the dance education for which the student is assigned.  Please view the students' schedules to determine which dance education your child is assigned to.  

Greetings Middle School families! Thank you for your support in helping us to make it successfully through the administration of the Math MCAP! Now we only have the 8th Grade Social Studies MCAP in the coming weeks. And we still need parent chaperones for the Zoo field trip. If your child’s homeroom is full, no worries, sign up under another homeroom. 

Parents, please send your child to school with body wipes, deodorant, and water to keep in their lockers. As the temperatures rise and bodies are changing, there’s a bit of musk in the air. Please help our students stay hydrated, hygienic, and smelling good while they are at school.

We invite you to volunteer or shadow your student and get to know our middle school community and an insider view of your child’s middle school experience. Be sure to give Mrs. Broussard a heads-up if you plan to come so we can confirm we are not testing or anything else that would negate a visit. During the observations, we ask that parents follow the PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors and BDF protocols found here: 

BDF Parent Classroom Visit

https://www.pgcps.org/parents/code-of-conduct-for-families-and-visitors

May 31st, Q3 administrative incentive eligible students (see reminder) are going to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC. Remit fees using the specified MySchoolBucks link on the permission form. Please reach out to Ms. Broussard, middle school assistant principal, for more information. All fees and permission slips are due May 12.

May 2- Q3 Parent Grade Appeals due | Yearbook orders due

May 5- SSL hours verification forms due

May 8-12- Teacher Appreciation Week

May 12- Q3 Admin Incentive Field Trip fees and slips due

May 19- Q4 Progress Reports released online

May 24- MS Final Exams begin

May 25- 8th Grade Dance and Awards Ceremony ticket pick-up

May 26- MS Final Exams

May 30- MS Final Exams 

May 31- Q3 Administrative Incentive Field Trip

June 2- 8th Grade Formal Dance

June 5- BDF Field Day

June 6- 8th Grade Field Trip

June 7- 8th Grade Luncheon and Awards Ceremony Rehearsal | MS Final Exams

June 8- 8th Grade Awards Ceremony

June 12- Early Dismissal

June 13- Early Dismissal / Last Day of School

Be sure to read the letters sent home, e-mails, and the notes from 8th grade parent nights found at “BDF MS Parent Resource Videos” found at this link throughout the newsletter announcements  => BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

As we are in the final quarter, expectations and consequences have heightened. Any Student Code of Conduct infractions at the administrative level will preclude students from any quarter 4 incentives or extra-curriculars. Frequently remind your child that they are to strive each day to conduct themselves in such a way that every community member feels safe, seen and supported to be successful.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FAMILIES FOR SHOWING UP FOR OUR STUDENTS!

Last week The Admin Team put out a desperate plea for chaperones for our upcoming field trips. We went from having only 4 chaperones for grades K-2 to filling up every slot with 30 chaperones. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you so much for volunteering and allowing these field trips to happen for our students.  hosting behavior incentive field trips based on 3rd-quarter behavior. Below you can find the date of the trip and the number of chaperones we still need. The trips are 

• Wednesday, April 26th for students in grades K-2. We're in need of zero (0) chaperones. We're all filled up. 

• Wednesday, May 10th for students in grades 3-5. We're in need of one (1) more chaperone.

• Wednesday, May 31st for students in grades 6-8.  We're in need of ten (10) more chaperones.

Please check the Sign Up Genius link to see if there are slots in your child's class. 

Volunteers, Sign Up Here

From the Desk of Mrs. Barnes in the BDF Dance Department:

Proper dance attire is essential for the dance learning experience, and it remains a graded portion of the students' dance learning experience.  Therefore, ALL STUDENTS enrolled at Benjamin D Foulois CPA academy are required to wear the identified dance attire to school on their scheduled dance class day - Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5)m & Middle School (Dance Majors & Non-Majors)!  

The 2022-23 Primary (Grades K-2) dance schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd Grade (Mrs. Smith & Ms. Ward's Classes)

Wednesdays - Kindergarten (Mrs. Howard & Ms. Davis)

Thursdays - 1st Grade  (Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Manning)

4th Quarter 2023 Intermediate (Grades 3 - 5) Arts Rotation FOR DANCE:

A - Day: Ms. Johnson - 3rd

B-Day:  Ms. Torchiano - 3rd

C- Day:  Ms. Anderson - 4th

Full 4th Qtr. Intermediate Arts Rotation Schedule 

All questions and/or concerns regarding such should be directed to the dance education for which the student is assigned.  Please view the students' schedules to determine which dance education your child is assigned to.  

Permission slips have gone out. We're begging all available parents and guardians to complete the new volunteer process to chapersone this field trip. Teachers in grades 3-8 and Creative Arts teachers are testing students for MCAP, so we're unable to pull any extra staff members to chaperone the trip. We don't want to have to cancel the trip due to a lack of chaperones.

Eligible Volunteers Can Sign Up Here

The requirements to chaperone field trips have changed this year. There are three steps to being a chaperone at Benjamin D. Foulois and in PGCPS. Please make sure to fulfill the obligations listed below.

1. Apply online at (Volunteer Application and Approval Process Information)

2. Complete the background screening process and receive a VIN or Volunteer Identification Number.

3. Complete the Safe Schools Training Videos.

If you have any questions or need help, you should access the following contacts for support:

• CPS Clearance Checks (301) 780-2191 hr.customerservice@pgcps.org

• Fingerprint Background Check (301) 952-7831 hr.backgroundunit@pgcps.org

• SafeSchools Training Modules (301) 952-6774 safeschools.training@pgcps.org

From the Desk of Mrs. Barnes in the BDF Dance Department:

Proper dance attire is essential for the dance learning experience, and it remains a graded portion of the students' dance learning experience.  Therefore, ALL STUDENTS enrolled at Benjamin D Foulois CPA academy are required to wear the identified dance attire to school on their scheduled dance class day - Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5)m & Middle School (Dance Majors & Non-Majors)!  

The 2022-23 Primary (Grades K-2) dance schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd Grade (Mrs. Smith & Ms. Ward's Classes)

Wednesdays - Kindergarten (Mrs. Howard & Ms. Davis)

Thursdays - 1st Grade  (Mrs. Johnson & Ms. Manning)

4th Quarter 2023 Intermediate (Grades 3 - 5) Arts Rotation FOR DANCE:

A - Day: Ms. Johnson - 3rd

B-Day:  Ms. Torchiano - 3rd

C- Day:  Ms. Anderson - 4th

Full 4th Qtr. Intermediate Arts Rotation Schedule 

All questions and/or concerns regarding such should be directed to the dance education for which the student is assigned.  Please view the students' schedules to determine which dance education your child is assigned to.  

MID-WEEK UPDATES

On Wednesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 13th the Admin Team sponsored a Data Night for parents to interpret last year's MCAP scores and to prepare for this year's MCAP. Here you can find links to the MCAP practice tests from the state of Maryland. 

-> Link to MCAP Practice Tests <-

The Admin Team is hosting behavior incentive field trips based on 3rd-quarter behavior. The trips are April 26th for students in grades K-2 and May 10th for students in grades 3-5 and May 31st for students in grades 6-8.  You will be notified when permission slips (with additional information) will be sent home some time after the break. Only students who have no behavioral issues resulting in emails/calls home, temporary removal from class at admin level, or in-school/out-of-school suspensions are invited to participate in the field trips. 

The Administration Team is asking all available parents and guardians to complete the new volunteer process to chapersone these field trips.

Eligible Volunteers Can Sign Up Here

The requirements to chaperone field trips have changed this year. There are three steps to being a chaperone at Benjamin D. Foulois and in PGCPS. Please make sure to fulfill the obligations listed below.

1. Apply online at (Volunteer Application and Approval Process Information)

2. Complete the background screening process and receive a VIN or Volunteer Identification Number.

3. Complete the Safe Schools Training Videos.

If you have any questions or need help, you should access the following contacts for support:

• CPS Clearance Checks (301) 780-2191 hr.customerservice@pgcps.org

• Fingerprint Background Check (301) 952-7831 hr.backgroundunit@pgcps.org

• SafeSchools Training Modules (301) 952-6774 safeschools.training@pgcps.org

Greetings Middle School Families! Can you believe this is the last week of Quarter 3? And we are five days away from a well-deserved Spring Break! Hallelujah! 

Spring is springing! Parents, in this season of renewal and rebirth, please take time during Spring Break to rest and reconnect because we will need your energy! Why? Typically spring is the time that gives rise to spring fever and a rise in disruptive behaviors as children are distracted by the warm weather and looming summer break. Please review the PGCPS Student Code of Conduct and your expectations for their conduct and academic excellence. Frequently remind them that they are to strive each day to conduct themselves in such a way that every community member feels safe, seen and supported to be successful. I welcome you to pop in or schedule a one hour shadow of your student. Just email/call Ms. Broussard to let me know you’re coming.

And in the next couple of weeks, students’ stamina and focus will be put to the test literally and figuratively as they demonstrate their knowledge on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessments (MCAP) and conduct spring performances. Now is the time to revisit study routines, organizational routines, bedtime routines, behavior and academic expectations; and monitor digital devices and social media closely. Each day encourage your child to practice their test-taking skills and knowledge using this link => MCAP Practice Tests.

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

Here are a few pictures from Grandparents Day.

Greetings Middle School Families! We are in the final countdown of Quarter 3. What is your child’s progress? Please note the last day absent make-up or late work is accepted (late work is accepted only at teacher’s discretion) is March 23. Also, when we return from Spring Break (April 3 - 10), students will begin taking the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program tests. Build in time to practice test taking skills and increase your child’s reading, writing and critical thinking stamina by working on the practice items found here => https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/ daily. Be sure to check out the calendar below, make note of the dates, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Parents, continue to have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you each week. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns, reach out to your child's teachers for clarity via e-mail or (301) 817-0300. Please know middle school teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 12:45 PM - 2:10 PM to partner with you and answer questions. Creative Arts teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30AM  - 10:30 AM to partner with you. And I welcome you to reserve an hour to shadow your child. Simply reach out to Ms. Broussard (samecia.broussard@pgcps.org). 

To schedule parent/teacher conferences which are held every Tuesday 12:45 - 2:10 PM, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). Review the parent-teacher conference guide for parents. To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment.

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

Greetings Middle School Families! We have concluded another good week and look forward to this week! We have 14 days left in third quarter and 15 days before Spring Break - not that anyone’s counting . Support your child to grind and push until the END! 

As I sat in various parent/teacher conferences I realized that all of the adults in our students’ lives are working hard and I’m most grateful for that. Teachers show up each day ready to support students’ diverse needs, implement rigorous instruction and parents are checking students’ learning platforms and SchoolMAX; partnering with teachers; and making sure their child is prepared to succeed. But we need for our students to match the adults’ energy and efforts! As I explained to many a student, the adults in your life should NEVER be outworking you! 

Parents, continue to have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you each week. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns, reach out to your child's teachers for clarity via e-mail or (301) 817-0300. Please know middle school teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 12:45 PM - 2:10 PM to partner with you and answer questions. Creative Arts teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30AM  - 10:30 AM to partner with you. And I welcome you to reserve an hour to shadow your child. Simply reach out to Ms. Broussard (samecia.broussard@pgcps.org). 

To schedule parent/teacher conferences which are held every Tuesday 12:45 - 2:10 PM, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). Review the parent-teacher conference guide for parents. To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment.

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

The Southern Area Exhibit will be held at 

Harmony Hall Regional Center, 

10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Maryland. 

The exhibit will be on display Thursday, May 11, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. through Thursday, May 25, 2023, until 7:00 p.m. 

The reception will take place on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Greetings Middle School Families!

This past week you could find me walking around the building singing, “Can’t nobody tell me nothin’!” because I am so proud of my middle school loves! Middle school mentors continue to support their mentees and the impact of their leadership is showing in the increased academic achievement and increased positive behaviors of our elementary students. Also, this week our media arts, visual arts, theatre, and dance majors led and supported our elementary students in the Intermediate Black History Production. Our middle schoolers were the directors, crew, videographers, featured artists, etc.! Additionally, 

• 67% of middle school students earned Q2 Honor Roll

• 17 (1 more than B1) students scored better than 80% on their Reading and Math Benchmark 2 assessments

• 40% of 6th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 22% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks

• 24% of 7th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 2% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks

• 26% of 8th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 4% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks | 5% met Proficiency on Social Studies Benchmark 2 | 1% met Proficiency on Science Benchmark.

We still have work to do, but we celebrate what we have accomplished thus far!

Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns, reach out to your child's teachers for clarity. Middle School teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 12:45 PM - 2:10 PM to partner with you and answer questions. Creative Arts teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30AM  - 10:30 AM to partner with you.

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

Greetings Middle School Families!

This past week you could find me walking around the building singing, “Can’t nobody tell me nothin’!” because I am so proud of my middle school loves! Middle school mentors continue to support their mentees and the impact of their leadership is showing in the increased academic achievement and increased positive behaviors of our elementary students. Also, this week our media arts, visual arts, theatre, and dance majors led and supported our elementary students in the Intermediate Black History Production. Our middle schoolers were the directors, crew, videographers, featured artists, etc.! Additionally, 

• 67% of middle school students earned Q2 Honor Roll

• 17 (1 more than B1) students scored better than 80% on their Reading and Math Benchmark 2 assessments

• 40% of 6th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 22% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks

• 24% of 7th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 2% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks

• 26% of 8th graders met Proficiency expectations on Reading Benchmark 2 | 4% met Proficiency on Math Benchmarks | 5% met Proficiency on Social Studies Benchmark 2 | 1% met Proficiency on Science Benchmark.

We still have work to do, but we celebrate what we have accomplished thus far!

February 27- PGCPS Fentanyl Community Meetings

February 27- BDF PTO Virtual Meeting

February 28- Q2 MS Honor Roll Assembly

February 28- PGCPS Family Institute: PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, Visitors

March 3- Q3 Progress Reports released online

March 6- SCHOOLS CLOSED to Students/ Systemic PD Day

March 13- BDF MS Soccer Tryouts 

March 13- PGCPS Fentanyl Community Meetings

March 14- Eighth Grade MISA (MD Integrated Science Assessment) begins

March 16- Sixth Grade Howard University Field Trip

March 17- BDF Grandparents Day

March 25- PGCPS Annual Dance Showcase Southern Schools

Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns, reach out to your child's teachers for clarity. Middle School teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 12:45 PM - 2:10 PM to partner with you and answer questions. Creative Arts teachers are available most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30AM  - 10:30 AM to partner with you.

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

AMPLIFY MCLASS WITH DIBELS 8TH EDITION 

AND LECTURA SESSIONS FOR FAMILIES

How is my student’s reading progressing? Learn about reading assessments using mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition and Lectura. Led by Amplify facilitators in partnership with Reading English Language Arts Office. The middle-of-the-year (MOY) results are coming home with students Tuesday, February 21st. Look for the letter and results in your child's folder/bookback. 

mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition for Families

Link to flyer for DIBELS Sessions in English

Link to flyer for DIBELS Sessions in Spanish

Feb 21, 22, 23

1 - 2 pm and 7-8 pm daily

mCLASS Lectura for Families

Link to Flyer for Lectura in English

Feb 22, 11 am - 12 pm

Feb 23, 5 - 6 pm

Link to Flyer for Lectura in Spanish

Feb 22, 5 - 6 pm 

Feb 23, 11 am - 12 pm

February 20- Presidents' Day | No School

February 21- PGCPS Parent/Teacher Conferences | 2 Hr. Delay

February 24- Q3 Progress Report Grades are finalized

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

The Admin Team is hosting behavior incentive field trips based on 2nd-quarter behavior. The trips are February 15th for students in grades K-2 and February 22nd for students in grades 3-5. This week teachers distributed field trip permission slips to all eligible students. Only students who have no behavioral issues resulting in emails/calls home, temporary removal from class at admin level, or in-school/out-of-school suspensions are invited to participate in the field trips. 

The Administration Team is asking all available parents and guardians to complete the new volunteer process to chapersone these field trips.

Eligible Volunteers Can Sign Up Here

The requirements to chaperone field trips have changed this year. There are three steps to being a chaperone at Benjamin D. Foulois and in PGCPS. Please make sure to fulfill the obligations listed below.

1. Apply online at (Volunteer Application and Approval Process Information)

2. Complete the background screening process and receive a VIN or Volunteer Identification Number.

3. Complete the Safe Schools Training Videos.

If you have any questions or need help, you should access the following contacts for support:

• CPS Clearance Checks (301) 780-2191 hr.customerservice@pgcps.org

• Fingerprint Background Check (301) 952-7831 hr.backgroundunit@pgcps.org

• SafeSchools Training Modules (301) 952-6774 safeschools.training@pgcps.org

Quarter 2 grades are in! Students and parents can view their child’s grades online in the Family Portal beginning February 2nd. Foulois will distribute the printed report cards to students on February 8. The parent grade appeals window opens February 9 and closes February 15. All parent appeals must be submitted to the grade level assistant principal- Middle School- Samecia.Broussard@pgcps.org using the approved Grade Appeal Form.

Need to Know Dates -

February 8- Report Cards go home

February 9- PGCPS Family Institute: Helping Your Student Develop & Enhance Executive Functioning Skills
 

February 9- Parent Grade Appeal Window Opens

February 15- Administrative Incentive Field Trip

February 15- Parent Grade Appeal Window Closes

February 15- PGCPS Family Institute: What to Know about State and District Testing

February 20- Presidents' Day | No School

February 21- PGCPS Parent/Teacher Conferences | 2 Hr. Delay

February 24- Q3 Progress Report Grades are finalized

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School

monday is the last day to ORDER pto SPONSORED spirit gear 

 The PTO is sponsoring the Foulois Spirit Gear Virtual Shop.  Ordering is easy and convenient; items can be shipped to the school for no additional charge or directly to your home with an added shipping charge.  Access the link in the flyer (www.SpiritGearDirect.com/Shop) to make your order.  The virtual shop will be open now through February 6.  All orders scheduled to ship to the school will be processed and delivered together after the shop closes on Feb. 6.

The logo on the Spirit Shop items was designed by recent Foulois graduate, Addison Green.  

Quarter 2 grades are in! Students and parents can view their child’s grades online in the Family Portal beginning February 2nd. Foulois will distribute the printed report cards to students on February 8. The parent grade appeals window opens February 9 and closes February 15. All parent appeals must be submitted to the grade level assistant principal- Middle School- Samecia.Broussard@pgcps.org using the approved Grade Appeal Form.

Need to Know Dates -

February 8- Report Cards go home

February 9- PGCPS Family Institute: Helping Your Student Develop & Enhance Executive Functioning Skills
 

February 9- Parent Grade Appeal Window Opens

February 15- Administrative Incentive Field Trip

February 15- Parent Grade Appeal Window Closes

February 15- PGCPS Family Institute: What to Know about State and District Testing

February 20- Presidents' Day | No School

February 21- PGCPS Parent/Teacher Conferences | 2 Hr. Delay

February 24- Q3 Progress Report Grades are finalized

Engage with the resources below to see how you can best support your child.

To schedule parent/teacher conferences, contact Ms. Gale Reynolds (Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org | (301) 817-0300). To schedule an appointment with Ms. Broussard, Click here to schedule an appointment

How can I best support my middle school student?

• Read the BDF Family newsletter and all emails from BDF. Check the BDF website for updates and announcements.

• Ensure your favored e-mail address is linked to your child’s SchoolMAX Family portal. See Ms. Holmes (Linda.Holmes@pgcps.org) to get connected if you are not already or are experiencing difficulties.

• Keep BDF staff informed of anything that may impact your child.

• Each week have your middle schooler log into SchoolMAX, Google Classroom/Canvas and explain his/her/their grades and progress to you. Ask them about upcoming assignments, projects, and assessments. 

• After your child has reviewed their progress on SchoolMAX and class learning platforms, if you still have questions or concerns reach out to your child's teachers for clarity or schedule a conference by contacting Ms. Reynolds, Professional School Counselor, at (301) 817-0300 or Gale.Reynolds@pgcps.org. 

• Use the course syllabus sent home the first weeks of school to keep up with the current units of study. And review the videos posted in the BDF MS Parent Resource Videos to learn teacher expectations for courses.

• Sign up for Google Classroom alerts and Canvas parent-access and alerts for each of your student’s courses. Connect with your child’s teacher to sign up.

• Procure a planner for your child to record assignment due dates, assessments, projects and events. Check it with them daily.

• Set aside time (10 - 30 minutes) for your child to strengthen their math abilities via IXL, Khan Academy, Mobius Math and their literacy skills via NewsELA, Sora, Epic and online tutoring. All of these tools and many more can be accessed via Clever. 

• Click on the links and view the resources below-

• BDF MS Parent Resource Videos

• PGCPS Homework Tips

• Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

• Supporting Your Child in Middle School