School and PTA Special Events

August

Welcome Back Breakfast: The BMMS PTA sponsors a welcome back breakfast for the teachers and staff prior to the first day of school. Volunteers are needed to drop off breakfast food items and volunteer at the event. Please look out for an email or on the BMMS parents webpage for the volunteer sign up.

6th grade and New Student Orientation: Prior to the first day of classes the school holds a 6th grade and a New Student orientation. There, parents and students meet the administrators and some of the teachers. They receive their class schedule and may walk around the school to familiarize themselves with their classrooms. There is also an opportunity for students to find their locker and try the combination lock.

Back to School Bash: This is a BMMS PTA sponsored event where students and their parent(s) come to the school for an evening of fun prior to the first day of classes. There is a DJ on the black top and sweet treats are distributed free of charge. Parents should bring their checkbooks because there is an opportunity to buy dinner (pizza, chick-fil-a sandwiches and drinks), join the PTA, and buy Burleigh Manor Spirit wear. 7th and 8th graders pick up their class schedule at this event and there is an opportunity to walk around the school to locate classrooms. It is a great way for our community to reconnect after the summer break. Parent volunteers are needed at this event.

First day of school: In order to be ready for the first day of school parents should have filled out the family file on their HCPSS Canvas account and briefed themselves on the school drop off procedures if applicable. If the student is a bus rider, they can find information about their bus here. Please see bell schedule for the timing of classes

September

Back to School Night: Parents are welcome at BMMS on Back to School night. It is an evening event for parents and students are not expected to attend. Parents have an opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and gain an understanding of the curricular expectations that will be taught in class. They begin at their child's first period class and at that class they will receive a copy of their child's class schedule. Parents move through their child's schedule on a bell system to experience their child's school day.

Special Programming Back to School Nights: BMMS offers parents the opportunity to learn more about the special academic programming that is offered at BMMS based on their child's class enrollment. These events include:

National History Day Parent Information Night: Starting in the 2023/2024 school year parents of 8^th graders in GT Social Studies receive information on this year’s topic, guidelines the students are expected to follow, and examples of past projects and ways parents can support their students.

G/T Parent Orientation for Parents New to HCPSS: Parents of G/T students and Parents New to HCPSS receive information about county wide policies, curriculum and more information about the gifted and talented program.

Back to Music Night: Parents of all students that are in the Burleigh Manor music program (Band, Chorus, or Orchestra) receive information about musical expectations, rehearsal and concert expectations, rehearsal and concert dates, and field trips.

Boys and Girls HCYP Burleigh Manor Basketball Teams: The Howard County Youth Program (HCYP) sponsors a basketball league for the middle schools of Howard County Public Schools. There are two leagues for boys - Junior Varsity (JV) for 6th and 7th graders and Varsity 7th and 8th graders. There is one league for girls - 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. These leagues are coached by parent volunteers and managed by HCYP. There are travel-like family costs for participation on the team. Try outs are required to participate in the league. The BMMS newsletter will notify parents of the try out dates. Click here for more information.

Extracurricular Activities BMMS offers many after school activities throughout the year. Many of the sign ups for the year long programs take place in September. Click here for more information on After School Activities

Outdoor Education: All middle schools in HCPSS offer an outdoor eduction for 6th graders. Outdoor education is an extended day field trip in the fall. Activities during the field trip complete the 6th grade service learning requirement.

October

Flu Clinic: HCPSS offers influenza vaccinations in the fall. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a serious illness that affects people of all ages. One of the best ways to prevent the flu is through vaccinations. Look for messages in the newsletter to sign your child up to receive the vaccine in school. Sign up typically opens in October and the exact day of vaccination may occur in October, November, or December. Parent volunteers are needed at the flu clinic.

BMMS Drama Club - In conjunction with the CCTA, the BMMS PTA sponsors a fall/winter after school drama club. Sign up is online at the CCTA website and the club meets every Thursday after school. Past performances include Mary Poppins Jr, Annie Jr, Newsies Jr, and Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Harvest Table: The BMMS PTA sponsors this teacher appreciation event. Fall themed food and baked goods are provided for the teachers and staff. Parent food donations are needed to make the event successful.

Halloween Dance: The Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors a halloween dance on a Friday evening in October. This is a drop off and pick up event - parents are not required to attend. Information about the dance and permission slip is published in the BMMS newsletter. The cost of the event is approximately $5 and covers admission, pizza and drink. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Parent volunteers are needed for food/drink donations and chaperones for the dance.

November

Reflections Student Arts program : A National PTA art program based on a theme every year. Students may choose to submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. Select works are advanced to a regional and national competition. For more information about this program click here.

Spelling Bee: BMMS holds a spelling bee in English classes in November. The winner of the spelling be goes onto compete against spellers in other middle schools across the county in March at the Howard County Library System Spelling Bee.

Diwali Staff Appreciation Lunch: The BMMS parents of Southeast Asian descent provide lunch for the teachers and staff. Parent food donations are needed for this event.

Fall Fling: This is a school and SGA/Student Voices sponsored fun event to celebrate the end of the marking period. The school schedule is condensed that day and the last hour of school is used to celebrate. Students are able to walk around the building participating in fun activities throughout. There are games and dancing in the gym, food for sale, cotton candy and a cake walk in the cafeteria, Other fun activities include face painting, trivia, and bingo. Proceeds from the fall fling benefit a charity - in the past it has been the Grassroots Crisis Center in Columbia. Recent years featured a wrist band system. Wrist bands can be purchased prior to the event (full food and games, snacks and games, games only). Traditionally students can also bring money or spend their Bobcat Bucks at the event. Many parent volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Both food donations and fall fling volunteers are needed.

American Education Week: A week in November where parents are invited into the school to see their children learn in the classroom setting. Parents are encouraged to attend on the Tuesday of this week. This is a nation wide designated day that was originally started to present Americans with a opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. For more information about this week please click here.

Parent Teacher Conferences: There are three days in November where parent teacher conferences occur. Parents are encouraged to sign up for a conference if they have concerns about their child’s progress in any class, we encourage you to sign up for a conference with the teacher(s) of that subject. Please note that parents are not required to sign up for a conference during this conference window. If parents are pleased with their child’s progress in learning and grades in the subject area, the school encourages parents to leave conference spots open for those families who have concerns. The school requests that parents limit conferences to 3 conferences per student. Sign up for the conferences are through parent Canvas accounts. The conference slots are in high demand and there are not enough slots for teachers to meet with all of their student's parents so please plan accordingly.

Turkey Trot: This is a 1 mile fun run during the school day in November. BMMS students work up to the turkey trot through their physical education class in school. All BMMS students participate in one of three heats (6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade). Medals are given to the top 5 runners of each gender in each grade. The Turkey Trot is also a canned food drive for the Howard County Food Bank. Students are encouraged to bring a canned good for donation. Parent volunteers are needed to assist in the run.

Music Pie Sale: The students of the music department (Band, Chorus, and Orchestra) participate in a pie sale fundraiser organized by the Burleigh Manor Music Parents (BMMP). Students first sell pies to relatives, neighbors, and friends. The pies are delivered to the school right before the Thanksgiving break. Student pick up the pies from school and deliver to their buyers. BMMP looks for parent volunteers to help during the pie distribution day.

December

Winter Music Concert: There are three winter music concerts that take place at Centennial High School Auditorium. Music students (band, chorus, and orchestra) are required to participate in both the evening rehearsals before the concert and the concert itself. Parent volunteers are needed during the concerts.

Articulation Tour Field Trip: The BMMS Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Choir travel to the BMMS feeder elementary schools on a field trip where they perform selections to elementary students. A few parent chaperones are needed for this field trip.

Winter Staff Appreciation: The BMMS PTA organizes a teacher appreciation holiday cookie boxes. Parent volunteers are needed for cookie donations, boxing of the cookies, and delivering them to the teachers and staff at school. Parent volunteers also provide a gift wrapping service to teachers and staff.

January

Enrolling in classes for the following school year: January is when 8th grade students begin to think about the classes they will enroll in High School. There is an 8th grade parent orientation night where parents learn about high school graduation requirements. This event is held at the high school. During this month, 8th graders choose classes for freshman year based on current teacher recommendations. 8th graders also audition for performance high school classes (band, chorus, orchestra, dance) at this time.

National History Day (NHD): National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. Beginning in the 2023/2024 school year BMMS students in 8th grade GT social studies and/or those who choose to participate in the GT Seminar create a history project based on an annual theme with the help of BMMS teachers. The project is submitted in January and a few finalist go onto participate in the county wide competition in March, the statewide competition in May, and the National Competition in June.

February

Lunar New Year Staff Appreciation Lunch: The BMMS parents of Asian descent decorate the school and provide lunch for the teachers and staff. Parent food donations are needed for this event.

Drama Club Performance: The BMMS PTA and Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA) sponsor the BMMS after school drama club. The performance for this club takes place in February.

World Showcase: The BMMS PTA in conjunction with the Centennial Lane Elementary School PTA sponsor an evening of cultural sharing. We welcome families of the BMMS and CLES communities to a free event where we explore food in the tastes of the world, cultural performances in music and dance, and displays sharing culture. Volunteers are needed for food donation, displays, and student performances. This event is organized by the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee of BMMS. Please click here for more information about DEI at BMMS

February Fun Friday Celebration: This is a school and SGA/Student Voices sponsored fun free event to celebrate the end of the marking period. The school schedule is condensed that day and the last hour of school is used to celebrate. Students can choose to participate in a variety of activities including Cake Walk, Bingo, Trivia, a Hot Chocolate station and so much more. Parent volunteers are needed to provide food donations and chaperone.

Escape Room: The Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors an escape room on an evening in February. This is a drop off and pick up event - parents are not required to attend. Information about the event and permission slip are published in the BMMS newsletter. The cost of the event is approximately $5 and covers admission, pizza and drink. Parent volunteers are needed for food/drink donations and chaperones for the event.

March

Wax Museum: Families are invited to come and watch all 8th grade students present the speeches they have been working on during their English class Freedom unit. This event is the culmination of weeks of preparation, research, and speech writing. Watch and listen to these fabulous projects as students become important historical or current individuals embodying the spirit of freedom.

Kids Trivia Night: The BMMS It's Academic Club and BMMS PTA parent volunteer help organize this fun evening for student. This is a drop off and pick up event - parents are not required to attend. Teams of students compete in trivia against each other and a teacher team. Food is provided at the event. Permission slip and details for the event are available on the BMMS newsletter. Parent volunteers are needed to donate food items and chaperone the event. Proceeds from this event benefit the BMMS It's Academic Club.

Burleigh Intense Games (BIG): This is a Student Government Association (SGA) sponsors this one time event after school. It is an afternoon filled with minute-to-win-it mini games, relay races, snacks, and FUN! All students may participate and can sign-up on a team or individually to then be placed on a team. Cost for this event is approximately $10 and includes a team shirt

Band Assessments/Adjudication: In March the BMMS bands participate in annual assessments or adjudications. At these events the bands perform for a panel of three judges who rate the bands (Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) and offer comments for future improvement. Each band performs three selections. Members of the band must be available for the evening rehearsal and the evening adjudication located at an HCPSS high school. Children are traditionally transported to the adjudication via school busses. Parents may attend to watch the performance and have the option to drive their child home.

April

Spring Fling: This is a school and SGA/Student Voices sponsored fun free event to celebrate the end of the marking period. The school schedule is condensed that day and the last hour of school is used to celebrate. Students can choose to participate in a variety of activities including Cake Walk, Bingo, Trivia, and so much more. Parent volunteers are needed to provide food donations and chaperone.

Burleigh Book Battle or B3 : A spirited competition between 15 teams of about 5 books. It takes place after school, in the cafeteria, in April. Teams may consist of 4 or 5 students from any grade. There is an approximate $10 per student cost to participate.

May

Trout Release: As part of the 7th grade science curriculum all students raise trout from eggs throughout the school year As part of the service learning program in middle school, all 7th graders participate in this field trip to Patapsco State Park to release the trout.

Teacher Appreciation Week: National PTA designates one week in May as Teacher Appreciation week. The BMMS PTA celebrates BMMS teachers this week with lunches, signs, flowers, and gifts.

Shakespeare Residency: With the help of PTA sponsorship and a grant from the Howard County Art Council the 8th graders learn about the play Romeo and Juliet with experienced actors and fun. Some years this is also associated with a field trip to see the play in Baltimore.

Student Government Elections: The Student Government Association (SGA) of BMMS elects their officers for the following year in May. 7th graders run for the SGA with posters and filmed speeches and are elected by the 6th and 7th grade students.

GT Enrichment Fair: This is an evening event at BMMS for families which showcases outstanding student work from Gifted and Talented seminars, student research investigations, and content area classes. Over 100 BMMS students present their projects and accomplishments.

Hershey Park: BMMS Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Choir trip to Lebanon Valley College and Hershey Park for our annual Music in the Parks competitive festival. The field trip begins with competitive performances at Lebanon Valley College in the morning. The music students then proceed to an afternoon at Hershey Park. Parent chaperones are needed for this extended day field trip.

Jazz Concert: The Jazz bands of BMMS participate in an evening Jazz concert at Centennial High School Auditorium in May. This concert features Jazz bands from the Northfield Elementary School, Centennial Lane Elementary School, Burleigh Manor Middle School, and Centennial High School.

Spring Concert: There are three spring music concerts that take place at Centennial High School Auditorium. Music students (band, chorus, and orchestra) are required to participate in both the evening rehearsals before the concert and the concert itself. Parent volunteers are needed during the concerts.

June

Field Day: the SGA sponsors a school wide Field Day in June. Each grade is encouraged to wear one color and participate in fun outdoor games organized by the SGA. Parent volunteers are needed to chaperone and help run the events.

8th grade Mural: Each year the 8th grade class designs and creates a mural for their graduating class. The mural represents pop culture, trends, and major events that occurred that year. The art teachers lead a mural club for those 8th graders who are interested in creating their class mural. The class mural debut is in June.

8th grade celebration: the 8th grade team and the BMMS PTA organize special events to celebrate the 8th graders. These events include a picnic party at Centennial Lake, Farewell breakfast, Graduation ceremony, and 8th grade dance. More information about these events can be found in the BMMS newsletter. Parent volunteers are needed to chaperone these events.

Picnic at Centennial Lake - This fun day occurs for 8th graders at the H pavilion of Centennial Park. 8th graders bring outdoor equipment (tennis, volleyball, basketball) and enjoy a day with their class. The 8th grade team and the BMMS PTA provide food and drinks for lunch (chick-fil-a sandwiches, pizza, and canned drinks). Parent volunteers are needed for this event.

Farewell Breakfast - during the last week of school the 8th grade team and BMMS PTA provide a breakfast for the 8th graders one morning during the beginning of the school day.

Graduation ceremony - two adults are invited to attend a graduation ceremony for the BMMS 8th graders. This event is held at the Centennial High School Auditorium. It features Principal's awards, a student speech, and a teacher keynote speech. After the ceremony parents traditionally stand and line up a path across the parking lot from CHS to BMMS as the graduates walk back to BMMS to attend the 8th grade dance.

8th grade dance - held at BMMS right after the graduation ceremony is a student only event, parents are not required to attend. This is a free event for all 8th graders to celebrate the end of middle school. Parents pick up their students after the dance.

Yearbook: The BMMS PTA put together a yearbook for purchase at the end of the year. There are many opportunities throughout the year to submit yearbook photos. Look for the online order information on a BMMS newsletter. The yearbook is a pre-order ONLY item in March/April. There is no opportunities to purchase the year book in June when it is distributed so be sure to pre-order if you don't want your child to be left out.

Teacher appreciation lunch: the BMMS PTA organizes a teacher appreciation lunch at the end of the school year. Parent donations are needed for this event.