August 16, 2018
We hope that you are enjoying the summer with family and friends. Although the school building is quiet during the summer months, our custodial staff has been busy getting the building ready for our students’ return. Mr. Murphy and I are excited to see the school come alive on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, 2018!
The following communication is meant to provide you with important information about the upcoming school year. You can expect similar updates about every two weeks and more often at the beginning and end of the school year.
Welcome Night- Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Students often have mixed feelings about returning to school in the fall. On the one hand, they are excited to return to the structure of the school day and their friends. On the other hand, students may feel anxious or apprehensive about the new school year. We are excited to provide all students and their families the opportunity to visit the building on Wednesday, August 29th. The hope is that providing students the chance to see where their classrooms, the cafeteria, the learning commons, the gymnasium, and the auditorium are located will reduce some of the anxiety a student may be feeling. I know Mr. Murphy and I are looking forward to meeting some of our students before the first day of school! The building will be open to students and parents from 5:00-6:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., we invite our grade 6 families and any family new to MSMS to the auditorium for an introductory presentation. Students are welcome to attend with their families.
Attention 8th Grade Students
As our oldest students and leaders in the school, we were hoping that you would be able to assist us with our “Welcome Night”. We are looking for volunteers to assist students new to MSMS by providing tours. If you are available to help, please email Ms. Perchase, cperchase@bpsk12.org, by August 29, 2018 at noon. We will be asking you to meet at the main office at 4:45 pm. Thank you!
Summer Reading
It is our hope to develop a love of reading in our learners! In addition to fostering a love of reading, reading over the summer is known to provide students the opportunity to practice their reading skills and prevent regression. At the end of the year, information regarding summer reading was sent home with students. Please use the grade level specific link below for the summer reading list and expectations for your child.
Incoming Grade 6 Summer Reading
Incoming Grade 7 Summer Reading
Incoming Grade 8 Summer Reading
Back to School Nights- Save the Dates
We are excited to provide families the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and learn about the curricular program that Marshall Simonds Middle School offers all students. As has been the practice, we have scheduled two Back to School Nights for early this fall. Please mark your calendars. More information about the format of the evening will be provided as we approach the dates.
Grade 6 Back to School Night Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Grade 7 & 8 Back to School Night Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Picture Day
Picture day has been scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, September 12, 2018. More information about ordering will be shared with families once it is received from the photography company, Geskus.
School Calendar and School Hours
Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for school success. While school work due to absence can be made up, it is difficult to replicate the learning experiences in the classroom The Burlington Public Schools School Committee has established an attendance procedure policy (File #JH) that states, “The administration and faculty of Burlington Public Schools believe that attendance by students at school is vitally important to a successful education”.
The 2018-2019 school calendar, approved by the School Committee, can be found here.
The Marshall Simonds Middle School day begins at 7:35 am and ends at 1:55 pm. Students are expected to be in homeroom by 7:35 am. Students who are not in homeroom by 7:35 am are considered tardy and must sign in at the main office to receive a pass to class. Students who are to be dismissed from school should bring a note signed by a parent or guardian to the office prior to the start of school and will receive a dismissal slip. Students must be picked up from the main office by a parent, guardian, or other adult who has been given permission, in writing, to pick up the child.
In the event that a student is absent from school, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the school of the absence. Parents/guardians must call (781) 270-1781 ext. 1 prior to 8:00 a.m. to report a student absence. In the event that the school is not contacted by the parent/guardian about a child’s absence, the school will contact the family to confirm the child’s absence.
NEW- After School Program
There is a brand new club style after school program starting September 2018 at Marshall Simonds Middle School. The program is designed for students in grades 6, 7 and 8th, bridging the gap between school and home while supporting students both socially and educationally. Our tween-friendly club format allows students to make choices, giving them more control of their afternoon. There will be daily homework time with staff support as well as enriching activities, like cooking, crafts, sports and more!
The Middle School Program supports working families by running from school dismissal until 6:00pm Monday through Friday during the regular school year and from 7:30am to 6:00pm school vacation weeks. Choose the day or days, that works best for you, with flexible enrollment options.
For more information or to sign up for the program contact Donna Sullivan at dosullivan@bpsk12.org or call the After School Program Office at 781-270-1708.
NEW- Cross Country, 2018
Marshall Simonds Middle School is excited to offer students the opportunity to participate in cross country after school this fall. Thanks to the hard work and support of Mr. Shaun Hart, Burlington High School’s Athletic Director, students will have the chance to practice with other MSMS students and compete with other schools. Please see below for additional information.
Practice Schedule: Monday through Friday 2:35- 4pm, beginning Tuesday, September 12, 2018. If there is a half-day or no school, there is no practice.
Every athlete should attempt to be at every practice. The more you train, the better your results will be! With that being said, it is requested that those wishing to join cross country make at least 3 practices a week. If there are any schedule conflicts, please bring them to the coach’s attention as soon as possible. Arrangements must be made to pick up your child at the end of every practice.
Registration: Every athlete must be registered before attending. This will be done during the first week of school. Details will follow.
Physical: Each runner must have an updated physical on file with the school nurse (dated 8/4/17 or after).
Meet Schedule: Team will participate in 3-4 meets. Dates will be announced once they are finalized.
Burlington Superintendent's Blog 