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Branchburg Central Middle School

BCMS Friday News 10.24.25

Posted Date: 10/24/25 (2:56 PM)

Branchburg Central Middle School logo featuring an eagle graphic and text.

BCMS Friday News

10/24/25

BCMS Family Update

1. Supporting Responsible Social Media Use
Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in issues stemming from student social media use outside of school, including inappropriate posts, group chats, and online exchanges. While these interactions occur outside of school hours, they can significantly affect students’ relationships, well-being, and the overall learning environment when they spill into the classroom.

We ask that families take some time to review their child’s online activity, discuss appropriate digital behavior, and reinforce the importance of using social media responsibly and respectfully. Students benefit greatly from consistent messages at home and at school about kindness, empathy, and the impact of their words and actions—both in person and online. Our goal is to partner with families to help students develop healthy digital habits and maintain a positive school climate.

2. Parent–Teacher Conferences
Parent–Teacher Conferences are quickly approaching, November 3rd-5th. Team leaders have sent out sign-up information for conference appointments, and we encourage all families to log into Parent Square and review that information. Conferences are a valuable time to celebrate growth, identify areas for continued support, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
If you have not yet received the conference sign-up link or have difficulty scheduling, please reach out directly to your child’s team leader or the main office for assistance.

3. Halloween Celebration at BCMS
Halloween is right around the corner, and next Friday we will be celebrating with a little Falcon spirit and fun. Students are welcome to wear costumes to school to participate in the day’s festivities, provided that costumes adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a celebration that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning.

Costume Guidelines:
  • Costumes must not cover or obscure the face.
  • Costumes may not include or resemble any type of weapon.
  • Costumes should be comfortable, school-appropriate, and allow students to fully participate in their regular classes and activities.
  • Costumes must not be culturally or racially insensitive.
  • Costumes should not reference, mock, or imitate other students, staff, or members of the school community.

Halloween provides a wonderful opportunity for students to express their creativity and school spirit while demonstrating Falcon PRIDE and respect for others. If you or your child have any questions or concerns regarding a costume, please reach out to Mr. Captain or Dr. Stanton prior to Friday so we can review and approve it in advance.

Thank you for your continued support, 

Dr. Stanton, Principal

Important Dates & Calendar of Activities

A stylized blue hawk with outstretched wings, ready to swoop.

Important Dates

OCTOBER
28 - NJSLA Adaptive Pilot Testing, Music Dept. Fundraiser at Shake Shack
29 - NJSLA Adaptive Pilot Testing

NOVEMBER
3 - Single Session Day - Conferences
4 - Single Session Day- Conferences
5 - School Closed - Evening Conferences
6 - School Closed - NJEA Convention
7 - School Closed - NJEA Convention
14 - Picture Retakes, Governor's Educator of the Year Nominations Due, End of MP1
17 - Scholastic Book Fair
18 - Scholastic Book Fair, SALA/SMSA Parent Presentation 6:00 P.M.
19 - Scholastic Book Fair
20 - Scholastic Book Fair
21 - Scholastic Book Fair, Student Council Fall Dance 6:30 P.M.
26 - Single Session Day
27 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Break
28 - School Closed - Thanksgiving Break
 

Student Athletics/Clubs Calendar

**Late Bus leaves at 4:45 P.M. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. **

Monday 10/27
Student Council General Meeting - 7:10 A.M.
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Drama Club Shrek Jr. Auditions - 3:10 P.M.-4:35 P.M.
MathCounts - 3:10 P.M.-4:35 P.M.

Tuesday 10/28
Chord on Blues - 7:00 A.M.
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Wednesday 10/29
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 A.M.
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Drama Club Shrek Jr. Auditions - 3:10 P.M.-4:35 P.M.
Odyssey of the Mind - 3:10 P.M.-4:40 P.M.

Thursday 10/30

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Drama Club Shrek Jr. Callbacks - 3:10 P.M.-4:35 P.M.
Odyssey of the Mind - 3:10 P.M.-4:40 P.M.

Friday 10/31
Friday Morning Management Club - 7:00 A.M.
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Student Recognition

BCMS State Teen Arts Nominee

The NJ State Teen Arts Festival is the statewide culminating celebration of the arts dedicated to inspiring New Jersey teen artists, educators, professional artists, and arts advocates from across the state to unite as one grand all-inclusive community. Students must attend their local county festival and earn a nomination to be adjudicated at the state level.

BCMS student, Livia N. has her 2024-2025 artwork featured in this year's digital exhibit! 

You can see her nominated artwork in the digital exhibit on the state Teen Arts Festival Overview page. The digital exhibit features a variety of visual artworks from paintings, charcoal drawings, and digital artwork, to sculpture, and photographs. 

Looking forward to seeing more great art for the 2025-2026 festival!
 

The Tree of Strength

Mrs. Vaccaro's 7th grade student leadership class helped construct our BCMS Tree of Strengths. Each leaf was filled out by a student and staff member in the building to demonstrate how all of our different strengths contribute to our school community.

A group of students pose in a school hallway near a tree-themed art project.
A school hallway features a tree-shaped art installation with colorful leaf cutouts.
 

Student Council Ghoul Bag Fundraiser

Thank you to all our student council members for helping with our Ghoul Bag fundraiser!
A group of students smiles while preparing or distributing food in a school cafeteria.
 

Middle School Band Night

50 BCMS Band students participated in Middle School Band Night at Somerville High School on October 17th. The students were able to play in the stands with the Somerville High School Marching Band and watch their field show from the sidelines. It was a very exciting night for our BCMS Band students!
A marching band drumline performs on a field at night.
A high school marching band performs on a field at night.
A group of students in black shirts and orange accents, possibly a marching band.
A marching band performs, playing brass instruments on stadium seating.
A marching band performs, with musicians playing brass instruments.
A marching band performs, playing various brass and woodwind instruments.

News & Announcements

Next Week is Spirit Week!

A Halloween Spirit Week poster with a purple and orange color scheme.
 

BCMS Talent Show

Poster for 'The Mystery at Stanton Manor' by BCMS Drama Club, with a question mark.

Fall Talent Showcase Ticket Sales

Tickets are $5.00 per person
Use the link above to purchase tickets
A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door

  • Tickets are nonrefundable. All proceeds to support the future BCMS Drama Club Productions.
  • Online ticket sales will end one hour before showtime. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Ticket sales at the door will be by check or cash only. Checks are to be made out to BCMS, memo: Drama Club.
  • Doors will open 30 minutes before the performance.
  • Seating is on a first-come basis at each performance. 
  • Reserve seating is for handicapped attendees only. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms.Mileto if your guests require handicapped seating (kmileto@branchburg.k12.nj.us).
  • If you are a volunteer collecting or selling tickets at the door, you will receive free admittance to the show you are working (you will miss the first 15 minutes of the show you are working on). Thank you for your above-and-beyond support.
 

BCMS Music Department Fundraiser

Come support the BCMS Music Department on Tues October 28th!
Shake Shack advertisement for a donation day, featuring burgers and fries.
 

Nominate a Teacher or ESP for Governor's Educator of the Year!

Each year, the New Jersey Department of Education honors outstanding educators through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. This prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication, innovation, and impact of the teachers and educational specialists who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.

We are proud to have so many incredible staff members who go above and beyond for our students—providing engaging instruction, creating supportive classroom environments, and nurturing social, emotional, and academic growth. Now is our opportunity to shine a light on their hard work and commitment!

We invite parents, guardians, students, and staff to participate by submitting a nomination for a deserving teacher or educational services professional. Your nominations help us recognize those who embody the spirit of our school community and who inspire excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Taking a few minutes to complete the nomination form is a meaningful way to say thank you and to ensure our school’s exceptional educators receive the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are due by November 14.
Click the Link to nominate a staff member
 

Fall Dance Chaperones Needed - 11/21

The Student Council is excited to host the Fall Dance on Friday, 11/21! We are looking for chaperones willing to help different stations (i.e. games, raffle baskets, bathroom, etc.) during the dance. The dance will run from 6:30-8:30pm, and we are kindly asking chaperones to arrive at BCMS by 6:15pm for setup and instruction. More details will be shared as the date gets closer, but please use the form below to share your interest and availability with us. Thank you in advance for your support!


-Samantha Holt & Jacqueline Martoccia, Student Council Advisors 
 

Games Squad - Morning Club

Games Squad is a great club for any student in grade 6-8 interested in starting off their morning with a little fun! Students are encouraged to bring their favorite board games or card games to each session.

During the one hour sessions, students will teach each other how to play new games, engage in friendly competitions, and meet new friends. If your child is interested in joining, please fill out this permission slip. 

Here is the link to the permission form.
 

SALA/SMSA

Please find the flyer's attached for the SALA/SMSA student and parent presentations. Each flyer has a QR code and google form for RSVP.
An announcement for a parent presentation at Somerville High School, with date, time, and QR code.
Poster for Somerville High School's Special Programs Student Presentation.
 
Orange 'S' logo with white and black accents, and the text 'The Ville'.

Somerville High School Cross Country Fundraiser

Show your support for the SHS Cross Country Team by sending a "Boo"!
Flyer for a Cross Country fundraiser, offering Halloween treats.
 

Attention 8th Grade Parents - Info. Regarding Transition to High School

The 8th grade Back to School presentation is linked here. Please review it for important information regarding the transition to High School for your 8th grader.
 

Free/Reduced Lunch Application

A friendly reminder, the free/reduced lunch application must be re-submitted each year and does not automatically renew. A copy of the application can be found on our district website at : https://www.branchburg.k12.nj.us/student-lunch-forms
 

Lost and Found

Please remind your child to check the lost and found table located in the rear of the cafeteria for any lost items. Items that are not claimed in a timely manner will be donated.
A collection of folded clothing, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, and athletic wear, on a table.
 

PTO Spirit Wear Store

The BCMS PTO spirit wear store is now open year-round! Orders will be delivered to your child's homeroom teacher on a bi-monthly basis.

 

Reminders/Quick Links

Branchburg Community Bulletin Board

Please click here to check out the Branchburg Community Bulletin Board on our district webpage.
 
Text lists the values of Falcon PRIDE: Preparedness, Responsibility, Integrity, Diligence, and Respect.