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Branchburg Central Middle School

BCMS Friday News 4.24.26

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (03:02 PM)


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

BCMS Friday News

4/24/26

BCMS Family Update

Dear BCMS Families,

As we close out the week, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a few highlights from our school community.

This week, we celebrated Administrative Professionals Day, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to Ms. Burgess, Ms. Gorman, and Ms. Pellegrino. They are the backbone of our main office and play a critical role in supporting our students, staff, and families each day. Their organization, care, and commitment help keep BCMS running smoothly, and we are incredibly grateful for all that they do.

I also had the opportunity to meet with our 6th and 7th grade students this week to begin the course selection process for next school year. During our assembly, we reviewed the different options available to students and discussed the importance of making thoughtful choices that align with their interests and goals. Students will complete their official course selections during Resource on Tuesday, so I encourage you to take some time to review options together and have a conversation at home.

Finally, I want to recognize some great success from our athletic teams this week. Our Baseball, Boys’ Lacrosse, and Girls’ Lacrosse teams all had strong performances and exciting wins. We are proud of the effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship our student-athletes continue to demonstrate.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you and your family have a great weekend.

Warm regards,
Beth Stanton
Principal, BCMS

Important Dates & Calendar of Activities

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

Important Dates

APRIL
28 - 6th and 7th Grade Course Selections; School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
28, 29 - 8th Grade NJSLA Science Testing

MAY
4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
6 - Spring Choir Concert - 6:00 P.M.
7 - NJSLA Testing - Writing
8 - Music in the Parks: Band & Strings
11 - NJSLA Testing - Math
12 - Spring Band Concert - 6:30 P.M.
15 - Music in the Parks: Choir
19 - Mid-MP4
19 - Spring Strings Concert - 6:30 P.M.
22 - Single Session - Staff Professional Development
25 - SCHOOL CLOSED - Memorial Day
27 - Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation - 6:30 P.M.
29 - Incoming 6th Grade Student Orientation, 8th Grade Mixer at Somerville High School

JUNE
3 - 8th Grade End of Year Trip
11 - BCMS Field Day
13 - 8th Grade Dinner Dance
16 - 8th Grade Picnic
17 - 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony - 4:30 P.M.
18 - Last Day of School
 

Student Athletics/Clubs Calendar

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


Monday 4/27
Student Council General Meeting - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Choir Concert Rehearsal - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Mindful Life Club - 3:00 - 4:45 P.M.
Softball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Volleyball Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Tuesday 4/28
Chord on Blues - 7:00 A.M.
Jazz Band - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Home Game - 4:00 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Home Game - 4:00 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Away Game @ William Annin - 4:00 P.M.
Softball Away Game @ JP Case - 4:00 P.M.

Wednesday 4/29
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 A.M.
Falcon Gazette - 7:00 A.M.
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6th Grade Band Rehearsal - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Baseball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Culture Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Drama Club Teen Arts Rehearsal - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Mindful Life Club - 3:00 - 4:45 P.M.
Softball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Volleyball Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Thursday 4/30
Chord on Blues - 7:00 A.M.
Jazz Band - 7:00 A.M.
Peer Leaders - 7:15 A.M.
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Baseball Away Game @ Long Hill - 4:00 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Away Game @ Hillsborough - 4:00 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Home Game - 4:00 P.M.
Softball Home Game - 4:00 P.M.
Unified Sports Club - 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.

Friday 5/1
Morning Management Club - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Softball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Staff Recognition

Congratulations, Mr. Bodnar, a 98.3 Techer Who Makes Magic!

On Tuesday, we were able to celebrate Mr. Bodnar at the Teacher's Who Make Magic dinner along with Ms. Boyle and Ms. Reuger who were recipients at SBS and WES. Congratulations Mr. Bodnar and thank you for all you do!
Seven individuals stand together, posing for a photo in a well-lit indoor venue with decorative columns.

Student Recognition

CJMEA Honors Orchestra

Congratulations to the following students for performing in the CJMEA Honors Orchestra festival on Saturday April 18th - Stefan P., Ronin N., Ashwin I., Jana A., Nick D., Khoco N., Inez K, Natalie B., Darcy J. and Angelina E. The students rehearsed all morning with other students across Central NJ and performed a beautiful concert at Piscataway High School on Saturday afternoon.
A diverse group of ten students stand in a line against a brick wall, all wearing matching t-shirts with 'CJMEA Honors' printed on them.

News & Announcements

Rising 7th and 8th Grader Course Selections for 2026-2027

As we continue planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to support our rising 7th and 8th grade students in making thoughtful decisions about their course selections.

Students in 7th and 8th grade need to make course selections for World Language, Music Ensembles, and Encore classes. Information for 6th grade students entering BCMS next year will be shared at the Parent Orientation evening in May.

As part of this process, I am sharing the following resources with you:

We encourage you to review these materials with your child and have a conversation about their interests, goals, and areas of curiosity. Student voice and choice play an important role in creating a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

On Tuesday, April 28, during Resource, students will use their planning sheet to complete a Google Form and submit their course requests for next year.

For families of students with IEPs, if you have any questions about course options or would like guidance on the best fit for your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s case manager.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s growth and success.
 

MindFul Life - Yoga, Meditation and Journaling Club

Permission slip is linked here.
Poster for 'MindFul Life - Yoga, Meditation and Journaling Club' held Mondays & Wednesdays in April & May.
 

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
 

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

8th Grade Announcements

An announcement for the 8th Grade Dinner Dance, sponsored by the PTO and 8th Grade Parents.

8th Grade Dinner Dance - Register Now!

Hello 8th grade parents!

The 2026 8th grade dinner dance will be held on Saturday, June 13th in the BCMS gym

  • Please register if your child plans on attending the 8th grade dinner dance, via this link Register for 8th Grade Dinner Dance @ BCMS Gymnasium
  • Parents will have the opportunity to take pictures from 5:30pm–6:15pm. The dance will be from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Reminders and updates will be shared with parents prior to the event.
  • This event is planned and partially funded by the Branchburg PTO, but we need your help to make the evening special for our 8th graders.  We are asking for a suggested $35 parent contribution to cover a portion of the costs of the food, entertainment, and decorations.
  • If you are able to contribute a little more, any additional donations would be greatly appreciated and will help us make the night even more memorable for the students.

In addition, there will be volunteer opportunities to assist with decorating the night before/day of the dance.  More details will be shared soon.

Thank you in advance and thank you for your support! 

Dance Chairs:
Ana Warren
Melanie Colasurdo
Michele Boone
 

High School Transition Google Classroom

To support students and families throughout the transition to high school, our school counselors have created a Google Classroom that will serve as a central hub for important information, timelines, resources, and updates.
Families and students can join the Google Classroom using one of the following options:
Join using this link:
Or join using the class code:
akvb2pc6

We strongly encourage all 8th grade families to join the classroom to stay informed and up to date as we move through the application and transition process.

If you have any questions or need assistance with applications or accessing the Google Classroom, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor. We appreciate your partnership as we support our students during this important next step.
 

Transition to High School Presentation

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.

Branchburg Community Bulletin Board

Branchburg PBA Fishing Derby - 5/9/26

Poster for the 3rd Annual Kids Fishing Derby in Branchburg, NJ, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
 
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.