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Branchburg Central Middle School

BCMS Friday News 5.8.26

Posted Date: 05/08/26 (02:30 PM)


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

BCMS Friday News

5/8/26

BCMS Family Update

Dear BCMS Families,

As we wrap up another busy week at BCMS, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their continued hard work and support throughout this busy spring season.

This week, students completed the writing portion of the NJSLA-A assessment. I heard positive feedback from many teachers regarding the focus and effort students demonstrated during testing. Teachers shared that many students took their time, used their scrap paper to organize their thoughts, and worked carefully through the assessment. We are proud of the maturity and effort our students showed during a secure testing environment.

We also wrapped up Teacher Appreciation Week at BCMS. Throughout the week, our staff was recognized and celebrated for the incredible work they do for students every day. We are fortunate to have such dedicated teachers and staff members who care deeply about supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you as well to our PTO and families who helped make the week special for our staff.

As we head into the weekend, I also want to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our BCMS community. We appreciate everything you do to support and care for our students each day.

Next week will be another busy week with more state testing and musical performances. Thank you for all you do at home to support our students to be ready to take on each day.

Warm regards,
Beth Stanton
Principal, BCMS

Important Dates & Calendar of Activities

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

Important Dates

MAY
11 - NJSLA Testing - Math
12 - Spring Band Concert - 6:30 P.M.
13 - NJSLA Testing - Reading
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., District Wide Homework Free Night
29 - Incoming 6th Grade Student Orientation
29 - 8th Grade Mixer at Somerville High School

JUNE
3 - 8th Grade End of Year Trip
8 - 7th Grade Scoliosis Screenings - Boys
9 - 7th Grade Scoliosis Screenings - Girls
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 5/11
Student Council General Meeting & Primary Elections - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Home Game - 4:00 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse - No Practice
Softball Away Game @ WAMS - 4:00 P.M.
Volleyball Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Tuesday 5/12
Chord on Blues - 7:00 A.M.
Jazz Band - 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 - No Practice
Spring Band Concert - 6:30 P.M.

Wednesday 5/13
Chamber Orchestra - 7:00 A.M.
Falcon Gazette - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Practice - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Boys Lacrosse Playoffs - TBD
Culture Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Drama Club Teen Arts Rehearsal - 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.
Girls Lacrosse Playoffs - TBD
Mindful Life Club - 3:00 - 4:45 P.M.
Volleyball Club - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Thursday 5/14
Chord on Blues - 7:00 A.M.
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Baseball Playoffs - TBD
Drama Club Teen Arts Rehearsal - 3:00 - 4:30 P.M.

Friday 5/15
Morning Management Club - 7:00 A.M.
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Student Activities

BCMS Spring Choir Concert 5/6/26

Congratulations to the BCMS choir on a wonderful Spring concert performance on Wednesday, May 6th. Special thanks to Choir Director, Ms. DeVita!
A group of young women in formal attire stand on risers, singing into microphones.
A choir of students in white shirts and black bottoms stands on risers in a gymnasium, facing a director at a piano.
A choir of students stands on risers in a gymnasium, singing with a conductor at a piano.

Thank you, Branchburg PTO!

Teacher Appreciation Week

A huge thank you to the Branchburg PTO for all their hard work in making our staff and teachers feel special and appreciated this week!
A bulletin board displays numerous "Thank You" notes from students to their teachers, written on colorful paper cutouts.
A long table is set with a colorful floral tablecloth, laden with various food containers, tortillas, plates, and cutlery.

News & Announcements

District Wide Homework Free Night - 5/27

Poster announcing a Districtwide Homework Free Night on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, with suggested activities.
Poster announcing a 'Free Homework Night' for the entire district on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
 

7th Grade Scoliosis Screenings

To the parents/guardians of all 7th grade students:

7th grade boys will be screened for scoliosis on Monday, June 8, 2026
7th grade girls will be screened for scoliosis on Tuesday June 9, 2026 

School law requires that screening for scoliosis be performed on all children between the ages of 10 and 18, every two years. Therefore, in the Branchburg Township Schools, we conduct scoliosis screenings in 5th and 7th grade. The purpose of the screening program is to detect possible curvatures of the spine in children. If the condition is detected early and appropriately treated, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented.

The screening will be conducted by the school nurse, privately in the Health Office, with the assistance of another nurse. The nurse will check your child’s back by observing it while your child is standing and bending forward. You will be contacted if there is any reason to have your child evaluated further by their doctor.

To assure a view of the spine, we will request that students privately expose their backs during screening. It is recommended that boys wear a shirt that can be easily removed. Girls should wear a bra, sports bra, bathing suit top, or camisole under a shirt or sweater.  

If you have any questions regarding the spinal screening program, please contact the school nurse.

If your child is currently under treatment for a spinal condition or if you would rather that your child NOT be screened, return the completed form below by May 29, 2026, to your child’s school nurse.  IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO RETURN THIS FORM OTHERWISE.


Thank You,
Mrs. Hoffman
BCMS School Nurse
 

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.