THE BECKWITH CHRONICLE

 November 2021

Dates to Remember
12/8      Related Arts Trimester 1 ends
12/6-10 PTSA Holiday Shop for students
12/13    BMS Chorus Concert at 6:30pm At DRRHS Auditorium
12/14    School Committee 6:30pm
12/21    BMS Band Concert at 6:30pm At DRRHS Auditorium
12/23    Early Release at 11:30 a.m.
12/24-1/1  No School – Holiday Recess

Messages from Mrs. Mondor, Beckwith School Nurse
First, to the parents of 7th graders: Students in 7th grade need to provide documentation to the School Nurse of having a physical within the past year as well as proof of having received the Tdap booster, 2nd Varicella vaccine & the Meningitis vaccine. All of these are requirements set forth by the Department of Public Health.  Students are subject to exclusion without this proper documentation.  Please send in as soon as possible or email to cmondor@drregional.org

Mrs. Mondor also wants you to know that this fall, Beckwith Middle School students will be screened for scoliosis. This is a requirement under MGL Chapter 71, Section 57. Any parent/guardian who wishes to opt-out of this wellness check for their child must do so in writing. Please send this documentation to the school nurse Mrs. Cathy Mondor.

BMS Library News
Our library is busy and it is so exciting!  In October, just over 600 books circulated!  Students visit the library during directed study or with a class.  Here's the BMS Library link and don’t hesitate to email me with a question: jfernandes@drregional.org.

Mrs. Fernandes, Librarian

Grade 8 Spanish
Mrs. Lynch’s Eighth Grade Spanish classes had fun learning about El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). After learning about how and why the holiday was celebrated, students made their own calavera (skull) mask.  

Principal’s Message
Dear Beckwith families:

I hope that this November Chronicle finds you and your child(ren) doing well.  November surely is a short and fast month in schools. While I am greatly looking forward to Thanksgiving, I am also honestly shocked that we are already at this point in the school year!

Now that the first marking term is up, I would like to share some simple, helpful hints that I think are beneficial for students and that parents/guardians can reinforce at home:

• Make sure you use your agenda planners (now that we have them).  This means bringing it with you each day and each class, recording your assignments, due dates and important messages so you can be prepared and know what to do.
• Ask questions.  Oftentimes middle school students regard asking questions as weaknesses. In fact, asking questions is a sign of strength and focus. If something is unclear to you, chances are you aren't the only one! 
• Get extra help.  Sometimes we all could just use a hand to get caught up or get some extra help to keep us on track.
• Avoid missing assignments or zeros.  Those zeros can really have a serious "anchor effect" on your average.  Do the work, even if for reduced credit, as partial credit is better than no credit.
• Study.  A big part of middle school is learning what it means to study.  Studying is really practicing and exercising.  Do a few problems, quiz yourself on definitions, reread notes and handouts.  Ask your teachers what's most important to practice and the best ways to do it at home. 

A friendly reminder that Thanksgiving break is a great time to start breaking out your warmer clothing.  We will do our best to go outside every day at recess time, when safe to do so.  It is important that students be prepared and wear their winter clothing as "Old Man Winter" is upon us.  

In the spirit of the season, I want to express my gratitude to be a part of the Beckwith Middle School community.  I greatly appreciate working with such a dedicated staff, supportive parents and your wonderful child(ren).  Thank you!

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Frederick Randall