Advisory Fun!

Celebrating Positive Changes at BAMS!

At BAMS, we're proud of the strides we've made this year to support our students’ academic and emotional growth. We're aligning with district goals to boost English Language Arts and math proficiency, using STAR 360 data to tailor instruction. This year, more than 60% of our students are meeting or exceeding reading proficiency! We are one of the highest achieving schools in our District. We strive every day to move our proficiency rates even higher.

We’ve also introduced the Social Emotional Assistance (SEA) Program, offering support to all students—whether it’s a quick reset or ongoing help. The SEA team works closely with counselors and other staff to provide holistic support.

Our new programs, including the EL English and Illustrative Math curricula, are driving student engagement. We are piloting a new math support curriculum, restructured our skills period, and continue to offer exciting field trips and extracurriculars, like the successful BEAMS program.

We’re excited to keep this positive momentum going. For more information, contact Principal Keith Lyman at klyman@wsesdvt.org.

Our 1st dance, and Halloween

Our first dance of the year will be Friday evening, October 25th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The dance is open to BAMS students only.  Admission to the dance is $5.00 and refreshments will be available for purchase.  Students are welcome to wear a school-appropriate costume to the dance. 

Some guidance for school-appropriate costumes 

1. No full face masks or make-up will be allowed that hide an individual's identity. 
2. No fake weapons, blood, alcohol, drugs, or harassing themes will be allowed as outlined in the school dress code. 
3. Avoid dressing in a costume that will reflect another ethnicity or culture.
4. Overall, costumes worn to school must not interfere with a student's ability to perform as a student, move freely through the halls, or leave a trail of makeup/costume mess on the desks or computers. 

Dance rules include the following 

1. BAMS dances are for BAMS students only.
2. Once students arrive at the dance, they are expected to remain until the dance ends. Students may not leave early unless an authorized adult comes to pick up the student or the student and their caregiver make arrangements for an early departure with the Principal. Students will not be admitted to a dance after 7:00 p.m. 
3. Students are expected to make their transportation arrangements for the end of the dance in advance of coming to the dance. Students are expected to leave school premises no later than 7:45 p.m., and those students who do not may be ineligible to attend the next dance.
4. At BAMS dances, all school rules apply. This relates to dress, what students may bring to the dance, and behavior. Any behavior infractions at a dance WILL make you ineligible to attend the next dance.
5. Students are expected to follow the directions given by any adult at the dance, and are expressly expected to dance in ways which are appropriate and acceptable to the adult chaperones.
6. Students who receive in- or out-of-school suspension on the day of a dance are not allowed to attend.
7. Students who are absent from school on the day of a dance, or arrive after 12:00 p.m., or leave school before noon (without a valid excuse) are not allowed to attend the dance that evening.

Halloween is next week, students are welcome to wear school-appropriate costumes to school on Thursday, October 31st.

Parent/Guardian Fun during the dance!

We are inviting all families/caregivers to attend a social event during the dance. We will have light refreshments, games, and time to socailize and get to reconnect and meet other caregivers/parents in the school. We might even provide a brief sneak peak into the dance so you can see what our dances are like! You may not want to disclose that to your children :)

We hope to see you pop in!

Parent Portal Information

The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a secure website that has been designed to act as a comprehensive communication vehicle. Parents/guardians can use this as a resource for obtaining academic information about their child’s progress in all of their scheduled classes and should be in receipt of a letter that was mailed home in late August with instructions for access, including a username and password. 

Feel free to contact the Guidance Department should you need assistance. Please note, all teachers are required to use our PowerTeacher software program for recording student assignments and grades and they will update that information at least every two weeks.  

Open House

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent open house! We kindly ask anyone reading this newsletter to take a moment to complete a brief survey. It's quick and easy. Just click here to access it. We appreciate your feedback!

 Picture Orders & Picture Retake Day 

Orders for school pictures from the September 19th picture day can still be placed online   at mylifetouch.com using your student ID or Picture Day ID: EVTFZ72HD 

• Picture retake day is Monday, November 4th. Students who are having their school pictures retaken must return the original order packet. The November 4th Picture ID is EVTGV2ZM9, this ID must be used to order photographs taken on the Picture Retake Day.

Fall Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be held in November.  Further information and to sign up is found here.   

Notable Events and Dates

Support for Families From Heather Niquette

PCAVT Family Support Programs

Join our free Parent Education Programs, hosted by PCAVT’s Family Support Programs, covering topics like effective communication and building emotional resilience in children. Open to all Vermont families via Zoom. Feel free to share this information with others!

• Strengthening Families With Teens - Tuesdays at 12pm starting October 1st
• Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Use Treatment & Recovery -  Thursdays at 9am starting October 17th in-person at Turning Point of Barre
• Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Use Treatment & Recovery - Tuesdays at 5pm starting October 22nd 
• Nurturing Skills™ for Families  - Mondays at 10am starting October 21st 
• Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Use Treatment & Recovery -   Wednesdays at 8:30am starting October 23rd
• Nurturing Skills™ for Families  Tuesdays at 5:30pm starting October 29th
• Strengthening Families With Children Birth to Age 3  - Wednesdays at 1pm starting October 30th 
• Nurturing Skills™ for Families  - Tuesdays at 6pm starting November 5th 
• Prenatal Nurturing Parenting Program - Wednesdays at 6pm starting November 13th 
• Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Use Treatment & Recovery - Wednesdays at noon starting November 13th 
• Nurturing Skills™ for Families  - Wednesdays at 11am starting November 13th 
• Strengthening Families With Teens - Thursdays at 5:30pm starting November 14th 
• Strengthening Families With Teens - Tuesdays at 1pm starting December 3rd

 Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Pike

Role at BAMS: Science Teacher   Team: Taurus

Background:

I have always loved science, it’s in my blood. I worked for the Forest Service right out of college, then for a bank, and had worked at a few restaurants before coming to BAMS. I attended UMASS Amherst and have a BS in Natural Resource Studies.

I have taught math, social studies and special education before focusing just on science. I have taught at three schools, two in Vermont, and one in New Hampshire. My total years of teaching are 22!

My family is from the Wilmington, VT area but I was born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts. 

What They Love About Their Job: I appreciate my students so much! You have the power to make my day! That is why I love teaching middle school. I also get to talk about science all day, so that’s a win too.

Fun Fact: I am an avid naturalist, and look for ways to be outside when possible. I also have taught myself about using herbal medicine to heal ailments. I know a great bee sting remedy!

Favorite Quote or Motto: “A wise person will hear and increase learning, fools despise wisdom and knowledge.”

Looking Ahead: I am looking forward to continuing helping students find their curiosity about the natural world.