April 26, 2000

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and Interested Others,

With this, our second edition, we have a name, THE CHARGER EXPRESS, and an original logo, designed by Joseph Coffey, grade 9. What do you think?

With April vacation behind us, we move into the busiest and probably most exciting time of the school year. The calendar of in-school and after-school activities is full of important academic, athletic and social events that will involve almost everyone in some way.

All students in grades 8 through 11 have been issued their copy of the Program of Studies for the 2000-01 school year. They also were given a course selection sheet appropriate for their grade next year. Based on this information, students are meeting with their counselor, one on one, to discuss plans for next year. Even though most of these selection sheets have been returned to guidance, complete with parent/guardian signature, if there remain any questions about this important activity, from either the student or his/her parent/guardian, please do not hesitate to inquire. Students' schedules for 00-01 will not be finalized until early to mid June.

All 10th graders will participate in MCAS testing which will take place between May 15-26. We completed the Long Composition section on April 12. What remains is subject area testing in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. Although the controversies surrounding this state-mandated testing continue to swirl around us, it is important to BMR and to each student that all participants, students, teachers, and staff regard the challenges provided by MCAS as beneficial to the educational outcomes of the school. For the 10th graders, these test results will not affect graduation. However, they do become an official part of the school record for each student. For the BMR community, the data generated by the results assist us in measuring both progress and problem areas within the curriculum. This information is used to modify, refine and align content areas so that all students have access to course offerings which meet or exceed state standards throughout high school.

Those students who are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will have their opportunity to earn college credit by completing the AP final exams. These exams will be administered from May 10 through 19 in those courses that are taught at BMR.

A final note on the academic front - the National Honor Society will hold its formal induction ceremony for newly qualified students on Friday, May 19.

The softball, baseball and track teams are beginning their league schedules. Also, we have scheduled a Jazz Concert on April 28, beginning at 7:00 PM. Student participants and their sponsors/coaches invite everyone to attend.

Following on the heels of a well attended and successful Junior-Senior Prom, the Sophomore Semi-Formal will be held in the cafeteria on May 12, beginning at 7:00 PM. And finally, Senior Week is scheduled to begin on June 5 culminating in Graduation on June 10. As soon as activities have received their final approval, a calendar of events and other information will be sent to all Seniors and their families.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Shimkus, Principal, BMRHS