October 29, 2001

Dear Students, Parents, Guardians, Faculty, Staff and Interested Others:

It's hard to believe the first quarter of the 2001-2002 school year is nearly over, but its true! Grades close at the end of the day on November 5 and report cards will be distributed to students on Tuesday, November 13. Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, November 20 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The time allotted for these mini-conferences is brief. We ask that teachers and parents confer for about five minutes. If it is determined that more time is needed, we ask that an alternative time and date be set for a more detailed conference. It is helpful if parents have their child's teacher's names with them.

Hopefully, you have the opportunity to read through the Parent-Student Handbook for this school year. Although there are few changes from last year's version, as the term ends, many students and parents are concerned about the effect that more than five (5) unexcused absences make on the student's grade. Although all grades can be restored following the second term with good attendance and no unexcused absences, it is beneficial when documentation of doctor's and dentist's visits are brought to school when the student returns from an absence. Students are allowed five days to provide this documentation but many times those days pass quickly and the need for 'the note' is forgotten until report cards are issued.

The guidance department has been sending group e-mails to the Class of 2002 and the Class of 2003. The e-mails contain messages concerning college, career and testing information, i.e. dates, time lines and deadlines. If you are the parent of a junior or senior and your son/daughter has not been receiving the group e-mails, please call guidance at (508) 876-0104 to provide them with an updated e-mail address. You may add your own address, in addition to theirs, if you wish.

On December 4, 2001 beginning at 7:00 PM, the guidance department will sponsor a Financial Aid Night for all parents of students in grades 9-12. Information will be provided on the financial aid process, the impact of parental and student assets, how to get a head start, the dilemma for single, divorced and remarried parents and much more. Please mark this important date on your calendar.

BMR is pleased to announce the formation of a new after-school activity, the chess club, sponsored by Mr. Mitchell, in response to an indication of students' interest. If you have a chess set that you no longer use, complete with all of its pieces, we will gladly accept the set as a donation. Ask your child to bring it into the office or you could bring it with you on Parents Night.

Finally, remember there is no school on Monday, November 12 in honor of Veteran's Day. School is dismissed at 10:51 AM on Wednesday, November 21 for Thanksgiving and also at 10:51 AM on December 3 for a half day of curriculum development for teachers.

Enjoy the beautiful weather

Sincerely,

Mary E. Shimkus, Principal