November 7, 2000

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

We have just completed the first marking period. Isn't it amazing how quickly the school year moves! With the end of the first term, of course, come the first report cards. They will be given to all students at the end of the day on Friday, November 10. Students absent on that day will be given theirs on the following Monday. All parents are invited to Open House on Thursday, November 16, from 6:30 to 8:30, to have the opportunity to discuss student progress with teachers. We suggest that parent conferences be limited to 5-10 minutes in order to provide all parents the chance to talk with the teachers. If you would like to spend more time with any teacher, we recommend that arrangement be made to do so at another time convenient to both.

As we have made our way through this first term, I have a few items of interest for all parents and guardians. The first relates to the use of email. Through this and other forums, I have urged the use of email for reliable and dependable contact with the school. However, as it is with all new methods of communication, we have become aware of a potential problem. Unlike most of our other communication tools, the author of an email message is actually unknown to us. Therefore, a request for confidential information about students, i.e. grades and other personal information, cannot be acquired through email contact with any teacher or staff. We can provide information about due dates for projects or make-up work or other information of general interest and we can provide a general statement of student progress, such as improving, declining, etc. But for more detailed information, a parent/guardian must either contact the guidance office or the teacher personally…just like the "old" days.

A second item of general interest relates to the security of the building. As you are probably aware, we are not accessible from the outside during school hours except through the front door, which is monitored with a security system. It was not uncommon to see a student or staff member notice someone coming up the stairs and open the door for them. This allowed our visitor inside without using the system. It seemed a natural thing to do and is indicative of the consideration our students and staff have for others. However, this practice also compromises the system. I have instructed all students and staff to discontinue this form of courtesy. Whether you are a frequent visitor or occasionally come for an appointment or to pick up your child, you will be required to ring the bell for admittance and then asked to sign in at the main office. We have not had an issue recently at BMR that requires heightened security, but I believe that we should take advantage of the security in place which is designed to provide a safe learning environment for all.

And finally, one additional service is being offered to students beginning November 14. Brookside Driving Academy will begin teaching driver's education at BMR. Information and arrangements for enrollment are handled through the academy, whose office is located in Uxbridge, but the course will be taught here. Registration is not limited to BMR students, so make plans as soon as possible.

As we head toward the holiday season and the middle of the academic year, I hope that all students and their families are as successful and happy as possible. I remain willing to help in any way I can.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Shimkus, Principal