April 13 Newsletter

Quicklinks
Family Update
Dear Families:
Maintaining a space that is physically and emotionally safe for all of our students is imperative. Sadly, in the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in reports of bullying. As a community, we work hard to create an environment of kindness and respect. Bullying is defined as hurtful, repeated behavior that involves a balance of power. 
 
All students receive intentional, direct instruction in recognizing bullying, including skills on how to be an “upstander” and how to get help. These lessons are embedded in our SEL curriculum, and we review and remind students of our expectations. It takes all of us to help stop bullying behaviors.  We encourage you to talk with your child about bullying behavior, and what to do if it happens to them or someone else.
 
 
Within all of our schools we always encourage our Cubs, Moose, and Mallards to follow our PBIS expectations of being Safe, Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. We want you to know about these recent patterns so that you are aware and can share your expectations with your children.
 
Thank you for your partnership! It is hard to believe we’re in the 4th quarter of our school year! With your help, we will end our school year positively, safely, productively, and fun!
 
Nyesha Clayton, Montrose Elementary Principal
Rachel Niswander, Maryland Elementary Principal
David Schottner, Cassingham Elementary Principal
 
This Week's Highlights Include...
  • Upcoming Dates;
  • An after school reminder;
  • Kindergarten Registration;
  • School Supplies for Rising 6th Grade Students;
  • Free Breakfast Reminder;
  • Online Reporting Tools;
  • A New Digital Wellness Video Presentation
  • Upcoming Book Collections and Spirit-wear Drive 
Important Dates
 
4/18: No School, District will be closed 
4/24: Kindergarten Orientation at all three buildings from 6:00-7:00 PM
4/27: BMPA Circle of Excellence 
4/29: Maryland Student Health & Wellness Fair (open to the community) 
4/30: Spring Strings Concert 4th - 12th Grades 7:00 PM 
5/1: Band Concert 5th - 12th Grades 7:00 PM
5/ 8: Art Extravaganza at all three buildings from 5:00-7:00 PM 
5/22: Fun Day 
5/23: Fun Run and Dash 2PM
5/26: No School 
5/29: 5th Grade Rising Up Ceremony 
5/30: 5th Grades to the pool and clap out 
5/30: Last Day of Classes for Students, Last Day for Teachers
 
An After School Reminder 
All three elementaries are asking for help with after school behaviors. School supervision ends when the bell rings at 3:00 PM. Students may not stay on the playground without family supervision before going home. School staff will ask students to go home if they are on the playground without supervision when the bell rings at 3:00. 
 
Kindergarten Registration 
2025/2026 Kindergarten Registration is now available! Simply go to bexleyschools.org and click on Student Registration. On the Student Registration page click on LINK: Online Student Registration and create an account which will allow you to register your child. You will be asked to upload your child's birth certificate, immunization record, proof of residency, a current utility bill, and your drivers license reflecting your Bexley address. We can't wait to meet the class of 2038!
 
If you know any families of incoming Kindergarten students and they don’t receive newsletters from Bexley City Schools, please encourage them to register their child for Kindergarten by the end of March!  We will then be able to invite them to our orientation night in April.
Current 5th Grade Families
Hello future BMS Families -
 
It's time to buy your 2025/26 School Supply kits! 
I know it seems early, but before you know it, summer will be here. It's important you order your supplies before it's too late or supplies run out. Start the school year with the exact supplies your teacher requested, and give your child the confidence they need to conquer next year! Get them today before it's too late... the sale closes on July 1st.
 
Free Breakfast Continues 
Bexley Schools continue to offer free breakfast for all students for the remainder of this school year. Encourage your students to start their school day with a nutritious breakfast!
Breakfast is served in each school cafeteria at the following times:
      Cassingham Complex: 7:45-8:35 a.m.
      Maryland Elementary: 7:45-8:10 a.m.
      Montrose Elementary: 7:45-8:10 a.m.
Don’t forget that in order for breakfast to be free, a student must select a whole breakfast consisting of one item from three of the four food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. Food Services staff members can help students determine what to select for a free meal.
Students who select a single food item rather than a whole breakfast will need to pay for that item individually.
Online Tools for Reporting Safety and Other Concerns 
As a reminder, Bexley Schools utilize two online reporting tools through which students and/or families may report incidents of concern, including for safety, bullying, hazing, or harassment.
Stay Safe. Speak Up! is a reporting tool that is always at the top of the district website’s homepage. The reporting system is monitored 24/7 by a third party who promptly notifies Bexley Schools administrators when information is submitted.
The district also has an online Equity Issue Reporting tool through which concerns about discrimination may be reported. It also is located at the top of the district website homepage.
Students or family members also may talk to a teacher, coach, counselor, or school principal to report an incident.
Please remember, too, that anyone who witnesses an emergency or dangerous situation that is occurring should call 911 for an immediate police response.
Be assured that we are committed to the highest level of confidentiality about what we discover through any reported incidents and about to whom and what type of consequences are imposed, if any. This is to protect the privacy of all persons involved.
Remember, If you SEE something, please SAY something!
Digital Wellness Presentation 
Bexley Schools are happy to share a Digital Wellness video presentation discussing key details about student access, filtering, answers to frequently asked questions, and tips for families on how to navigate and approach digital wellness at home. The video was developed by Director of Technology Brad Pettit and Bob Keep, District Technology Integration Coach.
 
As part of our commitment stated in both our Strategic Plan and Technology Plan, Bexley Schools offers this video content as part of its continuing outreach with families to share information about computer use and Digital Wellness. Recent survey results from families expressed a preference for recorded content on related topics. We hope you find this useful.
 
This video is available on the Bexley Schools YouTube channel or you can access it here.