January 15

Dear BBMS Families:
We hope this note finds you well, especially as we take time to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King,
Jr. This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Howard County MLK Holiday Commission
awards program where Bonnie Branch 7th Grade Student Emeline DeGiulio came in 1st Place in the
middle school essay contest. Congratulations Emeline - we are very proud of you!
Last week we welcomed over 250 families to BBMS at our 5th Grade Parent Orientation meeting.
One of the areas highlighted for parents was our PTA ~ and we are thrilled that many parents
expressed interest in getting involved. We will need new officers in the PTA next year and hope you
will consider serving in one of those positions. Our PTA does amazing work and we hope to see that
continue next year. Please reach out to the PTA about ways you can help!
This month at BBMS, students are finishing the second quarter, getting ready for MAP testing, and our
8th grade students selected courses for next year. It is an important time to stay focused. MAP
testing is only 3 weeks away - please talk to your students about this important test to gauge
readiness for high school courses. For students who are not meeting progress, we will begin
conversations about summer school and possible retention. We will meet individually with students
and parents to discuss this as needed.
And please mark your calendars for these upcoming events - we hope to see all of our BBMS families
there!

Let's Go Sharks!
Drew Cockley
Principal

MAP TESTING:
Reading MAP Test: February 5, 6, 7, 8
Math MAP Test: February 12, 13, 14, 15