Closing the Chapter on 2017-2018

Finals Week

Final Exams will take place on Monday, June 18th , Tuesday, June 19th , Wednesday June 20th , and Thursday, June 21st. Friday, June 22nd is the last day of school and (this year) a full day of school for students. Students will be dismissed from school at 2:02 p.m.  This day provides the opportunity for teachers to review the final exams with students before the summer break. We will be operating on a "Monday" schedule allowing all classes to meet.

During the exam period, Monday through Thursday, busses will run on their normal morning schedule.  If a student does not have an exam during the first exam block they will be allowed in the cafeteria or the library.  The Food Services Department will be offering breakfast during the exam days in the cafeteria. Buses will not run in between exams.  Buses will depart from BMHS after the second exam at approximately 11:32 am.

If school is closed for any reason, the exams will be pushed ahead one day.  For example, if school is closed on Friday, Friday’s exam will be on Monday.  In the case of a two hour delay, morning exams will begin at 9:35am and the afternoon exams will begin at 12:00 pm.

Students are expected to be in attendance for each exam.  In the event a student is absent from an exam you will need to call the student absentee line (978-528-8710) by 7:15 am.  Students are responsible for scheduling the make-up exam with their teacher. There is a make-up block on each exam day from 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm.  There are no buses at the end of the make-up exam period.

Final Exams will be counted as 20% of the second semester grade; Term 3 is 40%, Term 4 is 40%.  First and Second semester grades will be averaged for the Final grade.

The Dangers of Vaping - Continued

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently sent a letter to all schools in the Commonwealth regarding the concerns we all share about the usage of e cigarettes and vaping. 

Freshmen Orientation

Save the date: Thursday, August 23rd from 9 a.m. until noon. The orientation will begin in the Auditorium. The easiest way to access the Auditorium is from the 35 River Street entrance.

Summer Reading

All students are required to read just one book. Staff members at BMHS have each chosen a book to read over the summer. The attached list of those books includes a variety of genres ranging from classics to contemporary fiction and nonfiction designed to spark interest in adolescent readers. We encourage students to choose one of the books on the list to read in preparation for the first full day of school. However, students are not limited to books on the list. Regardless, in their English classes they will be expected to have read a book and have completed the attached note taking form. Students will then be expected to complete a written assessment which will count as 5% of their term 1 grade. Summer reading assignments will be assessed based on the school-wide writing rubric. Additionally, staff members will lead book discussion groups with students during an extended advisory in September. The note-taking form, list of books, and the link to sign up for a discussion group, are all available at the BMHS website: http://www.billericak12.com Please sign up as soon as possible for your preferred discussion group.

Scheduling Update

Schedules for the 2018-2019 school year have been published in Aspen.  The Aspen website can be accessed HERE.

If you have forgotten the password to your Aspen account, please email portalhelp@billericak12.com for assistance. 

If you have questions about your schedule, please contact your guidance counselor directly.  You may talk with your counselor via email or in person. If you would like to meet with your counselor, please come to Guidance and we will gladly make you an appointment to meet with your counselor. By making an appointment, your counselor will have a dedicated time set aside just for you, so that s/he can fully address your scheduling questions.  If your counselor happens to be available when you come to Guidance, they will be happy to assist you at that time.  The best times to come to Guidance are before school, during study (with permission from your study teacher), during advisory (with permission from your advisory teacher), or after school.  

If you have a blank spot in your schedule, this where your study block will be.  Please note that studies and advisories have not yet been loaded into the schedule, and this is normal.  Studies and advisories will be visible to you once they are loaded into Aspen over the summertime.  You should have 35 credits in your schedule, and not more than 1 study per term.  In addition, please note that current 8th graders do not have a published schedule yet.  Their schedules will be published in the near future, date to be determined.

Best of luck on your finals as you finish the school year!

Sincerely,

Mindy Cripps, Director of Guidance

Summer Hours

BMHS will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. during the summer. Please use the main entrance, which is located behind Town Hall (accessible via 1 Tom Glavine Way). The main phone number for the high school is 978-528-8700.

This Week at BMHS May 29 - June 5, 2018

ALICE Drill

We will be conducting our ALICE training this Tuesday, May 29 during the extended block at the end of the school day. The drill will be done in partnership with the Billerica Police Department and other first responders. The drill will conclude by 3:00 p.m.




Graduation

The Class of 2018 will be receiving their diplomas on June 5 at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are not necessary to attend the event. Doors to the arena open at 5:30 p.m. Graduates are expected to report to the arena no later than 5:30 p.m. and will enter at the East entrance (closest to the parking garage). Graduation rehearsal will take place this Thursday, May 31 after Senior Breakfast and the final sign-out process for each student. During the rehearsal students will learn which side of the arena they will be sitting and should convey this information to their family so you have the best sightline to view the conferring of the diploma.

Seniors Return to their Roots

Every year our elementary schools open their doors to welcome back graduating seniors that attended elementary school in Billerica. It is an opportunity for our students to reconnect with those teachers that provided them support and guidance during their earliest years. This event is run by the elementary schools and any student that attended those schools is welcome to attend regardless of which high school they currently attend. The day begins at 9 a.m. at each of the elementary schools. Last year Mr. Marble, principal at the Kennedy Elementary School, called me at 2 p.m. and asked "how long do the kids typically stay at school?" I told him they will stay as long as they feel welcome. He called back at 3 and said - "still here." I suggested he ring a bell. They typically respond to that. In short, it is said and repeated that this is one of the best days of the school year for our kids and their first teachers.

Meet the Top Ten

On Tuesday evening, May 29, we will be hosting our annual Honors' Banquet to recognize the students that achieved the ten highest GPA throughout their high school career. Each of these students invite a teacher that has had a significant impact on their life during their school years. This year's top ten and their guests are: Alyssa Eakman and Dr. Cardella, Josh Pimentel and Mr. Goddard, Madhu Sekar and Ms. Hines, John Almeida and Ms. Button, Kyla Guadet and Ms. Durand, Amanda Malnati and Mr. Clark, Andrew Farmer and Mr. Gubelman, Anya Lavalle and Madame Bynoe, Matt Marini and Mr. Toppin, Emma Rugg and Mr. Flood. 


Scholarship Night

The Town of Billerica and Dollars for Scholars will be hosting their annual scholarship award ceremony on Thursday, May 31 in the BMHS Auditorium. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. 



BMHS Peer Leaders

Last week the Peer Leadership Class at BMHS put their leadership skills to the test and went over to the Parker School to run some games and activities with Ms. Longo's 4th Grade Class. The High School students used their planning, public speaking, and communication skills to run activities for the such as Four Corners and a Scavenger Hunt for the whole class. They also taught the 4th graders some cooperative activities such as the Human Knot and Telephones Charades. Overall the whole group had a great time!

Mathletes

Our Math League Team recently received their Division 3 Championship plaque. Freshmen Shashank Jarmale placed in the the top 50 in eastern Massachusetts and was recognized with a special award.

Billerica Blast

There is still time to get the $20.18 suggested contribution to the BMHS Blast. If every family contributed the $20.18 the entire event would be funded.  This is a pay it forward event established to benefit each child that graduates from Billerica Memorial High School, without the support from the school community it would not be a success.  We are in search of volunteers and raffle donations. Please email volunteerfortheblast@outlook.com if you can volunteer your time at the Blast or you can submit a raffle donation--we also accept gift cards and cash donations (we do the shopping). Graduation is June 5. 

Thank you in advance

~The Billerica Blast Committee

BMHS Night at the Bobcats

This Saturday, June 9, the New England Bobcats will be hosting BMHS Night at the Bobcats. The Bobcats will be playing the Knights beginning at 7 p.m. at the Chelmsford Forum. Tickets are half-price for students and their will be a raffle for tickets, a Bobcats hoodie, mini footballs and BMHS Athletic Association spirit wear.

Schedule Update

Students should be receiving their fall schedules during the second week of June. They will have the opportunity to schedule appointments with their guidance counselors before the end of the school year to make any adjustments necessary before the summer.

Important Dates This Week

Tuesday, May 29 

• ALICE Drill 2:15 p.m.
• Honors' Banquet 6 p.m. BMHS Media Center

Wednesday, May 30

• Furniture Fair for New BMHS 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• MCAS Math Makeup 7:15 a.m.

Thursday, May 31

• Senior Class Breakfast 7:15 a.m.
• Senior Sign Out
• Graduation Rehearsal
• Scholarship Award Ceremony 7 p.m. BMHS Auditorium

Friday, June 1

• Seniors Recognition Breakfast at their elementary schools 9 a.m.
• Senior Prom 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Danversport Yacht Club

Saturday, June 2

• BMHS/Howe HIgh School Alumni Association Dinner 6 p.m. Billerica Elks

Monday, June 4

• Senior Class Day 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kimball Farms

Tuesday, June 5

• Graduation 6:30 p.m. Tsongas Arena
• Billerica Blast 11:00 p.m. - 5 a.m. BMHS

This Week at BMHS May 23-30, 2018

Academic Awards Night

This Tuesday, May 22, we will be recognizing the top academic achievers for the 2017-2018 school year. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium and should conclude by 9 p.m. Invitations were sent last week to students that will be receiving an award. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 978-528-8712.

MCAS Math

The sophomore class will be taking the MCAS Mathematics assessment on Wednesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 24. The testing will begin at 7:15 a.m. each day, so please make sure you arrive on time each day.

Spring Choral Concert

The middle schools and high school choirs will be performing on Thursday, May 24 at 7 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium.

The Blast

There is still time to get the $20.18 suggested contribution to the BMHS Blast. If every family contributed the $20.18 the entire event would be funded.  This is a pay it forward event established to benefit each child that graduates from Billerica Memorial High School, without the support from the school community it would not be a success.  We are in search of volunteers and raffle donations. Please email volunteerfortheblast@outlook.com if you can volunteer your time at the Blast or you can submit a raffle donation--we also accept gift cards and cash donations (we do the shopping). Graduation is June 5. Thank you in advance

The Billerica Blast Committee

Billerica Access Television

Path To Wellness Summer Class

Tuition $250.00

Link to registration

https://goo.gl/forms/vpX1SpzuJNrCh6Jg2

Dates, Times and Location

All dates include in-class instructional time, google classroom assignments and outings each day based around a Wellness theme

Monday June 18th 3:30-8:30 Opening Day

Detailed daily agenda, permission slips and google classroom assignments will be released on opening day. On opening day you will meet your classmates and teachers, review course expectations, students will set learning goals and we will close with a team Building outing: Destination To Be Announced

Monday June 25th-Friday June 29th 7:30-4:30

Wellness Themes Each Day

Monday:      Nutrition

Tuesday:      Drugs In Our Society 

Wednesday: Personal Health

Thursday    Challenge and Endurance

Friday:          Adventure Learning

Possible outings and activities include:

Rock Climbing, Sea Kayaking, Escape Room, yoga and meditation, Billerica House of Correction, Cardio Dance, Outdoor Adventure Course

If you have questions regarding Path To Wellness Please contact Jennifer Flynn, Coordinator of Health Services and Wellness

jflynn@billericak12.com  or Victoria Bones, Student Liaison To Wellness

This Week at BMHS May 15 - 22, 2018

MCAS Math

The sophomore class will be taking the MCAS Math assessment on Wednesday May 23 and Thursday, May 24. This is the third and final assessment required for graduation. The students have already taken the science and English language arts assessments. Students who perform well on these assessments will be eligible for the John and Abigail Adams scholarship, providing them free tuition to state colleges and universities. Each year, BMHS receives the maximum amount of scholarships offered by the state for an individual school and we hope to keep this tradition going. 


MCAS Science

The freshmen class will be taking the MCAS Science (Biology) assessment on Wednesday, June 6. Each year our freshmen class performs exceptionally well on the science assessment. 


Scheduling Update

The Guidance Department has been working on developing the schedule for the 2018-2019 school year. Preliminary schedules will be shared with students during the first week of June allowing them to schedule appointments with their counselors after Graduation in an effort to finalize their class schedule prior to summer vacation.







Spanish Honor Society

AGRAWAL, AVANI, AMONKAR, ANKIT, ANDERSON,

DEIDRA, ATHREYA, MAHATHI, BRAGG, JONATHAN, BRAGG, MICHAEL, BURNS, EMMY, CAHILL, MORGAN, CLOGHESSY, AVA, COLLINS, HENRY, GIBSON, TAYLOR, HOLDEN, JOHN, HUGHES, ALEXANDER, KHALIFA, SAFA, LACAYO, SABRINA, LACAYO, SELENA, LANKOWSKI, AVA, LARSON, BROOKE, LYONS, EMILY, MACE, KAYLEY, MALATESTA, NICHOLAS ,MOORE, MEGAN, PARKER, LAUREN, REARDON, KAYLA, REARDON, LINDSAY, SARGENT, LAUREN, SCARFO, ALEXANDRA, SHAIKH, SANA, SHEEHAN, MEAGHAN, ST JOHN, MATTHEW, SULLIVAN, DANIELLE, TAHA, ALISHA, WANG, JESSE, ROSA, GIANNA, SULLIVAN, SAMANTHA, NARDONE, NATALIE

French Honor Society

Jean Antoine, Melissa Atkins, Brandon Bruso, Julia Cotreau, Mounia El Fadil, Erin Faria, Jennifer Frechette, Kaitlyn Gecoy, Nicole Knowles, Samuel LaPusata, Haylee LeBeau, Keiko Park, Mark Richard, Sean Rudenick, Ariana Swoyer, Makayla Threhane, Erica Weser, Alexandra West




Italian Honor Society

Michelle Tran, Jessica Almeida, Matteo Cugno, Alyssa Eakman, Lauren Hughes, Deanna Karis, Harmeet Kaur, Kaleigh Lawson , Maggie Lyon, Amanda Malnati, Shawn McAvoy, Christopher Orlando, Talia Pacillo, Madison Corcoran 






Academic Awards Night

This year's awards' ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium. 


Scholarship Night

The scholarship ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. in the BMHS Auditorium.

Senior Prom

The Class of 2018 will be celebrating their senior prom at the Danversport Yacht Club on Friday, June 4 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the Class Advisors Mrs. Tewksbury ctewksbury@billericak12.com or Mrs. Schrader nschrader@billericak12.com.

Graduation

The Class of 2018 will be celebrating their commencement at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.


The Blast

After the Graduation, members of the senior class will be returning to BMHS at 11:00 p.m. for one last evening with their friends before closing this chapter of their educational journey. Tickets for the Blast will be on sale at the Senior Breakfast on Thursday, May 31. 

There is still time to get the $20.18 suggested contribution to the BMHS Blast. If every family contributed the $20.18 the entire event would be funded.  This is a pay it forward event established to benefit each child that graduates from Billerica Memorial High School, without the support from the school community it would not be a success.  We are in search of volunteers and raffle donations. Please email volunteerfortheblast@outlook.com if you can volunteer your time at the Blast or you can submit a raffle donation--we also accept gift cards and cash donations (we do the shopping). Graduation is June 5. Thank you in advance

The Billerica Blast Committee

Senior Class Day

Monday, June 4 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Kimball Farms.
Elks Teenager of the Year

This Week at BMHS May 8 - 15, 2018

Assassins Game

An annual tradition that has gained traction in recent years is the game Assassins (also known as Gotcha, Spy vs. Spy, Elimination, etc). For those of us who were growing up in the 1980s, I would recommend the movies Gotcha (1985), or TAG: The Assassination Game (1982) as a reference. In short, students (typically seniors) receive information about their "targets" and track them down and eliminate them with mock weapons (water guns, Nerf-type weapons, airsoft guns, etc). The last player to survive the game wins (usually a pool of money collected by the players involved).  This is not a sanctioned school event and has led to issues in many surrounding communities.

The concern centers around students running through neighbors' yards late at night, reckless driving, and having their activity reported out-of-context to local police.

I would strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your child to ensure they do not put themselves, or others in harm's way as we inch closer to end of the school year.

For additional information on the rules and background of the game, please follow this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_(game)

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Junior Prom


This Friday, May 11, the Class of 2019 will be hosting their Junior Prom at Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, MA. The prom will run from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. If a student has not arrived by 6:30 p.m. we will contact parents to make sure everything is okay. Students are not permitted to leave the prom early (prior to 10:00 p.m.) without parental permission (typically a phone call to ensure parents are aware and agreeable with their child leaving early).  Our breathalyzer policy will also be enforced which requires every student attending to be breathalyzed upon arriving at the prom.


Advanced Placement (AP) Testing: May 7 - 18, 2018

If students have an AP exam in the morning, upon conclusion of the exam, they must return promptly to the high school for the remainder of the school day.  Conversely, if students are testing in the afternoon, they must arrive at BMHS on-time and stay in school until they leave for the afternoon AP exam at 11:30 a.m.  

In addition, please plan for your exams to run about 4 hours in total length.  This is because of the following: in addition to actual testing time, there are directions, breaks, and various other tasks (more bubbling!) to be completed on test day. Many do not run this long, as test sections are timed and times vary from subject to subject, but it is important information for you to know. 

Please see below for reminders about AP testing.  These were sent out early last week as well: 

1. By this time, your teacher should have informed you of where and when you are taking your AP test(s).  Please let me know if you have any questions about this.
2. Please note that this year, students and families are responsible for their own transportation to and from AP testing.  We will not be bussing students.  Your teacher has informed you of this. 
3. You will need to complete a field trip form for every AP test that you take.  Your teacher has given you this field trip form. Please make sure to return the field trip form to your teacher ASAP, if you have not done so already.  
4. Please note that you are responsible for providing your own beverages and snacks during the testing.  BMHS will not be providing beverages and snacks during testing. 
5. Make sure to arrive on time.  We cannot hold testing for students who arrive late, and therefore, late arrivals will miss the testing session. It is suggested that you arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your start time in order to ensure that you are ready and prepared to test. 
6. Please bring several #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils allowed) and black or dark blue pens for the essay portion.  It is important that you arrive prepared to take the test.  
7. You will not be able to access your cell phone during testing, and you will not be permitted to use a smartwatch or Fitbit (or similar electronic devices). If you want a watch, please bring an old-fashioned watch without smart technology and without an active alarm.  If your old-fashioned digital or analog watch has an alarm setting, you must disable the alarm. 
8. Most importantly, GOOD LUCK!!  

***Please note that the arrival time is NO LATER THAN 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE EXAM STARTS.  This is to ensure that students are able to settle in before the testing.  Per CollegeBoard, students cannot be admitted after the testing start time, so we ask that they arrive 20 minutes prior to testing.  

Please note the following locations for AP testing: 

• 30 River St. is the New Colony Baptist Church
• 70 Concord Rd. is The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
• 18 Andover Rd. is the First Congregational Church

If you have any questions regarding AP testing sites, times, etc., please email Ms. Melinda Cripps mcripps@billericak12.com

A few additional questions about AP Exams have come my way, and I want to share the answers with you. 

Regarding 8:00 AM AP Tests

• If you are testing at the BMHS Language Lab or 30 River St., you are expected to come directly to BMHS in the morning for the start of school.  You will be dismissed at 7:30 AM to walk over to your testing area with your class.  
• If you are testing at 70 Concord Rd. or 18 Andover Rd., you may head directly to the testing site and your daily attendance will be taken at the site.  

Again, if you are testing in the afternoon, you are expected to arrive at BMHS on time for the school day, and you will be released from school at 11:30 AM to travel to your test site. 

Regarding Lunch

• Students often find that it is easiest if they bring their own lunch during testing days, especially if they have two tests in one day.  That being said, please know that BMHS Nutrition Services is always available to our students.  If you would like a cafeteria lunch on any given day, please either email me before the test or let your proctor know at the testing site, and they can contact me.