Barrington Middle School
“We are BMS”
BMS Connected Learning Newsletter
9/14/2025
The BMS Learning Community is Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Excel!
Mission:
Barrington Middle School’s Mission is to empower all students to excel in character, citizenship,
collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking, so that they may positively impact the future.
Welcome
Bienvenidos, Yōkoso, Benvenuto, 欢迎, Labas, Jasu,
स्वागत छ ।, सस्वागतम ु ,्Hosgeldin, Üdvözlöm, Bem-vindo,
Swagatam, Ahlan wa sahlan, Hoş geldin, Bienvenue, مرحبا....اهال, 欢迎,
Welkom, Καλώς ορίσατε, khosh amadid (آمدید خوش(, Herzlich willkommen!, નમસ્તે(Namastē),
స్వాగతం, B'ruchim haba'im (הבאים ברוכים(, Ahlan wa Sahlan,
Bienvenidos, வணக்கம் (Vanakkam), స్వాగతం
To BMS!
This year, we would like to celebrate and recognize the various languages spoken at Barrington
Middle School. If you would like to include the language spoken in your home, please complete the
following link.
Let’s Celebrate the Languages Spoken at BMS 2025 - 2026
~ BMS Important Dates ~
Important Dates:
● Picture Day - Wednesday, September 24, 2025
● BMS Open House- Thursday, September 25, 2025
~ 2 Week Outlook ~
Stay Connected with BMS:
● BMS Daily Announcements 2025 - 2026
● BMS Club/Activities Schedule 2025 - 2026
● @bms_ri
● #bmsshines
~ BMS New News ~
Start with Hello Week:
Throughout the week of September 14, 2025 BMS students and staff members are encouraged to
perform random acts of kindness and say hi to people you may have never interacted with
throughout our BMS learning community.
Monday, September 15: Positive Message Day: Wear a shirt with a positive, uplifting message!
Stop by the Eagles Nest to pick up a positive message from your School Counselors!
Tuesday, September 16 Mental Health Awareness Day- Wear Green
Stop by the Eagles Nest to check in on the Mood Meter and use some self-regulation strategies.
Wednesday, September 17 Wear Tie Dye and Wave Hi! - Students are encouraged to wear tie dye and wave hi to someone new. Stop by the Eagles Nest to pick up compliment & Kindness notes to give to a friend or someone new!
Thursday, September 18 Cluster Color Day! - Show unity within your cluster by wearing your cluster color! Stop by the Eagles nest for a photo-op with your cluster friends. Pictures will be shared in the BMS yearbook.
Friday, September 19 Wear Your Blue and Gold Day - Wear your Blue and Gold to show unity and inclusion
Message from Ms. Slaughter:
Dear Barrington Middle School families - if you currently have a student at BMS who has a device
that they can text from, it is more than likely they are active in at least one group chat. Sometimes
a group chat can be a small group of friends that communicate about school related issues.
Sometimes a group chat gets very large (over 100 people), contains numbers your student does
not know and spirals quickly into negativity. The reports we receive about larger group chats
mention that content in a larger group chat may contain inappropriate language, homophobic
language, racist language and sexualized language. We recommend that students remove
themselves from large group chats so that they do not get caught up in anything inappropriate.
Tips:
● If you do not recognize a phone number.....get out of the chat
● If someone adds you, remove yourself
● If someone adds you again, remove yourself and block them. (You can always unblock
them again later if you’d like)
️ Enter Our Raffle – Support an Author Visit! 📚
We're bringing Newbery winner Gary D. Schmidt to Barrington Middle School on Friday, October
17th—and you can help make it happen!
Enter our upcoming raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes while supporting a meaningful cause.
All proceeds will go directly toward hosting a live author visit that will spark creativity, encourage
literacy, and connect readers with the magic behind the pages.
️ Raffle Dates: September 25 - October 16
🎁 Prizes Include:
1. An Unlikely Story tote bag and $25 gift card
2. Uncle Tony’s Pizza $25 gift card
3. Bank Newport City Center Kennedy Plaza $50 gift card
4. Francis Michael’s Salon, Ives Street, Providence $50 gift card
5. Pat’s Peak, NH - 2 mid-week lift tickets
6. Newport Historical Society - 2 guest passes
7. Bayside Resort, West Yarmouth, MA - 1 night stay
8. PPAC - 2 tickets to
💵 Tickets: 3 tickets for $5
Don’t miss your chance to win and make a difference in our readers' lives!
📚 Book Donation Drive for BMS Author Visit Fundraiser! 📚
We are excited to announce a special opportunity to support our upcoming Gary D. Schmidt author visit fundraiser! In order to raise funds for this event, we are seeking gently used books to sell at our book fair on Saturday, October 4th, from 9-12. Your donations will help bring a fantastic author to our school and create an unforgettable experience for our middle schoolers!
We are looking for:
● Gently used children’s books and young adult novels for readers in grades 4-8
● Non-fiction books (history, science, self-help, etc.)
● Hardcover and paperback books in good condition
Drop-Off Location: Barrington Middle School
Deadline for Donations: Friday, September 26, 2025
Your generosity will go a long way in making this event a success. Plus, it’s a great way to pass along books you’ve enjoyed to new readers! Thank you for your support!
Questions? Contact Mrs. Melanie Roy roym@barringtonschools.org
Picture Day:
Picture Day is set for Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
We have made it easy for you to place your portrait order online and support your school! A
portion of the proceeds of every order placed on or before Picture Day are returned to your school to support fundraising efforts.
Just follow these simple steps:
1. Go to www.coffeepond.com and click on the big red button that says “Order School
Portraits and shop our exclusive products”. Using the drop-down menu, select Barrington,
then Barrington Middle School.
2. Enter your child’s information, including full first name (as it appears in the school’s
registry). Select your packages and add them to your cart. If you have more than one child
attending this school, click “Order for Another Child” and repeat the steps above.
3. Once you’ve added packages to your cart for all your children, you’re ready to check out!
Follow the prompts to enter your contact and billing information.
4. Once all your information has been entered and you’ve reviewed your order, just be sure
to click “Submit Order”!
Paper order forms are available in the office if you prefer. They will accept cash and check with a
paper form.
All students’ pictures will be taken even if you do not order a picture package (we need the pictures for our library book use, lunch payment verification, identification in classes, etc).
We will have a makeup day in November for any students who would like to have a retake.
(Please note that orders placed after Picture Day may be subject to a $8 handling fee)
BMS Outside Time: Volunteers Needed!
BMS Volunteers Needed to Help Supervise Outside Time for all Grades
Students will have the opportunity to go outside after they finish their lunch, starting the week of September 22nd. Can you help weekly, bi-weekly, every now and then?
2 Volunteers needed daily, 12:00-1:30pm
If you’d like to join us for one or more dates, please sign up here: BMS Outside Lunch Volunteer
New Volunteer Orientation:
If you are a new volunteer in any Barrington Public School, have completed a BCI, and have never
attended a Volunteer Orientation in our district, it is required that you do so prior to volunteering.
Please plan to attend one of the following New Volunteer Orientation sessions:
● Wednesday, September 24th at Sowams School at 9 am
● Wednesday, September 24th at BMS at 6:00 pm
● Thursday, September 25th at Primrose HIll School at 9:00 am
● Friday, September 26th at Nayatt in the outdoor garden (weather permitting) at 9:00 am
● Monday, September 29th at HMS at 9:00 am
You may attend an orientation. IT does not have to be at your child’s current school. Please email
Anita DiMatteo with any questions.
~ BMS Current and Relevant News ~
~ BMS Student Activities ~
BMS Best Buddies:
Join BMS Best Buddies for our first event of the year, Hello-palooza! The event, which is open to
all, will take place in the BMS Cafeteria on Wednesday, September 24, from 3:15 to 4:00 PM.
Come enjoy games, learn about Best Buddies, and help us celebrate friendship and inclusion. We
can’t wait to see you there!
BMS Tennis:
BMS Fall tennis has started! All abilities and grade levels may sign up for any day
Monday-Wednesday (but please limit your student's sign up to one day per week). We will be
offering four weeks of tennis and each week will focus on a different set of skills culminating in
some games between classmates. There is no cost to participate! There will be a new Sign-Up
Genius in the Connected Newsletter each week so keep an eye out for that. Please note that this
week there is no tennis on Tuesday, 9/23 since we do not have school that day.
Please sign up for week 3 using the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49AAAE2EAAF9CE9-58719546-bmsfall
BMS Enrichment - Registration opens Thursday, September 18, 2025
BMS Spring Enrichment will be live for families to register on myschoolbucks.com Thursday,
September 18 at 4:00PM. If you are having trouble with your myschoolbucks.com account please
email Christine Francis at francisc@barringtonschools.org Phone: 401-245-5000 ext 335. If you
have questions about programming, email bmsenrichment@barringtonschools.org
1. Monday: 7:20-8:20 AM (15 Students) Volleyball with Ms. Scanlon
In this enrichment class students will focus on the six major skills (passing, setting, blocking,
defense, serving and attacking). Players will work on proper biomechanics, footwork and form.
Players will run through a variety of drills and get lots of reps to really improve their technique.
Each session will conclude with a fun game or scrimmage to put what they have learned to
practice.
October 6, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17, 24
Dec 1
2. Monday: 3:20-4:20PM (14 students) Basketball with Mr. Promades
Overview: BMS Basketball enrichment will help improve young player’s fundamentals. Students will
be taught the basic techniques of shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, and defense. Here are
just a few things you will learn out on the court: Ball handling drills that you can work on at home to
become more confident with the ball, Proper shooting technique, Passing and catching skills, How
to box out your opponent and grab a rebound, Defensive stance and movements, how to be a
good teammate, 3 v 3 & 5 v 5 game play.
Sept 29
October 6, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17, 24
2. Tuesday: 7:20-8:20 AM (15 Students) Volleyball with Ms. Gower
In this enrichment class students will focus on the six major skills (passing, setting, blocking,
defense, serving and attacking). Players will work on proper biomechanics, footwork and form.
Players will run through a variety of drills and get lots of reps to really improve their technique.
Each session will conclude with a fun game or scrimmage to put what they have learned to
practice.
September 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 18, 25
4. Wednesday 7:20-8:20AM (12 students) Sunrise Yoga Flow with Ms. Scanlon
Overview: This before-school yoga program helps middle school students start their day with
calmness and focus. It can reduce anxiety and stress, improving overall emotional well-being.
Regular participation supports better concentration and academic performance. Physical activity
boosts energy levels and promotes healthy habits. Additionally, it creates a positive routine that
encourages self-awareness and resilience.
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
5. Wednesday 7:20-8:20 AM (15 students) Badminton with Ms. Gower
Overview: In this enrichment class students will apply skills and knowledge to further understand
the etiquette, scoring, and concepts of badminton. Students will use individual and cooperative
learning to demonstrate the game of badminton. Students will continue to strengthen their basic
badminton skills (serving, forehand, backhand, underhand shots). They’ll look to improve their
serve during this class as well as an introduction and practice with the drive, smash, clear, and
drop shots. Along with working on their skills, they should begin to understand the strategy/rules of
the game of badminton.
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
6. Wednesday 3:20-4:20PM (20 students) Filmmaking and Podcasting with Mr. Altieri
Overview: "Have you taken TV Studio class and loved it? Have you always wanted to take TV
Studio class but never had the chance? Well the Intro to Filmmaking and Podcastsing is the class
for you! This enrichment class will give students the opportunity to make their own short films,
videos, or podcasts! Students will use professional video production equipment, editing software,
and podcasting equipment. Classes will meet after school on Wednesdays in the TV studio. There
are only 20 spots available, so sign up soon!"
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19
7. Thursday 7:20-8:20 AM (15 students) Volleyball with Ms. Scanlon
Overview: In this enrichment class students will focus on the six major skills (passing, setting,
blocking, defense, serving and attacking). Players will work on proper biomechanics, footwork and
form. Players will run through a variety of drills and get lots of reps to really improve their
technique. Each session will conclude with a fun game or scrimmage to put what they have
learned to practice.
October 9, 16, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4
8. Friday 7:20-8:20AM (15 students) Volleyball with Ms. Gower
Overview: In this enrichment class students will focus on the six major skills (passing, setting,
blocking, defense, serving and attacking). Players will work on proper biomechanics, footwork and
form. Players will run through a variety of drills and get lots of reps to really improve their
technique. Each session will conclude with a fun game or scrimmage to put what they have
learned to practice.
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21
December 5
~ Spotlight on Learning ~
This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on our very own BMS Custodial Team! A huge
thank you goes out to John Ferreira and John Barbosa for all of their hard work and dedication for
keeping BMS clean and safe for our faculty, staff, and students. They both went above and beyond
by installing our Stairway of Belonging which was made possible through a Barrington Education
Foundation grant. Thank you, John and John! (nominated by Brian Fernandes)
This week, we would like to shine our BMS Spotlight on Dr Brian Fernandes. I would like to
recognize Dr. Fernandes for decorating our main stairwell with the district's vision of the graduate.
The stairs look beautiful! (nominated by Traci Taglione)
~ Community News ~
Barrington Composting Opportunity:
ERICD has recently partnered with the town to launch the first-ever municipal curbside compost
pickup program in the state!
This pilot program will run for the next 2 years and the goal is to reduce the amount of food waste
going to RI's central landfill from Barrington residents and instead use the diverted food waste to
turn it into nutrient-rich compost. We are aiming to get at least 500 Barrington residents signed up
and currently have 200. Weekly curbside pickup for this program will begin on September 18th, but folks are welcome to sign up through the end of the year.
Please click here for more information!
Fundraiser in Memory of Henry Charbonneau:
Please join us at Dune Brothers to support the Tomorrow Fund for children with cancer on Sunday,
October 5, 2025 from 11-5 pm, 684 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, RI. There will be music,
games, a cartoonist and the carousel! Rain or shine! Click here for the flier.
Barrington Booster Day:
Mark your calendars for Barrington Booster Day on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Your
generous donations support so much! Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Student Athletes will be visiting your neighborhood on the morning of September 20th! Or donate
early via Venmo Using the code 6746. Be sure to note “Sport Supporting Donations”. Donations
also accepted via PayPal at www.barringtonboosters.org or by mail P.O. Box 232,Barrinton, RI with
checks payable to Barrington Boosters. Our athletes thank you!
Barrington Youth Basketball Association:
Visit bybahoops.leagueapps.com to REGISTER!
Registration is open for both the recreational league and also the competitive travel program!
Coaching opportunities are available!
Barrington Police & Barrington Public Schools Clothing Drive:
The Barrington Police Department and Barrington Public Schools are partnering with Clothes to
Kids RI, a local non-profit organization, to support children and families in need. From September
12 through October 31, we will be collecting:
● Gently used coats, hats, and gloves
● New packaged undergarments (socks, t-shirts, etc.)
Urgent Need: Jackets for elementary school-age children are especially requested.
Students may drop off donations at clearly marked collection areas located at Barrington High
School and Barrington Middle School.
Your generosity will help keep local children warm this season. Thank you in advance for your
support!
Barrington Lions Club Peace Poster Contest:
For peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, we’re
asking our young students to create a poster that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for
kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace through one child at a time.
Artwork is judged on three criteria: originality, artistic merit, and expression of the theme, "Together As One." Prizes for the top three winners: 1st place, $100, 2nd and 3rd place winners, $50 each.
The winning poster will advance to judging at the state level. Winners at the state level will advance to the national contest.
The contest is open to children who will be 11, 12, or 13 on November 15, 2025. Children must be
residents of Barrington, RI. All artwork must be the child's original creation. Duplications are not
accepted. Only one entry per child. All art media are accepted. Three-dimensional entries are not
accepted: Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached to the artwork. Artwork has size restrictions:
check BarringtonRILionsClub.org for details. The use of lettering or numbering on the front of the
poster, in any language, is not allowed.