1/22/25 Wednesday Backpack!
As you know we are making a great effort to be GREEN! So, our newsletter is electronic.
*It is imperative that you keep your child home if they are not feeling well or have any symptoms. The healthier we are, the longer we stay together.
We understand that recent immigration events may be causing stress and uncertainty for many families, and we want you to know that we are here for you. Our community stands in support of you during this challenging time, and we are committed to offering the care, understanding, and resources you need. You are not alone—please reach out to us if you need help or just someone to talk to.
Refer to this link for resources and information: https://miracoalition.org/news/know-your-rights/
APPLICATIONS 2025-2026
*We are still accepting applications! Register now for grades K 1-6th gr.
Application deadline is March 11th, 2025 Apply now
Available online at www.banneker.org
2026 Teacher of the Year Nomination Form is Now Open!
Do you know an excellent educator who…
- Creates a positive and engaging learning environment that balances high expectations with individualized support?
- Build strong relationships with students, families, and the larger school and district community?
- Has ideas to promote high-quality teaching and is eager to work with a wide range of individuals to improve education?
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking nominations for the 2026 Teacher of the Year.
The nominated teacher will receive a congratulatory email notifying them of your nomination and an invitation to apply. Learn more about the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year program, including eligibility requirements here.
Attending school daily is critical!
Please remember that homeroom starts at 8:00 AM. If a student is not in the homeroom by 8:00 they are considered tardy. Encouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways we can prepare our children for success – both in school and in life. “Excessive tardiness” is when a child is late in excess of 30 minutes. “Habitual tardiness,” frequently tardy 5 to 10 minutes, which is equally detrimental. This is typically the parents’ responsibility. Tardiness of any kind will be reflected on your child’s school records/transcripts. Please assist your child in learning the valuable lesson of personal responsibility by setting the example of punctuality.
Snow Day information: Will be sent out via a phone message and email. If you need reassuring snow day information, it will also be provided on our website, Channel 5 and Fox news. Banneker Calendar
Banneker MCAS Intensive Tutorial Program
Purpose: The goal of the program is to improve student performance on the MCAS in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students will receive direct small group instruction specifically designed with their individual needs in mind.
Only students with the highest academic need will be invited to participate in this program.
If you have any questions, contact Metienne@banneker.org
Time: Monday and Wednesday 3:00- 5:45
Start date: January 13, 2025
End date: TBD
Lunch Menu: https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1157/district/1191/school/9330/menu/35562
Uniform Policy:
As the weather continues to change students must and should dress appropriately:
Khaki bottom: including shorts or skirts No leggings. Maroon tops: plain maroon tops (no tank tops)
No open toe shoes, flip flops, sandals, and Crocs. No jeans are allowed unless it is a jeans day.
If students are not dressed in uniform parents will be required to bring them a change of clothes.
Want to purchase uniforms, go to https://www.donnellysclothing.com/BENCHCAMBMA
Lost and Found
Please label your child’s clothes so they will be returned to you. All clothes in the lost and found not labeled will be donated at the end of the month. Please stop by lost and found if you are missing clothes.
Banneker Community Closet- Uniform Recycle
Are you getting some early cleaning done? We are collecting gently used uniforms for our uniform recycle program. If your child has outgrown their uniforms, please consider donating them to the Banneker. You can drop them off to the nurse or the front desk. Thank you
Personal Property:
Portable electronic devices are not allowed in any classroom, Students must have all portable electronic devices turned off during the school day. No portable electronic device may be visible during the school day. Any unauthorized use of portable electronic devices will lead to confiscation. Parents will be required to retrieve the device from an administrator. Banneker is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
A Reminder from the Nurse:
Dear Parents/Guardians: This year, and every year, our goal is to work together to maintain a healthy environment for the overall wellbeing of our community. Due to the high number of students with food allergies, especially to peanuts, the Banneker is a peanut free school. To ensure the safety of our students, please refrain from sending peanut products to school with your children. Thank you for your cooperation. any questions email Nurse@banneker.org
Transportation
Banneker is pleased to be able to continue to offer transportation services to our families.
In an effort to ensure that all our students get home safely and are always accounted for please remember:
Bus
- If you need to make any changes regarding pick up or stop status you must call the school before 2pm.
- We are no longer able to switch buses but families can switch stops or change to parent pick up.
- Parents are not permitted to take students off the bus accept at their designated stop unless prior arrangements have been made
Parent pick up
- Parents in cars are prioritized
- Please remain in your car and drive off as soon as possible safely
We can no longer accommodate bus changes! If you need to make any dismissal changes for your Child/ren please call Ms. St. Germain between the hours of 8am-2pm. Anything after will not be accepted.
Dismissal
Dismissal begins at 2:45 pm. Just a reminder, please arrive at the bus stop 10-15 minutes prior to both pickup and drop off times. For parent pick-up simply drive up to the side of the building to pick up your child. No need to park your car.
Follow us on Facebook
If you haven’t already done so, please follow us now at Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School. Also check our website at www.Banneker.org for any other information.
**Phone message system
One method the Banneker uses to communicate with our families is through the phone and email message system. It is important that we have updated address and contact numbers. Please email Mstgermain@banneker.org with any updates.
Upcoming events
Frozen Musical- 4th grade shows-
- Tuesday, Jan 28th Mr B. Wilson’s class will be performing @ 6pm
- Thursday, Jan 30th Ms. C.Wilson’s class will be performing. @6pm
Half Day- Students will be dismissed at 11:30 am Wednesday, March 19th. Plan ahead!
Ongoing Events
Coats for KIDS– The Banneker will be collecting gently used coats in all sizes. Starting October 2nd-January 10th
Scholastic Book Club- All Grades – https://clubs.scholastic.com Book prices range from $1.00 to $15.00. All orders can be shipped directly to your home!
Upcoming dates to remember
-
Monday, Jan 20 Martin Luther King Day- No school
- Monday, Feb 17-21 Winter Break
- Friday, March 14 End of second Trimester
- Wednesday, March 19 Half Day @ 11:30am
Parents Please feel free to share our events with your friends and coworkers, we love it when we all can come together as a community to help one another.
