Bear Updates

September 11-15, 2023

Important Upcoming Dates:

Important Bear Links

Administration and Guidance

From the Desk of Ms. Gore

Greetings BWMS Families,

We are delighted to share that our third week of school has been GREAT! We are looking forward to all the exciting activities and learning opportunities during the coming weeks. Please note that interim reports will be available via email on September 22nd. It is very important that you check the PoweSchool Parent portal regularly to remain updated of your child’s academic progress and attendance. Please contact the school should you need assistance with accessing the portal.

Thank you for your continued support. We know and understand that the parent to school relationship is vital to student success. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Principal Gore

~Building Bear Greatness~

BWMS Picture Day:

Parents/Guardians will receive an email and text message from School Bell Fotos with directions on how to order school pictures that will be taken on Monday, September 18th.

Information from the photographer:

Avoid logos or writing on shirts since that distracts from your child’s face. A text or email will be sent to parents or guardians a few days after the photos are taken. You can view the photo, make an order, and share the link with relatives and friends. If an order is made within the first 10 days, the shipping cost is waived, and the photos are shipped in about two weeks to the school. If the order is made after 10 days, the photos will be shipped to the address provided and there will be a shipping charge. 

BWMS Procedures:

Please click on the 23-24 BWMS Student handbook to review information that has been shared with students through classroom discussion and class meetings. Please contact your child’s grade level administrator or to Principal Gore with questions.

BWMS School Improvement Council:

The School Improvement Council is intended to advise the principal and the school, focusing on school improvement and attainment of school wide instructional goals. Parents, teachers, and community members serve on the SIC. The SIC is advisory only and parents who want to serve are nominated and elected by other parents. If you would like to serve on the BWMS School Improvement Council, please notify Principal Gore via email at bgore@horrycountyschools.net

PSAT- Eighth Grade Students:

All eighth grade students at Black Water Middle School will take the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. 

The PSAT is important because it provides practice for the SAT. PSAT scores are more than just a number. PSAT scores show where students are and allow for opportunities to set  goals/targets. Score detail reports are provided to parents which include skills and knowledge to focus on while there is plenty of time to improve. PSAT scores also provide insight into the potential for AP courses during high school.

Horry County Schools New Middle School Tardy Policy:

Horry County Schools has adopted a tardy to school policy for all middle schools across the county. We know and understand that it takes time to get procedures and routines in place. We will implement this policy on Monday, September 11th. The tardy to school policy is reserved for those students who arrive unexcused late to school. If there is a bus that arrives late to school, those students are excused. Students attending an early morning doctor’s appointment should submit a doctor’s note to the front desk upon arrival in order to have their absence excused. The tardy to school policy is in place to ensure that we are maximizing instructional time during the school day. We will adhere to the policy as set forth by Horry County Schools. If you have any questions, you can contact any member of administration.

PAWS/After School Tutoring

Our PAWS after school program will begin on Tuesday, September 26th. Tutoring is held from 3:45-4:20 on Tuesday and Thursday. An invitation/permission form is linked here. This is required in order for students to participate in the program. Bus transportation is provided, car riders should be picked up no later than 4:30. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Cagna, our after school tutoring coordinator.

PAWS Permission Form

Interested in joining our PTO or volunteering?

Please email our PTO (blackwatermiddlepto@gmail.com)

Technology Fees/Information

All students in grades K-12 are given the opportunity to pay a Technology Fee of $25 for the full academic year, due at the time of registration. You will have the option to pay online or in person. The $25 Tech Fee is required for students in grades K-12 to take a device home. 

Students who pay the Technology Fee:

• Pay an additional $25 for the first accidental damage repair, $75 for the second accidental damage repair, and the full cost of repair/replacement for all subsequent accidental damage repairs during the academic year.

• Pay an additional $25 for the device replacement due to theft (requires a formal police report).

• Pay full repair for all damage caused by neglect or abuse.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss of device.

• Students in grades 6-12 are allowed to take devices home.

Students who do not pay the Technology Fee:

• Pay full repair cost of all damage.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss due to theft.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss of device.

If a student does not return their device or owes for a damaged device from last school year, we do not issue another one until the first one was returned or the parent paid the repair cost. Payment plans are being allowed and are being set up by the school administration.

After School Events:

After-School activities are a great way for students to remain involved and enhance their middle school experience. It is imperative that students abide by BWMS and HCS rules during after-school activities. Students should be accompanied by an adult when attending after-school sporting events. Students will also need transportation for after-school club activities as transportation is not provided.

Clubs:

Over the course of the next two weeks, students will learn about the clubs offered here at BWMS. Students will have the opportunity to select their first, second, and third club choice based on their interest. Club days will be conducted monthly during the school day. We are excited for our students to experience our club days.

Social Media:

Social Media has a wide range of impacts on the way in which we communicate and express our thoughts and opinions. When used appropriately, there are many benefits for us both as individuals and as a community as we explore the many ways that social media allows us to exhibit positive things. Unfortunately, we know through experience that social media can also be used as a means to hurt others. Please work with your child to discuss making positive decisions when using social media. In some instances, inappropriate behavior on social media can ultimately lead to school-level disciplinary consequences being issued.

Al A Carte/Lunch Information:

Everyday the following items will be offered during lunch at no cost to students.

• PB&J sandwich

• Chef Turkey salad

• Chef Crispy Chicken Salad

• Chicken Filet Sandwiches

• Pizza

• Main entree which changes daily

• Snack items are now being sold during lunch. 

2023-2024 Student Procedures and Information:

Morning Arrival:

Student drop off begins at 7:30. Supervision is not available prior to 7:30 and students should not be at school prior to this time unless working with a teacher. Please ensure that you adhere to this policy for the safety of students.

Afternoon Dismissal:

Car riders should be picked up from school no later than 3:50 pm. Please ensure that you have your car tag OR number displayed on your dash and are ready each afternoon for dismissal.

Deliveries:

We do not allow deliveries of flowers, balloons, or the like. No outside food is allowed to be delivered.

Water Bottles:

• Students are permitted to bring a sealed or empty water bottle to school to refill in our water fountains/water stations. Water bottles with sports tops are not permitted. Glass bottles are also not allowed. This is to ensure the safety of our students.

Perfume/Aerosol Spray:

Perfume and aerosol sprays are not permitted. This is to ensure the safety of students.

Attendance:

• Attendance is taken each day for each period/block.

• Parent notes are NOT accepted as an excused absence, however we do ask that you send a note, email, or call if your student is going to be absent. Excused absences are: medical, principal approval (with prior arrangements made with the school principal) bereavement, a school field trip/school activity, or legal. Proper documentation must be submitted to the attendance clerk when your student returns to school. All medical notes will be verified. Any questions regarding attendance may be directed to Cheryl Sibilia at 843-903-8440 or csibilia@horrycountyschools.net 

Breakfast and Lunch: At No Cost

• Meals are free for students. Items from the A La carte line require payment. 

• MySchoolBucks- Create an account and load money for breakfast and lunch for your student.

Spirit Rock

The BWMS Spirit Rock is available for rental. 

For information about available dates and 

Procedures for the rental of the rock, please see 

The spirit rock rental on our school webpage or contact Kimberly Weaks- kweaks@horrrycountyschools.net

.

Week 2 Bear Updates

September 4-8, 2023

Important Upcoming Dates:

Important Bear Links

Administration and Guidance

From the Desk of Ms. Gore

Greetings BWMS Families,

We’ve had a GREAT second week of school. Our students  worked hard to learn our procedures and routines. MAP and Iready testing have ended. Make up testing is being conducted for students who did not complete testing during the initial testing days. The data obtained from MAP and Iready testing will assist teachers in making data driven instructional and grouping decisions.

Teachers are working hard to plan meaningful, rigorous, and engaging lessons for our students. If you have questions regarding grades and assignments, please reach out to your child’s teachers directly.

We encourage you to stay connected through our school website, weekly newsletters, and social media. Grades are updated by teachers weekly. If you have questions regarding your login information for the parent portal, please contact us.

Thank you for your continued support. We know and understand that the parent to school relationship is vital to student success. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Principal Gore

~Building Bear Greatness~

Interested in joining our PTO or volunteering?

Please email our PTO (blackwatermiddlepto@gmail.com)

Technology Fees/Information

All students in grades K-12 are given the opportunity to pay a Technology Fee of $25 for the full academic year, due at the time of registration. You will have the option to pay online or in person. The $25 Tech Fee is required for students in grades K-12 to take a device home. 

Students who pay the Technology Fee:

• Pay an additional $25 for the first accidental damage repair, $75 for the second accidental damage repair, and the full cost of repair/replacement for all subsequent accidental damage repairs during the academic year.

• Pay an additional $25 for the device replacement due to theft (requires a formal police report).

• Pay full repair for all damage caused by neglect or abuse.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss of device.

• Students in grades 6-12 are allowed to take devices home.

Students who do not pay the Technology Fee:

• Pay full repair cost of all damage.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss due to theft.

• Pay full replacement cost for loss of device.

If a student does not return their device or owes for a damaged device from last school year, we do not issue another one until the first one was returned or the parent paid the repair cost. Payment plans are being allowed and are being set up by the school administration.

After School Events:

After-School activities are a great way for students to remain involved and enhance their middle school experience. It is imperative that students abide by BWMS and HCS rules during after-school activities. Students should be accompanied by an adult when attending after-school sporting events. Students will also need transportation for after-school club activities as transportation is not provided.

Clubs

Over the course of the next two weeks, students will learn about the clubs offered here at BWMS. Students will have the opportunity to select their first, second, and third club choice based on their interest. Club days will be conducted monthly during the school day. We are excited for our students to experience our club days.

Social Media

Social Media has a wide range of impacts on the way in which we communicate and express our thoughts and opinions. When used appropriately, there are many benefits for us both as individuals and as a community as we explore the many ways that social media allows us to exhibit positive things. Unfortunately, we know through experience that social media can also be used as a means to hurt others. Please work with your child to discuss making positive decisions when using social media. In some instances, inappropriate behavior on social media can ultimately lead to school-level disciplinary consequences being issued.

Al A Carte/Lunch Information:

Everyday the following items will be offered during lunch at no cost to students.

• PB&J sandwich

• Chef Turkey salad

• Chef Crispy Chicken Salad

• Chicken Filet Sandwiches

• Pizza

• Main entree which changes daily

• Snack items are now being sold during lunch. 

2023-2024 Student Procedures and Information:

Morning Arrival:

Student drop off begins at 7:30. Supervision is not available prior to 7:30 and students should not be at school prior to this time unless working with a teacher.

Afternoon Dismissal:

Car riders should be picked up from school no later than 3:50 pm. Please ensure that you have your car tag OR number displayed on your dash or ready each afternoon for dismissal

Deliveries:

We do not allow deliveries of flowers, balloons, or the like. No outside food is allowed to be delivered.

Water Bottles:

• Students are permitted to bring a sealed or empty water bottle to school to refill in our water fountains/water stations. Water bottles with sports tops are not permitted. Glass bottles are also not allowed. This is to ensure the safety of our students.

Perfume/Aerosol Spray:

Perfume and aerosol sprays are not permitted. This is to ensure the safety of students.

Attendance:

• Attendance is taken each day for each period/block.

• Parent notes are NOT accepted as an excused absence, however we do ask that you send a note, email, or call if your student is going to be absent. Excused absences are: medical, principal approval (with prior arrangements made with the school principal) bereavement, a school field trip/school activity, or legal. Proper documentation must be submitted to the attendance clerk when your student returns to school. All medical notes will be verified. Any questions regarding attendance may be directed to Cheryl Sibilia at 843-903-8440 or csibilia@horrycountyschools.net 

Breakfast and Lunch: At No Cost

• Meals are free for students. Items from the A La carte line require payment. 

• MySchoolBucks- Create an account and load money for breakfast and lunch for your student.

Spirit Rock

The BWMS Spirit Rock is available for rental. 

For information about available dates and 

Procedures for the rental of the rock, please see 

The spirit rock rental on our school webpage or contact Kimberly Weaks- kweaks@horrrycountyschools.net

.

Week 1 Bear Updates

August 25, 2023

Important Upcoming Dates:

Important Bear Links

Administration and Guidance

From the Desk of Ms. Gore

Greetings BWMS Families,

We’ve had a GREAT first week of school. Our students are working hard to learn our procedures and routines as we start the new school year. As the days/weeks progress, it is important that our students know that we will continue to hold high expectations for both academics and behavior. Our commitment to our students, parents, staff, and parents is that we will be accountable for these two things as we know they are vital to student success. I encourage you to establish an open line of communication with your child’s teachers. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. Additionally, if you have not already set up your account in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, I encourage and recommend that you do so as this will allow you to have access to “live” updates of your child’s grades and attendance. If you have any questions regarding the creation of this account, please feel free to contact any member of our guidance department listed above in the administration and guidance section above. 

We encourage you to stay connected through our school website, weekly newsletters, and social media.

Thank you for your continued support and patience. We know and understand that the parent to school relationship is vital to student success. If you have any questions or concerts, my door is always open. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Principal Gore

~Building Bear Greatness~

Beginning of the year Testing

All of our students will be taking the Reading MAP Assessment on Tuesday, August 29th and the Iready Diagnostic Math assessment on Thursday, August 31st. Please talk with your child about the importance of doing their absolute best. These scores are used not only to guide instructional decisions, they are also used for future class placements. If you have any questions about testing, please feel free to reach out to a member of our administrative team.

After School Events:

After-School activities are a great way for students to remain involved and enhance their middle school experience. It is imperative that students abide by BWMS and HCS rules during after-school activities. Students should be accompanied by an adult when attending after-school sporting events. Students will also need transportation for after-school club activities as transportation is not provided.

Clubs

Over the course of the next two weeks, students will learn about the clubs offered here at BWMS. Students will have the opportunity to select their first, second, and third club choice based on their interest. Club days will be conducted monthly during the school day. We are excited for our students to experience our club days.

Social Media

Social Media has a wide range of impacts on the way in which we communicate and express our thoughts and opinions. When used appropriately, there are many benefits for us both as individuals and as a community as we explore the many ways that social media allows us to exhibit positive things. Unfortunately, we know through experience that social media can also be used as a means to hurt others. Please work with your child to discuss making positive decisions when using social media. In some instances, inappropriate behavior on social media can ultimately lead to school-level disciplinary consequences being issued.

Al A Carte/Lunch Information:

Everyday the following items will be offered during lunch at no cost to students.

• PB&J sandwich

• Chef Turkey salad

• Chef Crispy Chicken Salad

• Chicken Filet Sandwiches

• Pizza

• Main entree which changes daily

• Snack items are now being sold during lunch. 

2023-2024 Student Procedures and Information:

Morning Arrival:

Student drop off begins at 7:30. Supervision is not available prior to 7:30 and students should not be at school prior to this time unless working with a teacher.

Afternoon Dismissal:

Car riders should be picked up from school no later than 3:50 pm. Please ensure that you have your car tag OR number displayed on your dash or ready each afternoon for dismissal

Deliveries:

We do not allow deliveries of flowers, balloons, or the like. No outside food is allowed to be delivered.

Water Bottles:

• Students are permitted to bring a sealed or empty water bottle to school to refill in our water fountains/water stations. Water bottles with sports tops are not permitted. Glass bottles are also not allowed. This is to ensure the safety of our students.

Perfume/Aerosol Spray:

Perfume and aerosol sprays are not permitted. This is to ensure the safety of students.

Attendance:

• Attendance is taken each day for each period/block.

• Parent notes are NOT accepted as an excused absence, however we do ask that you send a note, email, or call if your student is going to be absent. Excused absences are: medical, principal approval (with prior arrangements made with the school principal) bereavement, a school field trip/school activity, or legal. Proper documentation must be submitted to the attendance clerk when your student returns to school. All medical notes will be verified. Any questions regarding attendance may be directed to Cheryl Sibilia at 843-903-8440 or csibilia@horrycountyschools.net 

Breakfast and Lunch: At No Cost

• Meals are free for students. Items from the A La carte line require payment. 

• MySchoolBucks- Create an account and load money for breakfast and lunch for your student.

Spirit Rock

The BWMS Spirit Rock is available for rental. 

For information about available dates and 

Procedures for the rental of the rock, please see 

The spirit rock rental on our school webpage or contact Kimberly Weaks- kweaks@horrrycountyschools.net