Good Afternoon Banneker parents and guardians,
Wednesday Backpack has arrived!
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 are now accepting applications! Register Now for grades K1-6th gr.
To be considered for K1 students must be 4 by August 31st, 2026 Apply now
Application deadline is March 11th, 2026
Lottery will be held March 6th, 2026
(Do not resubmit an application if your child already attends)
Exciting News: Benjamin Banneker Charter School’s New Home This Fall!
We are thrilled to share that Benjamin Banneker Charter School will open the upcoming school year at a new location: 1 Matignon Road.
This move marks an exciting new chapter for our community. Our new space will support continued growth and provide a welcoming, engaging environment for teaching and learning. We look forward to opening our doors this fall and welcoming our students and families to our new home.
Additional details will be shared soon. Thank you for being a valued part of the Benjamin Banneker Charter School community—we can’t wait to begin this next chapter together!
This month, our theme for January is Forgiveness, learning how to let go of hurt feelings, say sorry when we make mistakes, and give others a chance to try again. As we start the new year, it’s a wonderful time to practice fresh starts and kindness in our relationships. We will practice recognizing our feelings, using kind words to repair friendships at school, and being caring family members at home.
At home, you can help by:
- Talking about what forgiveness means and how it helps us move forward.
- Encouraging your child to apologize sincerely and accept apologies from others.
- Pointing out moments when your child shows understanding of forgiveness.
Thank you for partnering with us to grow forgiving hearts as we start the new year
Appropriate Attire
We like to see our students dressed appropriately now that the winter winds have approached. Coats, scarves, hats, and gloves would be great. Please make sure that your child’s name is printed on their clothing items in case they are misplaced or lost. Also, a reminder that Lost and found is getting full!! Please come in and check for any items your child may have lost. If your child brings an unfamiliar item, we ask that you return it back to school so we may return it to its rightful owner.
Coats for KIDS– Do you have any coats you would like to donate? The Banneker is collecting gently used coats in all sizes for families in need. Starting October 1st-January 9th. Our goal is to collect 200 coats.
Lunch Menu: https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1157/district/1191/school/9330/menu/35562
Free Food Market! One Thursdays every month, 3pm- 5pm: If interested, Peabody school hosts the free food market. Bring your own bags. Future dates are:
Thursday, February 12th
Thursday, March 19th
Thursday, April 16th
Thursday, May 21st
Thursday, June 18th
Uniform Policy:
As the weather continues to change students must and should dress appropriately:
Students Are not allowed to wear Jeans, only on half days for $1- Funds are donated to charity
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.
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
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.
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.
**Phone message system
One method the Banneker uses to communicate with our families is through the phone and email message system.If your contact information has changed, you need to inform the school immediately. It is important that we have updated address and contact numbers. Please email Mstgermain@banneker.org with any updates.
Upcoming events
Willy Wonka Musical- 4th grade shows-
- Tuesday, Jan 27th Mr B. Wilson’s class will be performing @ 6pm
- Thursday, Jan 29th Ms. Green’s class will be performing. @6pm
Ongoing Events
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 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No school
Mon, Feb 16-20 February Break
Friday, March 13 End of second Trimester
Wed, March 18 Half-day @ 11:30am
Mon, April 20-24 Spring Break
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.
