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.
WELCOME BACK!
Dear Banneker Families,
What a joy it has been to welcome our children back! Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter, and watching them reconnect with friends and teachers reminds us why every bit of this work matters.
Our first week together at 21 Notre Dame Avenue is about building relationships, establishing routines, and getting back to learning. Our familiar home is filled with the energy and spirit that make Banneker special.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and trust through a beginning that has asked so much of our community. We know the changes have not been easy. I am deeply grateful to our staff, who have poured their hearts into creating welcoming classrooms, and to our families for standing alongside us.
As we continue preparing our new home at Matignon, our focus remains on giving your children consistency, care, and the high-quality education they deserve. Please look for updates and important reminders in our Wednesday Backpack.
Banneker has always been more than a building. It is our children, our families, our staff, and the belief we share in what our students can achieve. It feels wonderful to be together again.
With gratitude,
Dr. Sherley E. Bretous
Executive Director
Attending school daily is critical!
Please remember that homeroom starts at 8:00 AM. If a student is not in the homeroom by 8:00am 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.
Reminder- Wednesday, September 23rd is a Half-day students will be dismissed at 11:30am please plan accordingly. Transportation will be provided.
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:
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:
Picture Day– October 5th, Students must be dressed in appropriate attire for picture day. Students are not allowed to wear jeans.
Ongoing Events:
Coats for KIDS– The Banneker will be collecting gently used coats in all sizes. Starting October 1st-January 9th
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
Wednesday, September 23 Half-day @ 11:30am
Monday, October 5th Picture Day
Monday, October 12 No School
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.
