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
(Do not resubmit an application if your child already attends)
This month for November are themes are Gratitude & Community:
Gratitude
Gratitude means being thankful for the people, things, and moments that make your life better.
Showing gratitude: You can show gratitude by saying “thank you,” writing a kind note, writing about what you are thankful for, or telling people you appreciate them.
When you have gratitude, it helps you notice the good around you, feel more joyful, and make others feel special too.
Community
Community means a group of people who care about and help each other.
You are part of many communities, like your family community, your school community, and your neighborhood community.
Everyone has something special to give that helps make the community stronger.
You show community by including others, helping when someone needs it, taking care of shared spaces, and cheering people on.
Supporting Gratitude and Community at Home
- Share “thankful moments” at dinner or bedtime
- Encourage kids to write or draw thank-you notes
- Keep a family gratitude jar—add notes about good things that happen
and read them together later.
- Do a family service project—pick up litter, donate food, or make cards for a local shelter.
- Encourage your child to help at home (set the table, feed a pet, or fold laundry)
and celebrate teamwork.
- Have family conversations about ways to solve problems together or help someone in need.
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.
Reminder- Wednesday, November 26th is a Half-day students will be dismissed at 11:30am please plan accordingly.
Character Day- November 26th
Character Day is coming! Start thinking about your FAVORITE book character! We’ll be celebrating our favorite book characters on November 26th. Students and staff are invited to come to school dressed as their favorite book character! We can’t wait to see your costumes! Students will be dismissed at 11:30am.
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
Character Day- We’ll be celebrating our favorite book characters on November 26th. Students will be dismissed at 11:30am.
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, November 19 Half-day @ 11:30am
Wednesday, November 26 Half-day @ 11:30am
Thursday, November 27 & 28 No School (Thanksgiving Break)
