Future of BMMS Academy 23-24 School Year

Future Black Mountain Families,

As the Principal of Black Mountain Middle School, I am delighted that you are interested in having your child attend our community of Black Mountain learners. As a Black Mountain parent, you will become a part of a community of caring and supportive educators that has your child’s best interest at the forefront of our mission. I look forward to welcoming you and your child to our BMMS Family.

I want to provide you with the most current information regarding our Academy. A parent information meeting was held in late 2022, during which families were informed that there will be a gradual phase out of the BMMS Academy beginning the 2023/24 school year.

Our current 6th grade class (23-24) will be the final cohort for the BMMS Academy (which will be promoted at the conclusion of the 2024/25 school year). There will not be any subsequent incoming 6th grade Academy cohort beginning the 2023-2024 school year or the successive years.

The following factors were provided to the community for the decision to move forward with the phase out of the Academy;

  • Reduced amounts of donations have resulted in a scaled back version of the Academy experience from what it once was intended, over the past several years
  • Decreased  number of students applying to the Academy 
  • A “school within a school” model severely impacts staffing, schedules, and overall elective offerings.
  • Equity concerns that have occurred around Academy when families who can’t afford the cost of enrollment or who rely on PUSD transportation are not able to access the Academy.
  • Sustainability of the program is dependent on parent donations which, despite attempts to collect more, has become more challenging for families to provide.

Black Mountain will continue to offer a world class education for all of our students.  Our dedicated educators are committed to providing a rich learning experience for each and everyone one of students.  

As Black Mountain Middle School continues to move forward in designing improvements for the overall student experience, the feedback and input from our families is vital.  If you have any questions or concerns, please assist us with your feedback by clicking on this link and providing your questions.  

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we work to support each and every student at Black Mountain Middle School.

Sincerely,

Darcel Glover Principal

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The Commitment

I fully commit in the following ways:

  • I will arrive at The Academy by 8:00 a.m. and stay until class is dismissed every day during the summer session. Absences during the summer session, may result in removal from the Academy. During the regular school year (August through June), I will arrive by 7:40am and stay until 3:25pm.
  • I value good attendance. I won’t take vacations during the summer session and regular school session. I arrive at school early to avoid being tardy.
  • I am committed to spend the extra time to learn. I want to attend school during the summer. I want to attend school for an extra hour during the regular school year.
  • I expect to be successful, and I know that excuses for marginal performance are never accepted. I value hard work, responsible behavior, and persistence above all else. I am responsible for my own behavior.
  • I always take responsibility for any mistakes I make. I don’t blame others if I don’t meet school expectations. I like to work hard at school and complete my homework on time and as directed. I understand this is not a remedial program.
  • I will do whatever it takes to learn. I agree to dedicate the time and effort to achieve success.
  • I enjoy school and the academic learning process. I expect to be successful in school and life. I will set goals to attend and graduate from The Academy, high school and a college or university.
  • I will complete all my homework every night. If I am absent, I will check Learning Point and I will call classmates to get homework assignments. I will raise my hand and ask questions if I do not understand something in class. If I make a mistake, I will tell the truth and accept personal responsibility for my own actions.
  • I will maintain a strong work ethic in the classroom and at home. I complete my homework and produce quality work. I don’t take short cuts. I never make excuses.
  • Homework will always take precedence over extracurricular activities such as sports.
  • I will take responsibility for my own success and monitor my own class performance by accessing Learning Point and My Plan.
  • I will always behave in a respectful manner that protects the safety, interests and rights of every individual in The Academy.
  • I take responsibility for my behavior, have good manners and value all Character Counts traits of trustworthiness, citizenship, responsibility, fairness, caring and respect.

 

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