Welcome to our New Assistant Principal/Athletic Principal
I’m thrilled to introduce our new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Mrs. Meghan Reynolds. We are incredibly fortunate to have her join our Berlin family. Mrs. Reynolds brings with her 22 years of experience in education, all spent at Waterford-Halfmoon School District, where she served as a physical education teacher and athletic director. She has a stellar reputation as both an educator and coach. In fact, under her leadership, the women’s soccer team won the last two Class C state championships. We are excited to have such a dedicated and accomplished professional on our team!
Parental Involvement: A Key to Success
Research consistently shows that when parents and guardians are actively involved in their child’s education, it leads to better academic performance, improved behavior, and higher levels of success. We encourage you to stay engaged and connected with your child’s learning journey throughout the year. Whether through regular communication with teachers, attending school events, or simply discussing your child’s day with them, your involvement makes a significant difference.
Monthly Town Hall Meetings
In an effort to keep our communication open and ongoing, I will be hosting monthly Town Hall meetings at various locations throughout our community. A Town Hall meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your thoughts, and stay informed about what’s happening at our school. It’s a chance for us to connect in person and for me to hear directly from you. These meetings are open to everyone, and I encourage you to attend whenever possible.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
This year, we’ve made a significant change to our schedule by replacing the traditional Open House with evening Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 18th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We understand that daytime meetings may have been difficult for some of you to attend, and we hope this evening time slot will provide a more accessible opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teachers and discuss their progress.
The Value of Attendance
Regular school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic success. Studies show that students who attend school consistently are more likely to perform better academically and graduate on time. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity for your child to learn and grow. We live in a society where success is often based on merit, and education plays a key role in creating opportunities. Ensuring your child is present and engaged at school will set them on the path to success.
Updated School Initiatives
We’re excited to introduce two important updates at our school: a new electronic pass system and an updated Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy. The electronic pass system will streamline student movement throughout the building, eliminating the need for paper passes. Our updated cell phone policy, shared earlier this summer, will be enforced from 7:20 a.m. to 2:07 p.m. to foster a more focused and productive learning environment. Your support in reinforcing these changes at home will be invaluable. Additionally, please note that backpacks are not permitted during the school day. Each student will be provided with a Chromebook, locker, and lock for their use.
Get Involved: Extracurricular Activities
Students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to have higher attendance rates and greater academic success. We offer a wide range of clubs and activities for students to join, and I encourage you to explore these options with your child. Participating in these activities helps students build relationships, develop new skills, and feel more connected to our school community. You can find a list of available clubs and activities on our Berlin Middle High School Extracurricular Page.
Student Schedules and Mr. James Shaw
We are thrilled to introduce a familiar face to our guidance department, our new school counselor, Mr. James Shaw. Mr. Shaw will be the counselor for all middle school students in grades 6-8, while our outstanding counselor, Mrs. Harrison, will continue to support high school students in grades 9-12.
At this time, each student should have received their class schedule. All students will receive a copy of their schedule on the first day of classes. Please note that minor adjustments may have been made, and students should use the schedule they receive on the first day of classes.
Please read the following announcement regarding the last day to add or drop by Wednesday, September 18th from our school counselors.
Welcome to Our New Families
Finally, I want to extend a special welcome to all our new families. Whether you are joining us from another school in the district or have relocated from another city, state, or country, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Berlin Middle High School community. We believe you will soon feel, as we do, that Berlin is a special place for all children. Our educators, support staff, and community partners are ready to welcome you into Mountaineer Country.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Let’s make this a fantastic year together!
With gratitude and excitement,
Dave
David S. Bernsley
Principal
Berlin Middle High School