Please find an UPDATED letter from BMHS Principal Mr. Bernsley below regarding the January Regents Schedule and 8th-11th Grade Course Selection Information Sessions. This letter was originally emailed home to all BMHS families on January 12, 2026 but there has been an update as of January 14, 2026 with regard to 6th grade attendance on January 20, 2026. If you did not receive this letter, please contact the BMHS main office to update your contact information. Questions? Please contact Mr. Bernsley directly at dbernsley@berlincentral.org
6th Grade Update Regarding 1/20 Regents Exam Day
January 14, 2026
Dear BMS 6th Grade Families,
I am writing to provide an important update and clarification regarding the school day on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Earlier this week, we communicated that there would be no school for students in grades 6–12 who are not taking the January ELA Regents (8:00 a.m.) or the Living Environment Regents (12:00 p.m.). After further review, we need to correct that message as it relates specifically to 6th-grade students.
Under New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements, all students in grades K–12 must attend school for at least 180 instructional days and meet minimum instructional hour requirements. For this purpose, 6th grade is considered part of the elementary level, meaning instructional days, not Regents exam days, are what count. While Regents exam days may count toward the 180-day requirement for grades 7–12, they do not count for 6th grade.
Given the forecast for a challenging winter season and the fact that we have already used two snow days, we are acting out of an abundance of caution to ensure we do not fall short of the required number of instructional days for our 6th-grade students.
As a result, all 6th-grade Mountaineers will report to school for a half day on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Important details for January 20th (6th Grade Only):
- School will be in session for a half day
- Dismissal will occur at 11:05 a.m.
- Students will receive grab-and-go lunches upon dismissal
We recognize that this adjustment may create scheduling challenges for some families, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to ensure compliance with state regulations while prioritizing the best interests of our students.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Dave
Dear Mountaineer Families,
I hope you and your families are well as we begin the new year. As we move into January, I want to share important information regarding Regents Week, scheduled for January 20th–23rd, as well as upcoming Family Course Selection Information Sessions that will support students and families in planning for the 2026–2027 school year. The details below are intended to help you plan and ensure a smooth and successful experience for all students.
Tuesday, January 20 – ELA Regents Testing Day
On Tuesday, January 20, we will be administering the ELA Regents Exam beginning at 8:00 a.m. All 11th-grade students, as well as any additional students who are required to retake the ELA Regents, are expected to report to school on time for the exam.
In addition, some students will be present in the building in the afternoon to take the Living Environment Regents Exam.
Important Note for Families:
- Only 6th grade students and those who are taking the ELA Regents and/or the afternoon Living Environment Regents should report to school on Tuesday, January 20.
- 7th – 12th grade Berlin Middle High School students who are not participating in either of these exams will not attend school on Tuesday, January 20.
- Important details for January 20th (6th Grade Only):
- School will be in session for a half day
- Dismissal will occur at 11:05 a.m.
- Students will receive grab-and-go lunches upon dismissal
Regents Exam Schedule
For your convenience, the January Regents Exam schedule is outlined below:
|
Date |
Morning Exam (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.) |
Afternoon Exam (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.) |
|
Tuesday, January 20th |
ELA |
Living Environment |
|
Wednesday, January 21st |
U.S. History & Govt. |
Algebra I |
|
Thursday, January 22nd |
Global History & HVCC U.S. History Midterm |
|
|
Friday, January 23rd |
Earth Science |
Important Testing Information:
- All Regents exams are three hours in length.
- Students with an IEP or 504 Plan that includes extended time will receive accommodations as outlined in their plan.
- Morning exams: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Afternoon exams: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Transportation & Food Services
(Tuesday, January 20 Only)
Transportation
- ELA Regents (Morning Exam):
- Students will be picked up at their normal morning bus time.
- Living Environment Regents (Afternoon Exam):
- Students should report to their regular bus stop between 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., arriving at Berlin Middle High School no later than 11:15 a.m.
- Afternoon Bus Run:
- Transportation home from BMHS will occur at 3:15 p.m.
- Athletics:
- Athletic practices and events will run as normal, with 4:45 p.m. athletic buses.
- For the remainder of the week (January 21–23), transportation will run on its normal schedules.
Food Services
On Tuesday, January 20, we will provide:
- Breakfast: 7:10 a.m. – 7:40 a.m.
- Lunch: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 6th grade students will receive grab-and-go lunches upon dismissal
Students arriving for the afternoon exam will be able to receive lunch, and students completing the morning ELA Regents exam may grab a bag lunch to take home.
For the remainder of the week (January 21–23), breakfast and lunch will run on their normal schedules.
Wednesday–Friday, January 21–23
Beginning Wednesday, January 21, students will resume a normal school day, and school will continue on a regular schedule for the remainder of the week.
Regents Exam Communication
Students who are scheduled to take any Regents exams during the January 20–23 testing window have been notified by their teachers. In addition, Ms. Caldwell, our school counselor, has spoken directly with all students and families who are expected to participate in one or more Regents exams during this week.
If you are unsure whether your child is scheduled to take a Regents exam, please contact:
Ms. Savanna Caldwell
High School Counselor
scaldwell@berlincentral.org
(518) 658-1500 ext. 1072
Family Course Selection Information Sessions
We are excited to announce two upcoming Family Course Selection Information Sessions designed to support students and families as they begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year.
These sessions are an important opportunity for families to be actively involved in the development of their child’s academic schedule. Course selection plays a critical role in aligning students’ interests, strengths, graduation requirements, and post-secondary goals. Partnering with families throughout this process helps ensure students make informed and intentional choices.
We strongly encourage families to attend one of the following sessions:
-
January 14, 2026 – 6:30 PM
During the Berlin CSD PTO Meeting
In-person and virtual option available -
January 20, 2026 – 6:00 PM
Berlin Middle High School Auditorium
(Prior to the Board of Education meeting)
Please be sure to read the accompanying letter from our school counselors, Mr. Shaw and Ms. Caldwell, which provides additional details regarding the course selection process and what families can expect during these sessions.
Course Selection Information Sessions 2026-2027 Letter
We look forward to working collaboratively with students and families as we plan for the upcoming school year.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our students and school community. Your involvement and partnership are essential to our success, and we appreciate your engagement as we move through January Regents Week and into course planning for the coming year.
Warm regards,
Dave
David S. Bernsley
Principal
Berlin Middle High School
(518) 658-1500 x1005