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News & Announcements

 

Student Council - Students interested in joining the Student Council should go to room 243 to pick up an application. Applications are due 8/28. Student Council is open to all students in each grade level.

 
 
School will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day.

 

First PTO Meeting of the Year
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
8:30–9:30 AM
Join us for our first PTO meeting of the year! This is a great opportunity to connect with other families, hear about upcoming events, and learn how you can support our Bruin community.
 
 
 

Travel Opportunity

Parents and Students,
Are you interested in traveling to Europe in the Summer of 2027? There will be a meeting on Thursday, September 4th at 6pm in the BMS Auditorium to learn more about two trips that are led by BMS teachers, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Hill. Use this link to RSVP for the meeting and sign up for more information. 
 
 
 
 
BRUINAROO!
Bearden Middle School's Fall Festival!
Friday, September ​12, 2025
Games, Food, Music, and Fun!
For Students Only
Cost is $10
Additional Money is needed for Food, Drinks, and Candy.
More details will be announced soon!

Students must exhibit appropriate Behavior to attend:
No OSS or RLC from August 18 - Through the date of the event.
 
 
 
 
8th Graders Take PreACT
Friday, December 5th
Students will take the PreACT, on their Chromebook, in their homeroom. The PreACT will take two and a half hours to complete.
 
 
 

Counselor's Corner

Bearden Middle School, School Counseling Services
“School Counselors are the quiet heroes who guide students toward success, both in and out of the classroom.”
Our counselors are here to support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Students can request appointments directly through the Student Canvas page. Parents can email:
  • 6th Grade: Jimmy Cannington – jimmy.cannington@knoxschools.org
  • 7th Grade: Ruth Neubert Dyer – ruth.neubertdyer@knoxschools.org
  • 8th Grade: Shelley Salter – shelley.salter@knoxschools.org
Whether it’s guidance on classes, personal challenges, or future planning, our counselors are ready to help every student thrive.
 
 

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Information and Traffic Pattern 
Please note: We are not permitted to direct traffic on Middlebrook Pike. For everyone’s safety and to help traffic flow smoothly:

  • Avoid turning left into the parking lot from Middlebrook Pike. If possible, approach by driving westbound on Middlebrook and turn right into the lot.
  • During drop-off and pick-up timesleft turns onto Middlebrook out of the parking lot are not allowed.
  • Pick-up and drop-off should happen in parking spots in the lot or alongside the buildingnot in the grassy areas along the east side of the driveway.

For our new families:
Pick-up usually takes 20 minutes during the first few days as everyone adjusts. Once routines are established, the lot typically clears in about 10 minutes.
Please be patientkind, and above all—safe. Drive as if your child were walking through the lot (because they are).
Students must use the clearly marked crosswalk.
Thank you for helping us keep all Bruins safe!

 

Bus Riders will be dropped off and picked up on the Francis Rd. side of the building and enter the main bottom entrance.
Walkers can enter either side of the building closest to their walking path (Middlebrook or Francis - bottom entrance).

***The following pattern addresses how cars enter the parking lot at drop off in the morning and PRIOR to pick up in the afternoon. Once dismissal begins, parents can exit the parking lot slowly and carefully towards the athletic field to exit onto Middlebrook Pike.

BMS Pick up & Drop off Traffic Pattern

 

 

How early can I drop off my child? 

BMS doors open at 7:30am. 

Students then get breakfast or go to the appropriate holding room: 

6th grade - Auditorium 

7th/8th Grade Gym. 

Students report to first period class (homeroom) at 8:00am.

 

 

2025-2026 Student/Parent Handbook

 

 

Cell Phone Policy/Electronic Device Use Policy

📱 What’s Changing:

  • No personal wireless communication devices (e.g. cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, smart glasses) must be off and away from 8:00-3:30pm —classrooms are now device-free.

  • Students must turn devices off and stow them in a backpack or purse during the day.

  • Exceptions are made for, health-related devices (such as continuous glucose monitors), or devices required under an IEP, Section 504 plan.

  • District-issued devices (like Knox County Chromebooks used for learning) are not restricted under this policy and remain permitted for classroom use.

🚫 Why the change?

The policy aims to reduce distractions, minimize online bullying, and promote a more focused, face-to-face learning environment. It also aligns with broader state efforts to standardize device restrictions during class time.

⚠️ Consequences:

Violating the policy will result in confiscation of the device until retrieved by a parent or guardian. Repeated misuse will lead to disciplinary action as outlined in school guidelines.


If you have questions about how this applies to your child’s grade level or specific circumstances, feel free to reach out to your child's grade level principal. This change is designed to support learning and help students thrive in a distraction-free setting.

 

 

 

Student Dress Code:

The following expectations for student dress have been established to promote a safe and optimum learning environment. 

Apparel or appearance, which tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation, must be avoided. 

In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal/designee shall prevail.

1. Pants must be worn at the waist. No sagging.

2. Shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, shoulders, and must have sleeves. Shirts or tops must cover the waistband of the pants, shorts or shirts with no midriff visible. Low-cut blouses, shirts, or tops or extremely tight tops, tube tops, or any tops that expose cleavage are prohibited. 

3. Head apparel, except for religious or medical purposes, must not be worn inside the school building. 

4. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activity. No house shoes or slippers may be worn. 

5. Clothing and accessories such as backpacks, patches, jewelry and notebooks must not display : (1) racial or ethnic slurs, symbols, (2) gang affiliations, (3) vulgar, subversive, or sexually suggestive language or images; nor should they promote products which students may not legally buy (i.e, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs)

6. Skirts, dresses and shorts must be beyond mid thigh in length.

7. Sleepwear, pajamas, and/or blankets cannot be worn at school.

8. Undergarments must not be visible at any time.

9. Prohibited items include (1) large, long and/or heavy chains, (2) studded or chained accessories, (3) sunglasses except for health purposes, and (4) skin-tight outer materials such as spandex. 

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student’s attire is within the limits of decency and modesty. The principal may allow exceptions in special circumstances or occasions such as holiday or special performances and may further prescribe dress in certain classes such as physical education, vocational classes and science labs. Any student not attired in accordance with this policy shall be subject to correction of the violation. If a correction cannot be made, the student shall be subject to additional disciplinary measures.

  

Bell Schedule

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Making School Payments Online! Givebacks is the NEW (starting 2025-2026) KCS online payment platform. Givebacks allows parents/guardians to make online payments to BMS for things such as school fees, field trips, athletic insurance, etc. To create an account: Givebacks

 
 
 
Interested in trying out for Girl's Soccer?
Non School Sponsored Event
Wednesday 8/6 6:30-8pm
Thursday 8/7 6:30-8pm
Monday 8/11 6:30-8pm
For more information contact:
Coach Mark Freeman 865-216-4232
Manager Faith Vallejo 865-803-7588

Interested in running Cross Country?
The first practice is Friday, August 8th. Students should meet at the BMS track at 3:45 and should be picked up by 5:15. More information and a registration link can be found in the Clubs & Extracurriculars section of the school website (https://tn01917079.schoolwires.net/Page/25400).
 
Interested in trying out for Baseball?
Non School Sponsored Event
The West Youth Baseball program will hold tryouts at West High on Wednesday 8/13, and Saturday 8/16. Players only need to attend one tryout date. All players should pre-register at www.westyouthbaseball.com/register26   
 
 
 
2025-2026 KCS Calendar
 
Half Days for 2025-2026
Dismissal times for half days: Middle Schools: 12 p.m. (noon)
Lunch will not be served.
  • Thursday, August 7
  • Wednesday, September 17
  • Wednesday, November 19
  • Friday, December 19
  • Wednesday, January 28
  • Wednesday, March 25
  • Thursday, May 21
 
Fall Break
Break: Monday, October 6 - Friday, October 10
Return to school: Monday, October 13
 

Thanksgiving Break
Break: Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
Return to school: Monday, December 1

Winter Break
Friday, December 19 (half day) - Friday, January 2
Return to school: Monday, January 5

Spring Break
Break: Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13
Return to school: Monday, March 16

Other student holidays include:

  • Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
  • Monday, January 19 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
  • Monday, February 16
  • Friday, April 3
  • Tuesday, May 5

The school year ends with a half day on Thursday, May 21.