News & Announcements

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 times, left 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 building—not 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 patient, kind, 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.

Grade Level Contact: If on July 30th you cannot access your child's schedule or have questions about the schedule, please email the appropriate counselor. “Unless there are holes in your schedule, duplicate classes, or wrong class placement; due to high numbers in enrollment, there will be no schedule changes.”  

6th Grade Principal - Meshon.Crateau@knoxschools.org

6th Grade Counselor - Jimmy.Cannington@knoxschools.org

7th Grade Principal - Zelda.Dotson@knoxschools.org

7th Grade Counselor - Ruth.Neubertdyer@knoxschools.org

8th Grade Principal - Logan.McKinney@knoxschools.org

8th Grade Counselor - Shelley.Salter@knoxschools.org

School Supply Lists (7-17-25, updated information)

The grade level lists may be found here!

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.

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

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.