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News & Announcements
Fall Break
Break: Monday, October 6 - Friday, October 10
Return to school: Monday, October 13
- On Friday, October 31 from 4-6pm in the gym/commons
- Tickets are $10
- On sale the week of Halloween outside the student office
- Trick-or-Treat at our activities:
- Face-painting
- Karaoke
- Games
- And more!
- Costumes are encouraged!
- Must follow dress code
- No masks, full face paint, or prop weapons
- No inflatable costumes during school hours (OK at dance)
- Pizza, drinks, and candy for sale in the concession stand
- Most items cost $1-2
- No RLC, OSS, or in-team starting 10/13
Bearden Cross Country Sets Sights on Regionals
The Bearden cross country team wrapped up its regular season last week with a strong performance at Victor Ashe Park and now has its sights set on the Regional Championships to be contested on Saturday October 4th, also at Victor Ashe Park.
In the last meet the boys finished 4th out of 23 teams led by a top seven of Louis E (12th), Karson A (15th), Jack G, Colin C, Joaquin B, Josiah T, and Julian D. Top improvers were Julian, Josiah, and Karson. The girls had their best outing of the season, finishing 7th, thanks to stellar performances by Gray W (1st place overall!), Gigi P (26th), and Laney E (31st). Maggie F, Sophia H, Harlie B, and Saha L completed the top seven. Most improved were Riley L (more than 1 min/mi faster than her previous best!!), Laney, Adeline P, Harlie, and Gray.
One week earlier the race at Roane State was delayed due to heavy thunderstorms, but our runners took it all in stride. Karson A led the boys, finishing 24th, with Joaquin B, Jack G, Julian D, Clayton D, Nick W, and Gavin B in the top seven for the team. Most improved boys were Nick, Gavin, Joaquin, and Julian. On the girls’ side Gray W (6th overall), Laney E, Maggie F, Sophia H, Harlie B, Carolina S B, and Kinsley R raced their way to top seven on the team. Top improvers on the challenging course were Sophia, Maggie, Riley L, Adeline P, and Laney.
Wish our runners strong legs and powerful lungs at Saturday’s Regionals. Girls run at 9:00 a.m., boys at 9:45.
Saturday’s meet serves as the regional qualifier for the State Championships.
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.
2025-2026 Student/Parent Handbook
Cell Phone Policy/Electronic Device Use Policy
📱 What’s Changing:
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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.
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Students must turn devices off and stow them in a backpack or purse during the day.
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Exceptions are made for, health-related devices (such as continuous glucose monitors), or devices required under an IEP, Section 504 plan.
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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.
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