BTMS Student & Family Handbook

The contents of this handbook were compiled to acquaint families with the administrative, instructional, and operational policies and procedures of Prince George’s County Public Schools and Benjamin Tasker Middle School.  Certain policies and procedures are essential for smooth and consistent school-wide operations.

The handbook is subject to change. Throughout the school year, new policies and procedures may be added or current polices and procedures may be modified.

It is imperative that we work together as a team to provide a safe and effective learning environment for all the staff, students, families and visitors of Benjamin Tasker Middle School.

If you have any questions/concerns of the contents, please speak to an administrator for clarification. 

We hope you find this handbook helpful.

Vision Statement

At BTMS, we envision an inclusive community where all stakeholders receive rigorous engaging learning opportunities that prepare them to become independent thinkers, confident leaders, and lifelong learners. Our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and compassion to successfully compete, contribute, and navigate within our global society.

Mission Statement

At BTMS, our mission is to foster a rigorous and engaging, child-centered community that instills empathy, confidence, and a love of learning. Through data-driven and evidence-based practices, we cultivate independent, solution-oriented, and reflective thinkers, learners, and leaders who can successfully navigate, contribute, and compete in our global society.

Benjamin Tasker Slogan

Benjamin Tasker Tigers, Ready to Lead, Roaring to Achieve

ROAR 

Reaching

Outstanding

Achievement with

Rigor

Tiger Norms

Take an inquiry stance

Intentions - assume they are positive

Ground statements in evidence

Expect change 

Respectful use of technology

Start/End on time

Benjamin Tasker Middle School Staff

Administration & School Leadership 

School Counseling & Registration

Faculty & Staff Directory

Arrival | Dismissal | Early Dismissal | Delayed Openings & Emergency Closings

Morning Arrival  

In order to ensure the safety of students, staff, and community members, parents must adhere to Arrival & Dismissal Procedures for Benjamin Tasker Middle School Benjamin Tasker Middle School does not open until 8 am. 

Students may not be dropped off before 8:00 am, as there is no supervision.

Bus Riders

• Buses drop students off at the front of the building, so bus riders will enter the building through the front doors. 
• Upon entering the building, 6th & 7th graders will report to the gym, whereas the 8th graders will report to the Cafeteria. However, 6th and 7th graders students who choose to eat breakfast may go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast before reporting to the Gymnasium. 
• Students choosing to eat breakfast will receive breakfast at the time of bus arrival, even when their buses arrive late (whereas car riders and walkers must be in line for breakfast by 8:20 am if they wish to eat).
• Only Buses dropping off students will be allowed to enter the driveway in the front of the building. Families attempting to drop off before 8:35 am will be directed to the parking lot. 

* Benjamin Tasker Middle School does not determine the pick-up time for buses. If families have a concern regarding late pick-up, they are encouraged to contact the Bus Lot. 

Car Riders/Walkers 

• Walkers and Car Riders will enter the building through the side parking lot entrance (on Kenhill) beginning at 8 am. No students will be allowed to enter the building until that point.
• For Car Riders, families are to follow the BTMS Drop of Procedures
• After entering our Parking Lot, please enter one of our parking lanes.
• Remain to the right of your parking lane, as this will allow other cars in your lane to pull around you, if you need more time for your child to exit. 
• Once you are parked in your lane, your students should exit your vehicle promptly. Do not wait until you are at the front of the line to release your child, as we release the entire lane at one time. 
• After your student has exited your vehicle, wait for a staff to direct you to exit the lane, as we release each lane one at a time, in order of arrival, as long as the lane is prepared and ready. 
• After entering the building, unless receiving breakfast, 8th Graders will report to the Cafeteria & 7th/6th Graders will report to the Gymnasium. 

Breakfast

• 6th & 7th Grade students choosing to eat breakfast will report directly to the Cafeteria to each breakfast before reporting to their assigned morning location in the Gym. 
• Car riders/Walkers choosing breakfast must arrive to the cafeteria by 8:20 am.
• Students must arrive at school by 8:25 am to avoid being late, as instruction begins promptly at 8:30 am.

*  Please be respectful to staff and parent volunteers supporting the parking lot. Our goal is student safety first and always. Please monitor your speed when in the parking lot. 

Late Arrival

• The instructional day begins at 8:30 am, students arriving after this time are considered late and will be marked with an unexcused tardy, unless they submit an excused note. 
• Students late due to bus transportation will be marked with an excused tardy. 
• All students late due to a bus will have a limited time to arrive at class. If a student is loitering throughout the building after a late arrival, they will receive an unexcused tardy.   

* Students will only be permitted to exit the building via the transportation identified by the student's family. If a student is walking home or being picked up, the family must notify the school or last period teacher. 

**Students are only allowed to ride the bus assigned to them. 

Dismissal  

Walkers/Car Riders

• Families entering the parking lot to pick up a student should enter one of our parking lot lanes. If the lanes are full, please follow the directions of the parent volunteers or staff members who will direct you to a parking lot space. 
• When entering the lane, stay to the right side of the lane to allow other cars to exit, if you are not yet prepared to exit. 
• At 3:10, Walkers/Car Riders will be dismissed from the building. Students will exit the building using the side exit to the Parking Lot. 
• Once your student has entered your vehicle, wait for a staff member to direct you to exit the lane and the parking lot, as we release cars by lane in order of arrival.
• Unless staying for an activity, all students being picked up should be picked up by 3:30 pm. 
• Students not picked up by 3:30 pm will report to the main office to await their parents.
• Families picking their children up after 3:30 pm will need to report to the main office through the front entrance. Families will need to show their IDs during the time of pickup.

*  Please be respectful to staff and parent volunteers supporting the parking lot. Our goal is student safety first and always. Please monitor your speed when in the parking lot

Bus Riders

• At 3:15 p.m., we will begin calling Buses. Once a bus has been called, students will exit the building via the front entrance and board their bus. 
• Students are only allowed to leave the classroom when their bus has been called. Students who leave the classroom before that will face disciplinary action in alignment with a loitering infraction in the PGCPS Code of Conduct. 

• At 3:25 p.m. all remaining students will be taken to the cafeteria to wait for late buses. 
• Students will be encouraged to notify families that their bus is late. 
• Sometimes students call their parents to pick them up when their buses are running late. However, if that late bus arrives before the parents arrive, the student will need to take the bus home. 
• If a student misses their bus, they must immediately call home to arrange for a ride. 
• If an Uber/Lyft is being sent, parents must send authorization in writing, and they must share the Uber/Lyft information.

*  Benjamin Tasker Middle School does not determine the pick-up time for buses. If families have a concern regarding late pick-up, they are encouraged to contact the Bus Lot. 

* Benjamin Tasker Middle School Closes at 4:00 pm. All students who miss the bus or are waiting for family pick up must be picked up prior to 4:00 pm. 

Alternative Forms of Dismissal

Early Dismissal

• No child is permitted to leave the building during the school day without written permission from home and approval from the school office.  When arriving to pick up children for early dismissal, please come to the front doors and buzz the office.  You will need to show your ID.  The front office will notify the teacher that you have arrived and your child will check out at the main office before greeting you. 
• If an adult other than the individuals listed on the emergency contact document is picking up a child, that person must be designated on the emergency form. If they are not listed on the emergency form, we will need to contact the parents and/or guardians for verbal and written (via email) permission to release their child. They will be required to present a Photo ID.  This precaution is in the interest of maintaining your child’s safety. 
•  Early dismissals are only permitted prior to 2:30 PM. After this time, families will need to wait until dismissal to pick up their children in the back parking lot. 

Delayed Openings & Early Dismissals

Delayed openings will be either one or two hours. Early Dismissals will either be two or three hours. 

• One-hour delay – All buses run one hour later than normal.  School begins one hour later, at 9:30 AM.  Students may not be dropped off prior to 9:00 AM.
• Two-hour delay – All buses run two hours later than normal.  School begins two hours later, at 10:30 AM. Students may not be dropped off prior to 10:00 AM.
• Two- Hour Early - All buses run two hours earlier than normal. School ends at 1:10 pm. Early dismissal time for students will end at 12:40 pm. 
• Three Hour Early - All buses run three hours earlier than normal. School ends at 12:10 pm. Early dismissal time for students will end at 11:40 am

Emergency Closing - Change in School Hours

• In cases of poor weather conditions or other local emergencies, changes in the dismissal routine may be necessary.  Local school personnel are not responsible for the final decision to close the school. The Superintendent or designee will make such decisions. These decisions concerning early morning closings are generally made prior to 6:00 AM. 
• This information may also be accessed on the Prince George's County Public Schools web page at www.pgcps.org.  Parents can sign up to receive emails/texts about delayed openings and early closings at www.schoolsout.com,  http://www.pgcps.org/weather/, and/or School Messenger.  
• Please listen carefully when schools are closed, as the students may be attending classes virtually on some of those days.
• When schools are closed early or all day, all evening activities are canceled, and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other public or private organizations.

Important: Emergency Closings

It is imperative that you make plans in advance for your child's care in case schools are dismissed early.  You could possibly be away from your home or work at the time an emergency occurs.  Make decisions now, before the emergency, so that your child will know where to go when you are not home.  Be sure to keep the emergency contact sheet you sent in the first week of school up to date. If your emergency/early dismissal plan for your child changes, please be certain to notify the school of the change immediately.  

Benjamin Tasker Middle School follows the attendance policy established by PGCPS in Administrative Procedure 5113.

• All students are expected to attend school regularly by The Public Schools Laws and Bylaws of Maryland 1984. According to Bylaw 13A.08.01.02, “Absence from school, including absence for any portion of the day, students who are presently enrolled in public schools shall be considered lawfully absent only under the following conditions: 
• Death in the immediate family
• Illness of the child/quarantine
• Court summons
• Violent storms
• Work or activity approved or sponsored by the school, or the state education agency
• Observance of a religious holiday 
• State emergency.” 
• “When a student is not physically in the classroom but remains under the supervision of the school, students are considered present for  state and local reporting purposes; however, students are marked absent by the teacher if they are not in the classroom.” (Administrative Procedure 5113).
• “By law, parents/guardians must ensure regular attendance for their school-aged children who are enrolled in the public schools. If a child has excessive unexcused absences, the parent/guardian may be convicted of a misdemeanor and imprisoned or fined by the courts. Additionally, any other adult who persuades or attempts to persuade a student to be unlawfully absent, or who harbors a child who is unlawfully absent, may also be convicted of a misdemeanor and imprisoned and/or fined.”

Excessive absences will result in a referral to the Pupil Personnel Worker for further investigation and action.

Tardiness

• Students are marked tardy unless there is an approved reason to justify the tardy. 
• Students can be marked tardy throughout the day:
• Late Arrival to school
• Late Arrival to class. 
• Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action in alignment with the PGCPS Code of Conduct. 

Absences

When a child is absent (including excused absences), you will receive an automated call via the School Communication System (SCS). We ask that parents submit the Electronic Absent Form, via the website when their child is absent.  If the form is not filled out, an absent note needs to be submitted within 3 days of the student’s return.  Otherwise, the absence will be marked unexcused. If the parent/guardian is unable to submit the form electronically they can email the teachers directly, as well as the Attendance Secretary and Parent Engagement Assistant to state the days of absence and the reason. If no reason is given, the absence is marked unexcused. For absences of 3 consecutive days or more, a doctor's note will be required.

It is the student's responsibility to obtain missed work from the teacher.  Students are allowed to make up missed work if the absence is legal.  If the absence/tardy is unlawful, teachers are not required to provide make-up work and the student will receive a “0”.  Students may obtain the Excused Absence Sheet from Room 102, which they will show to their teachers to retrieve the missed assignments. 

Students unlawfully absent from school for 10 consecutive days will be withdrawn.

For the safety of the Benjamin Tasker Middle School students and staff, if your student is feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, please keep them home for the day. 

Health Room

A nurse is available during the school day to handle minor injuries and illnesses that occur.  If an injury or illness requires parental and/or medical attention, the School Nurse (or other school personnel) will notify the parent/guardian or designated emergency contact.  Please ensure the most updated contact information is shared with the main office and teacher.

Absence for Illness

Attendance at school is very important – if a child is not present, he/she cannot learn.  However, if your child has a fever, is vomiting, coughing, sneezing, ill with a bacterial or viral infection, or is extremely uncomfortable from other symptoms, please keep him/her at home until he/she is fever-free for 24 hours.  

Certain medical conditions require proof of treatment before your child can be readmitted to school.  Please use the following guidelines before sending your child back to school.

• Fever   Students with a fever may return to school once they are fever-free, without medication, for 24 hours.
• Pink eye or ringworm of the scalp requires a doctor’s note indicating that treatment is in progress and the student may return to school. 
• Ringworm of the body or extremities requires proof of treatment (such as sales receipt and packaging from treatment product, or a doctor’s note); lesions must be covered while at school.
• Head lice require proof of treatment as stated above, and the student must be free of all nits before returning to school.

Medications at School

The Board of Education has a policy regarding the administration of medication at school.  Please read the following information carefully.  As much as possible, you are urged to give medications at home before and after school.  If a student must take any medication (prescription or non-prescription) during the school day, or must keep medication at school for an emergency situation (e.g., severe reaction to insect bites, asthma) a completed Physician’s Authorization for Medication form must be submitted to the school nurse and retained on file at the school.   

• All medications sent to school must be in a sealed container, which is properly labeled by a pharmacist with the student’s name, the name of the medication, the physician’s name, the date, and the directions for administration.
•  An over-the-counter medication must be in the original container with the proper labeling attached.  
• All medications that are controlled substances (e.g., Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall) must be brought to the Health Room by the parent, guardian, or other designated adult.  
• NO medications may be in the possession of the student. The only exception to this is for students with a medical doctor’s permission to keep inhalers in their possession at all times.  The school nurse will have to assess the student to complete the process.

It will be the responsibility of the parent to pick up any medication at the end of the school year.  No medication will be sent home with a student.  Any medication left after the last day of school will be discarded.

It is very important for the safety of all of our students that we have your complete cooperation in following these guidelines.  If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse.

We strongly encourage parents and students to look through the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.  Administrators, PPW, and counselors review the handbook quarterly with students.  The Handbook includes:

• Policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure that students and parents understand and support our goal of academic excellence and a high-quality education for all students. 

• Expectations of respectful and responsible behaviors based on age, developmental level, and needs of the student and school community.
• School and community resources for students, parents, and families.
• Levels of responses and interventions regarding student behavior. 
• Student appeals process and procedures. 

Code of Student Conduct

The basic policy of the Board of Education regarding student conduct and discipline is found in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.  All personnel in the Prince George’s County Public Schools use this Code as they work with children.  At the start of the school year, our Professional School Counselors/Administrative Team will review the Student Code of Conduct with all students.

The Code of Conduct lists various violations with appropriate leveled responses and interventions. These interventions aim to teach, correct and replace behaviors so students can learn and demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors. 

The staff at Benjamin Tasker work with children in a positive professional manner in order to maintain safety and order at all times.  We regularly review school rules and expectations to ensure that students clearly understand. We Town Hall Meetings multiple times throughout the year to review the BTMS Code of Conduct with students. Staff members will reach out to parents to communicate behavioral concerns. Parents are encouraged to provide as much support as possible in this area, as we all work to ensure our students are supported and successful. It is extremely important for students to realize that school personnel and parents are working cooperatively.  With the established supports, guidance, structures, and systems, all children at Benjamin Tasker receive the opportunity to receive an excellent education in a safe and secure environment.

General School Guidelines

If all students understand and follow these guidelines, we can make Benjamin Tasker Middle School a safe and enjoyable learning community. If everyone respects the rights of others, we can all work and learn in a positive learning environment. Show everyone that we are the BEST!

• Students are required to demonstrate respect toward all stakeholders within our school. This can be demonstrated by the way we act, the words we speak, and our body language.
• Students are to demonstrate respect for property to include books, chromebooks, furniture, and lavatories.  Vandalism of our school will not be tolerated and could result in suspension and/or monetary cost.
• Students are to demonstrate responsibility to come to school prepared with school supplies (writing utensils, paper, notebooks, independent assignments, etc.).
• Students are to come to school on time and ready to learn.  
• Students are to work cooperatively when working with others in small groups, large groups, and the whole class.
• Students use respectful language and good manners.  Foul language, including profanity, is unacceptable.
• Students should only carry instructional items at school, as other items can serve to distract the students.
• Students are to follow the dress code.
• Found items do not become the finder’s property, but should be turned into the teacher.
• Students may not carry electronic devices, as they must be stored in their locker throughout the day.

Parent/Student Concerns

Tasker encourages students to identify 2-3 staff members that they feel comfortable talking to at school.  It could be a teacher, administrator, counselor, Peer Mediator, office staff, etc. We do offer a Parent Engagement Assistant to support families in navigating complex situations and/or systems.

• For concerns related to a class
• Reach out to the classroom teacher, schedule a conference to discuss your concerns. 
• If you are not satisfied with your response, reach out to the grade level Professional School Counselor OR your child’s Grade-Level Administrator. Students/Families also can reach out to program coordinators as well. 
• For concerns related to a class
• Share your concerns with a trusted adult/your teacher in the building. 
• Reach out and discuss your concerns with a Peer Mediator/Student Advocate. 
• In the event a Peer Mediator/Student Advocate is not available, reach out of your grade level Professional School Counselor OR Administrator.
• For concerns related to social/emotional well-being
• If you feel comfortable, share your feelings with a trusted adult or friend. 
• Schedule a time to talk with a Professional School Counselor. 
• Tasker counselors are available to provide assistance/resources to the family if needed.  However, our counselors are NOT mental health therapists.  They are trained in School Counseling.
• Benjamin Tasker has a mental health clinician from Interdynamics, Inc, on staff as well.  If you are interested in your child seeing the therapist, please contact their school counselor for a referral form

Inclusive Environments for LGBTQIA+ People

Benjamin Tasker Middle School strives to maintain a safe environment conducive to learning for all students. We further seek to ensure that all students learn and interact in a school community that accepts diversity and promotes educational equity.

Every student has the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to the student’s gender identity without changing official records. Students may use facilities that correspond to their gender identity. If a student is not comfortable with a shared facility they may use an alternative location. 

All students have a right to privacy. PGCPS will ensure that all information be kept confidential. School staff shall not disclose information that may reveal a student's status to others, including parents and other school staff unless legally required to do so.

For additional information on the supports offered by PGCPS to protect our students, families are encouraged to to review Administrative Procedure 0103 - Inclusive Environments for LGBTQIA+ People

Bullying/Conflict Resolution

“Bullying, harassment, and intimidation are anti-social behaviors that are characterized by an intent to cause harm and an imbalance of power.”

Administrative Procedure 5143 - Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation

Based on national, state, and local interests, all students at Benjamin Tasker will be educated on bullying and conflict resolution.  Through classroom guidance lessons and classroom discussions, they will learn the definition of bullying and various strategies needed to deal with conflict at school.  If a student has a conflict at school, they will be able to utilize small group mediation with the Peer Mediator.  At certain times, conflict becomes a disciplinary matter.  When this happens, and Administrator and/or a designee will investigate the situation and render disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.  Administrators use the PGCPS Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook  (Code of Conduct) to determine consequences for behaviors. This comprehensive program will ensure students learn the life skills needed to solve problems with peers while understanding that adults will be available to intervene when needed.

What to Do If You Are Bullied, Harassed or Intimidated

• Report the behavior to any adult. 
• Tell the bully to stop. Be firm and clear. 
• Complete and submit the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation (BHI) reporting form online. Send a copy to the grade level administrator. 
• Students may seek guidance, support and/or advocacy in addressing matters related to bullying, harassment or intimidation.

Report Bullying Now: Online App

Benjamin Tasker Middle School does not have a uniform; therefore, students will follow Prince George's County Public Schools & BTMS dress code policies. Please consider the following when purchasing school apparel: 

Shirts and Blouses

• Hoodies may not be worn in the building. Sweatshirts may not have hoods.
• Shirts/Blouses must be continuous from the neckline to the waist. No skin in the mid-section/tummy, chest, or back area may show.
• Straps of shirts must be more than 3 inches wide. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, and/or muscle shirts may be worn.
• Clothing with vulgar language, obscene pictures, weapons, tobacco products, drugs/alcohol, or drug paraphernalia may not be worn.  
• No identifiable gang/crew clothing or paraphernalia may be worn. No bandanas may be worn at any time.
• Transparent and/or sheer clothing is the same as bare skin, so underclothing is required that completely covers the skin to ensure dress code requirements are met.
• Unless specified for a class (gym, dance), students are not permitted to enter restrooms to change clothing upon arrival to school. 

Pants 

• Shorts, skirts, and/or dresses must cover the entire thigh so that no skin shows above fingertip length when arms are hanging straight down at their sides. Therefore, any clothing, such as ripped/torn jeans, pants, shorts, and skirts with holes above fingertip length, must have opaque leggings or shorts underneath so that no skin shows.
• Pants should be secured at the waist; there should be no sagging below the waistline that exposes undergarments.
• Tight-fitting stretch pants, shorts, dresses, and skirts made of Lycra, spandex, and/or stretch material must be covered by loose-fitting clothing that is long enough to cover the entire buttocks and comply with the fingertip policy. For example, leggings and biker shorts must be covered by a longer shirt or loose-fitting shorts that are at least fingertip length.

Bags/Purses

• Clear backpacks are strongly encouraged, but are not required, as students will have the option to carry them or place them in their lockers if they are clear. Solid backs that are not transparent must be placed in lockers and may not be carried through the building.
• Bags/Purses/Totes larger than 8” x 5” x 2” (size of a half sheet of paper) must be placed in the locker upon arrival, and may not be removed until dismissal (unless they are transparent).
• Students are permitted to carry satchels, pencil pouches, and small bags smaller than 8” x 5” x 2”.

Head Dress

• Hats, ski masks, bandanas, scarves, head wraps, do-rags, and bonnets may not be worn on any part of the body (unless for religious or medical reasons, WHICH REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION).
• Headbands may be worn, but may not be larger than 3 inches wide. 

Shoes

Shoes must be worn at all times. House shoes may not be worn.

Coats

• No heavy coats may be worn in the building. They must be placed in the student's locker.
• Lightweight jackets (ie, windbreakers, jean jackets, fleece) are permitted.  

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) 

• Phones are not permitted to be used or seen during the school day and must be put away in lockers. The school provides phones in all classrooms and offices, so students may call their parents from a classroom phone or from the main office if needed.
• Parents/Families may call the main office if they need to speak to their children or to relay a message to their child.
• Electronics (other than Chromebooks) must be turned off and placed in lockers. They may not be carried with students..
• Earbuds, headphones, and/or AirPods must also be placed in lockers, along with cell phones.
• Students are expected to turn off all electronics and place them in their lockers, where they will remain until dismissal. The school will confiscate all electronics (cell phones, earphones, etc.) that are not placed in lockers, as required by PGCPS. Parents will need to come to retrieve the items from the main office of the school. 

* * Please remember to regularly replenish your child's school supplies to ensure that they have the necessary materials for a successful learning experience.

Social Media

Students are prohibited from accessing or using Social Media accounts during school hours. The creation of non-approved school pages on social media apps will result in the page being reported to the social media organization for removal and disciplinary action against the student in accordance with the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. 

• All forms of cyberbullying during school hours will be addressed using the PGCPS bullying guidelines. Cyberbullying or bullying taking place outside of school hours should be reported to local law enforcement. 
• Parents are encouraged to actively monitor the use of social media by their child(ren) to prevent conflicts from developing.  The majority of conflicts during the school day stem from things posted on social media.  We can not stress the importance of monitoring your child’s social media accounts, enough.
• Photos found on students' phones containing explicit imagery of minors is considered child pornography. These incidents must be reported to local law enforcement for investigation.
• Any threat of mass violence whether in person or posted on social media is taken seriously and must be reported to the local law enforcement and Homeland Security.

Computer Usage

• Students using school-issued technology devices (Chromebooks) must adhere to the following guidelines:
• No illegal activity.
• No “chat rooms” or “chat lines” 
• No Internet sites that promote activities or opinions inappropriate to a school setting (as determined by a staff member).
• No use of equipment for commercial purposes.
• Must not impede network operations.
• Must not interfere with others’ work or use another’s account.
• Must not misrepresent one’s own identity.
• Use or display copyrighted material
• Must not disclose one’s identity on the Internet.

Banned Substances and Items

Students may not possess alcohol, tobacco products, vape pens, illegal drugs, or weapons/weapon look-alikes while on school premises, on a school bus, or under the care of school staff.  If these items are found, we are obligated to call local law enforcement. Possession implies having a substance or item on one’s person, with one’s personal property, or under one’s control.

Books, Chromebooks and Materials

Board of Education Admin Policy 616.1 states that pupils must return textbooks, Chromebooks  and/or other educational materials as were originally assigned to appropriate school personnel in a satisfactory condition, or reimburse the school for lost or damaged , Chromebooks and/or other education materials, or make other satisfactory arrangements with the principal concerning the Chromebooks and/or other education materials.

Chromebooks that are broken due to negligence will result in a fee for the first incident.  A second incident due to negligence will result in a replacement cost.  Students will not receive a replacement device until the deductible is paid.  Lost devices or chargers will be treated as negligence.

Breakfast/Lunch

The price of a student breakfast is $1.60*.   Students have a choice to bring a lunch or purchase a lunch at school for $3.00*, including milk.  Children may also purchase milk, juice, or snacks.

Free and reduced lunch applications are available on the PGCPS website.  Parents who believe their child(ren) qualify for the free or reduced lunch program should complete Free and Reduced Lunch Application as soon as possible.

*These prices may change each year and you will be updated as this information becomes available.   

Lunch Accounts

Benjamin Tasker Middle School uses a computerized meal program.  All enrolled students are issued a 4 or 5-digit PIN# and a corresponding meal account. It is important that each student memorize his/her PIN#.  This number is confidential; therefore the number must not be given to other students.  At mealtime, the students enter their PIN# on a keypad located next to the cashier.  Meal, milk, and a la carte costs for purchased items are deducted from the account at the time of purchase.

Money can be deposited in a student’s account at any time in any amount up to $99.99 (cash, cashier’s check,  or money order; checks are not accepted). However, we strongly encourage parents to take advantage of the online system, MySchoolBucks. Parents are encouraged to maintain money in their child’s account.  This ensures that each student account has sufficient money in case a lunch is forgotten or misplaced.  Students may bring money to school to add to their account.  If you have any questions, call our Cafeteria Manager at 301-850-6353.

Lost or Forgotten Lunch

No child is denied food. If a child has not brought a lunch from home and does not have sufficient money in his or her account to cover the cost of lunch, the school will loan the student funds to purchase lunch. Those funds are must be repaid. If the funds are not repaid, the students will then be given a snack until the account is balance. 

Dropping off Lunch

Parents may drop off lunches to the main office for their child. Students will be notified to pick up those lunches on their way down to the cafeteria. Students will not be called out of their classrooms during instructional time. Parents/guardians may only drop off lunches for their own child (not for other people’s children), and these lunches may not be shared with other children.

Ordering Food for Lunch

Students and families are not permitted to order food to be delivered to the school. Food being delivered for a student at school will by a delivery service will not be given to the student until the end of the day, so that they can take it home. BTMS is not responsible for reimbursement for confiscated food. 

Lunch Protocol

• Students are expected to remain seated at their assigned tables during the lunch period unless they have permission to get up.
• Lunch provides an opportunity for students to socially interact with their peers. 
• Once students are done eating, they may go outside until the end of the lunch period.  Please make sure your child dresses for the weather.
• All students must eat lunch in the cafeteria or assigned location unless they receive a pass from a teacher to eat in an alternative location. 
• Students have only one lunch period (30 minutes) and must eat their lunch within this assigned time. 
• No food or drinks may be ordered from outside. Delivery services may not be used. 
• Students may bring lunch from home. 
• No birthday celebrations, no balloons, cakes, or cupcakes or the like are permitted in the cafeteria or classrooms (due to the number of students with food allergies).
• Benjamin Tasker does not have an open lunch policy, so students are not permitted to leave the school grounds for lunch.

Reporting Student Progress

Progress Reports

Progress reports are available in Synergy at the midpoint of each grading period or as soon thereafter.  Throughout each quarter, families should monitor  Canvas and Synergy ParentVUE weekly to stay up to date with current grades. If you have questions about the progress report or grades, please contact your child’s teacher. Please be mindful that teachers have 10 days to enter a grade for an assignment.

Report Cards

Our county reporting system for grades 6-8 provides for four report cards to convey pupil progress during the school year.  In addition, at least one parent-teacher conference will be scheduled during the year.  Parents or teachers may request a conference at any time to discuss a child’s progress in school.  Please do not hesitate to notify your child’s teacher with any praise or concerns that you may have.  At any time during the year, parents may access their child’s grades through the SchoolMax Family Portal. Please view ParentVUE weekly to see your child’s progress at school. Also, look at Canvas to see their assignments.

In accordance with PGCPS Policy, students in grades 6-8 will receive Honor Roll for a Grade Point average of 3.0 and Principal’s Honor Roll for a grade point average of 4.0 or higher. We will have quarterly Awards Ceremonies to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments!

Communication

The staff at Benjamin Tasker Middle School strives to maintain clear paths of communication among the school, the students, and our students’ families. 

Communication Platforms

• BTMS Website - Current information & Updates.
• BTMS Community Newsletter
• Canvas (Virtual Platform) - Teachers post assignments and information
• Synergy ParentVUE - Review student grades as they are entered (Recommended to check weekly)
• PGCPS Website -  Review student grades and data
• SchoolMessenger - Based on emails families have listed in Synergy ParentVUE
• BTMS X - @BTMSTigers 
• BTMS PTSO Instagram -  @TaskerPTSO

Telephone Calls to School

If you need information, have questions, or concerns, feel free to call the school at 301-805-2660.  Teachers are available to take telephone calls before school between 8:00 AM and 8:20 AM or after school between 3:15 PM and 3:30 PM and time permitting during their planning period. You may call and leave a message or email your child’s teacher.  Please expect a response within 48 hours.

Telephone Calls from School

Students may use the telephone only after permission has been obtained from a staff member. Students are not to use their cell phones at school, and cell phones must be put away in lockers. Cell phones that are not put away in lockers will be confiscated and returned to guardians.

Visitors

For the 24/25 School Year, Visitors are by appointment only.  Please view the BTMS Protocol for specifics.  A photo ID will be required. Persons who do not provide the required identification will not be permitted on the premises.

If a court has ordered restrictions against any persons regarding visitation with your child, please provide the office with copies of the court orders.

If you bring something to your child during the day, please come to the front door and buzz the office.  Someone will meet you at the door to obtain the item. Students will be called to the office to retrieve items.  Parents are not permitted into the building unless they have an appointment.

• Click to Review BTMS Visitor Protocol
• Visitors must have an appointment, except in cases of emergency and/or urgent situations.

All Visitors

• All visitors with an appointment will enter and exit through the main lobby doors, at the font of the building.
• Visitors with an appointment must present a valid government photo ID to the Main Office when signing in to receive a visitor's pass. The visitor’s pass must be visible at all times while in the building.
• Visitors with an appointment must sign out before they leave the building.
• Visitors with an appointment will be escorted and/or accompanied by a PGCPS employee to their designated location. The PGCPS employee will pick the visitor up at the end of the visit to escort them to the front office to sign out and depart the building.
• Please place all cell phones and electronic devices on silent, so as not to interrupt instruction.

Classroom Observations

We invite our families to observe students throughout the school year. For families, interested in observing a classroom: 

• Reach out to the grade-level administrator to schedule the observation. 
• For the observation, only individuals identified in a child’s Synergy account will be eligible to participate in the observation. 
• When visiting for your observation, families will observe from outside of the classroom to ensure the learning environment is not disturbed. Families will have a staff escort. 
• Families are not permitted to talk to other students during the observation. 

Failure to comply with the observation protocol or any inappropriate behavior during the observation may result in being banned from the building and/or other disciplinary action in accordance with the 

Parent Code of Conduct. 

Volunteers

Interactions with staff and/or students should be limited to the purpose of the visit.

• All volunteers that will assist in supervising students, in any way, must be fingerprinted and have completed a PGCPS background check. Receipts of completion must be submitted to the main office before volunteering. Volunteers for one time occasions do not need fingerprinting but must be monitored by a BTMS staff member when interacting with children.
• Volunteers without the background checks may be utilized in limited ways, but may not supervise students and must remain in the presence of BTMS staff at all times.
• All volunteers must schedule their visits with school staff  (teachers, administrators, counselors, Parent Engagement Assistant, etc) who will inform the main office, so that they may confirm (a) the status of the background check and fingerprinting and (b) the location and/or assignment of the volunteer. 

Large Group (Examples: Assemblies, Honor Roll, School Wide Activities…)

• Visitors must sign in when entering the building. Visitors' last name, first name, date of birth and location will be noted.  Government-issued photo ID will be checked.
• Visitors must remain in the designated area and leave immediately following the activity.
• Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors 

Per PGCPS, in order to maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for students and staff, families and visitors must be aware of their responsibilities and understand that adherence to these guidelines is essential for each school and office.  Penalties for lack of adherence to this Code of Conduct are enforceable by the PGCPS Department of Security Services and/or local police.

The Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors assists in building a climate and culture of support for all students.  Research has shown that a positive relationship between home and schools is mutually beneficial for students, and families in the school community. Any interaction between school personnel and families, volunteers, and visitors should start with assuming good intentions in others. Positive and effective communication should include 

• respecting each other's time and responsibilities
• agreeing on a time and location to meet to discuss the concern
• listening carefully with a respectful exchange of opinions as suggestions.
• approaching disagreements in a manner that treats others as integral parts of the decision making and encouraging mutual problem solving,

Consequences have been established in accordance with state law and PGCPS policies and procedures for those who do not abide by the PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors. 

Please view the Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers and Visitors in its entirety for more information.

Volunteers, Chaperones, and Mentors

Students feel a sense of pride when they see their parents and other familiar adults helping in their school.  Parent volunteers are eagerly sought at Benjamin Tasker.  We can use support in any capacity you feel comfortable with providing.  Working at home to type, cut, organize, and design, saves teachers a lot of time that would otherwise keep them from directly working with students.  Shopping for events, copying at work, organizing outside activities, and even participating in fundraising is a big support to the children and our school.  Working with our PTSO committees to provide experiences for our children and raise funds for much needed materials not only supports our children’s learning, but also brings our school community together.  We encourage ALL of our families to be a part of all that we do – We can’t do it without you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benjamin Tasker your boundary school? 

Use the PGCPS Boundary Tool to find out! Benjamin Tasker Middle School draws students from Kenilworth, Northview, Pointer Ridge, Tulip Grove, and Woodmore Elementary Schools.

Will my child be able to ride a bus to school?

Bus service eligibility is determined by PGCPS.  Under Administrative Procedure 3541, regular middle school students are eligible for transportation if they reside two miles or more from their assigned school or for whom unsafe walking conditions exist.  

What is a day like at Benjamin Tasker?

School hours are 8:30 am to 3:10 pm. Students may arrive as early as 8:00 am and will wait in the gym or cafeteria until 8:20 am.  Benjamin Tasker follows the PGCPS A/B Day schedule and students have 5 MODs per day.

View schedules

How does the school cafeteria operate?

Breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 8:30 am.  Lunch is served in the cafeteria from 11:05 am to 12:45 pm.  Parents can add money to meal accounts at any time through the My School Bucks website.

What is expected of Benjamin Tasker students?

All students attend Code of Conduct assemblies in September to discuss the expected behaviors, rewards, and consequences of Benjamin Tasker MS, including the school dress code.  Benjamin Tasker MS is not a uniform school.

Are there student clubs at Benjamin Tasker?

Yes, there are many opportunities for students to participate.

• Sports
• After-School Clubs and Activities

How can parents get involved at Benjamin Tasker?

Parents and family members are a vital part of our Benjamin Tasker community! Parents may reach out to Sonia Brooks who is the Parent Engagement Asst. Families are encouraged to join the Benjamin Tasker PTSO and stay involved by attending monthly workshops and volunteering for school events.

How do I find out my student's schedule and grades?

Use the ParentVue Portal to view schedules, teachers and grades. Students who wish to participate in year-long electives, such as languages and band, will have an opportunity to request those before schedules are prepared over the summer.

How can I stay informed about Benjamin Tasker events?

1. Sign up for PGCPS E-Alerts

2. Follow PTSO on Facebook

3. Follow @BTMStigers and @TaskerPTSO on (Formerly Twitter) and @BTMS.TIGERS on Instagram

4. Receive tweets via text by sending "Follow @BTMStigers" and "Follow @TaskerPTSO" to 40404

5. Ensure your email address(es) have been updated by completing the Emergency Contact List or emailing your Parent Engagement Assistant Tiva Lewter

6. Check the BTMS Tiger Website daily which also displays the daily calendar of events.