Beverly J. Martin Elementary

Beverly J. Martin Elementary

 
 

TIGER Family June Memo

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Greetings,

It is hard to believe that we are already in June — what a year it has been for our Beverly J. Martin community. Throughout the year, our scholars and staff have demonstrated Tiger Pride in so many meaningful ways. From engaging field trip experiences, to the Tiger scholar-staff basketball game, to the many scholar-centered clubs facilitated by staff, our community has experienced moments of joy, connection, and belonging.

In addition to celebrating our community, we have also continued the important work of strengthening our School Comprehensive Education Plan. As we look ahead, we are excited to further define and develop high-quality instructional practices and continue striving to meet that mark every single day for the remainder of this school year and as we prepare for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our scholars and school community.

Tiger Strong!

To Our 5th Grade Families…

As we prepare to celebrate the close of another school year and the transition to middle school, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Thank you for trusting us with your scholars, partnering with us throughout the years, and sharing your families with us. It has truly been a privilege to be part of your child’s educational journey.

Watching our 5th graders grow academically, socially, and emotionally has been a joy. They have brought laughter, energy, creativity, leadership, and heart to our building, and our community is better because of them.

As your scholars continue their educational and life journey, we wish them nothing but success, happiness, growth, and endless possibility. While they may be moving on to a new chapter, they will always be a part of our family and will always be Tigers.

Thank you again for your support, partnership, and the many ways you have contributed to our community over the years. We are proud of all our scholars have accomplished and cannot wait to see all the incredible things they will continue to do. Wishing you and your families all the best in the years ahead.

 

A Special Thank You to Our PTA…

Our PTA is truly the heart and soul of our community. Through your unwavering dedication, generosity, and partnership, you help create meaningful experiences and opportunities for our scholars and families each and every year.

From providing enriching programming and memorable experiences for scholars, to organizing family engagement events that bring joy, connection, and celebration to our school community, the impact of our PTA is felt throughout every corner of our building.

This year PTA continued to create spaces where families could come together to learn, collaborate, support one another, and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes our community so special. Your commitment to uplifting scholars, staff, and families helps foster a school environment rooted in care, connection, and partnership.

We are deeply grateful for all that our PTA does to support our community. Thank you for your time, energy, advocacy, and love for our scholars, families and staff. Your impact is immeasurable.

Staffing Updates

There are several staffing changes within our community as we prepare for the 2026–2027 academic year. As updates continue to occur, we will share additional information with families and staff — there are more updates to come.

At this time, we also want to share that Ms. Suzanne will be out for the remainder of the school year. Jamie Driscoll will support her caseload and will be working with scholars in grades 2 and 3 during this time.

Additionally, Ms. Vicky’s last day with our community was Friday, May 30. Melanie Murphy will be supporting scholars in grades 4 and 5 moving forward.

 

We acknowledge the following staff as they prepare to close their educational experience at Beverly J. Martin: 

Nicole Bethany, Teacher Librarian

Mayra Farley, 4th grade Teacher

Elizabeth Byrne, K Teacher

 

We welcome the following staff:

Emily Vayda, Classroom Teacher

Julia Kucza, Classroom Teacher 

Riley Backus, Teacher Librarian

 

Gym Floor Renovations:

Our gym floor is being renovated this summer. Stay tuned for pics and updates about our Tiger Pride new gym floor!

 

For your calendaring pleasure, your scholar’s class placement information will arrive in the mail in August. Please see the link to our 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Stay tuned for additional important dates and information that will be shared during the summer months. Until then, happy June and we hope you enjoy a restful and replenishing summer with your families, friends and loved ones! 

A student in a red sweatshirt stands next to an older seated man helping him to play bingo.
A young student is shaking the hand of an older woman in a wheel chair while a second student looks on.
BJM students outside the school building spreading mulch and cleaning up the garden beds.

BJM STRUCTURES, SYSTEMS, and NEED-TO-KNOW UPDATES

ATTENDANCE

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, we want to remind everyone of the importance of consistent school attendance. Every day counts, and being present helps scholars stay on track academically, build strong relationships, and fully engage in our school community.

Attendance & Dismissal Reminders:

If your scholar will be absent, please notify the main office by emailing: bjm-attendance@icsd.k12.ny.us.

If there is a change to your scholar’s dismissal plan, contact the main office no later than 1:00 PM.

Important to Note:
Please do not contact only the nurse or other staff members regarding absences or dismissal changes. All attendance and dismissal updates must be sent to:
📧 bjm-attendance@icsd.k12.ny.us

This ensures your message is received and handled properly. Your scholar’s safety is our top priority, and following established procedures helps prevent confusion and ensures all transitions are handled safely and accurately. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community safe and organized.

a blue and green mural in the hallway of BJM.

Special Area Providers Monthly Newsletters

  • MLL Newsletter
  • PE Newsletter
  • OT & SLP Newsletter
  • Art Newsletter
  • Reading Newsletter
  • Equity Newsletter
  • Music Newsletter
  • SEL Newsletter
Students sit a table looking at a teacher holding up a book.

In June, we recognize some of the following as a school community: Pride Month, Family Month, Children’s Awareness Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month, Juneteenth, and World Environment Day.

IMPORTANT DATES 

    • June 4: K Registration 9:00 am
    • June 5: PTA First Friday Coffee 8:00 am
    • June 10: PTA sponsored BOOKISH Playground Night 5:00-6:30 pm
    • June 11: K Registration 9:00 am
    • June 15: Book fest 5:30 pm
    • June 17 : K Learning Celebrations
    • June 18: 5th grade class trip
    • June 19: Juneteenth-No School scholars or staff
    • June 21: Father’s Day
    • June 24: Tiger Pool Day
    • June 25: 5th grade moving up ceremony 12:30 pm. Last day for scholars only
    •                 Pre-K celebrations:
    •                 Audrey Hopkins Class 10:30 am
    •                 Patty Kroog-Erickson 10:30 am
    •                Elizabeth Holman’s Class 10:30 am
     
    • June 26: Last day for staff
Ithaca High School girls in Ithaca Athletics tshirts stand with two BJM students outside.
Two employees stand in front of a rainbow mural smiling.
Students rollerblade around BJM gym.

Questions to Ask Your Scholar

  • What is/was your favorite part of our A–Z Countdown, and how did it help build joy and community at school?
  • What is one thing you are looking forward to doing, learning, or exploring this summer?
  • How have you grown this school year as a learner, friend, or member of our school community?

Resources

  • JUNE: Breakfast | Lunch 
  • Beverly J. Martin Elementary - https://www.youtube.com/@ICSDBJM
  • Family Appendix
  • BJM Store

Thank you for reading the TIGER Family May Memo! Go Tigers!