The BMS academic team was very successful at the district level, wining quick recall, future problem solving and the sportsmanship award. Five Benton Middle students will also compete in written assessment at regionals. Good Luck to Mrs. Lampkins, Mrs. Morgan and the BMS team. If your child is not involved in an extra-curricular activity at BMS, please urge him or her to join. It's not to late.

   At school we have to constantly re-assess our current position and make adjustments as they are needed. Such is the business of educating children. Recently we have completed updating our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP)  that outlines our instructional program for this year. A copy of the document can be obtained from the school office or website. I encourage you to look at the document; it represents our resolutions and goals for the new year.

   Did you know research is very clear that students need a healthy breakfast and 8-10 hours of sleep each day to optimize their learning? If you can accomplish these two simple tasks each day as a parent, you will significantly increase your child's educational opportunities. Here is another interesting fact about sleep deprivation. "Teens whose parents let them stay up after midnight on weeknights have a much higher chance of depression or being suicidal then teens whose parents enforce an earlier bedtime." USA Today, June 2009.

   Does your child have a television, computer, or cell phone in their room? If so, take a moment to review your child's computer or text activity. You might be surprised to discover the number of computer searches or text messages that occur into the wee hours of the night. We all know this is not a recipe for success, but many parents assume their child is asleep when the lights are turned off.

   In closing, I want to thank each of you for your continued support, and your commitment to your child's education. We know that the overwhelming factor contributing to the success of a child is the partnership between family and school. As always, feel free to contact me at anytime if I can be of assistance.

Go BMS!

Kem J. Cothran, Principal

         Benton Middle School

                EXTREME

Character, Achievement, Pride

Phone 270-527-9091--Fax 270-527-9992