BMS April 2026

A Message From the Principal

Greetings BMS Families,

Berlin Middle School students will be participating in the Wisconsin Forward Exam beginning Tuesday, April 7. This assessment measures the knowledge and skills students are expected to have at their grade level in the areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. One or more subtests may be administered each day during our testing window.

Students who are absent on testing days will be scheduled for make-up sessions prior to the close of the testing window. While student performance on the assessment does not impact grades, we encourage all students to do their best. Results from the Forward Exam help guide decisions related to curriculum, placement, and services to best support student learning.

All students will begin testing first thing in the morning to support focus and set a positive tone for the day. Please ensure your child arrives at school by 7:45 a.m. Breakfast will be available as usual, and we encourage students to eat to support their focus and effort. Additionally, a good night’s sleep during the testing period is very important.

Students may use wired earbuds or headphones that plug into their Chromebook. If needed, headphones will be provided. Please note that wireless earbuds are not permitted during state testing. Cell phones and smartwatches are not allowed in testing rooms and should be left at home or stored in lockers.

Prior to testing, students will plug in their school-issued Chromebooks at the end of the day tomorrow to ensure they are charged and ready. This expectation will continue each day throughout the testing period so that all devices are consistently prepared.

We appreciate your support in helping our students feel prepared and confident during this important time. If you have any questions, please contact Principal Colleen Pariso.

Forward Exam Testing Dates:

Math: April 7, 8, 9

ELA: April 13, 14, 16

Here are some helpful informational links:

How to Help Your Child Prepare for the State Assessments

Cómo ayudar a su hijo a prepararse para las evaluaciones estatales

How to Help a Child with Test Anxiety

Cómo ayudar a un niño con ansiedad ante los exámenes

Colleen Pariso

Principal

• April 2 | Student Council Activity Night | 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

• April 3 | NO SCHOOL | Good Friday

• April 5 | Happy Easter!

• April 8 | Bridging Brighter Smiles

• April 20: Missoula Children's Play Auditions | 4 PM - 6 PM

• April 25: Missoula Children's Play - Cinderella | 3 PM & 5:30 PM Performances

• May 1 | NO SCHOOL | Staff Development

Summer School | June 8-27, 2026

Registration opens April 6th at 8:00 AM and closes April 24th at 4:00 PM.

Future Medical Pros in Action

Students in the Medical Detectives Class practiced taking vitals—temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen—while diagnosing illnesses. A big thank-you to our staff “patients” for helping make it a hands-on learning experience!

Way to go, future med pros!

Supper for Scholars Brings Community Together

Our Spaghetti Supper for Scholars was a fantastic success! We loved seeing families gather and connect over dinner. Thank you to all who joined us in supporting Berlin Area School District students. Your support truly makes a difference!

Active Bodies, Big Smiles, and Lots of Fun!

Our 8th graders enjoyed a great day at the YMCA of Oshkosh with ice skating, swimming, indoor soccer, and more. It was the perfect way to get energized and ready for the Forward Exam!

Pie Day in Action

It was a fun day of learning in Ms. Twietmeyer’s 7th-grade math class as students celebrated Pi Day (3.14)!

Students were recently introduced to π and have been learning how to find the area and circumference of circles. And of course, they wrapped up the lesson with the best part of Pi Day… a sweet treat!

From Planets to Prototypes

Seventh graders have kicked off their Survive & Thrive unit by designing space colonies!

Researching planets and moons like Mars, Europa, and Venus, they create models of homes and vehicles that can survive extreme temperatures, low gravity, and harsh terrains. This hands-on project blends science, engineering, and creativity as students think like real space explorers!

Beginning Band Shares Their Talents

The BMS Beginning Band shared their talents with the 5th graders. It was a great chance to learn about instruments and experience the fun of band. Great job, students!

Active Adventures for BMS Students

BMS students had a blast on their PE field trip, getting active and trying something new! From curling at the Appleton Curling Club to climbing at Odyssey Climbing and Fitness, it was a day full of fun and movement!

Track & Field Schedule

• 4/13 | Home | 4:00 PM

• 4/20 | @ Nekoosa | 4:00 PM

• 4/27 | @ Adams-Friendship | 4:00 PM

• 5/4 | @ Mauston | 4:00 PM

• 5/18 | @ Wautoma | 4:00 PM

New BMS Principal Starting July 1, 2026

We’re excited to introduce Samantha Behnke as the new Berlin Middle School Principal, starting July 1, 2026!

Samantha brings strong leadership experience, most recently serving as a 4K–8 principal in the Ripon Area School District. She has also worked as a middle school instructional coach, literacy teacher, and elementary teacher.

She is passionate about building positive school culture, supporting staff, and helping every student reach their full potential.

Please join us in giving Samantha a warm BMS welcome—we’re excited for what’s ahead!