Hello Bullis families,
On behalf of the Bullis Parents Association, welcome to an exciting and new start to the school year. To our new families, I am so happy to have you as a part of our Bullis community.
The Parents Association (PA) has prepared and developed BULLIS 101, a guide for new and returning families, to use as a reference, as you and your student navigate the school year.
BULLIS 101 is written by parents, to help you find answers to many frequently asked questions. We hope you find it to be a useful tool.
As Bullis parents, you are automatically members of the Parents Association. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy one or more of our sponsored events throughout the school year.
The PA Board represents each and every one of you, and supports our great school through many enriching programs. Please take a moment to check out all that we do on the Bullis website.
I look forward to meeting you this year, and as always, please feel free to contact me, or any of our great board members, if there is anything we can do for you.
Shannon Priddy
President, Bullis Parents Association smpriddy@comcast.net
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What happens on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 8?
The first day of school is an orientation for all students. Students arrive at the regular time, in their school uniform for a full day of school. Each division will have a separate schedule, and specific information about the day will be emailed to families from your division later in the summer.
Where can I find the Bullis Handbook?
Each family receives a hard copy of the the Bullis Handbook or you can access the entire Handbook online, on the Bullis website. Go to the “Student Life” tab on the top of the “Home Page” and click on “Handbook.”
Are there parents I can contact over the summer, if I have general questions about school?
YES! We also have a great group of Parent Ambassadors who are available. Please use these friendly parent contacts below (main parent ambassador in your division) who will be glad to help answer questions, as well as put you in touch with other families in your grade.
Lower School: Monique Buckles moniquebuckles@gmail.com
Middle School : Jennifer Simon jsimon@thenc.org
Upper School : Jennifer Mavrikes jmavrikes@aol.com
Amy Gates amyhgates@verizon.net
Amy Katz amyjillrush@hotmail.com
You will also hear from your grade coordinators over the summer before school begins.
Quick Reference: Bullis Basics
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
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What time does school begin?
The day begins at promptly at 8:00 AM. However, the buildings open at 7:30 AM. In the
Upper School, students may work out arrangements to start their day earlier for special activities such as rehearsals. In the Middle School and Lower School, students may socialize in the hallway until 7:45 AM, then the classroom doors open.
What is the school dress code?
Dress code guideline information can be found on the school website in Summer Forms and Information, in the Student Handbook , as well as under the Student Life tab, scroll down and click on Bullis Uniform .
Where can I purchase the girls’ kilt and the Bullis tie?
The Bullis School Store carries Bullis ties and the Bullis skirt and kilt. Additional girls’ skirts, kilts and jumpers are available at Beyda’s Lad & Lassie Shop in Bethesda, MD,
301-656-
2026, Flynn & O’Hara in Rockville, MD, 301-838-8958, Gorman’s Garments &
Gear in Olney, MD 301 774-4322, Risse Brothers 9700 Martin Luther King Jr Highway,
Lanham, MD , 301-2201987, and Land’s End [online landsend.com/school, (preferred school# 9001-2394-4) or call 800-469-2222.]
Where is the School Store located?
The S chool Store is on the ground floor of Founders’ Hall, and is open 7:45 AM - 4 PM every day school is in session. The store will be open 9 AM-1PM, the week before school begins in September.
How do student store accounts work?
Students are automatically set up with a store account to charge in the school store. If you do not want your child to have an account, you must notify the store manager by email or in writing to freeze their account. Please contact store Manager, Pam Bass pam_bass@bullis.org
NOTE: The store does not set account limits. Parents are encouraged to speak candidly with their child about appropriate spending in the store.
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What should students wear on the first day of school, September 8?
Students should wear the warm weather uniform option.
Technology at Bullis - what do I need to know?
Will my student need a laptop computer?
Lower School students are issued iPads to “Record, Reflect and Celebrate.” The iPads do not travel between home and school. They do travel to special classes and outdoors as needed.
Grades 6-12: Families are asked to provide a laptop for each of their child(ren).
Each family may choose the type of laptop that works best for them. Generally speaking, a Mac or PC that is less than four years with Microsoft Office installed will typically work well.
Additional information is available on the school website . If you have questions, please contact Jamie Dickie, our director of technology at jamie_dickie@bullis.org
Bullis Haiku
Bullis Haiku serves as a great tool for communication between teachers and students.
Haiku contains teacher pages where teachers post information, lectures, helpful videos, class assignments, reminders, homework, projects as well as grades. In addition, students have the ability to do things such as online discussion, portfolios, and tuning in homework, assignments and projects through Haiku drop box. Thus, allowing the student access to class, homework, assignments, and projects even during absence or school closings.
Ever wonder if your child is too sick to go to school?
As a general rule, students who have had a fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea should not return to school until they have had none of these symptoms for 24 hours without medical intervention (fever reducing medicine and/or antidiarrheal medicine). You can visit the School Health page for valuable information on keeping your child and the school community healthy and safe.
How will families be notified of weather related school closures and emergencies?
The link below will take you to a page on the Bullis website containing an overview of campus security. Please pay particular attention to the section under "Emergency
Information" and "LiveSafe Downloading Instructions.” Here you’ll find important information regarding LiveSafe, our safety app customized for the Bullis community,
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which we use to communicate, via text and email, time-sensitive emergency information including weather-related closures and delays.
Campus Security Overview and Safety app Downloading Instructions [Click HERE]
Closures and delayed openings and early dismissals are also communicated through the School’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Delays and closures are also posted on TV
Channels 4, 5 and 7 and Radio WMAL and WTOP.
Online Snow Days
You can find information about Online Snow Days on the Bullis website by clicking on the Academic tab and scrolling down to Online Snow Days.
How do Drop-off and Pick-up work?
Logistics for drop-off and pick-up are the same, in terms of where to go with the exception of 8th graders (Pick-up). Please do not talk or text--even hands-free-- when driving on campus.
Please Note : If you have children from different divisions, you should drop off and pick up in the YOUNGEST child’s division car pool area
. For example, families with a
Middle School student and a Lower School student would drop off in the Lower School line. Please do not drop off younger children at an older child’s division.
There will be school personnel directing traffic. Please pay attention and follow their directions.
Upper School and Lower School Drop off : Turn left as you enter the campus from
Falls Road, and follow directional signs. Turn right after passing the Dining Hall (in
Founder’s Hall) for Upper School drop-off and pick-up line.
For Lower School continue forward and turn right turn at the Stop sign and continue towards South Hall to join the Lower School drop off and pick-up line.
Middle School Drop off: For all of 6,7, and 8 grade, turn right as you enter the campus from Falls Road, and follow around towards South Hall. The carpool line starts at the awning prior to the second stop sign and students should be dropped off along the sidewalk area on the right side of the road.
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Please Note Pick Up Times:
*Please Note: If you have children in different divisions, you should drop off and pick up in the youngest child’s division car pool area.
Lower School Pick-up: Pick-up for Lower School is at 3:10 PM in the same location as drop off. Lower School students with Middle School siblings will be picked up at 3:30 in the Lower School line along with their Middle School siblings. Lower School students who are not picked up by 3:30 PM will be escorted to our Extended Day program in the
Library.
Middle School Pick up : Middle School pick up is between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM
(except when MS has away sports, when it can be later). Middle School students must check in to the After Care program if they are on campus past 4:00 PM. Parents are requested not to arrive or get in carpool line prior to 3:30 PM.
6th and 7th graders - Use the same location as drop off. Turn right as you enter the campus from Falls Road, and follow around towards South Hall. The line forms along the road starting at the awning prior to the 2nd stop sign. Students can be picked up along the sidewalk area on the right side of the road. If you pick up any Lower
Schoolers, please use the 8th grade pick up line (see below). Your Lower Schooler will ready for pick up in this area at 3:30 PM. Please do not arrive any earlier that 3:20 PM.
8th graders- Turn left as you enter the campus from Falls Road. At the stop sign, turn right and continue towards South Hall (Blair Center on your left). The line forms on the right side of the road and students can be picked up along the sidewalk area. If you also pick up any Lower Schoolers, they will also be ready for pick up in this area at
3:30 PM. Please do not arrive any earlier that 3:20 PM, as this may interfere with
Lower School pick up.
Upper School Pick Up : Pick up for Upper School is 2:55 PM except for students involved in after-school sports/activities (pick-up time is generally 5:30 PM). Use the same location as drop off. Parents are asked to park in the senior lot after 3:15 PM when waiting for students.
Please remember to turn off your engine, while waiting to pick up
Where do students board the bus to go home?
Students walk to the bus depot to board their bus. The depot is located to the far right, as you face South Hall from the playground area. Lower Schoolers are escorted to the bus every day.
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Campus Access with a Vehicle
The only access to the campus is through the Falls Road Main Gate which is open 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Democracy Boulevard gate and the Stadium gates are for exiting only and remain open during drop off and pick-up times. When the gates are closed, you may still exit as the gates have a vehicle sensor. Slowly pull up to the gate and it will automatically open for you.
Police and/or school personnel direct exit gate traffic during drop off and pick-up times.
Please pay attention and follow their directions.
Driving On Campus
One-way traffic 7:00 - 8:15 AM and 2:30 - 4:00 PM . One-way traffic on central campus roads during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up allows for safer and quicker traffic flow at peak hours. The main Falls Road gate is not to be used for exiting during these times. Use the Democracy Boulevard gate or stadium gate instead.
Cross-campus road one-way before and after school, and closed during the school day (8:15 AM to 2:30 PM).
The road connecting North Hall and South Hall, and separating Blair from the Library (along which the Lower School carpool line forms) is one-way going toward South Hall. It is closed to all vehicular traffic during the school day to ensure the safety of all students crossing between North Hall, South Hall or the
Library and the Blair Center.
Where to park on campus?
Parents and visitors can park in any parking space marked Visitor . For events, there will be additional parking with signs and security/staff indicating where to park. (This often involves pulling up to the curb along the ring road or on the field adjacent to the softball field.) Please do not park along the yellow curb on either side of the main entrance, in “Reserved” numbered parking spaces, or in the senior lot across from North Hall.
Vehicle Parking and Access to the Stadium Lot
To ensure the safety of students and visitors, limited parking at the stadium lot is restricted to parent volunteers, coaches, senior citizens, and handicapped persons, after 2:30 PM Monday-Friday and on some weekends.
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Campus Building Access
Electronic door access keypads are in place at all building entrances to secure the campus. We want our students, staff and parents to be able to move freely throughout campus while ensuring the overall safety of our community. All students (and families) use their student ID # to enter campus buildings. Families can find their students’ ID numbers on their students’ page on the parent portal.
Click on the below link to see commonly asked questions and answers about our campus building access system:
Building Access Questions and Answers [Click HERE]
If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact David Buerger, director of security, at 301-634-3606 or david_buerger@bullis.org.
School events on and off campus
Throughout the school year there are many interesting and fun events to attend. Some events are school sponsored, and others are organized through the PA. In the summer a printed school calendar with primary events and school closings noted is mailed to every family. In addition, the school website maintains an updated Calendar you can easily find the tab in the footer on any page of the school website.
Please note that some event dates and times may change during the year. All changes are communicated in the weekly e-newsletter The Connection (which is sent every
Thursday), calendar on the school website and the Parent Bulletin Board on the Bullis
website. (See below for ways to stay informed).
There will be many events to add to your calendar, but we thought you would like to know about some of the Fall highlights.
Some important dates for the start of the school year
August 10 Upper and Middle School student schedules will be posted to the
Parent Portal. Families can use this information to order books.
August 15 US pre-season football begins
August 24 US pre-season athletics begin
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August 24-28 International Student Orientation
August 31 US Fall One Acts/Tech and Dance auditions, 4:00 PM
September 2 Upper School Peer Mentor Training 10 AM-12 PM
New Parents Reception with the Head of School, 5-7 PM
September 3 “Welcome Day” for US students new to Bullis 10 AM
Lower School- Supply drop off and classroom stop in 1-3 PM
September 8 First day of school (includes orientation for all students), 8 AM
September 9 LS Parent & Principal Coffee 8 AM
September 10 US Principal Coffee for parents new to Upper School 8 AM
September 10 & 11 Experiential Education (all grades)
September 11 Lower School Family & Staff Picnic 4-5:30 PM
September 14 Rosh Hashanah: School Closed
September 15 Parents Association Welcome Coffee, 8 AM
September 16 12th Grade Parent Coffee/College Counseling 8 AM, repeat presentation 7PM
September 17 Upper School athletics parent info night 5:45 PM
Back-to-School Night, Upper School, 6:30 PM
September 18 Middle School Student and Staff picnic 4-5:30 PM
*Note: Students Only
September 21 Lower School Back-to-School Night 6:30 PM
September 22 Middle School Parent and Principal Coffee 8 AM
September 23 Yom Kippur: School Closed
September 24 Middle School Athletics parent info night 5:45 PM
Middle School Back-to-School Night, 6:30 PM
September 29 11th Grade Parent Coffee/College Counseling 8 AM
October 1 9th and 10th Grade Parent Coffee/College Counseling 8 AM
October 5 LS/MS/US and all Staff Picture Day 8-3 PM
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October 6 MS/US and all Staff Picture Day 8-3 PM
October 7 US and all Staff Picture Day 8-3 PM
October 8-9 Seniors Picture Day 8-3 PM
October 12 Columbus Day: School Closed
October 14 Coffee & Conversation with the Head of School 8 AM
October 15-16 LS/MS No School both days: Student/Parent/Teacher
Conferences
October 19-23 Homecoming Week
October 20 Independent Schools Choral Festival (MS) 8 PM
October 26 8th Grade Parent/Student Round table 7 PM
October 28 Upper School Parent & Principal Coffee 8 AM
October 29 Delayed Opening. School begins 9:15 AM
November 7 Jazz and Dance Show 7 PM
November 25-30 Thanksgiving: School Closed
December 12 Upper School Festival of Light 7 PM
December 16 Lower and Middle School Festival of Light 6 PM
December 19-Jan 5 Winter Break School Holiday Offices Closed
January 6 School Resumes 8 AM
January 22 Gala Wine Tasting
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How to stay well informed
Here are our top six suggestions :
1. The Bullis website & The Parent Bulletin Board
The school website is a good source of information about school news, athletic schedules and teams, arts events and more. The tabs along the top will help you navigate to content areas. Also note that the footer of every page on the website is the handy spot for QuickLinks to some of the most often used pages on the site for parents such as --Summer Forms, school calendar, teacher pages, and much more.
Under the Parents Tab on the website, you will find the Parents Bulletin Board . We suggest you bookmark this page because you will find it very helpful! Maintained by the
Parents Association, the Bulletin Board is a quick one-stop shop for information about upcoming school, division, and PA events. Unique that it contains information about volunteer opportunities school wide. across all divisions including links to all PA sign up genius lists.
2. The Handbook
The school handbook is a great resource for parents and students. It articulates just about everything you want and need to know about Bullis. You can access the
Handbook online.
3. Bullis Connection & PA weekly emails
The best advice for staying informed throughout the year is to read the “Bullis
Connection” which comes to you via email every Thursday. It contains upcoming events, important information, updated family contact information and more.
This year, the PA also will send a weekly email highlighting upcoming school, division, or PA events. Further information on these events can be found on the Parent Bulletin
Board and in the Connection..
4. Letters and updates from the principals
More information? The principals send regular divisional updates electronically. The
Lower School sends a weekly electronic communication as the primary information source for Lower School parents. The Middle and Upper School principals generally send a letter out to the parents on a monthly basis or more often, as the need arises.
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5. Room Parent or Grade Coordinators emails
Grade coordinators/room parents will send emails about grade-specific or class-specific activities or events. Your room parents and grade coordinators are great resources for information about Bullis.
6. Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is the web-based tool where classes are posted, parent-teacher conferences are scheduled, trimester and progress reports are found and directory information is maintained/edited. Be sure to verify and update your information online through the Parent Portal .. To access it, go to the footer on any page of the school website, and click on Parent Portal to log in.
This is a great resource for families - once you register, you can login to access the password protected online directory.
When will the School Directory be available?
A printed copy of the school directory will be given to each family by the end of
September. We also have an electronic version of the directory on the Parent Portal . To access it, go to the footer on any page of the school website, and click on Parent Portal to log in.
How can new parents get involved?
There are many opportunities big and small, for parent involvement at Bullis , and volunteering is one of the most important roles parents can have here. Volunteering via the Parents Association is rewarding, and can result in lasting friendships and deepening ties within our outstanding community.
Friendly Note: First school wide volunteer opportunity: PA Homecoming bake sales during the week of homecoming! Looking forward to seeing you! There will be a PA sign up genius for these events.
Please check the Connection and the weekly PA emails for information about upcoming activities and events. You can also check the Parent Bulletin Board for updates from every committee and opportunities throughout the year to join in and help out!
You will receive an electronic Volunteer form over the summer, which will have a variety of volunteer options to consider. Parents are encouraged to contact the PA Volunteer
Coordinator, your division coordinators for Lower
and Middle School s, or the grade
coordinators for the Upper School , whose names can be found in the divisional sections
of Bullis 101 and on the PA pages of the website here.
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Not sure what you want to do?
You will hear more about volunteer opportunities as the school year begins. Look for information in the Connection, the PA weekly email, and on the Parent Bulletin Board.
For information specific to your grade, you will hear from your room parents and grade coordinators.
What is “Done in a Day”?
“Done in a Day” is a volunteer option allowing you to sign up for volunteer projects that are usually just an hour or two, and happen on a specific day. A great way for anyone to get involved!
Can parents attend the monthly PA board meetings?
All parents are members of the Parent Association. If a parent wants to attend a meeting, he or she can request permission from the secretary prior to the meeting; monthly meetings are listed in the school calendar . The PA reserves the right to keep some discussions confidential and therefore may ask that the parents step out after the general reports are finished.
Where are the PA pages of the website?
A link labeled PARENTS at the top right of every page in Bullis website will take you to the PA pages including the Parent Bulletin Board.
Where are the “healthy vending machines” on campus?
There are three healthy vending machines in two locations on campus: two in the Dining
Hall, and one in the lobby of the Athletic Center. Each machine accepts cash and credit cards, and contains items such as pretzels, Goldfish crackers, Luna bars, Nutrigrain bars, Vitamin Water, Gatorade, water, and chocolate milk. The machines are available to students throughout the school day, as well as after school. The school asks that
Middle School students refrain from using the machines in the Dining Hall during their lunch periods. Lower Schoolers may not use vending machines during the day or at the end of the day,as the school provides a snack . Lower Schoolers who are part of the
After Care program may use the machines even though they receive a free snack at the program.
What are Blue and Gold Days?
To enhance school spirit, our entire Bullis community is composed of two teams: Gold and Blue. Throughout the school year there are special events and fun competitions between the teams. On those days, students are encouraged to wear their team colors, instead of the regular dress code. You will find out which team you are on when you receive your course schedule.
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Bullis Homecoming at a glance October 19-23
Communication from your division and grade coordinators will be emailed to families about Homecoming events and schedules
* School colors: blue and gold
* Team name: Bulldogs
* Varsity, JV and Middle School sporting events played throughout the week
* Spirit Week for all students: Special events that lead up to weekend, games that are organized by each division. There are also special dress days that week that all students are encouraged to participate in. The schedule and dress are explained at the beginning of Homecoming week.
* Homecoming BBQ: Bullis families are invited for dinner before the Friday evening game!
* Varsity events will take place Thursday and Friday evening. The football game will be on Friday night.
* Homecoming Dance: Upper School hosts an on campus Homecoming Dance open to all Upper Schoolers October 24, Saturday evening. Traditionally, the 9 th grade class attend dinner together and arrive together to the dance..
* Blue and Gold team competitions
* Bulldog Pep Band plays enthusiastically throughout Spirit Week, and at the games.
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The Lower School Office is located on the second floor of South Hall.
Margaret Andreadis, Lower School Principal, 301-983-5745 margaret_andreadis@bullis.org
Ani Law, Lower School Administrative Assistant, 301-634-3675 ani_law@bullis.org
Where are the Lower School classrooms?
Classrooms and lockers are located on the 2 nd floor of South Hall.
Where are the Summer Forms on the school website?
Important information and summer forms are located on the school website. Go to the footer of any page of the school website and click on “Summer Forms and Information.”
How do drop-off and pick-up work?
If your car has any Lower Schoolers, use the Lower School drop-off and pick-up area alongside South Hall: after entering from Falls Road, turn left, make two rights around
North Hall and you will be in the LS carpool line, once your LS student(s) are secured in/out your vehicle, signal and cautiously enter the lane to the left to exit carpool line.
● Children should exit/enter the car on the sidewalk side only, on the right.
● Please pull all the way up behind another car to keep the line moving.
● Children may exit their cars once they reach the top of the hill near the library.
● There is a teacher on duty to help direct you.
● In the afternoon, children are supervised by two teachers. Children gather along the sidewalk, but are not allowed to go past the library intersection. Once again, please pull up as far as you can when the line moves. Stay to the right until you are ready to exit, then carefully pull out into the left passing lane. Do not cut ahead in the line!
There will be school personnel directing traffic. Please pay attention and follow their directions.
Again, if a Lower Schooler carpools with Middle or Upper Schoolers, you should use the
Lower School drop off and pick up line.
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Lunch in the Dining Hall
Lunch in Lower School begins at 11:00 AM. Students are assigned to a lunch table, and sit with the teachers.
Do students get a snack?
Yes, a snack is provided each afternoon. Children may also bring their own snacks as long as they are healthy.
Do you have to eat what is served?
There are so many choices at lunch that the school is confident they will find something they like to eat. Teachers encourage children to eat a healthy balance but don’t require it. Nurse Douglass works with each homeroom the first few weeks of school to teach students about nutrition and portion size.
If you want something from the sandwich, cereal or salad bar, do you have to ask to get up from the table?
Yes.
Can my child bring his/her own lunch?
Generally no, however, a child can bring their lunch if they have special dietary needs.
Please arrange with the school.
Where can I find the lunch menu?
The lunch menus are posted weekly on the school website, under the Student Life section.
Do most students lock their lockers?
Some do, but most do not.
Lower School Physical Education (PE), how does it work?
Four days a week, LS students are bused to the gym for PE. Before school begins, on
September 3, the supply drop off/classroom check in day, each student will pick up their respective PE gear from South Hall. The 4th and 5th grade will pick up their PE uniform, lock, and small uniform bag. However, 2nd and 3rd grades do not get assigned a lockers, so they will pick up their PE uniform and small uniform bag. If students are unable to pick their gear up that day, that student will be issued all items on the first day of school. Second and third grade will change in the main level restrooms with all gear stored and locked in the PE equipment closet while not in use. The 4th and 5th grade students change in the locker room and store their uniform in the lockers while not in use.
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● All students are encouraged to bring their PE clothes home once a week for washing in the mesh bag. Students should try to remember the combination of their PE lock; teachers have the combinations in case they forget.
● All students are also asked to keep a pair of athletic shoes in their locker, or for
2nd and 3rd grades, in a storage container assigned to each class. These do not come home each week. These stay at school all year.
How can I help my child celebrate his/her birthday?
Please refer to the section on “Daily Life” in the Lower School Section of the Handbook.
Birthday snacks are treated as dessert, and teachers typically distribute them after lunch.
What do I do if my child is sick and how do I get my child's homework?
If your child is sick, you need to contact the Lower School
Office (301-634-3675) by 8:15 AM. Requests for homework missed during an absence should be made to the Lower School administrative assistant in the office when the absence is reported by 8:15 AM. The assignments will be available for you, on the office door, after 3:00 PM on the day they are requested, or the school can send them with a sibling or another student per your request. Homework assignments will also be posted on the Bullis website .
If I have parent-related questions about Lower School, whom should I contact in the Parents Association?
PA Lower School Coordinator: Monique Buckles moniquebuckles@gmail.com
Comments and advice from parents new to Lower School last year
“We always enjoy attending football games, Jazz Cafes, musicals. The price is right, and it is a fun way to connect with the Bullis community. The student athletes and performers always appreciate our attendance, too.”
“The advice that I would share for new families is to be as active in as many Bullis activities as possible...”
“The dining hall is great, but there are many choices and my son went a little overboard the first few weeks. Perhaps parents of younger kids might want to talk to them about how to make healthy choices and enjoy reasonable portions.”
“I really enjoyed volunteering in the Dining Hall on Thursdays!”
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“The Lower School teachers are wonderful and caring. They always appreciate knowing any concerns you might have about your child or the school exp erience.”
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The Middle School Office is located in South Hall on the first floor.
Dr. Marilyn Moreno, Middle School Principal, 301-983-5742 marilyn_moreno@bullis.org
Chelsie Lloyd, Administrative Assistant, 301-983-5742 chelsie_lloyd@bullis.org
Kira Orr, MS Assistant Principal
,
301-983-5701, x 857 kira_orr@bullis.org
Mark Hollars, MS Assistant Principal for Academics, 301-983-5701, x 864 mark_hollars@bullis.org
Danielle Martyn, Middle School Athletic Director, 301-983-5701, x 803 danielle_martyn@bullis.org
Where are the Summer Forms located on the school website?
Important information and summer forms are located on the school website. Go to the footer of any page of the school website and click on “Summer Forms and Information.”
Who can I contact in Middle School, regarding 6th, 7th or 8th grade-specific questions?
You are welcome to contact the Grade Level Coordinator. Each Grade Level
Coordinator is a faculty member who works closely with all grade level teachers regarding "the grade level experience" from any MS trips (including Experiential
Education) to advising to grade level policies.
Marcie Sheintal, 6 th Grade Level Coordinator- 301-983-5701, x 883 marcella_sheital @bullis.org
Chris Miller, 7 th Grade Level Coordinator- 301- 634- 5701, x 808 chris_miller@bullis.org
Emily Simpson, 8 th Grade Level Coordinator – 301-983-5701, x 858 emily_simpson@bullis.org
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Textbook Information
Books will be available through MBS Direct, our virtual bookstore, and can be ordered once student schedules are available on the Parent Portal in early August. Families can use that information to order books from our virtual bookstore www.mbsdirect.net
.
Should you have a problem or concern with course materials contact Customer Service
800-325-3252 or email VB@mbsBooks.com.
MBS Return Policy
You may return course materials purchased from MBS up to two weeks after the order is received or two weeks after the first day of class, whichever is later. Any materials returned after this period will be checked in as a buyback. If there is no value on the items you returned, you will receive notification in the form of a letter or email.
How can I get a message to my child at school?
Please try to make individual plans with your child before the school day. Should you need to reach your son or daughter during the day, please contact the Middle School administrative assistant by 12:00 PM to ensure the message can be delivered in a timely fashion. Also note that cell phones are not allowed during the day.
Does my child need a cell phone?
Cell phones are not necessary as students may use the telephones in the Middle
School Office in urgent/emergency situations. If the student has a cell phone, use is restricted to after school and outside of the building. It can be tempting to text or email your child during the day, and the school asks families not to use these forms of communication. If a student is using a phone during the school day, the school will take the phone and ask that a parent claim the phone.
Do students lock their lockers?
Yes, all students should lock their lockers. The MS office provides keys at the beginning of the school year at no charge. If the key is lost or not returned at the end of the year, there is a $25 fee.
Do students use backpacks during the day, or are the lockers nearby?
MS students must carry the Bullis approved backpack which can be purchased from the school store. The approved backpack can be carried throughout the school day.
Backpacks are helpful because classes can be spread out over the campus. Students are encoura ged to use their lockers during the academic day to “lighten their load.”
Students have time between most periods to stop by their lockers.
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What do I do if my child is sick? How does he or she get their homework?
Absences must be reported to the Middle School Office by 8:15 AM. All homework is posted on the teachers’ Haiku pages online. Students are responsible for obtaining their assignments and making arrangements with their teachers to make up missed work due to absence. If you are concerned that your child may need help with this, please contact the advisor. The advisor can help the student collect missed work and create a make-up plan.
Please refer to the handbook for additional information regarding advance notice for a planned absence.
What happens during athletics the first weeks of school?
Please refer to the August athletics letter for specifics. The first official day of Middle
School sports is Wednesday, September 9. Tuesday, September 8, students will have a brief meeting with MS Athletic Director, Danielle Martyn, and coaches so that all questions can be answered. Information about necessary equipment for each sport is posted online under the Middle School Summer Forms and Information . Information about the MS athletic philosophy can be found in the Middle School Section of the
Handbook as well.
Students should bring necessary equipment for tryouts, which will take place during the first two weeks of practice. Students will be notified of their team assignments as soon as they are made.
Who do I contact if I have questions about MS athletics?
Danielle Martyn, Middle School Athletic Director danielle_martyn@bullis.org
301-983-5701, x 803
How do I check for weekly game times?
Go online to the Athletics heading on the website, and then go to “Athletics Teams and
Schedules ” then find your sport/team. Please know these schedules can change. In order to stay current,check the Athletics home page. There is also an Athletic Hotline:
301-983-5737 that lists scheduled MS games, schedule updates and cancellations.
How can I get electronic notification of game schedule changes ?
There is a great free system for getting text or email alerts for game schedule changes.
To sign up, go to the Athletics homepage, and follow the link at the left of the page for highschoolsports.net.
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When is extra instruction available to students?
The MS has special times built into their schedule for extra instruction. The teachers encourage students to talk with them when they are confused, and students can prearrange a time to meet with their teachers. However, if you as a parent have concerns, please contact the advisor (for general questions) or the specific teacher.
If I have questions about Middle School, whom should I contact?
There is a great section “communicating with faculty/administrators” in the handbook.
Go to the “Academics” section of the MS Handbook and scroll down. There are numerous people available to help you, including the Principal, Assistant Principals, advisor, MS Counselor, Nurse, MS Athletic Director, and MS Administrative Assistant. If a family is uncertain about who should be called, call the MS Administrative Assistant.
If I have parent related questions about Middle School, whom should I contact in the Parents Association?
Tammy Goldberg, PA Middle School Coordinator tammycgoldberg@aol.com
Comments and advice from parents new to Middle School last year
“It’s important to let new families know about all the wonderful resources available like counselors, advisors and teachers willing to give extra time…even though the 6th grade is a period of transition with new freedoms, the kids will handle it well and eventually get on track whereas in the beginning you may not be so sure. They do figure it out. They still may need lots of help with organization (check book bags and notebooks!!) but the teachers help them stay on course with their outlines of what is e xpected of them.”
“I think that Bullis 101 really is helpful and informative when it comes to starting off the school year. I referred to it frequently and found the answers I was looking for. I also found the Bullis School Calendar to be very helpful with staying on top of things during the first few weeks of school. “
“…a new parent might want to know that most of the girls wear some sort of shorts under their skirt.”
“Attending the Homecoming events was a great way for our family to really feel like we were part of the Bullis community.”
“Get involved in events early in the year. Go to the parent gatherings, principal coffees, school events (picnics, basketball outing, etc). This will help you meet other parents and
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get an understanding for the other kids in your child’s class. This will pay dividends later in the school year.”
“About once a month, there are delayed school openings. These are good times to schedule doctor appointments.”
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The Upper School Office is located on the main floor of North Hall. Once you enter the building, proceed down the hallway and you will find the office.
Bobby Pollicino, US Principal 301-983-5731 robert_pollicino@bullis.org
Frazier Stowers, Assistant Principal 301-983-5733 frazier_stowers@bullis.org
Marjorie Dougherty, Assistant Principal for Academics 301-983-5732 marjorie_dougherty@bullis.org
Kerry Hosmer, Dean of Student Life kerry_hosmer@bullis.org
Pat Ferrara, Registrar 301-983-5734 patricia_ferrara@bullis.org
Ann Murtaugh, Administrative Assistant 301-983-5729 ann_murtaugh@bullis.org
Where are the Summer Forms located on the school website?
Important information and summer forms are located on the school website. Go to the footer of any page of the school website and click on “Summer Forms and Information.”
Textbook Information
Books will be available through MBS Direct, www.mbsdirect.net
our virtual bookstore, and can be ordered once student schedules are available on August 1, through the
Parent Portal. Should you have a problem or concern with course materials please contact Customer Service 800-325-3252 or email VB@mbsBooks.com.
MBS Return Policy
You may return course materials purchased from MBS up to two weeks after the order is received or two weeks after the first day of class, whichever is later. Any materials returned after this period will be checked in as a buyback. If there is no value on the items you returned, you will receive notification in the form of a letter or email.
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How do I get in touch with my child during the academic day? Can I text them?
Please call Pat Ferrara, Registrar, or Ann Murtaugh, Administrative Assistant in the
Upper School Office if you have a message for your child . Please do not call your child’s cell phone or text them.
The US Office will be glad to take the message and post a note on your child’s locker.
What do I do if my child is sick?
Absences must be reported to the Upper School Office
(301-983-5729 or 301-983-5734) by 8:15 AM. Either e-mail usattendance@bullis.org
or leave a message at 301-634-3630
Additional information about the attendance policy and planned absences can be found in the handbook .
Who to call about what?
Bobby Pollic ino, Upper School Principal, explains: “We have a chart in the Handbook that identifies when people should be called, but a rule of thumb I'd like to share with families is if they are ever in doubt about whether or not they should call us, they should! Again, we take many phone calls and I'd rather take a few more calls than have a parent upset about going through the chain of command or risk them not having their questions or concerns addressed.” The chart is located in the US Handbook--every family has a hard copy, or you can access it on the school website in the Student Life section.
If my child is not involved in an activity after school (sport or dance/theater/tech), what time can they leave?
If a student is not participating in an after school activity, they are free to leave at 2:55 PM. However, the school strongly encourages students to use the extra instruction block from 2:55-3:20 PM to meet with teachers. The library remains open until 6:00 pm, as well, which allows students to continue working on campus even if they are not involved in an activity. All students, though, should be picked up by 6:00 PM.
Do students use backpacks during the day, or are the lockers nearby?
Backpacks are helpful because classes can be spread out over the campus. Students are encouraged to use their lockers during the academic day to “lighten their load.”
Students have time between most periods to stop by their lockers.
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Do students lock their lockers?
Yes, all students should lock their lockers. The US office provides keys at the beginning of the school year at no charge. If the key is lost or not returned at the end of the year, there is a $25 fee.
What are some of the leadership opportunities for Upper School students?
There are leadership opportunities beyond elected or nominated positions: students can get involved with and perhaps lead a club; they can serve as student tutors; they can be
Bullis Ambassadors; they can embrace community service, become dedicated to a student publication, or strive to be team captains; and, of course, students can be leaders in the classroom. The possibilities are endless, and all students are encouraged to find an area in which they can be involved and feel part of the shared Bullis experience as well as the Upper School community.
Are clubs open to freshmen and sophomores? When can students sign up and when do they meet?
Yes, clubs are open to freshmen and sophomores, and students are strongly encouraged to participate. We will hold a club fair in the fall where all freshmen and sophomores will have an opportunity to meet club leaders and learn about each organization. Club meetings are typically scheduled every other Wednesday..
What are Peer Mentors?
All freshmen are involved in the Peer Mentor Program, which is designed to help ease the transition to the Upper School. Peer Mentors are juniors and seniors, chosen through a rigorous selection process, and are responsible for leading discussion groups, planning special activities and hosting guest speakers on tod ay’s issues.
Is there a community service requirement? Does Bullis keep track of community service hours?
No , there is not a requirement, but hours are tracked online; Dr. Romeyn, director of community service, will make sure all students have the necessary information to create an account. It is also important to note that community service and service learning opportunities are woven into the program and specific classes. Bullis also offer Global
Studies opportunities, some of which focus on service.
When can a student meet with a teacher for extra instruction?
Students can meet with a teacher during their study hall, or during extra instruction which begins after Upper School classes conclude, at 2:55 PM.
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What is the Academic Center?
The Academic Center, located in the library (8 AM-5 PM daily), is a hub for learning and achievement and supports Upper School students and teachers to optimize a student’s learning experience. Students are encouraged to spend study halls in the Center to optimize their time.
The Upper School Learning Specialist, an Academic Coach, and a Media Specialist help oversee the Center, and offer strategies to enhance the cognitive and academic performance of all students. The Academic Center also houses a Writing Center staffed by a member of the English department for students who seek writing enrichment or help with various writing assignments.
In addition to writing, math support is also available every day. The Center has two state of the art digital media rooms for student projects, video conferencing, presentations, and collaboration.
Can a student miss an athletic practice if they have a heavy homework night?
Students cannot miss an athletic practice or game because of a heavy homework load.
The school wants students to effectively manage their time and to honor their commitments. All freshmen MUST participate in one of the fall sports or the fall play or dance production.
Athletics and Arts: Pre-season Information
The official start of pre-season athletics for many fall Upper School athletic teams is
Monday, August 24 th with the exception of football and dance. Students may not participate in pre-season without a current physical exam on file.
● Most fall Upper School athletic teams is Monday, August 24 th
● Football will begin on Saturday, August 15th.
● Auditions for the Dance, Fall One Acts and Fall Theater Tech will begin on Monday,
August 31 th .
Pre-season practice is a two-week period where the fall teams practice generally, twice a day, every day, until the beginning of school. These practices are mandatory for anyone wishing to participate on either a varsity or junior varsity team, Dance activity or
Fall Play/Tech. Please note that once teams are decided, some JV teams will schedule only one practice per day.
Practice times, frequency and schedules can vary per sport/activity. You can get more information about the pre-season schedule under the Summer Forms Tab on the website Coaches will make sure that all players are updated regarding each individual
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sports’ schedule for the two weeks of pre-season. Rosters will be finalized before the first day of classes if possible.
Questions? Please refer to the athletics/arts information in the Summer Forms and
Information on the website; or contact the coaches or athletic directors. The coaches directory on the school website can be found here . To leave a message for a coach, call
301-299-8500 and access the campus voicemail system (except where otherwise noted).
If you need additional information, please contact:
Girls Athletic Director: Kathleen Lloyd
301-983-5738 kathleen_lloyd@bullis.org
Boys Athletic Director: Andres Parra
301-983-5743 Andres_Parra@bullis.org
Fall Play Director: Charles Johnson 301-983-5781 charles_johnson@bullis.org
Fall Tech Director: Anthony Brooks 301-983-5859 anthony_brooks@bullis.org
Dance Director: Alana Hill 301-983-5891 alana_hill@bullis.org
What are the athletic/activity requirements?
In order to fulfill the Physical Education requirement, students must participate in at least two sports/activities each year. All freshmen MUST participate in one of the fall sports or the fall play or dance production. Students in grades 10-12 are strongly encouraged to participate in either a sport or the drama production during the fall season. One of the two required activities for freshmen and sophomores must be a sport.
Can students participate in an outside sport/activity to fulfill the Bullis sports requirement?
Under special circumstances, physical education/activity credit may be granted for out-of-school activities for one trimester only per year, at the discretion of the
Athletic Committee. This waiver is determined using the following criteria:
1. The activity must be physical in nature.
2. If a student requests a waiver for a sport or activity already offered at Bullis, the student must participate in the Bullis sport or activity to qualify for it.
3. Work with a personal trainer does not qualify for credit, nor does participation on a club or AAU team.
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4. The activity time commitment should be commensurate with on-campus athletics activities, which average 10-12 hours per week.
5. The activity must have a qualified coach or instructor.
6. A request for credit for out-of-school activity must be received no later than one month prior to the start of the corresponding sports season. For a fall request the deadline is August 1, winter is October 1, and spring is February 1.
7. All freshmen are required to participate in a fall sport/activity at school.
What time do sports conclude?
Upper School sports usually begin at 3:30 PM and typically end around 5:30 PM. In the winter, some teams may have later practices due to court, ice, or pool availability.
Students may also return later than 5:30 PM after away games.
How do I check for weekly game times?
Go online to the Athletics tab on the website, and then go to “Athletics Teams and
Schedules” to find your sport/team. Schedules do change so check the Athletics home page for the most up to date schedule.
How can I get electronic notification of game schedule changes?
There is a great free system for getting text or email alerts for game schedule changes.
To sign up, go to the Athletics homepage, and follow the link at the right of the page for highschoolsports.net. Follow the website’s directions, selecting Bullis as your school and then the teams that you would like to follow.
How can I get a snack basket to student players for away team travel?
Snack baskets for away team travel can be ordered from the concession stand for a nominal fee. Call Melisa Blair for sizes, products and pricing 301-221-6167.
How do the Parent/Teacher conferences work and When do they take place?
Upper School Parent/Teacher conferences occur once a year during the winter trimester. This year, conferences will be held on Thursday afternoon, January 28 (1:00-
4:00 PM) and all day Friday, January 29. Parents will be notified in January when they are able to register for conferences, on the Parent Portal. Parents can initially register for conferences with only two teachers, but more slots are made available closer to the actual conference days. Conferences occur throughout North Hall in teacher classrooms .
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If I have parent-related questions about Upper School, whom should I contact in the Parents Association?
Please feel free to contact your PA Grade Coordinators -- they are parents in your grade who can also help answer your questions:
9th Grade: Amy Katz amyjillrush@hotmail.com
Meredith Miller meredith.miller2@verizon.net
10 th Grade: Dede Schumacher dedeschumacher@gmail.com
Susan Vinal svinal@euclidtechnology.com
11 th Grade: Claudia Helmig claudialhelmig@gmail.com
Sue-Ann Siegel sueann@siegel5.net
12 th Grade: Debbie Schick fourschicks@aol.com
Krysti Hinton krystihinton@me.com
Comments and advice from parents new to Upper School last year.
“I think the best information we received from a parent was the usefulness of a Study
Hall throughout the entire freshman year. As the mom said to me on the phone, "It was a life saver for her child!" She was correct! My daughter plays a travel sport in addition to the after school sports requirement, and it allowed her to get more homework done in a given day. With her getting home late some evenings at 9:00 pm, it was nice for her to have only a few subjects to attend to before bed.”
“Use the resources - they're invaluable.”
“The services of the Learning Specialist…whether it's for a quick tip for studying or getting organized, or something more long term for students.....a great resource for students to just stop by his office and talk about any issues that need current attention.”
“The sports teams are fun and all the kids are so respectful of each other no matter what grade they are currently in. The quality of training is also very good.”
“I think if parents know that the first year will be a difficult year to begin with and 9th grade by itself is a hard year to adjust will be useful…the school is great in handling the situation and makes them feel very much welcomed and that with time it will be easier…so that their mind is at ease for the transition phase from their old school to new.”
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“Only purchase 1 or 2 outfits to get through the first couple days and then fill in… “
“The school really tries to help build and balance a student's transcript for college.
Whether it is giving them new opportunities in academics, suggesting new avenues in athletics, or participating in a variety of community services....choices and new challenges are always being presented to the students to allow them to build character and broaden their knowledge.”
“Jump in early! Our 10th grade parent reps were both very helpful in our transition.
Meeting a couple families that have a child in the same grade is critical during the first couple of months of school. My son started training with the lacrosse team during the summer, and this too, played a key role in him being comfortable when school actually started. He was able to walk in that first day and recognize some faces.”
“After our first year at Bullis, it is a school that reflects a real world situation. Many schools reflect a certain type of student body that is very similar in academic abilities or socio-economic backgrounds. Bullis accepts a range of students that reflects a real life community. The strengths and weaknesses of each student allows them to grow with e ach other as a small community within the campus.”
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Quick Reference: Bullis Basics
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
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