This week, students participated in the Rachel’s Challenge assembly, inspired by Rachel Scott’s life and belief that small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. To continue this work, students reflected on ways to make their school community more inclusive and compassionate.
You may notice your child talking about “leaving a legacy” or simple acts of kindness they are committing to this week. We encourage you to discuss these ideas at home and reinforce the importance of connection and empathy.
Thank you for supporting a positive school culture.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen, and Ed Hoffman
Dear Berner Parents, Students and Staff,
The 7th Grade Class of 2031 will be selling bags of Skittles for $1.00 each during all lunch periods on Monday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 17th while quantities last.
Please click for more information: Berner Skittles Fundraiser 2026
The 7th Grade Class wishes everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Thank you,
Ms. Kenny & Mr. LaBella
Class of 2031 Advisors
Hello Berner 7th and 8th Grade Parents & Students:
Please click on the link for information regarding the Berner MS Spring Season Athletic Teams Tryout Information
Thank you,
Ed Hoffman, CAA
Berner MS, P.E. Chair and Athletic Coordinator
Massapequa School District
Nassau County Challenger League Coordinator
Office: (516) 308-5725
Email: Ehoffman@msd.k12.ny.us
Dear Berner Families,
Today, a speaker from Rachel’s Challenge visited Berner and conducted impactful and engaging grade level assemblies with all of our students. Rachel's Challenge, inspired by Rachel Joy Scott's life and writings, is an anti-bullying and anti-violence program that aims to replace negativity with kindness and compassion, emphasizing that "people will never know how far a little kindness can go".
The core message that kindness and compassion can create a positive chain reaction and make a difference in people's lives was present throughout the presentation and students left being “challenged” to positively affect the Berner school climate by speaking with kindness, demonstrating empathy, choosing positive influences, looking for the best in others, and appreciating those around them.
6th Grade students were presented with the following 5 challenges:
Dream big and believe in yourself
Be kind to others
Practice positive gossip
Show appreciation to those you love
Be the answer for someone
7th Grade students were presented with the following 5 challenges:
Look for the best in others
Dream big
Choose positive influences
Speak with kindness
Start your own chain reaction
As an extension of last year’s presentation, the 8th Grade Assembly focused on:
Leave a Legacy of Kindness
Show Compassion
Practice Pre-Acceptance
Learn from Your Mistakes
Forgive Yourself & Others
Tomorrow, students will have the opportunity to complete a reflection activity during homeroom and sign the Rachel’s Challenge banner indicating they accept the “Challenge” during their lunch periods. Additionally, students who found this presentation impactful are encouraged to join our Chief’s Challenge club.
Please take a moment to have discussions with your child about the messages shared during today’s assemblies and the 5 challenges they have been tasked with.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen, and Ed Hoffman
We are excited to once again announce that Berner Middle School will be attending a school-wide field trip to Adventureland Amusement Park on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Permission slips were distributed to students in their homerooms today. Check collection will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th.
We are looking forward to a fun-filled day!
Thank you,
Berner Class Advisors
Berner is excited to welcome back a speaker from Rachel’s Challenge on Tuesday, March 10th. Rachel's Challenge, inspired by Rachel Joy Scott's life and writings, is an anti-bullying and anti-violence program that aims to replace negativity with kindness and compassion, emphasizing that "people will never know how far a little kindness can go".
On Tuesday, students will participate in a grade level assembly promoting the profound positive impact we can have on those around us. Rachel’s Challenge challenges participants to positively affect school climate by speaking with kindness, choosing positive influences, looking for the best in others, and appreciating those around them.
We welcome students and staff to wear apparel that promotes messages of kindness, positivity, inclusion, and/or hope on Tuesday, March 10th.
Thank you for your support!
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen, and Ed Hoffman
Dear Berner Parents and Students:
Please see the attached link with important information regarding the upcoming New York State Grades 6-8 Assessments for ELA and Math and Grade 8 Science. If you do not wish your child to participate in the exams, we ask that you complete the 2026 NYS Assessment Participation Refusal Form located on the Parent Portal (App - Select More, Web - Use the Navigation Menu) no later than Monday, April 13, 2026, so the building administrative team can safely and appropriately plan for all students on those dates.
BMS Upcoming NYS Assessments
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins-Peck, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen & Ed Hoffman
We invite you to review the linked letter containing important information regarding the NYS Grades 3–8 Assessments.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-lBlLEaCDJ0JyJIZ9ssN6HUWC094bKkK/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116442019154430759621&rtpof=true&sd=true
Thank you,
The Massapequa School District
Dear Berner Parents, Students, and Staff,
Please help support Massapequa SEPTA by participating in Rock Your Socks in honor of World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 20, 2026. Kindly click for more information: Rock Your Socks
Thank you.
Dear 8th Grade Berner Families:
This year has already been one to remember and we are hoping to create some more memories along the way. Don´t miss out, purchase your A.G. Berner yearbook now before prices increase on March 31st. Kindly click on the link below to purchase your 2026 A.G. Berner Yearbook!
Berner Yearbook Purchase 2026
If you want to personalize your book, iTags start at $7.00 extra and must be purchased before March 15th.
Your Yearbook Advisors,
Alison Clemente and Kristen Kenny
Registration for the 2026 Berner MS Spring Sports Season is open on ArbiterSports using the link below. This process needs to be completed for your child to be eligible for participation. The season begins on Monday, March 30th.
https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/massapequa-public-schools-athletics
Please contact the Athletics office if you need assistance.
Go Chiefs!
Sincerely,
Matt McLees, CMAA, Director of Athletics
Ed Hoffman, CAA, Berner Chairperson for PE & Athletics
