Dear Berner Community,
As we move through Chain Reaction Commitment Week, we wanted to send a warm reminder about the kindness themes happening each day. Our students and staff have already begun spreading meaningful, positive moments throughout the building, and we are grateful for the energy everyone is bringing to this initiative.
Chain Reaction Commitment Week Flyer
Please continue encouraging your children to participate in the daily kindness challenges and to look for small opportunities to make someone’s day brighter. These simple actions truly help strengthen the culture of empathy and connection we are building together. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make Berner Middle School a place where every student feels valued and seen.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen, and Ed Hoffman

Dear Berner Parents, Students and Staff,
Berner's National Junior Honor Society is hosting a bracelet sale on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24th during all lunch periods. Bracelets will be sold for $1.00 each. The proceeds will be donated to Mighty Massapequa/St. Baldrick's Fundraiser.
Kindly click on the link for more information: Mighty Massapequa/St. Baldrick's Fundraising Event 2026
Thank you,
Ms. Teresa Ferreira & Mr. Esposito
National Junior Honor Society Co-Advisors

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.

INFORMATION ON THE UPCOMING NYS ASSESSMENTS

Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins-Peck, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen & Ed Hoffman

Dear Berner Community,
We are excited to share that next week our building will be participating in “Chain Reaction Commitment Week,” inspired by our recent Rachel's Challenge assemblies. This initiative is designed to strengthen our school culture by encouraging small, meaningful acts of kindness that create a positive ripple effect throughout our community. Each day has a simple theme that invites students and staff to take part. Please see the attached flyer for further details.
Chain Reaction Commitment Week Flyer
We hope this week inspires our community to continue building a culture of empathy, connection, and kindness. Thank you for supporting this important work and for helping us make Berner Middle School a place where everyone feels valued.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ken Petersen, and Ed Hoffman

Dear Berner Families,
Berner Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society is proud to announce its 2026 service project.
Let’s come together to support children who are bravely battling cancer! We are excited to invite you to an incredible community event taking place at Berner Middle School on Tuesday, March 24th, from 6:00–9:00 PM.
We are partnering with Mighty Massapequa and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to raise money to help conquer childhood cancer. This special evening will feature music, activities, raffles, and more, all while supporting a meaningful cause.
How you can help:
Donate: Scan the QR code on the flyer to access the Mighty Massapequa donation page
Fundraise: From now through Tuesday, March 24th
Attend: Join us at the event and show your support!
Please click for more information: Mighty Massapequa/St. Baldrick's Fundraising Event 2026
We hope you’ll join us for this fun and impactful community event.
Warm regards,
Berner Middle School National Junior Honor Society

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:

1. Dream big and believe in yourself

2. Be kind to others

3. Practice positive gossip

4. Show appreciation to those you love

5. Be the answer for someone

7th Grade students were presented with the following 5 challenges:

1. Look for the best in others

2. Dream big

3. Choose positive influences

4. Speak with kindness

5. Start your own chain reaction

As an extension of last year’s presentation, the 8th Grade Assembly focused on:

1. Leave a Legacy of Kindness

2. Show Compassion

3. Practice Pre-Acceptance

4. Learn from Your Mistakes 

5. 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