Berner Middle School has emergency plans and procedures to protect our students and staff during emergencies, as everyone's safety remains our top priority. To that end, it is important for us to consistently review and practice our emergency procedures throughout the school year. This is done by engaging our students and staff in a series of drills, both announced and unannounced. Safety exercises, such as fire drills, lockout drills, lockdown drills, shelter drills, relocations, and evacuation drills are done periodically.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025 we will perform a lockdown drill, which we implement to practice addressing a potential situation that involves a threat inside of the building. Over the remainder of the year, we will continue to run safety drills to ensure that we always remain vigilant and prepared.
As always, your continued support is appreciated.
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins-Peck, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
BMS Homeroom Announcements 9/5/25: https://www.msd.k12.ny.us/bmsannouncements
Hello Massapequa!
It’s that time! After nearly a year in the making, we’re proud to share a video capturing the heart, spirit, and pride of Massapequa: our students, our staff, and our community.
More than words, this is the story of our commitment — a community built on connection, tradition, and the belief that together we can unlock a world of possibility for every child. In just 2 minutes and 43 seconds, this video reaffirms our vision: “Creating Leaders… One Child at a Time.”
I hope you enjoy it, and I invite you to share this inspiring message. Now, let’s get to the show. 💙💛
Video Link: https://youtu.be/crnazW8bCBg
All the best,
Dr. William Brennan
Superintendent of Schools
Good Morning!!
I hope that this email finds you well.
I would like to invite you to the Annual Massapequa Science Research Informational meeting that will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 7pm in the auditorium of Berner Middle School. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to aspiring science research students on the expectations, opportunities, long-term goals and our collective vision for Massapequa Science Research.
The first in the sequence of science research courses begins in eighth grade.
PLEASE take a moment to review the requirements for the research program.
Massapequa School District: Science Research Admission Requirements 2026-2027
Massapequa Introduction to Research Presentation Fall 2025
I ask that you RSVP to this event by completing the following form:
Science Research Informational Evening RSVP
The event is intended for students and parents/guardians.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Daniel Mezzafonte
Supervisor of Science, 6-12
Massapequa Public Schools
4925 Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758
(516) 308-5973 (office)
BMS Homeroom Announcements 9/4/25: https://www.msd.k12.ny.us/bmsannouncements
This year Picture Day will take place Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19, during your child's Physical Education class.
A link to order and choose your yearbook picture will be emailed to you. To choose your yearbook picture click on the picture you would like to be featured in the yearbook and then click on the yearbook icon on the right side of the page.
We can't wait to see everyones smiling faces!
Thank you,
Your Yearbook Advisors
Alison Clemente and Kristen Kenny
BMS Homeroom Announcements 9/3/25: https://www.msd.k12.ny.us/bmsannouncements
Good Afternoon Berner Families,
Tomorrow, September 3rd, 6th Grade students will be attending a grade level Deans' Office Assembly to review important building procedures and general information. 7th graders will have their assembly on September 4th and 8th graders will have theirs on September 5th.
Please see the link below to view the presentation. In it, you will find answers to many of our frequently asked questions and important reminders for both students and parents.
BMS-Dean's Orientation Slideshow 2025-26
As a reminder, students must bring their locks into the building to be put on their lockers, as all cell phones and smart devices must be kept off and away in their lockers. Additionally, students must abide by the dress code and come to school dressed appropriately. Please click the link below to review the guidelines regarding appropriate school attire.
Thank you for taking the time to review this important information with your child.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins-Peck, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
Hello 7th & 8th Grade Berner Parents/Guardians and Students:
Below is important information regarding the Fall 2025 Berner Middle School Fall Interscholastic Sports program.
FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC TEAM INFORMATION: Across NY State, only 7th & 8th grade students are eligible to participate in interscholastic middle school athletic teams (6th grade students are Not permitted).
STUDENT INTEREST MEETING FOR BERNER FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT TEAMS - (Wednesday, Sept. 3rd). All 7th & 8th grade Berner students interested in trying out for a fall interscholastic team at Berner must attend a meeting from 3:00-3:40pm on Wednesday September 3rd. Coaches will discuss tryout procedures, team responsibilities and required forms/paperwork with the students at this meeting. Eligible students will be able to take the 3:50pm late bus home.
The locations for these meetings are as follows:
Football – Boys Gym
Field Hockey – East Cafeteria
Girls Soccer – Girls Gym
Boys Soccer – West Cafeteria
Cross Country (Boys & Girls) -Auditorium
Berner Fall Tryout Information Slideshow - Click link to view the information that the coaches will be reviewing with the students at their interest meeting.
TRYOUTS FOR ALL FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS AT BERNER – (Thursday, Sept 4th) - Tryouts for all Berner fall sports teams (Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey and Cross Country) will take place from 3:45-5:30pm starting on Thursday, September 4th. There are no late buses provided after tryouts/practices. Families must arrange for a ride home at the conclusion of each tryout/practice/game throughout the season. Tryouts will take place for approximately 4 days. Once teams are secured, team practices take place every school day during the season from 3:45-5:30pm.
BOYS SOCCER - The Boys Soccer team will take a 1-way bus each day to Unqua Elementary School for Tryouts and Practices throughout the season. Students will need to get picked up from Unqua at the conclusion of each tryout/practice. All other sports will hold tryouts on the Berner campus.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR TRYOUTS
To try out for ANY school interscholastic team, all students must be registered with ARBITER SPORTS/FAMILY ID and have submitted all of the required information/paperwork online.
To register for ARBITER SPORTS/FAMILY ID and to complete the online medical forms, please click on this link: Family ID
STUDENT-ATHLETE OPTIONS FROM 3:00-3:40pm: Tryouts/practices begin at 3:45pm each day and end at approximately 5:30pm. From 3:00-3:40pm student athletes will have the ability to choose to attend any of the following after school options:
Athletic Team Study Hall (in the Cafeteria)
Extra Help
Club Meetings
Computer Lab -room 120.
** Students are NOT permitted to leave the building after school and return for tryouts/practice.
COACH CONTACT INFORMATION
Girls Soccer
7th Grade - Mrs. Kollar - ekollar@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade - Ms. Scarpias - sscarpias@msd.k12.ny.us
Boys Soccer
7th Grade - Mr. Wing - kwing@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade - Mr. Hession - ghession@msd.k12.ny.us
Field Hockey
Mr. Kabelka 7/8 (Blue) - ekabelka@msd.k12.ny.us
Mrs. Charvet 7/8 (Gold) - jcharvet@msd.k12.ny.us
Cross Country
Girls XC - Mr. Hoffman - ehoffman@msd.k12.ny.us
Boys XC - Mr. Cuebas - jcuebas@msd.k12.ny.us
Football
7th Grade - Mr. Sheedy - tsheedy@msd.k12.ny.us
7th Grade - Mr. O'Brien - kobrien@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade -Mr. Fiorentine - tfiorentine@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade - Mr. LaBella - mlabella@msd.k12.ny.us
Regards,
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,
Please see the link below for important information related to transportation, arrival, dismissal for the 2025-2026 school year.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EZEOXEnuu-1I2czwcMix1InPgJWg-CjHS3Rs53dtTK8/edit?usp=drive_link
We look forward to getting the school year started with our students on September 2!
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins-Peck, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
Dear Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Parents and Students:
We hope you’re enjoying the summer!
As a reminder, preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are well underway, and we are expecting an amazing year at Berner! As you continue to make your summer plans, please take note of the following Tour the Schedule dates:
Monday, August 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We anticipate student schedules being available on the Parent Portal prior to the Tour the Schedule sessions. On the above dates and times, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to come into Berner and informally tour their schedules. Parents are welcome to come with their children as they walk the building and familiarize themselves with their class locations.
Students and parents are free to come to either one of the Tour the Schedule sessions, or to both if they wish. Additionally, we will be distributing hallway combination locks to our incoming 6th graders during both of the Tour the Schedule times. We anticipate that this will occur outside the auditorium in the lobby.
A reminder about these dates and times will be included in the summer mailing that is sent later in August to all BMS families.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The New York State Education Department has recently enacted a law banning student use of cell phones and smart/electronic devices in public schools. In response, the Massapequa Board of Education, in collaboration with the Superintendent, has implemented an Interim Board Policy that aligns with this state directive. As we embark on the start of a new school year, we want to address the Berner Middle School cell phone and smart/electronic device policy with you in accordance with this new legislation.
At school, cell phones, smart-watches, smart-glasses, etc. can create increased distractibility, classroom disruption, compromise academic integrity, lead to cyberbullying, and limit appropriate social interaction. Please review Berner’s updated Cell Phone/Smart Device Guidelines For Students below to partner with us in minimizing issues related to student use of these devices at school.
Cell phones, smart-watches, smart-glasses, and other smart/electronic devices must:
Be TURNED OFF prior to entering the building at arrival.
Be placed in the HALLWAY LOCKER PRIOR TO ENTERING HOMEROOM.
NOT be used during any portion of the school day, from arrival through dismissal. Landline phones are available for students to use in the General Office, Guidance Office, Pupil Personnel Office, Health Office, and/or Deans’ Office to connect with their parents at any time.
NOT be kept in clothing pockets or handbags, which can lead to the misuse of cell phones in bathrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, hallways, etc.
Students may get their cell phones and/or smart/electronic devices from their hallway locker prior to the beginning of 9th period or before leaving the building for the day and keep them OFF AND PUT AWAY in their backpack, until they exit the building.
Students may power on their phone and/or device(s) once they’ve exited the school building.
Cell phones/smart devices may NOT be used on school buses for photos or to record video/audio.
To start the year, we will frequently remind students of these guidelines through announcements in the mornings, lunch periods, and afternoons so they remain aware of what’s expected and required. Students found to not be in compliance with these rules will be referred to the Deans’ Office and issued consequences in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Consequences may include students being required to leave their cell phone/smart device(s) in the Deans’ Office for the reminder of the day, lunch/after school detention(s), and in more serious cases, suspension from school.
Please review these guidelines with your children. We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation as we look forward to a successful school year.
Sincerely,
Jason Esposito
Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thanks to the efforts of our technology team, the Parent Portal is now open earlier than planned for all parents and guardians. You now have access to important student information and resources, including student schedules, the Absence Notification Form, the Student Document Upload Form, bus information, child username/password information, Schoology parent account creation steps/code, and more.
Parent Portal Link: https://msdps.powerschool.com/public/home.html
If you need support, please visit https://www.msd.k12.ny.us/parentportal or email powerschool@msd.k12.ny.us.
Sincerely,
The Massapequa School District
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This is a reminder that on August 21, 2025, at the times listed below, parents will have access to the Parent Portal. The portal provides access to student schedules, the Absence Notification Form, the Student Document Upload Form, bus information, child username/password information, Schoology parent account creation steps/code, and more.
MHS-Main: 9:00AM
Berner Middle School: 9:30AM
MHS-Ames: 10:00AM
Birch Lane, East Lake, Fairfield: 10:30AM
Lockhart, McKenna, Unqua: 11:00AM
Parent Portal Link: https://msdps.powerschool.com/public/home.html
If you need support, please visit www.msd.k12.ny.us/parentportal or email powerschool@msd.k12.ny.us.
Sincerely,
The Massapequa School District
Dear Secondary Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! At this time, we invite you to explore all of our technology resources and support information located at www.msd.k12.ny.us/tech. In addition, we ask that you please note the following:
Stay Connected with MSD:
As the school year begins, we encourage you to stay connected by regularly accessing the following three key resources: MSD App with Rooms, Parent Portal, and Schoology. These are outlined in the mailed Stay Connected with MSD letter and available online at www.msd.k12.ny.us/connect. In addition, please take note of the following for the Parent Portal:
On August 21, 2025 at the times below, parents will have access to student schedules, the Absence Notification Form, Student Document Upload Form, bus information, child username/password information, Schoology parent account creation steps/code, and more. If you need support, please email powerschool@msd.k12.ny.us.
MHS-Main: 9:00AM
Berner Middle School: 9:30AM
MHS-Ames: 10:00AM
Birch Lane, East Lake, Fairfield: 10:30AM
Lockhart, McKenna, Unqua: 11:00AM
Absence Notification Form: All BMS/AHS parents must use the Absence Notification Form in the Parent Portal to report absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. All MHS parents must use the form to report full day absences and call all late arrivals or early dismissals into the MHS Attendance Office at 516-308-5920. This form is accessible by selecting Forms from the navigation menu.
Student Document Upload Form: All parents must use the Student Document Upload Ecollect Form in the Parent Portal to submit confidential documents. (e.g., physicals, doctor notes, etc.) If you already have an Ecollect account, sign in using your email address. If you’re creating an account for the first time, it will be set up when you submit your first document. Click Sign In, enter your email and Parent Portal password, then click Register, agree to the terms, and click Register again. You’ll then be able to upload documents for all children linked to your account.
Student Chromebooks:
All students are assigned a Chromebook, charger (for home use), protective cover and carrying case. Students must use the carrying case when transporting their Chromebook to/from and in school. All students must use their protective cover at all times. In addition, all students need to charge their Chromebooks nightly. Parents/guardians agree to the Chromebook Learning Anytime, Anywhere agreement in the new/returning student form. For detailed resources and support, visit www.msd.k12.ny.us/tech.
All new students will receive their Chromebooks, username/password information, and accessories when/if they attend the walk-the-schedule date(s). If not, please visit the Chrome Depot on the first day of school.
The Clever Portal:
All online resource links are available on the Clever Portal: www.msd.k12.ny.us/clever. Students sign into the Clever Portal using their Google account (username@msd23.org) and password. Student usernames and passwords are located on the Parent Portal Student Portfolio page. For detailed resources and support, visit www.msd.k12.ny.us/tech.
We wish you all the best this school year!
Sincerely,
The Massapequa School District
Hello Incoming 7th & 8th Grade Berner Parents/Guardians and Students:
Below is important information regarding the Fall 2025 Berner Middle School Fall Interscholastic Sports program.
FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC TEAM INFORMATION: Across NY State, only 7th & 8th grade students are eligible to participate in interscholastic middle school athletic teams (6th grade students are Not permitted).
STUDENT INTEREST MEETING FOR BERNER FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT TEAMS - (Wednesday, Sept. 3rd). All 7th & 8th grade Berner students interested in trying out for a fall interscholastic team at Berner must attend a meeting from 3:00-3:40pm on Wednesday September 3rd. Coaches will discuss tryout procedures, team responsibilities and required forms/paperwork with the students at this meeting. Eligible students will be able to take the 3:50pm late bus home.
The locations for these meetings are as follows:
Football – Boys Gym
Field Hockey – East Cafeteria
Girls Soccer – Girls Gym
Boys Soccer – West Cafeteria
Cross Country (Boys & Girls) -Auditorium
TRYOUTS FOR ALL FALL INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS AT BERNER – (Thursday, Sept 4th) - Tryouts for all Berner fall sports teams (Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Field Hockey and Cross Country) will take place from 3:45-5:30pm starting on Thursday, September 4th. There are no late buses provided after tryouts/practices. Families must arrange for a ride home at the conclusion of each tryout/practice/game throughout the season. Tryouts will take place for approximately 4 days. Once teams are secured, team practices take place every school day during the season from 3:45-5:30pm.
BOYS SOCCER - The Boys Soccer team will take a 1-way bus each day to Unqua Elementary School for Tryouts and Practices throughout the season. Students will need to get picked up from Unqua at the conclusion of each tryout/practice. All other sports will hold tryouts on the Berner campus.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR TRYOUTS
To try out for ANY school interscholastic team, all students must be registered with ARBITER SPORTS/FAMILY ID and have submitted all of the required information/paperwork online.
To register for ARBITER SPORTS/FAMILY ID and to complete the online medical forms, please click on this link: https://www.familyid.com/massapequa-public-schools-athletics
STUDENT-ATHLETE OPTIONS FROM 3:00-3:40pm: Tryouts/practices begin at 3:45pm each day and end at approximately 5:30pm. From 3:00-3:40pm student athletes will have the ability to choose to attend any of the following after school options:
Athletic Team Study Hall (in the Cafeteria)
Extra Help
Club Meetings
Computer Lab -room 120.
** Students are NOT permitted to leave the building after school and return for tryouts/practice.
COACH CONTACT INFORMATION
Girls Soccer
7th Grade - Mrs. Kollar - ekollar@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade - Ms. Scarpias - sscarpias@msd.k12.ny.us
Boys Soccer
7th Grade - Mr. Wing - kwing@msd.k12.ny.us
8th Grade - Mr. Hession - ghession@msd.k12.ny.us
Field Hockey
Mr. Kabelka - ekabelka@msd.k12.ny.us
Mrs. Charvet - jcharvet@msd.k12.ny.us
Cross Country
Girls XC - Mr. Hoffman - ehoffman@msd.k12.ny.us
Boys XC - Mr. Cuebas - jcuebas@msd.k12.ny.us
Football
Mr. Fiorentine - tfiorentine@msd.k12.ny.us
Mr. LaBella - mlabella@msd.k12.ny.us
Mr. Sheedy - tsheedy@msd.k12.ny.us
Mr. O'Brien - kobrien@msd.k12.ny.us
Regards,
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
Please disregard the recent email from Berner dated Friday, August 8, 2025, concerning "Tour The Schedule".
The email was sent in error.
Thank you.
Dear Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Parents and Students:
We hope you’re enjoying the summer!
As a reminder, preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are well underway, and we are expecting an amazing year at Berner! As you continue to make your summer plans, please take note of the following Tour the Schedule dates:
Monday, August 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We anticipate student schedules being available on the Parent Portal prior to the Tour the Schedule sessions. On the above dates and times, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to come into Berner and informally tour their schedules. Parents are welcome to come with their children as they walk the building and familiarize themselves with their class locations.
Students and parents are free to come to either one of the Tour the Schedule sessions, or to both if they wish. Additionally, we will be distributing hallway combination locks to our incoming 6th graders during both of the Tour the Schedule times. We anticipate that this will occur outside the auditorium in the lobby.
A reminder about these dates and times will be included in the summer mailing that is sent later in August to all BMS families.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
Dear Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Parents and Students:
We hope you’re enjoying the summer!
As a reminder, preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are well underway, and we are expecting an amazing year at Berner! As you continue to make your summer plans, please take note of the following Tour the Schedule dates:
Monday, August 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We anticipate student schedules being available on the Parent Portal prior to the Tour the Schedule sessions. On the above dates and times, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to come into Berner and informally tour their schedules. Parents are welcome to come with their children as they walk the building and familiarize themselves with their class locations.
Students and parents are free to come to either one of the Tour the Schedule sessions, or to both if they wish. Additionally, we will be distributing hallway combination locks to our incoming 6th graders during both of the Tour the Schedule times. We anticipate that this will occur outside the auditorium in the lobby.
A reminder about these dates and times will be included in the summer mailing that is sent later in August to all BMS families.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen
Dear Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Parents and Students:
We hope you’re enjoying the summer!
As a reminder, preparations for the 2025-2026 school year are well underway, and we are expecting an amazing year at Berner! As you continue to make your summer plans, please take note of the following Tour the Schedule dates:
Monday, August 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, August 26
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We anticipate student schedules being available on the Parent Portal prior to the Tour the Schedule sessions. On the above dates and times, all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to come into Berner and informally tour their schedules. Parents are welcome to come with their children as they walk the building and familiarize themselves with their class locations.
Students and parents are free to come to either one of the Tour the Schedule sessions, or to both if they wish. Additionally, we will be distributing hallway combination locks to our incoming 6th graders during both of the Tour the Schedule times. We anticipate that this will occur outside the auditorium in the lobby.
A reminder about these dates and times will be included in the summer mailing that is sent later in August to all BMS families.
Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Thank you,
Jason Esposito, Beth Mullins, Keri Wing, Rob Tucker, Kristen Meoli, Ed Hoffman, and Ken Petersen