2 days before the first day of school!
Pick out clothes for the first day of school!
BusRight is a transportation management platform and mobile app designed to modernize school bus operations. Download the BusRight app to receive real-time updates on your child's transportation. This year, we will be introducing Student Bus Cards. Find out more: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/page/transportation-bus-garage
It's time to cheer for the Bobcats!
The Mini Cheer Clinic will be taking place on October 6 and 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. with a performance on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. during the first quarter of the football game. This is for students in DK through 6th grade. The cost is $35.
Registration will be September 11 and 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Brandywine Middle/Senior High School cafeteria.
For more information, contact Cheer Coach Mia Frazier at mfrazier@brandywinebobcats.org.
The Mini Cheer Clinic will be taking place on October 6 and 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. with a performance on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. during the first quarter of the football game. This is for students in DK through 6th grade. The cost is $35.
Registration will be September 11 and 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Brandywine Middle/Senior High School cafeteria.
For more information, contact Cheer Coach Mia Frazier at mfrazier@brandywinebobcats.org.
3 days before the first day of school!
Review schedule details, classroom assignments, teacher names, or bus routes. Talk through any anxieties or questions about the first week so they aren't bottled up.
Review schedule details, classroom assignments, teacher names, or bus routes. Talk through any anxieties or questions about the first week so they aren't bottled up.
4 days before the first day of school!
Brainstorm a quick rotation of favorite, easy-to-pack lunches and snacks. Stock the pantry with Grab-and-Go options so morning prep takes under 5 minutes.
Brainstorm a quick rotation of favorite, easy-to-pack lunches and snacks. Stock the pantry with Grab-and-Go options so morning prep takes under 5 minutes.
Monday, August 31 is the first day of school! It will be a half day for K-6 and a full day for MSHS.
Bell Schedules:
Merritt Elementary
Full Day: 8:30 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Half Day: 8:30a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Late Start: 10:30 a.m.- 3:25 p.m.
Brandywine Elementary
Full Day: 8:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Half Day: 8:40 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Late Start: 10:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Middle / Senior High School
Full Day: 7:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Half Day: 7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Late Start: 9:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Bell Schedules:
Merritt Elementary
Full Day: 8:30 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Half Day: 8:30a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Late Start: 10:30 a.m.- 3:25 p.m.
Brandywine Elementary
Full Day: 8:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Half Day: 8:40 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Late Start: 10:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Middle / Senior High School
Full Day: 7:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Half Day: 7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Late Start: 9:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
5 days before the first day of school!
Designate a quiet, well-lit desk or table space for homework.
Designate a quiet, well-lit desk or table space for homework.
Don't forget the school supplies!
Merritt Elementary: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/o/mes/page/supply-list
Brandywine Elementary: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/o/bes/page/supply-list
Merritt Elementary: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/o/mes/page/supply-list
Brandywine Elementary: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/o/bes/page/supply-list
6 days before school starts!
Pick a specific spot near the entry or bedroom (a hook, bin, or tray) dedicated only to backpacks, shoes, and jacket storage. Getting this habit in place early prevents missing keys and bags later.
Pick a specific spot near the entry or bedroom (a hook, bin, or tray) dedicated only to backpacks, shoes, and jacket storage. Getting this habit in place early prevents missing keys and bags later.
7 days before the first day of school!
Practice the morning travel route at actual school time — whether driving, walking to the bus stop, or biking.
Practice the morning travel route at actual school time — whether driving, walking to the bus stop, or biking.
8 days before the first day of school!
Head out (or order online) for missing supplies, lunch boxes, and a sturdy water bottle. Involve students in choosing a few items so they feel ownership and excitement.
Head out (or order online) for missing supplies, lunch boxes, and a sturdy water bottle. Involve students in choosing a few items so they feel ownership and excitement.
9 days before the first day of school!
Gather lingering school supplies from last year before buying new stuff. Dump everything on a table, test markers, clean out the backpack, and make a list of only what you actually need.
The countdown is on! We have 10 days before school starts!
Start shifting bedtime and wake-up times by 15–30 minutes earlier each day to prepare for the schedule change!
Start shifting bedtime and wake-up times by 15–30 minutes earlier each day to prepare for the schedule change!
We need all families to complete the Education Benefits form. Doing this will secure important resources such as staff, curriculum, and mental health support for our students. In fact, we risk losing over $1.6 million in funding if these forms are not filled out.
Families, please fill out the form by October 1. The form can be found here and takes 5 minutes to complete: https://brandywine.familyportal.cloud/
Families, please fill out the form by October 1. The form can be found here and takes 5 minutes to complete: https://brandywine.familyportal.cloud/
Attention Bobcat Families and Community Members!
Your partnership is essential to your student's success. Please join us for an open community conversation focused on supporting student learning, encouraging positive behavior, and building a supportive school discipline framework.
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 10-11 a.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Middle/High School Media Center
We value your insight and look forward to collaborating on ways we can help our students thrive together.
Your partnership is essential to your student's success. Please join us for an open community conversation focused on supporting student learning, encouraging positive behavior, and building a supportive school discipline framework.
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 10-11 a.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Middle/High School Media Center
We value your insight and look forward to collaborating on ways we can help our students thrive together.
We have free backpacks for all students! Thank you to a generous donation from Costco, we will have FREE backpacks available for pick-up at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Sixth Grade Band Start-Ups are Monday, August 17! During start-ups, instruments will be issued, students will be taught how to put instruments together and how to be cared for, and students will be taught the basics of reading notes/rhythms.
9 - 10:15 a.m. FLUTES in HIGH SCHOOL BAND ROOM
9 - 10:15 a.m. TRUMPETS in HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR ROOM
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CLARINETS in HIGH SCHOOL BAND ROOM
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. TROMBONES and BARITONES in HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR ROOM
1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. SAXOPHONES in HIGH SCHOOL BAND ROOM
1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. PERCUSSION in HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR ROOM
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. FRENCH HORNS in HIGH SCHOOL BAND ROOM
For more information or questions, please contact Band Director Ruth Livengood at rlivengood@brandywinebobcats.org.
We have free backpacks for Brandywine students! Thank you to a generous donation from Costco, we will have FREE backpacks available for pick-up beginning August 11 at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Berrien Community Foundation will be hosting Backpacks for Good on Thursday, August 6 from 4-6 p.m. at Niles High School! This program is open to students attending Niles and Brandywine Community Schools. There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway, food pantry, and more. For more information, visit www.berriencommunity.org.
We want to officially welcome Ms. Amanda Lezotte as our new Superintendent! Her tenure as Superintendent has officially begun. Read her message to the community: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/page/superintendent
