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Dean of Academics:
As we welcome your family to the 2026-27 school year, we are planning spaces and experiences that invite curiosity, engagement, and learning. Partnering with you is our priority in these efforts. To that end, you should expect communication from us throughout the year that offers a window into your child’s life at school, and invites your participation and feedback. For your awareness and planning, we’ve created this schedule, Communication at Billings, to share some of the avenues and intervals we’ll use to communicate with you.
The 2026-27 Academic Schedule includes new features aimed at supporting student learning, collaboration, and executive functioning. First, we’re offering a two-semester, fall and spring, schedule to better reflect the two-term grading periods. While we will not run a distinct “winter term,” students will still start snowshoeing in January, and we’ll still provide mid-year progress reports in the spring.
7th and 8th graders will participate in semester-long performing arts classes in Drama, Music, or Vocals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and rotate arts classes in the spring term. 7th graders will participate in all three performing arts classes for the remainder of their time at Billings. 8th graders will participate in two of the three performing arts classes this year. The performing arts teachers developed rosters for the 7th and 8th grade rotations. All students will take Visual Arts twice during the week, and this year, we’re pleased to offer an additional Vocals class in 6th grade.
PE/GO classes will include a curriculum for students to develop climbing skills at each grade level. We’ve added weekly Lab blocks for hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities in humanities and STEM. Finally, we’ve added an Office Hours block to the 7th grade schedule to provide time for students to complete homework, make-up missed work, or to develop and prepare skills for upcoming ExpEd trips.
A robotics club is in the works for students who are interested in hands-on learning experiences that introduce them to the building blocks of coding and programming using standards-aligned Lego Education Kits. The club has a few important goals for this first year: to give students exposure to computer science and the algorithms needed to create robotic movements and reactions; to spark interest in high school robotics; and, most importantly, to have fun! The club will meet weekly on Tuesdays, after school from 3:45-5:00 starting in October. Please stay tuned for more information about the schedule and sign-up.
Annual All School Potluck Picnic
There's something special about gathering and sharing a meal. It creates space for conversation, connection, and belonging—strengthening the relationships that make our community thrive. At Billings, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when we slow down, share stories, and come together. Here's to good food, great company, and the joy of community.
Grade Level Sign-up:
6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade
Seating under the picnic shelter is limited, so please bring a blanket or lawn chairs for added comfort. We look forward to gathering and celebrating the new school year!
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