Dear Beach Park Families,
The time has come to begin a new year in Beach Park District 3! I hope your summer has been filled with moments of joy, rest, and connection as well as family fun and time spent enjoying one another. I am so excited, and as always honored to welcome back our students, staff, and families as we launch the 2025-2026 school year with energy, excitement and purpose.
This year, we continue the momentum of our strategic plan and Vision 2030 goal of becoming a Blue Ribbon School District - an honor earned by schools that demonstrate excellence in learning, leadership, and opportunity for all students. That vision is more than a destination; it is a daily commitment to high expectations, strong relationships, and meaningful learning experiences.
Our theme this year, “Spark Curiosity, Ignite Core Memories,” invites us all to reflect on what makes school unforgettable. From the wonder of learning something new to the bonds formed between classmates and teachers, we believe these core moments shape who our students will become. With your support, our staff are ready to create environments where curiosity leads and lasting memories are made. In the movie, ‘Inside Out 2,” Joy realizes that all of a person’s core memories are valuable and important, regardless of whether they are good or bad, positive or negative, because all of our core memories build us into the people we are meant to be. We want to help our students build those core memories and do our part in helping them to grow into the people they are meant to be in the future.
Please review the important back-to-school information below to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Student Beginning and Ending Times (2025-2026)
Beach Park Middle School: 7:25 AM - 2:35 PM
Kenneth Murphy Elementary: 8:30 AM - 3:10 PM
Newport Elementary: 8:30 AM - 3:10 PM
Howe Elementary: 9:05 AM - 3:45 PM
Oak Crest Elementary: 9:05 AM - 3:45 PM
The Durham Bus company will be sending a communication prior to the beginning of the new school year, confirming transportation information about your child’s pick up and drop off times for the 2025-2026 school year. There is also a section on our District website, where Durham has shared important information about bus routes. Please take a look at the website using this link.
Important Dates
Board of Education Meeting: Monday, August 11, 2025 @ 6:30 PM in the BPMS Cafe
Open Houses: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Elementary Schools 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Middle School 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
School Begins: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Students entering Kindergarten: please follow the forthcoming communication from your building principal for information regarding your child(ren)’s first day.
Each school will be sending additional details in their own welcome letters, so please take time to review that communication before school begins.
As your superintendent, I am honored to serve our students and our Beach Park community. My door remains open as we move forward and continue to build our partnership. I look forward to a joyful, successful school year full of meaningful learning and memorable core moments.
Let’s make 2025 - 2026 a year to remember - by sparking curiosity and igniting core memories for every student, every day.
With honor in Partnership,
Dr. Denise Wilcox
Superintendent