A strong school culture and climate ensures our students
can achieve their greatest potential. 

The culture at BUGS is positive, inclusive, interdependent, respectful, compassionate, and generous in serving others. We believe that when students feel valued for who they are, and see themselves as part of a community, they can achieve greater gains in social-emotional growth and independence.

From working with students to design systems and routines, producing assemblies and celebrations, to implementing a restorative approach to discipline, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) fosters a safe, nurturing environment for everyone at BUGS. The OSA takes pride in building a community based on our CARES values.

Scroll down to learn more about our special events, Clubs at BUGS, our Off-Campus Lunch Program and our Uniform Policy. Click here to watch a NY1 story about BUGS Quiet Time Program.

the office of student affairs (OSA)

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Dean Team partners with students, faculty and families to host a variety of events including Monster Mash, WinterFest, Black History Month, Spirit Week, and more. These events develop our positive and inclusive school culture, promote our values of Community and Student Voice, and provide fun incentives for positive behavior and personal growth.

clubs at bugs

We encourage students to develop their talents and explore new passions. Whether a student is interested in science, theater, Green Team, or all three -- we want our students to take risks, grow, and have fun. 

Students can join and/or start their own clubs, get involved in Student Council, be selected for National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), play sports in afterschool, and volunteer too.

Some of the clubs at BUGS include: Art, Debate, Garden, National Green Schools Society (NGSS), LBGTQ+, NJHS, Science, Singing, Student Council, Yearbook, Theater, Tech & Gaming, just to name a few.

Learn more about BUGS clubs and how to start one here.

Off-Campus Lunch

The BUGS Off Campus Lunch (OCL) program provides an opportunity for eligible middle school students to exercise greater autonomy and responsibility during their lunch period. This program is designed as a privilege, not a right, to reward students who demonstrate consistent positive behavior and community standing. It allows students to experience a taste of independence within defined boundaries, preparing them for increased responsibilities as they mature. The program is carefully facilitated and monitored by school staff each lunch period to ensure student safety and adherence to established guidelines.

Students participating in the OCL program are permitted to travel within a specific, supervised area. This area extends from the school's location at 19th Street and Prospect Park West to Bartel Pritchard Square, with Chipotle (15th Street and Prospect Park West) serving as the farthest permissible point. School staff are present to oversee student departures and returns, ensuring all participants remain within the designated boundaries and return to campus by the designated time. This structured approach fosters student autonomy while maintaining a safe and accountable environment.

BUGS Uniform Policy

BUGS dress code and uniform policy from the Family Handbook:

• Solid green or white tops with the BUGS logo. Midriffs and chest must be covered.  

• Any color pants, shorts or skirts. Skirts and shorts must extend to the bottom of the fingertips when arms are fully extended.

• Students may wear sneakers, dress shoes or sandals with back straps. For safety reasons students may not wear flip-flops or slippers.

• Hats and bandanas are not permitted in school with the exception of religious observance and field work.  Sunglasses are not to be worn in school.

  Since students are regularly working in the garden and leaving the building for field study, it is important that their clothing is comfortable for the tasks and weather that day. Families can purchase uniforms here.

Preventing and Addressing Bias-Based Harassment in Schools

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect July 1, 2012. Its purpose is to provide students with a school environment free of discrimination and harassment by peers and by school personnel. It applies to behaviors on school property, in school buildings, on a school bus, as well as, at school-sponsored events or activities.  Incidents of harassment and discrimination may include but are not limited to, threats, intimidation, or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), and sex. These eleven categories are referred to as protected classes.