Thursday, March 31, 2011

2011 Birbery Awards

The 2011 Birbery Awards took place at the Baldwin Library on Wednesday, March 29th. BCS Media Specialist Ann Truesdell and Barbara Clark hosted the event with both Derby and Berkshire Middle Schools. The Birbery Committee voted on the “best” book for 6th grade students published in the past year (our own version of the Newbery Awards). These students read 8 books over the past few months and then attended book clubs during their lunch hour to discuss the books (via Skype) with students at Berkshire and Derby. Great Job BCS Birbery participants!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

March 28-April 1 WAG

BCS on the web
www.bcsonline.info
Follow BCS on twitter: bcscovington
Principal's blog: http://www.adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/

March 27, 2011

Dear BCS Community,

Please make sure to scroll down and read about the accomplishments by our Science Olympiad teams this past week. Oh and by the way...our swim team finished second place in the league- way to go Cobras (Coach Bill Johansson and Mat Brown!)!!

CTC:

We often talk about how creative we want our students to be and how autonomy will play a part in learning the skills that will ultimately set them apart from others in a very competitive future. Included in these discussions are our students' ability to produce work that is original. In order for BCS students to become globally competent they must have the opportunities to move beyond the process and the product and move toward having the knowledge and skills to share their work with a global audience. We do a good job of this within our walls and in some cases reach beyond the classroom to share ideas and projects. It is time for us to take a robust step in advocating for a true global mindset here at BCS. The Covington Technology Celebration (CTC) is an example of how our students will intentionally showcase their work to a real audience.

The CTC will be held on May 19, 2011 beginning at 4:30 p.m. It is not a traditional art show or science fair but rather a showcase of the many creative, G.E.E.K.ed projects our students have had a part in all year. Please go to www.bcsonline.com and click on the CTC link. The deadline has been extended. BCS: A place to create and a place to showcase talents!!

Thank you:

The BLAST was a huge success! While final numbers are not in, it looks like we may have surpassed last year’s record breaking amount. Ken Gilbert, Karen Best, and everyone that helped, deserves a huge standing ovation. Assistant Principal Chinn and I are still trying to pick our jaws off the ground...amazing efforts by all!
On a side note...Marnie Lewbel will be leaving us this year. She is a long time BCS parent and advocate. Currently sitting as PTSA co-chair, she has been a champion for the staff, the parents, and most of all your children at BCS- please make sure to thank her before she leaves us in June. Her son will be going to 9th grade. BCS will miss her.

New Parent Wiki Activity:

Go to the BCS parent wiki (http://geekedmindsetforparents.wikispaces.com/) and watch the video that is posted for the May 27th activity under the article tab. There are two questions regarding the video...your discussions are welcomed!

New Family Meetings:

We have been conducting new parent meetings. What a great way to get to know our incoming families! Tamra Nast and Karen Sivwright, our BCS counselors, do a great job of running these. Many of you remember how nervous and excited you may have been starting the first year at BCS. Please join us and welcome the new families as much as possible this spring. It’s important they begin the school year already acclimated to BCS!


Please enjoy the spring break that begins after choice hour on Friday. If you are traveling, travel safe and enjoy your friends and family! In the spirit of being G.E.E.K.ed, I am asking BCS families to email a picture of the places you are visiting or a picture of you or your family learning something new over break. I will make a slideshow of the pictures and share it on the blog!!

Have a G.E.E.K.ed week.

Adam










WEEK AT A GLANCE – March 28 - April 1, 2011
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email mz07bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us MIDNIGHT THURSDAY

Monday, March 28
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls 1st Soccer Practice- Turn in all paperwork to pick up your orange slip
6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track –Turn in all paperwork to pick up your orange slip

Tuesday, March 29
7:15-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls 1st Track Practice –all paperwork must be turned in to pick up your orange slip
7:00-8:00AM – 6th Grade Girls Proud Dads Volleyball
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
7PM -welcome reception at Seaholm for incoming principal Dee Lancaster-Seaholm Media Center
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice

Wednesday, March 30
7:15-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during Choice Hour for $1 in the main hallway
1:40PM – Tornado Drill -PLEASE BE AWARE WHEN PICKING UP YOUR CHILD EARLY
3:15PM – Girls Soccer Team Picture
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice

Thursday, March 31
Market Day Orders Due
7:15-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
7:00-8:00AM – 6th Grade Girls Proud Dads Volleyball
9:30-11:00AM - BBFA Workshop - “Say Yes to No” , Gary M. Doyle Center
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice
6:30-8:00PM – 3rd thru 8th Grade Proud Dad’s Baseball

Friday, April 1
Covington Technology Celebration Entry Forms Due Today
Trash Free Friday
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice
Spring Recess Begins at 4:05PM

Saturday, April 2
4:00-5:00PM 3rd-8th Grade Proud Dads Sports Tennis, Birmingham Bubble/Racket Club: http://www.birminghamracquetclub.com/contact.htm indoors



PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES


On Saturday, March 26th, our Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against 30 schools from Oakland County. We placed 2nd overall and earned an invitation to the State Competition at Michigan State University on April 30th. The Alternate Team placed 4th overall.
Thank you to all of the parents that helped and a special thanks to Mrs. Brown and Mr. Emmi!!


The following students took home medals:

1st Place
Awesome Aquifer – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Battery Buggy – Nick Confer & James Rivard
Can’t Judge a Powder – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Dynamic Planet – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Meteorology – Bryce Owens & Adam Smith
Ornithology – Nitin Kumar & Bogdan Manga
Road Scholar – Don Rea & Adam Smith
Solar System – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
Storm the Castle – Bogdan Manga & Bryce Owens

2nd Place
Bottle Rockets – Nick Confer & Michael Kmiec

3rd Place
Compute This – Aaron Levett & Noah Smith
Ecology – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett

4th Place
Optics – Michael Kmiec & Noah Smith
Picture This – Aaron Levett & Noah Smith
Write-It Do-It – Bryce Owens & James Rivard

5th Place
Experimental Design – Alison John, Maria Roma & Adam Smith
Shock Value – Nitin Kumar & Bogdan Manga
Tower Building – Don Rea & Maria Roma

6th Place
Science Crime Busters – Nick Confer & Nitin Kumar

The following students from the Alternate Team took home ribbons:

1st Place
Storm the Castle – Jacob Anderson & Chandler Roberts
Write-It Do-It – Jacob Dara & Marshall Ross

2nd Place
Shock Value – Varsha Kumar & Rohon Roychoudhury
Tower Building – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Veronica Manson

3rd Place
Dynamic Planet – Jack Felch & Karlie Sherwood
Ecology – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Jeremy Jack
Fossils – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Brianna Williams
Junkyard Challenge – Jacob Dara & Nathan Sylvia
Optics – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Brianna Williams
Picture This – Jacob Anderson & Trevor McMahon
Solar System – Jacob Anderson & Varsha Kumar





4th Place
Awesome Aquifer – Jack Felch & Karlie Sherwood
Battery Buggy – Trevor McMahon & Marshall Ross
Science Crime Busters – Jacob Anderson & Trevor McMahon

5th Place
Disease Detectives – Jacob Dara & Chandler Roberts
Experimental Design – Jacob Dara, Rohon Roychoudhury & Nathan Sylvia
Meteorology – Marshall Ross & Nathan Sylvia
Ornithology – Karlie Sherwood & Brianna Williams

6th Place
Anatomy – Jacob Anderson & Trevor McMahon
Can’t Judge a Powder – Jeremy Jack & Veronica Manson
Compute This – Natha Sylvia & Brianna Williams
Microbe Mission – Jack Felch & Chandler Roberts
Road Scholar – Varsha Kumar & Veronica Manson




Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Whole Grain Pancakes or French Toast, Sausage, Fresh Fruit, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Tuesday –Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Alfredo, Garlic Toast, Steamed Broccoli, Nacho Supreme
Wednesday –Home-Style Turkey with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – BBQ Chicken, Side of Mac & Cheese, Flavorful Baked Beans, Chicken Enchilada
Friday –Bacon Cheeseburger, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Peas & Carrots, Meat Lover’s Pizza



ATHLETICS UPDATES

Girls Soccer starts Monday, 3/28. Please make sure that all paperwork is completed so that you can pick up your orange slip to practice Monday. Check online for the practice schedule (http://bcsonline.info/Athletics/GSoccer.html) and registration information (http://bcsonline.info/Athletics.html)! If paperwork is not completed and you have not turned in your orange slip to your coach, you cannot step on the field for practices.

Track starts Tuesday, 3/29. Practices will be held next week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday only) from 7:15-8:00 AM. Practices will resume the week after spring break at 6:45 AM every day. Please make sure that all paperwork is completed so that you can pick up your orange slip to practice Tuesday morning. Check online for registration information (http://bcsonline.info/Athletics.html)! If paperwork is not completed and you have not turned in your orange slip to your coach, you cannot practice.

CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION
Choice Hour reminders – please call (248-203-4625), send in a note, or email Linda Stone at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us if your child is going to be absent from Choice Hour for any reason! Students that do not have Choice Hour on any given day need to be picked up by 3:20 PM. Students that do not have a Choice Hour class and are not picked up by 3:30 PM will be charged a $5.00 fee.
Thank you for always supporting the Choice Hour program!

BCS SCHOOL STORE
The school store will close at the end of 3rd Quarter and will re-open 2nd Quarter of the 2011-2012 school year. Thank you for your patronage! Thank you also to Dawn Walton and her team of students for all of their hard work. If you would like to assist with managing the store during choice hour next year, please contact Gina Herdegen at royalherd@comcast.net or Dawn Walton at dawnanderic@sbcglobal.net

BAND PARENTS: MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Birmingham Concert band has just announced that they will again be offering partial scholarships for summer music camps through the Birmingham Concert Band Scholarship Program. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in the BCS band program and plan to attend a summer music camp or school. Scholarship applications are available from Mr. Rodgerson and must be received by the Birmingham Concert Band by April 10th.

BCS PTSA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Please Nominate BCS PTSA Volunteer of the Year. Each year the BCS PTSA recognizes a volunteer who has committed time and effort on behalf of the BCS Community. Nomination should be emailed to PTSA Co-Chairs marnie@lewbel.net & royalherd@comcast.net. We will present all names submitted and vote at the April 14 PTSA Meeting.

ELEMENTARY SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
On Saturday, March 19th, thirty 4th and 5th grade students from BCS competed against eighteen teams at West Maple Elementary. The team worked hard and had a fantastic time. The following students brought home awards for their event.
1st Place
Tennis Ball Catapult – Lee B., Nolan G. & Alex R.

2nd Place
Starry Starry Night – Zoha S. & Emma L.
Water Rockets – Ariana A. Fatimah Z. & Kate A.
Wildlife Safari – Jessica F., Aliya H. & Ariana A.

6th Place
Circuit Wizardry – Lee Braisted & Nolan Grout
Mystery Architecture – Claire R. & Susan H.
Tennis Ball Catapult – Max C., Henry D. & Nate R.
Water Rockets – Emma Lucken, Zoha S. & Leila O.

Overall, BCS Team 2 placed 4th in the Competition!! GREAT JOB COBRAS

COVINGTON TECHNOLOGY CELEBRATION (CTC) THURSDAY, MAY 19TH, 2011.
The Covington Technology Celebration is an opportunity to showcase the work of BCS students in all of the subject areas. Exhibits can reflect work done in class or as a special project. Past and present projects or displays are welcome from competitions, groups or individuals. There is no judging of “entries”, as this is not a traditional Science Fair. We want to see all types of 21st century learning and problem solving. Get ready for the CTC! More info to come...
lan@aol.com

Welcome Reception for Dee Lancaster –INCOMING PRINCIPAL of seaholm high school
The Seaholm PTSA invites you to formally welcome Dee Lancaster, incoming Seaholm principal.
Please join us for a welcome reception Tuesday, March 29th at 7 PM in the Media Center.
Stop by between 7-8:30 p.m. for dessert, coffee and casual conversation.
The reception is open to all parents, students,faculty and friends of the Seaholm family.

THINKING ABOUT SPRING BREAK
A Staycation Means Fun! Spring Recess Camps are being held on April 4 – 8, 2011 at West Maple Elementary School.
There are two different programs to choose from! High Touch High Tech Science Camp (grades K – 5; register each day individually or for all 5 days) or
Alpha Wolf Hoopmania Basketball Camp (grades 2 – 8; 5 day program)
Register on-line at www.communityed.net or call 248-203-3800.


GROVES JUNIOR VARSITY AND VARSITY POM PON TRY OUTS:
Open Gyms:
Mon. 3/28 6:30 - 8:00pm
Wed 3/30 6:30 - 8:00pm
Thu. 3/31 6:30 - 8:00pm
Mon 4/11 6:30 - 8:00pm
Try-Outs clinics:
Tues 4/12 6:30 - 8:30pm
Wed 4/13 6:30 - 8:30pm
Thu 4/14 6:30 - 8:30pm
Fri 4/15 6:30 - 8:30pm


Try-outs:
Saturday 4/16 starts at 9:00am
Results will be posted by 8pm
.
All 8th graders planning on attending Groves and all current Groves girls can try out for Fall of 2011. Try outs are this spring. Open gym is an opportunity to learn the skills and moves for Pom. All will be held at Groves Pom Dance Studio.
Try-out Clinics is where you will learn your routine that you will do at the tryout on Saturday.
Any questions please contact Marybeth Wehbe, Booster President atmb7301@cmomcast.net.

BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION Foundation ANNUAL GARAGE SALE -
The Birmingham Education Foundation's annual garage sale will be held Saturday, April 16 at Berkshire Middle School from 9 am to 3 pm, with early entry at 8 am for $1. Proceeds benefit programs throughout the school district.
Donation drops off at Berkshire:
Thursday, April 14 from 4 to 8 pm
Friday, April 15 from 10 am to 7 pm
Donations appreciated:
Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliance, pet, garden, and household items.
Tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan at 248 626-2231 or J5Polan@aol.com

KID'S HELPING KIDS 4TH ANNUAL 0NE, TWO & THREE MILE WALK
Sunday, May 1 - Dr. David Larson and his wife are the Grand Marshalls and supported by Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools. For info: www.kidshelpingkidswalk.com

LONGEST LEMONADE STAND | GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
Beverly Park - Saturday, August 20th, 2011, which also happens to be National Lemonade Day in the United States. Objectives: Provide an engaging learning experience for kids, Galvanize the community, Raise funds for education. To get involved: email lemonade@lieblergroup.com or call 313-832-4376

GETTING GREEN WITH THE RED WINGS
In honor of our BCS "Green" practices, DTE Energy and the Detroit Red Wings would like to invite our families to the FIRST EVER "DTE Energy Go Green Night" at Joe Louis Arena! Save $32 per ticket package as you watch the Red Wings take on the St. Louis Blues on March 30th at 7:30 PM. Ticket packages include a Dearborn Hot Dog or Slice of Little Caesar's Pizza and a Pop! There will also be a "Going Green" T-Shirt give-away for the first 5,000 fans. DTE Energy will also have information booths, raffles and prizes, and information during the game on how to be more sustainable! Tickets can only be ordered by clicking https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1039243-S1whlNKunt. Groups of 20 or more will receive an additional discount on ticket prices as well as recognition on the video screen for being "Green". Additional questions can be sent to: Justin Price at (313) 394-7154 or Justin.Price@Hockeytown.com.

COMMUNITY EVENT IN BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP
Bloomfield Township is again inviting neighborhood associations, school and community groups and residents to participate in the sixth annual Clean Sweep weekend on April 16th. Attached is the flyer for our event.
The Clean Sweep program is designed to spruce up the right-of-way areas near safety paths, throughout neighborhoods and at the entrances to subdivisions within the Township. The event is a great way to get kids involved in conservation and for students to earn community service hours.
To participate, students are asked to register with the Department of Public Works by filling out the volunteer sign up sheet on the township website www.bloomfieldtwp.org or by calling (248) 594-2800.
If you have any questions please let me know. Please be advised our office is closed on Fridays.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kimberly Sasser
Bloomfield Township DPW
ksasser@bloomfieldtwp.org (248)-594-2800 ph (248)-594-2810 fax M-Th 7AM to 5:30PM (Closed Fridays)

Shades of Pink - 5th Annual Walk at the Zoo
BPS mom and cancer survivor, Jan Wade, is organizing the 5th Annual Walk at the Zoo with her Beaumont surgeon, Pamela Benitez, MD, to take place at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, April 16th. This event is sponsored by the Shades of Pink Foundation which provides temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress as a result of breast cancer. Whether it's helping with a mortgage payment, the grocery bills, or an insurance premium, the Shades of Pink Foundation is committed to easing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Preregistration is online now: http://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/page/page/2361028.htm
Adults: $35, Children 6-14: $25, 5 & under: FREE Your registration includes the whole day at the zoo! (Online and mail-in registration ends April 2nd; late registration at the zoo is welcomed and is an additional $5.)
Last year, more than 600 people walked! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE

Parent Activity Video- See WAG

Good read - compare / contrast to BCS

http://www.edutopia.org/stw-assessment-ten-lessons-get-started

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Blast 2011- Thank you BCS Community!

Go to the W.A.G. page to see this weeks Week At a Glance

Friday, March 18, 2011

A Call for Volunteers!

The Blast is Sunday and it cannot happen without you! We are still looking for volunteers...

We need you for just one hour... one hour to commit to the success of our biggest fundraiser!

Please email Marnie Lewbel at marnie@lewbel.net or Karen Best at kbestmi@mac.com if you can help on Sunday!!!!
I look forward to seeing all of you there.
Thank you in advance for your continued support!

Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer at the Blast
5. It is the BIGGEST fundraiser of the year for BCS!
4. All of the COOL parents are doing it!
3. The SAFETY of our students is at stake- the more volunteers we have the safer our kids are on the inflatables!
2. Great FOOD...Great FUN!
1. WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed! How are we tweaking our lessons?

Our 3/4 students have all completed a research unit on animals (pertaining to its Life Cycle). Classes are in the process of creating a presentation to share their animal's "Top 5" most interesting facts.

The presentations are being created using Glogsters, PPTs, Photo Stories, VoiceThreads, etc. The lessons were "tweaked" this year by having all students take notes on a wiki page, which allowed students to add pictures and maps to the notes, create Inspiration webs to show food chain and life cycle!

This allowed the teacher (and other students) to view the research project at anytime!

Here are a few examples from our 3-4 students.



Tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed! How are we tweaking our lessons?


Our 5/6 Teams are completing a second year of the Guys Read Program!! Our boys have done a great job of summarizing books they have read by creating skits.
This is an example of a skit from Mr. Joseph's classroom.

The BCS staff have seen a tremendous change in motivation for reading when creating opportunities for reading groups to discuss topics of interests for both boys and girls.

Reading is cool...no matter who you are!


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed! How are we tweaking our lessons?

More Book Trailers!



Created by Rebecca Simonov, Emily Weiss, Alison John, and Victoria Voronovich.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Blast is Coming!!


March 20th-
Come join in the fun and have a Blastastic Time at BCS!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed! How are we tweaking our lessons?



Mrs. Share's students tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed their book reports by creating "Book Trailers".
Students in Mrs. Share's class talked about how this was much better than a traditional book report because they had freedom to be creative in their own way. One student said he liked how there was no structure.
The examples above were created by BCS students-Delaney Ryan, Aaron Levett and Katie Corbett and Micaela Waynes, Anna Dabaldo, Summer Benton, And Maggie Davis
Tweaked and G.E.E.K.ed in Mrs. Share's class!!!

BCS Staff Participate in "Speed Discussions"


On Wednesday, the BCS staff meeting was turned into a "speed dating" activity!
We called it Speed Discussions! They were given three minutes to discuss each slide that included quotes, questions, pictures, or a video. After the three minutes were up, they switched partners and were shown another slide to discuss. An example of one of the slides is shown above. After watching this video, BCS teachers discussed:

1. Since we do not have eraser pounders anymore...what jobs/responsibilities can we empower our students with?

2. Do our classrooms mirror the classroom in the cartoon Charlie Brown? How? How are we different?

3. In the last scene, how could have the teacher used the situation to teach empathy to the rest of the class?


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Visitors @ BCS!


Educators from the country of Uzbekistan spent a few hours at BCS today after visiting Quarton Elementary.
This was made possible through the IVC Detroit Community Connections Program. Our guests were impressed with both our students and our staff!
We toured the building, observed classrooms, and had a great discussion on the differences and similarities between BCS and schools in their country.
Another Global Connection!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

WAG March 7-11

March 6, 2011


Dear BCS Community,


This week I was involved in a few conversations on the topic of positive deviance. I have written about positive deviance before and I hope all of you have had the opportunity to embrace moments that call for us to deviate from the norm. I was reminded of a time I was in Chicago for the weekend and was stuck on the corner of Michigan and Ohio. There were many people at the corner waiting for the signal to change and give us the green light to cross. After a few minutes, it became clear the signal was broken. It remained red but cars were not turning the corner and people on the adjacent corner were also at a standstill. It was obvious the signal was not working properly, yet no one was moving. I thought about stepping out into the street and begin walking to the other side but I was nervous. What if I was wrong? What if the other people standing next to me and on the other side didn’t agree with my decision? I started to doubt myself and thought that maybe I was being impatient and I should just wait for the sign to change or for someone else to give me permission to cross. Standing there I could hear people complain. “This is going to ruin my day”, “I can’t believe people don’t do their job and make sure the signals are working”, “If I were the mayor…” I decided I had two choices. Stay there and join the others in complaining about the situation or to step into the street and start going where I wanted to go. It was not easy to take that first step but I did. I was surprised at what happened next. After I stepped into the street, everyone else followed. Because we stood there for so long there was a mass of people on both sides of the street. It was amazing to see a flood of people transitioning from having a bad attitude and complaining to smiles and going in the direction they needed to go. I didn’t know these people, and they had no clue who I was, but it was obvious for that short moment in time, they respected and appreciated someone that was a positive deviant. This week take that first step so others will follow!

Have a G.E.E.K.ed week,


Adam




WEEK AT A GLANCE –March 7-11, 2011

(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)

BCS is on Twitter follow us at bcscovington

Monday, March 7

  • Spring Conference signup sheets are outside your student’s class
  • 6:45-8:00AM 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
  • 4:15-5:30PM 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
  • 6:00PM – BCS Boys Swim vs Cranbrook at Cranbrook

Tuesday, March 8

  • Spring Conference signup sheets are outside your student’s class
  • 6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
  • 7:00-8:00AM Proud Dads 6th Grade Girls Volleyball
  • 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
  • 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
  • 4:00PM Covington 7th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Derby White @ Covington
  • 5:00PM Covington 8th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Derby White @ Covington
  • 7-9:00PM – BLAST Committee Meeting – Media Center

Wednesday, March 9 – ASH WEDNESDAY

  • Spring Conference signup sheets are outside your student’s class
  • 6:45-8:00AM 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
  • 9:30AM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, “Learning Styles & Learning Disabilities”
  • POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
  • 4:15-5:30PM 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
  • 5:30PM – BCS Boys Swim vs EHMS at Andover
  • 6:30-8:00PM – Special Education-Coffee with Administration – BPS Administration Bldg.

Thursday, March 10

  • Spring Conference signup sheets are outside your student’s class
  • 6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
  • 7:00-8:00AM Proud Dads 6th Grade Girls Volleyball
  • 9:30-11:00AM BBFA Workshop “Say Yes to No” – Gary M. Doyle Center
  • Choice Hour 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
  • 6:30pm Pizza with the Principal – Media Center
  • 6:30-8:00PM – 3rd thru 8th Grade Proud Dad’s Baseball
  • 7:00PM – PTSA Clearinghouse Meeting – Media Center

Friday, March 11

  • Spring Conference signup sheets are outside your student’s class
  • 6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
  • 9:00-1:30PM 3/4 Science Center Field Trip Frishman/Butzin/Davis/Seley
  • 3rd, 5th & 7th Vision Screening
  • 4:00PM Covington 7th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Bloomfield Hills Middle School @ BHMS
  • 5:00PM Covington 8th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Bloomfield Hills Middle School @ BHMS
  • 6:30PM –Most Valuable Male Night – Gym & Cafeteria
  • Trash Free Friday
  • Progress Reports released for 3rd Quarter


PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES


Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)

  • Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar

Monday –Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Baked Potato Rounds, Steamed Broccoli, Mexican Pizza

Tuesday –Grilled Turkey or Corned Beef Rueben, Sweet Potato Fries, Steamed Mixed Veggies, Cheese Quesadilla

Wednesday –Make your own Taco Bar, Supreme Pizza

Thursday – Baked Chicken Rings, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Buttered Corn, Zesty Beef Burrito

Friday –Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Cauliflower, Fresh Fruit Cup, Meat Lover’s Pizza


NOTES:

3/4 SWIM Schedule. Burns, Frishman, Seley, and Wallington will SWIM from Monday, March 7th through Friday, April 15th.

3/4 GYM Schedule. Butzin, Davis, Harvath and Parkin will be in the GYM from Monday, March 7th through Friday, April 15th.


CHANGES REGARDING CHOICE HOUR PICK UP

We wanted to inform you of a very slight change to our early pick-up process for Choice Hour. This change began 3/1/11.

We have always required parents to stop in to the office to verify identity and sign out their child before heading to the Choice Hour desk to call their child down early. There is one new addition to this system to try to streamline the process for everyone involved and ensure the safety of our students. We will be adding a "pink sheet" to the process. When you come to the office to sign out your child, you will be given a "pink sheet" which you will then take to the Choice Hour desk to have your child called down for early pick-up.

The students at the Choice Hour desk will no longer release a student without the "pink form" being presented. We appreciate your following this new piece of the system!


POWERSCHOOL UPDATES

Some updates were made to the PowerSchool e-mail system over the last break which will result in parents receiving the selected e-mail notifications (e.g., attendance reports, grade reports, etc.) in a timelier manner. This also resulted in a backlog of e-mails being sent out in large batches. Please be sure to log in to PowerSchool and check your “Parent/Guardian Automatic Email Reports” to be sure that you are only receiving the reports that you would like to receive and on the timeframe that you would like these notifications (e.g., daily). Please feel free to contact the office if you are having difficulties with this process.


ATHLETICS

The girls volleyball and boys swim seasons are well underway and our Cobras are having a great showing! Our next sports season begins after spring break. Please be sure to check the website for more information as we get closer to the season.


SPRING BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair!

If you have an upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too!

2 hour shifts are available during the following times:

Monday, March 21 - book fair set up - please e-mail Shiva at shivamotlagh@comcast.net for the hours

Tuesday, March 22 - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Weds. & Thurs. March 23 & 24 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm

Thursday March 24 - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

SPRING CONFERENCES

Conferences will be held on Wednesday, 3/23 and Thursday, 3/24 from 1-4 PM and 5-8 PM both days. Parents of 3-6 grade students should sign up for a conference time on the sheets posted outside of the teachers’ classroom doors. The 5/6 Math teachers will be in the Media Center from 7:45 AM to 10:30 AM on 3/24 if your child has a math teacher who is not a part of their core team. The 7/8 teachers will be available in the cafeteria. We hope to all of you there!

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THE BLAST IS COMING MARCH 20! LOOK FOR A MAILING THIS WEEK

!!!BLAST NEWS!!! !!!BLAST NEWS!!! !!!BLAST NEWS!!! !!!BLAST NEWS!!! !!!BLAST NEWS!!!

Attention all BCS families, the BLAST PRIZE ROOM needs you to CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS!!

We are currently looking for any unopened games and gadgets, toys or trinkets that you would like to get rid of for our Blast Prize room. Maybe you have a stash of never opened toys or "just in case" gifts or gift cards taking up way too much space in your closet. What a great way to do some house cleaning! Kids will be able to "purchase" these items in the Prize room with the tickets they win at the Blast.

Just bring it to the big box outside the office starting this Monday Feb 7 and we will collect and distribute to the Blast prize room. Anything we do not use will be delivered to a local children's charity. The Blast carnival committee thanks you

!!!MORE BLAST NEWS!!!!

Auction Parties! - New for 2011- THERE IS STILL TIME TO DONATE!

Get your friends together and decide what kind of party you would like to host, how much you each want to spend

and how many people can participate.

Design a party theme… see ideas below… and write up the party on an auction donation form.

Auction Parties have a fixed price for each winner, so there is no bidding necessary. All winners will be contacted by the host(s) either by invitation or by phone with further details of the party.


Party Ideas for Adults

Party Ideas for Children

· Ladies Luncheon and Spa Day

· Men’s Texas Hold 'Em

· Parent Golf Outing

· Men’s Night Out (sporting event, rent the BCS gym for basketball or volleyball night, etc.)

· Ladies’ Shop 'Til You Drop @ Birch Run

· Mexican Fiesta or an Italian Feast

· Kids Night Out (Wii bowling, X-Box tournament, etc.)

· Summer Pool Party

· Day at CJ Barrymore’s

· Roller Skating Party at Bonaventure Roller Rink

The idea here is to have fun! Use your imagination! The list is endless!


Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Blast prize room by cleaning out their closets, we are getting some great prizes!

Please be on the lookout for the volunteer sign up sheets from your room parents. There are a lot of fun games and activities to sign up for!

Thanks for your continued support,

Karen Best and Ken Gilbert


SALLY FOSTER

BCS offers Sally Foster products as a service to our families. You can place online orders at www.sallyfoster.com. BCS earns 40% of the sales on all gift-wrap, unique gift items, bath & body products, Harry London® gourmet chocolates and Sally’s Home Bakery. To place an order, go to www.SallyFoster.com Input the BCS account # 43930 so our school receives a share of the profit. Free Shipping to your home on orders over $60.00! Order online all year long. Please tell your friends and family members! They can place their own online orders, and BCS will get credit for their purchases, if they enter our BCS account number.




Covington Technology Celebration (CTC) Thursday, May 19th, 2011.

The Covington Technology Celebration is an opportunity to showcase the work of BCS students in all of the subject areas. Exhibits can reflect work done in class or as a special project. Past and present projects or displays are welcome from competitions, groups or individuals. There is no judging of “entries”, as this is not a traditional Science Fair. We want to see all types of 21st century learning and problem solving.

Get ready for the CTC! More info to come...



Saturday School Workshop: Everyday Math Games

Saturday, March 19th

Berkshire Middle School (Media Center) 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Fourth and fifth grade parents, join us for an Everyday Math Games Workshop. Eboni Perkins, a fourth grade teacher at Pembroke Elementary will walk you through the concepts behind several games that your child plays at school and teach you how to play them at home. Playing these games regularly at home is so beneficial! It will strengthen many of your child’s math skills such as mental calculation, automaticity with facts, and critical thinking.


BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

The Birmingham Education Foundation's annual garage sale will be held Saturday, April 16 at Berkshire Middle School from 9 am to 3 pm, with early entry at 8 am for $1. Proceeds benefit programs throughout the school district.

Donation drop off at Berkshire:

Thursday, April 14 from 4 to 8 pm

Friday, April 15 from 10 am to 7 pm

Donations appreciated:

Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliance, pet, garden, and household items.

Tax forms available.

Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan at 248 626-2231 or J5Polan@aol.com

BIRMINGHAM GIRLS’ SOFTBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION

Birmingham Girls Softball registration is NOW for grades 2-8. Applications are due February 14th, and evaluations begin March 6th, and March 13th. Also, we NEED COACHES!! For more information on email: jima060166@yahoo.com or visit our website at http://www.eteamz.com/Birminghamgirlssoftball



COMMUNITY EVENT IN BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

Bloomfield Township is again inviting neighborhood associations, school and community groups and residents to participate in the sixth annual Clean Sweep weekend on April 16th. Attached is the flyer for our event.


The Clean Sweep program is designed to spruce up the right-of-way areas near safety paths, throughout neighborhoods and at the entrances to subdivisions within the Township. The event is a great way to get kids involved in conservation and for students to earn community service hours.


To participate, students are asked to register with the Department of Public Works by filling out the volunteer sign up sheet on the township website www.bloomfieldtwp.org <http://www.bloomfieldtwp.org> or by calling (248) 594-2800.

If you have any questions please let me know. Please be advised our office is closed on Fridays.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kimberly Sasser

Bloomfield Township DPW

ksasser@bloomfieldtwp.org

(248)-594-2800 ph

(248)-594-2810 fax

M-Th 7AM to 5:30PM (Closed Fridays)


THINKING ABOUT SPRING BREAK
A Staycation Means Fun! Spring Recess Camps are being held on April 4 – 8, 2011 at West Maple Elementary School.
There are two different programs to choose from! High Touch High Tech Science Camp (grades K – 5; register each day individually or for all 5 days) or
Alpha Wolf Hoopmania Basketball Camp (grades 2 – 8; 5 day program)
Register on-line at www.communityed.net or call 248-203-3800. Please do not respond to this email.
The BPS Community Education Office
GETTING GREEN WITH THE RED WINGS

In honor of our BCS "Green" practices, DTE Energy and the Detroit Red Wings would like to invite our families to the FIRST EVER "DTE Energy Go Green Night" at Joe Louis Arena! Save $32 per ticket package as you watch the Red Wings take on the St. Louis Blues on March 30th at 7:30 PM. Ticket packages include a Dearborn Hot Dog or Slice of Little Caesar's Pizza and a Pop! There will also be a "Going Green" T-Shirt give-away for the first 5,000 fans. DTE Energy will also have information booths, raffles and prizes, and information during the game on how to be more sustainable! Tickets can only be ordered by clicking https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1039243-S1whlNKunt. Groups of 20 or more will receive an additional discount on ticket prices as well as recognition on the video screen for being "Green". Additional questions can be sent to: Justin Price at (313) 394-7154 or Justin.Price@Hockeytown.com.


BULLYING ISSUES BECOME A REALITY FOR KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS THIS SUNDAY ON "DATELINE NBC"

BULLYING ISSUES BECOME A REALITY FOR KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS THIS SUNDAY ON "DATELINE NBC"


Kate Snow's provocative hidden-camera report looks at how kids really respond to bullying when they don't know their parents are watching—Sunday, March 6th at 7 PM/ET




NEW YORK, NY—February 28, 2011— This Sunday at 7 PM/ET, "Dateline NBC" takes a provocative and revealing look at how kids really respond to bullying when they don't know their parents are watching. With the help of child behavior experts, volunteer parents, and kid actors playing along as bullies and victims, "Dateline's" hidden cameras are in the room when unsuspecting teenagers are put to the test in various apparent bullying situations. From boys getting rough in a school gym, to girls picking on others because of their clothes and weight, will these kids do what their parents hope and predict? "Dateline" correspondent Kate Snow watches with the parents as they get to see how their children handle the different scenarios, and talks to them about the sometimes surprising reactions. These volunteer parents agreed to participate in this report in the hopes of learning some valuable lessons, and to prompt conversations among other parents and their children across the country.

To preview Sunday’s episode of “My Kid Would Never… Bully,” click here: http://datl.in/hZg8Wc



This primetime special entitled, "My Kid Would Never… Bully" explores how difficult confronting bullies can be, and shows that despite the way parents hope their kids would behave, when bullying issues become a reality for these teens, some rise to the challenge while others react in a variety of different ways. This episode builds on a similar hidden camera report done by Snow in September 2010, entitled "The Perils of Parenting."

"My Kid Would Never… Bully" airs Sunday, March 6th at 7 PM/ET on "Dateline NBC." David Corvo is the executive producer of "Dateline NBC."

Thursday, March 3, 2011

BCS students highlight River Rouge Watershed as part of Cyberfair 2011

BIRMINGHAM, MI – March 3, 2011 – Students at Birmingham Covington School have joined students from all over the globe in highlighting their community. The effort is part of International Schools “CyberFair,” sponsored by the Global SchoolNet Foundation. The River Rouge Watershed has become the focus of BCS fifth- and sixth-grade students as they work together to build a webpage detailing its history. The webpage will also highlight the projects the River Rouge Watershed has engaged in to make a positive impact on the local community. The students have until April 1 to complete the website, http://riverrougewatershed.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us/.

“The school theme this year is GEEKed about learning, which stands for Global Educatin Engaging Kids,” said Pauline Roberts, fifth/sixth math and science teacher at BCS. “The Cyberfair project totally fits with this theme as the students are required to evaluate the webpages of at least six other schools in the category of Environmental Awarness. These schools are located in China, Romania, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Phillipines. Our students will be learning how students from all over the world are uniting and taking action to protect their environments.”

CyberFair encourages youth to connect the knowledge they learn in school to real world applications. Endorsed by the White House, the contest encourages students to become ambassadors for their communities, conducting research, working with community members and using technology tools to publish a website that displays their learning.

Touted as the largest international cyber event for schools, the annual contest involves more than two million students from 45,500 schools across 115 countries. BCS is participating in the category of Environmental Awareness.

“Because our students will be evaluated on this work, it would be very helpful if our community could visit the site and provide us with any feedback before the April 1 deadline,” Roberts said. “There is a contact page on the site and a blog for posters to comment. We hope to involve our community in this effort.”

The International Schools CyberFair is an award-winning authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. For more information about the Global SchoolNet Foundation, visit http://www.globalschoolnet.org/.

For more information about Birmingham Covington School, visit http://bcsonline.info/.

MI Hard Drive Shredding at BCS!


Cheri and Tony Skomra of Michigan Mobile Hard Drive Shredding present a check to Adam Hartley, principal of Birmingham Covington School, while Patricia Chinn, assistant principal (far left), and Pauline Roberts, teacher (far right), look on. M2HDS provided hard drive shredding services for the school’s Electronic Recycling Event on Feb. 17 and donated proceeds to the school. At the event, parents and community members brought in electronics for recycling and/or shredding, and students from the BCS Thinking Green Team learned about hard drive shredding, the various materials in computers and how they are recycled, and protecting personal information.