Sunday, February 26, 2012

BCS W.A.G. Feb 27-March 2, 2012


February 26, 2012
Dear BCS Families,
Welcome back from a week off of school but hopefully not a week off from learning!  I am including a link to a short video we will be showing our students during our town hall meetings tomorrow.  Our 3 E’s, Education, Each Other, and Environment provide the foundation of our efforts to provide rigorous and relevant opportunities for our learners.  Respecting each other and the environment in which we learn have been our main focus the past few weeks. Focusing in on the “hotspots” of peer mistreatment, which may include hallways, lunchroom, playground, and online social networks, we will be asking every student to write their own sentence and hang it on their lockers to remind us of our purpose and our goals.  
Making goals at BCS is nothing new to our students or staff.  We are looking forward to bringing our learners back and working with the BCS families to improve each and every day.  I have included the video on our parent wiki page along with a discussion page for you to watch the short video and share your own sentence.
Welcome back to a great place to be!
G.E.E.K.ed about Learning,
Adam
BCS Parent Wiki (What’s your sentence page)
WEEK AT A GLANCE –   Week of February 27-March 2
(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  by  THURSDAY 11PM 
Monday, February 27
  • 6:45-8 AM-8th Grade VOLLYBALL PRACTICE 
  • 3:15-5PM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • 4:15-5:45 PM-7 th Grade VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE
Tuesday, February 28
  • 6:35-8 AM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • 3:15 PM-SCHOOL STORE OPEN-BAKED SALE FOR 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
  • 3:30 PM-BCS SNOW CLUB MAKE UP DAY
  • 4 PM-7/8 GIRLS VOLLYBALL -AWAY v. ORCHARD LAKE M S- visit highschoolsports.net for map to away games
Wednesday, February 29
  • Hearing Screening-4th grade
  • 6:45-8 AM-8th Grade VOLLYBALL PRACTICE 
  • 2:45-3:45-PM Market Day pick up-entrance hall
  • Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1
  • 4:15-5:30 PM-7 th Grade VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE
  • 4:15PM- BOYS SWIM MEET-HOME v. BLOOMFIELD HILLS  MIDDLE SCHOOL
Thursday, March 1
  • Hearing Screening-4th grade
  • 6:45--8 AM-8th Grade VOLLYBALL PRACTICE 
  • 11:50 AM- Junior Great Books 
  • 3:15-4:05-7 th Grade VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE-Please confirm time with your coach
  • 4:15PM- BOYS SWIM MEET-away v. BERKSHIRE  M S 
  • 7 PM-Friends of Different Learners-Staff Development Rm.
Friday, March 2
  • BATTLE OF THE BOOKS!!!-see schedule below
  • 6:35-8 AM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • 4 PM-7/8 GIRLS  VOLLYBALL -@ HOME  v. ABBOTT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hot EntrĂ©e menu for the week:  (subject to change, if necessary)
-          Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Whole Grain Pancakes, Turkey Sausage, Hash Brown Patty, Mexican Pizza 
Tuesday – Chicken Parmesan, Breadstick, Steamed Broccoli, Chicken Qesadilla
Wednesday –Chicken Fajitas, Corn and Peppers, Refried Beans, Hawaiin Pizza 
Thursday – check with Cafeteria for March menu
Friday – check with Cafeteria for March menu
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Messages to Students From Home     
We are asking parent cooperation in minimizing the number of messages to be delivered to students during the school day.  We recognize, of course, that there are situations where you must get a message to your child.
IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING A MESSAGE TO YOUR CHILD, PLEASE DIAL 248-203-4426 for the school receptionist or 248-203-4474 for the parent volunteer at the reception desk.  Please be patient and do not leave a message in voice mail but rather call back until you reach a person.  We will deliver emergency messages to students if they are received before 2:45 pm.  We appreciate the message called in as soon as possible.
Please be sure your child is aware of unusual transportation or pickup arrangements BEFORE leaving for school in the morning.  A successful strategy used by parents is to write transportation arrangements or other important information in your child’s planner.
Our very busy office staff thanks you!!
BATTLE FAMILIES-SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT  BATTLE  UPDATE  FROM MRS CLARK
ATHLETICS UPDATES
Winter 2 season sports are well on their way! Our spring sports will begin at the end of March. Please watch the WAG for more information to come about boys tennis, track, and girls soccer.
IMPORTANT REMINDER 
Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
LOST AND FOUND
Two sets of car keys-SAAB with a house key attached, CHRYSLER MINI VAN,pink brocade handle found in the gym after the superbowl party.
The office has many pairs of glasses. If you are missing any please come and look. A Casio watch was turned in also.
Also please check the lost and found near the cafeteria for lunch boxes and clothing items.
DIVERISTY COMMITTEE NEWS
Our BCS diversity committee is thinking about doing something in the future to celebrate our diversity and would like to get the input of our community. We put together a quick survey monkey that we could use to determine if and how much interest is out there amongst the BCS parents and students. Please complete the survey below. Thank you.

2012 BCS PLAY NEWS-FOR 6TH,7TH AND 8TH GRADES
AUDITIONS for the 2012 BCS PLAY, Dear Edwina, Jr., will be held on March 27th after school. There will be a parent information meeting on March 13 at 6 pm in the media center for parents to meet the director and ask questions. A pre-audition workshop for interested cast members will be on Tuesday, March 20th after school.
Additional information and audition forms can be found on the BCS website on the home page.
The play will include a Q4 Tuesday/Thursday choice hour this year - don't forget to sign up!If you have any questions, please contact Julie Fream at BCSDearEdwinaJr@gmail.com or 248 631 9449.
DISTRICT-WIDE PARENT CYBER SAFETY NIGHT
Our district-wide Parent Cyber Safety Night presentation will be held on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 pm in the Groves Cafeteria. The presenter will cover many areas of interest to parents of all ages of children, from elementary through high school. Topics covered include social networking, cyberbullying, online predators and ways to ensure online safety.
HOGWARTS DANCE FUN   Dear 7/8 Parents,
If you would like to see a video about the last dance, A Night at Hogwarts (thank you to parent Rob Lawrence for making and sharing this!), pictures from the same dance, and pictures from the first dance, Cobra Shore, please visit Senora Toth’s page. Thanks for viewing! :)
iBLAST is coming-- Sunday, March 18th, 3:30pm - 7:30pm.
We will be having an iBlast! meeting on Tuesday, March 7th, at 7:00pm in the Media Center. Anyone interested in attending is welcome. We are still hoping to find 2 parents that might be interested in co-chairing the Blast for 2013. 
The Blast is the biggest event of the year at BCS. We still need your help with donations to make the Blast successful. Some of the more popular donations include:
Local Sports Team Tickets: Wings, Pistons, Tigers, Lions, U of M and MSU
Local Arts & Entertainment: Fox Theater, Fisher Theater, Birmingham Village Players, DTE Energy Music Theater, Meadow Brook Music Theater
Vacation Rentals: Northern Michigan, Florida, Arizona, etc...
Donation forms are on the Blast page of the BCS website under PTSA or contact Melinda Stone at mctaggartstone@yahoo.com
We also have 4 exciting raffle prizes this year including a HDTV package, Camera package, iPad and iTouch package and Netbook package.
The Blast is less than a month away, so mark your calenders for Sunday, March 18th, 3:30pm - 7:30pm. The silent auction preview will be held on Friday, March 16th from 3:30pm - 5:00pm in the Media Center.
ATTENTION ALL BCS FAMILIES, THE BLAST NEEDS YOU TO
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS!!
     The Blast Prize Room Committee is currently looking for any 
unopened games, gadgets, toys or trinkets that you would like to get rid of for our BCS 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 BCS Blast. 
     Please bring your items to the “Closet Clean Out” bin placed just inside the office starting this Monday, February 6th and we will collect and distribute them to the BCS Blast prize room.  Anything we do not use will be delivered to a local children's charity.    
  The 2012 Blast Prize Room Committee 
SPRING BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! 
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (skmotlagh481@gmail.com) 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 19 - book fair set up - please e-mail Shiva at skmotlagh481@gmail.com for the hours
Tuesday, March 20 - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds. & Thurs. March 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
Thursday March 22 - book fair pack up - 7:50 pm to 9:00 pm
Helping at the Fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the
 Media Center to buy books, audio books, ipods, cameras, subscriptions, materials, and furnishings!!
KIDS AGAINST HUNGER CAMPAIGN- a $ 500 opportunity
Dear BCS Families!
We have an opportunity to raise up to $500 for Our Kids Against Hunger campaign that is EXTREMELY EASY and requires only a click of your mouse. In addition, while helping our students with their fundraising efforts, you'll be able to take advantage of great local deals! It's a win-win! 
DEADLINE IS MARCH  9
GO TO  bcsonline.info and click the link to enroll   THE KIDS THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
TO BCS BAND STUDENTS ATTENDING SEAHOLM NEXT YEAR:
If you are planning on participating with the Seaholm band program during your high school years we invite you to go to www.seaholmbands.com for current band information. Please note two important dates:
***Band camp will be held July 29th thru August 3rd
***Band trip will be to Hawaii February break 2013, see the link on the opening page of our web site for trip details and costs. Current students are committing deposits this month but incoming students will have the opportunity to participate during late sign up September 2012. You may also commit to the trip today, just send your deposit and form to Director, Tim Cibor, at Seaholm.
We look forward to your participation in the band program and encourage you to join us in enhancing your student's high school experience! Please contact us if you have any questions, would like more information or are interested in volunteering. 
Janet Ames, Band Booster President
janames@mac.com, 248-703-1138
Beth O'Rourke, Incoming Booster President
248-602-7325
Battle Update Week of Feb 27, 2012
Parents of 4th & 5th Grade Battlers:
Friday, March 2, 2012 is BATTLE DAY! 
(We begin "March is Reading Month" celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of 4th & 5th Grade Battlers!)
Battle Week Schedule is below. 
1. Monday Feb. 27, 2012- Final Book Clubs are at lunch times below:
a. 5th –Stumptown Kid (Media Center) and Mostly True Adventures of Home P. Figg ( Mr. Joseph’s Room)
b. 4th –Stumptown Kid (Mr. Wallington’s Room) and Museum of Thieves ( Media Center)
Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012- Practice Battle is during 4th and 5th grade lunch. Students 
should come to the Media Center as soon as they finish lunch. Practice the “20 second & 
40 second Battle question time“ with your teammates before the big Battle Day!
Wednesday, Feb 29, 2012- Parent Table Coach Meeting 8:30-9:00 in the Media Center 
Battle Castle.
Friday, March 2, 2012- Battle Day, , 8:30-12:30 ( see Schedule below)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012-Winning Battle Teams from each district-wide Battle attend Battle After/Glow reception and is presented to the Board at the Board of Education Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
2. Please remind your Battler to finish their Battle posters with team mates and post their Battle pictures to their shields before Friday. Pictures and posters are the Media Center circulation desk. We have colored markers for them. Don’t forget to leave space for your Team Crest on your poster. 
4. Battle study materials are on the Battle Web site: How to Be an Expert, Lucky Seven Study Tips, Character Ed Traits, and Core Democratic Values
BCS BATTLE MARCH 2, 2012
BATTLE AGENDA 
8:15 Parent Table Coaches report to assigned tables. 
8:30 Teachers bring Battlers to the Media Center. Battle Ambassadors greet 
parents and direct them to parent seating area.
Parent Table Coaches meet with teams to determine scribe, team presentations, and finish Battle Poster
Judges Meet Battle Ambassadors and review duties and Judges 'Packet
8:50 Welcome and introduction of Judges. Media Center Parade of Battle Teams. Stand for singing of Battle song. 
9:20 Let the Battle Begin
10:40 Rest Room / Lunch Break 
10:50 Lunch (Students called by Battle Teams)
11:30 AWARD Presentation and Photos
12:30 Battle Ends
March 2 & 3, 9 & 10
Seaholm musical Guys and Dolls 
Tickets are now on sale for the Seaholm spring musical, "Guys and Dolls." Performance are Fridays and Saturdays, March 2 and 3, 9 and 10. Tickets are $12 adults; $10 for students and seniors. They are available in the Seaholm AP office, as well as at various evening activities and sporting events at Seaholm. Don’t miss this great performance!
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION- B E F
Generosity from parents, businesses and over 500 BPS staff members has allowed the Birmingham Education Foundation to reach their goal of $70,000 for the 2011-12 Annual Fund Campaign, now they hope to reach their stretch goal of $80,000 or $10 per student by the end of the school year. Over $97,000 has been granted to our schools this year, but there are many grants waiting approval. If you haven't given to the campaign it is not too late, please join us in supporting our schools by visiting www.supportbef.org 

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Feb 13-17, 2012 W.A.G.


February 12, 2012
Dear BCS Community,
The 11th annual Unabashed Bash, hosted by the Birmingham Education Foundation, was held at the Townsend Hotel last night. BCS was represented well by both parents and former parents. It was a great time for a great cause!  A supporting community makes all the difference in the world as we witness each year here at BCS.  Our own annual fundraiser, the Blast, is right around the corner.  Thank you in advance for getting the word out and for making the 2012 Blast a successful event!  This year’s iBlast is on Sunday, March 18th.  You can sign up for our facebook page and be the first to receive updates about the Blast and other information regarding BCS.
Have a great week,
Adam
February is Black History Month:
BCS is recognizing Black History Month through various lessons/activities/projects within the classroom and across grade levels.  One example to share is how Mr. Mixon and Mr. Braisted are having their students create biography cards in their science and social studies classes.  They have teamed up to create decks of cards for our 3/4 students so they may learn about the many innovators and leaders recognized throughout history.   
“On this Date”
February 11, 1977-Clifford Alexander Jr becomes the first Black Secretary of the Army.
1961-Dr. Robert Clifton Weaver was sworn in as an Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency. To date, no other Black man held a higher ranking federal position.
February 10, 1927 - Birthday of Leontyne Price, world lyric soprano and the first Black man to sing opera on television.
1966 -Andrew Brimmer ~ is appointed the first Black person to serve on the Federal Reserve Board.
2008-President Barack Obama won his 2nd Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album (Audacity of Hope).
February 9, 1971 - Leroy "Satchel" Paige inducted to Baseball Hall of Fame
1965 Martin Luther King ~ (civil rights activist) meets with President Lyndon Johnson to discuss Black voting rights. 
1995 Dr. Benard A. Harris, Jr ~ becomes the first African American Astronaut to walk in space. He was the Payload Commander on the STS-63 mission, which went from February 2nd - 11th.
February 8, 1986 - Figure skater Debi Thomas became the first African American to win the Women's Singles of the U.S. National Figure Skating Championship competition, was a pre-med student at Stanford University.
1944-Harry S. McAlpin becomes the first Black reporter allowed to a White House press conference.
February 7, 1926 - Carter G. Woodson creates Negro History Week. In 1976 it became Black History Month.
February 1, 1865 - John Sweat Rock (1825-1866), a noted Boston lawyer, became the first African-American to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. 
February 2, 1839 - Inventor Edmond Berger patented the Spark Plug.
1897 - A.L. Cralle invented the Ice Cream Scooper and patents Ice Cream Mold
1915 -Biologist Ernest E. Just receives the Spingarn medal for his pioneering in cell division and fertilization
WEEK AT A GLANCE –   Week of February 13-17, 2012
(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  by  THURSDAY 11PM 
Monday, February 13
  • 6:30-8 AM-8th Grade VOLLYBALL PRACTICE 
  • 4:15-5:30 PM-7 th Grade VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE
  • 4 PM- BOYS SWIM MEET-HOME v.DERBY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Tuesday, February 14
  • 6:35-8 AM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • 4 PM-7/8 GIRLS  VOLLYBALL -@ HOME  v. DERBY MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • Valentine’s Day classroom Celebrations
  • 3:15 PM-SCHOOL STORE  WILL BE OPEN-BAKED SALE FOR 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
  • 3:30 PM-BCS SNOW CLUB DEPARTS
  • 7 pm Blast Committee Meeting- Media Center
Wednesday, February 15
  • 6:30-8 AM-8th Grade VOLLYBALL PRACTICE 
  • Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1
  • 4:15-5:30 PM-7 th Grade VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE
  • 4 PM- BOYS SWIM MEET-HOME v. EAST HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • 4:30-7PM-BCS Divrsity Film Series
  • 7PM-Blast Committee Meeting-Media Center
Thursday, February 16
  • 6:35-8 AM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • 11:50 AM- Junior Great Books 
  • 7:45 AM-Proud Dads(Moms) Cosmic Breakfast-Cafeteria-see below
  • 4 PM-7/8 GIRLS  VOLLYBALL -AWAY  v. DETROIT COUNTRY DAY MIDDLE SCHOOL
  • 6:30 PM- Technology Committee Meeting- Media Center
Friday, February 17
  • 6:35-8 AM- 6,7,8TH Grade BOYS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • Proud Dad’s Eat and Run
Hot EntrĂ©e menu for the week:  (subject to change, if necessary)
-          Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday – Popcorn Chicken Bowl, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Corn, Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Spaghetti/Meat Sauce/Garlic Bread Stick, Steamed Broccoli, Deluxe Nachos, Valentine’s Day Brownie   
Wednesday – General Tso’s Chicken, Brown Rice, Peas and Carrots, Supreme Pizza
Thursday – Homestyle Turkey w/ gravy, Steamed green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Enchiladas
Friday –BBQ Chicken, Whole wheat Roll, Fresh Coleslaw, Chicken Fajita Pizza 
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Messages to Students From Home     
We are asking parent cooperation in minimizing the number of messages to be delivered to students during the school day.  We recognize, of course, that there are situations where you must get a message to your child.
IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING A MESSAGE TO YOUR CHILD, PLEASE DIAL 248-203-4426 for the school receptionist or 248-203-4474 for the parent volunteer at the reception desk.  Please be patient and do not leave a message in voice mail but rather call back until you reach a person.  We will deliver emergency messages to students if they are received before 2:45 pm.  We appreciate the message called in as soon as possible.
Please be sure your child is aware of unusual transportation or pickup arrangements BEFORE leaving for school in the morning.  A successful strategy used by parents is to write transportation arrangements or other important information in your child’s planner.
Our very busy office staff thanks you!!
BATTLE FAMILIES-SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT  BATTLE  UPDATE  FROM MRS CLARK
IMPORTANT REMINDER 
Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
MISSING ITEMS
A black and red duffle bag with a student’s name in it. It was in the locker room with a swim suit and the swim suit has been found but the bag is still missing.
A black North Face jacket with a cell phone in the pocket. It was in the cafeteria.
LOST AND FOUND
The office has many pairs of glasses. If you are missing any please come and look.A casio watch was turned in also.
Also please check the lost and found near the cafeteria for lunch boxes and clothing items.
 NEWS FROM THE PTSA
Do your kids love their Wednesday afternoon popcorn? If so, the BCS PTSA needs your help! The popcorn team needs a new leader for the 2012-2013 school year. Our current chair will be leaving BCS when her 8th grader graduates. Please contact Annette Blitstein at 248-647-5279 or annettekizy@yahoo.com for more information. It's very simple and fun.   PTSA Budget Committee
The BCS PTSA is currently forming a Budget Committee to review both staff and committee budget requests for next school year. This committee will meet several times in March (dates and times to be announced) to finalize the 2012-2013 PTSA Clearinghouse budget. Interested parties should contact Gina Herdegen or Brier Neel atroyalherd@comcast.net and briermn@gmail.com
iBLAST is coming-- Sunday, March 18th, 3:30pm - 7:30pm.
We will be having an iBlast! meeting on Tuesday, February 14th, at 7:00pm in the Media Center. Anyone interested in attending is welcome. We are still hoping to find 2 parents that might be interested in co-chairing the Blast for 2013. 
The Blast is the biggest event of the year at BCS. We still need your help with donations to make the Blast successful. Some of the more popular donations include:
Local Sports Team Tickets: Wings, Pistons, Tigers, Lions, U of M and MSU
Local Arts & Entertainment: Fox Theater, Fisher Theater, Birmingham Village Players, DTE Energy Music Theater, Meadow Brook Music Theater
Vacation Rentals: Northern Michigan, Florida, Arizona, etc...
Donation forms are on the Blast page of the BCS website under PTSA or contact Melinda Stone at mctaggartstone@yahoo.com
We also have 4 exciting raffle prizes this year including a HDTV package, Camera package, iPad and iTouch package and Netbook package.
The Blast is a little over a month away, so mark your calenders for Sunday, March 18th, 3:30pm - 7:30pm. The silent auction preview will be held on Friday, March 16th from 3:30pm - 5:00pm in the Media Center.
Attention all BCS families, the Blast needs you to 
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS!!
     The Blast Prize Room Committee is currently looking for any
unopened games, gadgets, toys or trinkets that you would like to get rid of for our BCS 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 BCS Blast. 
     Please bring your items to the “Closet Clean Out” bin placed just inside the office starting this Monday, February 6th and we will collect and distribute them to the BCS Blast prize room.  Anything we do not use will be delivered to a local children's charity.    
  The 2012 Blast Prize Room Committee thanks you!
QIII CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION
3rd Quarter Choice Hour classes started on Monday January 30th.  Choice Hour selections are posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway and in each homeroom.  
The deadline for requesting a Choice Hour class change was Friday February 10thALL Choice Hour changes that were approved will go into effect on Monday February 13th.  Any questions regarding Choice Hour schedules should be directed to Jennifer Brown.
Choice Hour drop refunds will be processed for classes dropped during the Choice Hour change period which ended on Friday February 10th.  No refunds will be processed after the Friday February 10th deadline.  
Additional Choice hour information
The Tuesday School Store will continue to include a bake sale of home baked goods to benefit the 8th grade celebration.  All baked goods will be $1.  These baked goods are made by 8th graders during a Monday Cookie Baking choice hour class and will be sold every Tuesday at the school store.
Choice Hour reminders:
Planning for QIV Choice Hour has started.  If you would like to share your time and talents with a small group of students during Choice Hour please contact Linda Stone at 248-203-4625 or email her at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us for more information.  
Thank you for always supporting the Choice Hour program!
8TH GRADE FAREWELL VIDEO
Parents, please don't delay in submitting a "then" and "now" photo for your graduating 8th grader. The photo deadline has been extended to February 24th, 2012. 
Please refer to the e-mail sent by the BCS PTSA on January19th that includes updated site and log in information as well as directions on how to upload your photos (if you have already loaded your photos, no further action is necessary on your part). 
Digital/scanned images are preferred, however, if you are unable to upload your images, you may drop off your photos in the turn-in basket in the BCS office. Please be sure to include your name on the back of the photos so that they can be returned to you. Or, alternately, you may also e-mail your photos to Rob Lawrence, fellow BCS parent and 8th grade celebration committee member, at rob1lawrence@gmail.com and he will upload your images for you.
ANNUAL BCS DIVERSITY FILM SERIES  
Dear BCS Parents/Guardians,
The annual BCS Diversity Film Series is back for another exciting season. We are excited to offer films and discussion to all BPS staff, parents, and community members on the following dates: February 15, March 7, April 11 and May 9 from 4:30-7pm in the Professional Development Room at BCS.
The first film we are featuring is called ANYONE AND EVERYONE, a 2007 documentary that runs 57 minutes.
Film Description:
Connected by having a son or daughter who is gay, parents across the country discuss their experiences in the documentary Anyone and Everyone. In it, filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz, depicts families from all walks of life. Individuals from such diverse backgrounds as Japanese, Bolivian, and Cherokee, as well as from various religious denominations such as Mormon, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Hindu, and Southern Baptist, share intimate accounts of how their children revealed their sexual orientation and discuss their responses.
The parents also talk about struggling with the pain of their sons and daughters dealing with not being accepted by relatives or friends, and being ostracized by religious congregations.
Here is the link to the film’s website.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Rick Joseph5/6 NBCT Covington School
WINTER RECESS CAMP AT BERKSHIRE 
Birmingham Community Education Presents
February Recess Camp at Berkshire Middle School High Touch High Tech Science Made Fun Program Or Coach G Sports Shorts Camp Choose 1 to 5 days of February fun!
Register at www.communityed.net> or call 248-203-3800 
TO BCS BAND STUDENTS ATTENDING SEAHOLM NEXT YEAR:
If you are planning on participating with the Seaholm band program during your high school years we invite you to go to www.seaholmbands.com for current band information. Please note two important dates:
***Band camp will be held July 29th thru August 3rd
***Band trip will be to Hawaii February break 2013, see the link on the opening page of our web site for trip details and costs. Current students are committing deposits this month but incoming students will have the opportunity to participate during late sign up September 2012. You may also commit to the trip today, just send your deposit and form to Director, Tim Cibor, at Seaholm.
We look forward to your participation in the band program and encourage you to join us in enhancing your student's high school experience! Please contact us if you have any questions, would like more information or are interested in volunteering. 
Janet Ames, Band Booster President
janames@mac.com, 248-703-1138
Beth O'Rourke, Incoming Booster President
248-602-7325
Battle Update Week of Feb 13, 2012
Attention Battlers…. Important announcements 
Parents, please remind Battlers to attend book clubs. (4th & 5TH Grade Schedules attached)
T-shirt Order Reminder (Order form attached)
Attention Battlers! …Don’t forget to send in your T-shirt orders
As seen at the Rush, BCS Battle of the Books T-Shirts are available by pre-order only -- see attached form. Orders were due at the BCS office with payment by Friday February 10 4pm. Checks should be made payable to BCS PTSA and turned in to the Basket in the office. Tees are $9. T-shirt questions should be directed to Sarah Schuster (lasb@live.com)
BCS Proud Dads (& Moms) COSMIC Breakfast is Wednesday, February 15. 
Join us as we Skype with New York Times best-selling author Frank Cottrell Boyce from England! This Battle event will run from 7:45 - 8:20 am in the BCS Cafeteria. 
To reserve your spot you will need to RVSP by Friday, February 10 to the cafeteria email: sm24bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us -- Simply put YES in the subject line with the number attending the breakfast - no message is necessary. You will pay $6 at the door which covers both parent & child. Breakfast includes: Juice, Coffee, Pancake Wrap, Muffin, and Assorted Fruit. 
Want to ask Mr. Boyce, author of Cosmic, a question about his book while we Skype at breakfast? Email your questions ahead of time to bcsbattleofthebooks@gmail.com. Questions considered must be received by Tuesday morning. Bring a copy of Cosmic that morning and share your favorite sections at the breakfast table. This Proud Dads COSMIC Breakfast is going to be out of this world! 
Feb 15, 2012 Gold Medal Qualifying Day (This is the last day to qualify for the gold medal. Students must turn in AR tests for all ten books by end of day to get a gold medal).
Friday, March 2, 2012 District-Wide Battle Day, BCS Media Center.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 6:30 pm
Battle After-Glow Reception for the Winning Battle Team
Winning Teams will be presented to the Board of Education!
Battle of The Books TShirt Order Form ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 10TH (2/10/12)
(turn into basket in the office)
Student’s Name__________________________________________________
Teacher________________________________________________
Size Adult S_____ Adult M____ Adult L_____ Adult XL____
$9 Cash_______ Check______ (payable to BCS PTSA)
If you have questions regarding the Battle T‐Shirt
Please Contact‐‐‐Sarah Schuster at lasb@live.com
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Battle of the Books Book Club Schedules

Remaining 4th Grade Book Clubs 11:50-12:30
Bring your completed "Book Club Ticket," your Battle book, and your lunch.

Book Title
Book Club Location
Dates
Time-11:50-12:30
Day
Week of Feb 13-17th



Born to Fly by Michael Ferrari
Room 105-Harvath
Mon 2/13/2012
Mon
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin
Media Center
Tues 2/14/2012
Tue
Operation Redwood by Terrell S. French
Room 201-Davis
Wed 2/15/2012
Wed
Diamond Willow by Helen Frost
Media Center -Rowe
Thurs 2/16/2012
Thurs
Where the Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin
Media Center
Thurs 2/16/2012
Thurs
Stumptown Kid by Carol Gorman and Ron J. Findley
Room205-Wallington
Friday 2/17/2012
Fri
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
Media Center-Clark
Friday 2/17/2012
Fri

Remaining 5th Grade Book Clubs 11:00-11:40
Bring your completed "Book Club Ticket," your Battle book, and your lunch.

Battle Book Clubs
Location
Date
Time 11:00-11:40
DAY
Week of Feb 13-17th



Born to Fly by Michael Ferrari
Media Ctr
Tuesday 2/13/2012
MON
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin
Room 507-Burns
Tuesday 2/14/2012
TUES
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
Room 508-Cook
Tues Feb 14, 2012
TUES
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Media Center-Hartley
Wed 2/15/12
WED
When You Reach Me By Rebecca Stead 
Media Center-Clark
Wed 2/15/12
WED
Where the Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin
Media Center-Kennedy
Thurs 2/16/12
THURS
Stumptown Kid by Carol Gorman and Ron J. Findley
Media Center-Mrs. Wagner
Fri 2/17/2012
FRI
The Mostly True Adventures of
Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick 
Room 504-Joseph
Fri 2/17/2012
FRI
GREETINGS BIRMINGHAM FAMILIES,
The Birmingham African American Family Network is hosting our 1st annual Black History Program on Monday February 27, 2012 from 6pm-8pm. Please see attached flier and distributed it to other Birmingham families.
NEWS FROM THE BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY COALITION (BBCC)
· Attention Parents of Teens… To better serve our community, we need to know your attitudes and opinions about youth alcohol use. Please complete a brief, 23 question survey found at http://tiny.cc/k0ydd. We are working with 13 other Oakland County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalitions on this initiative. Your participation is anonymous and very much appreciated. Thank you! 
· BBCC is Biggby Coffee’s Non-profit of the Month… Please bring this form to either their Downtown Birmingham OR Bloomfield Hills locations ANYTIME during the month of February 2012 and a $1.00 donation will be made to BBCC for each 16 oz. bag of coffee you purchase! Also, on February 15 from 4-6 p.m. Derby Middle School Principal, Debbie Hubbell, will be our Guest Barista and $1 from every beverage or bag of coffee sold will go to BBCC. For more info http://tiny.cc/wkoep 
For more info on substance abuse prevention focused on our youth visit www.bbcoalition.org 
Shop & Support the Coalition
pastedGraphic.pdf
Check out our latest e-newsletter: December2011 Message from Youth Action Board Teens
Now you can shop online through the Coalition's special link at amazon.com and a percentage of your purchase will go to support the Coalition & Substance Free Youth in Our Community!
Our Mission: To raise awareness and mobilize the entire community to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, with a primary focus on our youth!
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION- B E F
Generosity from parents, businesses and over 500 BPS staff members has allowed the Birmingham Education Foundation to reach their goal of $70,000 for the 2011-12 Annual Fund Campaign, now they hope to reach their stretch goal of $80,000 or $10 per student by the end of the school year. Over $97,000 has been granted to our schools this year, but there are many grants waiting approval. If you haven't given to the campaign it is not too late, please join us in supporting our schools by visiting www.supportbef.org 
GROVES CHEER TEAM
Are you going to Groves next year? Would you like to be on the cheer team? Then be sure to contact Mrs. Wright-Reamey for more information (313-721-4082).