Feb 22-26 WAG

February 21, 2010

Dear BCS Families,

I hope all of you enjoyed a week away from BCS! I am hoping, however, that you are all as excited as I am to begin a crucial part of the 2009-10 school year! There are many exciting things happening at BCS this spring as we look to prepare our students for next year. The staff is very proud of every BCS student and the growth we have seen. We would like to say thank you for sending us your children every day!

The past week served two purposes for me. One, I was able to spend a lot of time at home working on both my school assignments and work for BCS. Mrs. Hartley was working and our three children had school! I forgot what a quiet house was like! Two, I was able to spend some time at my 4th grade son’s school. February is Black History Month so I decided to teach a mini lesson on slavery and the Underground Railroad to Cameron’s class. My plan was to read Henry’s Freedom Box and discuss the events that took place in the story. What transpired, however, was a life lesson for the students, and for me!

I am a firm believer that we all need to sometimes step in the shoes of others and look at things in a different perspective. This is tough for us to do as adults, but is even more difficult for children to look through a different lens. I wanted the students to experience what unfortunately many Americans go through on a daily basis, discrimination. I thought if I could have them step in others’ shoes, it could possibly help them be better citizens in the future!

I entered the classroom to 25 smiling and happy students. They were glad to see their old principal and were ready to have an hour of fun. Their smiles soon turned to frowns when I told them that the room I was taking them to could only hold half of the class. I then proceeded to tell them that since I have blue/green eyes that I would take only the students with blue or green eyes to the other room for the activities. I lined the blue/green eye students up at the door and walked them down. The students that were left in the class with their teacher were given a math assignment to complete while we were gone. After a few minutes I walked back down and brought the rest of the class back with me to join us. That is when the real learning started taking place.

In groups, the students talked about how they felt and what was going through their minds. They then connected their feelings to how Henry and his family would have felt during the events that took place in the book. What was to be a lesson for the kids, turned out to be a lesson for me as well. The groups reported out what they discussed and I soon learned that kids can see through a different lens, we just need to allow them the opportunity!

The group that was left out at first reported they felt sad, that is was unfair, and that they didn’t understand why they were being treated so poorly. The blue/green eye group reported that yes, at times they felt good but they were mad about leaving friends behind. One student, stated, “I felt like a king but knew it was wrong.” The lesson turned out to be an hour of deep conversation on slavery, equal rights, and what they can do to make sure they are not making others feel the way they felt that day. I would like to share what came out of the lesson and ask all of us to step in others’ shoes in order to see the world from another perspective.

Adam

The students were asked to complete the following sentence - Slavery is…
Here are a few examples of 4th grade students looking through the lens of Henry- In the Book Henry’s Freedom Box.

Slavery is violent.

Slavery is wrong.

Slavery is unfair and violent.

Slavery is discrimination, evil, and horrible.

Slavery is harmful.

Slavery is very bad and should not have existed.

Slavery is really really mean.

Slavery is heartbreaking.

Slavery is when it is impossible for you to breathe or move.

Slavery is sad and mean.

Slavery is a crime.

Slavery is when you are not free to have your own family.





WEEK AT A GLANCE – FEBRUARY 22 – FEBRUARY26, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)

Monday, February 22
• 6:45-8:00AM –8th grade Girls Volleyball practice
• 3:15-5:30PM - Boys swim team practice
• 3:15PM – Sports pictures for Girl’s volleyball and Boy’s swimming
• 4:15-5:30PM –7th grade Girls Volleyball practice

Tuesday, February 23
• 6:35 – 8:00AM –Boys swim team practice
• E-Bugle published today!
• 7:30-8:00AM - BCS Diversity Committee meeting in Room 505 – All are welcome
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• Music Assembly for 4th grade students conducted by Anderson Music Company-see comments
• 8:45-11:50AM - Field Trip – 5th graders in Mr. Bishop & Mrs. Cook’s class go to the Environmental Center. Please ensure children are dressed for the weather – jackets/coats, gloves/mittens, rain gear, hats & boots may all be needed.
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 3:30PM – SNOW CLUB bus leaves for Pine Knob. Students return to BCS at 8:30PM and need to be picked up.
• 4:30PM –Girl’s Volleyball game vs. Norup Middle School @ home. 7th grade game begins at 4:30PM and 8th grade game immediately follows.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades
• 6:30PM – Technology Committee Meeting- Media Center
• 7:00PM – BLAST Committee Meeting – Media Center

Wednesday, February 24
• 6:45-8:00AM –8th grade Girls Volleyball practice
• 8:45-11:50AM - Field Trip - 6th graders in Mr. Bishop & Mrs. Cook’s class go to the Environmental Center. Please ensure children are dressed for the weather – jackets/coats, gloves/mittens, rain gear, hats & boots may all be needed.
• 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
• 4:15PM–Boys swim team meet @home versus Derby

Thursday, February 25
• 6:35 – 8:00AM –Boys swim team practice
• DEADLINE: BLAST Auction items listed in the Auction Book-see comment below
• 8:45-11:50AM - Field Trip - 5th graders in Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Roberts class go to the Environmental Center. Please ensure children are dressed for the weather – jackets/coats, gloves/mittens, rain gear, hats & boots may all be needed.
• Market Day internet orders due by midnight. If you are unable to complete your order online, please contact Lori Croad at 248-348-4390.
• 4:00PM –Girl’s Volleyball game @ West Hills Middle School. 7th grade game begins at 4:00PM and 8th grade game immediately follows.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades

Friday, February 26
• 6:35 – 8:00AM –Boys swim team practice
• 8:45-11:50AM - Field Trip - 6th graders in Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Roberts class go to the Environmental Center. Please ensure children are dressed for the weather – jackets/coats, gloves/mittens, rain gear, hats & boots may all be needed.
• Lunchtime - Dad’s Eat and Run – Please get a nametag at the sign-in table and join your child for lunch in the cafeteria during the normal lunchtime.
Lunchtimes: 3/4 - 11:00 – 11:40AM
5/6 – 11:55 - 12:35PM
7/8- 12:35 - 1:15 PM

• 4:00PM –Girl’s Volleyball game @ Country Day Middle School. 7th grade game begins at 4:00PM and 8th grade game immediately follows.

Sunday, February 28
• Last day to preorder a BCS yearbook for 09-10 school year – read directions to order on www.bcsonline.info


Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Beef Burritos, Brown Rice, Green Beans
Tuesday –Soft Taco Day with Toppings or Taco Salad, Corn
Wednesday –Salad Bar Day with Popcorn Chicken or Julianne Turkey
Thursday – Baked Chicken Nuggets, Roasted Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables
Friday –Baked Fish Sticks, Tater tots, Broccoli

 To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM


PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT BCS
Please remind your children in 3rd – 6th grade that they must bring athletic shoes for gym class. Boots and non-athletic shoes are not allowed on the gym floor. Please send in athletic shoes on appropriate days or to keep in the student’s locker.

Please remind your children in 7th-8th grade that they need to change into athletic clothing and shoes to properly prepare for gym class.


MUSIC ASSEMBLY FOR FOURTH GRADE - Tuesday, February 23
During the assembly 4th grade students will be introduced to band and orchestra instruments. Sometime during the day, they will also have an opportunity to experiment with the various instruments in small groups. They will also be given a short music aptitude test. At that time, professionals from Anderson Music Company will make suggestions about which instruments your children are interested in playing and which instruments they seem well-suited to play. Anderson Music Company has a great track record for placing students with the appropriate instruments. Obviously, the final decision will be made by each family.

Later in the week, your child will bring home a form indicating which instrument was recommended by Anderson Music. You will have until March 8, 2010 at 4 PM to return the form, indicating whether or not your child will participate in band or orchestra and which instrument your family has chosen.

The BCS instrumental music program takes place during the school day and occurs two days per week. Children who do not choose to play an instrument in fifth grade have an opportunity to participate in an elective. We do not know what that elective will be next year.

Since our music teachers are only in the building on Wednesdays and Thursdays for half a day, if you have any questions about band or orchestra, please address them to Counselors Tamra Nast or Karen Sivwright. You will be responsible for renting or buying an instrument by the first day of the 2010-2011 school year. Information from Anderson Music Company will follow after you have decided whether your child will take band or orchestra in 5th grade.


CHOICE HOUR REQUEST
The 3-4 Cookie Baking and Desserts Choice Hour class and its future bakers and taste testers are looking for donations for their class! They are in need of:

• Mixers, rolling pins, mixing bowls, microwave safe bowls, spatulas, wooden spoons and baking sheets
• Flour, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and salt
• Zip-loc baggies, paper plates, paper towels, napkins, hand soap and wipes

Your contributions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for always supporting the Choice Hour program!
A huge thanks to those that have already donated items to this class!!


HEART to HEART DRIVE
There are only a FEW days left to join the 7/8 Spirit Committee in donating gently used HOUSEWARES, CLOTHING and TOILETRIES to the needy, underprivileged and/or homeless people of the NSO Tumaini Shelter in Detroit. All you have to do is look around your home! Thank you for your generosity!

Please donate THESE items by Wednesday, Feb 24 to the blue bins in the front lobby
* TOLIET PAPER (This is a great need!)
* Hats, mittens, gloves and scarves – ADULT size only (no children’s)
* ADULT X-Large/XX-Large warm coats, clothing and socks – mostly men’s (no children’s)
* ADULT snow boots (size 8 and above)
* Bathroom accessories (soap dispensers, trashcans, etc.)
* Pots/pans
* Rugs, Towels, Blankets/sheets (twin size), Pillows/cases
* Travel-size toiletries
* Dish detergent, Laundry detergent/bleach
* New toothbrushes
* Old glasses/Reading glasses
* Mops/brooms/dust pans
* Clock radios
*Sleeping bags

Bring THESE items to room 503 on Wednesday, Feb 24 ONLY
*Small housewares
* Small TV’s
* Lamps
* Small appliances (microwaves, coffee pots, etc.)
* Dishes/cups/silverware sets/glasses
* Chairs/Bean-bag chairs
* Framed Art


BLAST OPPORTUNITIES
Attention all BCS Families: the BLAST is right around the corner and we are excited to offer these wonderful opportunities to our community:
• Corporate Sponsors - donations with a value of $250 - $499 will receive advertisement on the Corporate Sponsor banner to be displayed in the cafeteria during the Blast. Corporate sponsors will be mentioned on the www.bcsonline.info website and is listed in the 2010 auction booklet and on the Blast T-shirt.
*Donations with a value of $500 or more will receive advertisement on the Platinum Corporate Sponsor banner to be prominently displayed in the cafeteria during the Blast and in the school for the remainder of the school year. Platinum Corporate Sponsor receives a one year advertisement on the www.bcsonline.info home page and is listed in the 2010 auction booklet and on the Blast T-shirt.
• Family Patron - $100 gets you valet parking, priority auction checkout, and a t-shirt.
• We are also looking for donations to our auction:
1) Tickets to sporting events you, or your company, or vendor(s), have access to always work well at the auction.
2) Your company’s product or service.
3) Golf or hunting outings are very popular
4) Sports memorabilia.
5) Access to Houses / Condominiums / Timeshares in resort areas are a huge auction cash generator!

Please email Laura Meso at laurameso@comcast.net or Therese Fortney at therese521@comcast.net with any item you would like to donate to the 2010 Blast auction. If you are interested in your donations being in the auction book, the deadline is February 25th. Dowload donation forms at www.bcsonline.com/blast .
Thank you all for your continued support to BCS and your children! You’re the best!
From your Blast co-chairs, Karen Best & Ken Gilbert.




Remember TRASH FREE Fridays!