May 31, 2010
Dear BCS community,
I have recently read an article on connecting with our digital learners and what it takes to educate students in a digital world. I read the article through the lens of the instructional leader and found myself asking…
Are we doing enough at BCS to adapt to today’s learner?
Here is an excerpt from the article; the whole article can be read at http://www.edutopia.org/ikid-digital-learner
Teachers in every strata of education are increasingly dealing with a student population that is not only more wired than they are but also grew up in a techno-drenched atmosphere that has trained them to absorb and process information in fundamentally different ways. This generation of students is more likely to be armed with cell phones, laptops, and iPods than with spiral notebooks and No. 2 pencils.
Teachers who once struggled for students' attention mainly against daydreams, passed notes, class clowns, and cross-aisle flirting now also face a formidable array of gadgets and digitized content. Smart schools -- and smart educators -- are scrambling to figure out how to use these same tools and information-distribution techniques to reach and excite young minds. "You have to work with the kind of brains we've got now," says Susan Blackmore, who holds a PhD in psychology from Oxford University and frequently writes and lectures on new technology's effects on consciousness..
As the principal of BCS I see movement and energy surrounding this very subject. I observe lessons, participate in discussions, and see firsthand how our students are empowered and engaged on a daily basis. Technology, whether it is provided by the district or brought in by the students themselves, is used in many effective ways to enhance learning. A big part of meeting the needs of our students is allowing our teachers and students to take risks and to possess something that continues to be missing in many schools, autonomy
If we are to build an environment where today’s’ learners can experiment with the tools they are accustomed to, we must allow for autonomy. We cannot expect growth among our students unless they themselves have a say in how they learn, or what they learn with. Instead of giving our students all of the answers, we need to guide the students to search for responses to their own questions by helping them research, identify, and sort through information.
The BCS staff continues to strive for a climate of collaboration to support our changed role as educators for today’s learner. Daily conferences with team partners allow our teachers to encourage each other to make changes and try new things. Because our teachers stay with our students for two years, they do not use the same ideas with the class and are always coming up with new projects. Autonomy is not an option. Our students, and our teachers, need to have the freedom to learn with new tools, utilize the best technology that is out there, and learn from each other.
Are we doing enough? I believe that as long as we are allowing for students and teachers to have the autonomy to use new tools, utilize the technology in a variety of ways, and to learn from one another, we are certainly moving forward. We will never reach a point to where we can say we have done enough, but if we can say that we are working vigorously to keep up with our students’ interest…that is half the battle!
Finish Strong,
Adam
.
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 31 – JUNE 4, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
Monday, May 31
• No School – Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 1
• ALL BOOKS DUE BACK TO THE BCS MEDIA CENTER
• Forensics Team audition sign-up outside Room 407
• 8th grade students who have not picked up their T-shirt – please stop at the bagel sale to pick it up. Also, please drop off any remaining loose change baggies.
• 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
• 4:10 – 5:00PM – Track Practice for student attending the Oakland County Meet
• 7:00PM - BPS Board of Education meeting at the BPS Administration building, 550 West Merrill Street, Birmingham. Watch it live on Comcast channel 17.
Wednesday, June 2
• DEADLINE: RSVP due to Joe Neal (joe@tandyengineering.com) for BCS golf outing on June 9
• Forensics Team audition sign-up outside Room 407
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3-4PM-Market Day pick-up in the entrance hall
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour – BRING UNIFORMS
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade- Royal Oak Driving Range at 13 Mile Rd & Coolidge
• 7:00PM – 5th & 6th grade SPRING BAND CONCERT – BCS Cafeteria - band members arrive no later than 6:30 in concert attire (no blue jeans, athletic shoes or tee shirts)
Thursday, June 3
• Forensics Team audition sign-up outside Room 407
• All ART ALIVE canvases and pieces of art should be picked up by students today and tomorrow
• 8:15 – 9:30AM – 8th Grade Farewell Celebration Planning Meeting-media center
• 1:30 PM – Students leave for Oakland County Track meet at Clarkston High School
• 7:30PM – BCS ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT – BCS Cafeteria – guest appearance by the 8th grade band at 7:50PM.
• 7 PM – Friends of Different Learners Meeting – “Wrap Up – Planning Meeting, Board Elections for 2010-2011” in the BCS Media Center
Friday, June 4
• All ART ALIVE canvases and pieces of art should be picked up by students today
• DUE: Permission slip and payment for the 8th grade field trip to Thunderbird Lanes on June 10. Permission slips can be downloaded from www.bcsonline.info
• 3:30 - ?? Forensic Team Auditions – please be prompt for your appointment time
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday – No School
Tuesday – Beef Hot Dog or Chili Dog, carrots w/ dip
Wednesday – Spaghetti – w/ or w/o meat sauce, garlic bread
Thursday – Pasta primavera w/chicken, steamed broccoli
Friday – Breakfast for Lunch OR Chicken sliders, fresh fruit
MOVE-UP INFORMATION NIGHT
Move-Up Night for parents is June 8, 2010 in the Media Center. Parents of students in 4th grade going to 5th grade will be from 6:30pm-7:15pm and parents of students in 6th grade going to 7th grade will be from 8:00pm-8:45pm. Please plan to attend and learn more about these transitions.
POWERSCHOOL
The parent portal of POWERSCHOOL will be available until July 5, 2010. On July 6, 2010, the portal will be closed until parents receive notification that it has re-opened.
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS REMINDER
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 2nd in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 9 in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm. The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra have been sent home with the 8th grade band members.
8TH GRADE FAMILIES…….PERMISSION SLIP AND FEE ARE DUE FOR 8TH GRADE BOWLING TRIP
During Move-Up Day on June 10, the eighth graders will go bowling tot Thunderbird Lanes with Mr. Johansson and Mrs. Kelmigian. For your convenience, the flyer was emailed on May 28. You may also download the flyer from www.bcsonline.info . Please return permission slip and $12.50 (payable to BCS) to Mrs. Reepmeyer in the main office by Friday, June 4. We would also welcome a few parent volunteers for this fun outing! Please indicate your interest on the permission slip.
WACKY RECESS – JUNE 11, 2010
Please remember to RSVP for the BBQ lunch on Wacky Recess Day, Friday, June 11. The cafeteria will not be open on this day as the staff will be helping the Proud Dads serve food at the BBQ. Download the flyer at www.bcsnline.info and send it, with payment, into the office just as soon as you can. Also, if you are able to volunteer to help at the BBQ, please contact Dawn Walton at dawnanderic@sbcglobal.net .
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Can you believe it's already time to be thinking about Move Up Day? On June 10th, the incoming 3rd graders will be visiting BCS and meeting their new teachers and classmates. In order to make this a great experience, the BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for your help. We need eight volunteers to assist with check-in, the scavenger hunt, and dismissal from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10th. To volunteer, please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234. Thanks!
PULSE NEWSPAPER WINS AWARDS AT THE STATE LEVEL
The Pulse newspaper staff at BCS has once again received awards in the statewide Michigan Interscholastic Press Association newspaper contest. Congratulations to the students and staff advisor, Michelle Snyder!
Here are the honorees:
• 7th grader Adam Dabaldo = third place in the Alternative Story Form category for “BCS Students and Their Music Players”
• 8th grader Alena Farooq = honorable mention in the Alternative Story Form category for “Ask Alvin” advice column AND honorable mention in the In-Depth Feature category for “Seeing in Believing”
• 8th grader Alexander Breeden = honorable mention in the Sports Feature Story category for “Instant Replay in Baseball”
• 8th grader Melissa Shiner = honorable mention in the Bylined Opinion Article for “Sparkle’s Tips for a Fun and Safe Summer!”
• 8th grader Claire Erwin = 2nd place in the Advertising Layout category for her popcorn sale advertisement
• The entire staff = 2nd place in the Front Page/Newspaper Style category for the front page of the December issue
AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S FORENSICS TEAM
The 2010-2011 Forensics Team auditions will be Friday, June 4th. Students must have taken at least one marking period of the Forensics I choice hour to audition.
Students auditioning may choose to audition in either of the following categories: Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, D.I., Sales, Oratory, and Informative. Sales, Informative, and Oratory must be original pieces written by the students, all other categories may NOT be written by the student. Those auditioning with Sales or Informative may use visual aids.
ALL PIECES MUST BE BETWEEN 3-5 MINUTES AND MUST BE MEMORIZED. Individual preparation and memorization are big components of being on the team and will be a factor in deciding who makes the team.
Students will sign up the week of June 4th outside Mrs. Schultz’s room (Room 407) for an audition time. Audition times will begin at 3:30 (however, times from 3:30-4:00 are reserved for those students who are currently in the Forensics I Choice Hour). Please arrive on time for your audition. Students will wait in Room 407 and be able to practice in there until it is their time to audition, in which case they will then be ushered into the Media Center by a helper. Auditions will be closed, meaning that only the team coach (Liz Schultz) and a guest judge will be watching. The guest judge has no affiliation with BCS, thereby being totally neutral and judging on performance criteria. The guest judge has toured nationally in shows, went to college in New York for performance, and has Forensic experience…he is very qualified. Once students are done with their audition they are to leave BCS…they are done for the evening.
The new members of the team will be posted outside classroom 407 on Mon, June 7th before school begins.
Students may be nervous, but please try to calm their fears as much as possible. There are a limited number of spots on the team, however everyone has a fair chance and I am excited to see all auditions! If you have any questions, please email me (Liz Schultz) at es02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Thank you.
BACK TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION – AUGUST 18 & 25, 9-12AM & 5-7
As this school year winds down, we are looking ahead to the next school year!!! Please mark your calendars for the Back-To-School registration dates….and remember, every student should be registered before school starts next year! We need lots of volunteers to ensure our registration is successful and the office starts the next school year well prepared for your children. Would you please look at the dates below and sign-up to help as often as your schedule allows? We really do need you. BCS 7th and 8th graders or high school students that are BCS alums are welcome to volunteer for community service hours credit, IF they are scheduled in advance.
If you can help during any of these times, please contact Linda Weitzel (248-865-7279, jeffnlinda@hotmail.com). Please put BCS Registration on the subject line.
August 3rd (Tuesday) - 10 am to 2 pm
August 16th (Monday) - 10 am to 2 pm
August 18th (Wednesday) - 9 am to noon or 5 pm to 7 pm
August 19th (Thursday) - 9 am to noon
August 25th (Wednesday) - 9 am to noon or 5 pm to 7 pm
August 26th (Thursday) - 9 am to noon
For BCS 8th graders: SEAHOLM CHEERLEADING TRY-OUTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Tryouts for next year’s football cheer team will be held on Tuesday, June 8th from 6-7 PM at Seaholm High School. If you’ve never cheered before or want to sharpen your skills before tryouts, please attend one or both of the pre-tryout instructional days listed below:
Tuesday, June 1st – 5:00-6:30 PM OR Wednesday, June 2nd – 6:00-7:30 PM
For more information about the cheer team and tryouts, please contact Coach Szura at js44bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Go Maples!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
WAG MAY 24-28
May 23, 2010
Dear BCS Community,
At the beginning of the year, the BCS staff and I talked about how we need to look at his year as a marathon and not a sprint. BCS has endured many changes over the past few years. Anytime there is a change in leadership, there will be times of concern, times of excitement, and times of reflection. Change is never easy. This is why I asked the staff to take this year and approach it as you would a marathon. We have trained, we have encouraged each other, and now….we must finish strong!
I have never run in a marathon but I know many of our staff members and parents have. My brother has run in a few and has told me that it took him a couple of races to understand what it takes to pace yourself and to mentally prepare for the 26 plus miles. He told me that no matter what happens the first 25 miles, it is the last mile that you will remember.
We are in that last mile of the year and we have to decide how we will finish.
We have three choices:
1. Our muscles hurt, we are physically and mentally exhausted, and we do not know if we can make it- so we give up.
2. We continue the pace we have been running and finish the race slower than when we started- not because we have given up but because we are satisfied with our efforts-after all we just ran 25 miles!
3. We Finish Strong! We take this last mile and start pumping our legs the same way we did the first mile. We remember all of the training we participated in, we recall the people that told us we couldn’t do it, and we dig deep down to finish a long race with the same energy in which we started.
BCS will finish strong!
We will do this by encouraging each other, reminding ourselves and one another why we are here, and by making it our priority over the next four weeks. BCS students and staff will participate in town hall meetings next week that will kick off our quest to finish strong! I firmly believe that by finishing strong, it will make us even stronger for the next race!
In the spirit of finishing strong, BCS parents can encourage students to continue to participate in Trash Free Fridays, check your child’s teacher blogs and planner nightly, and volunteer for end of the year activities. Students can continue to live up to the BCS behavior and academic expectations, revisit their goals made at the beginning of the year, and give 110% in everything they do. The BCS staff will keep their eyes on the finish line by keeping high expectations, working as a team, and planning lessons that are engaging and meaningful. Finishing strong is essential to what the 2010-2011 school year will bring- We should all be excited for our next race, but let’s remember, this one is not over!
Finish Strong,
Adam
Visit http://adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 24 – MAY 28, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
Monday, May 24
• 3/4 Classrooms - Onsite presentation by the Naturalist Endeavors (in-the-school field trip)
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. Berkshire & Derby @ Groves High School
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Berkshire Middle School @ HOME
Tuesday, May 25
• 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
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Wednesday, May 26
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade- Royal Oak Driving Range at 13 Mile Rd & Coolidge
• 6:30 – 8:30PM – Seaholm Student Activities Night – for 8th grade students attending Seaholm and their parents – includes sign-up for extra-curricular activities
Thursday, May 27
• DUE: School Kidz order forms for next year’s 3-6 graders should be turned into the office by today to pre-order school supply kits.
• 8-9:30AM – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST – Media Center – If you have volunteered in any capacity at BCS during this school year, you are celebrated at this special breakfast put together by BCS staff members to thank you for your time and talents. Homemade dishes will be featured! Please come and hang around for awhile to mingle with other volunteers and staff. No sign-ups are allowed!
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• Market Day internet orders due by midnight. If you are unable to complete your order online, please contact Lori Croad at 248-348-4390.
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Friday, May 28
• It’s a GREAT DAY AT BCS. –enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend with your families
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Pizza bagels, small salad, hot veggies
Tuesday –Cheese ravoli, garlic toast, mixed vegetables, jello
Wednesday –Turkey corn dogs, diced potatoes, steamed broccoli
Thursday – Hot turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, garden peas
Friday – Corned beef on bun with swiss cheese or grilled chicken sub
A VERY LATE BUT VERY SINCERE THANK YOU
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. The BCS staff is overwhelmed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the gifts of appreciation at the beginning of May from BCS families and the PTSA Room Parents. On Tuesday, beautiful bouquets of flowers were delivered to all staff. It is truly amazing to see the hundreds of flowers being arranged by parent volunteers and then delivered to every room in the building. So many staff members commented on how beautiful and cheerful their room felt because of the bouquets. On Wednesday, we enjoyed a fabulous luncheon in our staff lounge, complete with table flowers and a festive spring feeling. Every little detail was cared for. On Thursday, we were treated to freshly baked sweet bread, wrapped in cellophane with a special note on each tag. The cinnamon aroma from the mailbox area drifted throughout the office all day long cheering up everyone who walked in!! All day long people exclaimed, ”What’s that wonderful smell?” BCS is truly a great place to be because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of our BCS families.
3RD AND 4TH GRADE PARENTS
Starting Monday, May 24 through Friday June 18: The following classrooms will be attending Swim as their PE: Butzin, Harvath, Seley and Wallington. Please be sure to send in a swimsuit and towel with your child.
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS REMINDER
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 2nd in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 9 in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm. The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra have been sent home with the 8th grade band members.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Can you believe it's already time to be thinking about Move Up Day? On June 10th, the incoming 3rd graders will be visiting BCS and meeting their new teachers and classmates. In order to make this a great experience, the BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for your help. We need eight volunteers to assist with check-in, the scavenger hunt, and dismissal from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10th. To volunteer, please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234. Thanks!
STUDENT SIGN-OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
During this time of year, the office experiences a large volume of early student sign-out and other activity. Please arrive at the office a few minutes early so that the parent volunteers or office staff can call your child out of their classroom to meet you. It is not necessary to call the school to let us know you will be signing your child out early. For a student to be released during the school day, a signature is REQUIRED in the sign-out book in the front office. Only a parent, guardian or other person authorized on the EMERGENCY CARD can sign a student out. Authorization is checked at sign-out so please remember to bring your identification. The BCS office thanks you for your understanding at this very busy time of year.
For BCS 8th graders: SEAHOLM CHEERLEADING TRY-OUTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Tryouts for next year’s football cheer team will be held on Tuesday, June 8th from 6-7 PM at Seaholm High School. If you’ve never cheered before or want to sharpen your skills before tryouts, please attend one or both of the pre-tryout instructional days listed below:
Tuesday, June 1st – 5:00-6:30 PM OR Wednesday, June 2nd – 6:00-7:30 PM
For more information about the cheer team and tryouts, please contact Coach Szura at js44bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Go Maples!
FOR PARENTS OF BCS 8TH GRADERS
There is a Parent Meeting for Groves Volleyball on Thursday, May 27 at 6:30-7:30 PM in Room G-1. Please contact Peter Lau, Varsity Head Coach, with questions at 248-219-8639.
AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S FORENSICS TEAM
The 2010-2011 Forensics Team auditions will be Friday, June 4th. Students must have taken at least one marking period of the Forensics I choice hour to audition.
Students auditioning may choose to audition in either of the following categories: Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, D.I., Sales, Oratory, and Informative. Sales, Informative, and Oratory must be original pieces written by the students, all other categories may NOT be written by the student. Those auditioning with Sales or Informative may use visual aids.
ALL PIECES MUST BE BETWEEN 3-5 MINUTES AND MUST BE MEMORIZED. Individual preparation and memorization are big components of being on the team and will be a factor in deciding who makes the team.
Students will sign up the week of June 4th outside Mrs. Schultz’s room (Room 407) for an audition time. Audition times will begin at 3:30 (however, times from 3:30-4:00 are reserved for those students who are currently in the Forensics I Choice Hour). Please arrive on time for your audition. Students will wait in Room 407 and be able to practice in there until it is their time to audition, in which case they will then be ushered into the Media Center by a helper. Auditions will be closed, meaning that only the team coach (Liz Schultz) and a guest judge will be watching. The guest judge has no affiliation with BCS, thereby being totally neutral and judging on performance criteria. The guest judge has toured nationally in shows, went to college in New York for performance, and has Forensic experience…he is very qualified. Once students are done with their audition they are to leave BCS…they are done for the evening.
The new members of the team will be posted outside classroom 407 on Mon, June 7th before school begins.
Students may be nervous, but please try to calm their fears as much as possible. There are a limited number of spots on the team, however everyone has a fair chance and I am excited to see all auditions! If you have any questions, please email me (Liz Schultz) at es02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Thank you.
2010 PROUD DADS AND MOMS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
BCS families, please join in the fun at this 9-Hole event sponsored by Proud Dads. The event will take place in conjunction with the Proud Dads Golf Clinic, taught by award-winning golf coach and BCS teacher, Mr. Leon Braisted. The date/time is June 9th at 6:00pm at the Hamptons Golf Course. Parents of children participating in the Proud Dads golf clinic will receive priority. The event is limited to the first 20 respondents. The cost is $20 per person, cart is additional $6. Burgers/Hot Dogs/Drinks after the round of golf. Please respond by May 27th with the number of participants to Joe Neal at joe@tandyengineering.com . Please contact Joe if you have additional questions.
Congratulations to the JoBerts 6th graders on their success in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, a national competition. The Carpooling Cats team of Maria Graham, Rachel Herster and Claire Foxworth were recognized for their work at BCS with encouraging people to carpool and ride their bikes to school. The Super Tree Savers team of Dylan Walton, Julia Kiehle and Hannah Balicki were recognized for their work with encouraging people to avoid needlessly cutting down trees and to plant more. The students’ have earned $4,000 dollars in Discovery Education programs for BCS. Congratulations, 6th graders! see the link below for their honorable mention and more information:
http://siemens.discoveryeducation.com/community/about-challenge/winners/2010/#michigan
Dear BCS Community,
At the beginning of the year, the BCS staff and I talked about how we need to look at his year as a marathon and not a sprint. BCS has endured many changes over the past few years. Anytime there is a change in leadership, there will be times of concern, times of excitement, and times of reflection. Change is never easy. This is why I asked the staff to take this year and approach it as you would a marathon. We have trained, we have encouraged each other, and now….we must finish strong!
I have never run in a marathon but I know many of our staff members and parents have. My brother has run in a few and has told me that it took him a couple of races to understand what it takes to pace yourself and to mentally prepare for the 26 plus miles. He told me that no matter what happens the first 25 miles, it is the last mile that you will remember.
We are in that last mile of the year and we have to decide how we will finish.
We have three choices:
1. Our muscles hurt, we are physically and mentally exhausted, and we do not know if we can make it- so we give up.
2. We continue the pace we have been running and finish the race slower than when we started- not because we have given up but because we are satisfied with our efforts-after all we just ran 25 miles!
3. We Finish Strong! We take this last mile and start pumping our legs the same way we did the first mile. We remember all of the training we participated in, we recall the people that told us we couldn’t do it, and we dig deep down to finish a long race with the same energy in which we started.
BCS will finish strong!
We will do this by encouraging each other, reminding ourselves and one another why we are here, and by making it our priority over the next four weeks. BCS students and staff will participate in town hall meetings next week that will kick off our quest to finish strong! I firmly believe that by finishing strong, it will make us even stronger for the next race!
In the spirit of finishing strong, BCS parents can encourage students to continue to participate in Trash Free Fridays, check your child’s teacher blogs and planner nightly, and volunteer for end of the year activities. Students can continue to live up to the BCS behavior and academic expectations, revisit their goals made at the beginning of the year, and give 110% in everything they do. The BCS staff will keep their eyes on the finish line by keeping high expectations, working as a team, and planning lessons that are engaging and meaningful. Finishing strong is essential to what the 2010-2011 school year will bring- We should all be excited for our next race, but let’s remember, this one is not over!
Finish Strong,
Adam
Visit http://adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 24 – MAY 28, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
Monday, May 24
• 3/4 Classrooms - Onsite presentation by the Naturalist Endeavors (in-the-school field trip)
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. Berkshire & Derby @ Groves High School
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Berkshire Middle School @ HOME
Tuesday, May 25
• 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
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Wednesday, May 26
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade- Royal Oak Driving Range at 13 Mile Rd & Coolidge
• 6:30 – 8:30PM – Seaholm Student Activities Night – for 8th grade students attending Seaholm and their parents – includes sign-up for extra-curricular activities
Thursday, May 27
• DUE: School Kidz order forms for next year’s 3-6 graders should be turned into the office by today to pre-order school supply kits.
• 8-9:30AM – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST – Media Center – If you have volunteered in any capacity at BCS during this school year, you are celebrated at this special breakfast put together by BCS staff members to thank you for your time and talents. Homemade dishes will be featured! Please come and hang around for awhile to mingle with other volunteers and staff. No sign-ups are allowed!
• 12:35-1:15 – 8th grade students turn in their “loose change” collection bags and receive class T-shirt
• Market Day internet orders due by midnight. If you are unable to complete your order online, please contact Lori Croad at 248-348-4390.
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Friday, May 28
• It’s a GREAT DAY AT BCS. –enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend with your families
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Pizza bagels, small salad, hot veggies
Tuesday –Cheese ravoli, garlic toast, mixed vegetables, jello
Wednesday –Turkey corn dogs, diced potatoes, steamed broccoli
Thursday – Hot turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, garden peas
Friday – Corned beef on bun with swiss cheese or grilled chicken sub
A VERY LATE BUT VERY SINCERE THANK YOU
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. The BCS staff is overwhelmed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the gifts of appreciation at the beginning of May from BCS families and the PTSA Room Parents. On Tuesday, beautiful bouquets of flowers were delivered to all staff. It is truly amazing to see the hundreds of flowers being arranged by parent volunteers and then delivered to every room in the building. So many staff members commented on how beautiful and cheerful their room felt because of the bouquets. On Wednesday, we enjoyed a fabulous luncheon in our staff lounge, complete with table flowers and a festive spring feeling. Every little detail was cared for. On Thursday, we were treated to freshly baked sweet bread, wrapped in cellophane with a special note on each tag. The cinnamon aroma from the mailbox area drifted throughout the office all day long cheering up everyone who walked in!! All day long people exclaimed, ”What’s that wonderful smell?” BCS is truly a great place to be because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of our BCS families.
3RD AND 4TH GRADE PARENTS
Starting Monday, May 24 through Friday June 18: The following classrooms will be attending Swim as their PE: Butzin, Harvath, Seley and Wallington. Please be sure to send in a swimsuit and towel with your child.
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS REMINDER
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 2nd in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 9 in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm. The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra have been sent home with the 8th grade band members.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Can you believe it's already time to be thinking about Move Up Day? On June 10th, the incoming 3rd graders will be visiting BCS and meeting their new teachers and classmates. In order to make this a great experience, the BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for your help. We need eight volunteers to assist with check-in, the scavenger hunt, and dismissal from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10th. To volunteer, please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234. Thanks!
STUDENT SIGN-OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
During this time of year, the office experiences a large volume of early student sign-out and other activity. Please arrive at the office a few minutes early so that the parent volunteers or office staff can call your child out of their classroom to meet you. It is not necessary to call the school to let us know you will be signing your child out early. For a student to be released during the school day, a signature is REQUIRED in the sign-out book in the front office. Only a parent, guardian or other person authorized on the EMERGENCY CARD can sign a student out. Authorization is checked at sign-out so please remember to bring your identification. The BCS office thanks you for your understanding at this very busy time of year.
For BCS 8th graders: SEAHOLM CHEERLEADING TRY-OUTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Tryouts for next year’s football cheer team will be held on Tuesday, June 8th from 6-7 PM at Seaholm High School. If you’ve never cheered before or want to sharpen your skills before tryouts, please attend one or both of the pre-tryout instructional days listed below:
Tuesday, June 1st – 5:00-6:30 PM OR Wednesday, June 2nd – 6:00-7:30 PM
For more information about the cheer team and tryouts, please contact Coach Szura at js44bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Go Maples!
FOR PARENTS OF BCS 8TH GRADERS
There is a Parent Meeting for Groves Volleyball on Thursday, May 27 at 6:30-7:30 PM in Room G-1. Please contact Peter Lau, Varsity Head Coach, with questions at 248-219-8639.
AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S FORENSICS TEAM
The 2010-2011 Forensics Team auditions will be Friday, June 4th. Students must have taken at least one marking period of the Forensics I choice hour to audition.
Students auditioning may choose to audition in either of the following categories: Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, D.I., Sales, Oratory, and Informative. Sales, Informative, and Oratory must be original pieces written by the students, all other categories may NOT be written by the student. Those auditioning with Sales or Informative may use visual aids.
ALL PIECES MUST BE BETWEEN 3-5 MINUTES AND MUST BE MEMORIZED. Individual preparation and memorization are big components of being on the team and will be a factor in deciding who makes the team.
Students will sign up the week of June 4th outside Mrs. Schultz’s room (Room 407) for an audition time. Audition times will begin at 3:30 (however, times from 3:30-4:00 are reserved for those students who are currently in the Forensics I Choice Hour). Please arrive on time for your audition. Students will wait in Room 407 and be able to practice in there until it is their time to audition, in which case they will then be ushered into the Media Center by a helper. Auditions will be closed, meaning that only the team coach (Liz Schultz) and a guest judge will be watching. The guest judge has no affiliation with BCS, thereby being totally neutral and judging on performance criteria. The guest judge has toured nationally in shows, went to college in New York for performance, and has Forensic experience…he is very qualified. Once students are done with their audition they are to leave BCS…they are done for the evening.
The new members of the team will be posted outside classroom 407 on Mon, June 7th before school begins.
Students may be nervous, but please try to calm their fears as much as possible. There are a limited number of spots on the team, however everyone has a fair chance and I am excited to see all auditions! If you have any questions, please email me (Liz Schultz) at es02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Thank you.
2010 PROUD DADS AND MOMS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
BCS families, please join in the fun at this 9-Hole event sponsored by Proud Dads. The event will take place in conjunction with the Proud Dads Golf Clinic, taught by award-winning golf coach and BCS teacher, Mr. Leon Braisted. The date/time is June 9th at 6:00pm at the Hamptons Golf Course. Parents of children participating in the Proud Dads golf clinic will receive priority. The event is limited to the first 20 respondents. The cost is $20 per person, cart is additional $6. Burgers/Hot Dogs/Drinks after the round of golf. Please respond by May 27th with the number of participants to Joe Neal at joe@tandyengineering.com . Please contact Joe if you have additional questions.
Congratulations to the JoBerts 6th graders on their success in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, a national competition. The Carpooling Cats team of Maria Graham, Rachel Herster and Claire Foxworth were recognized for their work at BCS with encouraging people to carpool and ride their bikes to school. The Super Tree Savers team of Dylan Walton, Julia Kiehle and Hannah Balicki were recognized for their work with encouraging people to avoid needlessly cutting down trees and to plant more. The students’ have earned $4,000 dollars in Discovery Education programs for BCS. Congratulations, 6th graders! see the link below for their honorable mention and more information:
http://siemens.discoveryeducation.com/community/about-challenge/winners/2010/#michigan
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
BCS Student Shines!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um9-LMxkh8U
Luke Tyrrell spoke at the optimist breakfast last week on Cyber Communications. He did an awesome job and his speech was very thoughtful and inspiring! You may watch his speech by clicking the YouTube link above.
His speech is below!
Enjoy!!
Luke is a 4th grade student at BCS in Mrs. Davis' class.
Good Morning! My name is Luke Tyrrell and I am in Mrs. Davis’s 4th grade class at Birmingham Covington School. I love computers and I use them everyday at my school. I have a class called Ed. Tech where I learn new things every week. I am learning new tools such as the Wiki, Blog and Moodle. My school, BCS uses a lot of different technologies.
Cyber Communications or technology to me means computers, cell phones, my DS, my Wii and my I pod. These are all positive or good things. With my computer, it can help me do my homework. I do my Spelling Quiz on the computer. I can play games like “Fun Brain.” I can go on Moodle. I can type emails to Mom and Dad, Mrs. Larson and Mrs. D. I can type my reports.
With a cell phone, I can call Mom and Dad, my brother Danny, and my Grandma’s and Grandpas.
With my DS and Wii I can play really fun games!! My favorite games are Super Mario, Sonic, Boombot, Racing Cars and the Winter Olympics. On my Wii I love to play golf.
With my I pod I listen to music by the Jones Brothers and the Beatles.
Sometimes computers can be a problem. A problem is something that causes a difficulty or it may not be a good thing. Computers can’t give you a hug or hold your hand. Computers can’t make you feel better. Computers can’t make you cheeseburgers like my Mom and computers can’t deal Uno cards. Another problem is you can get so excited that you touch your friend’s computer keys and you delete your friend’s work. It disappears and they can’t get it back. Your friend is sad because they have to do their work ALL OVER AGAIN!!!! Another problem I had with technology is that my brother threw up on my DS and I couldn’t play my games!
In closing, Cyber Communications can be good for us and may cause some problems. They help me learn new things and have fun. Technology can never take the place of my Mom and Dad and my brother, Danny. My computer can NEVER give me a kiss goodnight.
Thank you.
Science Leadership Academy
I was able to visit the Science Leadership Academy yesterday in Philadelphia, PA and enjoyed every minute of it! The SLA was founded four years ago by Chris Lehman (click here)and has a very similar concept as BCS. The SLA has gained nation wide recognition for its inquiry based teaching and learning and 21st century pedagogy. BCS was founded 15 years ago on these very principles and we continue to move forward in adapting to the learners of today! I learned many things yesterday but what was most exciting is the fact that the visit reaffirmed that BCS was and continues to be a beacon of hope in the world of education!!
Click here to go to the SLA website
There were three main points I took away from the visit:
1. Technology must be like oxygen- invisible but we need it. Its not about the tools but rather about what we are doing with the tools.
2. We must continue to empower our students (and teachers.)They must have ownership in their learning (and teaching).
3. Know what you are doing right and know what you are doing well- This Will drive where you go in the future.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Internet Back Up at BCS! WAG Schedule for May 17-21
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 17 – MAY 21, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
Monday, May 17
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. East Hills Middle School @ HOME
Tuesday, May 18
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 9:30 AM – BBFA Meeting – “Self-Development & Parenting” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7:00PM - BPS Board of Education meeting at the BPS Administration building, 550 West Merrill Street, Birmingham. Watch it live on Comcast channel 17.
• 7:00 – 8:30PM - Technology Café in the Media Center – come learn about Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. or bring up your own technology topic.
Wednesday, May 19
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• E-Bugle published today!
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. East Hills Middle School@ Groves High School
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Cranbrook Middle School @ HOME
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade- Royal Oak Driving Range at 13 Mile Rd & Coolidge
Thursday, May 20
• BPS Author in Residence Kevin Kammeradd visits 3rd-6th graders at BCS
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Friday, May 21
• DUE: Choice Hour Selection Sheets for 1st quarter 2010-2011 school year due by 4:00PM
• DUE: RSVP for the 8th grade celebration “BON VOYAGE” to the BCS Office
• Progress reports released
• 10AM-2PM – Mexicantown Field Trip for 7/8 students
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 6:30-8:30PM – 7/8 Hollywood Night Dance - $5 admission payable at the door
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Chicken or cheese quesadilla, buttered carrots
Tuesday –Bacon cheeseburger, sweet potato fries
Wednesday –Baked popcorn chicken, buttered noodles, green beans
Thursday – Chicken or vegetable egg rolls, brown rice, chicken noodle soup
Friday – Soft taco or nacho & cheese, watermelon
BCS TECH CAFÉ
Join the BCS Technology Committee on Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM in the BCS Media Center for an informal open discussion about social networking topics. Please bring your laptop to the meeting, if you have one. You are welcome to send us a question in advance or request information on a topic of interest…just email tech@bcsparent.com
Topics we may be discussing are:
• How to Facebook?
• How to use Gmail & Google apps?
• How to Twitter?
• IPad demo. Engage teacher Mat Brown will bring his iPad and discuss potential classroom applications for notepads and mobile devices.
AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S FORENSICS TEAM
The 2010-2011 Forensics Team auditions will be Friday, June 4th. Students must have taken at least one marking period of the Forensics I choice hour to audition.
Students auditioning may choose to audition in either of the following categories: Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, D.I., Sales, Oratory, and Informative. Sales, Informative, and Oratory must be original pieces written by the students, all other categories may NOT be written by the student. Those auditioning with Sales or Informative may use visual aids.
ALL PIECES MUST BE BETWEEN 3-5 MINUTES AND MUST BE MEMORIZED. Individual preparation and memorization are big components of being on the team and will be a factor in deciding who makes the team.
Students will sign up the week of June 4th outside Mrs. Schultz’s room (Room 407) for an audition time. Audition times will begin at 3:30 (however, times from 3:30-4:00 are reserved for those students who are currently in the Forensics I Choice Hour). Please arrive on time for your audition. Students will wait in Room 407 and be able to practice in there until it is their time to audition, in which case they will then be ushered into the Media Center by a helper. Auditions will be closed, meaning that only the team coach (Liz Schultz) and a guest judge will be watching. The guest judge has no affiliation with BCS, thereby being totally neutral and judging on performance criteria. The guest judge has toured nationally in shows, went to college in New York for performance, and has Forensic experience…he is very qualified. Once students are done with their audition they are to leave BCS…they are done for the evening.
The new members of the team will be posted outside classroom 407 on Mon, June 7th before school begins.
Students may be nervous, but please try to calm their fears as much as possible. There are a limited number of spots on the team, however everyone has a fair chance and I am excited to see all auditions! If you have any questions, please email me (Liz Schultz) at es02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Thank you.
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 6th in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 9 in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm. The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent home with the students this week.
SEAHOLM DANCE TEAM Try-Outs
The Seaholm Maple Motion Dance team will be holding tryouts for the 2010-11 school year during the week of May 17th. Prospective team members will be taught a competitive dance routine, work on technique and participate in tryouts. Daily events begin at 5 pm in the Seaholm Dance Room. Please contact Coach Tracy Yamin at coachtly@yahoo.com for more information.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Can you believe it's already time to be thinking about Move Up Day? On June 10th, the incoming 3rd graders will be visiting BCS and meeting their new teachers and classmates. In order to make this a great experience, the BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for your help. We need eight volunteers to assist with check-in, the scavenger hunt, and dismissal from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10th. To volunteer, please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234. Thanks!
CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION
Choice Hour selection sheets for 1st Quarter 2010-2011 will be going home the week of May 17th. Choice Hour selections are due no later than Friday May 21st at 4:00PM. We know how difficult it is to plan for September so far in advance, give it your best shot! You can view the choice hour class offerings at bcsonline.info . Also, please include proper payment with your Choice Hour selections if you are signing your child up for a 4th and 5th day of Choice Hour.
School schedules and Choice Hour schedules will not be available at registration in August. School schedules and Choice Hour schedules will be distributed in homerooms on the first day of school! Please copy your child’s Choice Hour selection sheet for your records so that you will know which days of the week you have selected for your child to attend Choice Hour!
Important information regarding 1st quarter:
• Competitive Forensic Team auditions (grades 6-8) will be held on Friday June 4th. Additional information regarding the audition can be found online!
• Students interested in applying for the 2010-2011 6-8 Science Olympiad team need to have their applications to Mrs. Brown no later than Friday May 21st. Parent letter and application are included with the selection sheet!
• Students interested in becoming a part of the BCS Now News production team need to fill out an audition form and turn it into Mr. Joseph no later than Friday May 21st. Please read the instructions very carefully!
Choice Hour reminders – please call 248-203-4625 or send in a note 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!
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
Monday, May 17
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. East Hills Middle School @ HOME
Tuesday, May 18
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 9:30 AM – BBFA Meeting – “Self-Development & Parenting” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7:00PM - BPS Board of Education meeting at the BPS Administration building, 550 West Merrill Street, Birmingham. Watch it live on Comcast channel 17.
• 7:00 – 8:30PM - Technology Café in the Media Center – come learn about Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. or bring up your own technology topic.
Wednesday, May 19
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• E-Bugle published today!
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. East Hills Middle School@ Groves High School
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Cranbrook Middle School @ HOME
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade- Royal Oak Driving Range at 13 Mile Rd & Coolidge
Thursday, May 20
• BPS Author in Residence Kevin Kammeradd visits 3rd-6th graders at BCS
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Friday, May 21
• DUE: Choice Hour Selection Sheets for 1st quarter 2010-2011 school year due by 4:00PM
• DUE: RSVP for the 8th grade celebration “BON VOYAGE” to the BCS Office
• Progress reports released
• 10AM-2PM – Mexicantown Field Trip for 7/8 students
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 6:30-8:30PM – 7/8 Hollywood Night Dance - $5 admission payable at the door
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Chicken or cheese quesadilla, buttered carrots
Tuesday –Bacon cheeseburger, sweet potato fries
Wednesday –Baked popcorn chicken, buttered noodles, green beans
Thursday – Chicken or vegetable egg rolls, brown rice, chicken noodle soup
Friday – Soft taco or nacho & cheese, watermelon
BCS TECH CAFÉ
Join the BCS Technology Committee on Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM in the BCS Media Center for an informal open discussion about social networking topics. Please bring your laptop to the meeting, if you have one. You are welcome to send us a question in advance or request information on a topic of interest…just email tech@bcsparent.com
Topics we may be discussing are:
• How to Facebook?
• How to use Gmail & Google apps?
• How to Twitter?
• IPad demo. Engage teacher Mat Brown will bring his iPad and discuss potential classroom applications for notepads and mobile devices.
AUDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S FORENSICS TEAM
The 2010-2011 Forensics Team auditions will be Friday, June 4th. Students must have taken at least one marking period of the Forensics I choice hour to audition.
Students auditioning may choose to audition in either of the following categories: Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, D.I., Sales, Oratory, and Informative. Sales, Informative, and Oratory must be original pieces written by the students, all other categories may NOT be written by the student. Those auditioning with Sales or Informative may use visual aids.
ALL PIECES MUST BE BETWEEN 3-5 MINUTES AND MUST BE MEMORIZED. Individual preparation and memorization are big components of being on the team and will be a factor in deciding who makes the team.
Students will sign up the week of June 4th outside Mrs. Schultz’s room (Room 407) for an audition time. Audition times will begin at 3:30 (however, times from 3:30-4:00 are reserved for those students who are currently in the Forensics I Choice Hour). Please arrive on time for your audition. Students will wait in Room 407 and be able to practice in there until it is their time to audition, in which case they will then be ushered into the Media Center by a helper. Auditions will be closed, meaning that only the team coach (Liz Schultz) and a guest judge will be watching. The guest judge has no affiliation with BCS, thereby being totally neutral and judging on performance criteria. The guest judge has toured nationally in shows, went to college in New York for performance, and has Forensic experience…he is very qualified. Once students are done with their audition they are to leave BCS…they are done for the evening.
The new members of the team will be posted outside classroom 407 on Mon, June 7th before school begins.
Students may be nervous, but please try to calm their fears as much as possible. There are a limited number of spots on the team, however everyone has a fair chance and I am excited to see all auditions! If you have any questions, please email me (Liz Schultz) at es02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Thank you.
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 6th in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 9 in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm. The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent home with the students this week.
SEAHOLM DANCE TEAM Try-Outs
The Seaholm Maple Motion Dance team will be holding tryouts for the 2010-11 school year during the week of May 17th. Prospective team members will be taught a competitive dance routine, work on technique and participate in tryouts. Daily events begin at 5 pm in the Seaholm Dance Room. Please contact Coach Tracy Yamin at coachtly@yahoo.com for more information.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Can you believe it's already time to be thinking about Move Up Day? On June 10th, the incoming 3rd graders will be visiting BCS and meeting their new teachers and classmates. In order to make this a great experience, the BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for your help. We need eight volunteers to assist with check-in, the scavenger hunt, and dismissal from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10th. To volunteer, please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234. Thanks!
CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION
Choice Hour selection sheets for 1st Quarter 2010-2011 will be going home the week of May 17th. Choice Hour selections are due no later than Friday May 21st at 4:00PM. We know how difficult it is to plan for September so far in advance, give it your best shot! You can view the choice hour class offerings at bcsonline.info . Also, please include proper payment with your Choice Hour selections if you are signing your child up for a 4th and 5th day of Choice Hour.
School schedules and Choice Hour schedules will not be available at registration in August. School schedules and Choice Hour schedules will be distributed in homerooms on the first day of school! Please copy your child’s Choice Hour selection sheet for your records so that you will know which days of the week you have selected for your child to attend Choice Hour!
Important information regarding 1st quarter:
• Competitive Forensic Team auditions (grades 6-8) will be held on Friday June 4th. Additional information regarding the audition can be found online!
• Students interested in applying for the 2010-2011 6-8 Science Olympiad team need to have their applications to Mrs. Brown no later than Friday May 21st. Parent letter and application are included with the selection sheet!
• Students interested in becoming a part of the BCS Now News production team need to fill out an audition form and turn it into Mr. Joseph no later than Friday May 21st. Please read the instructions very carefully!
Choice Hour reminders – please call 248-203-4625 or send in a note 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 $5.00 fee.
Thank you for always supporting the Choice Hour program!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
BPS server down for repair
The WAG will be late this week due to no internet access. We cannot access the email address that the WAG has been sent.
You will receive the WAG as soon as the BPS server is up and running.
Have a great week!
BCS will finish the year strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syIm5MHG4O4
You will receive the WAG as soon as the BPS server is up and running.
Have a great week!
BCS will finish the year strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syIm5MHG4O4
Friday, May 7, 2010
BCS Student Goes for Eagle Scout!
Evan Helfrich is an eighth grader at BCS in Mrs. Huff's homeroom. This Saturday, May 8, 2010, Evan is sponsoring a geocaching "Cache In Trash Out" (CITO) event at Oakland University for his Eagle Scout project. During this event, Evan and his cadre of volunteers plan to clear one of Oakland University's many nature trails of trash and debris. Here is the event as it is listed on the geocaching page:
This is CA$HE SCOUT's Eagle Scout Project. For the first part of my project, I have already built and installed a permanent trash can at this nature trail. Now I am hosting a Cache In Trash Out event to clean up the area and to get the word out about this nature trail. Come to Oakland University Parking Lot 31 at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 8th. I'll have trash bags and latex gloves but wear old clothes. We should be done by 11:30 AM.
I really like geocaching in this area. When I approached Oakland University about my project, they asked me to focus on this short but beautiful nature trail. During the summer, children from the Lowry Early Childhood Center across the street use this trail just about every day.
I will have everything essential for my CITO event headquartered in the building and grounds center. This includes; water, trash bags, latex gloves, and a map of the area. I will have 5 zones for people to clean up.
I think that this will be a fun and exciting CITO - thank you for your support.
And a link to the actual page: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=7ca69a0b-a411-4ea5-9b82-af06a58c143d
http://www.geocaching.com/map/default.aspx?lat=42.667890052808296&lng=-83.20680141448974&zm=15&mt=m
This is CA$HE SCOUT's Eagle Scout Project. For the first part of my project, I have already built and installed a permanent trash can at this nature trail. Now I am hosting a Cache In Trash Out event to clean up the area and to get the word out about this nature trail. Come to Oakland University Parking Lot 31 at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 8th. I'll have trash bags and latex gloves but wear old clothes. We should be done by 11:30 AM.
I really like geocaching in this area. When I approached Oakland University about my project, they asked me to focus on this short but beautiful nature trail. During the summer, children from the Lowry Early Childhood Center across the street use this trail just about every day.
I will have everything essential for my CITO event headquartered in the building and grounds center. This includes; water, trash bags, latex gloves, and a map of the area. I will have 5 zones for people to clean up.
I think that this will be a fun and exciting CITO - thank you for your support.
And a link to the actual page: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=7ca69a0b-a411-4ea5-9b82-af06a58c143d
http://www.geocaching.com/map/default.aspx?lat=42.667890052808296&lng=-83.20680141448974&zm=15&mt=m
Monday, May 3, 2010
May 3-7 WAG
Dear BCS Community,
There is an array of topics to write about this week since we have so much going on this time of year. I wanted to make sure to write about something relevant to your daily life, something that caught your attention, and a topic that we could all relate to. I thought about writing how BCS received the Evergreen award this week from the state of Michigan and how this was a true reflection of teamwork. I thought of writing about Cinco de Mayo and the importance of diversity and culture, or about Covington’s movement into the 21st century. Then it occurred to me that there is a group of amazing people we all know that have played a role in these important topics by leading, listening, motivating, organizing, collaborating, and assisting. These people work tirelessly to push BCS to the limit in green initiatives, diversity and culture awareness, and 21st century pedagogy. Each person making up this group has individual strengths and their own identity of greatness. They make up the BCS teaching staff!
This week marks the celebration of National Teachers’ Week. It is a time to reflect on the very people that spend countless hours with our children, preparing them for life’s successes and challenges. It is indeed a time where parents and students can say thank you for all you do. It is also a time when educators are reminded why they are in the teaching business!
A benefit of teacher appreciation week is that the teachers themselves can rediscover why their teaching is appreciated and what kind of teaching is considered fun and informative by the students. Take a few minutes out of your day this week to remind your child’s teachers why they are so important- after all…without our teachers, where would we be?
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING
By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking.
Take the time to look this week and see the great things our staff is doing!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 3 – MAY 7, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
Note a change in submission deadline for this week - To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by THURSDAY 7AM
Monday, May 3
• 9:40-10:55AM – Davis’ class to Woodward Hills for reading to senior citizens
• Lunchtimes – students who entered in REFLECTIONS program can get an ice cream treat & a picture taken
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 4:00PM–Girls soccer game @ Bloomfield Hills Middle School - Get directions at highschoolsports.net
Tuesday, May 4
• Flower Bouquet Day for Staff Appreciation – students can bring flowers and the PTSA will arrange bouquets for all staff members
• 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
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7:00PM - BPS Board of Education meeting at the BPS Administration building, 550 West Merrill Street, Birmingham. Watch it live on Comcast channel 17.
Wednesday, May 5
• PTSA provides lunch for the staff for Staff Appreciation Week
• 9:15AM – 5/6 Room Parent Meeting – Media Center
• 9:40-10:55AM – Burns’ class to Maple Village for reading to senior citizens
• 2:15PM – Filming of the 8th grade student walk-out for the farewell DVD
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3-4:00 PM-Market Day pick-up in the entrance hall.
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. West Hills Middle School @ HOME
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. Ferndale Middle School @ Ferndale High School
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade at Lincoln Hills
Thursday, May 6
• PTSA provides a sweet bread to each staff member for Staff Appreciation Week
• 8:15 – 9:30AM – 8th Grade Farewell Celebration Planning Meeting-media center
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7 PM – Friends of Different Learners Meeting – “Friends Appreciation Awards” in the BCS Media Center
Friday, May 7
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Country Day Middle School @ HOME
• Lunchtime - Mom’s Eat and Run – Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign-in. Special drawing for each lunch period….mom must be present to win. If you know in advance that you will not be attending, please let your child(ren) know so they are not disappointed.
Lunchtimes: 3/4 - 11:00 – 11:40AM
5/6 – 11:55 - 12:35PM
7/8- 12:35 - 1:15 PM
• 5:30 - Artists, Friends & Family Reception for REFLECTIONS program
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Breakfast for lunch & fresh fruit
Tuesday –Chicken fajita, brown rice
Wednesday –Sloppy joe, carrots & dip, jello
Thursday – Cheese lasagna roll-ups & chicken sliders, green beans
Friday – Salisbury steak sub or baked potato bar, vegetarian chili
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING THE SPRING BOOK FAIR!!
Once again we would like to extend our appreciation to the BCS community for their strong support of our Spring Book Fair. We made a little over $1,600 in cash, $300 in books and $1,200 in catalog credit for the Media Center. We really do have wonderful families!
We would especially like to thank the many parent volunteers who worked throughout the Fair. We couldn’t have done it without you!!
Linda Weitzel, Shiva Motlagh, Theresa Valentine – Book Fair Chairs
BCS TECH CAFÉ
Join the BCS Technology Committee on Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM in the BCS Media Center.
Join us for an informal open discussion about social networking topics such as:
• How to Facebook?
• How to use Gmail & Google apps?
• How to Twitter?
Please bring your laptop if you have one. You are welcome to sent us a question or topic of interest. email tech@bcsparent.com
PTSA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM – Treats & Reception
• If your student completed a REFLECTIONS entry, have them stop by the Reflections table after lunch on Monday, May 3 to collect an ice cream treat and get their picture taken! There is no need to dress-up……just be your fabulous
• On Friday, May 7th, an Artists, Friends & Family Reception will be held on at 5:30PM in front of the Media Center. Light desserts and punch will be served.
2010 State Competition
Science Olympiad Results
On Saturday, May 1st, our Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 7th overall and brought home 10 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time.
The following students took home medals:
1st Place
• Bio – Process Lab – Natalie Kozak & Lillian Lu
• Ecology – Aaron Levett & Lillian Lu
2nd Place
• Compute This – Aaron Levett & Lillian Lu
• Meteorology – Shounak Vale & Adam Smith
• Ornithology – Nitin Kumar & Bogdan Manga
3rd Place
• Road Scholar – Bogdan Manga & Adam Smith
5th Place
• Anatomy – Bassel Salka & Noah Smith
• Helicopter Duration – Chandler Roberts & Bryce Owens
6th Place
• Solar System – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
• Dynamic Planet – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
The following students had an outstanding performance in their event:
11th Place
• Can’t Judge a Powder – Chandler Roberts &Will Trask
12th Place
• Trajectory – Bogdan Manga & Bryce Owens
15th Place
• Physical Science Lab – Maria Roma & Bassel Salka
• Wright Stuff – Lillian Lu & Hannah Diehl
17th Place
• Science Crime Busters - Nitin Kumar & Shounak Vale
18th Place
• Experimental Design – Natalie Kozak, Maria Roma & Bassel Salka
• Pentathlon – Aaron Levett, Bryce Owens, Graham Ross & Noah Smith
There is an array of topics to write about this week since we have so much going on this time of year. I wanted to make sure to write about something relevant to your daily life, something that caught your attention, and a topic that we could all relate to. I thought about writing how BCS received the Evergreen award this week from the state of Michigan and how this was a true reflection of teamwork. I thought of writing about Cinco de Mayo and the importance of diversity and culture, or about Covington’s movement into the 21st century. Then it occurred to me that there is a group of amazing people we all know that have played a role in these important topics by leading, listening, motivating, organizing, collaborating, and assisting. These people work tirelessly to push BCS to the limit in green initiatives, diversity and culture awareness, and 21st century pedagogy. Each person making up this group has individual strengths and their own identity of greatness. They make up the BCS teaching staff!
This week marks the celebration of National Teachers’ Week. It is a time to reflect on the very people that spend countless hours with our children, preparing them for life’s successes and challenges. It is indeed a time where parents and students can say thank you for all you do. It is also a time when educators are reminded why they are in the teaching business!
A benefit of teacher appreciation week is that the teachers themselves can rediscover why their teaching is appreciated and what kind of teaching is considered fun and informative by the students. Take a few minutes out of your day this week to remind your child’s teachers why they are so important- after all…without our teachers, where would we be?
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING
By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking.
Take the time to look this week and see the great things our staff is doing!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MAY 3 – MAY 7, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
Note a change in submission deadline for this week - To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by THURSDAY 7AM
Monday, May 3
• 9:40-10:55AM – Davis’ class to Woodward Hills for reading to senior citizens
• Lunchtimes – students who entered in REFLECTIONS program can get an ice cream treat & a picture taken
• 3: 20 – 4:05PM – Track Practice during choice hour
• 4:00PM–Girls soccer game @ Bloomfield Hills Middle School - Get directions at highschoolsports.net
Tuesday, May 4
• Flower Bouquet Day for Staff Appreciation – students can bring flowers and the PTSA will arrange bouquets for all staff members
• 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
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7:00PM - BPS Board of Education meeting at the BPS Administration building, 550 West Merrill Street, Birmingham. Watch it live on Comcast channel 17.
Wednesday, May 5
• PTSA provides lunch for the staff for Staff Appreciation Week
• 9:15AM – 5/6 Room Parent Meeting – Media Center
• 9:40-10:55AM – Burns’ class to Maple Village for reading to senior citizens
• 2:15PM – Filming of the 8th grade student walk-out for the farewell DVD
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3-4:00 PM-Market Day pick-up in the entrance hall.
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. West Hills Middle School @ HOME
• 4:00PM – Track meet BCS vs. Ferndale Middle School @ Ferndale High School
• 5:30-6:30PM – Proud Dads Golf for 3rd – 8th grade at Lincoln Hills
Thursday, May 6
• PTSA provides a sweet bread to each staff member for Staff Appreciation Week
• 8:15 – 9:30AM – 8th Grade Farewell Celebration Planning Meeting-media center
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7 PM – Friends of Different Learners Meeting – “Friends Appreciation Awards” in the BCS Media Center
Friday, May 7
• 4:00PM – Girls soccer games vs. Country Day Middle School @ HOME
• Lunchtime - Mom’s Eat and Run – Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign-in. Special drawing for each lunch period….mom must be present to win. If you know in advance that you will not be attending, please let your child(ren) know so they are not disappointed.
Lunchtimes: 3/4 - 11:00 – 11:40AM
5/6 – 11:55 - 12:35PM
7/8- 12:35 - 1:15 PM
• 5:30 - Artists, Friends & Family Reception for REFLECTIONS program
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Breakfast for lunch & fresh fruit
Tuesday –Chicken fajita, brown rice
Wednesday –Sloppy joe, carrots & dip, jello
Thursday – Cheese lasagna roll-ups & chicken sliders, green beans
Friday – Salisbury steak sub or baked potato bar, vegetarian chili
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING THE SPRING BOOK FAIR!!
Once again we would like to extend our appreciation to the BCS community for their strong support of our Spring Book Fair. We made a little over $1,600 in cash, $300 in books and $1,200 in catalog credit for the Media Center. We really do have wonderful families!
We would especially like to thank the many parent volunteers who worked throughout the Fair. We couldn’t have done it without you!!
Linda Weitzel, Shiva Motlagh, Theresa Valentine – Book Fair Chairs
BCS TECH CAFÉ
Join the BCS Technology Committee on Tuesday, May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM in the BCS Media Center.
Join us for an informal open discussion about social networking topics such as:
• How to Facebook?
• How to use Gmail & Google apps?
• How to Twitter?
Please bring your laptop if you have one. You are welcome to sent us a question or topic of interest. email tech@bcsparent.com
PTSA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM – Treats & Reception
• If your student completed a REFLECTIONS entry, have them stop by the Reflections table after lunch on Monday, May 3 to collect an ice cream treat and get their picture taken! There is no need to dress-up……just be your fabulous
• On Friday, May 7th, an Artists, Friends & Family Reception will be held on at 5:30PM in front of the Media Center. Light desserts and punch will be served.
2010 State Competition
Science Olympiad Results
On Saturday, May 1st, our Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 7th overall and brought home 10 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time.
The following students took home medals:
1st Place
• Bio – Process Lab – Natalie Kozak & Lillian Lu
• Ecology – Aaron Levett & Lillian Lu
2nd Place
• Compute This – Aaron Levett & Lillian Lu
• Meteorology – Shounak Vale & Adam Smith
• Ornithology – Nitin Kumar & Bogdan Manga
3rd Place
• Road Scholar – Bogdan Manga & Adam Smith
5th Place
• Anatomy – Bassel Salka & Noah Smith
• Helicopter Duration – Chandler Roberts & Bryce Owens
6th Place
• Solar System – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
• Dynamic Planet – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
The following students had an outstanding performance in their event:
11th Place
• Can’t Judge a Powder – Chandler Roberts &Will Trask
12th Place
• Trajectory – Bogdan Manga & Bryce Owens
15th Place
• Physical Science Lab – Maria Roma & Bassel Salka
• Wright Stuff – Lillian Lu & Hannah Diehl
17th Place
• Science Crime Busters - Nitin Kumar & Shounak Vale
18th Place
• Experimental Design – Natalie Kozak, Maria Roma & Bassel Salka
• Pentathlon – Aaron Levett, Bryce Owens, Graham Ross & Noah Smith
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)