Guest Writer: Roy Bishop (5-6 Teacher)

January 30, 2011

W.A.G. Guest writer: Roy Bishop (BCS 5/6 Teacher)

Dear BCS Community,

I hope you all had a great weekend and found someway to keep warm. Over the weekend the cold weather made me think about how my experiences as a student and teacher has shaped what I value in life. Right about now, I value Starbucks for their warm coffee as I write this Week at a Glance. But, just like the weather in Michigan changes by the hour, my experiences have also changed over time and so have my values.

On a daily basis the BCS community is creating value through being green, collecting clothes for families in Haiti, and packaging items for families in need. Students and families at BCS don’t complete these types of experiences on accident. It clear that all parties invested want students to value each other, value their environment and value their education. These types of experiences shape the minds and hearts of our students.

The 7th and 8th grade Boy’s Basketball teams traveled to the Palace this week and although the score might now have shown it, they played with poise and character. No one talked to the referees after a call was made, no one left any trash behind the bench and no one tried to sneak into the Pistons locker room to snap a picture of Ben Wallace or Ben Gordon. This just proves that our school culture and pride stems farther than just our school. Everyone’s hard work and dedication to the educational process is recognized in all of their aspirations.

Thank you for modeling these great values for your children. Honestly, our students are like sponges and they pick up most of their values from us.

Educationally Yours,

Roy Bishop Jr.


WEEK AT A GLANCE – January 31 - February 4, 2011
(Disclaimer:  Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)

To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email mz07bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us  MIDNIGHT THURSDAY
 
 Monday, January 31
6:45-8:00AM 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
7:30 AM Green Team Meeting
Third Quarter Begins-New Choice Hours Start
Choice Hour Boys Swim Practice
4:15-5:30PM 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
4:15-8:00PM- Alice in Wonderland Rehearsal MANDATORY – FULL CAST - Bring Snack Cafeteria
5:15 PM Boys Swim Team Parent Meeting
 Tuesday, February 1
6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
6:45-8:00AM 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
PM – HEARING SCREENING FOR 4TH GRADERS
3:15-4:00PM – School store will be closed for inventory
3:15-6:30PM -  Alice in Wonderland Rehearsal MANDATORY – FULL CAST - Bring Snack Cafeteria
3:30-8:30PM SNOW CLUB bus leaves for Pine Knob. Students return to BCS at 8:30PM and need to be picked up
Choice Hour 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
6:30 PM Proud Dads 3rd-6th Co-Ed Basketball
7 PM Board of Education Meeting at the Administration Building
 Wednesday, February 2
6:45-8:00AM 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
AM and PM HEARING SCREEN FOR 4TH GRADERS
Market Day Orders to be Picked Up
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
Choice Hour Boys Swim Practice
4:15-5:30PM 7th Grade Girls Volleyball Practice
4:15-8:45PM - Alice in Wonderland Rehearsal MANDATORY – FULL CAST - Bring Snack Cafeteria
Thursday, February 3
6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
Registration deadline for the 2011 Spring Solo & Ensemble Festival for 7 /8 Band students is today
4:00PM Covington 8th Grade Girls Volleyball vs WHMS @ WHMS
4:00PM Covington 7th Grade Girls Volleyball vs. WHMS @ WHMS
6:30 PM Proud Dads 3rd-8th Co-Ed Baseball
7:00 PM – Friends of Different learners Meeting-Media Center, Disability Awareness Workshop
and Assistive Technology Presentation at 7 PM and 8PM
7:30PM – BCS Presents Alice and Wonderland
Friday, February 4
Trash Free Friday
6:35-8:00 AM Boys Swim Practice
10:00-11::00 3/4 Reading to Waikiki Party
4:00PM Covington 8th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Derby @ Covington
4:00PM Covington 7th Grade Girls Volleyball vs Derby Red @ Covington
Second Quarter Report Cards released
4:15PM Alice in Wonderland - Staff and Students ends at 5:30 (students must have own transportation home)
7:30PM – BCS Presents Alice in Wonderland

Hot Entrée menu for the week:  (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Baked Potato Rounds, Steamed Broccoli, Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Grilled Turkey or Corned Beef Rueben, Sweet Potato Fries, Steamed Mixed Veggies, Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –Penne Pasta with Chicken & Alfredo, Warm Breadstick, Steamed Green Beans, Supreme Pizza
Thursday – Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Broccoli, Fresh Fruit Cup, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Corn Dogs, Tailgate Chili with Toppings, Crispy French Fries, Meat Lover’s Pizza

Choice Hour Information
3rd Quarter Choice Hour classes begin on Monday January 31st. Choice Hour selections are posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway.
The deadline for requesting a Choice Hour class change is Friday February 11th by 4:00 PM. Choice Hour class change request forms will be available in the main office after 4:00 PM on Friday February 4th. Classes with openings will be listed on the back of the Choice Hour class change request form. Please read the change form very carefully.
Students requesting a change must attend their originally assigned classes for the first two weeks of the new quarter. ALL Choice Hour changes that are approved will go into effect on Monday February 14th. You will receive timely notification if your Choice Hour change request is denied.
Choice Hour drop refunds will be processed for classes dropped during the Choice Hour change period which ends at 4:00 PM on Friday February 11th. No refunds will be processed after the Friday February 11th deadline.
No Choice Hour drops, adds and/or changes will be accepted over the phone or via email. All Choice Hour change requests require a parent’s signature. Please pick up the proper paperwork at the front desk in the office.
Thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program!

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD NEWS
The Middle School Science Olympiad Invitational is on Saturday, February 5th from 8am-5pm at the International Academy East, 1020 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

ZON Parent Informational Meeting
Roy McCloud recorded all 37 minutes of the meeting! Thank you Mr. McCloud!
Click on link
http://digitalbcs.com/Zon/


WEST MAPLE SHUTTLE
There have been some issues of safety with the West Maple shuttle pick up to BCS and students running through the parking lots to get into the bus.  Transportation would like to remind all families using this shuttle to please drop off your child 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time and have them wait on the sidewalk to board the bus.  This will hopefully avoid any students running through the parking lot when the bus arrives to pick-up.
 
BCS BAND PARENTS of 7th & 8th graders: The registration deadline for the 2011 Spring Solo & Ensemble Festival is Thursday, February 3, 2011. This year’s S&E festival will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Lake Orion Scripps Middle School. This is a volunteer activity available to all 7th & 8th grade band students. Participation details have been presented to the band students during their class meeting times.

BCS BAND PARENTS of 7th & 8th graders: The BCS Mid-Winter Band Concert for the 7th & 8th grade bands will take place on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. The concert will be held from 7:00-8:00pm in the BCS cafeteria. Students should arrive at BCS no later than 6:30pm.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Boys Swim and Girls Volleyball season has started.  Games will begin before we know it.  Be sure to preserve these memories through pictures!  Both swim and volleyball pictures will be on Friday, 2/11 at AM practice

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The BCS PTSA is looking for volunteers to coordinate a BCS Box Tops effort and to manage our existing Market Day program for the 2011-2012 school year. Without parent participation, we will be unable to support these programs next year. If you (or someone you know) are interested in getting involved and willing to offer your fellow BCS parents a service that generates revenue for our school,  please contact Gina Herdegen or Marnie Lewbel, PTSA Co-Chairs, at ptsachair@bcsonline.info. Thank you!

NEWS FROM THE 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION COMMITTEE 
Purchase Your “Geeked To Eat” Dining Cards today! 
By purchasing a “Geeked to Eat” Discount Dining Card for only $15 you will not only be supporting our own BCS graduating students but you will also be saving yourself 25% off your total food bill at participating restaurants when used Monday thru Thursday. This is an excellent value. The more often you use your card the more money you will save!
So Get "Geeked to Eat"! Our gracious participating restaurants include Zazio's, Beau Jacks, Salvatore Scallopini (Birmingham), East Side Marios, Phoenicia and Big Rock Chop House.
What a great excuse for Mom not to cook or to treat a teacher or friend to dinner!
These discount cards will be valid from Feb.15, 2011 through March 15, 2011. 
Offer details and Order form are available on the BCS website.
To order put the form in an envelope marked “GEEKED to EAT” and indicate student or postal delivery.
So order a card today, or order some for friends or family.
We will also be selling the cards before and after the Alice in Wonderland production on Thursday Feb.3rd and Friday Feb.4th.
 
BAGELS – PREPAY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR
Didn't prepay for your child's bagels at the beginning of the year?  Are you tired of searching for that $1 every Tuesday morning?  Here's your chance to streamline your morning!!!  We're offering a second chance to prepay for your bagels for the rest of the year ($15)!!!
Don't forget that if you prepay, we include FREE cream cheese every week.  Please fill out the bagel form on www.bcsonline.info and return with your check to the BCS Office by Wednesday, February 2nd!  No more remembering $ on Bagel Day - your prepaid bagels begin Feb 8th thru May 31st!!
Proceeds from the bagel sales go to the 8th Grade Celebration Committee to fund the 8th grade graduation celebration!

BCS Students are bringing Alice in Wonderland to the stage with 3 performances THIS WEEK!
Tickets are still available!!!
Special student/staff afternoon performance:
Friday, February 4th at 4:15 in the BCS Cafeteria - tickets $7

Evening Performances:Thursday, February 3rd & Friday February 4th at 7:30pm - tickets $10
Ticket order forms are available on the BCS website (www.bcsonline.info)   Payment will be accepted by check (payable to BCS PTSA) or exact cash only.  Just send your ticket form and payment into the BCS office.  Tickets will be waiting for you at the ticket table right before the performance!
Concessions will be available at each performance.
The student performance will end at approximately 5:30pm - Students will need to arrange their own transportation home after the play!!!
FRIENDS OF DIFFERENT LEARNERS - DOUBLE FEATURE
Please join Friends of Different Learners for the Disability Awareness Workshop and Assistive Technology Presentation on 2/3/11 from 7:00-9:00 PM at BCS. 
Disability Awareness Workshop: Preview the new Birmingham Public School Disability Awareness Workshop kit! Sample the new adaptive equipment and test out the improved hands on experiences!
Assistive Technology Presentation: Parents/Guardians of Birmingham Public Schools students are invited to a 1-hour AT Presentation featuring 2 new software products!  Participants need to reserve a spot for this presentation.  Please e-mail Diana Moak (DPMoak@aol.com) and indicate “AT Presentation” in the subject line and a preference of 7:00 or 8:00 PM.
For more information on either of these presentations, please contact Diana Moak (248-644-7222, DPMoak@aol.com






INTRODUCTION TO CHEERLEADING GRADES 3-8
Did you know that cheerleading is an MHSAA sport in the State of Michigan? Last year Seaholm reinstituted the sport of cheerleading
Participants will be separated into age groups and taught various skills that are used in the sport of cheerleading including how to stretch and warm-up, correct arm positioning during cheerleading motions, proper jump technique, beginning tumbling skills, and more! They will have opportunities to view the Competitive Cheerleading Team’s routines which demonstrate gymnastics, stunts, and are full of energy to excite the aspiring cheerleader!  Participants will learn cheers and chants that will fire up the crowd and then have the opportunity to use those skills to help lead the Maples onto victory at their game on February 18th!!! Each age group will perform a special cheer with the Varsity Cheerleaders and will have a section reserved for them in the stands where they will participate in fun activities with the team throughout the game. This clinic will stress the importance of teamwork in cheerleading and show young girls the benefits of having a positive attitude and supportive environment. It is also a great opportunity for 8th grade girls who want to try out for the 2011-2012 high school team! Tryouts are held in the spring for the following school year. A member of the Seaholm Cheerleading Coaching staff will be on-site to provide valuable tips and advice.
BIRMINGHAM GIRLS’ SOFTBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Open to girls in grades 2-8, this organization is designed to train and prepare players for competitive high school softball.  The Minors Division consists of players in second and third grade; the Majors Division consists of players in fourth and fifth grade; the Seniors Division consists of players in sixth through eighth grade.  Prior experience is not needed. For more information visit:  http://tiny.cc/ingjv

FRANKLIN BASEBALL & SOFTBALL LEAGUE –
REGISTER ONLINE NOW -
www.franklinbaseball.org
 Come and join the 900 or so boys and girls who enjoy one of the best local, recreational baseball and softball leagues in the area. Entering its 56th year the league operates nine divisions, welcoming boys and girls from Kindergarten to 9th grade. Games are played on high quality fields either in or within a few miles of the historic & picturesque Franklin Village. Although the season is short the memories will last a lifetime. Space is limited, Early Registration Deadline is January 16, 2011 Fees: $150 (Tee Ball $105) includes $10 non-refundable registration fee.  Post deadline, $25 late fee. No refunds after March 13

Also WANTED Umpires - if you are 13 or older by the time the season starts the league will train and hire you. Experienced umpires are also welcome.

Contact Info:franklinbaseball@comcast.net, Dean Googasian, President 248-514-4180


Why We Need Teacher Leadership

Why We Need Teacher Leadership

WAG Jan 24-28, 2011

January 23, 2011



Dear BCS Community,



It’s mid- January and the temperatures are reading in the single digits. The weather is cold and we are all trying to stay warm. While we may be cold, topics in education continue to heat up. One topic that has been popular in the news is America’s slide in standardized test scores. According to the latest numbers, education in the U.S. is what many are referring to as “in a crisis”. In Yong Zhao’s book, Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization, he catches your attention by showing alarming statistics about American graduates. In 2005, a national panel from the National Academies released the following information (Zhao, 2009):



The percentage of college graduates receiving degrees in natural science or engineering in South Korea was 38%, France 47%, China 50%, Singapore 67%..and in the United States, 15%.



Some 34% of doctoral degrees in natural sciences and 56% of engineering PhD’s awarded in the United States were given to foreign born students.



In the U.S. science and technology workforce in 2000, 38% of PhD’s were foreign born.





In the documentary by Robert Compton, 2 Million Minutes, (click to see trailer) he tells the story of 6 high school students from three countries and how they spend their time studying and preparing for college and ultimately the global workforce. It is a controversial movie but certainly can spark conversations on how our young men and women value their time spent in the classroom. Both Compton, in his movie, and Zhao, in his book, refer to America’s response to Sputnik in the 1950’s. In short, Russia’s decision to launch Sputnik, the first satellite launched into space, pushed America to improve its science education and rearrange priorities to propel us at the front of the space race. Many educators and prominent officials are looking at our drop in test scores in math and science as our next Sputnik moment (Zhao, 2009).



So- What if this is the time? What if now some 60 years later we are faced with a crisis once again and our schools are truly slipping in the global arena? Throughout my experiences in the public school system as a teacher, a principal, and as a parent, I have found there are great people doing great things. I have also grown to know that there is always room for improvement and we should always look outside of our walls. Taking Robert Compton’s theme of how we spend our minutesin high school, our students have roughly 3 million minutes at Covington. 3 million minutes to learn, to observe and to be prepared for the next 2 million minutes in their lives that will propel them into the “real world”.



I can assure you that the BCS staff will continue to make the most of the 3 million minutes and will always be looking for ways to stay in front of the ever growing crisis that our nation is warning us of. We will have various opinions on the test scores and the world rankings, but we can all share the same desire to continue our quest to improve and foster a growth mindset as we look to stay ahead of the game.



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



Adam



WEEK AT A GLANCE – January 24-28, 2011

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



Ø To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email mz07bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Ø No later thanMIDNIGHT THURSDAY

Monday, January 24

· 6:35-8:00 AM BOYS SWIM PRACTICE BEGINS ***EVERY MORNING THIS WEEK ONLY***

· 6:45-8:00 AM 8th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS BEGIN

· 4:15-5:30 PM 7th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS BEGIN

· 4:15-7:00PM- Alice in Wonderland Rehearsals – Tweedles/Alice/Rabbit Cafeteria

Tuesday, January 25

· 6:45-8:00AM Boys Swim Practice

· 6:45-8:00 AM 8th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

· 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

· 3:30-8:30PM SNOW CLUB bus leaves for Pine Knob. Students return to BCS at 8:30PM and need to be picked up

· 4:15-6:15PM - Alice in Wonderland Rehearsals – FULL CAST Cafeteria

· 4:15-5:30 PM 7th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

· 7:00PM - Curriculum Night at Seaholm for current 8th grade students and their parents will take place on Tuesday, January 25th at 7pm in the auditorium

Wednesday, January 26

· 6:45-8:00AM Boys Swim Practice

· 6:45-8:00 AM 8th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

· POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway

· 4:15-5:30 PM 7th GRADE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

Thursday, January 27

· 6:45-8:00AM Boys Swim Practice

· 6:45-8:00 AM 8th grade Girls Volleyball Practice

· 4:05-4:30 PM 8th grade Girls Volleyball Parent Meeting Room 101

· 4:15-5:30 PM 7th grade Girls Volleyball Practice **PARENT MEETING FOLLOWING **

· Market Day Orders Due

Friday, January 28

Half Day – Students Dismissed at 11:20 AM - Buses are running their normal afternoon schedule

· 6:45-8:00AM Boys Swim Practice

· 6:45-8:00 AM 8th grade Girls Volleyball Practice

· 6:45-8:00 AM 7TH grade Girls Volleyball Practice

· 3:15-7:30PM - Alice in Wonderland Rehearsal MANDATORY – FULL CAST - Bring Snack- Cafeteria

· Trash Free Friday

· End of Second Quarter

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

Ø Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks

Monday –Baked Potato Bar, Topped with Chicken and a Variety of Vegetables, Steamed Broccoli, Fresh Fruit Cup, BBQ Chicken Pizza

Tuesday –Texas Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham & Cheese, Cup of Chicken Noodle Soup, Seasoned Vegetable Medley, Nacho Supreme

Wednesday –Sweet & Sour Chicken Choice of Julienne Chicken or Breaded Chicken, Vegetarian Egg Roll, Steamed Brown Rice, Fortune Cookie, Hawaiian Pizza

Thursday – Chicken or Vegetable Soft Taco, Rice Pilaf, Mexicali Corn, Chicken Enchilada

Friday – ½ Day NO MEAL SERVICE



NOTES

CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION3rd Quarter Choice Hour classes begin on Monday January 31st. Choice Hour selections will be posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway after school on Thursday January 27th and will be distributed to homeroom teachers on Wednesday January 26th.

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

Thank you for always supporting the Choice Hour program!



UPDATES BCS ATHLETICS – WINTER II SPORTS

Boys Swim for 6th, 7th & 8th graders starts 1/24/11. Practices will be held Monday/Wednesday 3:15-5:00 PM and Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 6:35 AM-8:00 AM. Practices for the week of 1/24-1/28 ONLY will be from 6:35-8:00 AM every day. The parent meeting will be held 1/31/11 @ 5:15 PM.

7th grade Girls Volleyball tryouts will be held 1/24-1/26 from 4:15-5:30PM. Practices will be 1/27, 4:15-5:30 PM and 1/28, 6:45-8:00 AM. The full season practice schedule is to be determined and will be announced when the team is set. The parent meeting will be held on Thursday, 1/27 at 5:30 PM.

8th grade Girls Volleyball tryouts will be held 1/24-1/26 from 6:45-8:00AM. Practices will be held every day from 6:45-8:00AM. The parent meeting will be held Thursday, 1/27/11 at 4:05 PM.

Online registration for WINTER II Sports The Winter II sports online registration is ready to access. Please feel free to go online and register your athlete for either boys swimming or girls volleyball. All Winter II sports start 1/24! http://bcsonline.info/Athletics.html



STUDENT RECOGNITION and CONGRATULATIONS!

Sophia D. was recognized in the January 2011 edition of Scholastic’s Math Magazine for finding a “Major Math Mistake” in the power point presentation of her math book!



Of 2,591 student entries, two BCS students were recognized by Yak’s Corner Favorite Book Character Contest for their artwork and description of why the character was their favorite. 5th grader Ian H. earned an honorable mention for his grade and 6th grader Stephen P earned 1st place for his grade!



COURT OF DREAMS WITH THE PISTONS

Once again our 7th and 8th grade boys are going to play at the Palace! Be there as the Cobras take on Bloomfield Hills Wednesday, 1/26 starting at 1:45 PM. Tickets are on sale through Tuesday in the main office and cost $35 per seat to see 2 BCS games as well as the Detroit Pistons take on the Denver Nuggets that evening! Fliers/Order Forms are available in the office and online. Please complete the order form, checks made out to BCS PTSA Clearinghouse, and return them to Patricia Chinn or Nancy Best for your tickets. Each player must purchase a ticket in order to play in the game.



BAGELS – PREPAY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR

Didn't prepay for your child's bagels at the beginning of the year? Are you tired of searching for that $1 every Tuesday morning? Here's your chance to streamline your morning!!! We're offering a second chance to prepay for your bagels for the rest of the year ($15)!!!
Don't forget that if you prepay, we include FREE cream cheese every week. Please fill out the bagel form on www.bcsonline.info and return with your check to the BCS Office by Wednesday, February 2nd! No more remembering $ on Bagel Day - your prepaid bagels begin Feb 8th thru May 31st!!
Proceeds from the bagel sales go to the 8th Grade Celebration Committee to fund the 8th grade graduation celebration!



Yearbook Orders Are Still Being Accepted!

If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook there is still time! The deadline for online orders has passed, but hard copy orders are still being accepted. Order before February 1st for only $40. If you would like your yearbook personalized, the orders are due by Monday, January 24, 2011.

Visit http://bcsonline.info/Parent_Resources/Yearbooks.html to find the order form.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The BCS PTSA is looking for volunteers to coordinate a BCS Box Tops effort and to manage our existing Market Day program for the 2011-2012 school year. Without parent participation, we will be unable to support these programs next year. If you (or someone you know) are interested in getting involved and willing to offer your fellow BCS parents a service that generates revenue for our school, please contact Gina Herdegen or Marnie Lewbel, PTSA Co-Chairs, at ptsachair@bcsonline.info. Thank you!



BCS STUDENTS ARE BRINGING ALICE IN WONDERLAND TO THE STAGE WITH 3 PERFORMANCES!

Tickets for all shows will be available for purchase on Tues and Weds, Jan 25th & 26th in front of the BCS office from 8 to 8:30am and 3:00 to 4:15 pm.
Ticket order forms are available on the BCS website (www.bcsonline.info). Payment will be accepted by check (payable to BCS PTSA) or exact cash only.

Special student/staff afternoon performance on Friday, February 4th at 4:15 in the BCS Cafeteria

Ticket price - $7 per ticket.

This performance will end at approximately 5:30pm - Students will need to arrange their own transportation home after the play!!

Public Performances on Thursday, February 3rd and Friday, February 4th at 7:30 pm

Ticket price - $10 per ticket.

These performances will have an intermission and will end at approximately 9pm. Doors open at 7pm for seating.

Concessions will be available.





REFLECTIONS UPDATES

These are the Reflections participants whose entries have gone on to the State Level.

Literature Entries

• Jillian Lawrence-7

• Claire Burton - 6

• Gwyneth Lietz - 6

• Emma Lietz - 8

• Carlie Suris - 3

• Jordan Barber - 5



Musical Composition Entries

• Leila Owens - 5

• Angela Rea - 3

• Ryan Herster - 3

• Stephen Paige 6



Photography Entries

• Max Cooper - 5

• Ian Herdegen - 5

• Merrill Baughman5

• Hannah Stone - 4

• Philip Henricks - 6

• Gabriella Fill - 6

• Matt Jackson – 6



Visual Arts Entries

• Leila Owens - 5

• Jackson Bergstrom-3

• Colin Cusimano - 6

• Aaron Kaplan - 6

• Alexandria Graham-3

• Taylor Moilanen - 5

• Alexandria Petit - 6

• Sid Bostek - 6



Film/Video Production Entries

• Ethan Brooks - 5

• Olivia Graham - 5

• Chance Stephenson-5

• Joshua Chapnick-5









BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Birmingham Education Foundation is graciously accepting donations for the 10th Annual Unabashed Bash. This event raises funds that support enrichment and innovation in all Birmingham Public Schools. To make a donation call 248-203-3030. You can also find out more about sponsorship opportunities and tickets for the event at www.supportbef.org.





BIRMINGHAM GIRLS’ SOFTBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Open to girls in grades 2-8, this organization is designed to train and prepare players for competitive high school softball. The Minors Division consists of players in second and third grade; the Majors Division consists of players in fourth and fifth grade; the Seniors Division consists of players in sixth through eighth grade. Prior experience is not needed. For more information visit: http://tiny.cc/ingjv



FRANKLIN BASEBALL & SOFTBALL LEAGUE –

REGISTER ONLINE NOW -
www.franklinbaseball.org
Come and join the 900 or so boys and girls who enjoy one of the best local, recreational baseball and softball leagues in the area. Entering its 56th year the league operates nine divisions, welcoming boys and girls from Kindergarten to 9th grade. Games are played on high quality fields either in or within a few miles of the historic & picturesque Franklin Village. Although the season is short the memories will last a lifetime. Space is limited, Early Registration Deadline is January 16, 2011 Fees: $150 (Tee Ball $105) includes $10 non-refundable registration fee. Post deadline, $25 late fee. No refunds after March 13

Also WANTED Umpires - if you are 13 or older by the time the season starts the league will train and hire you. Experienced umpires are also welcome.


Contact Info:franklinbaseball@comcast.net, Dean Googasian, President 248-514-4180





INTRODUCTION TO CHEERLEADING GRADES 3-8

Did you know that cheerleading is an MHSAA sport in the State of Michigan? Last year Seaholm reinstituted the sport of cheerleading



Participants will be separated into age groups and taught various skills that are used in the sport of cheerleading including how to stretch and warm-up, correct arm positioning during cheerleading motions, proper jump technique, beginning tumbling skills, and more! They will have opportunities to view the Competitive Cheerleading Team’s routines which demonstrate gymnastics, stunts, and are full of energy to excite the aspiring cheerleader! Participants will learn cheers and chants that will fire up the crowd and then have the opportunity to use those skills to help lead the Maples onto victory at their game on February 18th!!! Each age group will perform a special cheer with the Varsity Cheerleaders and will have a section reserved for them in the stands where they will participate in fun activities with the team throughout the game. This clinic will stress the importance of teamwork in cheerleading and show young girls the benefits of having a positive attitude and supportive environment. It is also a great opportunity for 8th grade girls who want to try out for the 2011-2012 high school team! Tryouts are held in the spring for the following school year. A member of the Seaholm Cheerleading Coaching staff will be on-site to provide valuable tips and advice.

Please read: ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT AND HAIR ACCESSORY! Grades 3-5 will perform between the 1st and 2nd quarter and Grades 6-8 will perform between the 3rd and 4th quarter of the February 18th Home Basketball Game at Seaholm High School.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 3 sessions starting February 15, 2011, ending February 18, 2011.

Tuition: $60.00 Location: Seaholm High School



Instructors: Coach Szura, Coach Jessica, and the Seaholm High School Cheerleaders

BCS Student catches error in Scholastic's Math Magazine!

Sophia Dijkman wasn't going to let this slide! She pointed out an error in Scholastic's Math Magazine, a publication 7-8 Math Teacher Mrs. Huff uses in her class. The magazine published her correction!!

Congratulations Sophia!!

Good Reading

Richard DuFour Rejects Triage

In this paid column in Education Week, author/consultant Richard DuFour responds to a high-school administrator who asked which students to focus on to improve state test scores – the very lowest-achieving students, the next level up, or those close to proficient (the “bubble” kids).
“The answer is, the school must focus on each and every student who demonstrates he or she is not learning,” says DuFour. “How to respond will be different, but the goal should be to give any student who struggles additional time and support for learning in a way that is timely, directive, and systematic.” He says that focusing on particular groups of students means the school is trying to game the system rather than educate all students to high levels.

When he led Adlai Stevenson High School in Illinois, DuFour and his colleagues adjusted the schedule to give the lowest-achieving students a double dose of language arts (one period devoted to intensive reading instruction) and added at least an hour a day for intensive small-group instruction or individual tutoring (some tutoring was done by National Honor Society members to fulfill their service requirement). Other Stevenson students who were in danger of failing because they didn’t understand specific skills or concepts were identified by regular interim assessments and required to devote extra time to learning the concepts – without missing any time from regular-class instruction.

“Principals and teachers should not be allowed to pick and choose,” says DuFour. “Education is not a zero-sum game. Helping one group of students learn does not take learning away from other students.” The key steps of the Professional Learning Community process are:
- Teacher teams clarifying what students must learn, unit by unit;
- Giving common, team-developed interim assessments to monitor student learning;
- Teachers using the results to inform and improve instruction and learn from one another;
- Using the results to give struggling students additional, non-negotiable time and support that is part of a schoolwide plan.
“In schools that become effective in this approach,” concludes DuFour, “state test scores take care of themselves.”

“Which Students Warrant Our Attention” by Richard DuFour in Education Week, Jan. 12, 2011 (Vol. 30, #15, p. 25)

MLK Day - Popular Martin Luther King Quotes

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.


A lie cannot live.

A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.


A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.


A right delayed is a right denied.

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.


Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.


An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.


At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

BCS Brings New Choice Hour to Students!

Beginning in our 3rd Marking Period, BCS will offer Zon has a choice hour. Zon is a multimedia game that teaches Mandarin Chinese. Teachers Roy McCloud and Roy Bishop will join parent Loran Brooks in facilitating the classes. A big thank you to the PTSA for recognizing this opportunity for our students.
BCS has and will continue to have a strong Spanish program and understands the need for our students to learn a different language. Zon allows us to give our students another option in learning a language that continues to be important in our global society.
To date we have close to 40 students that will be the first to participate and we will open it up for the 4th marking period to accommodate more.
Zon brings both Mandarin and gaming to BCS! Each student will have their own avatar but we are also allowing their parents to access Zon in order to encourage a strong rich learning opportunity within the household.

Let the fun begin!

BCS Lottery Registration

Just a reminder that this is Registration Week for the BCS Lottery for the 2011-2012school year.

BCS lottery registration takes place at the BPS Administration Building, 550 W. Merrill, Birmingham 48009. A parent, in person, must register their child.

Registrations will be accepted every day this week

Deadline for lottery registration is January 14, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Lottery takes place Wednesday evening, January 19 in the BCS Staff Development rooms.

If a student was registered for the lottery at Open House, there is no need to register this week as well.

Most important: This registration opportunity is for students who would like to attend BCS for the first time. None of this information applies to students who currently attend BCS.


Please call Sue Reepmeyer or Cindy Balicki at 248-203-4444 with any questions.

BCS Battles Hunger!

BCS Battles Hunger

At BCS, one of our community service learning missions is to become educated about world and local hunger and to become part of the solution. The purpose of this page is to offer families a service learning opportunity for MLK Day and to place this opportunity in the context of our ongoing BCS effort to learn and contribute to this battle against hunger.

On Monday, January 17, 2011 BCS families are invited to join the staff of BCS who will be participating in a food packaging event sponsored by Kids Against Hunger in the Groves High School cafeteria.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The BCS staff will be participating from 1:00-3:15pm.
Why: 50,000 meals will be packaged and sent to Kenya and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.
Bonus: Hunger workshops will be held throughout the afternoon, with two workshops specifically for children: Seaholm Drama Club (presenting from 1:00-2:00pm and 4:00-5:00pm) and Volunteer Africa (presenting from 2:30-3:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm).
Suggested Donation: $5/person or $15/family to help buy supplies.
Additional Opportunity: Bring a canned food item to Groves on 1/17 for City Mission.
For more information on this event, please see the attached flyer.

Putting this Opportunity into Context…
On December 15, BCS students participated in a kick-off assembly where guest speakers discussed hunger: hunger in the city of Detroit and about how students can help those in need locally; the global issue of hunger, barriers that cause hunger in different areas of the world and about how students can become part of the solution; Kids Against Hunger in Michigan and about the efforts of KAH to package food and deliver the food to both local areas and Kenya.
On December 17, the BCS Spirit Committee ran a “Hats to Fight Hunger Day”. Students were able to purchase a hat pass for $1. The BCS students raised $470 that day which was donated to Kids Against Hunger. In doing so, BCS became an official sponsor of Kids Against Hunger.
On December 18, many BCS staff, their families and BCS families met to assemble food baskets and deliver the food to families in the Brightmoor area of Detroit, courtesy of City Mission. Thank you to all the families who participated and made this possible.
Hunger is not going away and BCS is committed to making this an ongoing mission. The BCS staff is integrating the issue of hunger into the curriculum, the Spirit Committee is planning more Hats to Fight Hunger Days and additional learning opportunities and hands on activities are being planned. The BCS community is an incredible group of people and together we can make an amazing impact on the world.

The Jan 10-14 W.A.G. in Pictures!

New Post on G.E.E.K.ed wiki

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html

Go to the BCS G.E.E.K.ed Parent Wiki and join the conversation. Click on the Articles page on the left hand side of the wiki. Read the posted article above (it is available on the wiki)- click on the discussion board and post comments or reply to others.

I had a few parents send me this link- thank you!

G.E.E.K.ed Mindset Wiki: http://geekedmindsetforparents.wikispaces.com/

Interesting!

A Good Message by Sir Ken Robinson

WAG: Lessons from the Great Wall!

January 2, 2011

Dear BCS Community,

There are many things I could write about in this first W.A.G. of 2011. There are of course resolutions to discuss, past events to reflect on, and future goals that we must reach together. All of these topics are important to communicate on as we begin the new year. I have decided to start the new year out, however, with a quick lesson I learned walking the Great Wall of China last month. This lesson will help us with our resolutions and will help us achieve anything we set our mind to in 2011 and beyond. I hope you find this mini lesson to be inspiring and motivating as you begin your new year! Happy New Year and may 2011 bring you many successes!

Lessons from the Great Wall:

1. Take one step at a time
2. Look forward but don’t forget to look back
3. Do not climb alone
4. Never stop climbing

Take one step at a time

I was eager to climb the wall and had it in my mind that I would climb and go further than anyone in my group. I started with a jog and skipped a few steps on the way up. It wasn't long before I was out of breath and ready to take a rest. I looked back and saw my group taking pictures, talking with others, and spending quality time taking in the scenery. While I wanted to make it to the top first, I realized I had missed the most important things about the climb. Sometimes in life we need to take one step at a time. Life is an uphill climb, slow down, enjoy the scenery and make sure to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Look forward but don't forget to look back

Always look forward while walking the wall and set your sights on a certain tower or curve in the wall that you want to reach. Just as in life, setting goals and taking steps to reach those goals help us to stay focused. We must not forget, however, to take the time to look back and reflect on our past success and our mistakes. My first few minutes on the wall I picked a tower half way up and decided that is where I wanted to make it to before my next break. I started moving quickly over each step climbing like I had been there before. Then out of nowhere I tripped and fell. The steps were a different height. Some were one step high while others were two, three, and even four steps high. I was too busy looking at my goal and didn't see the changes I had to adapt to. Though it was funny to the family walking by (I couldn't understand what they were saying in Chinese but their laughter said enough!) I quickly learned from my mistake. Moving forward, I would not only look ahead to my goal, but I would always be aware of any barriers or challenges that were in front of my goal. By looking back, we become wiser and stronger.

Do not climb alone.

After my first five minutes of climbing alone I figured I would wait for the group. Yes, they moved a little slower, and yes I may have given up on my quest to be first to the top, but it was worth it! After an hour, we were all tired and ready to turn back. If I were alone I probably would have called it quits and returned to the bottom. Being with the team pushed me to go farther. 2011 will mark a year where all of us are expected to work with people that may not climb as fast as us. We need to be careful, however, to not take their strengths for granted. The people I climbed with may not have been as fast as me walking up the wall, but they provided encouragement, coaching, and knowledge that I needed to be successful. I also realized that I was pushing them to go further and they appreciated what I brought to the team. Whatever your goals are for 2011, don’t do it alone!

Never stop climbing

After over an hour of climbing and reaching one goal after another, I realized...there was no end in sight! For every tower on the wall I reached, there was another. There was no way we were going to reach a place on the wall where we could say, “we have reached the end.” This mindset must be taken as we continue to move forward in life. We should never reach a place where we are satisfied and feel we cannot go any further. My group did turn back, but it doesn't mean we stopped climbing. There will always be bell towers and points in our life we set out to reach. It is important for us to realize that once we reach that destination, there will always be a reason for us to keep climbing.

I am looking forward to climbing with all of you in 2011!

Happy New Years!

G.E.E.K.ed,

Adam

WEEK AT A GLANCE –January 3-7, 2011

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

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

Monday, January 3 – SCHOOL RESUMES

• CHOICE HOUR SELECTIONS SHEETS ARE GIVEN TO STUDENTS THIS WEEK
• 6:45-8:00AM - Boys basketball team practice
• 3:15PM – Girls Swim Team Picture Day
• 3:15-5:00PM – Girls swim team practice

Tuesday, January 4

• 6:35-8AM – Girls swim team practice
• 7:00-8:00AM – Proud Dad’s 6^th Grade Basketball practice
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8^th grade celebration committee
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:00PM Boys basketball game at Cranbrook MS

Wednesday, January 5

• 6:45AM - Basketball Team Picture Day
• 6:45-8:00AM - Boys basketball team practice
• 9:15-10:30AM 5/6 Room Parent Meeting – Media Center
• 4:30PM – Girls swim meet at Derby
• Market Day Orders to be Picked Up
• POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway

Thursday, January 6

• 6:35-8AM – Girls swim team practice
• 7:00-8:00AM – Proud Dad’s 6^th Grade Basketball practice
• 11:00AM PTSA Management Team meeting-Staff Development
• 4:00PM Boys basketball game at East Hills
• 4:15-6:00PM Alice in Wonderland Rehearsals– FULL CAST, Cafeteria
• 7:00-9:00PM information Session for BCS Enrollment – Media Center

Friday, January 7

• 6:35-8AM – Girls swim team practice
• 6:45-8:00AM - Boys basketball team practice
• Trash Free Friday
• 8:30AM - BCS Spelling Bee – Media Center
• DUE: 4:00PM - Choice Hour Selection Sheets for 3^rd Quarter classes
• 7-9PM Forensics Team Showcase – Media Center – everyone is invited to see the Forensics Team perform pieces in various public speaking categories.

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

• Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks

Monday – Baked Macaroni &Cheese, Garden Fresh Peas, Dinner Roll, Mexican Pizza

Tuesday –Chicken Parmesan, Glazed Carrots, Dinner Roll, Cheese Quesadilla

Wednesday –Spaghetti with Whole Wheat Noodles and meat or Marinara Sauce, Steamed Broccoli, Baked Breadstick, Supreme Pizza

Thursday – Baked Chicken Drumstick, Au gratin Potatoes, Seasoned Vegetable Medley, Zesty Beef Burrito

Friday –Grilled Chicken or Veggie Caesar Wrap, Pasta Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, Meat Lover’s Pizza

The BCS Staff thanks all parents, guardians and students for the special treats of food, notes, cards and other gifts that were given to staff members during December. Thank you for your thoughtfulness….we truly appreciate it!

PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCHEDULE

Burns, Frishman, Seley, and Wallington will SWIM through Friday, January 28^th. Please send swimsuit and towel in with your child. Butzin, Davis, Harvath, and Parkin will be in the GYM through Friday, January 28^th. Please make sure your child has tennis shoes.

MISSING IPOD TOUCH

We are still missing an iPod Touch from the 5/6 hallway during choice hour classes. If your child has any information about this, please have them contact Mr. Joseph, Mrs. Chinn or Mr. Hartley.

ORDERS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE OFFICIAL DECAL OF BCS!!!!

Own the first-ever, student-created BCS decal! Place it on your car, your window, or your locker. The new BCS decal is available for $5.00 and is removable, repositionable, and restickable. To order your decal(s), return the order form (available at www.bcsonline.info) along with cash or a check payable to the BCS PTSA on or before January 14th, 2011. Decals will be made available for pick-up in the office beginning January 25th, 2011.

GREAT JOB BCS

The BCS Halloween Candy Collection has been delivered to Gleaners Food Bank in Pontiac. BCS students donated 149 pounds of candy to Gleaners. Wow, that is an awesome donation. Gleaners thanks the BCS community and a special thank you goes to Becky Bachand for coordinating this effort!

ATHLETICS UPDATES

Basketball and Swim seasons are well underway and it is now time to preserve these memories in pictures! Girls swim team pictures will be taken Monday, 1/3, during afterschool practice (3:15 PM). Boys Basketball pictures will be held Wednesday, 1/5, during morning practice (6:45 AM).

REFLECTIONS: "TOGETHER WE CAN....."
We understand how vital creativity is in the development process of the young minds at BCS -- participating in the Reflections fine arts program is a perfect opportunity to let our students express themselves! Which media category is your child most interested in? They can choose to express this year's theme "Together We Can..." through writing/literature, visual arts, musical composition, dance, film, or photography. The BCS entry deadline is Jan 4 & 5, 2011, when we come back from break. Rules for each media category and entry forms are available on the BCS website and in the school office. Remember, this is to be the kids' expressions of the theme, so let them be as simple or involved as they would like. Enjoy!

UPDATES FROM THE GREEN COMMITTEE

During January we are collecting gently worn coats, gloves and mittens to donate to the "Warm Coats and Warm Hearts Drive”. Coats need to have working zippers and no stains. We thank you in advance for your help and the bin for collection will be in the main hallway outside the office.

Ongoing collections include Frito Lay chip packets, Capri Sun and Honest Kids juice pouches and empty ink jet print cartridges. The collection bin for these is located in the main entrance in front of the office.

Trash Free Fridays are ongoing and the following tips are helpful for putting together a trash free lunch :

• Use a lunch box or reusable sack.
• Pack a cloth napkin and reusable utensils.
• Put food in reusable food and drink containers.
• If you must use a disposable plastic bag, wash it out and keep reusing it.
• Purchase your snacks in bulk size and repack into individual reusable containers.
• Pack fresh fruit since it doesn't require any additional packaging.

Thanks again for your continued support of our green efforts.

The Green Committee

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS of 8^th GRADE STUDENTS

• This is just a reminder that high school selection forms were due Friday, December 17, 2010. If you forgot to turn one in for your child please do so as soon as possible. A district high school must be selected before your appointment. The form is available on the BCS website or in the office. Thanks so much.
• It's time to submit your baby photo (up to age 2) AND a current photo for the 8th Grade Farewell Video! Scanned images are preferred and can be emailed to: BCSFarewellCelebration@gmail.com . Otherwise, please drop off your photos to the turn-in-basket in the office. PLEASE BE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE BACK OF THE PHOTOS SO THAT THEY CAN BE RETURNED. Photos are due January 14 by 4:00. The first homeroom to turn in all photos will win a pizza party for their homeroom!

YEARBOOK PROUD PARENT ADS

If you would like to purchase a Proud Parent Ad for the yearbook, the due date is fast approaching! In the past, many of the 8^th grade parents have purchased ads to help celebrate their child’s years at BCS. Please check out the information and order form at bcsonline.info (under “Parent Resources” then “Yearbook.” ) Act quickly! NO ORDERS ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 17!

Choice Hour Information

3rd Quarter Choice Hour selection sheets will be going home the week of January 3^rd, 2011. Class offerings can be viewed online at www.bsconline.info . Choice Hour selections are due no later than Friday January 7^th at 4:00PM. Students who do not turn in a selection sheet will not be placed in any Choice Hour classes. Students who do not turn in a selection sheet with payment by the deadline will not be allowed to make a change in their schedule.

Also, please include proper payment if you are signing your child up for a 4^th and/or 5^th day of Choice Hour. Do not include payment for materials fees or pay to play fees. A separate billing will be made once students have been placed in their Choice Hour classes.

Important information regarding 3rd quarter:

• Students interested in applying for the BCS Now Choice Hour class need to have their applications to Mr. Joseph no later than Friday January 7^th at 4:00PM. The application is included in with the choice hour selection sheet! Please read the instructions very carefully!! This class meets every day but students are not expected to be available every day!
• 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade boys interested in participating in the BCS swim team program are encouraged to sign up for the Monday/Wednesday swim team Choice Hour class.

Choice Hour reminders:

• If your child is going to be absent from Choice Hour for any reason, please call (248-203-4625), send in a note, or email Linda Stone at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us .
• 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!

Robotics Team/Choice Hour

The BCS robotics has been very successful and will continue to be strong throughout 2011! Thank you to all of the parents that have put in their time and effort this year! To better accommodate our families and to recognize the various degrees of participation and experience in the robotic field, we will have both a robotics choice hour and a robotics team. Students can now take the choice hour as a separate class and not participate on the team which involves commitments from the school day. If you are interested in both the choice hour and team, you may participate in both!

Redesigning a Culture of Learning featuring Alan November

Monday, January 31, 2011, 6:30 - 8:00 PM @ Oakland Schools

2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI, 48328

Alan November, recognized internationally as a leader in education technology, has guided schools, government organizations and industry leaders as they plan to improve quality with technology. In this special presentation, Alan will explore what essential questions and planning processes are needed to prepare our students to have a global work ethic, and how to turn our classrooms into global communication centers. He will share his work on redesigning the culture of teaching and learning with concrete tools, websites and ideas that educators, parents and community members can take and use with students to create a more empowered authentic model of learning.