Roy Bishop named BCS Diversity Champion

BCS Teacher Roy Bishop was named 2011 Diversity Champion along with other amazing people this morning. The recognition took place at The Community House in Birmingham, MI. (Roy is shown here with wife, Latoya Bishop)

Roy was voted BCS Diversity Champion due to his tireless support of students with special needs and his desire to break down barriers of race. Through classroom meetings and small group conversations, Roy strives to make sure all students are accepted and their differences appreciated. Using technologies and adaptations/modifications, Roy is a leader in affirming that every student can succeed, working during lunch to build relationships between special needs students and student mentors in a fun environment.
GREAT JOB Mr. Bishop!
Thank you for being a champion for diversity!

WAG April 25-29

Dear BCS,

What a beautiful day out yesterday! I hope that you had some time to get out and enjoy the 70-degree sunshine. This week is not predicted to be so nice, but if the saying is true, let’s hope April showers bring May flowers.

This past week both the district and Adam sent out emails asking that you send letters to your local and state legislators regarding the proposed budget cuts for education. If you have not done this, I urge you to please do so. A sample letter and contacts can be found at http://tinyurl.com/4uxcrtu. Birmingham has reduced its expenses by $28 million since 2002 and we cannot continue to make such cuts without impacting our instructional services. In addition to writing a letter, I ask you to take time to attend the legislative forum at Seaholm Auditorium on Monday (4/25) at 7:00 PM to talk with your local legislators. Education has taken quite a hit financially already and your voice can make a difference!

Have a great Sunday and have a G.E.E.K.ed Week,
Patricia

WEEK AT A GLANCE – April 25-29, 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 MIDNIGHT THURSDAY
Monday, April 25
· 6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
· 10:30-12:00pm 7/8 team- anti-bullying speaker, Gabrielle Ford-Media Center
· 1:00-2:30pm 5/6 team anti-bullying speaker, Gabrielle Ford-Media Center
· 3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
· Deadline to apply for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
· Legislative Forum on School Funding at 7:00pm at Seaholm High School.
· 7:00-9:00 p.m. Family presentation at the Community House BULLY, BULLIED, OR BYSTANDER?
Tuesday, April 26
· 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
· 12:20-5/6 Team Field Trip-departing after lunch at 12:20 and returning before Choice Hour.
· 4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
· 4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track @ Andover – Covington v BHMS
· 7:00PM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, “Transitioning from Middle School to High School”
Wednesday, April 27
· 8:30 – 10:45 – Bishop/Cook Rouge water testing –please make sure your child is
dressed appropriately-change of clothes and rubber boots suggested
· 9:30AM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, “Creating a Balance”
· 10:10 AM Evacuation/Fire Drill-PLEASE BE AWARE WHEN PICKING UP/DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD
· Choice Hour – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice-TEAM APPAREL ORDER DUE
· 4:15PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington @ Berkshire
· 7:30PM Instrument Night for 4th graders and parents – Seaholm
· POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
Thursday, April 28
· 6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
· 8:30 - 11:00/11:30 Joberts water testing –please make sure your child is dressed appropriately-
change of clothes and rubber boots suggested
· 4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
· Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day-If you are planning on having your child participate make sure to let the attendance office know. bcsattendance@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
· Market Day Orders Due
Friday, April 29
· 4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
· Trash Free Friday
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Ø Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Baked Potato Rounds, Steamed Broccoli, Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Grilled Turkey or Corned Beef Reuben, Sweet Potato Fries, Steamed Mixed Vegetables, Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –Make your own Taco Bar! Supreme Pizza
Thursday – Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Steamed Cauliflower, Fresh Fruit Cup, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Baked Chicken Rings, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Buttered Corn, Meat Lover’s Pizza
CAFETERIA NEWS

Starting Monday, the cafeteria will be making fresh sandwiches for our students. Examples include: ham & cheese or turkey & cheese on a fresh baked Kaiser roll, and chicken roll ups!



IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone.



DRESS CODE REMINDER

As the weather gets warmer, we ask that our parents please help us to remind our students of what clothing items are appropriate to wear to school per the dress code. If you need to review the dress code, please check the student planner “Clothing Guidelines” section on page 11.



**ATTENTION**BCS Families - If there is anyone in your family that is missing a Black Northface Fleece, please come and see Mrs. Best in the office.



**ATTENTION**BCS FAMILIES - If you are planning on having your child participate in “Take Your Child To Work Day” on April 28th,please make sure to let the attendance office know. bcsattendance@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Thanks so much.



PE NEWS

Thanks to all that helped with JUMP ROPE FOR HEART. The collection envelope final due date is Thursday, the 28th.

HOOPS FOR HEART…3 on 3 tournament will be during 5/6 and 7/8 lunches…please remember to bring your collection envelopes in order to play.

On Monday, April 25….Davis, Harvath, Butzin, and Parkin will start swimmin’. Seley, Burns, Frishman, and Wallington will be gymmin’.



ATHLETIC UPDATES

The girls soccer team starts their season with their first game against Berkshire on Wednesday. Good luck Lady Cobras!!

The track team began their season this last week with their first home meet! Our student athletes had a great showing against WHMS and cross-town rivals Berkshire. We will take on BHMS next week. Just run Cobras!

STAFF vs. STUDENT BASKETBALL GAME

Our 8th grade girls and boys basketball teams took on the staff this last Thursday and showed fantastic efforts! Our athletes played a hard game against the staff but came up short in a 44-17 loss to the teachers.



STUDENT RECOGNITION

BCS had four very deserving students earn the 2011 Birmingham Youth Assistance/Optimists Youth in Service Award for their volunteer work with the community: Audrey B, Chloe C, Lena J, and Gabrielle K. These students give of themselves through many activities including such things as giving their time to various charities and local libraries, creating food or clothing drives to benefit those less fortunate, raising money for cancer research, helping the elderly, and collecting toys for children’s charities. These four young ladies are constantly thinking of others and it shows not only through their volunteer work, but in their daily behaviors as positive role models within the building. Please be sure to congratulate them when you see them!



STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING! MAY 2-6

Please join the PTSA the week of May 2-6 in recognizing and thanking our teachers and staff for all they do.
Tuesday, May 3 - Plant Day
Wednesday, May 4 - Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Thursday, May 5 - Sweet Treats Day (all students are asked to bring in a small bag of their favorite individually wrapped candy on Wednesday, May 4th for distribution on Thursday)


NEWS FROM THE GREEN TEAM

April is Earth Month and to symbolize our commitment to global conservation efforts we would like to adopt a species through the World Wildlife Fund. Students in the Thinking Green Choice Hour have been researching endangered species this year, inspired by our visit from Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni in October. They have created a webpage on our Thinking Green Wiki and invite you to be a part of the decision on what species to adopt. Please visit their webpage as a family, read about their research and take the survey at the bottom of the page to help us make our decision. Voting closes on April 30th.

http://thinkinggreen.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Endangered+Species

We are ready to start the next phase of our bottle cap mural and are looking for paint donations. If you have any cans of left over latex paint that you would like to donate please send them into school , there will be a collection bin next to our recycle bins in the main entrance.

To celebrate Earth month we would like to remind you to try packing a Trash Free lunch for your children , and engage in conversations about how this helps the planet. When entering the building over the next few weeks take a minute to read the poster on the disabled Access button to learn how we can save energy. Please continue to send in Frito lay chip packets and Capri Sun juice packets as the money we raise from this recycling helps us to further our Green efforts.



CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION:

4th Quarter Choice Hour classes began on Monday April 18th- selections are posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway and in each homeroom.

The deadline for requesting a Choice Hour change is Friday April 29th by 4:00 PM. Choice Hour class change request forms are available in the main office. Open classes are listed on the form. Please read the change form very carefully.

Students requesting a change are expected to 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 May 2nd. 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 official Choice Hour change period which ends at 4:00 PM on Friday April 29th. No refunds will be processed after the Friday April 29th 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 in the office.

CHOICE HOUR REMINDERS:

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 will be charged a $5.00 fee.

If your student has Choice Hour but will not be attending their Choice Hour class please call the Choice Hour attendance line (248-203-4625) to have them excused at 3:15, email Linda Stone at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us or pick up a pink slip in the office to have them released from choice hour.

Choice Hour attendance can be a very time consuming job. The safety of your children is always our priority. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding Choice Hour attendance please feel free to call

Linda Stone at 248-203-4625.

CHOICE HOUR PLANNING FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR:

Choice Hour planning for the first quarter of the 2011-2012 school year has begun. Several parents have already volunteered to teach some very interesting Choice Hour classes next year that highlight their talents and interests. If you would like to share your time and talents with a small group of students during Choice Hour please contact Linda Stone at 248-203-4625 or email her at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us for more information.

Thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program!

ATTENTION 8TH GRADE FAMILIES-CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISING NEWS

USED BOOK COLLECTION –MAY 4,5,6 TO BENEFIT THE 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION

Spring cleaning on your mind?? Clean out your used books to make way for some new!

Donations of the following are welcome:

· books (any age – even for adults) DVDs,· video games, · No VHS tapes please

April 11 thru May 4th-Please drop your donations off in the bin in front of the BCS Office

8th GRADE COIN DRIVE COLLECTION
We are having our annual coin drive. This is to raise money for our kid’s 8th grade graduation celebration!
It is time to gather up all of the extra coins that they can find. Each student will be given a large tube sock
to put their coins in. Mr. Mixon will be passing the socks out the week of April 25th. We will be
collecting the socks filled with coins during lunch time on the week of May 9th. Stay tuned for further directions.
Thanks so much for your donations!
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! 7th and 8th Grade Students, Parents and Guardians!

We are in process of finalizing the 8th grade graduation/celebration DVD. If you have not sent your pictures in for the DVD, time is running out! Here’s what to do so that EVERYONE is included:

1. Send a baby picture (up to age 2) AND a current picture of you/your student to bcsfarewellcelebration@gmail.com. Note: We do not have access to regular school pictures, so we need the current picture FROM YOU.

2. If you have candid photos from any year (3rd grade to current) that feature the 8th graders, please put them on a CD or zip drive and leave them in the office in an envelope marked “Susan Davis”. Send an email to Susan at tomsmom@comcast.net to let her know that there is something for her to pick up. WE STILL NEED LOTS OF CANDID PHOTOS!!!

ATTENTION 8TH GRADERS! The 8th Grade Walkout will be Monday, May 2 at 8:35 am. Be sure to be on time for school that day so you don't miss this very fun BCS tradition! The rain date is May 9th.Thanks!

BULLY, BULLIED, OR BYSTANDER?

Monday, April 25, 2011 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Community House in downtown Birmingham. The cost is $10 per person. This event is for parents of children of all ages…An opportunity to hear latest research and clinic findings from bullying prevention experts.

KID'S HELPING KIDS 4TH ANNUAL 0NE, TWO & THREE MILE WALK

Sunday, May 1 - Dr. David Larson and his wife are the Grand Marshalls and supported by Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools. For info: www.kidshelpingkidswalk.com

LONGEST LEMONADE STAND

Want to get in to the Guinness Book of World Records? Come join many families throughout the BPS community as they attempt to build THE LONGEST LEMONADE STAND at Beverly Park hosted by Beverly Elementary School! Lemonade stands are currently on sale and can be purchased for a special early bird price of $50 through May 1st. This is a community-wide kid empowered fundraising event. We are looking for help with buying stands, obtaining sponsors, and raising awareness. Please visit www.longestlemonadestand.com for order forms and information. Spread the word!!

Principal for the Day!

BCS Spring Break 2011: G.E.E.K.ed about Learning

WAG April 18-22

April 17, 2011

Dear BCS Families,

Spring is here…then gone…then here again!!

Learning is essential in all of our lives, no matter what age, where we live, or what we do for a living. Learning can take place anytime and anywhere. Please click on the link below to see how BCS families spent their spring break learning something new!

See slide show here

http://www.adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/

This week is a short week due to Good Friday and the Easter weekend. Please enjoy the week and the weekend. Remember report cards are not sent home this marking period. Please check power school for updated grades.

I would like to thank the BCS staff for their part in hosting the Chinese Quiz Bowl at BCS yesterday. Wayne State University was very impressed with our facility and hospitality!

Xie’ Xie’

G.E.E.K.ed.

Adam

WEEK AT A GLANCE – April 18-22, 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 MIDNIGHT THURSDAY

Monday, April 18

· FOURTH QUARTER BEGINS – NEW CHOICE HOURS-Please take the time to read Important information regarding Choice Hour further down

· 6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice

· 9:30AM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, “Strengthening Families/World Café”

· 3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.

· Passover begins at sundown and ends 4/26

Tuesday, April 19

· 6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice

· 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8^th grade celebration committee

· 4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.

· 7:00PM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, “Transitioning from Elementary School to Middle School”

Wednesday, April 20

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

· 8:30 - 11:00/11:30 - Brown/Burdick Rouge water testing –please make sure your child is dressed appropriately-change of clothes and rubber boots suggested

· 3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice. TEAM apparel order due

· Choice Hour – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice

· 6:30PM Technology Committee Meeting – Media Center

· 7:00PM BBFA @ the Gary M. Doyle Center, Transitioning from High School to College”

Thursday, April 21

· 8:30 - 11:00/11:30 - Fitgerald/Maliszewski Rouge water testing –please make sure your child is dressed appropriately-change of clothes and rubber boots suggested

· Choice Hour - The staff vs. student basketball game

· 4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.

· 4:15PM 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track @ Groves EHMS v Covington

Friday, April 22- No School

· GOOD FRIDAY- NO SCHOOL

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

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

Monday–Popcorn Chicken Bowl, Steamed Corn, BBQ Chicken Pizza

Tuesday–Texas Grilled Cheese/Grilled Ham & Cheese, Chicken Noodle Soup, Caesar Salad, Nacho Supreme

Wednesday–Hot Turkey or Philly Sub, Pasta Salad, Buttered Carrots, Hawaiian Pizza

Thursday –Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/Meat or Marinara Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Steamed Green Beans, Chicken Enchilada

Friday–NO SCHOOL – NO LUNCH

April is Earth Month and to symbolize our commitment to global conservation efforts we would like to adopt a species through the World Wildlife Fund. Students in the Thinking Green Choice Hour have been researching endangered species this year, inspired by our visit from Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni in October. They have created a webpage on our Thinking Green Wiki and invite you to be a part of the decision on what species to adopt. Please visit their webpage as a family, read about their research and take the survey at the bottom of the page to help us make our decision. Voting closes on April 30^th.

http://thinkinggreen.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Endangered+Species

We are ready to start the next phase of our bottle cap mural and are looking for paint donations. If you have any cans of left over latex paint that you would like to donate please send them into school , there will be a collection bin next to our recycle bins in the main entrance.

To celebrate Earth month we would like to remind you to try packing a Trash Free lunch for your children , and engage in conversations about how this helps the planet. When entering the building over the next few weeks take a minute to read the poster on the disabled Access button to learn how we can save energy. Please continue to send in Frito lay chip packets and Capri Sun juice packets as the money we raise from this recycling helps us to further our Green efforts.

Thank you for your continued support and Happy Earth Month!

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

DRESS CODE REMINDER

As the weather gets warmer, we ask that our parents please help us to remind our students of what clothing items are appropriate to wear to school per the dress code. If you need to review the dress code, please check the student planner “Clothing Guidelines” section on page 11.

NOTES:

3/4 SWIM Schedule. Butzin, Davis, Harvath and Parking will SWIM from Monday, April 18^th through Friday, May 20^th.

3/4 GYM Schedule. Burns, Frishman, Seley and Wallington will be in the GYM from Monday, April 18^th through Friday, May 20^th.

ATHLETICS UPDATES

Get ready 8^th grade boys and girls basketball teams…The annual “staff v. students basketball game” will be held on Thursday 4/21/11 during Choice Hour!

Track and Soccer team pictures were held this past week. If your athlete did not turn in his or her order form for pictures, please either mail it to the address on the envelope for Visual Sports Network or bring in into the office to Mrs. Chinn.

SOCCER TEAM INFO

Practices for the girls’ soccer team will be held during Choice Hour on Mondays / Wednesdays (on non-game days) and after Choice Hour on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday beginning at 4:05 PM. As a member of the BCS Girls’ Soccer Team, your student needs to be enrolled in 5 Choice Hour classes or you may opt to pick your student up from school promptly at 3:20 PM and bring them back to school for practice on the days that they will not be attending Choice Hour

STUDENT CELEBRATIONS

Please join the BCS family in congratulating the following students from the JoBerts Team on their award winning entries to the 43rd Michigan Student Film & Video Festival sponsored by DAFT:

Griffin L & Ian H – Excellence Award for their submission of Scrabble The Movie

Chance S – Honor Award for his submission of Attack of the EPTTDTW

Josh C – Honor Award for his submission of Dancin' Gummy Bears

TO ALL BPS PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES:

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee is looking for new members for the 2011/2012 school year. You may access a Parent Advisory Committee FAQ form and an application by visiting the BPS webpage=> Departments=>Special Education=>PAC (tab).

***Applications are now being accepted………the deadline is April 25th!***

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING THE FALL 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 $1,900 in cash, $300 in books and $900 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 could not have done it without you!!

Shiva Motlagh, Theresa Valentine – Book Fair Chairs

USED BOOK COLLECTION

We are collecting for a Used Book Sale to be held on May 4th, 5th and 6th. Proceeds to benefit the 8th grade celebration!

Spring cleaning on your mind?? Clean out your used books to make way for some new!

Donations of the following are welcome:

· books (any age – even for adults)

· DVDs,· video games, · No VHS tapes please

April 11 thru May 4^th-Please drop your donations off in the bin in front of the BCS Office

Thanks so much for your donations!

JOIN THE BCS WEBMASTERS

The BCS Webmasters Committee invites all interested parents to their next meeting on Thursday, April 14 at 7pm. No experience is necessary to join, just an interest in contributing to our website www.bcsonline.info. Please join us on Thursday at 7pm in the Media Center.

BCS SCHOOL STORE

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

CHOICE HOUR INFORMATION:

4^th Quarter Choice Hour classes begin on Monday April 18^th. Choice Hour selections are posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway and in each homeroom.

The deadline for requesting a Choice Hour change is Friday April 29^th by 4:00 PM. Choice Hour class change request forms will be available in the main office after 4:00 PM on Wednesday April 20^th. 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 are expected to 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 May 2^nd. 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 official Choice Hour change period which ends at 4:00 PM on Friday April 29^th. No refunds will be processed after the Friday April 29^th 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 in the office.

CHOICE HOUR REMINDERS:

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 will be charged a $5.00 fee.

If your student has Choice Hour but will not be attending their Choice Hour class please call the Choice Hour attendance line (248-203-4625) to have them excused at 3:15, email Linda Stone at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us or pick up a pink slip in the office to have them released from choice hour.

Choice Hour attendance can be a very time consuming job. The safety of your children is always our priority. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding Choice Hour attendance please feel free to call

Linda Stone at 248-203-4625.

CHOICE HOUR PLANNING FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR:

Choice Hour planning for the first quarter of the 2011-2012 school year has begun. Several parents have already volunteered to teach some very interesting Choice Hour classes next year that highlight their talents and interests. If you would like to share your time and talents with a small group of students during Choice Hour please contact Linda Stone at 248-203-4625 or email her at ls06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us for more information.

Thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program!

BULLY, BULLIED, OR BYSTANDER

Co-sponsored by Birmingham Youth Assistance and The Community House. Explore today’s hottest topic – Bullying –on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., at The Community House in Birmingham. Find out what parents of children of all ages can do about the problems of bullying and cyber-bullying. What do parents need to know in order to be helpful to their children-whether they are bullies, getting bullied, or bystanders? Hear the latest research and clinic findings from experts in the field of bullying prevention as presented by Leslie Rae Johnsen, MA, LLP, Clinical Director, Director of Adolescent Services, and Malissa Wood, MA, LLP, LPC, Director of Children’s Services, from Perspectives in Troy. The Community House is located at 380 S. Bates in downtown Birmingham. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration is $10 per person and can be done by going to www.communityhouse.com or calling 248-644-5832. Parking is available nearby in the parking structures; the first two hours are free.

KID'S HELPING KIDS 4TH ANNUAL 0NE, TWO & THREE MILE WALK

Sunday, May 1 - Dr. David Larson and his wife are the Grand Marshalls and supported by Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools. For info:www.kidshelpingkidswalk.com

INTERESTED IN SEAHOLM FOOTBALL

Mark your calendar for our next Pancake Breakfast, April 23, 2011 9:00 am - 11:00 am, just before Saturday weight lifting. Questions about Seaholm Football? Email Coach Deane at coachdeane@hotmail.com or call Craig Frye at (248) 790-0049
To sign up for our newsletter, Gridiron News send an email to janeaoneil@gmail.com

LEGISLATIVE FORUM ON SCHOOL FUNDING, APRIL 25^TH…

How Lansing’s decisions affect the education of our students and the community in which we live.

· Legislative Forum on Monday, April 25^th at 7:00pm at Seaholm High School.

· The Legislative Forum on April 25^th is a critical step in our community’s efforts to convince our representatives in Lansing to address the funding issues facing public education, in general, and the Birmingham Public Schools, specifically.

· We are hoping for a large turnout so that our representatives in Lansing can hear from us.

· It is critical that our families have an opportunity to ask questions and hear how our representatives in Lansing are addressing and resolving this crisis.

· The current proposal has a $900 million transfer to higher education from the school State Aid Fund. This means a loss of $470 per pupil for public schools.

· Our district has been proactive and already reduced expenses by $28 million since 2002. We cannot continue with this trend without negatively affecting programs and instructional services.

· Our goal is for our representatives to be in front of a ‘full house’ in the Seaholm auditorium, so help us spread the word to other parents and community members.

· We hope that you will be at the Legislative Forum on Monday, April 25^th for this important opportunity to ask questions and hear from our representatives.

My Green School Art ContestU.S. Green Building Council – Detroit Regional Chapter, Green School Committee announces: My Green School Art Contest to help promote the Green School Lunchbox program, where we are inviting students to help demonstrate a green school through art work.
Who can enter: Any child in a Michigan School, Grades K-5.

Semi-Finalists: 3 semi-finalists from each grade, K-5, will be invited to a luncheon sponsored by ecoSTORE USA for a final judging and awarded a participation certificate.

Top Finalists: First place winners from each grade will be honored at the Green Living Festival Charity Preview, Thursday, May 12, 2011. Artwork displayed at the Green Living Festival, Rochester, MI, May 13-15, 2011. Artwork displayed at the ecoSTORE USA headquarters, Auburn Hills, MI. Will receive Goobyn lunchbox and bobble water bottle.

Judged by:Margaret Matta, AIA LEED AP BD+C, Chair of USGBV-DRC Green Schools Committee, Daniel Cascardo, prominent local artist, and Brenda Pescia, retired elementary art teacher.

Contest Guidelines:

• Artwork: Create a picture to show what makes your school green, or how your school could be green. Use paper or card stock, up to size 12 x 18. Any medium can be used: paint, crayons, pencil, collage, photos, stencils, etc. We encourage the use of recycled paper. Please no glitter or copyright trademark images. For judging purposed, do not include the student’s name or use the name of the school in the artwork. Do not include matting or framing with submission.
• Judging Criteria: Concept: does it communicate the theme or message? Creativity: is the art original or unique? Quality: is there effective use of materials?
• Deadline & Submission: Submissions by email or mail. Online submissions are due Earth Day, April 22, 2011, 3:00 p.m. EDT, email or a photo of artwork to: MyGreenSchoolArt@drc-usgbc.org or mail us Mail entry postmarked by Aprl 20, 2011 to: My Green School Art Contest – USGBC-DRC, 26913 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 200, Southfield, MI 48033. All artwork submission must be accompanied by the provided application.
• Final Judging: The top 18 submitted entries will be asked to mail the original artwork for final judging. Judge’s decisions are final.
• Questions?Contact Connie Lilley at 248-830-0476 or connie@ecostoreusa.com
• Suggested Resources: www.centerforgreenschools.org/why-green-schools.aspx, www.dteenergy.com/kids/, Green School In A Lunchbox info: http://drc-usgbc.org/comittees/green-schools-advocacy.html

BCS to host annual Michigan China Quiz Bowl!!

The Confucius Institute at Wayne State University is sponsoring its third annual Michigan China Quiz Bowl at the Birmingham Covington School in Bloomfield Township, Michigan on Saturday, April 16, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The competition features quiz bowl style questions that pertain to Mandarin language learning and Chinese geography. The six divisions comprised for non-heritage learners include first, second and third year middle-school divisions and first, second and third year high-school divisions. A record-number 46 teams will join the competition this year representing nine schools from across southeast Michigan. An art contest will also be held, asking middle and high school students to announce the Michigan China Quiz Bowl using the current Chinese zodiac animal. This year, of course, is the year of the rabbit. Each year, the Quiz Bowl has featured a form of Chinese entertainment for participants, coaches, and observers. This year will be especially notable as the Wulinhanyun Kung Fu and Chinese Folk Music Troupe from Henan China will provide a 30 minute performance following preliminary competitions. The Troupe, which was featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will perform at the Masonic Temple in Detroit that evening. The competition, originally modeled after the Michigan Japan Quiz Bowl, has served as an enjoyable venue to motivate, recognize, and celebrate Michigan students and their accomplishments.

WAG April 11-15

April 10, 2011

Dear BCS Community,

What a beautiful day! 86 and sunny? I was not expecting this after returning from Florida today but I will take it! I am starting to have families email me pictures of how they spent their time over break. I asked you in the last W.A.G. to send pictures showing how you and family learned something new over break. In the spirit of being G.E.E.K.ed, I thought it would be a good way to show how the BCS community is committed to taking advantage of learning opportunities outside of the school walls and schedule!!

My son Cameron and I learned how to use imovie. I have used it in a limited, very simple way in the past but can now edit like the pros! A few months ago, after overhearing my desire to learn how to edit video, a very wise teacher told me to have my kids learn imovie then have them teach me. I took advantage of some down time last week and sat with Cameron as he tutored me in how to create a quality video! Our home videos are now ready for the theater!!! If I have enough BCS families send me pictures, I will put them in a slideshow to post on my blog. After all, we are not G.E.E.K.ed about learning unless we can share our experiences with the world!

I have made the trip to south Florida many times and actually enjoy the drive. My family and I have found a way to build the two or three day trip into our vacation by taking our time and stopping to enjoy the views or the various local attractions. The drive down is always exciting! It is the drive back, however, that can really test a family! Sure, families get on each others nerves but there is nothing like being in the same car (and hotel room) for three days!

The ride down is easy. The discussions are about the exciting things we plan on doing, what we did last year and how we will build on those experiences. There is laughter, singing, and everyone is excited to be on a “new” vacation. Even in the twentieth hour, there is hope! Each state welcomes you with a big sign that is saying, “Our state is warmer than yours!” The ride down is a lot like the beginning of school. Same destination but a different year. There are always new experiences and there is always an energy that is sparked by curiosity and imagination.

The ride back can be difficult. As much as the ride to Florida resembles the beginning of the school year, the ride back mirrors the end. My family has experienced both a positive and not so positive return back to “reality”. This year, thank goodness, was a positive three day car ride! Sure there will always be speed bumps when you have three kids riding in the same automobile for eight to ten hours at a time, but overall it went well. I attribute this to the fact that Nicole and I have learned from our mistakes over the years. We now involve the kids in planning the trip back. We discuss how long we will be in the car each day, what hotels we will be stopping at, and who will be in control of the radio! Expectations are laid out and there are usually no surprises. We also know that it is essential to stay positive. Instead of dwelling on the things we didn't do, we talk about everything we did do. Most of all, we keep a sense of humor! These steps do not make a perfect trip back to Michigan, but they help!

Believe it or not, starting tomorrow, we are all on our drive back! This year has been amazing! Each day seems like we are heading toward an adventure built on curiosity and imagination. Each of us have set goals, continue to plan projects, and experience learning like never before. It’s not over! The next eight weeks can be difficult or it can be “part of the vacation”. Our goal as a community must be to finish the year strong so we can come back for the next trip and build upon the experiences we continue to have together. We can do this by involving our students in the planning, setting clear expectations, staying positive, and having a sense of humor! I am looking forward to the return trip with all of you and welcome you back to BCS!

G.E.E.K.ed about our “drive back to reality”,

Adam