Nice article on our Proud Dad's Proud day work in the new Garden!
Monday, May 30, 2011
BCS Garden- Thank you Parents!!
http://birmingham.patch.com/articles/viewfinder-birmingham-covington-schools-organic-garden#photo-6201797
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Jamie Nicholls- BCS 5th Grade Student - Finalist in Essay Contest!!
http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5c15727d6c057d731d&m=fef91774726206&ls=fdf612777365027b77167474&l=fe8d167370610c7477&s=fe3417707662017f771270&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe31157274640474761278
Ford Freedom Award 2011 Essay Contest Winners
In celebration of the 2011 Ford Freedom Honoree Judge Constance Baker Motley and the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar Judge Damon J. Keith, Michigan students in grades 4-8 were invited to submit essays on the following topic: Pick a law that affects you or your family every day. Research what the law was designed to do, how and when it was passed and how life in the community is better as a result of the law.
A total of 1,103 essays were received from 118 schools throughout Michigan! Initial judging by a team of law students, lawyers and teachers winnowed the essays down to 45 finalists. Five winners were then selected by personnel from the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American.
The winners received their awards at the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar's Lecture held at the Music Hall in Detroit on Tuesday, May 17. The awards were presented by Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, Juanita Moore, President & CEO, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Joel Motley, son of the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Honoree, Judge Constance Baker Motley, and the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith of the Sixth Circuit.
Ford Freedom Award 2011 Essay Contest Winners
In celebration of the 2011 Ford Freedom Honoree Judge Constance Baker Motley and the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar Judge Damon J. Keith, Michigan students in grades 4-8 were invited to submit essays on the following topic: Pick a law that affects you or your family every day. Research what the law was designed to do, how and when it was passed and how life in the community is better as a result of the law.
A total of 1,103 essays were received from 118 schools throughout Michigan! Initial judging by a team of law students, lawyers and teachers winnowed the essays down to 45 finalists. Five winners were then selected by personnel from the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American.
The winners received their awards at the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar's Lecture held at the Music Hall in Detroit on Tuesday, May 17. The awards were presented by Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, Juanita Moore, President & CEO, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Joel Motley, son of the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Honoree, Judge Constance Baker Motley, and the 2011 Ford Freedom Award Scholar, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith of the Sixth Circuit.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Former BCS (Now at Groves) Employee on New Google Chrome Commercial
Rodney Howard was featured on Google Chrome's Lady Gaga commercial- Remember your friends at BCS Rodney!!!!!
Here is his tryout video!
Here is his tryout video!
BCS Student Tells of a Bright Future!
My name is Luke Tyrrell. I am a 5th grader at Birmingham Covington
School and this is my third Optimists speech.
My Future is Bright Because...
The future is later today, tomorrow, next week, next year or more.
When I think of the future I think of all of these things. I can have a
bright day tomorrow on Thursday by following the rules at school.
Even when I do borrowing later today in math, I will do my best so
I can use this in the future.
Next week I will be doing my dance class with my best buddy. I
have a performance next month in June to show my dance moves -
I love doing this and am excited for this in my future.
In the next few years, I will graduate from 8th Grade at BCS. I will
go to Groves High School. (This makes my Mom fake cry). I will be
able to walk to and from High School by myself from my house.
When I graduate from Groves, I will go to more school and learn
more skills to help me get a job.
One day I will take college classes and get a fun job. I think I would
like to work at a golf store but we will see what the future holds.
My immediate future has lots of fun things in it.... Doing my job
with Miss Chinn at BCS, birthday paties, golfing with my Dad and
Brother, Swimming at Cranbrook, overnight camp, YMCS camp,
Playing in Miracle League baseball games, Fourth of July parades,
Tiger games, the Beach in South Haven and much much more.
No matter what happens in the future, I want to be happy and
hanging out with my friends and family.
Oh Boy, My future is BRIGHT!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
WAG May 23-27
May 22, 2011
Dear BCS Community,
I read an article today on how a local elementary classroom recently took a field trip to a one room school house. The article, titled "Old Fashioned for the Day" was intended to point out how cool the experience was for the students and how exciting it was for the owners to share the history of what school "used" to be like. The quotes by both students and adults pointed to the clothing, the outside plumbing, and other structural changes that were noticeable in the turn of the century school building. The author also wrote about how if you were a student in the 1800's and early 1900's you had to follow the rules; stay quiet, stay on task, get to school on time, no cheating and keep your desk neat and clean. The director of the school told a story of how the boys used to take the girls hair and dip it in the ink well. Aside from the history lessons of how family life was in the 19th century, the author shares that kids had a few school lessons, ate lunch at their desks, and were able to go out to have recess and take a drink from the water pump. After thinking about how cute the article was and reminiscing of my days as a teacher (I took my class to Crossroads Village School House in Flint) it occurred to me that this article is sending a message I am sure the author did not intend to send. Though not an intentional message, an important one.
Looking beyond the structural changes of schools; size, material, design, inside plumbing...and the change in clothing styles, I could not see any changes in how many of our children in America are educated. The clear message here was after over 150 years of educating every child in our great country, nothing has really changed. The author points out the rules (listed above) of what kids used to follow. Unless I am missing something, these rules are still intact. I know as much as the next principal these rules are sometimes tested by students (and adults) but I have a hard time believing there was not a student or two back in 1865 that didn't drive the teacher crazy!
The change in learning tools that the author discusses is really not a change at all. On the surface it may look like a change when students grab a slate and piece of chalk and write their answers down, but is that really different than what many of our students do now? Whether it is a slate, a piece of paper, or a lap top, the learning can be the same. My hope as an educator, and as a parent, is I read an article like this in twenty years to find that there have been indeed real changes in how kids "used" to be taught. These changes will include various new tools, how schools are designed, and possibly a new rule or two. I am hoping, however, when I am sitting on my porch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the year 2031, I read about these changes:
Students used to rely on textbooks and teacher knowledge to receive facts about various subjects and landmarks. Students now seek information themselves through research on the internet, connecting with experts in various fields and archive their findings for others to use. Their time on the computer is not to learn facts but to use the facts already available to them to connect disciplines and make meaning of the world around them.
Teachers used to stand in front of the class, write on promethean boards, and show examples of math or science problems. Teachers now place students in groups, give them a math or science problem that is thought to be too hard for their age level; and given the task to complete the problem together. The teacher is there to ask the questions not to answer them. The teacher gives the students full control of the technology to share their challenges, successes, and problem solving steps.
What was once run by textbook companies and legislators, the curriculum is designed for each individual student and is fluid in order to match the students' needs and abilities. There is no ceiling and there are no walls that hold a student from moving beyond the grade level or expected achievement that once served as strict boundaries.
Students once praised for their ability to memorize facts are now celebrated for their ability to think through issues, collaborate with peers, and connect their ideas to better global inequalities. What was once a system of knowledge is now a system of learning and thinking.
These changes are already present in a small group of classrooms, schools and even districts. Twenty years seems like a long time but in the big scheme of things it will be here before we know it. We are fortunate to be in a district that can see the changes coming and to be a part of a school that continues to lead these changes each and every day.
and who knows...maybe one of our BCS alumni will be the one writing the article!
G.E.E.K.ed about not being "old fashioned",
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 23-27, 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, May 23
•
QUARTER I CHOICE HOUR SELECTION SHEETS (FOR FALL) POSTED ONLINE TODAY
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v DERBY- AWAY
Tuesday, May 24
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
•
8:30-11 AM -Gleaners Field trip-Seley/Davis
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
7-8:30PM Town Hall Meeting for Parents/Guardians in the Media Center
Wednesday, May 25
•
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
•
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v Berkshire @ HOME
•
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ GROVES (HOME) Covington v Berkshire
•
6:30-8:30PM Activities Fair for incoming freshmen in the Seaholm gym
Thursday, May 26
•
Market Day Orders Due
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
8-9:30AM Parent Appreciation Breakfast-Media Center-Please attend and let us show you how we appreciate our Families for making BCS a great place to be
•
8:30-11 AM- Gleaners Field trip-Butzin/Frishman
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
7PM –PTSA Committee Transitions Meeting
Friday, May 27
•
Trash Free Friday
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice-NO PRACTICE MON DUE TO THE HOLIDAY
•
12:25-8th grade girls interested in Maple Motion for the Fall are invited to a pizza/info lunch in the cafeteria
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
OUARTER I CHOICE HOUR SELECTION SHEETS DUE BY 4PM TODAY
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
?
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Baked Chicken Nuggets, Baked Potato Rounds, Steamed Corn, Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Roast Beef Grinder, Scalloped Potatoes, Coleslaw, Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –General Tso’s Chicken with Steamed Rice, Fresh Baked White Roll, Honey Glazed Carrots, Supreme Pizza
Thursday – French Bread Pizza, Small Fresh Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Meatballs & Gravy, Tossed Noodles, Steamed Green Beans, Meat Lover’s Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
3/4 SWIM Schedule. Burns, Frishman, Seley and Wallington will SWIM from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, June 17th
3/4 GYM Schedule. Butzin, Davis, Harvath and Parkin will be in the GYM from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, June 17th.
NEWS FROM THE PTSA
Parents and Guardians are encouraged to attend a Town Hall meeting where Adam Hartley will provide additional open forum to answer questions and address concerns regarding the issue of teacher absences. The Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 5/24, from 7-8PM at BCS.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Luke T and Joseph C for their participation in the Birmingham Optimist Club 20th Annual Larry Raymond Oratorical Program where they gave a speech on “My Future is Bright Because…”
PARKING LOT REMINDERS
We would like to take a moment to thank Jennifer Thompson and Chef Shawn Thompson for all of their hard work with helping the traffic flow in the parking lots! A reminder for all parents that the area next to the EAST Parking lotbetween the Covington Road entrance and Quarton is a NO PARKING zone . Please use the parking lots and do not park here for drop off/pick up.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers to help with Move Up Day taking place on Thursday, June 9th. This is a wonderful way to greet and welcome our incoming 3rd graders and their families. We are looking for a commitment to help from 8:15 - 10:45 a.m. Volunteer responsibilities will include helping with check-in and a fun scavenger hunt activity. Please contact Becky Bachand at bachandfamily@att.net if you can help. Thanks so much.
PARENT APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
BCS could not exist without the incredible support of the BCS community. Please allow us to show you howgrateful we are by attending the Parent Appreciation breakfast on Thursday, May 26
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
7/8 SPIRIT COMMITTEE NEWS
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful
THINKING GREEN TEAM NEWS
The thinking Green Team has two main aims for the remainder of the year:
1) Bottle Cap Mural
We are hoping to complete our mural before the year is out and we need help!!If you have any left over latex paint please send it in so we can use it to paint the background-any amount can be put to good use, the brighter the better! On June 6th we will be inviting all the students to come and screw the lids onto the mural. We really need adult volunteers to supervise so if you can join us for an hour or two during that day please email Mrs Roberts pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
We will also need battery powered drills, if you would like to loan us your drill for the day please label it with your name and homeroom teacher so we can return it to you ASAP! Thank you helping us with this “Flip Your Lid “event.
2) Jeans Gone Green!!
Jeans Gone Green is a Michigan Company that upcycles jeans to create sandals and bags .Any material they don’t use gets donated to Habitats for Humanity to be shredded and used for insulation. Jeans Gone Green have agreed to give a donation to school for any jeans we can collect so as we move into the season for shorts please consider donating your outgrown, ripped or torn jeans to our collection-the bin is outside the main office.
Thanks again for your support of all our Green efforts and for helping us to achieve Evergreen Status for the second year running as part of the Michigan Green Schools Initiative!!
MAPLE MOTION INFORMATION FOR 8TH GRADERS GOING TO SEAHOLM
On Friday,May 27th, ,members of the Maple Motion will host a pizza lunch and info session for all interested 8thgraders. The Seaholm High School Dance Team 'Maple Motion' will be holding tryouts for the 2011-12 football and basketball seasons the week of 5/31.
Routine instruction and practice will take place on May 31st 4-6p, June 1st 5-7p and June 2nd 5-7p. Tryouts will conclude on Friday June 3rd with scheduled performances beginning at 6p. All practices will be held on the Seaholm Dance Floor inside the Fitness Center. Questions? Contact Maple Motion Dance Coach Tracy Yamin atcoachtly@yahoo.com.
SEAHOLM HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CONFERENCE
The Seaholm Flex Program is hosting a Holocaust Rememberance Conference on Thursday, 5/26 from 8:00 AM-2:30 PM in the Seaholm Auditorium and the G Hallway. You are invited to join the Flex Program as they remember those who suffered the Holocaust. For more information, please visit the flex program’s wiki:http://theflexprogram.wikispaces.com/The+Holocuast+Remembered+Conference All are welcome!
PARENT RESOURCES
Living Life Online is a 16-page student supplement designed to reinforce citizenship skills that keep student safe online and off. As the introduction to students states, "Parents and teachers often talk about helping you stay safe, online and off. They try to teach you to think critically about what you see and hear, and make sure you have the skills you need to succeed in the 21st century. But the truth is that being a good citizen these days requires the same skills it always has: being honest and respectful of others, and treating other people the way you want to be treated. So whether you are texting or talking, posting photos or playing games, this guide has information to reinforce those citizenship skills that work online and off." Click here to download the Living Life Online (PDF).
Here are other technology safety supplements:
Cyberbullying Prevention (PDF) (IWB)
Created in partnership with the National Crime Prevention Council, this supplement provides tips for students, parents, and teachers on how to prevent and deal with Cyberbulling online, in school, and in the community.
Get Wise About Wireless: Be Safe, Be Courteous (PDF) (IWB)
Created in partnership with the national Crime Prevention Council and The Wireless Foundation, This supplement educates kids and their families about the importance of cell phone safety and responsible use and how to deal with issues like cell-bullying.
Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC)
•
Parents have more influence over their child than friends, music, TV, the Internet and celebrities. Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not. To learn more about how to help your teen stay safe and make healthy choices click onhttp://tiny.cc/dzowt
•
Check out the May 12th edition of “Keeping Our Youth Safe & Substance Free” Newsletter featuring Middle School Transition Program, Parents Who Host, Movie Nights and more. Click on http://tiny.cc/b8qaz
•
Tips for Hosting Substance-Free Parties for Tweens & Teens. Parties are supposed to be fun and still can be. In the lead article from the newsletter “Parents Are Hero’s,” it suggests parents plan the party with their teens, clearly and plainly explaining all expectations, including consequences for breaking the rules (The fundamental rule is no alcohol or drug use by anyone). Tips include not allowing anyone to bring in their own beverages to not allowing guests to leave the party and return. More tips can be found at http://tiny.cc/x9iss . Also, “A Family Guide for Teen Parties” offers tips if you are hosting a party or if your teen is attending a party. To access the guide, just click on these links http://tiny.cc/kc1ql and http://tiny.cc/1j8wb.
Dear BCS Community,
I read an article today on how a local elementary classroom recently took a field trip to a one room school house. The article, titled "Old Fashioned for the Day" was intended to point out how cool the experience was for the students and how exciting it was for the owners to share the history of what school "used" to be like. The quotes by both students and adults pointed to the clothing, the outside plumbing, and other structural changes that were noticeable in the turn of the century school building. The author also wrote about how if you were a student in the 1800's and early 1900's you had to follow the rules; stay quiet, stay on task, get to school on time, no cheating and keep your desk neat and clean. The director of the school told a story of how the boys used to take the girls hair and dip it in the ink well. Aside from the history lessons of how family life was in the 19th century, the author shares that kids had a few school lessons, ate lunch at their desks, and were able to go out to have recess and take a drink from the water pump. After thinking about how cute the article was and reminiscing of my days as a teacher (I took my class to Crossroads Village School House in Flint) it occurred to me that this article is sending a message I am sure the author did not intend to send. Though not an intentional message, an important one.
Looking beyond the structural changes of schools; size, material, design, inside plumbing...and the change in clothing styles, I could not see any changes in how many of our children in America are educated. The clear message here was after over 150 years of educating every child in our great country, nothing has really changed. The author points out the rules (listed above) of what kids used to follow. Unless I am missing something, these rules are still intact. I know as much as the next principal these rules are sometimes tested by students (and adults) but I have a hard time believing there was not a student or two back in 1865 that didn't drive the teacher crazy!
The change in learning tools that the author discusses is really not a change at all. On the surface it may look like a change when students grab a slate and piece of chalk and write their answers down, but is that really different than what many of our students do now? Whether it is a slate, a piece of paper, or a lap top, the learning can be the same. My hope as an educator, and as a parent, is I read an article like this in twenty years to find that there have been indeed real changes in how kids "used" to be taught. These changes will include various new tools, how schools are designed, and possibly a new rule or two. I am hoping, however, when I am sitting on my porch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the year 2031, I read about these changes:
Students used to rely on textbooks and teacher knowledge to receive facts about various subjects and landmarks. Students now seek information themselves through research on the internet, connecting with experts in various fields and archive their findings for others to use. Their time on the computer is not to learn facts but to use the facts already available to them to connect disciplines and make meaning of the world around them.
Teachers used to stand in front of the class, write on promethean boards, and show examples of math or science problems. Teachers now place students in groups, give them a math or science problem that is thought to be too hard for their age level; and given the task to complete the problem together. The teacher is there to ask the questions not to answer them. The teacher gives the students full control of the technology to share their challenges, successes, and problem solving steps.
What was once run by textbook companies and legislators, the curriculum is designed for each individual student and is fluid in order to match the students' needs and abilities. There is no ceiling and there are no walls that hold a student from moving beyond the grade level or expected achievement that once served as strict boundaries.
Students once praised for their ability to memorize facts are now celebrated for their ability to think through issues, collaborate with peers, and connect their ideas to better global inequalities. What was once a system of knowledge is now a system of learning and thinking.
These changes are already present in a small group of classrooms, schools and even districts. Twenty years seems like a long time but in the big scheme of things it will be here before we know it. We are fortunate to be in a district that can see the changes coming and to be a part of a school that continues to lead these changes each and every day.
and who knows...maybe one of our BCS alumni will be the one writing the article!
G.E.E.K.ed about not being "old fashioned",
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 23-27, 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, May 23
•
QUARTER I CHOICE HOUR SELECTION SHEETS (FOR FALL) POSTED ONLINE TODAY
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v DERBY- AWAY
Tuesday, May 24
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
•
8:30-11 AM -Gleaners Field trip-Seley/Davis
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
7-8:30PM Town Hall Meeting for Parents/Guardians in the Media Center
Wednesday, May 25
•
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
•
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v Berkshire @ HOME
•
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ GROVES (HOME) Covington v Berkshire
•
6:30-8:30PM Activities Fair for incoming freshmen in the Seaholm gym
Thursday, May 26
•
Market Day Orders Due
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
•
8-9:30AM Parent Appreciation Breakfast-Media Center-Please attend and let us show you how we appreciate our Families for making BCS a great place to be
•
8:30-11 AM- Gleaners Field trip-Butzin/Frishman
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
7PM –PTSA Committee Transitions Meeting
Friday, May 27
•
Trash Free Friday
•
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice-NO PRACTICE MON DUE TO THE HOLIDAY
•
12:25-8th grade girls interested in Maple Motion for the Fall are invited to a pizza/info lunch in the cafeteria
•
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
•
OUARTER I CHOICE HOUR SELECTION SHEETS DUE BY 4PM TODAY
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
?
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Baked Chicken Nuggets, Baked Potato Rounds, Steamed Corn, Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Roast Beef Grinder, Scalloped Potatoes, Coleslaw, Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –General Tso’s Chicken with Steamed Rice, Fresh Baked White Roll, Honey Glazed Carrots, Supreme Pizza
Thursday – French Bread Pizza, Small Fresh Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Meatballs & Gravy, Tossed Noodles, Steamed Green Beans, Meat Lover’s Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
3/4 SWIM Schedule. Burns, Frishman, Seley and Wallington will SWIM from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, June 17th
3/4 GYM Schedule. Butzin, Davis, Harvath and Parkin will be in the GYM from Monday, May 23rd through Friday, June 17th.
NEWS FROM THE PTSA
Parents and Guardians are encouraged to attend a Town Hall meeting where Adam Hartley will provide additional open forum to answer questions and address concerns regarding the issue of teacher absences. The Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 5/24, from 7-8PM at BCS.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Luke T and Joseph C for their participation in the Birmingham Optimist Club 20th Annual Larry Raymond Oratorical Program where they gave a speech on “My Future is Bright Because…”
PARKING LOT REMINDERS
We would like to take a moment to thank Jennifer Thompson and Chef Shawn Thompson for all of their hard work with helping the traffic flow in the parking lots! A reminder for all parents that the area next to the EAST Parking lotbetween the Covington Road entrance and Quarton is a NO PARKING zone . Please use the parking lots and do not park here for drop off/pick up.
MOVE UP DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers to help with Move Up Day taking place on Thursday, June 9th. This is a wonderful way to greet and welcome our incoming 3rd graders and their families. We are looking for a commitment to help from 8:15 - 10:45 a.m. Volunteer responsibilities will include helping with check-in and a fun scavenger hunt activity. Please contact Becky Bachand at bachandfamily@att.net if you can help. Thanks so much.
PARENT APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
BCS could not exist without the incredible support of the BCS community. Please allow us to show you howgrateful we are by attending the Parent Appreciation breakfast on Thursday, May 26
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
7/8 SPIRIT COMMITTEE NEWS
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful
THINKING GREEN TEAM NEWS
The thinking Green Team has two main aims for the remainder of the year:
1) Bottle Cap Mural
We are hoping to complete our mural before the year is out and we need help!!If you have any left over latex paint please send it in so we can use it to paint the background-any amount can be put to good use, the brighter the better! On June 6th we will be inviting all the students to come and screw the lids onto the mural. We really need adult volunteers to supervise so if you can join us for an hour or two during that day please email Mrs Roberts pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
We will also need battery powered drills, if you would like to loan us your drill for the day please label it with your name and homeroom teacher so we can return it to you ASAP! Thank you helping us with this “Flip Your Lid “event.
2) Jeans Gone Green!!
Jeans Gone Green is a Michigan Company that upcycles jeans to create sandals and bags .Any material they don’t use gets donated to Habitats for Humanity to be shredded and used for insulation. Jeans Gone Green have agreed to give a donation to school for any jeans we can collect so as we move into the season for shorts please consider donating your outgrown, ripped or torn jeans to our collection-the bin is outside the main office.
Thanks again for your support of all our Green efforts and for helping us to achieve Evergreen Status for the second year running as part of the Michigan Green Schools Initiative!!
MAPLE MOTION INFORMATION FOR 8TH GRADERS GOING TO SEAHOLM
On Friday,May 27th, ,members of the Maple Motion will host a pizza lunch and info session for all interested 8thgraders. The Seaholm High School Dance Team 'Maple Motion' will be holding tryouts for the 2011-12 football and basketball seasons the week of 5/31.
Routine instruction and practice will take place on May 31st 4-6p, June 1st 5-7p and June 2nd 5-7p. Tryouts will conclude on Friday June 3rd with scheduled performances beginning at 6p. All practices will be held on the Seaholm Dance Floor inside the Fitness Center. Questions? Contact Maple Motion Dance Coach Tracy Yamin atcoachtly@yahoo.com.
SEAHOLM HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CONFERENCE
The Seaholm Flex Program is hosting a Holocaust Rememberance Conference on Thursday, 5/26 from 8:00 AM-2:30 PM in the Seaholm Auditorium and the G Hallway. You are invited to join the Flex Program as they remember those who suffered the Holocaust. For more information, please visit the flex program’s wiki:http://theflexprogram.wikispaces.com/The+Holocuast+Remembered+Conference All are welcome!
PARENT RESOURCES
Living Life Online is a 16-page student supplement designed to reinforce citizenship skills that keep student safe online and off. As the introduction to students states, "Parents and teachers often talk about helping you stay safe, online and off. They try to teach you to think critically about what you see and hear, and make sure you have the skills you need to succeed in the 21st century. But the truth is that being a good citizen these days requires the same skills it always has: being honest and respectful of others, and treating other people the way you want to be treated. So whether you are texting or talking, posting photos or playing games, this guide has information to reinforce those citizenship skills that work online and off." Click here to download the Living Life Online (PDF).
Here are other technology safety supplements:
Cyberbullying Prevention (PDF) (IWB)
Created in partnership with the National Crime Prevention Council, this supplement provides tips for students, parents, and teachers on how to prevent and deal with Cyberbulling online, in school, and in the community.
Get Wise About Wireless: Be Safe, Be Courteous (PDF) (IWB)
Created in partnership with the national Crime Prevention Council and The Wireless Foundation, This supplement educates kids and their families about the importance of cell phone safety and responsible use and how to deal with issues like cell-bullying.
Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC)
•
Parents have more influence over their child than friends, music, TV, the Internet and celebrities. Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not. To learn more about how to help your teen stay safe and make healthy choices click onhttp://tiny.cc/dzowt
•
Check out the May 12th edition of “Keeping Our Youth Safe & Substance Free” Newsletter featuring Middle School Transition Program, Parents Who Host, Movie Nights and more. Click on http://tiny.cc/b8qaz
•
Tips for Hosting Substance-Free Parties for Tweens & Teens. Parties are supposed to be fun and still can be. In the lead article from the newsletter “Parents Are Hero’s,” it suggests parents plan the party with their teens, clearly and plainly explaining all expectations, including consequences for breaking the rules (The fundamental rule is no alcohol or drug use by anyone). Tips include not allowing anyone to bring in their own beverages to not allowing guests to leave the party and return. More tips can be found at http://tiny.cc/x9iss . Also, “A Family Guide for Teen Parties” offers tips if you are hosting a party or if your teen is attending a party. To access the guide, just click on these links http://tiny.cc/kc1ql and http://tiny.cc/1j8wb.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
W.A.G. May 16-20
May 15, 2011
Dear BCS Community,
This year at BCS we have strived to build a community of innovators, designers, and creators. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for our students to practice the very skills that promote entrepreneurship and leadership in the work place. These skills are not limited to memorization, technology applications, or other routine tasks. They are the very characteristics that all of us hold but are not always allowed to showcase throughout our lives. Here at BCS we have been committed to tweak our lessons to allow for more creativity and autonomy. Being G.E.E.K.ed means to not just talk about creativity and innovation but to promote it and embrace it!
This Thursday, May 19th, from 6:30 p.m.-8:00p.m. in our media center, we have a group of students prepared to discuss their creations and showcase their innovations! They will be showing off not what a teacher asked them to do, or what their principal made them do, but rather products or ideas they themselves thought of! Our Covington Technology Celebration (CTC) is designed to have our students share their creations, no matter what subject or topic. Please join us as we celebrate our creativity here at BCS.
The PTSA Technology Committee has bought a number of tickets for the Maker Faire at Henry Ford this summer to give out at the CTC. Anyone in attendance will be placed in a drawing to win one adult and one child ticket. Please visit my blog at http://adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/ to see a quick video of what the Maker Faire is.
Hope to see all of you there!
G.E.E.K.ed about the CTC,
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 16-20, 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, May 16
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
7:15 Alumni Breakfast-Media Center
8:00-11:00 AM-Burns/Harvath to Gleaners
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v BHMS -HOME.
Tuesday, May 17
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
7:15AM BCS Alumni Breakfast-Media Center
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
9:10-11:00AM-Davis reading party at Sunrise @ Maple & Telegraph
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
7:00PM-Board of Education Meeting – Administration Building
Wednesday, May 18
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
10:00AM – Wallington Reading party at Woodward Hills
10:45-3PM- 8th grade to DIA-Bring a bag lunch
11:30AM-3PM-7th grade to Gleaners-Bring a bag lunch
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v Cranbrook- AWAY
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Andover Covington v Cranbrook BHMS
6:30PM Technology Committee Meeting – Media Center
Thursday, May 19
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
9:10-11:00AM-Seley reading party at Sunrise @ Maple & Telegraph
10:45-3PM- 7th grade to DIA-Bring a bag lunch
11:30AM-3PM 8th grade to Gleaners-Bring a bag lunch
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
5:00-9 PM Covington Technology Showcase
Friday, May 20
Trash Free Friday
Progress Reports released for 4th Quarter
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
6:30-9PM -7/8 Blackout Dance-$ 5 at the door –snacks provided-Chaperones/Help still needed
Saturday,May 21
BCS Garden Installation-Many hands are welcome and needed
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Whole Grain Pancakes or French Toast, Sausage, Fresh Fruit, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Tuesday –Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Alfredo, Garlic Toast, Steamed Broccoli, Nacho Supreme
Wednesday –Home-style Turkey with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – BBQ Chicken, Side of Mac & Cheese, Flavorful Baked Beans, Beef Enchilada
Friday –Bacon Cheeseburger, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Peas & Carrots, Chicken Fajita Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
TWO BIRMINGHAM COVINGTON SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN A WINSTON CHURCHILL ESSAY CONTEST
The National Churchill Museum, located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, MO, held their Winston Churchill Student Essay Contest for the third time this past school year.
The essay topic this year was “Winston Churchill: A Renaissance Man?” Middle school and high school students from across the state submitted scholarly essays in hopes of winning one of six cash prizes.
With his essay, “Winston Churchill-Renaissance Man,” Birmingham Covington School student Joseph D., won second prize and $150.00 in the middle school division. Claire B., also from Birmingham Covington School, placed third with a $100.00 prize, for her essay “I Met a Man Named Winston: A Present Day Renaissance Man.”
TO ALL BCS FAMILIES: Gleaners “Drive Out Hunger” Food Drive!
A reminder to please have your child bring in the BAG OF FOOD (sponsored by the 7/8 team and Spirit Committee)
PLEASE FILL this bag with food from the list and bring back the bag and place in the Creative Station/Popcorn cubby ld).
*Please NO OPEN containers or EXPIRED products and NO glass, as they often break in transit.*
Tuna Fish
Canned Meat
Beef Stew
Meat Soups, Hearty Soups
Canned Spaghetti or Pasta
Beans (kidney, pinto, green, yellow, refried or black beans)
Baby Food or Formula
Ensure or other nutritional Supplements Drinks
Rice
Dry Beans
Noodles, Macaroni
Powdered Milk
Pancake or Baking Mixes
Cereal/Oatmeal
Granola Bars
Peanut Butter (in plastic jars)
Jelly (in plastic jars)
TO 7/8 PARENTS: BLACKOUT DANCE Announcement
We need chaperones for our LAST 7/8 dance this coming Friday, May 20th, the BLACKOUT DANCE. The shifts are listed below – can you please help out? If your child says they’d rather you not chaperone, tell them you can be in one of the “hallway” spots (monitoring the halls to make sure students don’t go anywhere). We also need parents at the door and inside the cafeteria to help with drinks/food.
Please email me to let me know which shift you can do!
SHIFT 1 - 6:15-7:45 - Set-up/Chaperone SHIFT 2 – 7:45-9:15 - Chaperone/Clean-up
If you cannot chaperone, we do need some help before the dance to pick up and drop off the subs, pizza for the Spirit Committee members who are decorating and setting up the dance and balloons. Please email to let me know if you could do any of those things.
Finally, please encourage your kids to come to the dance – kids have said they have had a blast at both dances this year! It is $5 at the door and students are asked to wear all black to match the theme. Please remember if your family cannot afford this cost, email Adam and he will provide on behalf of Nan’s Kids.
Thank you for your help in advance in chaperoning and/or encouraging your children to attend the dance!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE
Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! LAST DAY FOR PHOTOS IS MAY 20!
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:
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.
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 The deadline to send candid shots is May 20th.
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 classes next year that highlight their talents and interests.
We are searching for a Forensic coach – let us know if you are interested or if you might know someone qualified to coach our team. Also, students have asked for an acting class that would culminate in some type of performance, a fashion design class and a martial arts class. You have great resources in the community – we need your help!!
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. As always, thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program.
THINKING Green Team News
The thinking Green Team has two main aims for the remainder of the year:
1) Bottle Cap Mural
We are hoping to complete our mural before the year is out and we need help!!If you have any left over latex paint please send it in so we can use it to paint the background-any amount can be put to good use, the brighter the better! On June 6th we will be inviting all the students to come and screw the lids onto the mural. We really need adult volunteers to supervise so if you can join us for an hour or two during that day please email Mrs Roberts pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
We will also need battery powered drills, if you would like to loan us your drill for the day please label it with your name and homeroom teacher so we can return it to you ASAP! Thank you helping us with this “Flip Your Lid “event.
2) Jeans Gone Green!!
Jeans Gone Green is a Michigan Company that upcycles jeans to create sandals and bags .Any material they don’t use gets donated to Habitats for Humanity to be shredded and used for insulation. Jeans Gone Green have agreed to give a donation to school for any jeans we can collect so as we move into the season for shorts please consider donating your outgrown, ripped or torn jeans to our collection-the bin is outside the main office.
Thanks again for your support of all our Green efforts and for helping us to achieve Evergreen Status for the second year running as part of the Michigan Green Schools Initiative!!
7/8 SPIRIT COMMITTEE NEWS
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21 On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6) We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession. Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids. If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Help the Birmingham Education Foundation support our students!Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at www.supportbef.org
VINTAGE HAT FASHION SHOW & TEA
Wear your favorite hat and plan to attend the Spring Tea and Fashion Show at the Birmingham Area Senior Center (BASCC) on Thursday, May 19 from 12:30-2:30 pm. Hat collector Lori Hoffman will present a fashion show of 100 vintage hats out of her collection of over 400 hats from the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Tea sandwiches from Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop will be served along with delicious desserts and a variety of teas. Pre-register and pay by calling BASCC at 248-203-5270. BASCC is located at 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham, east of Cranbrook Road and South of Maple.
Groves Volleyball
PARENT MEETING
There will be a parent meeting on May 16th from 6:30-8:00 PM at Groves High School in the Commons area.
SUMMER TRAINING
Summer training will begin the week of June 28th and end the week of July 28th. There will be NO training the week of July 4th (Summer Dead Period).
TRYOUTS
Tryouts this year will take place on August 9th, 10th and 11th. More information will be coming soon! It is recommended that you attend ALL sessions.
Please mark all these important dates on your calendars.
Peter Lau
Varsity Head Coach
Birmingham Groves Volleyball
248-219-8639
www.eteamz.com/grovesvb
Covington had 5 students participating in the 2011 Math Pentathlon, Division III for grades 4 and 5: Stephanie Green, Laya Kumar, Taylor Moilanen, Leila Owens, and Alberto Whitmer. Additionally, Laya was awarded a silver medal and Bear was awarded a gold medal for their performances in the games. Emilia Askari devoted much effort to preparing the team over the course of the year in her choice hour - no mean (median or mode either) feat! The kids all demonstrated good sportsmanship, cooperation, and mutual support.
Dear BCS Community,
This year at BCS we have strived to build a community of innovators, designers, and creators. We understand the importance of providing opportunities for our students to practice the very skills that promote entrepreneurship and leadership in the work place. These skills are not limited to memorization, technology applications, or other routine tasks. They are the very characteristics that all of us hold but are not always allowed to showcase throughout our lives. Here at BCS we have been committed to tweak our lessons to allow for more creativity and autonomy. Being G.E.E.K.ed means to not just talk about creativity and innovation but to promote it and embrace it!
This Thursday, May 19th, from 6:30 p.m.-8:00p.m. in our media center, we have a group of students prepared to discuss their creations and showcase their innovations! They will be showing off not what a teacher asked them to do, or what their principal made them do, but rather products or ideas they themselves thought of! Our Covington Technology Celebration (CTC) is designed to have our students share their creations, no matter what subject or topic. Please join us as we celebrate our creativity here at BCS.
The PTSA Technology Committee has bought a number of tickets for the Maker Faire at Henry Ford this summer to give out at the CTC. Anyone in attendance will be placed in a drawing to win one adult and one child ticket. Please visit my blog at http://adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/ to see a quick video of what the Maker Faire is.
Hope to see all of you there!
G.E.E.K.ed about the CTC,
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 16-20, 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, May 16
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
7:15 Alumni Breakfast-Media Center
8:00-11:00 AM-Burns/Harvath to Gleaners
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v BHMS -HOME.
Tuesday, May 17
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
7:15AM BCS Alumni Breakfast-Media Center
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
9:10-11:00AM-Davis reading party at Sunrise @ Maple & Telegraph
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
7:00PM-Board of Education Meeting – Administration Building
Wednesday, May 18
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
10:00AM – Wallington Reading party at Woodward Hills
10:45-3PM- 8th grade to DIA-Bring a bag lunch
11:30AM-3PM-7th grade to Gleaners-Bring a bag lunch
4:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Covington v Cranbrook- AWAY
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Andover Covington v Cranbrook BHMS
6:30PM Technology Committee Meeting – Media Center
Thursday, May 19
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
9:10-11:00AM-Seley reading party at Sunrise @ Maple & Telegraph
10:45-3PM- 7th grade to DIA-Bring a bag lunch
11:30AM-3PM 8th grade to Gleaners-Bring a bag lunch
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
5:00-9 PM Covington Technology Showcase
Friday, May 20
Trash Free Friday
Progress Reports released for 4th Quarter
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
6:30-9PM -7/8 Blackout Dance-$ 5 at the door –snacks provided-Chaperones/Help still needed
Saturday,May 21
BCS Garden Installation-Many hands are welcome and needed
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Whole Grain Pancakes or French Toast, Sausage, Fresh Fruit, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Tuesday –Whole Wheat Penne Pasta with Chicken and Alfredo, Garlic Toast, Steamed Broccoli, Nacho Supreme
Wednesday –Home-style Turkey with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – BBQ Chicken, Side of Mac & Cheese, Flavorful Baked Beans, Beef Enchilada
Friday –Bacon Cheeseburger, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Peas & Carrots, Chicken Fajita Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
TWO BIRMINGHAM COVINGTON SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN A WINSTON CHURCHILL ESSAY CONTEST
The National Churchill Museum, located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, MO, held their Winston Churchill Student Essay Contest for the third time this past school year.
The essay topic this year was “Winston Churchill: A Renaissance Man?” Middle school and high school students from across the state submitted scholarly essays in hopes of winning one of six cash prizes.
With his essay, “Winston Churchill-Renaissance Man,” Birmingham Covington School student Joseph D., won second prize and $150.00 in the middle school division. Claire B., also from Birmingham Covington School, placed third with a $100.00 prize, for her essay “I Met a Man Named Winston: A Present Day Renaissance Man.”
TO ALL BCS FAMILIES: Gleaners “Drive Out Hunger” Food Drive!
A reminder to please have your child bring in the BAG OF FOOD (sponsored by the 7/8 team and Spirit Committee)
PLEASE FILL this bag with food from the list and bring back the bag and place in the Creative Station/Popcorn cubby ld).
*Please NO OPEN containers or EXPIRED products and NO glass, as they often break in transit.*
Tuna Fish
Canned Meat
Beef Stew
Meat Soups, Hearty Soups
Canned Spaghetti or Pasta
Beans (kidney, pinto, green, yellow, refried or black beans)
Baby Food or Formula
Ensure or other nutritional Supplements Drinks
Rice
Dry Beans
Noodles, Macaroni
Powdered Milk
Pancake or Baking Mixes
Cereal/Oatmeal
Granola Bars
Peanut Butter (in plastic jars)
Jelly (in plastic jars)
TO 7/8 PARENTS: BLACKOUT DANCE Announcement
We need chaperones for our LAST 7/8 dance this coming Friday, May 20th, the BLACKOUT DANCE. The shifts are listed below – can you please help out? If your child says they’d rather you not chaperone, tell them you can be in one of the “hallway” spots (monitoring the halls to make sure students don’t go anywhere). We also need parents at the door and inside the cafeteria to help with drinks/food.
Please email me to let me know which shift you can do!
SHIFT 1 - 6:15-7:45 - Set-up/Chaperone SHIFT 2 – 7:45-9:15 - Chaperone/Clean-up
If you cannot chaperone, we do need some help before the dance to pick up and drop off the subs, pizza for the Spirit Committee members who are decorating and setting up the dance and balloons. Please email to let me know if you could do any of those things.
Finally, please encourage your kids to come to the dance – kids have said they have had a blast at both dances this year! It is $5 at the door and students are asked to wear all black to match the theme. Please remember if your family cannot afford this cost, email Adam and he will provide on behalf of Nan’s Kids.
Thank you for your help in advance in chaperoning and/or encouraging your children to attend the dance!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE
Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! LAST DAY FOR PHOTOS IS MAY 20!
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:
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.
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 The deadline to send candid shots is May 20th.
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 classes next year that highlight their talents and interests.
We are searching for a Forensic coach – let us know if you are interested or if you might know someone qualified to coach our team. Also, students have asked for an acting class that would culminate in some type of performance, a fashion design class and a martial arts class. You have great resources in the community – we need your help!!
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. As always, thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program.
THINKING Green Team News
The thinking Green Team has two main aims for the remainder of the year:
1) Bottle Cap Mural
We are hoping to complete our mural before the year is out and we need help!!If you have any left over latex paint please send it in so we can use it to paint the background-any amount can be put to good use, the brighter the better! On June 6th we will be inviting all the students to come and screw the lids onto the mural. We really need adult volunteers to supervise so if you can join us for an hour or two during that day please email Mrs Roberts pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
We will also need battery powered drills, if you would like to loan us your drill for the day please label it with your name and homeroom teacher so we can return it to you ASAP! Thank you helping us with this “Flip Your Lid “event.
2) Jeans Gone Green!!
Jeans Gone Green is a Michigan Company that upcycles jeans to create sandals and bags .Any material they don’t use gets donated to Habitats for Humanity to be shredded and used for insulation. Jeans Gone Green have agreed to give a donation to school for any jeans we can collect so as we move into the season for shorts please consider donating your outgrown, ripped or torn jeans to our collection-the bin is outside the main office.
Thanks again for your support of all our Green efforts and for helping us to achieve Evergreen Status for the second year running as part of the Michigan Green Schools Initiative!!
7/8 SPIRIT COMMITTEE NEWS
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21 On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6) We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession. Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids. If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Help the Birmingham Education Foundation support our students!Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at www.supportbef.org
VINTAGE HAT FASHION SHOW & TEA
Wear your favorite hat and plan to attend the Spring Tea and Fashion Show at the Birmingham Area Senior Center (BASCC) on Thursday, May 19 from 12:30-2:30 pm. Hat collector Lori Hoffman will present a fashion show of 100 vintage hats out of her collection of over 400 hats from the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Tea sandwiches from Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop will be served along with delicious desserts and a variety of teas. Pre-register and pay by calling BASCC at 248-203-5270. BASCC is located at 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham, east of Cranbrook Road and South of Maple.
Groves Volleyball
PARENT MEETING
There will be a parent meeting on May 16th from 6:30-8:00 PM at Groves High School in the Commons area.
SUMMER TRAINING
Summer training will begin the week of June 28th and end the week of July 28th. There will be NO training the week of July 4th (Summer Dead Period).
TRYOUTS
Tryouts this year will take place on August 9th, 10th and 11th. More information will be coming soon! It is recommended that you attend ALL sessions.
Please mark all these important dates on your calendars.
Peter Lau
Varsity Head Coach
Birmingham Groves Volleyball
248-219-8639
www.eteamz.com/grovesvb
Covington had 5 students participating in the 2011 Math Pentathlon, Division III for grades 4 and 5: Stephanie Green, Laya Kumar, Taylor Moilanen, Leila Owens, and Alberto Whitmer. Additionally, Laya was awarded a silver medal and Bear was awarded a gold medal for their performances in the games. Emilia Askari devoted much effort to preparing the team over the course of the year in her choice hour - no mean (median or mode either) feat! The kids all demonstrated good sportsmanship, cooperation, and mutual support.
Two BCS Classrooms make Top 5- Seimens We Can Change The World Contest
http://www.wecanchange.com/elementary-school/about-challenge/2011-challenge-winners/2011-elementary-school-finalists/
Team Name
BrownBurdick 5th Grade
Teacher
Tammy Brown
Description
This team decided to focus on the issue of plastics recycling at their school after learning that only 12% of disposable water bottles are recycled. They researched the issue and discovered that leaving liquids in bottles and the caps on when recycling are two habits that impact the speed at which bottles can be recycled. Through a survey, they found that many students practiced these behaviors. The team created posters and presented on the morning announcements to target these specific issues and event created an exhibit with a 7ft tall water bottle made from recycled bottles with facts about water recycling. Additionally, they wrote a play centered on the project, which they will perform for their school, and sponsored several contests to encourage students to remove the caps from their water bottles before recycling. They have contacted the company that collects their recycled materials and have shared their project with district Green representatives.
Team Name
Green-ergies
Teacher
Rick Joseph
Description
Team Green-ergies tackled the issue of energy consumption in their school after learning that the U.S. contributes a quarter of the world’s energy use and produces more than half its power through coal-fired plants. The class created PSAs on things like the importance of turning off classroom lights and powering down digital devices and avoiding the use of automatic door openers. They also formed a Green-ergies Power Patrol, responsible for monitoring the hallways afterschool to make sure all power-saving measures were taken. They determined that their school’s electrical use had decreased by more than 10% from the same time the year before. Their follow-up survey showed that they successfully changed student and staff habits regarding energy consumption.
Team Name
BrownBurdick 5th Grade
Teacher
Tammy Brown
Description
This team decided to focus on the issue of plastics recycling at their school after learning that only 12% of disposable water bottles are recycled. They researched the issue and discovered that leaving liquids in bottles and the caps on when recycling are two habits that impact the speed at which bottles can be recycled. Through a survey, they found that many students practiced these behaviors. The team created posters and presented on the morning announcements to target these specific issues and event created an exhibit with a 7ft tall water bottle made from recycled bottles with facts about water recycling. Additionally, they wrote a play centered on the project, which they will perform for their school, and sponsored several contests to encourage students to remove the caps from their water bottles before recycling. They have contacted the company that collects their recycled materials and have shared their project with district Green representatives.
Team Name
Green-ergies
Teacher
Rick Joseph
Description
Team Green-ergies tackled the issue of energy consumption in their school after learning that the U.S. contributes a quarter of the world’s energy use and produces more than half its power through coal-fired plants. The class created PSAs on things like the importance of turning off classroom lights and powering down digital devices and avoiding the use of automatic door openers. They also formed a Green-ergies Power Patrol, responsible for monitoring the hallways afterschool to make sure all power-saving measures were taken. They determined that their school’s electrical use had decreased by more than 10% from the same time the year before. Their follow-up survey showed that they successfully changed student and staff habits regarding energy consumption.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Former BCS Student Talks about attending the President's Fundraiser!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKpQGyXkaLoParis Lewbel was a guests on Chicago's You and Me this Morninig show.
He is currently living and attending College in Chicago! His mother, Marnie Lewbel, is currently a BCS PTSA Co-Chair...way to go Marnie!
He is currently living and attending College in Chicago! His mother, Marnie Lewbel, is currently a BCS PTSA Co-Chair...way to go Marnie!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 9-13 W.A.G.
May 8, 2011
Dear BCS Community,
We hear many educators describe initiatives or programs today using the words "21st Century". While it can mean many things and we all have various visions of what this may look like, it usually describes how our pedagogy, our learning tools, and ultimately our schools as a whole are changing because of the world around us. We hear about the “21st Century teacher” and how they must teach the “21st Century student” “21st Century skills”. We read about the drastic changes in technology, drive new cars that get triple the miles per gallon, and experience other 21st Century innovations that are changing how we live. Change has always been inevitable but in today’s world change seems to be the only constant.
We need balance in our lives. A healthy dose of change is good for us but the existence of consistency in our lives helps us maintain our drive to excellence. On a day like today, it reminds me of something that has been consistent throughout my life. My mother. Thinking of her, and the sacrifices she made throughout my life, I decided to give my definition of the “21st Century Mother”. My mother still “mothers me” as I am sure many of your mothers, no matter how old or how far away she may live, still “mothers” you too! If your mother has passed, I know today marks an even more special day for you and your family as you remember her and the joy she brought to your family.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our BCS Mother’s! Enjoy your day!
The “21st Century Mother”
Caring:
The 21st Century mother cares. Whether her child is two or thirty, she genuinely cares about their health, their interests, and their future. She wants nothing more for her child to be safe, secure, and happy. The 21st Century mother places love before all things. She often takes time out of her day to take care of what is important to her children.
Strong:
The 21st Century mother is emotionally, mentally, and depending on how much she had to carry her children around when they were babies, physically strong! Her strength often will help her children stand up to a bully at school, push them to do better at their jobs, or make them take out the garbage! They have strong opinions, strong approaches to solving a problem, and it is seldom that other people want to take her on!
Intelligent:
The 21st Century mother is smart. She knows how to trick her children into doing their chores. She understands life and how complicated it can be for a child in second grade, seventh grade, or college. Her advice, while not taken sometimes, can be the best advice one will ever hear. Her knowledge in education, the medical field, and in law, either gets her children in trouble or keeps them out of trouble!
Courageous:
The 21st Century mother not only holds a great sense of courage but instills it in her children. She encourages her children to take risks, whether it is in their school work or finally asking that girl out on a date! Her courage allows her to face adversity in order to stand up for her children. She believes in doing the right thing for her child and understands that the emotional roller-coaster called motherhood is a ride she must take.
A Good Listener:
The 21st Century mother is a good listener. She knows that there will be times where she will have to listen, then listen some more. In fact, she is such a good listener, she will often make her children sit down and make them tell her about their day.
A Guide:
The 21st Century mother is a guide. She allows her children to find their own path, make their own decisions, and help them build a sense of individualism. She does this but never goes too far so if her child fails or needs more guidance, she is there to put them back on the right track.
A Good Example:
The 21st Century mother serves as a good example to every one of how life should be lived. She knows her children, and her children’s friends, watch her every move. She understands that someday the little one sitting in the car seat will grow up and be a mother or father themselves. Setting a good example is the 21st Century mother’s first priority.
Patient:
The 21st Century mother shows an enormous amount of patience. She understands that her child is not perfect and they all have their own path to success. She struggles with their failures but will never let them define who they are. 21st Century mothers see a better tomorrow for their children when they feel their world crashing in.
The 21st Century mother: caring, strong, intelligent, courageous, a good listener, a guide, a good example and patient.
Mothers throughout the history of time have been described many times with the words I wrote above. In the end, the only change we have seen when it comes to mothers is in the years and the decades!
Mothers will always be the one constant in our lives, no matter what the century!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 9-13, 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, May 9-
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8:35 AM- 8th Grade WALKOUT !!!!!!and individual student pictures
4PM– 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Game – Covington v EHMS @HOME
Tuesday, May 10
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
10 AM-Burns class to Maple Village
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Wednesday, May 11
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
8:30-11AM Gleaners--Wallington/Parkin
8:30 – 10:45 – Bishop/Cook Rouge water testing –please make sure your child is dressed appropriately-
change of clothes and rubber boots suggested
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
Choice Hour – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
4PM– 7th-8th Grade Girls Away Soccer Game – Covington @ WHMS
6:30 PM Tech Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 12
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8AM-2PM Religious Diversity Journey to Bharatiya Temple,Troy- 8 7/8 students
9:30AM-Harvath class to Baldwin House
12:30 Lunch with the Principals
1:15 PTSA Meeting
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
7:00 PM – Friends of Different learners Meeting-Media Center, Appreciation Awards
Friday, May 13
2:30PM Fire Drill-Please be aware when picking up/dropping off your children
Trash Free Friday
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Andover High School-Covington v WHMS
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Grilled Hot Dog/Beef Chili Dog,Seasoned Fries,Fresh Fruit cup,Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Chicken Parmesan,Toasted Galic Bread,Glazed Carrots ,Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –Chicken or Veggie Stir Fry,Fried Rice,Oriental Blend Veg.,Supreme Pizza
Thursday –Breaded Chicken Drumstick,AuGratinPotatoes,California Blend,Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Grilled Chicken/Veggie Caesar Wrap,Pasta Salad,Fresh Fruit Cup,Meat Lover’s Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all
valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone.
7/8 FOOD DRIVE FOR GLEANERS IS ONGOING-PLEASE SEND IN YOUR CONTRIBUTION
THANK YOU FROM THE BCS STAFF!
The BCS Staff would like to thank you for the amazing lunch and kind gifts last week for teacher appreciation week. We are so fortunate to have a parent group that supports us, recognizes our hard work, and acts as our cheerleader throughout the year! Knowing that you appreciate us makes BCS a great place to work!!
Thank you,
Adam, Patricia, and the BCS Staff
Forensics Results from Last Weekend!
Great Job BCS!!
Brad Freeman- 4th place trophy in Impromptu
Ben Fisher- Plaque in Impromptu
Sydney Rosen-5th place trophy in Sales
Emma Ellis-Plaque in Dramatic Interp
Courtney Wilkie, Marshall Ross, Julia Dickerson, Keely Faris, Gabby Klos)-Plaque in Multiple
Sam Weed, Natalie Nepa, Sally Kalfelghazal, Audrey Belf-5th place trophy in Multiple
Haley West-5th place trophy in Storytelling
Leora Bernard-Plaque in Storytelling
Meaghan Fortney-6th place trophy in Storytelling
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE
Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
8th GRADE COIN DRIVE COLLECTION
We are collecting coins at lunch starting this Tuesday to raise money for our kid’s 8th grade graduation celebration!
Since families no longer have to purchase tickets for graduatio we now do fund raisers to offset the cost.
It’s time for our students to gather up all extra coins that they can find. Each student has a large tube sock to put their coins in that Mr. Mixon passed out last week. They can use any sock or bag to put the coins in.
We will be collecting the coins during lunch this Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 12:30- 1:15
Students will be given their class T-Shirt when they turn in their coins. Our Kids Thank You For Your Donations.
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! LAST DAY FOR PHOTOS IS MAY 20!
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:
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.
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
The deadline to send candid shots is May 20th.
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 classes next year that highlight their talents and interests.
We are searching for a Forensic coach – let us know if you are interested or if you might know someone qualified to coach our team. Also, students have asked for an acting class that would culminate in some type of performance, a fashion design class and a martial arts class. You have great resources in the community – we need your help!!
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. As always, thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
Congratulations go to Mrs. Brown and Mr. Joseph’s 5th grade students who were selected at National Finalists for the Siemens Challenge!! The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced in the next few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD RESULTS On Saturday, April 30th, our BCS Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 9th overall and brought home 8 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time. The team is coached by BCS teachers Tammy Brown and Chris Emmi.
Also, Congratulations to our BCS Kitchen Staff for passing their inspection this week with exemplary marks! We know that they work hard to make sure our students have the finest and it truly shows!!
7/8 Spirit Committee News
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21
On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6)
We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession.
Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids.
If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Help the Birmingham Education Foundation support our students!
Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at www.supportbef.org
Vintage Hat Fashion Show & Tea
Wear your favorite hat and plan to attend the Spring Tea and Fashion Show at the Birmingham Area Senior Center (BASCC) on Thursday, May 19 from 12:30-2:30 pm. Hat collector Lori Hoffman will present a fashion show of 100 vintage hats out of her collection of over 400 hats from the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Tea sandwiches from Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop will be served along with delicious desserts and a variety of teas. Pre-register and pay by calling BASCC at 248-203-5270. BASCC is located at 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham, east of Cranbrook Road and South of Maple.
Birmingham Lacrosse Annual Mulch Sale!
Spring is here and the Birmingham Lacrosse Team has mulch for you! This premium grade product is available in a variety of styles; hardwood, cedar, cypress, red pine, red, black, brown, pine nuggets, pine bark. The mulch will be on sale at the Seaholm High School back parking lot (near the tennis courts) on Saturday, May 7 starting at 10:00 am. Lacrosse Team members will be on site to load your mulch to your vehicle. This annual fundraising effort supports the unified Seaholm/Groves high school lacrosse teams.
Dear BCS Community,
We hear many educators describe initiatives or programs today using the words "21st Century". While it can mean many things and we all have various visions of what this may look like, it usually describes how our pedagogy, our learning tools, and ultimately our schools as a whole are changing because of the world around us. We hear about the “21st Century teacher” and how they must teach the “21st Century student” “21st Century skills”. We read about the drastic changes in technology, drive new cars that get triple the miles per gallon, and experience other 21st Century innovations that are changing how we live. Change has always been inevitable but in today’s world change seems to be the only constant.
We need balance in our lives. A healthy dose of change is good for us but the existence of consistency in our lives helps us maintain our drive to excellence. On a day like today, it reminds me of something that has been consistent throughout my life. My mother. Thinking of her, and the sacrifices she made throughout my life, I decided to give my definition of the “21st Century Mother”. My mother still “mothers me” as I am sure many of your mothers, no matter how old or how far away she may live, still “mothers” you too! If your mother has passed, I know today marks an even more special day for you and your family as you remember her and the joy she brought to your family.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our BCS Mother’s! Enjoy your day!
The “21st Century Mother”
Caring:
The 21st Century mother cares. Whether her child is two or thirty, she genuinely cares about their health, their interests, and their future. She wants nothing more for her child to be safe, secure, and happy. The 21st Century mother places love before all things. She often takes time out of her day to take care of what is important to her children.
Strong:
The 21st Century mother is emotionally, mentally, and depending on how much she had to carry her children around when they were babies, physically strong! Her strength often will help her children stand up to a bully at school, push them to do better at their jobs, or make them take out the garbage! They have strong opinions, strong approaches to solving a problem, and it is seldom that other people want to take her on!
Intelligent:
The 21st Century mother is smart. She knows how to trick her children into doing their chores. She understands life and how complicated it can be for a child in second grade, seventh grade, or college. Her advice, while not taken sometimes, can be the best advice one will ever hear. Her knowledge in education, the medical field, and in law, either gets her children in trouble or keeps them out of trouble!
Courageous:
The 21st Century mother not only holds a great sense of courage but instills it in her children. She encourages her children to take risks, whether it is in their school work or finally asking that girl out on a date! Her courage allows her to face adversity in order to stand up for her children. She believes in doing the right thing for her child and understands that the emotional roller-coaster called motherhood is a ride she must take.
A Good Listener:
The 21st Century mother is a good listener. She knows that there will be times where she will have to listen, then listen some more. In fact, she is such a good listener, she will often make her children sit down and make them tell her about their day.
A Guide:
The 21st Century mother is a guide. She allows her children to find their own path, make their own decisions, and help them build a sense of individualism. She does this but never goes too far so if her child fails or needs more guidance, she is there to put them back on the right track.
A Good Example:
The 21st Century mother serves as a good example to every one of how life should be lived. She knows her children, and her children’s friends, watch her every move. She understands that someday the little one sitting in the car seat will grow up and be a mother or father themselves. Setting a good example is the 21st Century mother’s first priority.
Patient:
The 21st Century mother shows an enormous amount of patience. She understands that her child is not perfect and they all have their own path to success. She struggles with their failures but will never let them define who they are. 21st Century mothers see a better tomorrow for their children when they feel their world crashing in.
The 21st Century mother: caring, strong, intelligent, courageous, a good listener, a guide, a good example and patient.
Mothers throughout the history of time have been described many times with the words I wrote above. In the end, the only change we have seen when it comes to mothers is in the years and the decades!
Mothers will always be the one constant in our lives, no matter what the century!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – May 9-13, 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, May 9-
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8:35 AM- 8th Grade WALKOUT !!!!!!and individual student pictures
4PM– 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Game – Covington v EHMS @HOME
Tuesday, May 10
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
10 AM-Burns class to Maple Village
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Wednesday, May 11
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
8:30-11AM Gleaners--Wallington/Parkin
8:30 – 10:45 – Bishop/Cook Rouge water testing –please make sure your child is dressed appropriately-
change of clothes and rubber boots suggested
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
Choice Hour – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
4PM– 7th-8th Grade Girls Away Soccer Game – Covington @ WHMS
6:30 PM Tech Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 12
8th Grade Students bring your socks filled with coins at lunch and receive your class graduation shirt.
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8AM-2PM Religious Diversity Journey to Bharatiya Temple,Troy- 8 7/8 students
9:30AM-Harvath class to Baldwin House
12:30 Lunch with the Principals
1:15 PTSA Meeting
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
7:00 PM – Friends of Different learners Meeting-Media Center, Appreciation Awards
Friday, May 13
2:30PM Fire Drill-Please be aware when picking up/dropping off your children
Trash Free Friday
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Andover High School-Covington v WHMS
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Grilled Hot Dog/Beef Chili Dog,Seasoned Fries,Fresh Fruit cup,Mexican Pizza
Tuesday –Chicken Parmesan,Toasted Galic Bread,Glazed Carrots ,Cheese Quesadilla
Wednesday –Chicken or Veggie Stir Fry,Fried Rice,Oriental Blend Veg.,Supreme Pizza
Thursday –Breaded Chicken Drumstick,AuGratinPotatoes,California Blend,Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Grilled Chicken/Veggie Caesar Wrap,Pasta Salad,Fresh Fruit Cup,Meat Lover’s Pizza
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCROLL TO THE END OF THE WAG FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY and
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
IMPORTANT REMINDER Please ensure that your student has and USES a lock on their GYM locker and that all
valuables are secured there or in their SCHOOL locker. Some students have lost valuable items. Locking them is the best protection for everyone.
7/8 FOOD DRIVE FOR GLEANERS IS ONGOING-PLEASE SEND IN YOUR CONTRIBUTION
THANK YOU FROM THE BCS STAFF!
The BCS Staff would like to thank you for the amazing lunch and kind gifts last week for teacher appreciation week. We are so fortunate to have a parent group that supports us, recognizes our hard work, and acts as our cheerleader throughout the year! Knowing that you appreciate us makes BCS a great place to work!!
Thank you,
Adam, Patricia, and the BCS Staff
Forensics Results from Last Weekend!
Great Job BCS!!
Brad Freeman- 4th place trophy in Impromptu
Ben Fisher- Plaque in Impromptu
Sydney Rosen-5th place trophy in Sales
Emma Ellis-Plaque in Dramatic Interp
Courtney Wilkie, Marshall Ross, Julia Dickerson, Keely Faris, Gabby Klos)-Plaque in Multiple
Sam Weed, Natalie Nepa, Sally Kalfelghazal, Audrey Belf-5th place trophy in Multiple
Haley West-5th place trophy in Storytelling
Leora Bernard-Plaque in Storytelling
Meaghan Fortney-6th place trophy in Storytelling
DRESS CODE REMINDER
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE
Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
8th GRADE COIN DRIVE COLLECTION
We are collecting coins at lunch starting this Tuesday to raise money for our kid’s 8th grade graduation celebration!
Since families no longer have to purchase tickets for graduatio we now do fund raisers to offset the cost.
It’s time for our students to gather up all extra coins that they can find. Each student has a large tube sock to put their coins in that Mr. Mixon passed out last week. They can use any sock or bag to put the coins in.
We will be collecting the coins during lunch this Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 12:30- 1:15
Students will be given their class T-Shirt when they turn in their coins. Our Kids Thank You For Your Donations.
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! LAST DAY FOR PHOTOS IS MAY 20!
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:
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.
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
The deadline to send candid shots is May 20th.
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 classes next year that highlight their talents and interests.
We are searching for a Forensic coach – let us know if you are interested or if you might know someone qualified to coach our team. Also, students have asked for an acting class that would culminate in some type of performance, a fashion design class and a martial arts class. You have great resources in the community – we need your help!!
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. As always, thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
Congratulations go to Mrs. Brown and Mr. Joseph’s 5th grade students who were selected at National Finalists for the Siemens Challenge!! The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced in the next few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD RESULTS On Saturday, April 30th, our BCS Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 9th overall and brought home 8 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time. The team is coached by BCS teachers Tammy Brown and Chris Emmi.
Also, Congratulations to our BCS Kitchen Staff for passing their inspection this week with exemplary marks! We know that they work hard to make sure our students have the finest and it truly shows!!
7/8 Spirit Committee News
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21
On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6)
We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession.
Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids.
If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Help the Birmingham Education Foundation support our students!
Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at www.supportbef.org
Vintage Hat Fashion Show & Tea
Wear your favorite hat and plan to attend the Spring Tea and Fashion Show at the Birmingham Area Senior Center (BASCC) on Thursday, May 19 from 12:30-2:30 pm. Hat collector Lori Hoffman will present a fashion show of 100 vintage hats out of her collection of over 400 hats from the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Tea sandwiches from Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop will be served along with delicious desserts and a variety of teas. Pre-register and pay by calling BASCC at 248-203-5270. BASCC is located at 2121 Midvale Street, Birmingham, east of Cranbrook Road and South of Maple.
Birmingham Lacrosse Annual Mulch Sale!
Spring is here and the Birmingham Lacrosse Team has mulch for you! This premium grade product is available in a variety of styles; hardwood, cedar, cypress, red pine, red, black, brown, pine nuggets, pine bark. The mulch will be on sale at the Seaholm High School back parking lot (near the tennis courts) on Saturday, May 7 starting at 10:00 am. Lacrosse Team members will be on site to load your mulch to your vehicle. This annual fundraising effort supports the unified Seaholm/Groves high school lacrosse teams.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
WAG May 2-6
May 1, 2011
Dear BCS Community,
Last Friday marked the end of a wonderful career for Donna Feldmaier here at BCS. (We will be holding interviews for her replacement later this week) The BCS staff held various celebrations throughout the week for Donna as she and her husband look to enjoy their “second life” outside of Michigan. I cannot say enough kind words about Donna that would explain what she meant to so many people here at BCS and within the community.
We often take for granted the people in our lives that affect us the most. We are too busy to take a step back sometimes and realize how important our family members are to us or how much a co worker makes us a better person. It is not until that person leaves that we realize what they mean to us or the organization. Donna has left a legacy of professionalism, an amazing work ethic, and a sense of humor that can never be replaced! To best describe Donna, I found some quotes that reflect what Donna has done for BCS over the years.
Donna Feldmaier had an impact on all of us and we will always be grateful!
Congratulations Donna!
Have a G.E.E.K.ed Week,
Adam
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James
The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. ~Author Unknown
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do. ~Author Unknown
You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. ~Author Unknown
I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end. ~Larry Bird
Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it. ~Author Unknown
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
John F. Kennedy
2011 State Competition
Science Olympiad Results
On Saturday, April 30th, our Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 9th overall and brought home 8 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time.
The following students took home medals:
1st Place
Optics – Michael Kmiec & Noah Smith
Shock Value – Jacob Anderson & Bogdan Manga
2nd Place
Anatomy – Nadia Hakim & Noah Smith
Ornithology – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Bogdan Manga
3rd Place
Dynamic Planet – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Solar System – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
6th Place
Ecology – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
Meteorology – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Adam Smith
The following students had an outstanding performance in their event:
7th Place
Storm the Castle – Jacob Anderson & Bogdan Manga
8th Place
Can’t Judge a Powder – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
11th Place
Awesome Aquifer – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Compute This – Aaron Levett & Noah Smith
13th Place
Battery Buggy – Nick Confer & James Rivard
14th Place
Bottle Rockets – Nick Confer & Michael Kmiec
17th Place
Road Scholar – Don Rea & Adam Smith
18th Place
Experimental Design – Alison John, Maria Roma & Adam Smith
WEEK AT A GLANCE –May 2-6, 2011 – STAFF APPRECCIATION WEEK-PTSA
(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, May 2
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8:35 AM- 8th Grade WALKOUT !!!!!!and individual student pictures -Rain date May 9th
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Tuesday, May 3
Plant Day
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
4:15PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Game @ Home Derby v Covington
7:00PM- Board of Education Meeting – Administration Building
Wednesday, May 4
all students are asked to bring in a small bag of their favorite individually wrapped candy for
distribution on Thursday
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Market Day Orders to be Picked Up
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
9:15-10:30AM 5/6 Room Parent Meetings – Media Center
9:35AM Butzin/Frishman classes to BASCC for Reading Party
10:10 AM FIREDRILL-Please be aware when signing kids in or out
11AM-1PM- 8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
4:15– 7th-8th Grade Girls Away Soccer Game – Covington @ DCD
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Seaholm Covington v Derby
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
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
9:30AM Parkin’s Class to Baldwin House for Reading Party
11AM-1PM- 8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Friday, May 6
Trash Free Friday
Ask your 7/8th grader for Cedar Point Information that was distributed last week -sign up is Mon
11AM-1PM -8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
Lunchtime - Proud Mom’s Eat & Run – Please get a nametag at the sign-in table and join your child for lunch in the cafeteria during the normal lunchtime.
Lunchtimes: 3/4 -11:00 – 11:40 AM
5/6 -11:55 – 12:35 PM
7/8 - 12:35 – 1:15 PM
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Baked Pasta, Marinara, Fresh Baked Garlic Roll, Steamed Green Beans and Cauliflower, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Tuesday –Chicken or Cheeseburger Sliders on Wheat Buns, Crispy Potato Wedges, Cole Slaw, Nacho Supreme
Wednesday –Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, Rice Noodles, Steamed Snow Pea Pods, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – Flakey chicken Pot Pie, Mashed Potatoes and Chicken Gravy, Steamed Broccoli, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Chef’s Inspiration
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
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
ATHLETIC UPDATES
It was tough week for track and soccer with the weather. We are hoping for some sunshine! Please join us this week as both sports take on cross-town rivals, Derby. Track will be away on Wednesday and soccer will be home on Tuesday.
Staff Appreciation Week is here!
Please take the time to recognize and thank our teachers and staff for all they do! Our PTSA planned events are:
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)
TWO ESTEEMED MEMBERS OF THE BCS COMMUNITY WERE HONORED ON APRIL 28 AT THE ANNUAL DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS BREAKFAST AT THE COMMUNITY HOUSE IN BIRMINGHAM.
ROY BISHOP, 5-6 math and science teacher, was nominated by his peers at BCS.
GIGI SALKA, active parent on BCS PTSA throughout the careers of her three children at BCS, was nominated by WISDOM, an interfaith group of women which encourages dialogue and outreach in Metro Detroit.
Congratulations to these two deserving people!
ATTENTION 8th Grade FAMILIES-CELEBRATIONAND FUNDRAISING NEWS
USED BOOK SALE @ BCS MAY 4th, 5th, 6th!!! Don't miss the great book bargains at our used book sale this Weds through Friday. We will be selling all the donated books in front of the cafeteria during student lunch hours (11am to 1pm) . All books are $1... What a great price!!! Don't forget to stop by during Mom's Eat and Run on Friday! Proceeds to benefit the 8th Grade Celebration. Many thanks to all who donated their books/materials
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:
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.
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!
RECOGNITION FOR BCS BAND STUDENTS
Five members of the BCS 8th grade band recently participated in the annual Spring Solo & Ensemble Festival sanctioned by the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association. The festival took place in Lake Orion, Michigan. Daniel Ames received a 1st division rating for his solo piano performance. Receiving a 2nd division score for their trumpet trio were Shelby K., Maria R. and Katie C.. Alex F. received a 3rd division rating for his solo French horn performance. Congratulations to these fine musicians for their extra effort in music this spring!
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
7/8 Spirit Committee News
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21 On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6) We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession. Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids. If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS!
Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at
ww.supportbef.org
Lemonade Stand Viewing / Sales available on Friday, May 6th at Mom's Eat and Run!
The Guinness Book of World Records has approved a bid for the Longest Lemonade Stand that will take place on August 20th at Beverly Park. The "longest"measurement will be based on length, not length of sales of actual lemonade. We will have a stand available for you to see on Friday at BCS. They are preset for easy travel to the event, you can decorate them and keep them after the event! The cost is $50.00's now through May 20th and when you buy one you can indicate that some of the monies go to BCS through the BEF! If you are looking for a community service project for the summer, this is a great opportunity to volunteer or challenge other classes to see who can have the most stands at the event. For more information, including teacher created curriculum information please go to www.longestlemonadestand.com. If you have any questions feel free to contact Amy Tyrrell amy@zeal-us.com.
Dear BCS Community,
Last Friday marked the end of a wonderful career for Donna Feldmaier here at BCS. (We will be holding interviews for her replacement later this week) The BCS staff held various celebrations throughout the week for Donna as she and her husband look to enjoy their “second life” outside of Michigan. I cannot say enough kind words about Donna that would explain what she meant to so many people here at BCS and within the community.
We often take for granted the people in our lives that affect us the most. We are too busy to take a step back sometimes and realize how important our family members are to us or how much a co worker makes us a better person. It is not until that person leaves that we realize what they mean to us or the organization. Donna has left a legacy of professionalism, an amazing work ethic, and a sense of humor that can never be replaced! To best describe Donna, I found some quotes that reflect what Donna has done for BCS over the years.
Donna Feldmaier had an impact on all of us and we will always be grateful!
Congratulations Donna!
Have a G.E.E.K.ed Week,
Adam
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James
The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten
We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa
Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. ~Author Unknown
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do. ~Author Unknown
You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. ~Author Unknown
I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end. ~Larry Bird
Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it. ~Author Unknown
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
John F. Kennedy
2011 State Competition
Science Olympiad Results
On Saturday, April 30th, our Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed against the top 49 schools in the state of Michigan. We placed 9th overall and brought home 8 medals! The kids worked hard and had a fantastic time.
The following students took home medals:
1st Place
Optics – Michael Kmiec & Noah Smith
Shock Value – Jacob Anderson & Bogdan Manga
2nd Place
Anatomy – Nadia Hakim & Noah Smith
Ornithology – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Bogdan Manga
3rd Place
Dynamic Planet – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Solar System – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
6th Place
Ecology – Hannah Diehl & Aaron Levett
Meteorology – Nicole Floyd-Stancil & Adam Smith
The following students had an outstanding performance in their event:
7th Place
Storm the Castle – Jacob Anderson & Bogdan Manga
8th Place
Can’t Judge a Powder – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
11th Place
Awesome Aquifer – Hannah Diehl & Will Trask
Compute This – Aaron Levett & Noah Smith
13th Place
Battery Buggy – Nick Confer & James Rivard
14th Place
Bottle Rockets – Nick Confer & Michael Kmiec
17th Place
Road Scholar – Don Rea & Adam Smith
18th Place
Experimental Design – Alison John, Maria Roma & Adam Smith
WEEK AT A GLANCE –May 2-6, 2011 – STAFF APPRECCIATION WEEK-PTSA
(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, May 2
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8:35 AM- 8th Grade WALKOUT !!!!!!and individual student pictures -Rain date May 9th
3:15-5:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Tuesday, May 3
Plant Day
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
4:15PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Game @ Home Derby v Covington
7:00PM- Board of Education Meeting – Administration Building
Wednesday, May 4
all students are asked to bring in a small bag of their favorite individually wrapped candy for
distribution on Thursday
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Market Day Orders to be Picked Up
POPCORN Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway
9:15-10:30AM 5/6 Room Parent Meetings – Media Center
9:35AM Butzin/Frishman classes to BASCC for Reading Party
10:10 AM FIREDRILL-Please be aware when signing kids in or out
11AM-1PM- 8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
4:15– 7th-8th Grade Girls Away Soccer Game – Covington @ DCD
4:15PM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Meet @ Seaholm Covington v Derby
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
6:45-8:00AM – 6th – 8th Boys and Girls Track Practice
9:30AM Parkin’s Class to Baldwin House for Reading Party
11AM-1PM- 8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Friday, May 6
Trash Free Friday
Ask your 7/8th grader for Cedar Point Information that was distributed last week -sign up is Mon
11AM-1PM -8th Grade Used Book Sale-Cafeteria
Lunchtime - Proud Mom’s Eat & Run – Please get a nametag at the sign-in table and join your child for lunch in the cafeteria during the normal lunchtime.
Lunchtimes: 3/4 -11:00 – 11:40 AM
5/6 -11:55 – 12:35 PM
7/8 - 12:35 – 1:15 PM
4:05-6:00PM – 7th-8th Grade Girls Soccer Practice.
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
Available everyday: Pizza, Hamburger & Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Nachos, Beef Soft Shell Tacos, Freshly Made Salads & Sandwiches, Garden Fresh Salad Bar
Monday –Baked Pasta, Marinara, Fresh Baked Garlic Roll, Steamed Green Beans and Cauliflower, BBQ Chicken Pizza
Tuesday –Chicken or Cheeseburger Sliders on Wheat Buns, Crispy Potato Wedges, Cole Slaw, Nacho Supreme
Wednesday –Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, Rice Noodles, Steamed Snow Pea Pods, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – Flakey chicken Pot Pie, Mashed Potatoes and Chicken Gravy, Steamed Broccoli, Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Chef’s Inspiration
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
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes! Please remember that we have guidelines for our students when it comes to dress code and we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. If a student is in violation of the dress code, a staff member may ask them to contact a parent to bring up a change of clothing. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that are often brought to our attention by staff here at BCS are shorts and tank tops. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and spaghetti strap tank tops are not permitted. Undergarments should not be visible at all. Hats are not allowed to be worn within the school building except for special occasions such as hat day. Thank you again for your support and help in this matter!
BCS FORMER STAFF UPDATE Former BCS counselor Brian Flatter and his wife Lindsay had a beautiful baby girl recently, Delaney Rose. Unfortunately her health has taken a turn and Brian has allowed us to share the following website with our BCS families that would like more information or to share your thoughts or support: www.delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com
ATHLETIC UPDATES
It was tough week for track and soccer with the weather. We are hoping for some sunshine! Please join us this week as both sports take on cross-town rivals, Derby. Track will be away on Wednesday and soccer will be home on Tuesday.
Staff Appreciation Week is here!
Please take the time to recognize and thank our teachers and staff for all they do! Our PTSA planned events are:
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)
TWO ESTEEMED MEMBERS OF THE BCS COMMUNITY WERE HONORED ON APRIL 28 AT THE ANNUAL DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS BREAKFAST AT THE COMMUNITY HOUSE IN BIRMINGHAM.
ROY BISHOP, 5-6 math and science teacher, was nominated by his peers at BCS.
GIGI SALKA, active parent on BCS PTSA throughout the careers of her three children at BCS, was nominated by WISDOM, an interfaith group of women which encourages dialogue and outreach in Metro Detroit.
Congratulations to these two deserving people!
ATTENTION 8th Grade FAMILIES-CELEBRATIONAND FUNDRAISING NEWS
USED BOOK SALE @ BCS MAY 4th, 5th, 6th!!! Don't miss the great book bargains at our used book sale this Weds through Friday. We will be selling all the donated books in front of the cafeteria during student lunch hours (11am to 1pm) . All books are $1... What a great price!!! Don't forget to stop by during Mom's Eat and Run on Friday! Proceeds to benefit the 8th Grade Celebration. Many thanks to all who donated their books/materials
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:
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.
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!
RECOGNITION FOR BCS BAND STUDENTS
Five members of the BCS 8th grade band recently participated in the annual Spring Solo & Ensemble Festival sanctioned by the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association. The festival took place in Lake Orion, Michigan. Daniel Ames received a 1st division rating for his solo piano performance. Receiving a 2nd division score for their trumpet trio were Shelby K., Maria R. and Katie C.. Alex F. received a 3rd division rating for his solo French horn performance. Congratulations to these fine musicians for their extra effort in music this spring!
BCS BAND SPRING BAND CONCERTS
The 5th & 6th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday evening, June 1st in the BCS cafeteria. The performance will begin at 7:00pm. The 7th & 8th grade bands will perform their spring concert on Wednesday, June 8th in the BCS cafeteria. The starting time for the 7th & 8th grade band performance is 7:00pm.
The 8th grade band members will also be making a guest appearance with the BCS orchestra on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm. Specific details for the 8th grade performance with the orchestra will be sent to parents as the concert date gets closer.
7/8 Spirit Committee News
For the rest of the year, the 7/8 Spirit Committee will be making fleece tie blankets to donate to Project Linus. Please help our effort by donating FLEECE, FLEECE BLANKET KITS or a NEW HANDMADE BLANKET made by a student, parent or someone you know to the blue bins by the office.
All blanket styles are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Always remember that blankets must be homemade, washable, free of pins, and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons. (Project Linus donates blankets to children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on chapter need. For example, blankets could be as small as 36" X 36." The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40" X 60", or what is called “crib size.”)The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."This company and its volunteers and supporters have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.Please visit www. projectlinus.org for more information, blanket patterns, to learn more about this organization, etc. (The FAQs page is very helpful)
BCS Organic Garden/Proud Dad Day - May 21 On Saturday, May 21, the PTSA and Proud Dads are going to start the process of installing the BCS Organic Garden. This is an update, resurrection, of the previous garden. This will be a full day effort and will require all hands on deck. The schedule for the day will be from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Our goal is to work in 3 hour shifts (9-12, 12-3, 3-6) We need Dad's, Mom's, BCS students, and siblings, to help in this effort. It's a fantastic opportunity to invest some time to help BCS by building an Organic Garden that will be a teaching/learning tool for the school. It will also will include opportunities for vegetable gardening, flower gardening and natural succession. Please be prepared to do some digging, weeding and fence installation. We'll need yard rakes, garden rakes, weed eaters and gloves, if you have them. Refreshments will be on hand as will some soccer balls and basketballs for the kids. If you can join us please send your availability to Proud Dad Mike Anderson (mike@mccanco.com). HELP THE BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS!
Find out about the Birmingham Education Foundation spring fundraiser at Toast on May 19, 2011 at
ww.supportbef.org
Lemonade Stand Viewing / Sales available on Friday, May 6th at Mom's Eat and Run!
The Guinness Book of World Records has approved a bid for the Longest Lemonade Stand that will take place on August 20th at Beverly Park. The "longest"measurement will be based on length, not length of sales of actual lemonade. We will have a stand available for you to see on Friday at BCS. They are preset for easy travel to the event, you can decorate them and keep them after the event! The cost is $50.00's now through May 20th and when you buy one you can indicate that some of the monies go to BCS through the BEF! If you are looking for a community service project for the summer, this is a great opportunity to volunteer or challenge other classes to see who can have the most stands at the event. For more information, including teacher created curriculum information please go to www.longestlemonadestand.com. If you have any questions feel free to contact Amy Tyrrell amy@zeal-us.com.
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