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.