W.A.G. Nov 28-Dec 2, 2011

November 27, 2011

Dear BCS Families,

This weekend was a time to reflect on what we have to be thankful for, catch up with friends and family, and to look into our bright future as another Thanksgiving has gone and passed.  There are many aspects of BCS I could write about when it comes to being thankful but one has stood out the past few weeks.  Our charge to give our students learning experiences that include using their creativity, their hands, and their ability to work together is something to be thankful for.  Our teachers do a great job of making these opportunities a reality on a daily basis but we also have parents providing these opportunities as well.  One example is the recent accomplishments of our robotics teams, Cooking with Cobras and Cobras in the Kitchen.  Headed by parents Nihkl Kumar, Steven Packard, Arthur Stephenson and Dawn Stephenson, these two teams have worked hard this fall and found themselves in the hunt for a first place finish.  They received honors at a recent robotics competition in Flint, MI and one team, Cooking with Cobras, received 2nd place for core values and teamwork.  The judges were surprised to learn this team was new and had not worked together for more than a few months.  Though a surprise to the judges, it is not a surprise to me.  It is a true testament to the BCS community, always pulling together when teamwork is needed.  This is something we should all be thankful for!

For more on our robotics team and to see pictures of the team listed below, go to http://www.adamhartleybcs.blogspot.com/ to see a short slideshow. (scroll down below this W.A.G.)

Cooking with Cobras

Coaches: Nihkl Kumar and Mr. Steven Packard 

Colton DeVos    

Jacob Packard    

Laya Kumar    

Laith Miller    

Felix Sommers  

David Littlefield    

Dominic Mastrangell

Josh Bashur  

Cobras in the Kitchen

Coaches:  Arthur Stephenson and Dawn Stephenson 

Storm Stephenson     

Chance Stephenson     

Leo Adams      

Ari Kohl     

Jack Gamble     

Philip Henricks     

Josh Chapnick     

Andrew Arpasi  

Rhys Williams 

 Martin Mastrangell

Have a Great Week,

Adam

WEEK AT A GLANCE –   Week of November 28-December 2, 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  by  THURSDAY 11PM

!!!!!! PENNY WARS BEGIN  !!!!!!

Monday, November 28

• DUE-APPLICATION FOR 7^TH GRADE DIVERSITY JOURNEYS -see bcsonlin.info for application and information
• 3:15-5:00 PM-GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE
• 4 :00PM BOYS BASKETBALL HOME V. ABBOTT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tuesday, November 29

• 6:45-8 AM GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE
• 8 AM BAGELS for Sale- for $1.25 (cream cheese .25 cents)in front of the Media Center

Wednesday, November 30

• AM-8^TH GRADE EXPLORE testing

• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE
• 3:15-5:00 PM-GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE
• Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1

Thursday, December 1

• AM-8^TH GRADE EXPLORE testing
• Due-permission slips for DELAYED START on DEC 8-info on bcsonline.info

• DUE -REFLECTIONS ENTRIES-ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE TO THE MEDIA CENTER 

• 4;00 PM BOYS BASKETBALL @ BEKSHIRE MIDDLE SCHOOL
• 4:15 PM-Girls Swim Team Home v.West Hills Middle School
• 6 PM Friends of Different Learners Holiday Bazaar-Groves High School Commons

Friday, December 2

• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE

• 6:45-8 AM GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE
• DUE-ORDER FORM FOR SCRIP TO SUPPORT OUR CHAMPIONSHIP SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM-see bcsonlind for info
• Market Day pick-up

Sunday, December 4

• BCS OPEN HOUSE -1-3 PM

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 or Beef Chili Dog whole Wheat Bun, Seasoned Fries, Fresh Fruit cup , Mexican Pizza 

Tuesday – Chicken Parmesan/Whole Wheat Noodles, Toasted Garlic Bread, Steamed Carrots, Cheese Quesadillas

Wednesday –Chicken or Veg Stir Fry, Brown Rice, Oriental Blend Veg, Supreme Pizza 

Thursday –Our Own Flakey Chicken Pot Pie, Caesar Salad, Steamed Broccoli, Chicken Enchilada 

Friday –Egg,Bacon Croissant Sandwich, Potatoes O’Brien, Sweet Corn, Chicken Fajita Pizza 

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

3/4 PE REMINDER for 2^nd marking period

Harvath and Maliszewski will swim until 12/16

Butzin,Frishman,Davis,Seley,Parkin and Wallington will be in the gym

DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE JINGLE BELL RUN?

Anyone missing anything from this event can call Laurie @ the Arthritis Foundation at 800-968-3030  ext 230

BCS Penny Wars Begin Monday, November 28!!!!! 

Please encourage your students to bring in their spare change, placing pennies in their homeroom jug (positive points) and other coins or bills in other homeroom jugs (negative points). Clean out the couches and send in your loose change Penny Wars will take place 11/28/11 through 12/9/11. The winning Homeroom will be the Captains for the packaging event If you would like to make a donation to Kids Against Hunger, all money you turn into the office will go towards our goal of $5600.  Checks may be written out to Kids Against Hunger Coalition or KAHC.

Reflections
Calling all artists, photographers, dancers, composers, film makers and authors!  It is time for Reflections!  This program offers all BCS students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition.   

The theme for 2011-2012 is “Diversity Means….” 

Reflect on the theme.  Create an original work.  Be recognized!

Categories include: Film/Video Production, Dance Choreography, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts and Literature.  

This is a way to celebrate the many skills of our students and promote the pursuit of artistic expression.  Please encourage all students to reflect on this theme and submit an original work!  Detailed information can be found at http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/about_reflections.  Also, look for the link on bcsonline.info. 

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE TO THE MEDIA CENTER BY DECEMBER 1, 2011.  PLEASE FOLLOW ALL ENTRY GUIDELINES CAREFULLY AS REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED!Questions?  Please contact Teresa Rea: reateresa@gmail.com.

Religious Diversity Journeys

 This is an opportunity available to current 7^th grade students to learn about the culture, traditions and holidays of religions prevalent in the Metro Detroit area.  More information and the application may be found on the BCS website.  Applications are due MONDAY, 11/28/11.  

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DESTINATION IMAGINATION??

If you are interested in leading a DI (Destination Imagination) team during Marking Periods 3 and 4, please contact Adam Hartley at ah07bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us

DO YOU NEED TO CARPOOL FOR QUARTER II-????

We now have a private, unlisted Google map for BCS families who wish to find carpool partners.  To be included on the map and receive your link to the map, please email bcscarpool@gmail.com with your Family Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone, and Email.This carpool map is only for the use of BCS families who would like to carpool

Box Tops Update! Way to go! 

BCS will receive $132.40 for the first Box Tops submission.  Keep clipping and saving to help reach our goal of $1000!

Box Tops collections for the next month will be donated to the BCS Battles World Hunger cause! 
A ton can easily be earned if people do their online shopping via the boxtops site without much effort.  Over 100 retailers will give eBoxTops when you shop online at the Marketplace.  http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/marketplace/BrowseStores.aspx?WT.ac=Mktplce_HC_SeeAllStores
Forget waiting in long lines!  Get your holiday shopping done easily online AND help BCS Battle World Hunger at the same time!
Did you know you can earn eBoxTops by watching a video, requesting a brochure or purchasing a car? Get your mouse in gear and start clicking because this promotion ends on December 1! http://generalmills.promo.eprize.com/btfe/:b=firefox8/?affiliate_id=1c

FRIENDS HOLIDAY BAZZAR

As we enter into this flurry of holiday festivities, please be sure to attend the Friends Holiday Bazaar, Thursday, December 1^st, 6-9:00 PM at Groves High School!  Local artisans will be showcased featuring ceramics, photography, jewelry, soaps and  much, much more! This event is sponsored by Friends of Different Learners. For more information visit www.friendsofdifferentlearners.org

A NOTE FROM ANN TRUESDELL-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Below is a list of the BCS database usernames and passwords.  It’s something that I’d love for parents to have filed away, for any time that students have to do online research from home. The list has also been sent to all students via their school emails.

Databases – Passwords! 

http://www.digitalbcs.com/mc Last updated 11/17/11 

Grolier Online Encyclopedia for elementary (“Kids”) & middle school (“Passport”) From Home – username: homework password: help123 

World Book Encyclopedia for elementary (“Kids”) & middle (“Student”) From Home – username: homework password: help123 

SIRS Discoverer Articles, pictures, current events, and more! customer#:MI5352H password: 48328 

CultureGrams Info on countries, states, & provinces username: bcs password: cobra 

Gale Virtual Reference BCS's eBooks -- full books online! password: cobra 

eLibrary Elementary Newspapers, magazines, pictures, and more! username: SUBMICH286 password: CHILD286 

MEL -- Michigan eLibrary Dozens of databases and resources! Login w/a public library card or driver’s license # 

Gale Databases Pick one of MANY databases! password: Oakland

BIRMINGHAM YOUTH ASSISTANCE- presents Holiday Breakfast    TIME FOR SANTA!!!    Dec. 3

Please join Birmingham Youth Assistance at their Holiday Breakfast Event hosted at The Community House in Birmingham on Saturday, December 3, 2011.  Tickets are $15 per person with 2 sittings, 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. .  Please contact  www.communityhouse.com.or visit their website at www.birminghamyouthassistance.org or call 248-642-4882

ARE YOU IN FOURTH GRADE?? THEN HIT THE SLOPES…FOURTH GRADE KIDS SKI FREE

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. MSIA has established a state-wide program which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 20 participating ski areas.  In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them.

Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.  For more information and a list of participating ski resorts, please visit: http://www.goskimichigan.com/cold-is-cool.html

A Family Opportunity….Deliver Food and Gifts to City Mission in Detroit. 

A NOTE FROM FORMER BCS PARENT LILY MARESKI

DEAR BCS FAMILIES

Every year we have had a beautiful tradition of serving our community and delivering gifts and food to those in need.  This event continues to grow every year, and I would love for you and your family to join us if you have the time and interest.  This is a highlight for our family every year!  We will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17th at the fire house in the village for a late breakfast.  From there we will follow each other to City Mission to start the task of assembling or delivering.  Typically, we are done about 3:00 p.m. but know that you can leave earlier if you need to.   If you would like to join us, please email back so that I can follow up with further information...thanks so much...Lily    

Adopt a Family 2011

B C S is joining the Adopt A Family Program at Community Housing Network This Year!

The families we will be helping were previously homeless, but are now in safe, affordable housing in Oakland County.  Unfortunately, many still can’t afford the daily necessities, let alone holiday gifts.

These families have been asked to complete a Wish List. Items from the wish lists have been written on “Snowflakes” which will be kept outside the office. You may sign out a snowflake, purchase the gift, wrap it, attach the snowflake to the gift, and return the gift to BCS.  

We are also collecting much needed household items in hope of giving each family in the program an assortment of the things that are “Always Needed / Always Appreciated”. Please see the attachment for a list of these items.  These should be turned into the collection bin outside the office.  

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE IN THE DROP OFF AREA OUTSIDE THE OFFICE BY 4:00 ON DEC. 9.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Hamady at 248.763.6099 or sandrahamady@yahoo.com.

BCS Robotics Team 2011

Nov. 21-25 W.A.G.

November 20, 2011




Dear BCS Families,



With a short week ahead and a busy few months behind us, I would like to recap some exciting things we have to be thankful here at BCS. I would like to wish you and your family a happy and relaxing Thanksgiving. I would also like to thank our parents that step up and go over and beyond what is usually expected from the community. Everything below is due to your efforts. As BCS moves forward, it will become more and more important to foster a relationship that promotes collaboration, creativity, and effective communication between the BCS staff and parents. It is the only way we will be successful!

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.


Brian Tracy

Jingle Bell Run at BCS!

For the second consecutive year, the BCS Cobras had the biggest team at the Jingle Bell Run. BCS had more than 50 members. The team raised over $1,800 for the Arthritis Foundation, making BCS one of the top three contributors. We had several strong individual showings, with winners in several age groups!!

(Thank you to David Stone, Proud Dad’s Co-Chair, Angela Geisler and Dawn Walton, BCS Cross Country Coaches, Chris Manchester and Bill Johansson, BCS P.E. Teachers)

Every one of our greatest national treasures, our liberty, enterprise, vitality, wealth, military power, global authority, flow from a surprising source: our ability to give thanks.


Tony Snow

Chipotle Helps with 5/6 Parent Sponsored Dinner for BCS Staff

Thank you from BCS teachers and staff to our 5/6 parents and PTSA for the delicious dinner and dessert served at conferences last week. We graciously acknowledge our sustainable business partner Chipotle for sponsoring the conference dinner through the 5/6 Cyberfair project.

An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.


Irv Kupcinet

BCS named “Beating the Odds School” in Michigan

“Beating the Odds” schools are schools that are outperforming schools with similar demographic composition. These schools were identified by the Department of Education.

“We have good things happening in Michigan schools,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. “These Beating the Odds schools are helping students make progress and finding ways to overcome traditional barriers to academic achievement.”

“Beating the Odds schools have found ways to work smarter and harder, not just harder,” Flanagan said. “They have good leaders, knowledgeable and prepared teachers who engage students and a commitment to involve and embrace parents and the community.”

Flanagan said that while there is no single factor to school success, there are common themes worth studying. “I encourage all educators to explore what similar Beating the Odds schools are doing and, when appropriate, replicate what will work in their buildings,” said Flanagan.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/beatingtheodds.

Be thankful for problems. If they were less difficult, someone with less ability might have your job.

James A. Lovell


BCS Takes Carpooling to another Level

The BCS Carpool Map, developed by the PTSA (Thank you Elizabeth Robbins) in response to a family inquiry about the possibility of getting in touch with other families for carpooling. Because BCS is a district-wide school, families come from all over the BPS area. Carpooling allows families to share the transportation burden. This private, unlisted google map, allows interested families to see where other families live who are interested in sharing rides. Google maps allows users to create place marks and annotate them with names, phone numbers, and emails, so the information is readily available. The Carpool Map is another way the BCS PTSA responded to the needs of the BCS community, encouraged energy conservation, and used technology in a purposeful way. Currently, 23 families have added their information to the Map.

To be included on the map and receive your link to the map, please email bcscarpool@gmail.com with your Family Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone, and Email.

THIS CARPOOL MAP IS ONLY FOR THE USE OF BCS FAMILIES WHO WOULD LIKE TO CARPOOL

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.


Maya Angelou

BCS Open House is Sunday, December 4, 2011

We have the opportunity to again invite the community into our “world” and experience BCS. Led by student ambassadors, visitors are guided on a 5 star tour and are given a chance to see our staff, products created by students, and inquire about what makes BCS a great place to learn. We are always thankful for the turnout and are hoping for the largest open house to date!

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.


Lao Tzu

These are just glimpses of how the BCS team (parents, staff, and students) works together to create an amazing environment for learning. I would like to personally thank all of our parent leaders and ask everyone to step up, in one way or another, as we grow and continue to strive for success. Let’s keep the ball rolling.

THANK YOU,

Adam





WEEK AT A GLANCE – Week of November 21-25, 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 by THURSDAY 11PM



Monday, November 21

• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE

• 11:30-2:30PM 8th Grade Students to SEAHOLM HS Students will need to bring a sack lunch

• 3:15-5:00 PM-GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE

• 5 PM BASKETBALL PARENT MEETING

• 5 PM-GIRLS SWIM TEAM PARENT MEETING

Tuesday, November 22

• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE

• 6:45-8:00 AM GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE

• DUE-8 AM SNOW CLUB APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

• 8 AM BAGELS for Sale- for $1.25 (cream cheese .25 cents)in front of the Media Center

• 11:30-2:30PM 8th Grade Students to GROVES HS Students will need to bring a sack lunch

• 1:50 PM – LOCKDOWN DRILL

• IT’S BACK!! SCHOOL STORE OPEN DURING CHOICE HOUR TODAY

Wednesday, November 23

BCS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT FOR GLEANERS-THANKS BCS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT

No School-Conference Compensation Day for Teachers

Thursday, November 24

No School-THANKSGIVING - Have a Wonderful Holiday with Family and Friends

Friday, November 25

No School

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

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

Monday – Whole Wheat Baked Pasta Marinara,Toasted Garlic Bread,Steamed Carrots, BBQ Chicken Pizza

Tuesday –Chicken or Cheeseburger Sliders on Whole Wheat Bun, Crispy Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Nacho Supreme





PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION



DIGITAL BCS UPDATE

We are currently making the switch from DigitalBCS.com to www.BCSonline.info for all of our teacher websites. Please go to www.BCSonline.info and reset your teacher bookmarks from that page as they will no longer be correct with the DigitalBCS



ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DESTINATION IMAGINATION??

If you are interested in leading a DI (Destination Imagination) team during Marking Periods 3 and 4, please contact Adam Hartley at ah07bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us





RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY JOURNEYS

This is an opportunity available to current 7th grade students to learn about the culture, traditions and holidays of religions prevalent in the Metro Detroit area. More information and the application may be found on the BCS website. Applications are due MONDAY, 11/28/11.







GLEANERS UPDATE

All volunteer sessions for Gleaners have been filled. For those of you who did not get the opportunity to sign up, we will be teaming up with Gleaners again on Saturday, May 19. Please look for an email and sign-up sheets closer to the date.



PROUD DADS FIGHT HUNGER UPDATE

Thank you again to all of our families for their amazing support of the Gleaners fundraising through Proud Dads Eat and Run! Gleaners shared with us that there was a corporate matching event occurring during our fundraising and so our collected money will now purchase 2544 meals for Gleaners! Thanks for the support!



BOX TOPS COLLECTIONS FOR THE NEXT MONTH WILL BE DONATED TO THE BCS BATTLES WORLD HUNGER CAUSE!

A ton can easily be earned if people do their online shopping via the boxtops site without much effort. Over 100 retailers will give eBoxTops when you shop online at the Marketplace. http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/marketplace/BrowseStores.aspx?WT.ac=Mktplce_HC_SeeAllStores

Forget waiting in long lines! Get your holiday shopping done easily online AND help BCS Battle World Hunger at the same time!

Did you know you can earn eBoxTops by watching a video, requesting a brochure or purchasing a car? Get your mouse in gear and start clicking because this promotion ends on December 1! http://generalmills.promo.eprize.com/btfe/:b=firefox8/?affiliate_id=1c



DO YOU NEED TO CARPOOL FOR QUARTER II-????

We now have a private, unlisted Google map for BCS families who wish to find carpool partners. To be included on the map and receive your link to the map, please email bcscarpool@gmail.com with your Family Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone, and Email.THIS CARPOOL MAP IS ONLY FOR THE USE OF BCS FAMILIES WHO WOULD LIKE TO CARPOOL



REFLECTIONS

Calling all artists, photographers, dancers, composers, film makers and authors! It is time for Reflections! This program offers all BCS students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition.

The theme for 2011-2012 is “Diversity Means….”

Reflect on the theme. Create an original work. Be recognized!

Categories include: Film/Video Production, Dance Choreography, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts and Literature.

This is a way to celebrate the many skills of our students and promote the pursuit of artistic expression. Please encourage all students to reflect on this theme and submit an original work! Detailed information can be found at http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/about_reflections. Also, look for the link on bcsonline.info.



ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE TO THE MEDIA CENTER BY DECEMBER 1, 2011. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL ENTRY GUIDELINES CAREFULLY AS REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED!Questions? Please contact Teresa Rea: reateresa@gmail.com.



ARE YOU IN FOURTH GRADE?? THEN HIT THE SLOPES…FOURTH GRADE KIDS SKI FREE

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) wants to give Michigan kids an opportunity to get out, have fun and get healthy this winter. MSIA has established a state-wide program which provides every fourth grader in Michigan the opportunity to ski for free. Fourth graders can obtain a “Cold is Cool” Ski & Ride Passport that gives them up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 20 participating ski areas. In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them.

Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered. For more information and a list of participating ski resorts, please visit: http://www.goskimichigan.com/cold-is-cool.html



DONATE YOUR BOOTS

Re-Boot Detroit is here: A community service project to help Detroit's homeless through the winter by donating Men's, Women's or Children's gently worn or new boots. Collection bins can be found outside the main office. This need to great as winter comes quickly here in Michigan. The boots will be distributed through Cass Community Services as part of a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout Service Project. You can find out more about "Re-Boot Detroit" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReBootDetroit . Please take a look in your closets to see if you might have a unique way of helping others in need. Donations will be accepted through Friday, November 18



A NOTE FROM ANN TRUESDELL-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Below is a list of the BCS database usernames and passwords. It’s something that I’d love for parents to have filed away, for any time that students have to do online research from home. The list has also been sent to all students via their school emails.

Databases – Passwords!

http://www.digitalbcs.com/mc Last updated 11/17/11

Grolier Online Encyclopedia for elementary (“Kids”) & middle school (“Passport”) From Home – username: homework password: help123

World Book Encyclopedia for elementary (“Kids”) & middle (“Student”) From Home – username: homework password: help123

SIRS Discoverer Articles, pictures, current events, and more! customer#:MI5352H password: 48328

CultureGrams Info on countries, states, & provinces username: bcs password: cobra

Gale Virtual Reference BCS's eBooks -- full books online! password: cobra

eLibrary Elementary Newspapers, magazines, pictures, and more! username: SUBMICH286 password: CHILD286

MEL -- Michigan eLibrary Dozens of databases and resources! Login w/a public library card or driver’s license #

Gale Databases Pick one of MANY databases! password: oakland re information please visit their website at www.birminghamyouthassistance.org or call 248-642-4882







BIRMINGHAM YOUTH ASSISTANCE- presents Holiday Breakfast TIME FOR SANTA!!! Dec. 3

Please join Birmingham Youth Assistance at their Holiday Breakfast Event hosted at The Community House in Birmingham on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Tickets are $15 per person with 2 sittings, 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. . Please contact www.communityhouse.com.



BCS Science Olympiad Fundraiser

Script Gift Card Orders





Why is the Middle School Science Olympiad Team having a fundraiser?

This year the team has two opportunities to travel. One trip is to an Invitational Competition in Dayton, Ohio and the other is the National Science Olympiad Competition in Orlando, Florida. Our team has successfully placed as one of the top ten teams in the state of Michigan for the past two years. Luckily the National competitions have been held in the Midwest and would have been an easy drive if we were to be invited to the National competition. However, this year Nationals are being held in Florida and this requires more funding and preparation to get the students there.



To help reduce travel expenses the Science Olympiad team will be conducting a few fundraisers this year. One of these is to sell gift certificates & gift cards to popular stores, restaurants and movie theaters. Please consider making a purchase from any stores that your family regularly visits and/or for holiday gifts. All you need to do is complete the Script Order Form, write a check made out to BCS for the total and turn both in to the office or a Science Olympiad Team member by Friday, December 2nd. Gift Cards will be available for distribution by Monday, December 12th.



What is Script?

Scrip is a term that means “substitute money”. When you purchase scrip, you’re purchasing gift certificates or prepaid gift cards that are used just like cash. You can use scrip to purchase items for your family’s everyday needs or gifts for others. With every purchase you help raise revenue for our organization.



If you are interested in participating, please email Tammy Brown at tb03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us for an order form.

The Reading Promise- Now at the BCS book fair!

November 16, 2011




Dear BCS Families,



The book fair is up and running thanks to our parent volunteers. Taking the lead again this year is Theresa Valentine and Shiva Motlagh. Theresa and Shiva, with the help of Ann Truesdell and Barbara Clark, continue to provide us an amazing opportunity to find new books and practice one of the most important things in life…READING!

I would like to share a book with you that I received from the book fair this year. The Reading Promise, written by Alice Ozma is a true story of a father’s promise to his daughter to read to her every night until high school graduation. Not only did I commit to read this, I have made my daughter (turning 18 next month!) sit with me and either listen or read to me. I have to admit, this was a little awkward for the both of us at first. I couldn’t remember the last time I read to Taylor, it must have been when she was in 3rd or 4th grade.

Reading this book alone would have placed unneeded guilt on me, but sitting next to my daughter each night, I realized I have been missing out on special moments for the last few years. Reading aloud to our children has been proven to enhance their academics, but it is the sharing of our perspectives of the characters and our opinions of the stories that have made it an important event for us.

The Reading Promise is told from the daughter’s perspective but will bring in the father’s memory of “The Steak” at times. It is neat to see how such an event can shape a relationship, yet the two people interacting at the same time remember things so differently. I recommend this book for any parent to read with their son or daughter.

As for Taylor and I? We have a streak going ourselves! If you are interested in starting a streak of reading to your child every night (no matter what age), visit our book fair today or tomorrow during parent teacher conferences. Let the reading begin!!

G.E.E.K.ed about reading,

Adam

BCS Teacher Pauline Roberts in Washington D.C.!

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/teachertech/archive/2011/11/07/12-educators-to-represent-the-u-s-at-the-partners-in-learning-global-forum.aspx


Pauline Roberts, BCS 5-6 Teacher is in Washington D.C. for the Microsoft Global Forum.  Mrs. Roberts was invited to present after a Top 5 finish last year in the Microsoft Partners in Learning Conference.  Below, she is pictured with Arne Duncan, United States Secretary of Education talking to him about the engage classes at BCS!

Pauline is the 2010-2011 Birmingham Education Association's Teacher of the Year.

Pauline Roberts and Arne Duncan

Nov. 7-11 Week at A Glance

November 6, 2011

Dear BCS Community,

Technology has changed the landscape of education and has changed the way both teachers and students approach teaching and learning. BCS students continue to reap the benefits of new innovations and the research behind the effective ways to motivate and engage our learners.  The BCS team understands the importance of using relevant learning tools but also realizes we must be responsible in how and why we introduce tools into the classroom.  A conversation I had with a few BCS teachers last week reminded me of this responsible approach and proved we continue to be wise in the area of technology integration.  

It’s important we continue to look at technology through the lens of “cool vs school”.  “Cool” meaning its new, its engaging, but does it really fit into our goals and desired outcomes?  “School” is going beyond “cool”.  Does the technology allow our learners to expand their knowledge, learn the expected content and provide them opportunities to customize their learning.  Our desire is to take new technologies and move them from “cool” to “school”.  

A good example of this are QR codes.  Quick response codes are the little square codes you see in magazines or on cereal boxes now.  These quick response codes, once scanned by your smartphone or ipod, will take you to any content attached to the code.  Many times it is a business website.  I have been playing around with QR codes this year and some of our BCS teachers and students have been discussing how they might fit into the classroom.  One BCS classroom, under the leadership of students and by collaborating with other Birmingham schools, created a website last week called Traveling Books.  The purpose is to share the books our students have enjoyed with others by mailing the books to other schools while receiving other books from them.  Inside the books are a QR code that will take the reader to the website where they can write a review, discuss the book with other students across the district (and eventually beyond) and “order” another book.  The QR code moved from being “cool” to “school” by making collaborating with others more accessible.  

3-4 Teacher Kim Davis' Blog

The QR code will also allow visitors at BCS to have a quick glance inside our classrooms.  For our open house on Sunday, December 4th, each classroom will have a QR code posted outside allowing visitors to scan and instantly see the teachers website, an introductory video, or picture slideshow of the class.  

Technology continues to change rapidly making it very hard to keep up.  When it is all said and done, we must continue to be responsible and wise when it comes to making sure “cool” moves to “school”.  BCS is committed to continuing to use technology when it is appropriate and relevant, not just because it is cool!

Have a great week.

G.E.E.K.ed about Leading,

Adam

WEEK AT A GLANCE –   Week of November 7-11, 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  by  THURSDAY 11PM 

Monday, November 7- HALLOWEEN CANDY COLLECTION IN THE OFFICE-see below

• Second Quarter Begins
• GRADES 3-6-SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES OUTSIDE YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTS
• 7-8 am Practice for Jingle Bell Run
• BCS Decal distributed to homerooms
• 8:30-9:15 AM-BATTLE OF THE BOOKS LAUNCH for 4^TH& 5^TH grades-MEDIA CENTER-go to bcsonline.info for informational flyer and permission slip

• Quarter II Choice Hours Begin-see announcement below for change instructions
• 7 PM Proud Dads Snow Club Meeting-Media Center

Tuesday, November 8-ELECTION DAY-REMEMBER TO VOTE

• GRADES 3-6-SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES OUTSIDE YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTS
• 8 AM BAGELS for Sale- for $1.25 (cream cheese .25 cents)in front of the Media Center

• 7 PM Blast Meeting-Media Center-Come Find Out Why We are a Blast

Wednesday, November 9

• GRADES 3-6-SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES OUTSIDE YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTS
• 7-8 am Practice  for Jingle Bell Run
• Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1

• 7:30 PM Web Team Meeting-Media Center

Thursday, November 10

• GRADES 3-6-SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES OUTSIDE YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTS
• 7-8 am Practice for Jingle Bell Run

• 1:45-3 PM - Hunger Kick Off Assembly
• 6:30 PM Pizza with the Principal-Media Center
• 7PM PTSA Clearinghouse Meeting-Media Center

Friday, November 11

• GRADES 3-6-SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES OUTSIDE YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM
• 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TRY-OUTS

• PROUD DADS ‘EAT AND RUN’- lunch times below

  3 /4-11:50-12:30-  5 /6 -11:00-11:40-  7 /8 -12:45-1:25

• Choice Hour change request forms available today

• 6:30-9 PM  first 7/8 Dance of the year, Cobra Shore - Cafeteria –Parent volunteers needed-see below

Saturday, November 12

• 6:00pm - 3rd - 6th Grade Tennis Lessons

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

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

Monday – Whole Grain Pancakes, Sausage, Hash Brown Patty, Fresh Fruit 

Tuesday – Chicken Soft Tacos, Whole Wheat Pasta Salad, Steamed Carrots, Nacho Supreme

Wednesday – Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Caesar Salad w/Whole Wheat Roll, Hawaiian Pizza

Thursday – Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/Meat/Marinara Sauce, Toasted Garlic Bread, Steamed Broccoli, Chicken Enchilada

Friday-Egg, Ham and Cheese Biscuit, Baked Potato Rounds, Fresh Fruit Cup, Chicken Fajita Pizza

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

ATHLETIC NEWS

Online registration is up and running for the Winter 1 season of athletics.  Please visit our BCS athletics page http://bcsonline.info/Athletics.html to register for Girls Swim or Boys Basketball!

SWIM COACH NEEDED

BCS is in need of a HEAD SWIM COACH and an ASSISTANT SWIM COACH for both the boys and girls swim seasons.  If you know of someone interested in this position, please have them forward their letter of interest including relevant coaching experiences to Patricia Chinn at pc02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

5/6 SWIM INFO

Mr. Johansson’s 5/6 classes as well as Brown/Fitz 6^th will be swimming during the 2^nd Quarter (11/7-1/27).

Mr. Manchester’s classes as well as Cook/Wilkie 5^th & Joberts 6^th will be swimming during the 3^rd Quarter (1/30-4/13).

GLEANERS UPDATE

All volunteer sessions for Gleaners have been filled.  For those of you who did not get the opportunity to sign up, we will be teaming up with Gleaners again on Saturday, May 19.  Please look for an email and sign-up sheets closer to the date.  

FALL CONFERENCES

Conferences are coming up on Wednesday, 11/16 and Thursday 11/17.  BCS has several staff members that work both at BCS and at other schools.  Because of their time commitment to more than one school, they need to be at several conferences each fall in several buildings.  Please see the schedule below for more information on these times and dates. 

TEACHER	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY
Lisa Bultynck	6:30-8:00 PM	2:00-4:00 PM
Angela Geisler	5:00-8:00 PM	1:00-4:00 PM
Jennifer Kron	5:00-7:00 PM
Erin Little		5:00-8:00 PM
Chris Manchester	5:00-8:00 PM	5:00-8:00 PM
Ron Rodgerson	5:00-8:00 PM	6:00-8:00 PM

CONFERENCE SIGN UP FOR MATH

Due to our flexible math scheduling at BCS, math conferences are organized differently. If your child has a math teacher who is not a part of their core team, you will have an opportunity to meet with their teacher on Thursday, November 17^th. The 5/6 Math teachers will be in the Media Center from 7:45 am to 10:30 am. There will be no sign-up sheet. The teachers will meet with you on a first come, first served basis, so please feel free to drop by anytime that morning .

We look forward to seeing you! The 5/6 Team

Families…Remember-NOVEMBER 17 IS A HALF DAY-Cartoons on Half Day November 17

If your child would like to participate in Neal Levin’s Learn to Draw Cartoons! Class on Thursday, November 17, please enroll and pay the $17 fee online at www.communityed.net.  Class is  for grades 3-8 and it will be in the BCS gym from 12 noon -1:30 p.m.  Fee includes lunch supervision between 11:20 and noon;  students should bring their own lunch.

Fall Book Fair Volunteers Needed!!  Helping at the Fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, audio books, ipods, cameras, subscriptions, materials, and furnishings.!!

If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh  (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Fall Book Fair!  Upper class high school students who need community service hours are welcome.   

2 hour shifts are available during the following times:

Monday, November 14 - book fair set up - please e-mail Shiva at  shivamotlagh@comcast.net for the hours

Tuesday, November 15 - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Weds. & Thurs. November 16 & 17 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:00 pm

Thursday November 17 - book fair pack up - 7:50 pm to 9:00 pm

DO YOU NEED TO CARPOOL FOR QUARTER II-????

We now have a private, unlisted Google map for BCS families who wish to find carpool partners.  To be included on the map and receive your link to the map, please email bcscarpool@gmail.com with your Family Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone, and Email.This carpool map is only for the use of BCS families who would like to carpool.

2^nd Quarter Choice Hour Announcements

2nd Quarter Choice Hour classes begin on Monday November 7^th.  Choice Hour selections are posted on the Choice Hour board in the main hallway and in each homeroom.

The deadline to request a Choice Hour class change is Friday November 18^th by 4:00 PM.  Choice Hour change request forms will be available in the main office on Friday November 11^th.   Class openings will be listed on the back of the Request form.  Please read the form very carefully.

Students requesting a change must attend their originally assigned classes for the first 2 weeks of the new quarter.  ALL Choice Hour changes that are approved will go into effect on Monday November 21^st.  You will be notified if your Choice Hour change request is denied. 

Choice Hour drop refunds will be processed for classes dropped during the Choice Hour change period which ends at 4:00 PM on Friday November 18^th.  No refunds will be processed after the Friday November 18^th deadline.

No Choice Hour drops, adds and/or changes will be accepted over the phone or via email.  All Choice Hour change requests require a parent’s signature.  Please pick up the proper paperwork at the front desk in the office.

There are still several families that have not returned their student’s QII selection sheets. We understand that you may have sent a selection sheet and payment to school with your child but we have not received them.

Choice Hour is not optional!  Students are required to attend Choice Hour three days per week.  If you are requesting that your child is waived from the Choice Hour program then visit www.bcsonline.info for a waiver form.  Waivers require signature approval from Mr. Hartley or Mrs. Chinn.Thank you for supporting the Choice Hour program! 

DIGITAL BCS UPDATE

We are currently making the switch from DigitalBCS.com to www.BCSonline.info for all of our teacher websites. Please go to www.BCSonline.info and reset your teacher bookmarks from that page as they will no longer be correct with the DigitalBCS

“Wii” NEED YOUR HELP!

The LINKS program is looking to acquire a Wii game system and age appropriate video games to use with the 5/6 grade students during lunch time in the game room.  If you have a Wii system, Wii accessories (nunchucks, remote controls, etc.) or any Wii games that you are looking to donate to a good cause, please drop them off in the office for Mr. Bodle!  We are also happy to accept any handheld gaming devices (PSP, DS, etc.) that you are look to donate to the game room!

GOT CANDY?  

BCS is collecting Halloween candy again to donate to a local charity.  If you  candy and want to get it out of your house, or if your child came home with more than they can  eat and would like to donate  to someone in need of a treat, then please donate that candy to the BCS Halloween Candy Collection.  Bring your extra Halloween candy (individually wrapped candy or bags of candy are fine) to the BCS office and put it into the collection box.  We will be collecting  until Friday, November 11^th.Questions, contact Becky Bachand at bachandfamily@att.net. Thank you for your support

Box Tops Update! Way to go! 

BCS will receive $132.40 for the first Box Tops submission.  Keep clipping and saving to help reach our goal of $1000!

Geography Bee is coming to BCS

BCS is going to hold a Geography Bee this year.  Students in grades 4-8 are eligible to participate.  The school-wide bee will be held on Tuesday, January 10th.  The winner of the school bee will take a written test to qualify for the National Geographic State Bee.  Any 4-8 student who wishes to compete in the GeoBee can sign up for the GeoBee in the Media Center starting November 1.

The National Geographic Society runs the National Bee and provides the materials for the school bee.  The website National Geographic Bee - National Geographic has a wealth of information and activities for students interested in the “Bee”.  There is also a very fun GeoBee Challenge app available for iPad, iPod touch, and other mobile devices that students can use to quiz themselves

PROUD DADS SNOW CLUB INFORMATION MEETING- Monday, November 7^th

Please join our BCS Proud Dads at 7pm in the Media Center for the Proud Dads Snow Club kick-off meeting. This meeting is for all parents interested in having their child(ren) participate (ski/snowboard) in the Proud Dads Snow Club.

Parents of 7/8 students – our first 7/8 Dance of the year, Cobra Shore, is coming up on Friday, November 11, from 6:30-9 PM in the Cafeteria. We will need chaperones for this dance from 6:15-7:45 (1^st shift) and 7:45-9:15 (2^nd shift). There are cafeteria and hallway spots available. Please email Nicole Toth to let her know if you can chaperone for either shift, nt06bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Also, please encourage your children to come. They are invited to wear school-appropriate “beachy” themed clothing. This event is sponsored by the 7/8 Spirit Committee and supported by the PTSA.Please remember if your family cannot afford this cost, you can email Mr. Hartley and he will provide funds from Nan’s Kids. 

BCS BLAST MEETING- Co-Chairs Karen Best and Ken Gilbert
The BCS Blast committee will be having our second meeting on Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00PM in the media center. The BCS Blast is the biggest fund raiser of the year for our school. The BCS Blast is a fun filled afternoon and early evening of carnival games, bouncy inflatables, delicious food, prizes for the kids, cake walk, raffle and silent auction. If you're new to BCS, this is an event you won't want to miss.
The Blast has several committees and we invite all who would like to attend our meeting to join us. We have several openings that need to be filled for this year's event, including Blast Co-Chairs for next year. This is a great opportunity to meet and work with other BCS parents while helping our school raise much needed funds. Please get involved and join us on Tuesday, October 11th.

YEARBOOK ORDERING INFORMATION 

Yearbooks AND Proud Parent ads can be ordered online this year. Go to http://bcsonline.info/Parent_Resources/Yearbooks.html for more information. Online price of only $35 for a yearbook ends November 18, 2011. Deadline for Proud Parent ads is January 22, 2012

Reflections
Calling all artists, photographers, dancers, composers, film makers and authors!  It is time for Reflections!  This program offers all BCS students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition.   

The theme for 2011-2012 is “Diversity Means….” 

Reflect on the theme.  Create an original work.  Be recognized!

Categories include: Film/Video Production, Dance Choreography, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts and Literature.  

This is a way to celebrate the many skills of our students and promote the pursuit of artistic expression.  Please encourage all students to reflect on this theme and submit an original work!  Detailed information can be found at http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/about_reflections.  Also, look for the link on bcsonline.info. 

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE TO THE MEDIA CENTER BY DECEMBER 1, 2011.  PLEASE FOLLOW ALL ENTRY GUIDELINES CAREFULLY AS REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED!Questions?  Please contact Teresa Rea: reateresa@gmail.com.

HAVE YOU BEEN FLOCKED? Extended Order Deadline: Friday, November 18th. link on bcsonline.info. 

 Our flamingos are still roosting and have no desire to fly south! It's not too late to flock a friend! 

For a donation of $25, a flock of 25 pink plastic lawn flamingos will be delivered to a classmate, friend or family member - anyone you know who resides within the BPS school district. The flock will roost for approximately 24 hours on a lawn before migrating to a new location.  Teachers may be “flocked” at school with Pinky, our two foot stuffed flamingo.  Pinky will roost in the teacher’s classroom until another teacher's classroom becomes more appealing! 

Flock a friend today! 

Proceeds to benefit the 8th Grade Celebration. 

Questions? Call Liz Weidner 248-202-5122

Bye, Bye, Birdie at Groves!  

Groves Performing Arts Company proudly presents Bye, Bye, Birdie 

Come see over 120 Groves students on stage, in the orchestra and on the crew sing and dance their way into your heart in the main auditorium.Tickets available in the main office. Student:$10, adults $12.Dates and times are: FRI, Nov 11 at 7:30 pm; SAT, Nov 12 at 7:30 pm; SUN, Nov 13 at 2:30 pm Become a member of the Conrad Birdie Fan Club at  http://tinyurl.com/3oc3hf5  Location:Groves auditorium

SANTA IS COMING

The Community House Breakfast with Santa is accepting reservations for the event on December 3, 2011.  Please contact  www.communityhouse.com.