March 25, 2012
Dear BCS Families,
This past Friday I was joined by Mrs. Chinn and a small group of BCS teachers at Oakland Schools. We were fortunate to participate in a workshop titled, The Highly Engaged Classroom. Debra Pickering from the Marzano Institute (http://www.marzanoresearch.com/professional_development/pickering.aspx) facilitated the session and did a wonderful job of making us think, debate, and learn. Three things occurred to me during the session.
- BCS teachers are doing exactly what the research points to in what makes a classroom engaging for students.
- Even though we are providing many opportunities for our students to be engaged in their learning, we must always reflect and improve.
- Using technology does not always mean engagement, it is what we are using the technology for that will ensure our students engagement.
This year many of our students have been involved in projects that cover the content in engaging ways. What makes these purposeful projects engaging is the ability for our students to connect them to their interests. A good example of this is what the Brown/Fitz science literacy class has done over the course of the last six months. The students found a problem (the possibility of the extinction of the honey bee), connected it to their lives, and have started working on solving the problem through language arts, math, social studies, science and community outreach. All of our 5/6 classes have taken the barriers of time and fixed mindsets and have thrown them out the door to create a time where students are learning by doing. These projects include skyping with experts across the globe, writing to officials from local, state, and national organizations, and other engaging actions to solve a real problem, in the real world!
Friday proved to be a day where I could sit back and be proud of our staff and students here at BCS! The highly engaged classroom does not happen without everyone, including parents, feeling connected to the learning community. One discussion our table had was remembering a time in our school experience where we felt engaged and connected to the content being taught. Share your experience on our parent wiki at
Have a G.E.E.K.ed week and enjoy spring break!
Adam
***From the Media Center
March is Reading Month Programs.. ( see attached Flyers)
Christopher Paul Curtis Program for Families is this Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Groves Auditorium from 7:00-8:30; You don't want to miss him.
If your family is in town, Saturday, March 31, 2012 2:00-4:00 p.m, the Detroit Story League is sponsoring their Annual Story Concert for elementary students. Every child leaves with a gift and great door prizes will be given away. Cost is $ 2 per person or $ 5 per family. Mrs. Clark is the Maestro.
Battle reminder-- Don't forget to complete the Battle evaluation. We have very little student response and 163 students participated. Evaluation link below can also be accessed under program extras on the BCS Media Web site.
3rd-5th grade parents-- If you need some additional alternate titles for the students to young for the Hunger Games Trilogy see the attached file or the link below for Hunger Games Lite.
WEEK AT A GLANCE – Week of March 26-30, 2012
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
Monday, March 26*****LAST DAY TO PRE-REGISTER FOR DELAYED START DAY ******
- 8:45AM-12PM-8th Grade to Holocaust Memorial Center
- 3:15-boys swim team in swim Choice Hour
- 3:30-5PM-Boys Tennis Try-outs begin–Cranbrook Swim Club
- 4:05-6:05 PM –Girls Soccer Try-outs begin
- 7 P.M. -TEENAGERS AND STRESS: Helping our Young People Cope in Today’s World -GROVES LITTLE THEATER
Tuesday, March 27
- 8 AM BAGELS for Sale- for $1.25 (cream cheese .25 cents)in front of the Media Center
- 3:15 PM-SCHOOL STORE OPEN-BAKE SALE FOR 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
- 3:30-5PM-Boys Tennis Try-outs–Cranbrook Swim Club
- 4:05-6:05 PM –Girls Soccer Try-outs
- 4-7PM- Auditions for Dear Edwina-Cafeteria/Band Room
Wednesday, March 28
- 3:15PM-Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1
- 2:45-3:45-Market Day Pick up in front entrance hall
- 3:15-boys swim team in swim Choice Hour
- 3:30-5PM-Boys Tennis Try-outs–Cranbrook Swim Club
- 4:05-6:05 PM –Girls Soccer Try-outs
- 4-6:30PM-Audition Call Backs for Dear Edwina-Cafeteria/Band Room
Thursday, March 29
- 9:50AM DELAYED START
- 11:50 AM- Junior Great Books
- 2:50PM-TORNADO DRILL-Please be aware when coming to sign out your child
- 3:30-5PM-Boys Tennis Try-outs–Cranbrook Swim Club
- 4:05-6:05 PM –Girls Soccer Try-outs begin
- 4-5PM-Crew/Cast /Parent Meeting for Dear Edwina-Cafeteria;/Band Room
Friday, March 30
- 3:30-5PM-Boys Tennis Try-outs–Cranbrook Swim Club
- 4:05-6:05 PM –Girls Soccer Try-outs begin
- Spring recess begins at the end of the day
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday – General Tso’s Chicken, Brown Rice, Peas and Carrots, Pepperoni Pizza Bagel
Tuesday – Whole Grain Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Steamed Broccoli, Garlic Breadstick, Crispy Chicken Wrap
Wednesday – Hot Ham &Cheese Sandwich, Potato Salad, Steamed Vegetables, Whole Grain French Bread Pizza,
Thursday – Chicken Fajitas, Corn ew/Peppers, Spanish Rice, Greek Salad w/ Grilled Chicken &Pita
Friday – Baked Cheese Ravioli w/ Meat or Marina Sauce, Garlic Breadstick, Steamed Broccoli, Deluxe Nachos
DELAYED START INFORMATION-Our next delayed start is Thursday, 3/29. All schools start time delayed 90 minutes. REGISTRATION FORM is at bcsonline.info. Due date is Monday, 3/26 Transportation will be running 90 minutes later than the normal pick up time. If your child is normally picked up by the bus at 7:50 a.m. they will be picked up at 9:20. Pickup locations are the same.
BCS teachers will report at the normal time and will be participating in professional development.
DRESS CODE REMINDER
As the weather gets warmer and shorts, skirts, and tank tops come out, please take a moment to review the dress code with your child (http://www.bcsonline.info/Documents/2011-2012StudentHandbookPlanner.pdf ) on page 9 of the student handbook. Please help your child to remember that shorts/skirts must be below the child’s fingertips and tank tops must have wide enough straps so that undergarments cannot be seen. If a student is not wearing the appropriate clothing to meet dress code, a call will be placed to a parent to have an appropriate item of clothing brought up for the student to change into. Thank you for helping!
ATHLETIC UPDATES
Girls soccer starts on Monday,3/26/12, with try outs at 4:05-6:05 PM!
Track season will start on Monday, 4/9 at 6:45 AM!
Boys Tennis starts on Monday,3/26/12. with practice at 3:30-5:00 PM at Cranbrook Swim Club! All athletes must have the appropriate paperwork and payment on file and receive an orange slip from the office before they can try out/practice. http://www.bcsonline.info/Athletics/Registration.html. Please go on line and register.
Girls soccer starts on Monday,3/26/12, with try outs at 4:05-6:05 PM!
Track season will start on Monday, 4/9 at 6:45 AM!
Boys Tennis starts on Monday,3/26/12. with practice at 3:30-5:00 PM at Cranbrook Swim Club! All athletes must have the appropriate paperwork and payment on file and receive an orange slip from the office before they can try out/practice. http://www.bcsonline.info/Athletics/Registration.html. Please go on line and register.
Messages to Students From Home
We are asking parent cooperation in minimizing the number of messages to be delivered to students during the school day. We recognize, of course, that there are situations where you must get a message to your child.
IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING A MESSAGE TO YOUR CHILD, PLEASE DIAL 248-203-4426 for the school receptionist or 248-203-4474 for the parent volunteer at the reception desk. Please be patient and do not leave a message in voice mail but rather call back until you reach a person. We will deliver emergency messages to students if they are received before 2:45 pm. We appreciate the message called in as soon as possible.
Please be sure your child is aware of unusual transportation or pickup arrangements BEFORE leaving for school in the morning. A successful strategy used by parents is to write transportation arrangements or other important information in your child’s planner.Our very busy office staff thanks you!!
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
LOST AND FOUND
A BOYS BLACK NORTHFACE FLEECE(not Denali)is in the office
Two sets of car keys-SAAB with a house key attached, CHRYSLER MINI VAN,pink brocade handle found in the gym after the superbowl party.
BATTLE PARTY WINNER (movie and treats)—Mrs. Burns Class! Battle party incentive was offered to the class with the highest percentage of participants inclusive of all students in the class reading one and passing the AR test on one or more Battle Books.
CHRISTOPHER PAUL CURTIS COMES TO BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 27, 2012, 7-8:30P.M.GROVES, AUDITORIUM. Our local independent book store, BookBeat is bringing noted author Christopher Paul Curtis to our area as part of a book tour to promote his newest book, The Mighty Miss Malone. He will be doing a Family Community Program presentation on March 27, 2112 at the Groves Auditorium from 7:00-8:30 inclusive of a Q & A session and autographing. Bookbeat is offering a 10% discount on hardcover books to staff and families making preorders. Envelope will be placed in the office for pre-orders. See website at http://bitgsquad.ning.com/page/christopher-paul-curtis. Curtis is a fabulous author you don’t want to miss.
2012 BCS PLAY NEWS-FOR 6TH,7TH AND 8TH GRADES- AUDITIONS for Dear Edwina, Jr -March 27th after school, with call backs on Wed March 28th and a parent/cast crew meeting on March 29th.
Additional information and audition forms can be found on the BCS website on the home page.
Additional information and audition forms can be found on the BCS website on the home page.
The play will include a Q4 Tuesday/Thursday choice hour this year - don't forget to sign up!
If you have any questions, please contact Julie Fream at BCSDearEdwinaJr@gmail.com or 248 631 9449.
If you have any questions, please contact Julie Fream at BCSDearEdwinaJr@gmail.com or 248 631 9449.
BCS Volunteer of the Year
Nominations are now being accepted for BCS Volunteer of the Year. Please submit your nomination(s) to the PTSA Co-Chairs at ptsachair@bcsonline.info along with a short description as to why you believe that individual should be recognized. Nominations may include any parent or staff member whom you think has put forth exceptional effort on behalf of the BCS community. A winner will be selected at the April 12th PTSA meeting. Nominations are due on or before March 31, 2012.
Nominations are now being accepted for BCS Volunteer of the Year. Please submit your nomination(s) to the PTSA Co-Chairs at ptsachair@bcsonline.info along with a short description as to why you believe that individual should be recognized. Nominations may include any parent or staff member whom you think has put forth exceptional effort on behalf of the BCS community. A winner will be selected at the April 12th PTSA meeting. Nominations are due on or before March 31, 2012.
BCS MATHCOUNTS NEWS
The BCS Mathcounts students have participated in two very challenging Math competitions lately.
1. MATHCOUNTS COMPETITION:
The following BCS students: Varsha K., Hannah M., Don R., Ben W., Rohon R., James R., and Bogdan M. participated in the Oakland County Mathcounts competition held at Novi Middle School on February 11th. Competing against 20 other schools, the BCS team finished in 4th - improving their last year finish by four places! Great job BCS team!
Bogdan finished 6th in the Michigan State Mathcounts competition held at Ferris University (Big Rapids) on March 17th, competing against 145 other students. Congratulations!
2. AMC10:
The following BCS Mathcounts students: Hannah M., Hannah E., Don R., Indy A., Rohon R., James R., and Bogdan M. participated in the American Mathematics Competition 10 (a national math competition designed for students up to 10th grade) and scored extremely well for their grade. Don, James, and Bogdan received a Certificate of Achievement for their high score.Bogdan qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME). Congratulations to all .
BCS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM NEWS
The BCS Science Olympiad Team competed against 20 teams and the Alternate team competed against 12 other teams from Oakland County at Oakland University on Saturday, March 17th. They did a fantastic job! The following students earned medals or ribbons for their event.
1st Place
Awesome Aquifer – James R & Jacob A
Anatomy – Nadia H & Noah S
Dynamic Planet – Don R & James R
Microbe Mission – Aaron L & Leila O
Mission Possible – Jacob D Nadia H & Leila O
Mission Possible – Jessie F &Aliya H
Optics – Trevor McM & Noah S
2nd Place
Bottle Rockets – Jacob D & Michael K
Bottle Rockets – Ariana A & Stephanie G
Keep the Heat – Varsha K & Noah S
Mousetrap Vehicle – Nick C & James R
Road Scholar – Don R & Adam S
Towers – Ben F & Don R
3rd Place
Experimental Design – Ariana A, Aliya H & Stephanie G
Mousetrap vehicle – Laith M & Marshall R
Rocks & Minerals – Aaron L & Adam S
Storm the Castle – Daniel A & Michael A
4th Place
Experimental Design – Michael K, Varsha K & James R
Food Science – Varsha K & Nick C
Meteorology – Michael K & Adam S
Microbe Mission – Ariana A & Aliya H
Reach for the Stars – Indy A & Jacob A
Rocks & Minerals – Laith M & Alex R
Towers – Alex R & Sean S
Water Quality – Indy A & Ben F
5th Place
Awesome Aquifers – Emma L & Brianna W
Compute This – Ben F & Aaron L
Crime Busters – Nadia H & Leila O
Disease Detectives – Indy A &Varsha K
6th Place
Compute This – Emma L &Aliya H
Crime Busters – Daniel & Sean S
Food Science – Jeremy J & Jessie F
Optics – Jeremy J & Philip H
Road Scholar – Stephanie G & Sierra Wi
Write It Do It – Trevor McM & Marshall R
Overall the competitive team came in 1st place and the Alternate team came in 5th. Our strong finish earned us an invitation to the State competition held on Michigan State’s campus, April 28th.
ART ALIVE NEWS
The BCS masterpieces are on display until the end of school. If you would still like to be apart of the show, please drop off your artwork to Mr. Melton. This does not need to be a painting we would like to see drawings, collage and fiber pieces too. Perhaps you are just too busy to do a painting now you can keep the canvas and work on next year’s PTA Reflections Contest. The 2012/2013 theme is "The Magic of the Moment". If you have a canvas from the raffle and decided that painting is not for you please bring it back to Mr. Melton.
SPRING RECESS CAMP—SIGN UP NOW
Spring Recess Camps presented by Community Education
April 2 – 5, Monday – Thursday
High Touch High Tech – Science Made Fun at Covington, 7:30am-5:30pm (Kids Club is available)
Alpha Wolf Basketball Camp at West Maple, 9am -3pm (no Kids Club available)
Zon, Learn Chinese Camp at Covington, 9am-12pm (no Kids Club available)
Register at www.communityed.net or call 248-203-3800 for details
SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMPS NOW !!!!!!!
Summer Camp Guide is now available on-line at www.communityed.net
Check out the wide variety of youth enrichment and recreation camps!
SUMMER SCHOOL
This is a friendly reminder that online registration for ACADEMIC SUMMER SCHOOL HAS BEGUN!! Summer school is a great opportunity to replace undesirable grades, credit recovery, or to earn new credits! Some classes fill quickly and there are discounts for registering early!
Registration opened to BPS residents on Thursday on March 1, 2012 and are accepted online only at www.communityed.net* If you need assistance with the registration process, please call Birmingham Community Education at (248) 203-3800.
*Classes will not appear on the website until 12:01 AM on March 1st. If you would like to preview a list of class offerings or get more information, a link to the complete high school brochure is shown below. To paste into your browser
TEENAGERS AND STRESS: Helping our Young People Cope in Today’s World
March 26-30 Groves is designating as Health and Wellness Week. We have planned this parent meeting to help parents recognize and discuss stress with their students. I think we all acknowledge our kids are under a lot of stress.
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2012, 7 P.M. GROVES LITTLE THEATER
Panel:
Sherree Wilson, MA., LLPC, Groves/Seaholm Intervention Counselor
Introduction.
What causes stress in our students? What resources are available in our schools?
Susan Rogers, LCSW, LMSW, Groves School Social Worker
Community support for teens and families.
Shannon Rozell, Henry Ford Behavioral Services/Maplegrove Center
A Day in the Life of Today’s Teens: Why it’s important for parents and teens
to communicate.
Jerome Prince, MA., LMSW, LMFI, Co-Director of Michigan Family Institute
Developing resiliency in teens so they can cope with day-to-day stress in
healthy ways.
TO BCS BAND STUDENTS ATTENDING SEAHOLM NEXT YEAR:
If you are planning on participating with the Seaholm band program during your high school years we invite you to go to www.seaholmbands.com for current band information. Please note two important dates:
***Band camp will be held July 29th thru August 3rd
***Band trip will be to Hawaii February break 2013, see the link on the opening page of our web site for trip details and costs. Current students are committing deposits this month but incoming students will have the opportunity to participate during late sign up September 2012. You may also commit to the trip today, just send your deposit and form to Director, Tim Cibor, at Seaholm.
We look forward to your participation in the band program and encourage you to join us in enhancing your student's high school experience! Please contact us if you have any questions, would like more information or are interested in volunteering.
Janet Ames,Booster President janames@mac.com, 248-703-1138Beth O'Rourke, Incoming President beorourke@gmail.com 248-602-7325
GROVES WATER POLO CLINIC
Attention all 6/7/8th grade boys with moderate swimming skills looking to learn about water polo…join us at Groves High School April 2nd-April 6th (Spring Break) from 9:00am-11:30 am for a clinic to teach the theory and fundamentals of Water Polo! This is a great introduction to the growing sport of water polo. For athletes interested in a fast paced team sport, this a great start. For those planning on playing in High School, this is a must. At our clinic you will receive individual instruction from 3 former All-Americans, learn the sport alongside current members of Groves Varsity Polo team, make new friends, and discover the greatest sport on water! The cost for this clinic is $25. Proceeds go to the Groves Water Polo Boosters. Participants need only to bring a swimsuit and towel. E-mail grovespolo@gmail.com to confirm your attendance…spots are limited. Please include: Students name, school, age/year, and current sports played.
INSTRUMENTAL INFORMATION FOR 4TH GRADE FAMILIES FROM BPS INSTUMENTAL INSTRUCTORS
Dear Fourth Grade Parents,
In the fall of each school year, Birmingham Public Schools offers the opportunity for every fifth grader to participate in beginning band/orchestra class. This is in addition, at the 5th grade level, to their vocal music instruction. We recommend that every 4th grader and a parent plan on joining us on Thursday, April 26th at 7:30pm in the Groves High School Auditorium for a concert presentation on instrumental music. Please mark this date on your calendar. This presentation will give students an opportunity to hear each instrument and gain a better understanding of the various groups of instruments. This performance will be presented by our high school students and the instrumental music staff.
In April and May a representative from Anderson Music Company will be coming to each elementary school to test and fit students towards being involved in the instrumental music program. Each child will have the opportunity to try two - three instruments of their choosing from the strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion. If, for some reason, you do not want your child tested, please send a letter to your child’s classroom teacher. A letter will be sent home naming the instruments that your child tried and the one that was recommended for them with their input.
When students go on to middle school, they continue their music performance education in choir, band, or orchestra. Being part of a performance group is such a rewarding and educational experience. Singing in a choral ensemble or playing in a band or orchestra are all amazing experiences. Performing builds self confidence, leadership skills and also helps to keep students focused and happy. We know that music students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools. We also know music students average higher scores on standardized tests then their peers, go on to college and become the leaders in our society.
We look forward to seeing you on April 26th in the Groves auditorium and offering further details about the Birmingham Instrumental Music program.
