Sunday, April 11, 2010
Welcome Back! April12-16 WAG
April 11, 2010
Dear BCS Families,
I am outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon writing this week’s WAG…The key here is that I am actually sitting in the sun (it’s been a long winter!) I hope all of you were able to enjoy a trip to a warm state or enjoy the time with your family and friends if you stayed around Michigan. Spring is here and with the warm weather we are seeing more and more birds each day! This time of year we often see geese flying above us returning to their northern homes. Seeing geese this week, I was reminded of an activity I often use with teachers that talks about leadership and teamwork. You may have read about the lessons we can learn from geese already. There are many versions of power points and slide shows on the internet and various websites that promote these lessons- Whether you are aware of the lessons, or this is the first time reading them, we can all take something away that will push us to be better at what we do!
Welcome back and enjoy the spring weather!
Adam
Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: By sharing a common direction and sense of community, BCS can get where we are going quicker and easier because we are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: By staying in formation with those headed where we want BCS to go, we will be more willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, the BCS community is interdependent on each other’s skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents and resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure honking is only for encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: The BCS community needs to continue to stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
WEEK AT A GLANCE – APRIL 12 – APRIL 16, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
This is the last week of the third quarter – new choice hours DO NOT start this week. New choice hour classes will begin next Monday on April 19, the beginning of quarter four.
Monday, April 12
• Collection of items for schoolwide community service project – see specifics below
• 7/8 students & parents - Bid on Ms. Snyder’s Pizza party (see below) by noon on Wednesday
• 8:30-11:00AM – Vision screening for 3rd , 5th & 7th grades -conducted By Oakland County Health Dept
• 9:15AM – 3/4 Room Parents Meeting
• 3:20-4:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Tuesday, April 13
• Collection of items for schoolwide community service project – see specifics below
• 7/8 students & parents - Bid on Ms. Snyder’s Pizza party (see below) by noon on Wednesday
• 7:15-8:15AM – BCS ALUMNI breakfast in the media center – for high school seniors who attended BCS.
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 8:30-11:00AM – Vision screening for 3rd , 5th & 7th grades -conducted By Oakland County Health Dept
• 11am-12:30 pm - As part of the Genocides and Holocaust Unit and the reading of The Diary of Anne Frank, Holocaust survivors will speak in the Media Center to 7/8 students and staff.
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Wednesday, April 14
• Collection of items for schoolwide community service project – see specifics below
• 8:30-11:00AM – Vision screening for 3rd , 5th & 7th grades -conducted By Oakland County Health Dept
• NOON – Deadline to bid on Ms. Snyder’s pizza party for 7/8 students & parents
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3:20-4:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Thursday, April 15 - LAST DAY OF THE 3RD QUARTER
• Collection of items for schoolwide community service project – see specifics below
• HAT DAY to benefit City Mission – students who wear a hat to school today bring $1 to donate to the City Mission laptop fundraiser. Bring the $1 to homeroom/first class today for collection.
• 8AM-2PM – Religious Diversity Journey to Bharatiya Temple for 8 students in 7/8 grade level
• 8:30-11:00AM – Vision screening for 3rd , 5th & 7th grades -conducted By Oakland County Health Dept
• 12:30PM – Lunch with the Principal in Staff Development I (located down 600 Hall). Bring your lunch for this informal time with the principal to ask questions and learn his perspectives.
• 1:15PM – PTSA Clearinghouse Meeting in Staff Development I-All are invited to learn about the operations of the PTSA at BCS. Bring a friend or meet new friends.
• 2:30-3:00 – Schoolwide assembly on City Mission community service project
• 4:05-5:45PM – Girls soccer practice
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
• 7 PM – Friends of Different Learners Meeting – “Law Enforcement and Behavioral Safeguards” in the BCS Media Center
• 4-8PM Drop off garage sale items at Berkshire Middle School. Proceeds to Birmingham Education Foundation
Friday, April 16
• No School – Professional Development/Records Day
• 10AM-7PM - Drop off garage sale items at Berkshire Middle School. Proceeds to Birmingham Education Foundation
• 11-12:30AM – New Families Ice Cream Social in the cafeteria
• Deadline: Articles for E-Bugle due today kyraeg@wowway.com
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, corn
Tuesday –Grilled cheese, tomato soup, mixed vegetables
Wednesday –Spaghetti, breadstick, green beans
Thursday – Bacon cheeseburger, diced potatoes, California blend vegetables
Friday – No School
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
SCHOOLWIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT - Collection of Items for City Mission
Each grade level is collecting school-related items to donate to City Mission through Thursday, April 15th. Drop off items in the blue bins located in the popcorn cubby off of the main hallway at BCS.
• Grades 3-4: Indoor Recess Items (easy crafts, board games, books, educational DVD’s)
• Grades 5-6: School Supplies (red, yellow, and green folders; small personal white boards; white board markers; erasers; educational software
• Grades 7-8: Outdoor Recess Items (balls of all kinds, jump ropes – individual and long – sidewalk chalk, etc)
Two Fundraisers for Two Laptops for City Mission
• For Grades 3-8 Hat Day: All students are invited to participate in Hat Day on Thursday, April 15th. Wear a sports hat, a wacky hat, any hat to support City Mission. We are asking that each student donate a $1 to help raise funds to purchase the goal of two laptops for City Mission. Donations will be collected in homeroom/first class of the morning on Hat Day.
• 7-8 Grade Blind Auction: We had an item that was inadvertently left out of the Blast, and the teacher (Mrs. Snyder) has graciously agreed to donate the item to help raise funds for the two laptops that BCS hopes to purchase for City Mission. The minimum starting bid for this item is $20.00. Bidding will start Monday, April 12th – Wednesday, 12/noon, April 14th. Parents/Adults only email your bid to mc05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. In the subject line, type BID. A description of the item is as follows:
For Grades 7/8 students . . . How would you like to enjoy a relaxing Wednesday afternoon off with three of your friends? On a mutually-agreed upon Wednesday, Profe Snyder will invite you and three of your friends in for lunch and a movie. You will enjoy plenty of pizza, pop and classic movie treats (and ice cream, perhaps?) while relaxing in the “comfy” chairs borrowed from the Media Center. No need to head back to class after lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon watching your movie of choice and enjoying time with your friends in Profe’s room.
Final Assembly, Thursday, April 15 @ 2:30
• A final assembly to wrap up the schoolwide community service project will take on Thursday, April 15th from 2:30 – 3:00. Representatives from City Mission will be at this all-school assembly and will be presented with the collected items and a check for the two laptops.
SPRING BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair! If you have an upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too! Helping at the fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, ipods, materials, and furnishings!!
2 hour shifts are available during the following times:
Monday, April 19th - book fair set up- 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20th - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds & Thurs April 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday April 22nd - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the New Family Ice Cream Social taking place on Friday, April 16. We are looking for volunteers to greet and help scoop ice cream from 11 - 12:30. Please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234 if you can help. Thanks!
SPRING PICTURE DAY is Tuesday, April 27 – the BCS school code is AA0201.
All BCS students are invited to take a SPRING PICTURE on picture day. SPRING PICTURES are different from fall pictures because there are sixteen AWESOME AND FUN green screen backgrounds to choose from. It is a terrific chance to show off your child’s personality. School appropriate props are also welcome! Please avoid wearing bright shades of green as it interferes with the green screen technology. Only students who have ordered online or who have a completed order form in hand will be photographed. Extra forms are available in the office.
Check out the various backgrounds on the website, www.schoolpictures.com and place your order online by midnight, April 26, the BCS school code is AA0201.
We are looking for 2-3 parent volunteers to help with picture day in the morning from 8:15 – 11:30AM . Please email Nancy Best at nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us if you are interested. A $20 credit towards your picture packet will be provided to volunteers.
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE FAMILIES- RESERVE THE DATE!!
Please reserve Thursday, June 10 for the 8th Grade Farewell Celebration! The program will run from 6:30 - 8pm with a dessert reception from 8 - 8:30pm. The 8th grade dance will follow from 8:30 to 10pm (the dance is for 8th grade students only). Invitations, with additional information, will be mailed to the families of 8th graders at a later date.
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) GARAGE SALE
It’s time to do your SPRING cleaning and donate unwanted items to the Birmingham Education Foundation Garage Sale. Remember that the BEF supports education programs at all schools throughout the district. Donations appreciated: Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliances, pet, garden, and household items…
The garage sale is at @ Berkshire Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 9 am to 3 pm.
Early entry at 8 am for $1, Half price sale at noon, Bag Sale at 1:30.
Drop off you items on Thursday, April 15, 4 to 8 pm or Friday, April 16, 10 am to 7 pm, tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan, 248 626-2231, J5Polan@aol.com
STRIDES OF HOPE
BPS mom, Jan Wade, is organizing the Strides of Hope walk with her physician, Dr. Pamela Benitez, to take place at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, April 17th. This event is sponsored by the Shades of Pink Foundation which provides temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress as a result of breast cancer. Whether it is helping with a mortgage payment, the grocery bills, or an insurance premium, the Shades of Pink Foundation is committed to easing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Registration and Vendors open at 7:30am. The Opening Ceremony is at 8:30am and the 1 or 3 Mile Walk begins at 9:00am. Your registration includes the whole day at the zoo. Adults: $30 (or $50 with T-shirt), Children 12 and under: $7. Please visit http://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/a.html to register.
DRESS CODE
Warm weather is here and so are the summer clothes!
Please remember that we share the same expectations as both Seaholm and Groves when it comes to dress code. In the spirit of being consistent and preparing our students for the high school, we will be reminding them of our expectations of dressing appropriately. Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity and respect that BCS has always known!
Two dress code violations that continuously are brought to my attention by our staff here at BCS are shorts and yoga pants. Shorts should be as long as your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their side and yoga pants should only be worn when a long shirt or sweater is worn also. 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!
6th and 7th Grade Parents
The teachers at BCS would like to offer your children the opportunity to go on an exciting foreign adventure during winter break 2011. The focus of the trip would be taking part in an environmental service project but the children would also experience cultural and language immersion, character building exercises and learn leadership skills. The estimated cost for this trip would be around two thousand dollars. Please check out this website and if you would be interested in having your child take part in a trip like this please let us know. Before we take this any further, it is important for us to know if there would be any interest. You may email Pauline Roberts at pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Thank you! http://www.costaricaexplorations.org/
Remember Trash Free Fridays!!!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Flushing Kangaroo Kids Visit BCS!
BCS had the opportunity today to watch the Kangaroo Kids from Elms Elementary in Flushing, MI. The "K" Kids travel the state and promote Jump Rope for Heart! Our 3-4 students raised $4500.00 dollars this year and this was a great way to celebrate!
The Elms students put on a great show! (see video)
BCS will invite the Kangaroo Kids back next year to perform in order to kick off our 2010-2011 Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
WAG March 29-April 1
March 28, 2010
Dear BCS Families,
Spring is here and our school year will see its last quarter soon! Time flies when we are having fun! Fun can be described in many ways. Fun can be described as sitting and watching your college basketball bracket go sour because of all the upsets or fun can simply be a walk in the park with your family. There are many ways to have fun and many places to have fun in. The one place that I firmly believe that we must have fun is school. Some children simply love to learn and will have fun no matter what the subject is. Others, however, need to be encouraged to have fun. These students do not look at math or science as “fun” but rather something that they are made to do. It is for this reason that we must make learning fun for everyone.
Making learning fun takes a team effort between parents and teachers. It is this partnership that will form a child’s perception of what fun means when it comes to the school environment. This past week our teams here at BCS, along with the help from our parent community, proved that school can be fun! Our 3-4 team took a field trip to Henry Ford and were accompanied by parent volunteers. Our 3rd and 4th grade students learned about Michigan history and from what I hear, had a fun time learning! Our 5th and 6th grade team worked with the PTSA to bring Girls Empowered (for our female students) and Jim Basketball Jones (for our male students) to BCS to encourage our Boy/Girl Reading groups to be the very best they can be! Our 7-8 team had many engaging lessons this past week and continue to make our middle school environment positive and fun! Mr. Heard and I were able to see an example of the fun learning that takes place when we visited Mr. Prisciandaro’s Engineering Technology classroom where 8th grade students were discussing their wind turbine projects just inside from our new Windspire Turbine. These are just a few examples of how our students are having fun while learning with the help from our parent community.
As spring draws closer and the end of the year is near, let’s continue to work together for the benefit of the students and to allow them opportunities to have fun while learning! This can only happen if we ourselves are having fun. I have included a link to a short video that will hopefully inspire you to have fun and keep working as a team!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF4xHCgBaIQ&feature=related
Notice the quote that caught my attention in this video:
People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing- Dale Carnegie
Have a great week!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MARCH 29 – APRIL 2, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
PASSOVER: We will be observing a “no homework, no quiz or test” policy this upcoming week as many of our students will be absent on Tuesday to observe Passover. Specifically, the staff have been asked not to assign homework on Monday or Tuesday and not give quizzes or tests on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Monday, March 29
• 9:30-10:30 AM – School wide assembly in the gym-African Music and Dance
• 4:05-5:35PM – Optional pre-season girls soccer workout
• Passover begins at sundown
Tuesday, March 30 – PASSOVER
– if your child will be absent from school, please notify the BCS ATTENDANCE office (even if you have notified the teacher)
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is closed today for inventory
• 4:05-5:35PM – Optional pre-season girls soccer workout
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Wednesday, March 31
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3-4PM-Market Day pick-up in the entrance hall.
• 4:05-5:35PM – Girls soccer try-outs
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Thursday, April 1
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• BCS Media Center Amnesty Day –return all overdue media center books and materials fine free!
• 8:15 – 9:30AM – 8th Grade Farewell Celebration Planning Meeting-media center
• 4:05-5:35PM – Girls soccer try-outs
Friday, April 2
• No School – Spring Break begins.
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Ham and Cheese Bagel Melt- Onion Rings, green beans
Tuesday –Baked Chicken Nuggets-Roasted potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday –Beef Enchiladas-Fried Rice
Thursday – Beef Hot Dog or Chili Dog-Tater Tots
Friday – No School
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
BCS Has been awarded…Michigan Green School – Evergreen Level.
Thank you to everyone that has worked hard this year to take BCS to the next level with our green initiatives! The dedication of BCS parent, Betsy Ewrin, and 5-6 Teacher, Pauline Roberts, along with the Green Committee at BCS, has made this award possible. Evergreen status is the highest status in the state!
We are making our carbon footprint smaller and educating our students at the same time!!
ATTENDANCE
We are asking for your assistance regarding absences and tardiness. Please email your child’s appointments and absences to bcsattendance@birmingham.k12.mi.us by 8:45 a.m. DAILY. This also applies if you have contacted your child’s teacher regarding the absence. It would be greatly appreciated if you used the email system, if at all possible. Phone messages are very time consuming and should be used as a last resort. Phone messages are also sometimes difficult to hear. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
BCS LIBRARY AMNESTY DAY - APRIL 1
On Thursday, April 1st, the last day before spring break, look through your lockers, bags, cubbies, classrooms, or anywhere else library books like to hide. Bring these items back to the media center for no-questions-asked, fine-free returns. The media center will be open at lunch and after school until 4:00pm for your book returning convenience. Any questions can be directed to Miss Samet, rs12bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
SPRING BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair! If you have an upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too! Helping at the fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, ipods, materials, and furnishings!!
2 hour shifts are available during the following times:
Monday, April 19th - book fair set up- 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20th - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds & Thurs April 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday April 22nd - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the New Family Ice Cream Social taking place on Friday, April 16. We are looking for volunteers to greet and help scoop ice cream from 11 - 12:30. Please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234 if you can help. Thanks!
GROVES HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
All 8th grade girls interested in playing volleyball at Groves next year should attend the Parent/Player Meeting on Tuesday, March 30 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Groves High School in Room G-1. Coach Lau looks forward to seeing you!
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) GARAGE SALE
It’s time to do your SPRING cleaning and donate unwanted items to the Birmingham Education Foundation Garage Sale. Remember that the BEF supports education programs at all schools throughout the district. Donations appreciated: Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliances, pet, garden, and household items…
The garage sale is at @ Berkshire Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 9 am to 3 pm.
Early entry at 8 am for $1, Half price sale at noon, Bag Sale at 1:30.
Drop off you items on Thursday, April 15, 4 to 8 pm or Friday, April 16, 10 am to 7 pm, tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan, 248 626-2231, J5Polan@aol.com
STRIDES OF HOPE
BPS mom, Jan Wade, is organizing the Strides of Hope walk with her physician, Dr. Pamela Benitez, to take place at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, April 17th. This event is sponsored by the Shades of Pink Foundation which provides temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress as a result of breast cancer. Whether it is helping with a mortgage payment, the grocery bills, or an insurance premium, the Shades of Pink Foundation is committed to easing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Registration and Vendors open at 7:30am. The Opening Ceremony is at 8:30am and the 1 or 3 Mile Walk begins at 9:00am. Your registration includes the whole day at the zoo. Adults: $30 (or $50 with T-shirt), Children 12 and under: $7. Please visit http://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/a.html to register.
Elementary Science Olympiad
On Saturday, March 27th, thirty 4th and 5th grade students from BCS competed against eighteen teams at West Maple Elementary. The team worked hard and had a fantastic time. The following students brought home awards for their event.
2nd Place
Starry Starry Night – Zach Gusho & Don Rea
3rd Place
Jeopardy – Nathan Campbell, Tyler Erb, Ben Fisher & Philip Henricks
Water Rockets – Morgan Morrison, Leila Owens & Sierra Williams
4th Place
Jeopardy – Josh Chapnick, Kyle Chisholm, Nick Confer & Will Kingston
5th Place
Barge Building – Philip Henricks & Don Rea
Circuit Wizardry – Zach Gusho & Marshall Ross
6th Place
Circuit Wizardry – Matthew Wilkie & Alberto Whitmer
Crime Busters – Tess Helfrich & Larissa Michel
Overall, BCS Team 1 placed 4th in the Competition!!
Meet Author Kevin Kammeraad!
Date & Time: Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 7pm.
Location: Baldwin Public Library, 300 West Merrill Street, Birmingham, MI 48009
Books will be available for purchase. Contact the Baldwin Library (248-554-4670) for further information.
The Birmingham Education Foundation (www.supportbef.org) Author & Artist in Residency Program links children in the Birmingham Public Schools with a real author and/or artist. The BEF sponsors the author for a full day visit at each school site. Please note date changes for school visits at Pierce-New Date-April 13, 2010, Tuesday, Quarton-New Date-April 26, 2010, Monday, and BCS-New date-May 20, 2010 Thursday. This year the Author in Residence is Kevin Kammeraad. His interactive sessions at schools include performance, singing, spontaneous theatre, and writing. Students also have an opportunity to create a character from various scrap materials along with an original poem using Kammeraad’s The Tomato Collection as a mentor text. Prior to the visit of the guest author, students have read Kammeraad’s books and have been immersed in whole class and center activities.
Kevin Kammeraad, author of The Tomato Collection, has developed a growing collection of books, music, and educational activities. Kevin, a native of Grand Rapids, has a degree in film and video production. He writes, sings, draws and presents workshops at schools and other places. His only public appearance during his residency at the Birmingham Public Schools sponsored by the Birmingham Education Foundation will be at the Baldwin Public library. The April 15, 2010 public program is a family entertainment variety show. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear and meet this popular author, illustrator and dynamic presenter.
See more pictures from Kevin’s school visits at the district media center web page http://bitgsquad.ning.com.
Please consider joining the new BPSWellness Google Group at www.groups.google.com/group/bpswellness.
The group was formed by the Birmingham Public Schools Wellness Committee. This committee has been responsible for helping to make the food our kids eat in school more healthy. Just recently, for example, the committee met with top managers of Prairie Farms Dairy to urge them to stop using high fructose corn syrup in flavored milks, and to reduce overall the amount of sweetener they are using in those milks. Prairie Farms were very receptive.
The Google Group is a great way to share information on health and wellness. The group is open to anyone, and all posts are public.
To start a new thread, simply send an email to bpswellness@googlegroups.com. To participate in the group through the group site, visit www.groups.google.com/group/bpswellness.
If you choose to join, you can set your subscription to send a copy of every message posted to the group as the messages are posted, or you can choose to receive just one email per day, or none at all.
Thank you to Clint Baller for this information.
Dear BCS Families,
Spring is here and our school year will see its last quarter soon! Time flies when we are having fun! Fun can be described in many ways. Fun can be described as sitting and watching your college basketball bracket go sour because of all the upsets or fun can simply be a walk in the park with your family. There are many ways to have fun and many places to have fun in. The one place that I firmly believe that we must have fun is school. Some children simply love to learn and will have fun no matter what the subject is. Others, however, need to be encouraged to have fun. These students do not look at math or science as “fun” but rather something that they are made to do. It is for this reason that we must make learning fun for everyone.
Making learning fun takes a team effort between parents and teachers. It is this partnership that will form a child’s perception of what fun means when it comes to the school environment. This past week our teams here at BCS, along with the help from our parent community, proved that school can be fun! Our 3-4 team took a field trip to Henry Ford and were accompanied by parent volunteers. Our 3rd and 4th grade students learned about Michigan history and from what I hear, had a fun time learning! Our 5th and 6th grade team worked with the PTSA to bring Girls Empowered (for our female students) and Jim Basketball Jones (for our male students) to BCS to encourage our Boy/Girl Reading groups to be the very best they can be! Our 7-8 team had many engaging lessons this past week and continue to make our middle school environment positive and fun! Mr. Heard and I were able to see an example of the fun learning that takes place when we visited Mr. Prisciandaro’s Engineering Technology classroom where 8th grade students were discussing their wind turbine projects just inside from our new Windspire Turbine. These are just a few examples of how our students are having fun while learning with the help from our parent community.
As spring draws closer and the end of the year is near, let’s continue to work together for the benefit of the students and to allow them opportunities to have fun while learning! This can only happen if we ourselves are having fun. I have included a link to a short video that will hopefully inspire you to have fun and keep working as a team!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF4xHCgBaIQ&feature=related
Notice the quote that caught my attention in this video:
People rarely succeed unless they are having fun in what they are doing- Dale Carnegie
Have a great week!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MARCH 29 – APRIL 2, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
PASSOVER: We will be observing a “no homework, no quiz or test” policy this upcoming week as many of our students will be absent on Tuesday to observe Passover. Specifically, the staff have been asked not to assign homework on Monday or Tuesday and not give quizzes or tests on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Monday, March 29
• 9:30-10:30 AM – School wide assembly in the gym-African Music and Dance
• 4:05-5:35PM – Optional pre-season girls soccer workout
• Passover begins at sundown
Tuesday, March 30 – PASSOVER
– if your child will be absent from school, please notify the BCS ATTENDANCE office (even if you have notified the teacher)
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is closed today for inventory
• 4:05-5:35PM – Optional pre-season girls soccer workout
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Wednesday, March 31
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
• 3-4PM-Market Day pick-up in the entrance hall.
• 4:05-5:35PM – Girls soccer try-outs
• 4:10 – 5:15PM – Track Practice
Thursday, April 1
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• BCS Media Center Amnesty Day –return all overdue media center books and materials fine free!
• 8:15 – 9:30AM – 8th Grade Farewell Celebration Planning Meeting-media center
• 4:05-5:35PM – Girls soccer try-outs
Friday, April 2
• No School – Spring Break begins.
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Ham and Cheese Bagel Melt- Onion Rings, green beans
Tuesday –Baked Chicken Nuggets-Roasted potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday –Beef Enchiladas-Fried Rice
Thursday – Beef Hot Dog or Chili Dog-Tater Tots
Friday – No School
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
BCS Has been awarded…Michigan Green School – Evergreen Level.
Thank you to everyone that has worked hard this year to take BCS to the next level with our green initiatives! The dedication of BCS parent, Betsy Ewrin, and 5-6 Teacher, Pauline Roberts, along with the Green Committee at BCS, has made this award possible. Evergreen status is the highest status in the state!
We are making our carbon footprint smaller and educating our students at the same time!!
ATTENDANCE
We are asking for your assistance regarding absences and tardiness. Please email your child’s appointments and absences to bcsattendance@birmingham.k12.mi.us by 8:45 a.m. DAILY. This also applies if you have contacted your child’s teacher regarding the absence. It would be greatly appreciated if you used the email system, if at all possible. Phone messages are very time consuming and should be used as a last resort. Phone messages are also sometimes difficult to hear. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
BCS LIBRARY AMNESTY DAY - APRIL 1
On Thursday, April 1st, the last day before spring break, look through your lockers, bags, cubbies, classrooms, or anywhere else library books like to hide. Bring these items back to the media center for no-questions-asked, fine-free returns. The media center will be open at lunch and after school until 4:00pm for your book returning convenience. Any questions can be directed to Miss Samet, rs12bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
SPRING BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair! If you have an upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too! Helping at the fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, ipods, materials, and furnishings!!
2 hour shifts are available during the following times:
Monday, April 19th - book fair set up- 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20th - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds & Thurs April 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday April 22nd - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the New Family Ice Cream Social taking place on Friday, April 16. We are looking for volunteers to greet and help scoop ice cream from 11 - 12:30. Please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234 if you can help. Thanks!
GROVES HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
All 8th grade girls interested in playing volleyball at Groves next year should attend the Parent/Player Meeting on Tuesday, March 30 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Groves High School in Room G-1. Coach Lau looks forward to seeing you!
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) GARAGE SALE
It’s time to do your SPRING cleaning and donate unwanted items to the Birmingham Education Foundation Garage Sale. Remember that the BEF supports education programs at all schools throughout the district. Donations appreciated: Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliances, pet, garden, and household items…
The garage sale is at @ Berkshire Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 9 am to 3 pm.
Early entry at 8 am for $1, Half price sale at noon, Bag Sale at 1:30.
Drop off you items on Thursday, April 15, 4 to 8 pm or Friday, April 16, 10 am to 7 pm, tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan, 248 626-2231, J5Polan@aol.com
STRIDES OF HOPE
BPS mom, Jan Wade, is organizing the Strides of Hope walk with her physician, Dr. Pamela Benitez, to take place at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, April 17th. This event is sponsored by the Shades of Pink Foundation which provides temporary financial assistance to women who are experiencing financial distress as a result of breast cancer. Whether it is helping with a mortgage payment, the grocery bills, or an insurance premium, the Shades of Pink Foundation is committed to easing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Registration and Vendors open at 7:30am. The Opening Ceremony is at 8:30am and the 1 or 3 Mile Walk begins at 9:00am. Your registration includes the whole day at the zoo. Adults: $30 (or $50 with T-shirt), Children 12 and under: $7. Please visit http://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/a.html to register.
Elementary Science Olympiad
On Saturday, March 27th, thirty 4th and 5th grade students from BCS competed against eighteen teams at West Maple Elementary. The team worked hard and had a fantastic time. The following students brought home awards for their event.
2nd Place
Starry Starry Night – Zach Gusho & Don Rea
3rd Place
Jeopardy – Nathan Campbell, Tyler Erb, Ben Fisher & Philip Henricks
Water Rockets – Morgan Morrison, Leila Owens & Sierra Williams
4th Place
Jeopardy – Josh Chapnick, Kyle Chisholm, Nick Confer & Will Kingston
5th Place
Barge Building – Philip Henricks & Don Rea
Circuit Wizardry – Zach Gusho & Marshall Ross
6th Place
Circuit Wizardry – Matthew Wilkie & Alberto Whitmer
Crime Busters – Tess Helfrich & Larissa Michel
Overall, BCS Team 1 placed 4th in the Competition!!
Meet Author Kevin Kammeraad!
Date & Time: Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 7pm.
Location: Baldwin Public Library, 300 West Merrill Street, Birmingham, MI 48009
Books will be available for purchase. Contact the Baldwin Library (248-554-4670) for further information.
The Birmingham Education Foundation (www.supportbef.org) Author & Artist in Residency Program links children in the Birmingham Public Schools with a real author and/or artist. The BEF sponsors the author for a full day visit at each school site. Please note date changes for school visits at Pierce-New Date-April 13, 2010, Tuesday, Quarton-New Date-April 26, 2010, Monday, and BCS-New date-May 20, 2010 Thursday. This year the Author in Residence is Kevin Kammeraad. His interactive sessions at schools include performance, singing, spontaneous theatre, and writing. Students also have an opportunity to create a character from various scrap materials along with an original poem using Kammeraad’s The Tomato Collection as a mentor text. Prior to the visit of the guest author, students have read Kammeraad’s books and have been immersed in whole class and center activities.
Kevin Kammeraad, author of The Tomato Collection, has developed a growing collection of books, music, and educational activities. Kevin, a native of Grand Rapids, has a degree in film and video production. He writes, sings, draws and presents workshops at schools and other places. His only public appearance during his residency at the Birmingham Public Schools sponsored by the Birmingham Education Foundation will be at the Baldwin Public library. The April 15, 2010 public program is a family entertainment variety show. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear and meet this popular author, illustrator and dynamic presenter.
See more pictures from Kevin’s school visits at the district media center web page http://bitgsquad.ning.com.
Please consider joining the new BPSWellness Google Group at www.groups.google.com/group/bpswellness.
The group was formed by the Birmingham Public Schools Wellness Committee. This committee has been responsible for helping to make the food our kids eat in school more healthy. Just recently, for example, the committee met with top managers of Prairie Farms Dairy to urge them to stop using high fructose corn syrup in flavored milks, and to reduce overall the amount of sweetener they are using in those milks. Prairie Farms were very receptive.
The Google Group is a great way to share information on health and wellness. The group is open to anyone, and all posts are public.
To start a new thread, simply send an email to bpswellness@googlegroups.com. To participate in the group through the group site, visit www.groups.google.com/group/bpswellness.
If you choose to join, you can set your subscription to send a copy of every message posted to the group as the messages are posted, or you can choose to receive just one email per day, or none at all.
Thank you to Clint Baller for this information.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
WAG March 22-26
March 21, 2010
Dear BCS Families,
The Blast has just wrapped up and I am still in awe of how many people were here supporting BCS! It was great to see many of you having fun with your family and friends! My family was very impressed with a fundraiser of this magnitude! They were appreciative of the friendly introductions and the kind BCS families that welcomed them!
The Blast was a success for many reasons. One main reason for such a great event is the group of people that have been working behind the scenes for months! Karen Best and Ken Gilbert have headed a team of dedicated people that worked extremely hard to make sure we had great fun and the PTSA made a great amount of money. They were not alone in their efforts as a number of parents, students, and companies gave money, time, and products to make this year’s Blast a success. Please take the time to thank this committee when you have a chance- we are truly grateful and fortunate for their dedication to BCS!
Blast to the Future was a fitting theme for this year. A great deal of time has been spent by the BCS staff to move forward into the future. It is imperative that we continue looking into the future as we plan curriculum, improve our delivery systems, and meet the needs of our students. BCS has historically been a step ahead in embracing the changes that the future brings in the world of education. We will continue to be the trailblazers that are confident knowing that with the support we saw today, there is nothing that can stand in our way!
Thank you for the turnout and please know that your time and dedication does not go unnoticed.
Have a great week!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MARCH 22 – MARCH 26, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
Community Conversations on Budget – Part II
Be a part of these follow up sessions regarding the Budget Development Plan for the 2010-2011 school year. Attend to hear more about the recommendations made to the Board. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the fiscal challenges BPS faces and the strategies being proposed to address the $16 million dollar problem facing us over the next two years. There are two sessions available.
March 23 7pm Berkshire Middle School
March 25 7pm Derby Middle School
Monday, March 22
• 6:45-8:00AM –8th grade Girls Volleyball practice
• 7 – 8:00 AM–7th grade Girls Volleyball practice
Tuesday, March 23
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 9:30 AM BBFA Meeting – “Empowering Kids” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:00PM –Girl’s Volleyball game @ Hazel Park Junior High School. 7th grade game begins at 4:00PM and 8th grade game immediately follows.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades
• 7 PM – BBFA Meeting – “Teen Dating & Dating Abuse” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• Deadline: Articles for E-Bugle due today kyraeg@wowway.com
Wednesday, March 24
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
Thursday, March 25
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• Market Day internet orders due by midnight. If you are unable to complete your order online, please contact Lori Croad at 248-348-4390.
• E-Bugle published today!
• 3:20-4:05PM ––Girls Volleyball end of the season party during choice hour.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades
Friday, March 26
• 6:30-8:30PM – Spring Fling Dance for 7th & 8th graders-BCS Cafeteria, $5 payable at the door
Saturday, March 27
• 8:00AM – 2:00PM - Elementary Science Olympiad Competition – West Maple Elementary School
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Slider Day –Choice of Beef, Chicken or Mahi Mahi
Tuesday –Cream Chicken with Mixed Vegetables over Biscuit
Wednesday –Create your own Large Salad-choice of Popcorn Chicken or Julienne Turkey
Thursday – Cook Choice of entree
Friday –Create your own Stuffed Baked Potato with assorted veg. and cheese toppings
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
3rd and 4th GRADE PARENTS
Starting Monday, March 15 through Thursday, April 15: the following classrooms: Butzin, Harvath, Seley and Wallington, will be attending Swim as their PE. Please be sure to send in a swimsuit and towel with your child.
SPRING SPORTS – Track & Field
Track & Field practice will begin soon for 6th, 7th & 8th grades. Students who want to participate must have all athletic paperwork submitted before they can practice (this includes a physical, necessary forms and payment). If the student has already competed in interscholastic sports this school year, only the athletic form and fee payment are necessary. Please remember that athletic fees must be paid for each sport.
Athletic paperwork can be picked up in the front office or downloaded from www.bcsonline.info and can be turned in starting NOW. Once the paperwork is reviewed by a BCS staff member, the student will be issued a slip of eligibility (referred to as the “orange slip”). This eligibility slip must be presented to the coach at the first practice attended. Students may watch practices until the eligibility slip is presented to the coach. The office encourages paperwork to be submitted early so students are set to go when practice starts.
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the New Family Ice Cream Social taking place on Friday, April 16. We are looking for volunteers to greet and help scoop ice cream from 11 - 12:30. Please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234 if you can help. Thanks!
3rd & 4th GRADE-FRIDAY LUNCH
Data is showing that the 3-4 students are throwing away 3 times or more the trash than the other grade levels!
We are in need of a few parents in the cafeteria on Friday to observe and help the children decide what they should throw away.
If you are able to show up for 30 minutes this Friday (from 11:00 - 11:30) or a few Fridays in the next few weeks, please let contact Pauline Roberts at pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us and let her know.
REDUCING TRASH AT BCS-TRASH FREE FRIDAYS
The Joseph/Roberts (“Joberts”) fifth graders are entering the Siemens We Can Change the World challenge this year. For their project, they are trying to reduce the amount of trash we generate at BCS, focusing particularly on the cafeteria. They would like to initiate “Trash Free Fridays” at BCS and they are asking for your help. Each Friday they will be collecting data after lunch about the amount of trash we generate in the cafeteria. They would like the students to think about packing a Trash free lunch and have put together the following tips:
• Use a lunch box or reusable sack.
• Pack a cloth napkin and reusable utensils.
• Put food in reusable food and drink containers.
• If you must use a disposable plastic bag, wash it out and keep reusing it.
• Purchase your snacks in bulk size and repack into individual reusable containers.
• Pack fresh fruit since it doesn't require any additional packaging.
BCS LIBRARY AMNESTY DAY - APRIL 1
Did you know that over 400 books are currently lost or overdue from the BCS Media Center? We’re willing to bet that many of them are in lockers, book bags, cubbies, and even on home bookshelves. To get them back onto our shelves and make them available for student use, we are happy to announce Library Amnesty Day! On Thursday, April 1st, the last day before spring break, look through your lockers, bags, cubbies, classrooms, or anywhere else library books like to hide. Bring them back to the media center for no-questions-asked, fine-free returns. That’s right! We’ll waive your fines. Plus, while you are in, you might want to check out some great reading material to keep you busy during the week of break. Not sure if you have any overdue books? Stop by the media center to check your account status, or watch your school email account for an overdue notice. The media center will be open at lunch and after school until 4:00pm for your book returning convenience. Any questions can be directed to Miss Samet, rs12bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) GARAGE SALE
It’s time to do your SPRING cleaning and donate unwanted items to the Birmingham Education Foundation Garage Sale. Remember that the BEF supports education programs at all schools throughout the district. Donations appreciated: Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliances, pet, garden, and household items…
The garage sale is at @ Berkshire Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 9 am to 3 pm.
Early entry at 8 am for $1, Half price sale at noon, Bag Sale at 1:30.
Drop off you items on Thursday, April 15, 4 to 8 pm or Friday, April 16, 10 am to 7 pm, tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan, 248 626-2231, J5Polan@aol.com
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The city of Birmingham is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00 until 2:00 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Location is the city of Birmingham clerk’s office. Please use Pierce street entrance. For additional information, please contact the Birmingham clerk’s office at 248-530-1880 or log on to www.bhamgov.org/passports.
Football Opportunity at Seaholm
8th graders who are interested in playing football at Seaholm for the Fall 2010 season are invited to attend the Seaholm Football Kick Off Meeting on Sunday, March 28 at 1:00 pm in the Seaholm Cafeteria. For more information, send an email to seaholmFB2010@aol.com or call Booster President Craig Frye at 248.790.0049.
5th/6th Grade
Thursday, March 25th:
8:30-9:45- 5th grade girls
9:50-11:05 6th grade Girls
5/6th grade girls will attend a workshop to work on the following:
• How to deal with relational aggression, bullying, and mean-spirited behavior
• What it means to be an empowered girl
• What confidence and true self-esteem are & why you want them
• Tools and strategies to help kids deal with meanness & sticky situations
• Why ignoring someone when they are mean creates kids who are doormats
• Why people are bystanders
• How to stand up for one’s self and others
*the do's and don'ts of friendship and peer relationships
We welcome parents to come and hear the workshop. Girls’ Empowered will also be speaking two other times that week about the same topics. One is for the 23rd for BBFA and the other is in Novi. See www.girlsempowered.com for more information.
Please see the handout for more information.
Spring Book Fair Volunteers Needed!!
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair!
If you have a upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too!
2 hour shifts are available during the following times:
Monday, April 19th - book fair set up- 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20th - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds & Thurs April 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday April 22nd - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Helping at the Fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, ipods, materials, and furnishings!!
Dear BCS Families,
The Blast has just wrapped up and I am still in awe of how many people were here supporting BCS! It was great to see many of you having fun with your family and friends! My family was very impressed with a fundraiser of this magnitude! They were appreciative of the friendly introductions and the kind BCS families that welcomed them!
The Blast was a success for many reasons. One main reason for such a great event is the group of people that have been working behind the scenes for months! Karen Best and Ken Gilbert have headed a team of dedicated people that worked extremely hard to make sure we had great fun and the PTSA made a great amount of money. They were not alone in their efforts as a number of parents, students, and companies gave money, time, and products to make this year’s Blast a success. Please take the time to thank this committee when you have a chance- we are truly grateful and fortunate for their dedication to BCS!
Blast to the Future was a fitting theme for this year. A great deal of time has been spent by the BCS staff to move forward into the future. It is imperative that we continue looking into the future as we plan curriculum, improve our delivery systems, and meet the needs of our students. BCS has historically been a step ahead in embracing the changes that the future brings in the world of education. We will continue to be the trailblazers that are confident knowing that with the support we saw today, there is nothing that can stand in our way!
Thank you for the turnout and please know that your time and dedication does not go unnoticed.
Have a great week!
Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE – MARCH 22 – MARCH 26, 2010
(Disclaimer: Please check all your calendars and bcsonline.info in case we missed something)
Community Conversations on Budget – Part II
Be a part of these follow up sessions regarding the Budget Development Plan for the 2010-2011 school year. Attend to hear more about the recommendations made to the Board. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the fiscal challenges BPS faces and the strategies being proposed to address the $16 million dollar problem facing us over the next two years. There are two sessions available.
March 23 7pm Berkshire Middle School
March 25 7pm Derby Middle School
Monday, March 22
• 6:45-8:00AM –8th grade Girls Volleyball practice
• 7 – 8:00 AM–7th grade Girls Volleyball practice
Tuesday, March 23
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• 8-8:20AM – Bagel sale in front of the media center by the 8th grade celebration committee
• 9:30 AM BBFA Meeting – “Empowering Kids” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• 3:15-4:00PM – School store is open in the main hallway during choice hour
• 4:00PM –Girl’s Volleyball game @ Hazel Park Junior High School. 7th grade game begins at 4:00PM and 8th grade game immediately follows.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades
• 7 PM – BBFA Meeting – “Teen Dating & Dating Abuse” at the Gary M. Doyle Center
• Deadline: Articles for E-Bugle due today kyraeg@wowway.com
Wednesday, March 24
• Popcorn Day – freshly popped popcorn is sold during choice hour for $1 in the main hallway.
Thursday, March 25
• 7-8AM – Proud Dads Volleyball for 6th Grade Girls
• Market Day internet orders due by midnight. If you are unable to complete your order online, please contact Lori Croad at 248-348-4390.
• E-Bugle published today!
• 3:20-4:05PM ––Girls Volleyball end of the season party during choice hour.
• 6:30-8:00PM – Proud Dad’s CO-ED Basketball – 3rd-6th grades
Friday, March 26
• 6:30-8:30PM – Spring Fling Dance for 7th & 8th graders-BCS Cafeteria, $5 payable at the door
Saturday, March 27
• 8:00AM – 2:00PM - Elementary Science Olympiad Competition – West Maple Elementary School
Hot Entrée menu for the week: (subject to change, if necessary)
- Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Slider Day –Choice of Beef, Chicken or Mahi Mahi
Tuesday –Cream Chicken with Mixed Vegetables over Biscuit
Wednesday –Create your own Large Salad-choice of Popcorn Chicken or Julienne Turkey
Thursday – Cook Choice of entree
Friday –Create your own Stuffed Baked Potato with assorted veg. and cheese toppings
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
To submit an item for next week’s “WAG”, email nb01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us by FRIDAY 7AM
3rd and 4th GRADE PARENTS
Starting Monday, March 15 through Thursday, April 15: the following classrooms: Butzin, Harvath, Seley and Wallington, will be attending Swim as their PE. Please be sure to send in a swimsuit and towel with your child.
SPRING SPORTS – Track & Field
Track & Field practice will begin soon for 6th, 7th & 8th grades. Students who want to participate must have all athletic paperwork submitted before they can practice (this includes a physical, necessary forms and payment). If the student has already competed in interscholastic sports this school year, only the athletic form and fee payment are necessary. Please remember that athletic fees must be paid for each sport.
Athletic paperwork can be picked up in the front office or downloaded from www.bcsonline.info and can be turned in starting NOW. Once the paperwork is reviewed by a BCS staff member, the student will be issued a slip of eligibility (referred to as the “orange slip”). This eligibility slip must be presented to the coach at the first practice attended. Students may watch practices until the eligibility slip is presented to the coach. The office encourages paperwork to be submitted early so students are set to go when practice starts.
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The BCS Community Connections Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the New Family Ice Cream Social taking place on Friday, April 16. We are looking for volunteers to greet and help scoop ice cream from 11 - 12:30. Please contact Becky Bachand at dbachand@comcast.net or 248.593.8234 if you can help. Thanks!
3rd & 4th GRADE-FRIDAY LUNCH
Data is showing that the 3-4 students are throwing away 3 times or more the trash than the other grade levels!
We are in need of a few parents in the cafeteria on Friday to observe and help the children decide what they should throw away.
If you are able to show up for 30 minutes this Friday (from 11:00 - 11:30) or a few Fridays in the next few weeks, please let contact Pauline Roberts at pr05bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us and let her know.
REDUCING TRASH AT BCS-TRASH FREE FRIDAYS
The Joseph/Roberts (“Joberts”) fifth graders are entering the Siemens We Can Change the World challenge this year. For their project, they are trying to reduce the amount of trash we generate at BCS, focusing particularly on the cafeteria. They would like to initiate “Trash Free Fridays” at BCS and they are asking for your help. Each Friday they will be collecting data after lunch about the amount of trash we generate in the cafeteria. They would like the students to think about packing a Trash free lunch and have put together the following tips:
• Use a lunch box or reusable sack.
• Pack a cloth napkin and reusable utensils.
• Put food in reusable food and drink containers.
• If you must use a disposable plastic bag, wash it out and keep reusing it.
• Purchase your snacks in bulk size and repack into individual reusable containers.
• Pack fresh fruit since it doesn't require any additional packaging.
BCS LIBRARY AMNESTY DAY - APRIL 1
Did you know that over 400 books are currently lost or overdue from the BCS Media Center? We’re willing to bet that many of them are in lockers, book bags, cubbies, and even on home bookshelves. To get them back onto our shelves and make them available for student use, we are happy to announce Library Amnesty Day! On Thursday, April 1st, the last day before spring break, look through your lockers, bags, cubbies, classrooms, or anywhere else library books like to hide. Bring them back to the media center for no-questions-asked, fine-free returns. That’s right! We’ll waive your fines. Plus, while you are in, you might want to check out some great reading material to keep you busy during the week of break. Not sure if you have any overdue books? Stop by the media center to check your account status, or watch your school email account for an overdue notice. The media center will be open at lunch and after school until 4:00pm for your book returning convenience. Any questions can be directed to Miss Samet, rs12bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) GARAGE SALE
It’s time to do your SPRING cleaning and donate unwanted items to the Birmingham Education Foundation Garage Sale. Remember that the BEF supports education programs at all schools throughout the district. Donations appreciated: Clothing, furniture, toys, books, sports and exercise equipment, electronics, small appliances, pet, garden, and household items…
The garage sale is at @ Berkshire Middle School on Saturday, April 17, 9 am to 3 pm.
Early entry at 8 am for $1, Half price sale at noon, Bag Sale at 1:30.
Drop off you items on Thursday, April 15, 4 to 8 pm or Friday, April 16, 10 am to 7 pm, tax forms available.
Questions or to volunteer please contact Jane Polan, 248 626-2231, J5Polan@aol.com
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The city of Birmingham is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00 until 2:00 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Location is the city of Birmingham clerk’s office. Please use Pierce street entrance. For additional information, please contact the Birmingham clerk’s office at 248-530-1880 or log on to www.bhamgov.org/passports.
Football Opportunity at Seaholm
8th graders who are interested in playing football at Seaholm for the Fall 2010 season are invited to attend the Seaholm Football Kick Off Meeting on Sunday, March 28 at 1:00 pm in the Seaholm Cafeteria. For more information, send an email to seaholmFB2010@aol.com or call Booster President Craig Frye at 248.790.0049.
5th/6th Grade
Thursday, March 25th:
8:30-9:45- 5th grade girls
9:50-11:05 6th grade Girls
5/6th grade girls will attend a workshop to work on the following:
• How to deal with relational aggression, bullying, and mean-spirited behavior
• What it means to be an empowered girl
• What confidence and true self-esteem are & why you want them
• Tools and strategies to help kids deal with meanness & sticky situations
• Why ignoring someone when they are mean creates kids who are doormats
• Why people are bystanders
• How to stand up for one’s self and others
*the do's and don'ts of friendship and peer relationships
We welcome parents to come and hear the workshop. Girls’ Empowered will also be speaking two other times that week about the same topics. One is for the 23rd for BBFA and the other is in Novi. See www.girlsempowered.com for more information.
Please see the handout for more information.
Spring Book Fair Volunteers Needed!!
If you love books and have 2 hours to spare, please contact Shiva Motlagh (shivamotlagh@comcast.net) to volunteer for the upcoming Spring Book Fair!
If you have a upper class high school student who needs community service hours, we would welcome their help too!
2 hour shifts are available during the following times:
Monday, April 19th - book fair set up- 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 20th - student preview times - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Weds & Thurs April 21 & 22 - student preview/public sale - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Thursday April 22nd - book fair pack up - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Helping at the Fair is lots of fun and 25% of the proceeds go directly to the Media Center to buy books, ipods, materials, and furnishings!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Almost There!
The Windspire was erected today! Thanks to Mark Ceo and his crew we were able to erect the turbine without interrupting our drop off/pick up in the bus loop!
Thank you to John Carlos, seen in the picture in front of the turbine with Adam Hartley (Principal), John Prisciandaro (Eng. Tech Teacher)and Hal Heard (Asst. Principal)
The celebration will take place after spring break!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Mr. Mixon's Science Class- Real Life Problems- Real Life Solutions!
George Mixon's students started this investigation with an internet search about pH and what it means to have pH balanced hair. The class had a 15 minute discussion as students continued to search, decide, explore and choose reputable sites that may provide them with the information needed. Once their discussion and exploration concluded, students were introduced to the probes and began graphing the pH levels of various shampoos using the data studio software.
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