Sunday, December 4, 2011

W.A.G. Dec. 5-9, 2011


December 4, 2011
Dear BCS Community,
WOW! What an open house!  I want to thank everyone responsible for making this year’s open house an amazing experience.  This includes BCS staff, parents and students.  We saw central office and board of education members today as well....Thank you!
Mrs. Chinn and I shared stories after the open house of the conversations we had with families as they toured the building.  Each story included people that were amazed with our programs and impressed with our staff.  The one common theme was our student ambassadors.  Each year, our parents and staff (the adults), work hard to prepare for close to 300 families to tour BCS.  Everyone from our custodians to our PTSA work together in order to make this day a special one.  However, it is the people between the ages of 8-14 that steal the show!  Our ambassadors, wearing their Sunday best, walk with our guests and invite them into the world of BCS through the lens of the learner.  Mrs. Chinn and I, our parent helpers, and our teaching staff do a great job of telling our story, but nothing compares to learning what happens here at BCS from the very people that make BCS a great place to be...our students!
Thank you to everyone that helped and for working together to make our open house a success.
Have a great week!
G.E.E.K.ed about Leading,

Adam
WEEK AT A GLANCE –   Week of December 5-9, 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, December 5
  • DUE DATE EXTENDED!!!-REFLECTIONS ENTRIES-ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE TO THE MEDIA CENTER 
  • 3:15-5:00 PM-GIRLS SWIM PRACTICE
  • 4:00 PM BOYS BASKETBALL -AWAY@ ORCHARD LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL-visit highschoolsports.net for map and directions to the school
Tuesday, December 6
  • 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE
  • 6:45-8 AM GIRLS SWIM  TEAM PRACTICE
  • 8 AM BAGELS for Sale- for $1.25 (cream cheese .25 cents)in front of the Media Center
  • 9:15am  5/6 Room Parent Meeting-Media center
  • 3:15 PM-SCHOOL STORE  OPEN DURING CHOICE HOUR
  • 4:15 PM-Girls Swim Team  -Home v. Bloomfield Hills Middle School
Wednesday, December 7
  • DUE- SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS- to ensure holiday delivery-ORDER BY TODAY
  • 6:45 AM BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM PHOTOS-PRACTICE TO FOLLOW
  • 3:15-5:00 PM-GIRLS SWIM TEAM PRACTICE
  • Delicious Popcorn sold during Choice Hour-only $ 1
  • 6:30 PM- Technology Committee Meeting-Media Center
Thursday, December 8
  • 9:50 AM- DELAYED START TODAY
  • 4:15 PM-Girls Swim Team -Home v. Derby Middle School
  • 4;00 PM BOYS BASKETBALL -HOME v. ANDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Friday, December 9
  • 6:45-8 AM BOYS BASKETBALL PRACTICE
  • 6:45-8 AM GIRLS SWIM  TEAM PRACTICE
  • 9 AM-1:15 PM 3/4 ROUGE FACTORY FIELD TRIP
  • 1 PM-DEADLINE FOR DONATIONS TO THE “ADOPT A FAMILY” PROGRAM
Hot Entrée menu for the week:  (subject to change, if necessary)
-          Available everyday: Salad Bar, Hamburgers, Chicken Patties, Pizza & Cheese Breadsticks
Monday –Homestyle Chili, Featured Salad Bar, Whole Wheat Roll, Fresh Fruit cup, BBQ Chicken Pizza 
Tuesday – Baked Whole Wheat Spaghetti w/Marinara, Garlic Toast, Steamed Broccoli, Nachos Supreme
Wednesday – Homestyle Turkey and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans, Hawaiian Pizza
Thursday – BBQ Chicken Legs, Flavorful Baked Beans, Mixes Vegetables,  Zesty Beef Burrito
Friday –Bacon Cheeseburger on Whole Wheat Bun, 
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR IMPORTANT FAMILY, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
~Educational Legislative Alert~
We need your voice.
Please contact your State Representative today.

This week, the Michigan Legislature will be voting on a group of bills (SB 618-624) that will drastically change the way public schools operate and are funded throughout the state of Michigan. These bills are being promoted as "educational reform," but there are many inherit problems within these bills. If SB 618-624 becomes law, the resulting changes may cost taxpayers more, deliver less, and ultimately harm public education.

Two of the most concerning bills (SB 618 & 619) affect charter school and cyber-school expansions. While both ideas have merit, there is very little transparency, accountability or oversight mentioned in these bills. Not only do these bills lack important details, they dilute the School Aid Fund that is currently earmarked for Michigan K-12 public schools. Funding for charter/cyber schools would come at the expense of the public schools, and be given to "for profit" educational management companies. This may lead to reduced staffing and programming for the current K-12 system. 
While the original intent of charter/cyber schools was to promote innovation and competition, thereby increasing student performance, research shows that today's charter/cyber schools have swayed considerably from that original vision. 
The other bills in this package are of equal concern: school of choice, broadening geographic boundaries, dual enrollment and charter conversion. There is no solid body of research that indicates the tactics employed in these bills would improve student achievement or result in greater accountability.

BPS would like to see the Michigan Legislature slow down and thoroughly examine these bills before irreparable damage is done to the Michigan K-12 public education system. We need your help. Please learn more about these proposals, and please contact your state representative today. Ask your state representative to ‘vote No’ on the current SB 618-624. 
Click here to call your state representative or go to the BPS homepage to get your state representative's email address: http://legislative-contacts-and-info.birmingham.k12.mi.us. We have attached (see below) a sample note for your convenience, if you would like to cut-and-paste an email.
Please don't hesitate – this vote may be taken as early as 1:30pm this Tuesday. 

Thank you for your advocacy,
David F. Larson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear ________,

As a public school parent and a constituent in your district, I am deeply concerned with the set of SB 618-624 moving through the Legislature. These bills are a complex mix of costly ideas that require little accountability, strip local control, and are paid for with the tax dollars of Michigan citizens. There is no solid body of research that indicates the tactics employed in these bills will improve student achievement or result in greater accountability. Please slow down and thoroughly examine the issues at hand before permanent damage is done to Michigan's public education system.

Sincerely,
HOLIDAY SHOPPING TO SUPPORT BCS
Looking for a way to get some shopping done and support BCS?  If you shop Sally Foster (http://www.sallyfoster.com/sf/?cm_mmc=Email-_-2011HolidayPromo-_-AllBuyers-_-SF11WEBNVFG) and enter the BCS identification number (43930), 40% of the purchase price comes back to BCS!  Happy Shopping!
ATHLETICS UPDATES
The Boys Basketball and Girls Swim seasons are underway.  Please check the BCS Athletics website www.bcsonline.info/athletics or go to www.highschoolsports.net for game schedules and come support our Cobras!  
Pictures for Boys Basketball will be 11/7 during AM practices.  Pictures for girls swim will be 11/14 during the 3:15 practice.
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 BegAn Monday, November 28!!!!! – ONE WEEK LEFT  LET’S GO BCS
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.
FORENSICS TEAM NEWS
The BCS Forensics Team will be competing in the Middle Level Forensics Tournament in Saginaw on Saturday December 10.  Students have been rehearsing and perfecting their piece since September in the following categories:  Impromptu, Storytelling, Prose, Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, Sales, Duo and Multiple.  Pieces range from 4 to 12 minutes in length and are performed three times at the tournament.  Break a leg!
ReflectionsCalling 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 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
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
GLEANERS VISITS
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, BCS families packaged 7,220 pounds of food at Gleaners!  Thank you so much to all of the families that joined us in supporting the fight against hunger.  If you didn't get to go this last visit, please watch for announcements about our Spring date and join us then!
7/8 PARENTS: 
Show someone your “sweet” side – buy them a Holiday CANDYGRAM ! The 7/8 Spirit Committee will be selling CANDYGRAMS – ONLY for 7/8 graders and teachers to receive from Thurs, Dec 1st -Tues, Dec 13th. They cost 50¢ each (includes note, candy and delivery). 
You can purchase them in the front office. Spirit Committee members will be delivering the CANDYGRAMS to each 7th hour on Thursday, December 15th. 
HAVE A SWEET HOLIDAY!  FROM YOUR SPIRIT COMMITTEE
BCS Spirit Wear is here!  
Show your school spirit, stay warm this winter!  
Return order forms to the office.  Make checks payable to:  BCS PTSA
All orders placed by Wednesday, December 7, 2011 will be filled prior to break.
Any questions?  Contact Teresa Rea: reateresa@gmail.com
All merchandise is custom ordered and all sales are final.
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 tothree 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.

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

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 7TH 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-8TH 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-8TH 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 2nd 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 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.  
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 1st, 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.



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BCS Robotics Team 2011

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Sunday, November 20, 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.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

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

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

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

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