Brunswick High School Newsletter
Welcome Back - School Year 2019-2020
BHS Parents & Students
Dear Parents,
I am very excited to serve as your principal at Brunswick High School. I look forward to working with you and supporting our students. I understand the importance of working together to enhance opportunities for every BHS student. My office is always open to students, parents and staff.
Brunswick High School is dedicated to preparing each and every student for life beyond high school. BHS has a longstanding tradition of success with academics, an outstanding athletics program, a talented and award-winning fine arts program and student groups that support our community. I look forward to building upon these traditions and remaining focused on instruction, climate and the rigorous academic programs we offer our students.
During the year, please check the Brunswick High School website for daily announcements, updates on student achievements, upcoming events including state testing, adjusted schedules and other important information. Visit www.bcsoh.org, select Brunswick High School in the pull-down menu and look at the tabs which include BHS News, District News, Events & Resources.
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer vacation and we will see everyone on Tuesday, August 13th.
Make it a great year!
Keith Merrill
Principal
Brunswick High School
Administration
10th Grade Assistant Principal- Jim Kovi
11th Grade Assistant Principal- Halle Schmidt
12th Grade Assistant Principal- Lee Ann Petry
Athletic Director/Assistant Principal- John Justice
PRIDE Academy- Lisa Mayle
Free & Reduced Applications,
Lunch Policy,
School Fees,
Building Handbook,
Transportation,
ProgressBook,
Immunizations,
SIF - Student Information Form (Must be updated each year)
SIF- Student Information Form
Student Information Form
Please CLICK HERE (https://update.bcsoh.org/ ) to update the Student Information Form for each child that attends BCSD. This form contains essential information for several entities of the district including the main office, the school nurse and the technology department to name a few. It is imperative that it be updated before the year begins.
The Username is the student’s 6 digit Student ID number.
The Password is the student’s birthdate (m/d/yyyy) plus the student’s middle name.
Note: There are no spaces between the birthdate and middle name and the first initial of the middle name is capitalized.
Note: If a student does not have a middle name, enter an asterisk (*) in place of the middle name.
Note: If a student has two middle names, enter both middle names with a space between the two middle names.
Note: If a student has a hyphen, apostrophe, or other special characters in the middle name, enter the special characters.
Example:
Username: 123456
Password: 8/23/2013Kathleen
If you have ANY questions about your Student Information Form, please contact your building secretary. Also, if you have difficulty with accessing the site, change the browser you are using or clear the cookies/cache, that usually helps.
PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE EMERGENCY CONTACTS UPDATED AND THAT YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE! STUDENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO SOMEONE WHO IS NOT LISTED AS AN EMERGENCY CONTACT--see information below as to how this situation will be addressed at the schools.
Signing Out Students
- All students sign in and out of the Center Office.
- Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contacts must provided picture identification.
- When completing your online SIF (Student Information Form), make sure to identify your emergency contacts if they will be picking up your child from school.
Emergency Pick Up A phone call and completed form will be required if you need someone other than a person(s) listed in emergency contacts to pick your child up from school. First, call the school to request that a person not listed as an emergency contact needs to pick up your child. The building secretary will verify the number you are calling from as a number listed in our student system. Next, a link (to a form) will be sent via email to the email listed for the legal guardian. Once the legal guardian completes the form the child may be picked up by the person indicated on the form. The building staff will verify the identity of the person picking up the child; be sure the person picking up the child brings a driver’s license or a state ID.
Attendance & Truancy
Regular school attendance is an important ingredient in students’ academic success. Excessive absences interfere with students’ progress in mastering knowledge and skills necessary to graduate from high school and be prepared for higher education and the workforce. To support academic success for all students, the district will partner with students and their families to identify and reduce barriers to regular school attendance.
Updated district policies and procedures reflect the following changes in accordance with H.B. 410.
Excessive Absences
- Absent 38 or more hours in one school month with or without a legitimate excuse
- Absent 65 or more hours in one school year with or without a legitimate excuse
If a student reaches the threshold for excessive absences, the District is required to send home a letter notifying families of the absences.
EXAMPLE: A student will be considered to have excessive absences if he or she misses as few as two days of school a month for 6 months.
Habitual Truant
- Absent 30 or more consecutive hours without a legitimate excuse
- Absent 42 or more hours in one school month without a legitimate excuse
- Absent 72 or more hours in one school year without a legitimate excuse
If a student reaches the threshold for habitual truant, the District is required to develop and implement an Absence Intervention Plan. Parents/Guardians will be contacted to participate in the development of the Plan. If a student fails to participate or make satisfactory progress with the intervention process, or continues to miss school, the district is required to make a complaint against the parent/guardian and/or the student with Job & Family Services and/or Juvenile Court.
EXAMPLE: 5 consecutive unexcused days absent, 7 unexcused days absent in 1 month, or 12 unexcused days absent in a school year will require the student to be placed on an Absence Intervention Plan.
Students might be required to read over the summer for specific AP and Honors classes!
Freshmen Class of 2023 Orientation & Parent Meeting
The beginning of a new school year brings about many changes and some additional reservations when students make the move to a new school. Our goal at Brunswick High School is to make this transition for freshmen as seamless as possible. Brunswick High School’s LINK Crew will welcome the Class of 2023 on Friday, August 9th.
Orientation is designed to help familiarize the incoming Freshmen with BHS by introducing them to some of our upperclassmen, giving them a tour of BHS, showing them where their lockers are, getting their schedules and just getting to know the other incoming Freshmen. It is expected that students will stay for the entire orientation and tour.
Freshmen Orientation will be held in the East Cafeteria on Friday, August 9th as follows: Students with last name A-L report 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (Book check out 12:00-2:00 pm) Students with last name M-Z report 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Book check out 5:00-7:00 pm) Students will not be permitted to attend at a different time than what has been assigned. August 9th will be a “black out” date – ie. no other clubs, activities or sports will be meeting on this date. Freshmen Orientation Day is an important day, and we look forward to seeing you all there! Parents do not attend Freshman Orientation with their students.
Freshman Parent Orientation Meeting Wednesday, August 7, 2019 -Parents of incoming Freshmen are asked to attend the Freshmen Orientation meeting from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the James J. Hayas Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Freshman Tailgate will be held Friday, August 30th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the West Gym. All freshmen will receive free food and a ticket to the game!
See Something Say Something
The Brunswick City School District encourages students, teachers, staff, parents and other members of our community to report any instances of potential violence, bullying, self-harm or any other issue where our students may be at risk. Information about the SaferSchools Tip Line can be found on the Brunswick City Schools webpage. The Brunswick City School District partners with SaferSchools Ohio to provide our families with a free resource for keeping our schools safe. The anonymous tip line service helps alert local law enforcement to potential school safety crises. By calling or texting the statewide tip line (844-SAFEROH), you can report anything that is suspicious or endangering to you, your friends or your school. The SaferSchools Tip Line accepts calls and texts 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
New Students - Grades 10, 11 & 12 - New Student Orientation
BHS & Rachel’s Challenge is hosting a New Student Orientation for students in Grades 10, 11, 12 who are new to BHS. It will be held Thursday, August 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Students should report to Room 213 in the Center. Students will be introduced to other BHS students who will give them a tour of BHS, showing them where their lockers are and helping them find their classrooms. A pizza lunch will be provided.
Transportation Routes & Bus Numbers
The Brunswick City Schools Transportation Department uses VersaTrans e-link to give parents the ability to look up the most accurate bus information for their children throughout the school year. This is a way for families to access their individual bus numbers, schedules, and routes.
The district is asking parents to login at http://versatrans.bcsoh.org/elinkrp using their primary phone number as the username and password. Once logged in, parents can change their password to a personal password of their own choosing. If parents are unable to login using their phone number, they may call the transportation department for assistance at 330-273-0227. If parents do not have access to a computer at home, parents can call the transportation department or their child's building secretary who can look up the information for them and answer any questions they may have.
This student transportation online information system utilizes the latest routing technology to maintain accurate and up-to-date bus routing information. It will have "real time" data so when students move in or out of the district, the time change and bus routes are altered. Parents do need to realize these are computer generated estimates and, as always, allow a bus to run 10 minutes early/behind the actual time of arrival.
The goal of the Brunswick City Schools Transportation Department is to run a safe and efficient transportation system for our school community.
BCSD website link: https://www.bcsoh.org/Page/4312
SCHEDULE AND BOOK PICK UP FOR STUDENTS
Wed., August 7 Grades 10-12 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thurs., August 8 Grades 10-12 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday, August 9 Grade 9 ONLY A - L Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday, August 9 Grade 9 ONLY M-Z Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, August 12 Grades 10-12 Tims: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Students who do not check out textbooks during the above times will be responsible to check out their textbooks during school. All Student Information Forms MUST be completed in order for students to check out books/receive schedules.
BHS Open House
SCHOOL PICTURES
HOMECOMING 2019
PROM 2020
After prom is ran by parents, if you are interested in helping out or making a donation, information will be out in the fall.
Counselors
Guidance
Nakia Miller A-E (nmiller@bcsoh.org)
Adriana Strazzanti F-Kn (astrazzanti@bcsoh.org)
Lisa Flood Ko-Ph (lflood@bcsoh.org)
Carol Conway Pi-V (cconway@bcsoh.org)
Julie Pizon W-Z (jpizon@bcsoh.org)
Jaime Camino College & Career, MCCC, AP, SAT (jcamino@bcsoh.org)
Brunswick High School Scheduling & Schedule Change Policy
The counselors have met individually with students to discuss requirements and options for electives. Request verifications were given to students in May. Please note the policy below for adding or dropping a class:
The last day for students to change or add courses to the student's schedule for the upcoming school year was June 7, 2019. Course additions and level changes after this date are not permitted since a student's schedule is the result of careful planning by the student, counselor, teachers and parents. Critical staffing decisions are based on student course selections. Course additions are subject to availability and class size limits. The Guidance Department will consider course changes and additions after June 7, 2019 only for the following reasons:
1. Computer/Mechanical error changes.
2. Changes to meet graduation requirements for seniors.
3. Changes necessitated by failures.
4. Course level change due to academic misplacement (regular, Honors,
and Advanced Placement) with teacher input and parent permission. Students are not permitted to drop an Honors or Advanced Placement course because summer requirements were not completed.
Course Withdrawals Next School Year: Parent permission is required to drop a class. Phone calls or emails from students or parents cannot substitute for a completed schedule change form. Students may drop an elective year-long and Semester I course without penalty by August 27, 2019. Students may drop an elective Semester II course without penalty by January 21, 2020. A student may withdraw from an elective class within this two-week time period without penalty, providing the student's course load does not fall below 5 classes each semester and 5 credits for the year and the course is not required for graduation. If a course is dropped after these posted dates, a grade of "F" will be recorded for the class. Students dropping courses will be placed in a study hall.
The faculty and Guidance Department reserve the right to make decisions in scheduling which are both educationally sound and in the best interest of the student.
Deadline for College Credit Plus (CCP) April 1, 2020
Any students who are currently enrolled or planning on enrolling into the College Credit Plus (CCP) program need to turn in their yellow "Intent to Participate" form by April 1st. The April 1st date is the deadline set by the Ohio Department of Education.This information was sent out and posted online in the Spring.
PARKING PASS INFORMATION
August 8th from 12:30 2:15 pm
August 9th from 8-11:30 am & 12:30 2:15 pm
August 12th from 8-11:30 am & 12:30 2:15 pm
Students must bring their completed and signed application along with the car registration. All unpaid past fees must be paid in the Athletic Office with Mrs. Caso before a parking permit can be purchased. Seniors will park in the East lot. Parking spaces will NOT be numbered this year; thus, parking will be random as is done in the West lot. Sophomores and Juniors will park in the West lot.
Commencement 2020
EXAMS
Midterm Exams will be as follows:
Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 Tuesday, December 17 - Thursday, December 19, 2019
Final Exams will be as follows:
Seniors - Final Exams - Monday, May 4, 2020 - Thursday, May 7, 2020
Grades 9, 10 & 11 - Final Exams - Tuesday, May 19, 2020 - Thursday, May 21, 2020
Complete schedule will be sent out before each exam window. Students will not be permitted to take mid-terms or final exams early. Students who miss an exam will be given an "F" until exam is taken. Please plan ahead and not schedule vacations during exams.
BHS Website
Check the Brunswick High School website for daily announcements, updates on student achievements, upcoming events including state testing, adjusted schedules and other important information. Visit www.bcsoh.org, select Brunswick High School in the pull-down menu and look at the tabs which include BHS News, District News, Events & Resources.
GO BIG BLUE! Athletic Information
Brunswick High School Athletic Events
Brunswick students participate in many sports during the year. Please consider coming to support our student athletes. Tickets for most events can be purchased in advance in the Athletic Office or at the entrance to each sporting event.
GO BIG BLUE!
State Testing Requirements to Earn a High School Diploma
Ohio Department of Education State Testing Requirements
Earn 18 Points by taking 7 End-of-Course (EOC) State Tests during high school. Students can earn up to 5 points for each test and must meet a minimum in ELA, Math, Science/Social Studies. The EOC tests are:
ELA1
ELA2
Algebra
Geometry
American History
Biology
American Government
Please see attachment below for more information or http://education.ohio.gov/
Practice tests, tools and resources can be found by searching End-of-Course tests.
2019-20 TESTING DATES
ACT and SAT Testing: College-bound students who need to take or retake either the ACT or SAT must register online. Registration and payment for the ACT and SAT are made directly through the American College Testing and The College Board. Students are advised to register early for these tests.
ACT: www.actstudent.org - BHS Testing Dates: 9/14/19, 10/26/19, 12/14/19, 2/8/20, 4/4/20, 6/13/20, 7/18/20.
SAT: www.sat.collegeboard.com/register - BHS Testing Dates: 12/7/19, 6/6/20
On Wednesday, March 4th, all Juniors will participate in the SAT School Day Test beginning at 7:25 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
ASVAB Test Date: Wednesday, 10/23/19 from 7:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
All-School Test Date: Wednesday, 10/16/19
Grade 9 - PSAT 8/9
Grades 10 & 11 - PSAT/PSAT NMSQT
Grade 12 will use the day for college visits, career shadowing or attend the Medina County College Fair at the Medina County Fairgrounds.
BHS ALL 11th Grade SAT Testing
March 4, 2020
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing: Students enrolled in an Advanced Placement course are REQUIRED to take the AP Test. AP Testing Dates begin on Monday, May 4th and conclude on Friday, May 15th. Late AP Testing Dates are: 5/20/20, 5/21/20, 5/22/20
EOC Testing
Fall Government EOC 12/17 & upper class retakes
Spring ELA 4/14 & 4/15, Biology 4/22, American History 4/23, Algebra & Geometry 4/28 & 4/29
EOC retakes will occur during all testing dates and windows
Testing dates are subject to change and adjusted schedules might be in place.
IMPORTANT EVENT DATES - MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Aug. 7 Freshman Orientation Parent Mtg.
Aug. 8 New Student Orientation (Gr. 10-12)
Aug. 9 Freshman Orientation
Aug. 20 Open House 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 30 Freshman Tailgate 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 3- Seniors proof of meningococcal(MCV4) vaccination due date
Sept. 4 Picture Day (Gr. 9, 10, 11)
Oct. 4 Homecoming Game
Oct. 5 Homecoming Dance 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Oct. 16 PSAT All-School Test Date
Oct. 30 Blood Drive
Nov. 7 Parent-Teacher Conferences times: 4:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Nov. 7 Picture Retake Day
Nov. 12 Parent-Teacher Conferences times: 4:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Nov. 25 Fall Sports Celebration
Dec. 2 NHS Induction
Dec. 17 Mid-terms & Governments End of Course Testing
Dec. 18 Mid-Terms
Dec. 19 Mid-Terms
Feb. 1 Winter Formal
Feb. 19 Blood Drive
Feb. 27 Parent-Teacher Conference times: 4:15 - 7:15 p.m.
March 4 SAT testing 11th Grade Only
March 5 Parent-Teacher Conferences times: 4:15-7:15 p.m.
March 17 Winter Sports Celebration
May 4 - May 7 Final Exams for Seniors
May 9 Prom
May 15 Mandatory Commencement Practice
May 17 Commencement
May 19 - May 21 Final Exams for Grades 9, 10, 11
June 9 Spring Sports Celebration
*Dates, times, location, and events are subject to change and will be updated online.
Did You Know That Brunswick High School
Did you know that:
BHS Offers over 20 AP Courses
BHS Had 58 AP Scholars
BHS Had 22 AP Scholars with Honor
BHS Had 26 AP Scholars with Distinction
BHS Had 1 National AP Scholar
BHS Had a student who earned a perfect score on the ACT
BHS Has earned the Silver Recognition for PBIS
BHS Had a National Merit Scholarship Finalist
BHS Class of 2019 students are at Harvard, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Purdue, Loyola, Case Western, University of North Carolina, University of Notre Dame, Hillsdale College, Lake Erie College, Miami of Ohio and University of Dayton, just to name a few!
BHS Had three State Champions in Swimming, Wrestling and Gymnastics
BHS For the first time, all four choirs competing in OMEA States all received top marks
Band and Orchestra have earned a superior ratings at OMEA
BHS Supports the Arts with musicals, plays & participates in Shakespeare competitions
BHS Academic Challenge Team has placed First in several competitions
BHS Students have broken numerous school records in several sports
BHS Students have competed and won awards for developing APPs
BHS Hosts Special Olympics in May for school districts around our community
BHS Designed a work program called PRIDE Bites at the Brunswick Recreation Center
BHS Has been identified as a PLTW Distinguished School
BHS Has raised over $70,000 dollars for St. Baldrick's
BHS Has donated food items to Feeding Medina County & Brunswick's Food Pantries
BHS VOFT supports & adopts many families during the holidays
BHS Donates full meals at Thanksgiving to our community
BHS Excels in the Arts, Academics and Athletics
BHS Has a partnership with Lorain Community College to offer CCP classes in our building
Important BHS Links & Twitter Accounts
Brunswick High School Calendar
Twitter @BCSDBrunswickHS
Brunswick City Schools & Brunswick High School Website www.bcsoh.org