Week of 11/16/2020
.... It's a GREAT place to be!
Birmingham Covington Schools (BCS)
Website: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/bcs
Location: 1525 Covington Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, USA
Phone: 248-203-4444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Birmingham-Covington-School-257853467700898/
Twitter: @bcs_cobras
11/16/2020- Week's Events
*denotes more information provided below
Monday, 11/16
- Choice Hour Changes take effect. Only PM Choice Hour is offered.
- BCS Diversity Committee Meetings every Tuesday 7:30-8am. Please join at this link: https://zoom.us/j/94515515954?pwd=VGgvWVJUUWQ3SjdCWmhvWU9DRFhKdz09
- BCS Pride every Tuesday 4:15-5pm. Please email Rick Joseph at rjoseph@birmingham.k12.mi.us for details.
- BCS Diversity Committee Webinar 7-8pm*
- Half Day for Students - NO Choice Hour
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, 11/19
- Half Day for Students - NO Choice Hour
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Chartwells Meal Pick-Up @ Groves High School 10:00am - 12:00pm*
- ALL GRADES Materials Distribution Time: 3:00pm - 5:00 pm
Friday, 11/20
- ALL GRADES Materials Distribution Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Coming up...
- Book Fair Ends Monday, November 23
- Thanksgiving Break November 25-30. School resumes on December 1.
Greetings, BCS Families!
As we move into an all-virtual schedule sent to BCS families on Friday (11/13), we want to communicate our continued commitment to doing our very best work despite incredibly challenging circumstances. While we are all collectively concerned about the impact our world's disruptions have created for us and our families, we hope to reframe and respond together in the best interests of our students.
While so much of our world seems out of our control right now, what is in our control is how we choose to respond to the challenges we face. Our students are watching, all of us, each and every day. They hear us. They see us. They look to us to learn ways to respond themselves. So through this, our students have a unique opportunity to build character, resilience, and strength from us all, in big and little ways. This can be a time of some of the best, most impactful learning experiences of their lives. Developing the skill of resilience is perhaps one of the best predictors of future success in regard to both academic and social-emotional development. By teaching resilience, we do not shield feelings of disappointment, frustration, stress, and anger. Rather, we model constructive ways to experience these emotions, finding a way to come back steadfast in our resolve to move forward no matter what.
Our BCS team will work creatively to offer academic and social-emotional support to our students and families as we remain virtual. Now that we have solid schedules in place for an all-virtual, half-day hybrid, and full in-person return, we have the opportunity to develop additional structures of support which will help us pull through with some creative thinking and collective action.
Yours in BCS Solidarity,
Dr. Hakim & Mr. Hill
All School News
BCS Picture Retake Day - POSTPONED
Hello BCS Families!
Due to the change in our schedule, Picture Retakes are Postponed. We will update you as soon as a new date is set. Thank you for your patience!
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Chartwells Meals for Distance Learning
Diversity Committee Webinar on Tuesday, November 17
Wondering how to best care for yourself and your family? You’re hardly alone.
Please join former BCS parent Dr. Alicia Acey, Dr. Gretchen Marsh, BCS School Psychologist Jackie Tucker, Counselor Jennifer Wagner, and Social Worker Matt Stoel for the webinar,
"Our Mental Health and Emotional Wellness in Pandemic Times."
Sponsored by the BCS Diversity Committee. Free and open to the public. Tuesday November 17, 7-8pm. Please sign up at this link:
Quarter 1 Grades on PowerSchool
5 - 8 GRADES NOW ACCESSIBLE ON POWERSCHOOL
Quarter 1 grades have been released and are available to view on PowerSchool. You can download the app on your mobile device. District Code ZHHX.
To gain access to PowerSchool from your laptop/desktop computer, go to the link—PowerSchool Parent Portal
3 - 4 GRADES REPORT CARD ACCESS
Quarter 1 report cards have been released online via Power School on Monday, November 9, 2020 and will be available to view until November 24, 2020, a 15-day window.
To gain access to Powerschool (PS), please use your laptop/desktop computer (mobile device will not display data):
1. Go to the linked—PowerSchool Parent Portal
2. Click your Student’s Name (Top-Left)
3. Finally, click Student Report on the left-side menu to access the report card
As always, you are encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher about what is happening in the classroom. Your partnership in learning is the greatest asset to your son’s or daughter’s growth and development. Teachers and staff look forward to working with you during these important years of academic and social emotional growth.
Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or building principal with any questions you may have about standards-based grading and the reporting system
Book Fair
The BCS Media Center is having a Virtual Book Fair this fall! Visit our eFair to make a wish list and/or purchase books. All proceeds benefit our library and help us fund new books, databases, programs, and other materials. Here’s the info:
1. Visit the BCS eFair! Go to https://efairs.follettbookfairs.com/ and enter code Z6P71.
2. The eFair is open beginning Monday, November 9 through Monday, November 23.
3. Kids can create a wish list to send to parents, grandparents, guardians, or others who love to buy books. Watch the eFair Wish List Video for details. (Note: all students will be invited to create their Wish List during their library time next week.)
- You can also bypass the wish list and purchase books with a credit card directly on the eFair site.
4. Your purchases are delivered to BCS, and we will pass on the books to students via classroom dropoff or through our Distribution of Student Materials process.
5. Ordering a gift? Email the librarian and we’ll make sure you get your order discreetly. ;-)
Please direct all questions to Ann Truesdell, BCS Library Media Specialist, at atruesdell@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Thank you for supporting our library, and Happy Reading!
Also posted this info at:
Quarter II BCS Choice Hour
Since all grades will be following the virtual school schedule, the AM timeslot of Choice Hour will no longer be offered. Students who were registered for AM Choice Hours will need to re-submit a sign-up form by Sunday, November 15 at 11:59pm. These students will have the opportunity to sign up for PM time slot classes and begin starting Monday, November 16. The sign-up form and booklet have been updated to reflect the offerings. Some AM classes also have PM sections which we hope students participate in. Find the sign up here: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/6952
Currently enrolled students in PM choice hours can continue to participate as normal. If students registered for PM choice hour need to request a change, please do so on the Change Form by Sunday, November 15.
Do you still need to sign up for Choice Hour?
Students can still sign up for Choice Hour, however, registrations will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis. You can find the choice hour descriptions and sign-up forms here: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/6952
Please direct any Choice Hour questions to Courtney Bassett at cbassett@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Choice Hour Quarter II Information (info regarding changes, adds, drops, & more)
Choice Hour Quarter II Schedules (listed by Student ID Number)
Material Distribution
Materials distribution for ALL GRADES will be:
Thursdays: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Fridays: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
If you cannot pick up during these times, please coordinate with a friend or family member to do so. Not all Grades or Classes will have distributions each week.
Student Medications & Medical Updates
Attention to Attendance
Parents/Guardians must email the attendance line at bcsattendance@birmingham.k12.mi.us to provide detailed information regarding your students’ absence or tardiness by 8:45 am each day.
Absences or tardies not reported to the BCS attendance office will be recorded as unexcused (please note that sending a note to your child’s teacher does not excuse your child. Always contact the attendance office in the event of a student absence). Please send an accompanying doctor’s note as well (PDF format) if appropriate.
BCS Student Opportunities!
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books 2020-21:
Updated Program Information!
Dear Fourth & Fifth Grade Families,
Battle of the Books 2020 will begin on Monday, December 7, when the six Battle Book titles are announced at the BPS elementary schools and BCS. On this day, students will have the opportunity to view a video about Battle and check-out the books. In the meantime, we’d like to give parents more information about this year’s Battle program. Please view our Battle of the Books 2021 Brochure to learn more!
Questions? Please email Mrs. Truesdell at atruesdell@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Happy Reading!
Snow Club Registration
We are excited to announce the upcoming arrival of the BCS Snow Club! This awesome club is being offered to kids grades 3-8 of all ski and snowboard ability levels. BCS Snow Club is a winter adventure that your child is sure to enjoy! Participants will relish any opportunity to shred the slopes of Pine Knob, make new friends, practice some independence, and glean some timeless memories with family and friends.
What to do:
- To register click SIGN ME UP
Need to know:
- New this year! Tickets, rentals, and membership cards will be sold and distributed outside BCS, weekly, Thursdays well before we hit the slopes!
- The program takes place at Pine Knob on Tuesdays, 3:30- 8:00 PM from December to March.
- Parents will provide transportation to and from the mountain
- The cost for membership in the club is $22 (lift tickets are $22 each week…)
- For more information click SNOW CLUB INFO
Announcing this year's BCS Play Production!
The BCS Production will be produced and performed virtually this year. The majority of rehearsals will run primarily through the Choice Hour program.
Auditions will take place once Choice Hour begins, during Choice Hour. All students will receive a role, no one will be cut from the production. As we approach the end of quarter II, there may be additional rehearsals outside of Choice Hour (all virtual). The performance will be offered in a virtual format for friends and family! More information and a parent meeting announcement are forthcoming. There is a pay to participate fee for this year’s production of $75.
Questions? Contact Courtney Bassett cbassett@birmingham.k12.mi.us
BCS Sports
Registration and a Current Sports Physical are needed to receive a Student Participation Receipt (Orange Slip).
REGISTRATION: Please register your student athlete using the following website: https://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=21004&culture=en
SPORTS PHYSICAL: A sports physical dated April 15, 2019 or later is valid with a completed health questionnaire found here: https://www.mhsaa.com/portals/0/Documents/health%20safety/healthquestionnaire.pdf If you have any questions regarding the validity of your student's physical, please email Joni Say Gan at JSaygan@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
INTRAMURAL BOYS BASKETBALL - 5th and 6th grade: Practice time is 7:00-7:50am. Please contact Coach Burdick with further questions. Practice dates are noted on the Boys Basketball IM page on the BCS Website: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/8309
Coach Burdick rburdick@birmingham.k12.mi.us
3/4 News
3/4 Gym Schedule
Monday, November 16 through Friday, December 18:
Butzin, Davis (Grace), Coletti, and Wallington will be in the PE.
Frishman, Seley, Maliszewski, and Parkin will SWIM.
5/6 News
Ms. Sikand's Art Supply List
The required materials:
A. 9" x 12" sketchbook
B. Sketching pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
C. Eraser
D. Blending Stump/tortillions (1-2)
E. Color pencils
F. Fine tip black marker (for illustration work)
Suggestion: The Dollar Stores have most these supplies including the 9"x12" sketchbook if you are on a budget. Craft stores and art stores are another alternative. Walmart has art supplies as well. If you are in need assistance in purchasing these items, please contact Mr. Hill JHIll@birmingham.k12.mi.us or Dr. Hakim OHakim@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
7/8 News
Ms. Sikand's Art Supply List
The required materials:
A. 9" x 12" sketchbook
B. Sketching pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
C. Eraser
D. Blending Stump/tortillions (1-2)
E. Color pencils
F. Fine tip black marker (for illustration work)
G. Calligraphy pen (black) any type
Suggestion: The Dollar Stores have most these supplies including the 9"x12" sketchbook if you are on a budget. Craft stores and art stores are another alternative. Walmart has art supplies as well. If you are in need of assistance in purchasing these items, please contact Mr. Hill JHill@birmingham.k12.mi.us or Dr. Hakim OHakim@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Celebrate BCS!
Congrats to the BCS Debate Team
Nurses' Update
Shop BCS!
2020-2021 Yearbook
Yearbooks for the 2020-2021 school year can be purchased for $35 with the given link.
https://yearbookforever.com/schools/birmingham_covington_school_buy_yearbook_308378/
BCS Tumblers & Bottles
Another chance to order: Covington Spirit Wear Items are Back!
Featuring new items!
...did you forget to order your spirit wear? Are you looking for a holiday gift? Shop the awesome new designs by clicking the links below. All Spirit Wear proceeds go directly to your BCS PTA. All orders are due by November 24th. If you have any questions contact Hollie Murray (holliemmurray@gmail.com). Show your BCS spirit! We’ll notify you when you items are available for pickup at Bloomfield Sports Shop at 3594 W Maple Rd, Bloomfield Hills. If you prefer delivery to your home, the site allows for a flat delivery charge.
Apparel and Masks are available through Bloomfield Sports Shop! You will be notified when your items are available for pickup at Bloomfield Sports Shop at 3594 W Maple Rd, Bloomfield Hills. If you prefer delivery to your home, the site allows for a flat delivery charge.
Other Helpful Resource Links...
Counseling Corner
We are here to help support your child academically, socially and emotionally during this time. If you would like to request a counseling appointment for your son or daughter, just email his or her counselor using the contact information below. Your counselor will then respond in order to set up an appointment.
Please keep us updated if we can be of any help at this time.
Your BCS Counselors,
Karen Kohler - Last Names A-K (kkohler@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and
Jenny Wagner - Last Names L-Z (jwagner2@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Schoology Help
If students are having trouble logging in to Schoology or if they found that upon entering, there were no classes, please contact the Help Desk at HelpDesk@birmingham.k12.mi.us or at (248) 203-3123.
Schoology Parent Introduction:
You should have received more information about Schoology, our learning management system. Please review the attached district resources for additional Schoology information.
Note: Your child's teachers will provide class-specific guidance to students/families as they begin to integrate Schoology's features in their courses.
Parent & Student Schoology Reference Page
Check out the Student Schoology Reference page! This document will provide students and parents with instructions on setting up their Schoology account, navigating Schoology, and performing everyday tasks in courses. This reference sheet may provide helpful resources for you to use to help your students become proficient with Schoology.
Emotional Health & Wellness Resources
BCS Media Center Material Circulation
The BCS Library Media Center is excited to begin circulating materials for the 2020-21 school year! Until we are back in school face-to-face, we are implementing a holds-and-pickup system. All patrons are invited to find materials using our Destiny Library Catalog. If you find something you want, put it on hold! Mrs. Truesdell, your school library media specialist, will pull the materials that are available and have them ready for you by your next grade level pickup day at BCS. Please visit our library website or watch this video for more details.