BCPS News
March 26, 2024
Superintendent Update
As BCPS prepares for Spring Break, we have some reminders and news from around the district. The dates for our Spring Break are March 29 - April 8, and we sincerely hope our staff, students, and families enjoy the time off.
If you’re looking for local activities to keep students engaged, I recommend exploring STEM in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The 2024 STEM Passport and STEM Staycation include a variety of fun (and many free) activities for families throughout Spring Break.
I recently attended the Bay City Central Theatre Department’s production of Grease and was amazed at the talent on display. Congratulations to all staff and students involved! I also want to congratulate our Bay City Western and Bay City Central bands for their performance during the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Bay City.
Several BCPS educators were recently recognized for their work. Congratulations to Ginger Herzog from Bay City Central High School and Nicole Roberts from Kolb Elementary School on earning the 2024 STEM Star Award from SVSU and MiSTEM. This award recognizes students and educators who have significantly contributed to STEM education.
Beth Gehoski of Bay City Western was recognized at the recent Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting as the BACC Ambassador of the Year. Beth works hard to stay involved in the business community and open opportunities for Bay City Western students to learn from local leaders and businesses.
We hope you’ll read on to learn more about what’s happening in the district. From all of us at BCPS, enjoy the rest of the week and have a safe, fun Spring Break!
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Bigelow
Superintendent
Upcoming dates
Non-school days: March 29 - April 8 (Spring Break)
Board of Education meeting: April 9, 6:00pm @ Handy Campus
Board of Education meeting: May 6, 6:00pm @ Handy Campus
Grease is a success!
The Bay City Central Theatre Department's production of Grease is now a wrap, and the staff and students involved deserve all the applause. The crew overcame a Friday cancellation, added a show on Saturday, and wrapped up with a performance Sunday afternoon.
It was great to see BCC's George C. Charles Auditorium filled with guests for this event. Great work from all, and congratulations!
Kolb Elementary students make blankets as part of service project
Twenty five Kolb Elementary students recently spent part of their weekend making blankets to support Project Linus. The program provides handmade blankets to children of all ages who are seriously ill or in need. The 83 blankets created by Kolb students have been delivered to McLaren Hospital. Small toys and pet blankets were also made and donated to our local animal shelter. Great job Kolb staff and students!
Bay City Western & Bay City Central student art featured at SVSU Gallery
Reception: March 28th, 4 - 6 p.m.
The Saginaw Valley State University Art Department is highlighting high school artists from around the region this month, with a reception scheduled for March 28. This exhibition honors and celebrates the creative work being done through the efforts of high school teachers and their students. The work consists of a variety of different mediums including digital design, photography, painting, fibers, pen and ink, ceramics, and drawings from local and regional high school students. Exhibiting high schools from the area include Bay City Central, Bay City Western, Carlton Heston Academy, Corunna, Freeland, Hemlock, Heritage, H. H. Dow, Merrill, and Nouvel Catholic Central high schools.
BCPS Robotics teams earn recognition
Bay City Central's Aluminators and Bay City Western's WarriorBots teams have both earned awards recently. The WarriorBots took home a Spirit Award, while the Aluminators earned a Lighthouse Award. The awards highlight their efforts in sportsmanship, energy, and perseverance.
These students work hard and represent BCPS well in competitive robotics. Special thanks to our staff and volunteers who help coach and organize these events for our students! STEM rocks.
Bay City Central Aluminators during a recent competition.
Bay City Western WarriorBots during a recent competition.
Bay City Western Middle School student recognized in Student Podcast Challenge
The Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) Association of Michigan recently hosted their first-ever Student Podcast Challenge, and Western Middle School student Autumn Lyons earned 2nd place for her podcast entitled "Swim Lanes and Life Lessons". WMS Educator Mrs. Walton accepted the award on behalf of Autumn at a recent conference. From the REMC news release:
Five winners were announced and presented with podcasting equipment from REMC SAVE during the MACUL Conference closing ceremony on March 15th. Launched in November, the contest was open to students in 5th through 12th grade who created an original podcast either individually or with a group. Each podcast was submitted by a Michigan educator and awards were given in both a middle and high school category. Podcasts were judged based on information, structure, personality, creativity and production.
“We are beyond excited to recognize the outstanding information and creativity demonstrated by the winners of the Podcast Challenge” said Melinda Waffle, Professional Learning Coordinator for REMC. “These podcasts not only highlight the diverse perspectives of today’s students, but also inspire meaningful conversations.”
BCPS Stories: Helena Morrow
I’m a true believer that if you don’t have a connection with these kids - really build that relationship with them - you’re not going to get far. They'll put the effort in once they understand that you truly care.
I had a couple of students this year who would have a meltdown when it came to writing assignments. Instead of seeing their teacher frustrated, they needed to see that I care about them as a human - that I love them and care about their future and progress. Suddenly I’m getting pages and essays and stories from students who just needed to believe that I believed in them.
Next week, my fifth graders will finalize their project on a famous person. They read a biography, write a paper, create a poster, and finally dress up as this person and present a speech. We call it the wax museum, and the kids are so excited to transform into their famous person and share with everyone. We open the gym, invite the community, and really celebrate these students and the work they’ve put in.
Getting fifth graders ready for middle school is a huge part of our job. Stacey DeShano is my teaching partner and she’s amazing - we work together to help our students focus on taking more responsibility and accountability for when they get to Handy Middle School. The students are nervous and excited.
I grew up with teachers. My mom is a teacher, my brother is a teacher. It was always my dream. I love coming to MacGregor every day knowing I’m making a difference. We have students from all different backgrounds and home lives, and it’s fulfilling to know that we’re providing a safe place where they can learn and grow.
- Helena Morrow, 5th Grade Teacher, MacGregor Elementary School
Join us during middle school welcome events
Parents of soon-to-be middle schoolers: Mark your calendars! Both Western and Handy are gearing up for fun, informative meetings for you and your family. Meet the amazing leadership and staff, tour the facilities, and have any questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there!
OK2SAY
BCPS participates in the statewide OK2SAY student safety program. Click the link below to learn ways that your student can safely, confidentially report tips if they are feeling unsafe.
Employment opportunities
BCPS is hiring for a variety of positions, including early childhood, teaching, transportation, and food service. You can see a full list of open positions and conveniently apply online at the link below.
New to BCPS and/or the Great Lakes Bay Region? Check out the all-new welcome guide filled with great information about our region: BCPS Great Lakes Bay Region Welcome Guide
Find upcoming events, enrollment info, Board of Education details and more on our newly-redesigned district website: