9/03 BHS Tiger News
Week of September 3rd, 2023
ATTENTION!!! 🚫 DO NOT DROP OFF STUDENTS AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE 🚫 UNTIL 7:10AM!
Greetings, Belleville High School families! Tuesday begins Week #2 of the school year. All introductory activities began last week, and classroom learning continues to build forward from now.
We will have Grade-Level Assemblies this Wednesday (9th, 10th, and 11th) where we will address:
- A greater focus on learning and evidence of learning,
- New to the school: New Staff and New Foodservice Programming,
- General rules and procedures, including attendance expectations and dress code, and
- That getting involved creates a great high school experience!
After school on Wednesday, please ask them what they learned and understand about each of these areas. It takes a village!
Our first SENIORS ONLY (Class of 2024) Assembly will be Friday, September 8th during 3rd hour.
Continue to enjoy the long weekend 🌞!
GO TIGERS!!
Main Office: 734.697.9133
Counseling Office: 734.697.9122
Important Dates and Upcoming Events:
September 1-4: School Closed
September 11th: School ID and Senior Picture Make-Up Day
September 13th: BNT Parent Meeting, 6-7pm
September 20th: BHS Hosts Band Review, 5:30pm
September 20th: BHS Tiger Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
September 25th - 29th: Homecoming Spirit Week
September 27th: VBPS Early Release Day, Hours 1-6 (12:04pm Dismissal)
September 27th: Powder Puff Football, 7-8:30pm
September 29th: Homecoming Game, 7:00pm vs John Glenn HS
September 30th: Homecoming Dance, BHS Commons
Download the app!
Attention Parents and Guardians! VBPS has moved to ParentSquare for ALL communications. This means classes, clubs, athletics, and activities will all be utilizing this platform. Please download the app today! More information will be coming from VBPS Administration within the next few weeks.
iOS App - Apple Store
Android App - Google Play Store
Register on your home computer or laptop at https://www.parentsquare.com/signin
Picture Make-up Day!!!
If you missed registration, you will take your 23 - 24 school ID picture on Monday, September 11th. Please fill out this Google Form:
In Person Students: Picture Day Make-up Appointment
BOS/ECA Students: Picture Day Make-up Appointment (BOS/ECA only)
To place an order, go to the website: School Pictures BHS Code: AA3805Fall23
STUDENT HANDBOOK AND DRESS CODE
An excellent educational experience is always undergirded by a safe and orderly environment. Please take the time to review the Student Handbook, which includes the BHS Student Dress Code. For a quick review of items to avoid, please click the link for COMMON DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS.
In particular, students will not be wearing:
- Hoods
- Crop Tops
- Ski Masks
- or any bedwear or grooming attire, including pajamas, blankets, pajama bottoms, hair scarves or durags.
Link to Student Handbook: 2023 - 2024 BHS Student Handbook
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PRICES
Please be aware that all breakfasts and lunches are free to ALL students this school year.
- Snacks and a second lunch will be available for a fee.
- Schools will still have paper copies of the Free and Reduced lunch application. Please complete these forms and turn them in, as they will help our school receive additional funding. Once the online link is active it will be updated HERE.
The BHS Cafe - A Greater Dining Experience!
From the The Belleville High School Cafe:
We had a great first week! Students, to keep things timely and smoothly, please remember these tips:
- Please be patient and do not cut in line
- There is only one entry to get your food
- You must get a fruit or vegetable in order for the meal to be free
- Only one juice or milk per meal/student
- Only one entree per meal (additional entrees are $2.00 each)
- Pop, chips, snacks cost money, but you can use your school account to pay
- If you are not purchasing any extras, please go through the line that is not for buying snacks (clipboard side)
Parents & Guardians: Food Account Payments
In order to fund your child's lunch account, please follow the steps below:
- Login to the ParentConnect Portal with your PIN and Password. Your school secretary can assist you if you need this information.
Click on your student's name, and you will see a variety of options on the menu at left.
Click on the Cafeteria link in the menu at left
Click on the "Online Food Service Payment" at far right.
Enter the amount you would like to add to your student's cafeteria account.
Follow the prompts to enter your payment information.
Thank you for making the first week enjoyable and check out our menu online.
WILLIAM D. FORD STUDENTS
BUS SCHEDULE:
- AM bus leaves BHS for WDF at 7:02 AM
- AM bus leaves WDF for BHS at 10:05 AM arriving at BHS at 10:30 AM
- PM bus leaves BHS for WDF at 10:35 AM
- PM bus leaves WDF for BHS at 1:35 PM arriving at BHS at 2:00 PM
Please make sure to get to the bus on time. If buses are late, it impacts the entire Van Buren Public School District.
If there are questions or concerns, please contact Assistant Principal Ms. Paula Slingerland.
NO PARKING ON W. COLUMBIA!
Per the Belleville Police Department, the NO PARKING signs will begin to be enforced on West Columbia in front of the high school. This is unfortunately due to complaints from neighbors unable to access their properties during school pick-up times. If it helps to have your student walk a short distance, please consider this as an option.
🚘 AVOIDING TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK...
Beginning of the year TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK, can be avoided by attending to the following:
- Leave yourself enough time to arrive early - work with driving students to do the same!
- If you have not arranged for TRANSPORTATION for your student, please do it right away. This must be done YEARLY and can take up to 2 WEEKS to be finalized. CLICK HERE for the transportation request form.
- Drop off and Pick up are ONLY at the BACK of the Building (see graphic below).
- Follow all posted signs and staff direction.
VBPS Transportation
Good evening from VBPS Transportation,
Transportation information is now available for you to view in the MiStar Parent Portal. Please be sure to check your student's transportation information to ensure that you have the most up-to-date bus stop locations and times, as there have been some recent adjustments made to routes. Instructions for viewing transportation information in the Parent Portal can be found at https://www.vanburenschools.net/page/locating-bus-stop-info.
Please be aware we are continuing to assign students to bus routes as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.
NEWS
TIGER VICTORIES!
-Varsity Boys Soccer defeated Livonia Franklin 3-1 in their Home opener.
-Varsity Volleyball took 3rd place in the Tiger Invitational.
-Varsity Football beat River Rouge 35-28 in the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic.
-Varsity Boys Tennis won their overall match against Garden City.
- Varsity Football won their home opener 56-7 vs Stevenson to move to 2-0 on the season.
Upcoming HOME events:
-9/7 Varsity Boys Tennis vs Franklin, 4pm
-9/7 JV Football vs Churchill, 6:30pm
-9/9 F Volleyball Tiger Invitational, 8:00am
For all other Athletics Information, including upcoming practices and game schedules, click the LINK below. GO TIGERS!
BHS Athletics Homepage | Belleville High School (vanburenschools.net)
ALERT! Ticket Purchasing❗
Schools in the KLAA will be offering options this year for purchasing tickets for athletic events. Belleville High School will be using GoFan exclusively (No Cash at the gate). Card Readers will be available. The concession stands are still using cash. Students under High School age MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all athletic events. Thank you and Go Tigers!
From Your STUDENT COUNCIL - Your Guide to Student Activities!
The Homecoming Dance theme for 2023 is Dreamy Night. Spirit week theme days will be published in the next few weeks.
BHS Homecoming Dance 2023 Information
The Belleville High School Homecoming Dance is Saturday, September 30, 2023 and will be held in the commons. Tickets, which are $25 each, will be available for purchase in the commons (cafeteria) during lunches on September 25 - 27, 2023. Each student purchasing a ticket in person, MUST present a school ID when purchasing a ticket. Tickets are also available for purchase now through SBA (New Payment System) located on Parent Connect until September 27, 2023. Parent Connect can be found on the BHS website. If you purchased one of the class packages, the homecoming ticket is included in the package. The student school ID will be their ticket into the dance.
*No tickets are sold at the door! There are NO guest passes accepted for this dance.
*School dress code applies to this event and will be enforced!
BHS Class Packages Information
If you would like to utilize SBA pay options you should now be able to view all pay options offered. You must go through Parent Connect, the link is on the school’s main website, as this option is not available on the Parent Square at this time. Once you select your student, go down to accounts. Once selected you will see the link for SBA under the balance.
Here is the link that has the information concerning the class package.
If you have any questions, please contact flasenby@vanburenschools.net or ctestorelli@vanburenschools.net
Class of 2024 and Class of 2025
BHS Powder Puff Flag Football Information
All seniors and juniors who are interested in participating in this year’s Powder Puff Flag football game, join us for an informational team meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in the mini auditorium beginning at 2:15 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. We need female juniors and seniors to play football and male juniors and seniors to cheer.
The first Practice is Wednesday, September 6, 2023 on the Practice Soccer Field from 2:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Please dress in athletic wear.
Please Sign up today by scanning the QR Code found on the flyers at school Or by clicking this Link
Class of 2024
BHS Homecoming Court Application for KING and Queen
BHS 2023/24 Homecoming Court Applications are now available electronically through Google form. Please click the link below to apply. Applications will be available now through Friday, September 8, 2023. All applications must be turned in by 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023.
HOMECOMING COURT APPLICATION LINK
BHS Upcoming Dates:
BHS Tiger Parent Meeting - September 20, 2023 - 6:30 pm
BHS Spirit Week - September 25 - 29, 2023
BHS Powder Puff Football game - September 27, 2023 - 7:00 pm - $5.00
BHS Homecoming Football game - September 29, 2023
BHS Homecoming Dance - September 30, 2023
BHS Senior Parent Meeting - October 4, 2023 - 7:00 pm in the Main Auditorium
Click on the link above to learn about exciting opportunities for female identifying to learn more about careers in engineering and medicine, upcoming college events and Heisman Scholarship!
Time Sensitive Opportunities for Seniors
Midnight Golf Program- Accepting Applications Now
Midnight Golf is an incredible opportunity for students in the metro Detroit area. click on the link to learn more https://midnightgolf.org/
Applications are due Monday, September 18th by 12pm.
Starting in your senior year of high school, through college graduation and into the workforce, the Midnight Golf Program provides a comprehensive support system and essential resources so students can thrive during this exciting time in your lives. More than 3,200 MGP participants have moved on to college since our program began in 2001. They have studied at more than 150 different colleges and universities across the country.
Important Dates
- Applications Close: 12:00 PM Monday, September 18
- Applicant’s Mandatory Open House: 6:00 PM, Monday, September 18, 2023, at Fellowship Chapel, 7707 Outer Dr. W, Detroit, MI 48235
- Interviews: September 19-21 at Fellowship Chapel. Interviews will be scheduled during the open house
- Class Announcement: Friday, September 22, check the MGP website for the complete class list
- Mandatory Parent Meetings: October 2nd or 3rd at Fellowship Chapel; Selected students and parents to attend this meeting, depending on your child’s cohort selection
- First day of MGP Programming: October 4th or 5th, depending on your cohort
- Applicants must be in their senior and final year of high school during the program year they are applying for. We consider students from public, charter and private schools, including home schooled youth. If you’re in a 13th year program, you must be in the 13th and final year in the program to be eligible.
- Candidates should be prepared to fully commit to a twice weekly schedule, either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Students should be interested in attending college.
- All applicants must participate in a one-on-one interview with a program representative on the day of their choosing during interviews. The next interviews will be held in September 2023.
- Selected students will need to produce a copy of their high school transcript to accept admittance.
- Golf skills are not a requirement. You will learn the game of golf in the program.
- Academic history bears no impact on acceptance, MGP is looking for students who are driven to succeed.
The Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Click on the link to learn more and apply https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 15th.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be:
- A high school senior
- From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
*For American Indian/Alaska Native, proof of tribal enrollment will be required.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
An ideal candidate will have:
- An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
- Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
- Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)
QuestBridge National College Match
https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/national-college-match
NATIONAL COLLEGE MATCH
The 2023 National College Match application is now open! The deadline is Tuesday, September 26. Start your application today >>
Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach? The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
Watch our video to learn more: https://youtu.be/KNZndnqRxQs?si=VCijbTu8zD1Pnd83
Why apply through QuestBridge? The National College Match application gives you extra space to tell your unique story as a student who has excelled academically despite financial hardship. Our college partners are actively seeking students like you. If admitted to a college partner through the Match or QuestBridge Regular Decision, you will join a supportive community of thousands of other QuestBridge Scholars currently attending our college partners. Upon graduation, you'll be welcomed into the QuestBridge Alumni Association for continued support, networking, and development opportunities.
Attend a Top College for Free - The Match Scholarship
Match Scholarship Recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000. Our college partners use a combination of their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the scholarship. Please view each college partner's Financial Aid section for further details and see a glossary of financial aid terms.
The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the cost of attendance, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and food
- Books and supplies
- Travel expenses
All Match Scholarship packages:
- Have NO parental contribution
- Have NO student loans
- May contain a student contribution in the form of Federal work-study, summer work, and/or student savings
Admission through the National College Match
Over 12,000 Finalists have been matched to a college partner since QuestBridge's founding, and over 1,700 Finalists were matched in Fall 2022. Finalists who do not match can apply through QuestBridge Regular Decision to be considered for admission and generous financial aid.
Finalists who attend our college partners are supported in their college years and beyond through on-campus chapters and nationwide opportunities offered through the QuestBridge Scholars Network and QuestBridge Alumni Association.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS- JUNIORS AND SENIORS!
Every fall BHS host college representatives in our building. We invite juniors and seniors to learn more about a variety colleges and establish relationships with the college rep. This week a representative from University of Michigan Flint, New York University and Baker College will visit BHS. Please use the link below to sign-up to attend.
9/6- University of Michigan, Flint
9/6- New York University
9/7- Baker College
9/13- Grand Canyon University
9/13- Northeastern University
9/14- Lourdes University
9/15- Siena Heights University
9/18- University of Oregon
9/19- Ferris State University
9/19- Northwestern University
9/20- Madonna University
9/20- Oakland University
9/21- Calvin University
9/25- Alma College
9/26- Kuyper College
9/26- Lenoir-Rhyne University
10/3- Wayne State University
10/5- Kalamazoo College
10/11- Schoolcraft College
10/19- Defiance College
10/19- Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University
11/6- Marietta College
Message for Juniors
Grades- As you know, the junior year is an important year for your college and career planning. As we've mentioned before, this is the last set of grades that a college will see as they make their admission decisions.
College Rep visits at BHS- Juniors have the opportunity to meet with college reps coming to BHS. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about colleges that spark your interest.
ACT/SAT Testing- Many colleges have gone test optional. It is always best to check the website of the college in which you plan to apply. We plan to administer the SAT to all juniors in the spring. If you would like some test prep, Khan Academy offers free test prep for students and can be extremely helpful.
Please be sure to click on the Student Opportunities link above for more exciting information!
Message for Seniors
College Rep Visits- Seniors have the opportunity to meet with college reps coming to BHS. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about colleges that spark you interest. Many times the reps visiting our school are the first person reading your application.
Campus Visits- If you haven't already, the fall is a great time to go on an official college tour given by admissions office. Tours will fill up quickly so register early. All college admissions offices have information about visits on their websites and many campuses are opening back up for tours.
ESSAYS- In our experience, the college essay is not something most students can write in one night. It takes time and careful thought. Please know that many colleges do NOT require an essay. Do your homework and check their website to see if it is required!
College APP Boot Camp Coming Soon!!!
Scholarship Club Coming Soon!!!
Scholarships- Our scholarships page will be available next week!
Application Fee Waivers- Many college in the state of Michigan will waive their application fees during the first week of October or for the full month. Fee waivers are also available for students that receive free or reduced lunch.
HBCU Search Tool- Interested in an HBCU but not sure where to look? Check out this search tool that allows you to search by major Search Tool
FAFSA Changes Are Here!
This year, students will file their FAFSA in December. Although we are months away from filing the FAFSA in December, we can still be prepared. Please review the Sallie Mae FAFSA Sheet. This sheet will provide
- A timeline of when to file the FAFSA depending on when they plan on attending college.
- Credentials students and parents need before filing the FAFSA.
- Helpful tips about the FAFSA process.
Scholarships
How do I find scholarships?
1. Apply for Financial Aid in December 2023. www.FAFSA.gov (Application release date has not been identified by the Department of Education.)
2. Check with each college in which you are applying for merit-based scholarships and deadlines.
3. Check for memorial and alumni scholarship opportunities at each college in which you may qualify.
4. Check with student’s/parent’s employer, banks/credit union, religious & civic affiliations, etc. for scholarships.
5. Read the weekly SMORE
7. Conduct a search by using a national search engine, such as www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, www.myscholly.com, etc. Be sure to create an email address just for these searches as students will receive a lot of emails. There is no need to pay money for these services! Watch for scams!
8. Check Careeronestop: https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx
9. College Board Opportunity Scholarships. https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/
10. For more information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships#how-find
11. Remember it takes work to receive most scholarships! You won't know if you don't try!
Students should keep a close eye on scholarships that will be posted on our Scholarship page coming soon!
Thank you for your time and attention to this week's Tiger News. Have a great week everyone, and GO TIGERS!
~ Principal Crockett, AP Mrs. Green, AP Mr. Roberson, AP Mrs. Slingerland, BNT Director Mr. Wilsey, and AD Mr. Brodie