Bronco Bulletin

The widely read Bronco Bulletin is your source for all the goings-on at Brownell Middle School. It is distributed digitally every Friday throughout the school year. We're most fortunate to have a spectacular team of educators, supportive and loving families, as well as, the best adolescent learners around. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. We appreciate your feedback, thoughts, and of course, letting us know if there's a mistake.

We're excited to work with you all this school year.

On Friday, October 6th the Brownell Students and Staff will be participating in the semi-annual Color Run Fundraiser. All the funds raised from this activity help to support field trip and after school opportunities, grade level events, after school enrichment, supplies, and much more. Your child(ren) and family involvement in this activity will not only be fun but it helps the school as well.

Please take a moment to register your child(ren) using the QR Code or going directly to the website at www.getmovinfundhub.com -- the Brownell School Identifier is 5d52ba0c0a5a1. Download the Brownell Color Run PDF using the button below.

Any student who registers and gets one pledge is eligible for various raffles to win prizes such as gift certificates to Jerry's, a night at the Arcade, Movie Night at Brownell with friends, and more. The bikes go to the top male/female pledge fund raiser -- the skateboards go to a raffle for the top 20 pledge fund raiser -- and the rollerblades are open to all who obtain one pledge.

Thank you in advance for helping to support Brownell Middle School.

The Brownell Middle School PTO will be hosting its bi-annual Color Run on October 6, 2023

All money raised will go to the Brownell PTO, which helps fund clubs, field trips, student events and

educational needs. In the past two years, we have provided the teachers with new adjustable standing desks and a Blackstone cooktop. In addition, the PTO funds also treat our teachers to an annual chili cookoff, Holiday breakfast, and Teacher appreciation week. And much more!

The Brownell PTO is unable to provide this support without the assistance of our families and local

businesses. We hope you will consider choosing one of our Sponsorship levels. Your tax deductible donation will be recognized and shared to parents, staff, alumni, and the community, prior to, during and after the event. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PTO SPONSORSHIP FORMS

The Brownell School Musical team is looking for students interested in being in this year's production! Click on the link below, fill out the form, and submit it. Please do this by the end of the school day October 6.

2024 Brownell Musical Sign-Up

Pictures taken during registration were distributed to students today, Friday, September 29th

at the end of the school day during sixth hour. Please look for them coming home with your child(ren).

Brownell 8th-grade Parents and/or Guardians who committed to send their child(ren) to Washington, D.C. field trip on Oct. 11-14 this year had their final meeting this past Wednesday.

Just for clarity, this meeting was for the CURRENT 8th-grade parents -- a parent meeting for 7th-grade parents for the 2024/25 school year will be in March.

During this meeting I went over all the details of the trip from airline departure/arrival times, packing details, tentative itinerary, procedures, etc. If for some reason you are not able to attend the meeting CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION and CLICK HERE FOR THE ITINERARY.

The Brownell 5th-grade students will once again visit Bair Lake Camp for three days. It is scheduled for Monday, October 2nd thru Wednesday, October 4th.

This past week, on Wednesday, September 27th, the Final 5th-grade Parent Camp Meeting was held. We went over everything that you need to know from what to pack, departure and arrival times, lodging protocol/s, etc. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION. Please note students do not receive their "cabin assignment" until they get on the bus -- they know this as it was already presented to them. Students do, however, fill out a roommate request form in their homeroom.

Picture Retakes or Make up Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24th from 9-11am.

Student yearbooks contain the school pictures from registration and/or this photo re-take opportunity. Students who had their picture taken during registration will receive their photo packages from Lifetouch on Friday, September 29th in 6th-hour. If there's any dissatisfaction with the picture product students may have their photo retaken during this October opportunity. Likewise, any student who did not have their picture during registration may do so at this time as well.

This week in our advisory classes, we wrapped up our PBSI Orientation with a few activtiies:

• KaHoot review game
• PBIS posters
• PBIS Quiz

Students will win prizes for 100% on the quiz and be recognized at an upcoming all-school assembly.

The Brownell Middle School parent Teacher Organization is a non profit organization made up of parents to support student learning. For more information visit our Facebook website at https://www.facebook.com/BrownellMiddlePTO/ or email us at BrownellMiddlePTO@gmail.com. Memberships are $25.00.

Your support is always welcome.

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

• Monday Schedule (LATE START)
• 9am start and 3:13pm end
• Building Entry Bell is at 8:50am

• 7/8th-grade ALunch (prior to 4th hour) & 5/6th-grade BLunch (after 4th hour)
• B-Day for 5/6th-grade students (A-B Day classes will rotate every other day all year long)

• Advisory Bell Schedule Tuesday thru Friday
• 8:15am start and 3:13pm end
• Building Entry Bell is at 8:05am
• 7/8th-grade ALunch (prior to 4th hour) & 5/6th-grade BLunch (after 4th hour)

2-4 7/8-grade Math NWEA Assessments

2-4 5th Grade Camp

3 Principals’ Roundtable Meeting @ Cafeteria, 2:00 pm

4 Student Count Day

4 Walk or Bike to School Day sponsored by student LyFE

6 Color Run, 1:18-3:13pm

11-13 Washington, DC Trip

17 National Junior Honor Society Induction @ Multi-Purpose Room, 7:00 pm

18 PSAT Test - Grade 8

20 PTO Chili Cook Off Lunch for Staff in Cafeteria, 11:30am-1pm

20 Jersey Day (North vs. South) for Students and Staff

24 Picture Retake Day @ Multi-Purpose Room, 9:00-11:00 am

25 Fire drill during 2nd hour, @ 10:10 am

25 Parent/Teacher Conferences @ Gyms

26 ½ day for Students, dismissal at 11:28 am

26 Parent/Teacher Conferences @ gyms, 1:00-4:00 pm & 5:00-8:00 pm

31 Clash Day for Students and Staff

31 ½ day for Students, dismissal at 11:40 am

The Brownell Cross Country Club is off and running. The participating students in grades 5-8 continued their impressive win streak this past week. Both the girls and boys teams won against some exceptional local talent from University of Liggett Middles School. This week they travel to Vernier Hill and on Saturday, October 7th, they'll run against several schools at Willow Metro Park. Congratulations on a great start to the season and thank you for the time and commitment from our coaching staff >> Mr. Alan Parish, Mr. Richard Borland, and Mrs. Rose Birchmeier.

The interscholastic 7th/8th-grade Brownell Volleyball Teams continued their season this week as they had a match at Kennedy MS and hosted cross-town rival Pierce. The 8th-grade team, led by coach Mrs. Alicia Carlisle, lost their matches 1 set to 2. The 7th-grade team, led by Mrs. Dawn Levick and Mrs. Lauren Smith, won their matches Keep up the great effort this season Lady Broncos.

Student Lyfe hosted their first meeting on Tuesday, September 19th at 3:20 pm in Mr. Kauffman’s room, A-7. If you are interested in helping run the Student Lyfe window, planning and working pop-up events after school, and planning spirit days among other things, please reach out to Mr. Kaufman.

Interested in the Art Club?

The Art Club will be starting next Wednesday, October 4th, at 3:30 pm in Mrs. Rapp’s room, C-1. Come join us for some fun!

Students who want to complete their homework and/or read quietly can come to the library Monday through Thursday after school from 3:20-4:20pm. Homework club is supervised by Mrs. Abud and several other Brownell Staff members.

Opening Day for the Brownell school store, The Stable, was Wednesday, September 27th right after school. The Stable is open every day after school. Students may stop by and purchase a snack on their way home. The Stable sells ice cream, chips, drinks, and various snack items. We accept cash only (no Bronco Bucks). Please be patient since we anticipate long lines. All the proceeds go directly back to Brownell to support students and programs. Thank you for supporting your school store.

Brownell has many activities, clubs, and sports. As the school year progresses we'll post and announce the dates when they begin. Typically most will not get started until late September unless it's a sport that has planned contest dates to prepare for against other schools. Participation in a club is a one time fee of $52 and an interscholastic sports is a one time fee of $125. Please us the participation "button" below to get started.

Non-high school students will NOT be permitted entry without an adult who will be present for the duration of the event (1 adult per student unless they are part of the same family). Exceptions may be made by the host school Athletic Director with prior approval permitting there is an adult present who agrees to be the responsible party for the duration of the event.

Did you know that you may qualify to receive discounted athletic fees, testing fees, class materials, college application fees and more by filling out the 2023-2024 Household Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals? All info is confidential and protected – so take action today!

Please take some time to review the GPPSS Student Code of Conduct and the GPPSS Student Dress Code. Students who are in violation of our student code of conduct will be referred to administration. Our main goal with student discipline is restorative and what can be done to repair the harm. In addition, we use lunch detentions, after-school detentions, school service hours, in-school separations, and out-of-school separations depending on the individual's actions. We encourage students to always let an adult know of any violations so that they can be addressed immediately.

Please note the arrivals times to school each day and ensure our students are here on time with time to prepare for their day. Tardies/absences are tracked and followed up by administration.

• 4-5 tardies = notice home
• 8 tardies = after school detention/create plan to arrive on time
• 12 tardies = parent meeting

Excessive absences will be communicated by administration once 10 absences occur.

**NEW**Beginning Monday, September 18th, parents will receive a Robo-call near the conclusion of the school day, if their student was tardy to one or more classes that day. If you have any questions with regards to the tardy (what hour), please access the Parent Portal. Attendance data can be viewed anytime in the Parent Portal.

One of our highest numbers of tardies are Monday morning. Please help us decrease these numbers and classroom interruptions.

The attendance office needs to receive a phone call whenever your child misses a class. Otherwise, the absence remains unexcused. When teachers, counselors, administrators, and the attendance secretary review these unexcused absences, we are concerned about the student(s) and we will follow-up -- we truly appreciate you communicating with us.

PLEASE call the attendance line at 313-432-3901 ANY day or time. Please make it a ”Favorite” or a “Contact” on your phone.

• Make the call once,

• go into your phone recent and hit the “i” (info) icon,

• Create a new contact,

• type in BMS Attendance

If your child needs support from his/her counselor, please reach out by emailing Mrs. Corinne Oderfer (last names A-K) oderfec@gpschools.org or Dr. Angie Niforos (last names L-Z) niforoa@gpschools.org. If your student is experiencing technology issues, please report it to both the attendance line and have your child email their teacher immediately, if able to do so.

Absences are recorded as excused, unexcused, and "exempt" excused. Please know that we want to work with you to properly record absences. If you want an "exempt" excused absence recorded it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain the proper documentation and to submit it with one week of the student(s) return to school (per GPPSS BOE Policy pg. 130).

It is a privilege to participate in school field trips. Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner that exhibits the responsible behavior and respect that occurs during the school day at Brownell. A student will NOT be eligible for any field trip(s) for the current or following quarter when he/she accumulates an ISS (In School Suspension), OSS (Out of School Suspension), or more than 4 hours of detention assigned for any reason.

If a student accumulates an ISS (In School Suspension), OSS (Out of School Suspension), or more than 4 hours of detention assigned for any reason, yet still wants to participate in an educational field trip experience he/she must:

Complete a community service project that is approved by the principal and write a one-page summary explaining his/her participation at the completion of the project AND Obtain administrative recommendation for attendance and participation in field trip, activity, or competition AND Upon discretion of the administration be accompanied on the trip by his/her parent or other designated adult/legal guardian who is responsible for ALL costs related to their own trip.

Please be reminded to fully charge your school Chromebook or laptop each evening so you're prepared for school. Setting up a routine each night and charging your device would be very helpful.

Students may bring backpacks to and from school. However, backpacks are to be stored in the student's locker throughout the school day. During the school day students may utilize a protective technology device carrier, pencil case, drawstring bag, and/or other mini tote bag.

All students are to have access to a technology learning device. The GPPSS Bring-You-Own-Device Policy supports the districts strategic plan for student learning and growth. Students use their technology learning device to access Schoology -- the GPPSS's Learning Management System.

For families who have indicated a financial hardship, the district will provide a device to the student. If you would like your student to receive a device for the 2023-24 school year due to financial need, please fill out the linked form.

Additionally, just a reminder that our school policy is that cell phones and other electronic devices (not Chromebooks and/or technology learning device) are OFF AND OUT OF SIGHT. If students need to be reached during the school day, please continue to contact our main office.

Please be reminded that we go outside for recess whenever possible. We use the Weatherbug Grosse Pointe North Location for our temperature reading. We will be outside for recess if windchill temperatures are Zero Degrees and above. We advocate that students dress accordingly and be prepared -- a little drizzle doesn’t stop us.

Brownell hosts free breakfast for students in the cafeteria. Any student seeking this opportunity will need to enter the building using the rear door/s near the cafeteria (or entrance "K" on the building map). The breakfast is from 8:30-8:50am on Mondays and 7:45-8:05am Tuesday through Friday. It is supervised by a Brownell Staff member. Students who attend will need to stay in the cafeteria until the breakfast time concludes.

We ask that a parent/guardian call the 24 hour attendance line at (313) 432-3901 and leave a message as early as possible regarding an early dismissal. The office will email the classroom teacher, write the student’s name and dismissal time on the notice (dry erase) board, the student will proceed to their locker and then wait in the office for the parent to arrive. We ask parents to park in the Chalfonte visitor lot only and use the door buzzer by the main office when picking up their child early. We refrain from calling classrooms unless it’s an emergency in an effort to not disrupt learning.

When a parent is dropping off an item for their child, please park in the Chalfonte visitor lot and drop off the item labeled with their child’s name and grade in the purple bin near the office door, then ring the door buzzer and let the office staff know. Then, the item will be retrieved by the office staff and your child’s name will be written on the notice board. Students will then come to the main office to obtain their item(s). All lunches are brought to the cafeteria 20 minutes before lunch begins. Once again, we refrain from calling classrooms unless it’s an emergency in an effort to not disrupt the learning process.

Thank you in advance for your continued effort to respect the sanctity of the learning environment in each and every classroom.

Help us to keep all students safe during Drop-off and Pick-up time. Please do not use the rear or front parking lot, driveway, or church lot/s for drop-off and pick-up as the signs indicate. Also we’d ask you to reinforce with your child(ren) to cross at the traffic light on Chalfonte Avenue and use the designated crosswalk on Williams Road. Take a few minutes to review the brief video on our vehicle Drop-off and Pick-up procedures. These parameters help provide for a safe process for our students before and after school.

Please know that we make sure every student here has lunch -- no exceptions. If your child(ren) forgets their lunch we can provide a meal here from the cafeteria. We’d ask for your continued support in avoiding having lunch(es) brought to school by outside delivery organizations i.e. Jimmy Johns, Panera, UberEats, etc. This request is to protect students and staff alike, as it’s a precautionary measure to maintain everyone's safety at school by keeping strangers from our doorstep/s. Thank you in advance for helping us to provide the safest possible environment here at Brownell.