Week of 3/6/23
.... 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
3/6/23 - This week at BCS
Monday, March 6: Boys Swim vs. Bloomfield Hills MS (A)
Tuesday, March 7: Diversity Panel - Stress and Anxiety, Girls Volleyball vs. Derby (A)
Wednesday, March 8: Boys Swim vs. Berkshire MS (H)
Thursday, March 9: Girls Volleyball vs. West Hills MS (H)
Friday, March 10:
Looking ahead:
March 15: Bagel Day
March 15 and 16: Half Day of School, Parent Teacher Conferences
March 15-24: Spring Book Fair
March 22: Half Day of School, Staff Professional Development
March 27-31: Spring Break
Thank you to BCS Social Worker, Mrs. Jill Stegall-Volis, for supporting our students, families, and school community! We appreciate all you do!
Greetings BCS Families!
As we head into the month of March with all of the anticipated snow this weekend, there are two important themes that we would like to highlight: Women's History Month and March Reading Month.
In honor of Women's History Month, we will be celebrating the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This is a time to recognize the incredible impact that women have had on our world and to reflect on the ongoing fight for gender equality. We will be highlighting the stories of women who have made a difference in various fields such as science, politics, art, and more. We encourage families to discuss these women with their children at home as well.
In addition to Women's History Month, March is also Reading Month. Reading is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in all areas of life. We encourage families to spend some time each day reading with their children, whether it's a bedtime story or a few minutes during breakfast. Reading can take us on exciting adventures, introduce us to new ideas and cultures, and improve our language skills. One of our school improvement goals is focused on interdisciplinary literacy, and we are working strategically to help cultivate skilled and voracious readers.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We wish everyone a safe and restful weekend!
Yours in BCS Solidarity,
Dr. Omar Hakim
BCS, Principal
Mr. Jason Hill
BCS, Assistant Principal
All School News
BCS Diversity Committee Panel Discussion - Coping with Stress and Anxiety
On Tuesday, March 7th, the BCS Diversity Committee will be hosting a panel discussion on coping with stress and anxiety. Panelists will include current and former BCS students, parents, school psychologists, and other mental health professionals. You may join us in person in the BCS Media Center or on Zoom at the following webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87079572364?pwd=MitLdXVwQkJRbXdSazU0bHRVYnJ3QT09
There will be a reception with light snacks provided from 6:00-6:30pm and the panel will go from 6:30-8:00pm. Please contact BCS Diversity Committee Chair Joe Leibson with any questions at jleibson@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Spring Book Fair!
The Spring Book Fair is upon us, and we are in need of volunteers. Please check out the link below and see if you are available to come in for a couple of hours to help make our book fair a success. On top of helping out the school, your child will love seeing you during the school day!
Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449ADAD2DA7FB6-bcsbook
Visit our school's homepage to get the latest Book Fair news, shop our Online Fair, and more!
PTA Reflections State Winners
We have results for the State level of the PTA Reflections Art Contest! The following BCS artists have won awards at the State level:
Music Composition:
Outstanding Interpretation/Middle School Division: Areeya P.
Award of Merit/Intermediate Division: Myles L.
Literature:
Award of Excellence/Intermediate Division: Emilia H.
Honorable Mention/Middle School Division: Simreen P.
Visual Arts:
Award of Excellence/Intermediate Division: Rachain P.
The student artwork that was given the award of Outstanding Interpretation now advances to the National level of judging!
Congratulations to all of our BCS artist winners! We are so proud of your accomplishments!
8th Grade Celebration - Then and Now Photographs
Each year, a video is prepared for the BCS 8th Grade Graduating Class to be shown at the graduation ceremony in June. The video includes “Then and Now” pictures of each graduating student. It is a great remembrance video as they embark on the journey to High School.
What we need from you:
2 photographs of your child.
- 1 as a baby/ toddler (the younger, the better)
- 1 recent photo
Photo requirements:
- Solo pictures only.
- NO digital pictures. We need hard copies of both.
- Minimum size - 4x6
- Please put your child's first and last name on the back of each photo. They will be returned to you!
Drop off this form along with photos in an envelope to the BCS vestibule no later than April 6, 2023!!!! There are 2 accordion files on the table you can place them in. Thank you.
PTA Update
- Please join us for our next Parents Night Out at the Dow (the back of Dick O Dow's) on Tuesday March 14th at 7pm
- Blast Tickets Now On Sale! Purchase by March 24th to get your free tote bag.
- Event volunteers and Tailgate prizes are still needed.
- Volunteer of the Year Nominations are open till March 13th, then Voting will be from March 19th to April 15th
- It is Conference time again March 15th & 16th. Please consider donating drinks, snacks and deserts to provide to our staff.
- Open PTA positions for 2023/24 school year: Secretary & Reflections chair. Please reach out to WendyMcDowall@outlook.com if you are interested
- 3rd Grade Parent Liaisons are still needed for Bingham & Pierce. This individual/s will be a someone that new families can reach out to during the summer and first few months to ask questions. Please reach out to WendyMcDowall@outlook.com if you are interested.
BPS Community News
BBSC Soccer Registration
It is time to sign up for soccer again! If you child is grades PreK-8, BBSC Spring '23 registration is open now through early March.
Find registration link and info on the site @ www.bbscsoccer.com
Seaholm PTA Announcement
8th Grade Parents:
Will you have a student at Seaholm next year? The Seaholm PTA is looking for volunteers to get involved at the board or committee level. This is a great way to get to know the school, staff, and other families!
If you’re interested in one of the positions or have any questions about a position, email Stephanie Showich at stephanie.showich@gmail.com
Executive Board Open Positions:
Committee Chair Open Positions:
BCS Reminders
8th Grade Families
We look forward to helping your student make a successful transition to high school! We have created a page to house all of the information families will need in one place. Please save this link and continue to check back for updates as new details are added.
Community Service/ Service Learning
We are so lucky that members of our Cobra Community are always finding ways to positively impact the school and wider community. If you have an idea for a community service, or service learning project please complete the form below and return it to the office in the bin provided. Please submit your proposal no later than the second Thursday of the month PRIOR to the month you would like to do your project. This ensures that the Service Learning Committee will be able to carefully consider all proposals and properly support those selected to ensure maximum success.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nD6WpbqCqFzW2hq1zinL_zz51qTzXLxUQXCHDTqOdNM/copy
Early Dismissal Procedures
Please review these procedures to help keep your students and school safe. No Early Dismissal after 3:00 p.m
- Buzz the front door
- Be prepared to show identification if asked
- Sign student out on the sign in/out sheet
- Students will be released after the office staff calls the teacher
STUDENT IS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE CLASS UNTIL PARENT IS HERE. STUDENTS MUST BE SIGNED OUT IN THE OFFICE. STUDENTS CANNOT EXIT THROUGH ANY OTHER DOOR.
1:1 Laptop Technology Update
We are thrilled to announce that all students will have computer devices at BCS as our district officially becomes a 1:1 district!
For 3-4 students, students will receive Google Chromebooks as they have the past few years. Chromebooks will be distributed to incoming third graders during the first or second week of school.
All 5-8 students will receive a laptop during the first week of school. For all you need to know about 5-8 laptops, please review the linked 5-8 BCS 1:1 Laptop Information & Forms
Parents must review, print, and sign the linked agreement before receiving a laptop.
Insurance for your device can be purchased through eFunds.
For technology support, students should write an e-mail directly to support@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Sending a message to this address will automatically create a ticket for students.
No Cell Phones/Smart Watches During School Day
Students will have access to their school-issued 1:1 device- either a Chromebook or Dell Laptop. This is the appropriate tool for all classroom related technology.
We believe this to be the safest and most productive approach we can use to keep students safe and keep them focused on their instructional and educational goals.
Other Helpful Resource Links...
BCS Connect with Us!
All Students, Parents, Staff Can Report Safety Threats Using OK2Say
Not all heroes wear a cape and tights. A real hero speaks up for what's right. Be a real hero. If you see or hear something that threatens student or school safety, submit a confidential tip to OK2SAY.
Safety & Security - School Resource Officer, Kelly McGraw
BCS works in partnership with the Bloomfield Township Police Department given our location in Bloomfield Hills. For the 2022-2023 school year, BCS has been assigned Officer Kelly McGraw, as our School Resource Officer. Her contact information is included for your reference: Office Phone: (248) 433-7772. E-mail: kmcgraw@bloomfieldtwp.org.
BPS & BCS Calendar for 2022-2023 School Year
On our BCS website, you will find the linked BCS 22-23 School Calendar organized by month. There are links for importing this calendar to your devices. If you notice an event missing or not included, please e-mail Joni Saygan, our building secretary, at JSaygan@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
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.
Parent/Guardian Schoology Access (this is separate from PowerSchool access which is the site parents should continue to use to check student grades). Schoology is where assignments are housed. Linked are directions to create your parent account:
Emotional Health & Wellness Resources
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)