Patriot News
November 2019 Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you so much for your patience and flexibility in helping us smoothly navigate the school closures over the last few weeks due to fires. We’re grateful that our staff and students were able to remain safely indoors limiting the impact of the poor air quality. Our first priority will always be to err on the side of caution when it comes to student safety.
On a more celebratory note, our Board led by President Michael Bennett voted to name the football stadium after our dedicated athletic director, who has served passionately at Birmingham for the students and families for the past 36 years. The ceremony took place at half time of our football game against Chatsworth on October 18th. During Mr. Prizant’s tenure as athletic director, our school’s athletic program has become the largest in the city and has won the most top division city championships. On behalf of the many students, families, and faculty whose lives he has touched over the years, we are grateful for his service and were thrilled to participate in the stadium dedication ceremony.
We are fortunate at BCCHS to have so many passionate and dedicated educators. Many of these faculty members will participate in our upcoming open house for rising 9th graders https://www.smore.com/3wak1-lottery-enrollment-information-day. Please tell your friends, neighbors, and relatives. We invite all 8th grade students and families to visit us from 10:30 -12:30 on Saturday, November 16th to learn about our academic and athletic programs in addition to the opportunities for rigorous enrichment, social-emotional development, and participation in over 40 extra-curricular clubs including our accomplished Associated Student Body Leadership Program (Instagram @bcchspatriots).
Finally, we have a November Attendance Challenge that I wanted to share. Students who come to school all 17 school days in November will earn a chance to win a $20 Target gift card or 2 MB2 Raceway passes. Please help us support excellent attendance at BCCHS by sending your child to school every day, planning family vacations only during school vacation days. Absences can negatively impact your child’s academic performance and can affect their ability to participate in school activities.
Have a wonderful November and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends!
Sincerely,
Ari Bennett
NAMING OF BCCHS STADIUM: RICK PRIZANT STADIUM!
LOTTERY ENROLLMENT INFORMATION DAY
November 1, 2019- March 27, 2020
Saturday, Nov 16, 2019, 10:30 AM
17000 Haynes Street, Lake Balboa, CA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BCCHS DEANS
Success at school begins with arriving to school, and to class on time. School start times:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30am
Tuesday 9:00am
Parents and students are reminded that detention is assigned by their Dean when students accumulate 6 tardies. Detention is held weekly:
MONDAY 3:30-4:30 pm | Rooms: E-23A & B-81
TUESDAY 3:30-4:30 pm | Rooms: E-23A & B-81
WEDNESDAY 3:30-4:30 pm | Room: B-81 ONLY
THURSDAY 3:30-4:30 pm | Rooms: E-23A & B-81
Nixle:
With the recent extreme high wind warnings, and the Getty and Tick fires, it is essential that parents and students are well informed with essential information on how these events, and others may impact our school. ALL parent cell phone numbers have been imported into the Nixle parent platform from Aeries. ALL student emails have also been imported into the student platform from Aeries.
BCCHS had a PBIS REACH week with the focus on RESPECT for the month of October. Our PBIS school wide expectations are Respect, Empathy, Accountability, Choice, and Honesty. BCCHS staff has been handing out SPECIAL STAMPED REACH REWARDS to students for acts of respect in all areas of the campus. Students who were rewarded could enter their REACH rewards into a raffle for a $20 gift card to In-and-Out!
PBIS continues to strive for positivity and Birmingham wants to continue to thank our students for being respectful and proud Patriots!
CLASS UPDATES
We are continuously working diligently to prepare students for life after high school. Our College Counselors have been meeting with our seniors, helping them to complete their college and scholarship applications. UC and Cal State applications are due by November 30th. Please ensure your child has completed their application prior to this date.
On Wednesday, November 6th, approximately
100 seniors will attend a Field Trip to visit and tour local community colleges. They will be visiting College of the Canyons and Moorpark College or Glendale Community College and Pasadena City College. We are striving to provide as much information to our Seniors about the many options they have after high school.
Also, in October we rewarded students who had a 3.0 and above GPA. We proudly gifted approximately 400 students. After the 2nd progress report, we will reward students who have a 3.2 and above GPA. Please remind your child to stay focused and finish they last year to the best of their ability.
Parents, thank you for continuing to support your children through their final year of high school. We appreciate you.
The Class of 2021 is having a productive and eventful fall at Birmingham! For the first reporting period, nearly half of our students had amazing grades with no Ds or Fs! These outstanding students were recognized by our Class of 2021 team with a personalized notecard and a slushy coupon! On Friday, November 1, 2019, the next grade reporting period closes and report cards will be mailed home on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Please remind your child to check in with his/her teachers and make plans to turn in missing assignments if possible. There is still plenty of time in the semester for students to successfully complete all of their classes.
We also want to remind parents that 11th grade is a critical and crucial year that will heavily impact your child’s options after high school. To assist students in navigating this important year, our counselors are completing graduation checks for all juniors. Counselors have mailed home a copy of your student’s graduation check, A-G eligibility and transcript. Please be sure to review these important documents with your child.
Looking forward to the spring semester, we are planning two college field trips for juniors! Our lead teachers, Ms. Franco and Ms. Molinaro, are contacting local UC schools, community colleges and private colleges to schedule an exciting college field trip for students. Additionally, we are holding a “College Knowledge Night” on January 30, 2020 for all grade 11 students and their families. This event will provide an overview of the college application process including financial aid. Parents will also learn how to help their students prepare for the school day SAT on March 4, 2020. Please save the date!
Finally, we encourage you to reach out to any member of our Class of 2021 staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Ms. Sami Brown, Counselor: 818.758.6553
Ms. Ana Palacios, Counselor: 818.758.6555
Mr. Joe Granish, Dean: 818.758.6554
Ms. Jenina Franco, Lead Teacher: 818.758.5200
Ms. Bertie Molinaro, Lead Teacher: 818.758.5200
Ms. Kathya Tovar, Social Worker 818.758.4491
Ms. Missindy Wilkins, Administrator: 818.758.4455
As we approach the holiday season and get ready to spend quality time with our loved ones, we cannot forget to continue to encourage our students to work hard, stay motivated, and be prompt to all their classes. Through this final stretch of academic classes, resources and services are available to ensure the success of your child. They can attend general tutoring in Room 48, or contact their teacher to see availability for specified subjects. It is always recommended to stay in communication with your students' teacher to see if they have any advice or can offer any suggestions.
Attendance: a message from the BCCHS PSA
Time seems to be flying, it feels like we just started the Fall semester, but we are approaching the final stretch! In the winter months, ABSENTEEISM often spikes due to bad weather, holiday travel, and the FLU. Additionally, we have four school holidays in November.
Please make note of the dates, Nov. 11, Nov. 27, 28, 29th.
Students should return on Monday, December 3rd.
Make attending school a priority in your home.
*Please note, when making your holiday plans, we do not follow the LAUSD Calendar.
Thank you,
Ms. Holden, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor
SENIORS: Less than a month left to complete your CSU and UC application
Remember we are here to help. Below are the Application Workshop Dates. These are designed to help you with CSU, UC, FAFSA and Dream Act applications.
Tues. Nov. 12 7:45 am &3:30 pm Applications Help
Sat. Nov. 16 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Personal Statement Workshop presented by College Essay Guy & Application Completion Day!
Mon. Nov.18 7:45 am & 3:30 pm | Application Help
Tues. Nov. 19 7:45 am & 3:30 pm | Application Help
Wed. Nov. 20 7:45 am & 3:30 pm | Application Help
Thurs. Nov. 21 7:45 am & 3:30 pm | Application Help
Fri. Nov. 22 7:45 am &3:30 pm | Application Help
Tues. Nov.26 7:45 am &3:30 pm | Applications Help
Students, please take advantage and attend these workshops for assistance.
How to apply to college:
Step 1: go to the following websites:
Cal State Deadline Nov. 30 www.calstate.edu/apply
UC Deadline Nov. 30 www.apply.universityofcalifornia.edu
Private Colleges Deadlines Vary Must Complete Recommendation Packet by Nov. 1
Step 2: Create your account and apply for fall 2020. Complete application.
Step 3: Have your college counselor review your application and Submit
Then Apply for Financial Aid, Deadline March 2.
US Citizens or Residents apply at www.fafsa.gov
Undocumented students apply at https://dream.csac.ca.gov
BCCHS Social Workers
During the month of September & October we promoted Suicide Awareness throughout the Birmingham campus. Students were invited to participate in activities to promote resilience and also learn more about warning signs and resources available. The Psychiatric Social Work (PSW) team was able to do presentations in classes to discuss teen depression and suicide prevention with students. We were also able to train staff members on the warning signs and the protocols to follow with students who might be at risk. The attached resources were given to students if they were to need more support. We feel that these resources are something useful for parents to have as well. Remember when speaking to your child about their feelings; it is important to validate how they feel and not minimize their comments. It is a very scary thing to have a loved one be at risk but suicide is preventable if we find the right support. The most important message we continue to promote is #Bethe1To break the silence, speak up and get help for yourself or someone you know. Please look out for additional information on a parent workshop that will discuss Suicide Awareness for Parents.
BCCHS Psychiatric Social Workers
PTSA MEMBERSHIP
Parents please join your Birmingham PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association).
Be a part of powerful association than can advocate on behalf of children and educators at Birmingham.
Your membership is vital to Birmingham Community Charter High School’s PTSA so we can continue to provide important services and support to enable the students to reach their highest educational and personal goal.
Some of the services that PTSA provides:
· Grad Nite 2020 at Disneyland!
· Dental and eye exam clinics for students (provided in partnership with the National PTSA)
· Student and Faculty Appreciation Events
· The opportunity to suggest changes at school and be involved in making them happen
· School and Faculty “wish list” items for Birmingham
Membership is only $6.50
Please make checks payable to Birmingham Community Charter High School PTSA and write the student’s name (memo/for) on the check. Membership envelopes can be addressed to PTSA and send to Birmingham Community Charter High School c/o the Parent Center (Haynes Parking Lot), or dropped off in the Main Office.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please call the Parent Center (818) 758 5281 if you have any questions.
GRAD NITE TICKETS: $205
SAT TESTING
AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP DAY
FACTOR PROGRAM CLASSES
ASVAB TEST
NO SCHOOL: VETERAN'S DAY
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
*Cancelled*
As of 11/5/19
PTSA MEETING
FACTOR GRADUATION
LOTTERY INFORMATION DAY
BOARD MEETING
FALL PLAY PERFORMANCE
Saturday, November 12, 2019 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | PA
Friday, November 22, 2019 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | PA
NO SCHOOL- HOLIDAY
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019