P Home of the Eagles November • December 2015 Volume 36, No. 2 S ellaire B ublic chools In This Issue 2015 Refunding Bonds Veteran’s Day School Bus Safety Fire Safety PTO Fifth Grade Science MS Student Senate Peer Coaching School Meal Info School Cancellations Student Absences Winter Gear Preschool Options Child Care Walking Track Star Gazing Aerodynamics in Action Career Exploration Calendar School Nurse Rotary Student of the Month Career-Tech Student Spotlight School Board Grants Awarded www.bellairepublicschools.com BPS Athletes for Breast Cancer Prevention The varisty volleyball and soccer teams hosted the “Dig Pink” and “Kicking for a Cure” events to raise money for Antrim High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention. The organization assists Antrim County residents who are not covered by medical insurance programs or whose personal finances discourage preventative testing. Mark your calendars for upcoming holiday events! Holiday Programs Middle School Band Concert December 8, 7:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center High School Band/Choir Concert December 7, 7:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center Elementary Christmas Program December 17, 7:00 p.m. High School Gym
Transcript
P Home of the Eagles
November • December 2015 Volume 36, No. 2
SellaireB ublic chools
In This Issue2015 Refunding Bonds
Veteran’s Day
School Bus Safety
Fire Safety
PTO
Fifth Grade Science
MS Student Senate
Peer Coaching
School Meal Info
School Cancellations
Student Absences
Winter Gear
Preschool Options
Child Care
Walking Track
Star Gazing
Aerodynamics in Action
Career Exploration
Calendar
School Nurse
Rotary Student of the Month
Career-Tech Student Spotlight
School Board
Grants Awarded
www.bellairepublicschools.com
BPS Athletes for Breast Cancer Prevention The varisty volleyball and soccer teams hosted the “Dig Pink” and “Kicking for a Cure” events to raise money for Antrim High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention. The organization assists Antrim County residents who are not covered by medical insurance programs or whose personal finances discourage preventative testing.
Mark your calendars for upcoming holiday events!
Holiday Programs
Middle SchoolBand Concert
December 8, 7:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center
High SchoolBand/Choir Concert
December 7, 7:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center
ElementaryChristmas Program
December 17, 7:00 p.m.High School Gym
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Successful Sale of Refunding Bonds The Board of Education of Bellaire Public Schools is proud to announce the successful sale of its 2015 Refunding Bonds. The bonds were issued for the purpose of refunding the school district’s 2006 School Building and Site Bonds. This refinancing reduces the school district’s payments by approximately $1,230,000 for the taxpayers and will occur through lower debt payments over the next 21 years. In preparing to sell the 2015 Refunding Bonds, the school district requested that Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) evaluate the district’s credit quality. The evaluation showed that BPS maintained its S&P rating of “A-”. The rating agency cited the district’s very strong tax base and strong reserve levels as a percentage of expenditures in its rationale for maintaining the favorable rating. Due to the Board of Education’s fiscal responsibility and management, the district received a sound credit rating which manifested into a competitive market for the purchasing of the bond. Bellaire Public School’s financing was conducted by the investment banking office of the brokerage firm Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company, financial advising firm Public Financial Management, Inc., and the law firm serving as bond counsel Thrun Law Firm, P.C. The 2015 Refunding Bonds were sold at a true interest rate of 3.52% with a final maturity date of 2036.
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Join PTO Meetings The John R. Rodger Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been planning
BPS students are pleased to honor those who have served in the U.S. military during
Salute to Veterans
a Veteran’s Day assembly on November 11 in the high school gym at 9:00 a.m. The community is invited to this special event as we thank our veterans for their service. We hope all veterans in the area will attend.
Certificate of Excellence Bellaire Public Schools received a Certificate of Excellence from Michigan State Police for achieving a 100% pass rate for school bus safety inspections for the 2015-16 school year. Thanks to our students, bus drivers and maintenance staff at TCAPS for making this happen.
events and student opportunities for the 2015-2016 school year, and more hands are always needed to help. All parents are welcome to join the PTO for the next meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 11 in the elementary school. To contact the PTO with questions or suggestions, email [email protected].
Fire Safety John R. Rodger Elementary students learned all about fire safety and prevention during a visit with the local fire department staff. The annual event aims to teach youngsters tips to help them avoid fire dangers, and show them the tools fire fighters use to battle smoke and flames.
Fifth Grade Scientists The Bellaire teaching staff makes science lessons hands-on experiences to help students learn. Fifth graders used marbles and rulers in an activity that supported their work on potential and kinetic energy.
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There are many winter hats, jackets, boots and snow pants that look alike, so please label them with the owner’s name in case of loss. If you are in need of winter gear for your child please contact Mrs. Poel at 533-8916. Remember, roll-up sleds are the only type of sled permitted at school, and should also be labeled with students’ names.
Winter Gear Notice
BPS’s walking track circling the balcony of the high school gym is open to the public at certain times when school is in session. Visit the school website at bellairepublicschools.com for specific track times. Generally, it is open 7-10 a.m. and 3-8 p.m., except on evenings of school athletic events. Please sign in at the office before walking.
Walking Track is Open
If school must be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, BPS families will receive a phone call notification. An email will also be sent announcing the cancellation or delay. Television stations including TV 7 & 4, TV 9 & 10, and Fox 3 will continue to broadcast closures.
School Cancellation Alerts
Student Absences BPS families will receive a phone call if a student is absent without being excused by a parent or guardian by 10:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. You may excuse a student’s absence any time day or night by calling 231-8015 ext. 324 or 325.
Bellaire Public Schools is pleased to offer three preschool options at John R. Rodger Elementary School: Great Start Readiness Program (4 year-olds) is free for qualifying families; Headstart (3 and 4 year-olds) is a fee-based program for qualifying families; and Preschool (3-5 year-olds) is a fee-based option for all families. Contact Tonya Dupuie at 533-8916 x285 for more information.
Preschool Options
Before/After School & Snow Day Care
Kid’s Club child care is available before and after school at 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. It is also available all day on snow days at John R. Rodger Elementary School. For registration information, contact Tonya Dupuie at 533-8916 x285.
Fourth grade students practice math skills together during peer coaching. By working together, students build understanding and confidence.
Peer Coaching
Halloween Helpers Bellaire Middle School Student Senate assisted at Camp Hayo-Went-Ha’s Halloween Festival, earning $185 for new library books and middle school events. Thank you to education director David Yuhaus for the fundraising opportunity.
Elementary and middle schoolers enjoyed Richard Paul’s bullying prevention program, “Duck Sense” in October. The program helps students understand what a bully is, why people bully, and how to stop it. Students enjoyed the humorous and important message.
Duck Sense
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Bellaire Public Schools Common Calendar
2015 • 2016
Aerodynamics in Action Middle school students’ creativity took flight during an aerodynamics activity. They researched paper airplane designs for competition and had five minutes to build a paper airplane with the goal of accuracy and distance. The top three scorers were Jeremiah Krommendyk (7th) in first place with a distance of almost 50 feet; Bryce Baeckeroot (7th) in second place with 33 feet, and third place was Dust Pahtinen (6th) with 25.5 feet.
Nov 17 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:45 p.m. 19 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30 p.m. 25-27 No School - Thanksgiving Recess 30 School ResumesDec 23-31 No School - Christmas RecessJan 1 No School - Christmas Recess 4 School Resumes 22 Half Day for Students End of First SemesterFeb 15 No School - Mid-Winter RecessMar 15 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:45 p.m. 17 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30 p.m. 24 End of Third Marking Period 25-31 No School - Spring RecessApr 1 No School - Spring Recess 4 No School for Students or Staff 5 School ResumesMay 30 No School - Memorial DayJune 6 Half Day for Students - Exams 7 Half Day for Students - Last Day 10 Graduation 7:00 p.m.
Regular School Day Schedule: Elem 8:05 a.m. - 3:02 p.m. MS/HS 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. ½ Day School Schedule: Elem 8:05 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. MS/HS 8:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Additional days may need to be added to the calendar if excessive snow days are used.
One late September morning was the perfect opportunity for more than 30 students to enjoy star gazing
The seventh grade careers class allowed students to explore many different occupations during the first quarter. Community members volunteered, including Rob Silk who presented on his work as a master electrician, Nancy Slabosz discussed her career as a physician’s assistant, and Zach Moazeni discussed computer programming. Fire Chief Joe Baker, Officer Brad Rowe, and business owner Patrick Boyd of Paddles and Peddles gave tours of their workplaces and were great examples of passionate professionals. The class also field tripped to Brett Pharo’s sheep farm in Rapid City to learn about agricultural work.
Cosmic Sights
Career Exploration
before beginning their school day. On September 23, Venus, Jupiter and Mars lined up for spectacular viewing. Using the telescope set up on school grounds, the students observed the rarely visible planets and moons. Following the light show, students enjoyed hot chocolate and morning snacks as the sun sent bright orange streaks through the early morning sky.
BPS nurse Mary Susan Coen, RN commends Coach Brock Robinson for his competence in attending to the recent urgent medical needs of a student. He recognized an emergency allergic reaction and quickly took action to locate and administer the appropriate medication. Mr. Robinson’s reaction to the health concern was exactly what he was trained to do. Many thanks for his swift and life-saving response.
Kudos from the School Nurse
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Chloe Niepoth was selected as the Bellaire Rotary Club student of the month for October. Daughter of Christine and George Niepoth, Chloe has attended Bellaire Public
Rotary Student of the Month
Schools since kindergarten. She is well-deserving of this honor for her academic achievements, contributions to community, and leadership skills. Chloe is the frontrunner of the class of 2016, with a 3.95 grade point average which includes several rigorous online courses. In addition to classes, Chloe devotes time and energy to volunteering, serving on the junior prom committee, athletic council, three years on student council, and as class president every year of high school. Her leadership skills shine in her roles as co-editor in chief for the yearbook. The Bellaire Chapter of the National Honor Society recognized Chloe’s accomplishments and service by initiating her in 2014. In addition, the Job Winslow Chapter for The Daughter’s of the American Revolution selected Chloe to represent her class for the Good Citizenship Award. A three-sport competitor, Chloe plays volleyball, basketball and softball. She has also accumulated more than 100 hours of community service, including mission trips to Detroit and Belize. Her hard work and positive attitude leaves a lasting impression on her community and peers. She is preparing for her freshman year at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids where she will focus on pre-medical studies.
The Bellaire Public Schools newsletter is distributed electronically every two months. Printed copies are available at both school offices, the public library, the Senior Center, and at the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to receive the newsletter via email, contact Bellaire Public Schools at 533-8015 and your email address will be added to the database.
Email Newsletter Delivery
Bellaire High School junior Erin Emery recently received the Student Spotlight Award from the TBAISD Career-Tech Center for her work with the Teacher Academy program. Erin is assisting in Mr. Golden’s
Career-Tech Student Spotlight
elementary music classes. In preparation for Mr. Golden’s prearranged two-day absence from school, she selected and designed lessons for the students. Erin taught the music classes on her own, with excellent reports from the substitute teacher who was supervising.
Bellaire Public Schools Newsletter, Vol. 36, No.2, November/December 2015. This newsletter is produced five times a school year for parents, residents and taxpayers in the Bellaire Public School District. The newsletter is published by the Bellaire Board of Education:
Newsletter editing and layout is provided by the Communications Department, Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District.Comments and inquiries about the newsletter should be directed to James Emery, Superintendent, Bellaire Public Schools, 533-8015.The following is a directory of school administrators: James Emery, Superintendent/High School Principal, 533-8015 Kristi Poel, Elementary/Middle School Principal, 533-8916 Eric Matusik, Food Services, 533-8015 ext. 244
Tony MartinekPatricia Savant
Robert SilkMike Robinson
Walt MannPeter WendlingAimee George
Board of Education Meetings 2015-2016Meeting Location:
Bellaire Middle/High School Performing Arts Center
Mon., April 25, 2016Mon., May 23, 2016Mon., June 20, 2016Mon., July 25, 2016
Grants Support Learning More than $3,300 in grants was awarded to several BPS teachers for the 2015-2016 school year. The grant money will provide extended opportunities to enhance the learning that takes place in the classrooms -- including field trips to Grass River, Lansing, Impression5 Science Center, AuSable Institute, Hayo-Went-Ha, and the School Ship in Traverse City. Grant funds will also be used to purchase electricity kits, resource books for electricity and magnetism, textbooks, classroom supplies, and blanket material for Christmas workshops. Many thanks to Three Lakes Association, Great Lakes Energy, MEEMIC, Circle Michigan Tour Association and AuSable Trails Institute for their generosity. Grant recipients pictured above (L to R): Tom Baeckeroot, Rebecca Benson, Ashley Zaborowski, Kim Clark, Kelli Fischer, and Sue Mills (not pictured Chris Vandergriff)
No person because of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap shall be ex-cluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in our United States Depart-ment of Agriculture donated food and nutri-tion programs. Any persons who believes he/she has been discriminated against should write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
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Board of Education Meeting Meal Program
Free and reduced cost school breakfast and lunch program is available to families meeting income eligibility requirements. Families must apply for free/reduced school meals every year. If your family status changes at any time throughout the school year, you are eligible to apply. If you qualify, your children can recieve food services at reduced or no cost. An application is available online at www.lunchapp.com. You may also find applications in the school office.
Bellaire Public Schools
Half Dayof School
Free BreakfastStudents in grades K-5 may have free school breakfast. Start the day in a healthy way!
Veteran’s Day AssemblyMS G BB v Forest AreaPTO Meeting
MS B BB @ Forest Area
MS B BB v JoBurgMS G BB @ Central Lk
MS B BB v Central Lk
MS B BB v PellstonMS G BB v Gaylord SM
MS G BB @ Mancelona
MS G BB @ Inland LksV G BB v Northport
MS B BB @ JoBurg
MS B BB @ Central LkHS Band/Choir Concert
V B BB @ Harbor SpringsMS Band Concert
V G BB v Pellston V B BB v Charlevoix MS B BB v Forest AreaV G BB @ Onaway
MS B BB @ Pellston V B BB v Pellston MS B BB @ Petoskey SFV G BB @ MancelonaPTO Meeting
Elementary Christmas Program
V B BB @ East JordanV G BB v Forest Area
V B BB @ Mancelona V G BB @ Inland Lks V B BB v Forest Area V G BB v Gaylord SM
V B BB @ Inland Lks V G BB @ JoBurg V B BB v Gaylord SM
V G BB v East Jordan V B BB @ JoBurg V G BB v Central LkPTO Meeting
Meal AccountsStudent meal accounts are accessible at sendmoneytoschool.com.Balances can be checked and money added electronically. To set up a new account, follow the instructions online.
