PANTHER P RINTS August August2016 2014

www.birchrunschools.org www.birchrunschools.org

Volume2022Issue Issue11 Volume

Kids Kourt has limited openings On Friday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m.,for in the newly renovated “South Unit” we will be & holding an open 19th year of gymnasium, learning fun! Golf outing benefits Welcome Back!

Bond Project “GRAND OPENING” OPEN HOUSE ... Friday, September 13th School Starts Sept. 6

house to celebrate the tremendous improvements andisupdates have as and a result the Bond For Project. Educational Foundation Kid’s Kourt a licensedthat child caretaken centerplace cord birthof certificate. moreWe infor-

plan hold a brief presentation be followed tours ofArea eachSchools. of the facilities. to see you there! BirchtoRun Taymouth Educational which will sponsored by yourby Birch Run mation,Hope call Chris Putnam or Megan Setzer Foundation’s annual Golf Outing will This 2016-2017 school year marks the 19th at 624-6229 or email: cputnam@birchrunbe held on Saturday, August 27 at year for this popular licensed child care schools.org or msetzer@birchrunschools. Timbers Golf Club, 7300 Bray Road in program, inviting three-year-olds through org Registration packets are available at Vassar. thosefroM 12 years ofthe age. Our year of fun be- Kid’s Kourt and North Elementary. essAge uperintendent gins on the first day of school. Our commitment to you is to provide a The 18-hole scramble will tee off ■ By David Bush, Superintendent While there are still a few openings for quality child care program filled with fun, at 9:30 a.m. There will be skins play, the 2016-2017 school year, Kids Kourt and activities in a safe, caring environment. a Vegas hole and Milligans asummer well asis is so popular with Birch Run quickly door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and you area parents that there has been coming to an could win a car (sponsored by Suski of a waiting list for the past six end and soon Birch Run). Dinner and award ceremoyears. weofwill ny will follow completion play.begin the 2013-14 Don’t wait to get a jump start The cost is $220 for school a team.year. Call The Nan on your child’s education all the Haley for more details at (989) 624start of the 2013while providing a safe environ9978. 2014 school year ment. Register them for Kids will be a special one. With all the Kourt soon as open enrollment All funds raised go directly to support building and grounds improvements is limited and will be closing in activities, purchases, and of spealong withmaterial a tremendous influx a matter of days. cial projects, vianew teacher grants, in our technology and programing, the Registration packets are Birch Runwill Area Schools. mark the new year definitely NEW BUILDING FRONT available at Kids Kourt and beginning of a new era for Birch Run North Elementary. Registration a much larger weight room. The high One exciting new program, which will Making Panther Prints... Area Schools! is $35.00 per student (non-reschool will also have a video producbegin at the start of the school year, is Board You will of seeEducation....................2 much more parking and tion studioand and payable district-wide the Early College Program. Students fundable) upon we will traffic flowInformation...................2 improvements districtContact have a significant increase is in technolaccepted into the program will be takregistration. Also required wide. Roofs, windows, doors, will be ogy available to our teachers and stuing courses through Delta College and your child’s immunization reSuperintendent..........................3 updated. We have much improved

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athletic facilities including a new North Elementary......................4 eight lane track. With the addition of Middle the band School............................5 room we were able to create

dents. All of these improvements will Birch Run High School simultaneousa highly put Birch Run Area Schools on the In addition ly with thetoend result of qualified obtaining leading edge of quality facilities and both a high school diploma Birch staff, Kids Kourt Child Carefrom offers: technology. (Continued on Page 2)

High School...............................6 • Gym/Playscape • 5 Computers • Weekly crafts Food Service.............................7 • Cooking experiments • Nintendo, Playstation, WII Community Education......... 8-10 • Friday movies • Pizza & pop Fridays CARE......................................10 PARKING AND TRAFFIC FLOW: As part of the Bond Project, we have made significant improvements to our Sports Schedule......................11 • When Walking fieldschool tripsyear•begins Large screen3rd, TVwe ask that all parking and traffic flow at all sites. the 2013-2014 on September parents use the west entrance to drop off children at the middle school and the center drive located between the Athletics Pass Info...................11 • Games • Walking Field Trips • Lots more fun elementary and high school bus loops to drop off children at the appropriate building. Your cooperation is School Calendar......................12

Welcome Back … School Starts Tuesday, September 3rd!

greatly appreciated.

Call Chris or Megan at 624- 6229

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Birch Run Area Schools

Board Of Education Meeting Dates 2016-2017 All 2016-2017 regular Board meetings and Board work sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Media Center, 12450 Church Street, Birch Run, Michigan, unless otherwise posted. Athletics & Extra Curricular Committee Todd Ferguson, Ron Johnson and Don Morse. Alternate: David Stewart Athletics & Extra Curricular Committee meetings to be determined on an “as needed” basis. Board Student Reinstatement Committee Todd Ferguson and Jeanette Morrish. Alternate: David Stewart Board Student Reinstatement Committee meetings to be determined on an “as needed” basis. Building & Grounds Committee Nan Haley, Ron Johnson and Don Morse. Alternate: Jeanette Morrish Building & Grounds Committee meetings to be determined on an “as needed” basis. Finance Committee Cindy Parker, Jeanette Morrish and David Stewart. Alternate: Ron Johnson Finance Committee meetings will be held the Monday of the Regular Board Meeting. Finance Committee meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. Personnel Committee Nan Haley, Jeanette Morrish, and Cindy Parker. Alternate: Todd Ferguson Personnel Committee meetings to be determined on an “as needed” basis. Policy Committee Jeanette Morrish, Cindy Parker and David Stewart. Alternate: Ron Johnson Policy Committee meetings to be determined on an “as needed” basis.

The Board of Education will schedule special meetings as needed. They will be posted according to the Open Meetings Act.

Birch Run Area Schools www.birchrunschools.org

Administration Office & Board of Education Office Phone 624-9307 • Fax 624-5081 David Bush...............................Superintendent Mrs. Marlette was named theManager VolunRod Livingston................... Business teer of the Year for Birch Run Area Beth Eaves................. Executive Secretary/HR Schools. She received the School Bell Birch Run school High School Award at a recent board meeting. Mrs.Phone Marlette was • named the Volun624-9392 Fax 624-8502 teer of the Year for Birch Run Area Attendance 624-6210 Schools. She received the School Bell Mike Baszler...................................... Principal Award at.........................Assistant a recent school boardPrincipal meeting. Phil Periard.

School Starting

Athletic Office

North Elementary Phone 624-9011 • Fax 624-8504 Joe Birkmeier..................................... Principal Curtis Hadd.........................Assistant Principal Mike Morley received Teacher of the Special Office board Year award at Education a recent school Phone 624-4786 • Fax 624-5081 meeting. Jill Yatsevich................ Special Ed. Supervisor Mike received Teacher of the Vacant.Morley ................................................Secretary Year award at a recent school board Technology meeting. Phone 624-9392 ext. 23010 &Joshua Ending Times Seeley...................................... Director

Food Service Grades 9-12 ................................................................ 7:40 am-2:26 pm Phone 624-9394 • Fax 624-8505 Phone 624-6293 Grades 5-8 .................................................................. pm Phil Periard. ............................Athletic Director &Janet School Starting Ending Times7:55 am-2:41 Brehaut....................................... Director Grades K-4 Greene ................................................................. 8:55 am-3:46 pm Marshall Middle School Community Education Grades 9-12 ................................................................ 7:40 am-2:26 pm Phone 624-5821 • Fax 624-8507 ALTERNATIVE ED Kids Kourt Child Care Scott Preston...................................... Principal Grades 5-8 .................................................................. am-2:41 pm 624-6229 •7:55 Fax Monday thru Thursday 7:50 am to 3:00 pm •Phone Friday 7:50 am to 624-5081 12:00 noon Jennifer Mudge...................Assistant Principal Christine Putnam........................ Administrator Grades K-4 ................................................................. 8:55 am-3:46 pm

ALTERNATIVE ED Monday thru Thursday 7:50 am to 3:00 pm • Friday 7:50 am to 12:00 noon

PANTHER P RINTS PANTHER P RINTS

is now electronic!

The Birch Run Area Schools Newsletter Panther Prints is now electronic. The back to school edition will be mailed each year in August with is now electronic! a copy on our website and a few more editions during the school year Birchavailable Run Area in Schools Panther is now elecwithThe copies each Newsletter building and also Prints on our website: tronic. The back to school edition will be mailed each year in August with www.birchrunschools.org. a copy on our website and a few more editions during the school year If you of have any available questions PoLIcy: orincomments regarding this NoTIcE NoNDIScRImINATIoN It is the policy of the Birch Runissue Area of the Panther Prints, with copies each building and also on our website: School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, religion, color, national oriplease contact Chris Putnam at [email protected] or call 624-6229. www.birchrunschools.org. gin, sex or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or

be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the district, including makeRun reasonemployment. Upon request to the Super intendent, the policy Districtofshall NoTIcE of NoNDIScRImINATIoN PoLIcy: It is the the Birch Area able accommodation a disabled be able to participate in any activity. School District that noforperson shall,person on the to basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handi cap, PoLIcy: be excluded from participation in, be denied bene fitshas of, or AccEPTAbLE uSE Birch Run Area Schools Board of the Educa tion a be subjectedAcceptable to discrimination under any program or activity of the district, including Technology Use Policy. Parent and student signatures are required shall makewith reasonemployment. Upon the Super the District before students may request use the to school’s techintendent, nology. Please review the policy your able accommodation for a disabled person to be able to participate in any activity. child.

AccEPTAbLE PoLIcy: Run Area Board of Educa has a The Birch Run uSE Panther PrintsBirch news letter is Schools published by the Boardtion of Edu cation. It is mailed to all resTechnology Acceptable Use Policy. Parent and student signatures are required idents of the Birch Run Area School District. Addi tional copies are sent to every school for distribubefore students may use the school’s technology. Please review the policy with your tion child.to staff, new residents and visitors.

The Birch Run Panther Prints newsletter is published by the Board of Education. It is mailed to all residents of the Birch Run Area School District. Additional copies are sent to 3 every school for distribution to staff, new residents and visitors.

NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS AND GENERAL 3 PUBLIC Pesticide Spraying

Birch Run Area Schools will be spraying school grounds and athletic fields with natural fertilizer and weed control. Notification of the spraying will be posted on each front door of each school building when the spraying occurs. If you have any questions, fell free to contact my office at (989) 624-9011

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A Message from the

Superintendent

David Bush, Superintendent of Birch Run Area Schools Throughout the 2015-16 school year Birch Run Area Schools experienced many successes. All three buildings were committed to advancing academic rigor and offerings for their students. The high school has seen participation in Advanced Placement courses increase and we continue to expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) opportunities by adding the Genesee Career Institute for 2015-16 school year and for the 2016-17 we are partnering with GMCA (Greater Michigan Construction Academy) in an effort to better prepare students for career readiness and vocational interests. The middle school continues to work toward the “Schools to Watch” designation as it is anticipated they will earn this designation during the upcoming school year. At the elementary school, the staff will be implementing programing and strategies to enable a greater level of collaboration and differentiated instruction for the students. We are very excited about these initiatives and the impact they will have. The music program had a outstanding year with the bands and choirs earning high ratings at music festivals. Forensics continued with the tradition of excellence they have established over the years by earning a second place finish at the State Forensic Tournament. The high school Robotics Team had a successful year in competition and also increased participation significantly which should allow for continued success during the upcoming year. In the area of athletics, Birch Run experienced high levels of success once again. There were many individual and team honors earned at the local, regional and state levels. These are just some of the highlights as we certainly had other notable achievements from the 2015-16 school year. As we approach the new school year, I am excited about the potential and the great opportunities students will have available to them.

growth. I feel we have as fine of an instructional and support staff as any school district in the area. They are committed to providing the time and care needed to achieve academic and social growth for all of our students. The third year of the Early College Program is now complete with participation levels at nearly 120 students. Students in the program earned over 1500 college credits during the 2015-16 school year. What a great accomplishment! Many students from the first cohort graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree and they all earned 50+ college credits. This is a very unique program for our students which has greatly enhanced our offerings and has encouraged students to challenge themselves academically in preparation for their future. The first day of school for the students is Tuesday, September 6, with open houses for all buildings being held on Wednesday, August 31st. In addition to the school calendar there is also a fall sports schedule included in this edition of the Panther Prints. Come out and support the hard work of our students at the scheduled events! My goal is to work collaboratively with individuals within the school community in establishing the programs and instructional setting to enable all students to experience academic growth. We continue to work towards improved programing so all students who graduate from Birch Run Area Schools have skills and knowledge to become productive members of society. Throughout my years in education, I have always maintained an open door policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me! It is important that we work together so we can best meet the needs of all students.

Thank you to our maintenance department and custodians, the buildings are looking great! Building and ground improvements include: parking lot work and new striping, cement work repairs, stadium bleacher repairs, gutter repairs and additions, gym floor resurfacing and repairs, and also much painting in areas of need. In addition, we have installed new computers in many areas along with updating software and other technological hardware. We have always taken great pride in our buildings and with the improvements, we can proudly say our facilities continue to be a model for the entire area. In addition, we have a great staff that is committed to helping students experience academic

In closing, I am looking forward to the coming school year and the excitement the new year brings. As we proceed we will continue to put students first and do all that is necessary to provide the academics and activity to prepare them for the future. I would also like to thank the families and community members for the tremendous support they have shown to the district. Without this support we could not achieve the level of excellence the students deserve. Enjoy the remainder of your summer.

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News from Joe Birkmeier, Principal

North... be working in each classroom as our new literacy coach. Her duties will include working with each department in weekly meetings and having a weekly coaching experience in all of the classrooms at North.

It has been a wonderful summer in Birch Run and we hope that all of our Panthers have been enjoying their time with family and friends. We want all members of our Panther Team to know that we have been busy here at North preparing for the upcoming school year.

Many classroom teachers have been giving of their summer time working with colleagues on planning and preparation for next school year. The dedication that they have to this district is very commendable.

The custodial staff has been hard at work deep cleaning the entire building and helping some of our teachers to relocate to their new rooms. Our maintenance department has been working to see that the building will be ready for kids in the fall. Our secretarial staff has been working on ensuring all of the materials needed for the start of school will be ordered and in the proper classrooms. A fresh coat of paint has been added to our hallways and classrooms that were in need. Having a school run effectively truly is a team effort.

It needs to be mentioned that North will be beginning this year without Mrs. Periard as the building principal. She has been a truly wonderful leader not only at North but for the whole district. Although Mrs. Periard will not be in the building, her impact remains. Her diligent work and care has truly left a living legacy in the building. The feeling of TEAM and utmost concern for the students and each other is a direct result of the many lessons that Mrs. Periard has taught TEAM NORTH over the years.

The administrative team has been working with teachers and other buildings fine tuning the master schedule. This year’s schedule will ensure that all teachers per grade level will be given common prep time. We believe that this will help our already outstanding staff with planning and preparation to ensure that your student is truly given the best education possible.

We look forward to the upcoming school year and our very excited to have our building be brought back to life. As nice as it is to see a sparkling clean building, nothing can replace the feeling of having North Elementary filled with our little panthers and seeing all members continue to grow academically and socially as a Panther Family.

The Title program has also been making changes. The para pros will be stopping in to each classroom daily to help our teachers reach all of our students. Also, Mrs. Tuttle will

Birch run

Now enrolling 3 & 4 year olds FREE pre-school for eligible families

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call Jackie (989) 624-5727 or (989) 752-2193

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The following DocumenTs are neeDeD To compleTe The applicaTion:

• Birth Certificate

• Doctor/Dentist (name, address, phone number)

• Proof of Income (one month’s worth of pay stubs, W-2, tax return, etc.)

• Emergency Contact Information (name, address, phone number)

• Immunization Record

• Work Place - Employer/Business (name, address, phone number)

• Health Insurance Card

• WIC ID

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News from Scott Preston, Principal

MGMS...

a consensus to common instructional For the past two years Marshall strategies throughout Greene Middle School “As a project school, our school has been participating in a multi-year federal our leadership team has ● Increased academgrant that has focused participated in high-quality ic opportunities for our school to embrace professional development, students and practice true mid- state, national networking ● Peer observation dle school philosophy. opportunities, comprehenprogram for teachers MGMS is a “project sive data collection, and ● Advisory program school” through a conducted an analysis for all students federal grant secured specifically tailored to our by the Institute for Ed● Lesson plan deschool and students.” ucational Excellence sign that incorporates headquartered in Mt. Pleasant. MGMS student talk during each class is one of four schools who are “project ● Lesson plan design that incorposchools” in the grant in the state of rates Student movement during each Michigan. class As a project school, our leadership ● Lesson plan design that intenteam has participated in high-qualtionally incorporates transition during ity professional development, state, each class national networking opportunities, comprehensive data collection, and During the 2016-17 school year, conducted an analysis specifically MGMS will be sustaining our imtailored to our school and students. We plemented programs. We will focus will be in our third year of participapreparation for a visit from a Michigan tion in 2016-17. Schools To Watch team. During this visit MGMS will have a compreAs a result of participating in the hensive review of our instructional “I3” grant MGMS has implemented programs and studied our instructional practices and a review of our organizational processes. The team will practices. Our work has centered on look at how comprehensive our best the best practice research from the practices are implemented throughout National Forum. The highest accolade our school. There will be a focus on a middle school can receive from the Academic Achievement, DevelopmenNational Forum is the designation, tal Responsiveness, Social Equity, and “School To Watch”. how our school is organized. At the There are many strategies impleend of the visit, we will either become mented over the past two years at the eleventh school in the state of MGMS heading into 2016-17 in comMichigan to receive the designation parison to what we were doing and/or “School to Watch” or we will be given offering to begin the 2014-15 school specific feedback on areas that we can year. improve. ● Professional development to Throughout the project our school bring a consensus to a common vision has been led by several teachers. I among the professional staff want to personally thank Jenni Snid● Professional development to bring

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er, Kim Franz, Katie Phillips, Randi Watchorn, Lindsay O’Connell, Travis Boquette, Jenni Mudge, and former MGMS teacher Annette Reichert for their dedication to seeing this initiative be successful. Without our dedicated teachers, MGMS would not be in the position of being close to becoming recognized as a “Schools to Watch.”

NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS AND GENERAL PUBLIC

(Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials) In August 1988 inspections were made for asbestos containing materials within the buildings of the Birch Run Area School District. Accredited laboratories in keeping with EPA regulations have analyzed test results. Asbestos containing materials have been found in boiler rooms, air handling thermal systems insulation and pipe wraps in tunnels. A low asbestos count was found in two areas that contained acoustical spray on ceilings in the Layman High School Building. Air monitoring tests had been run on these areas by accredited laboratories on October 21, 1988. Test results have shown no danger to occupants from airborne fibers. Management Programs that were submitted to the State have been approved. Within these programs were plans to encapsulate homogeneous areas in the Layman Building. (Encapsulation and Enclosures were done in these areas in July and August 1989). Plans were submitted for operation and maintenance programs in all boiler rooms, air handling rooms and tunnels. These areas present no danger to students or staff in any buildings. All boiler rooms and tunnels have been approved for O & M programs since 1984 when EPA inspections were done to comply with asbestos laws at that time. Plans were again approved in management programs submitted in March of 1989. The Middle School was built after the asbestos ban was placed into effect in 1978, therefore, no asbestos is present in this building. Asbestos management plans, test results, and surveillance records are available for viewing by the general public in the principal’s office of each school building.

News from Mike Baszler, Principal

BRHS... On Wednesday, August 31st BRHS will host an open house from 4:00-5:30pm. During this time, there will also be a special presentation for incoming freshman and new students in the cafeteria. During the presentation, those students will receive their locker assignment and schedules.

The school year is quickly approaching and although we are soaking up the last few days of summer, there is still the annual anticipation and excitement that comes with thinking about the first days of school. The 2016-2017 school year will officially begin on Tuesday, September 6th. Our high school is like a campus of opportunities where all students have options that appeal to their college and career choices of the future. I have always said that high school at its core is a learning center. We are fortunate to have many pathways of extended enrichment and support beyond the traditional school setting.

The open house part is self guided so students should bring their schedules which they can access online. Schedules we be available on Skyward prior to the open house so students should log in to obtain this information. Students who have lost or forgotten their Skyward Family Access login information need to contact the high school for assistance. If you need a paper copy, please stop by the main office and ask for one to be printed for you.

We are one of only a few Early College programs in the state that offer the chance to receive a high school diploma and associate’s degree by completing the regular four years of high school plus one additional that is comprised mainly of college courses. We are working on a new format that will allow students the choice to take this fifth year of classes at the college campus. This will enable them to choose which route they wish to pursue while still offering an Associate Degree in the arts.

This is a great time for students to walk about the school to see where their classrooms are and to meet with the teachers for the first trimester. Any scheduling concerns can be addressed with the counselors at this time also. I hope that you all enjoy the remaining weeks of vacation and look forward to the upcoming school year.

We also offer new options for the “career” part of college and career ready. We currently offer multiple CTE programs of opportunity. We have partnerships with Bay Arenac ISD and Genesee ISD technical centers that allow students to participate in after their sophomore year. This year we will be expanding on these offerings by partnering with GMCA (Greater Michigan Construction Academy) which will be housed in Saginaw and offerings will be available through our new core classes on our campus as well.

High School Alternative Education

This school year we are also happy to announce the addition of new college prep AP classes. We offer juniors and seniors the option of enrolling in AP Biology, AP Calculus (online), AP Literature, AP Language, AP Government, and the newly approved AP Psychology. During the school year we will be studying the possibility of offering AP History for the 2017-2018 school year as well.

ON CAMPUS AND VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL AVAILABLE

Open to Resident and Non-Resident Students

Earn Your High School Diploma!

Located in a newly renovated building. Instruction is delivered through an online format. Teachers are available for one-on-one instruction.

Needless to say, we are very excited about the direction our secondary school is heading and we are constantly looking for ways to refine and improve on our craft--teaching and learning together! Before the actual first day of school, we have a few other events for students and parents in preparation for the upcoming school year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL CALL:

(989) 244-5104

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News from the Janet Brehaut, Food Service Director I hope you and your family had time to relax and enjoy some good times together this summer. The school bell will be ringing for all Panther students to begin the 20162017 school year on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. “Welcome Back” Panther fans. Students have been advanced a grade and moved to the next building if needed. Your family meal account balances, be it positive or negative, will go with them. If your child left in June with a positive balance they still have a positive balance. However, if they left with a negative balance they will start out with that negative balance. If you have not done so already now would be a good time to set up your Skyward Family Access account. Go to www.birchrunschools.org look under Request for Skyward Family Access. Click on Skyward Family Access Request Form and fill it out. Once you have done so you will be able to see if your children have money or owe money and what they are spending money on. You will be able to see if and when the check you send made it to the cafeteria. With this being a family account you only need to send one check with one child and all of your children may purchase meals and ala cart items from that one deposit. Even if the children are at different buildings one deposit will work. However, if you are sending money with one child and you are getting negative balance calls for your other child please call or send a note to the cafeteria. This happens when one child is enrolled under mom’s name and one is enrolled under dad’s name. When this happens Skyward does not recognize you as a family. Therefore

Cafeteria

you do not have a family account. One child will get all the money and the other gets none. This can be fixed with a simple phone call once it is brought to my attention. It has become necessary for the school to set a limit of no more than $75.00 to be owed on a family meal account. Once your family’s meal account goes negative $75.00 we cannot allow any more charges to be made. Students must have cash for that day’s meal or bring a lunch from home until the negative balance can be paid off. We have had problems with students charging their breakfast/lunch and parents not sending money. If you do not qualify for free meals your child must have money with them or in their account every day. Our goal is to provide every student in our district with a breakfast and/or lunch every day. A Hungry Child Can Not Learn. However, the district cannot give free meals to those who do not qualify.

You may fill out a free/reduced meal application at any time throughout the school year. You can find the application form at www.birchrunschools. org under food service or they are available in all building offices. If your child/children qualified for free/ reduced meals last year, you have until Monday, October 17, 2016 to get a new application on file. You must fill out a new application every year. If you fail to renew your child’s application, he/she will be charged full price for all meals starting on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Please pay close attention to this deadline as we cannot make any exceptions. Fill out the application as soon as possible. Those charged meals add up fast and parents must pay for them. I hope you and your children have a rewarding school year. My staff and I are ready to welcome students back to school for another exciting year. Welcome Back!

Again this year it is necessary for us to make the following changes to our lunch prices. We are doing the best we can to keep our meals affordable. Prices for the 2016-2017 school year will be as follows:

Breakfast North Elementary............................$1.20 Middle & High School....................$1.45 Adults..............................................$1.85 Lunch North Elementary.....................$2.00/day $10.00/week; $40.00/month Middle School..........................$2.40/day $12.00/week; $48.00/month High School..............................$2.75/day $13.75/week; $55.00/month Adults.................................$3.55 per day

Reduced price meals are 30ȼ for breakfast and 40ȼ for lunch. Milk will remain 35ȼ per carton. Milk is included in the price of every meal. If your family qualifies for free or reduced price meals but decide to bring a lunch from home you cannot get free milk. We do not have a free milk program. Only complete reimbursable meals can be free or reduced price not just milk.

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On the first day of school breakfast will be served at North, Middle and High Schools as usual. Lunch will be as follows: North Elementary 1. Chicken Nuggets 2. Hamburger on Whole Grain Bun 3. Cold Sandwich Middle and High School 1. Popcorn Chicken 2. Popcorn Chix Bowl 3. Cold Sandwich or Chef Salad Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Roll, Side Salad & Vegetable Bar, Assorted Fresh or Canned Fruit, 1% White or Fat Free Chocolate Milk The complete lunch menu can be found on our website.

Community Education

Chris Putnam, Director

To the Birch Run Community: As I enter into my 22nd year here at Birch Run Schools I would like to say thank you for letting Community Education serve you and your needs. This fall it’s important take advantage of local enrichment opportunities that we offer after the bell rings through the Birch Run Area Schools. Our goal is to offer as many quality classes to enhance the Birch Run community as possible. Don’t hesitate, register today……some courses are limited in

attendance; please register by the registration date for each class. Join our Community luncheons the second Thursday of each month at the NEW Community Center at 12 noon, bring a dish to share and friend. Our luncheons are welcome to EVERYONE! Start thinking about Child Care for the next school year, handbooks are available NOW for the upcoming 2016/17 school year. Each year Kid’s Kourt has a waiting list, if you need child care for the upcoming school year please register before you leave for summer vacation.

Community Lucheons Through Your Birch Run Schools

Body Toning exercise instruction will be available all summer in the Academic Building Gym each Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am to 10am, the cost is $3 per class and you pay at the door. Have a safe and healthy 2016-2017 school year. Christine Putnam Director, Community Education Principal, Kid’s Kourt Child Care Center PR Coordinator

Come one come all! Everyone is welcome 0 through 100 years young!

Come share our NEW Community Center and enjoy a luncheon with friends, neighbors and new friends. Our Community luncheons are the second Thursday of the month at the NEW Community Center located at the Birch Run High School Academic Building. Activities begin at 11:30am and last to the last person shuts off the lights.

Open Basketball Here’s your chance to enjoy a friendly game of Basketball in the Newly Rennovated Academic Building gym. If you’re over 18 and graduated, you’re welcome to join in. This class meets 3 days a week and is free. Bring your basketball.

We provide games, have speakers, play bingo, have lunch and enjoy a great time. Bring a passing dish and a friend! The food, conversation and games are on us! In October each year we host a Flu Shot Clinic at 10am most insurance accepted.

WHEN: Monday Wednesday & Fridays TIME: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (On Normal School Days)

All ages are welcome, come join the fun! Call Chris at 624-6229, [email protected] Luncheon dates: September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8, 2016, January 12, February 16, March 2, April 13, May 11.

COST:

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FREE

Extreme Martial Arts Inc.

REGISTRATION FORM

KARATE PROGRAM

Birch Run Community Education 12400 Church Street Birch Run, MI 48415

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

One mind…One Body…One simple choice Extreme Martial Arts!

Please register at the Community Education Office/ Kid’s Kourt Activity Center no later than one week prior to the start date using the form below or by sending your Registration along with your payment (check or money order only) to Birch Run Community Education, 12400 Church Street, Birch Run, MI 48415. Registration starts as soon as you receive this brochure. First come – first serve basis.

Are you up to the challenge?

The challenge is simple…bring together the mind, the body, and the family, to function as one in a way you never thought possible. Men, women & children, beginners or advanced. Boost self-confidence while toning and conditioning the body.

Refund policy for Community Education is:

Self-Confidence Coordination Flexibility Self- Control Balance Respect Self-Discipline Agility Focus Stamina Self-Esteem Muscle-Tone

A. 100% of fee prior to starting date of class. B. Full refunds will be made if the class is cancelled due to low enrollment. C. No refunds will be given after the first week of class. D. If school is cancelled, Community Education classes are cancelled. E. NO CLASS REMINDER CALLS!

Programs Offered

• Personal & Circuit Training • Self-Defense Courses • Cardio/Kickboxing Classes • Mixed Martial Arts • Traditional Martial Arts-Karate Classes-All Levels • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu • Muay-Thai/Kickboxing • Weapons Training & Defense • Tournament Competitions • Community Ed. Karate

4 easy Ways to Register!

1. Send it to Birch Run Community Education Dept., 12400 Church St., Birch Run, MI 48415. 2. Send it in your child’s backpack with a note on it to forward it to the Administration Building, Attn: Community Education Department. 3. Walk it into the Community Education/Kid’s Kourt Activity Center. 4. Send it through inter-office mail.

When: Grades 1st through 5th Thursday Evening Class 5:15 pm (white & yellow belts); 6:30 pm (purple & orange belts) Dates: First Class meets on September 22nd 11 sessions meeting on following dates: 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13,10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15

Course Name _______________________________________

Where: North Elementary Cafeteria

Class Date_______________________ Class Fee __________

Cost: $20 Registration Fee (includes first class) then $5.00 per class

Name _____________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________

Call Today! (810) 513-2332 [email protected]

Address ___________________________________________

Community Education Mission Statement

___________________________________________ By registering for a class you give permission to use your photo in school and newspaper publications.

The Birch Run Community Education strives to involve the community in providing all members with the finest educational, enrichment and recreation experiences and opportunities.

Call Christine Putnam with questions or for more information: (989) 624-6229 e-mail: [email protected] OR CHECK IT OUT ON THE WEB:

www.birchrunschools.org

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CARE of Birch Run & Taymouth Township 2016 Thanksgiving Baskets will be available on Thursday, November 17, at North Elementary Cafeteria from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Deadline to turn in your application is November 4. 2016 Christmas Baskets and gifts will be available on Saturday, December 17, at North Elementary for food and Kid’s Kourt for gifts, from 8am to 9am. Deadline to turn in your application is December 2, 2016 CARE of Birch Run/Taymouth Township began more than 24 years ago as a means to offer support to local families and individuals in need. CARE acts as a central bank by identifying those individuals needing assistance, collecting the necessary donations and ensuring that food and household

BODY TONING FOR ALL AGES

goods are distributed appropriately. CARE is non-profit and relies heavily on local businesses and community members for donations. Without the generosity of the community, CARE would be unable to provide for those in need. CARE does not receive funding from the State of Michigan or the federal government. CARE applications are available in school offices, local churches and in the Kid’s Kourt Activity Center. Applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas received after the deadlines will be processed on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information, call 989.624.6229 This program is intended for residents of Birch Run/Taymouth Township and for the families of students who attend Birch Run Area Schools. Out of district applications may be considered after the local applications are processed.

Champion Force Athletics

Cheerleading

This class is designed for all fitness levels to learn how to use simple moves with minimal free weights in a fun, motivational way to strengthen bones and tone your entire body. These exercises can be done in or out of a chair. We will incorporate weights and resistance training into our routine. Please bring hand weights to class, dress comfortably, bring a water bottle and towel. Join us after walking the halls in the gym to extend your workout!

Champion Force Athletics Cheerleading is a fun and exciting program for students ages 4-15 with or without previous experience. Students will learn jumps, kicks, arm motions, stunting, cheers and chants and learn a pom dance routine. Students will learn the necessary skills needed for school cheerleading try outs. Our program works to build self confidence, poise, self esteem and physical fitness. Optional events may be offered. Optional merchandise may be purchased through the Coach at class. Poms are available for purchase your first night for $20.00 (optional purchase).

This class is taught by Diane Griggs, who has taught exercise for the Birch Run Schools for many years!

Bring a family member or friend...

Join the fun!

Registration and first class: 9/20/16

Where: North Elementary Cafeteria When: Class on 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24 Times: Level 1 ages 4-6 @ 5:30 Level 2 ages 7-9 @ 6:20 Level 3 ages 10 and older @ 7:15 Level 4 tryout- returning students @ 8:00 Cost: $10.00 non-refundable registration fee first night and class fee. Class fees are $7.00 per week for Division 1-3 and $9 each week for Division 4 (no checks please).

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday(On Normal School Days) Where: Senior Citizen Bldg. (Newly Rennovated 41/42 Building) Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost: $3.00 At Each Class

For more information contact Chris at [email protected] or call 624-6229 10

2016-2017

Fall Sports Schedule

BOLD/CAPS indicate home game – Schedules are subject to change

Varsity Football August 25 R ALMA 7:00pm September 01 R @ Frankenmuth 7:00pm 09 F CARO –Parent’s Night 7:00pm 16 F @ Millington 7:00pm 23 F @ North Branch 7:00pm 30 F L’VILLE-Homecoming 7:00pm October 07 F @ Bridgeport 7:00pm 14 F GARBER 7:00pm 21 F @ Montrose 7:00pm JV Football August 24 W @ Alma 6:00 pm 31 W FRANKENMUTH 6:00pm September 08 R @Caro 6:00pm 15 R MILLINGTON 6:00pm 22 R NORTH BRANCH 6:00pm 29 R @ Lakeville 6:00pm October 06 R BRIDGEPORT 6:00pm 13 R @Garber 6:30pm 20 R MONTROSE 6:00pm Varsity Volleyball

August 20 SA @ Alma 8:30am 23 T @ Freeland 9:00 am 24 W @ New Lothrop Invite 9:00am 30 T @ Hemlock 5:30pm September 07 W CARROLLTON 7:00 pm 10 SA SUBWAY SLAM 8:30am 12 M @ Chesaning 7:00pm 14 W @ Millington 7:00pm 19 M @ Quad (Hemlock) 5:00 pm 21 W NORTH BRANCH 7:00pm 28 W @ Caro 7:00pm October 05 W @ Lakeville 7:00pm 08 SA @ Ovid Elsie TBD 12 W BRIDGEPORT 7:00pm 19 W @ Garber 7:00pm 24 M QUAD (S.VLY/HMLOCK/ V.LUTH.) 5:00 pm 26 W FRANKENMUTH 7:00pm 29 SA @ TVC Tournament 9:00am 31 M DISTRICTS (@ BR) TBD JV/9th Volleyball August 30 T @Hemlock 5:00pm 31 W @ New Lothrop (JV) 5:00pm September 07 W CARROLLTON (9TH) 5:30pm 12 M @ Chesaning (9th) 5:30pm 14 W @ Millington 5:30 pm 17 SA @ F’muth Invite (JV) 8:30 am 19 M @ Quad (Carrollton) 5:00 pm 21 W NO. Branch (9th) 5:30pm 24 SA SUBWAY SLAM (JV) 8:30am 28 W @ Caro (9th) 5:30pm October 05 W @ Lakeville (9th) 5:30pm 08 SA SUBWAY SLAM (9TH) 8:30am 12 W BRIDGEPORT 7:00pm 19 W @ Garber 5:30pm 24 M @ V. Lutheran - quad) JV only 5:00pm 26 W FRANKENMUTH 5:30pm

Soccer August 19 F Lake Fenton at Atwood Stadium 1:00pm 22 M @ Alma 5:30 pm 24 W MONTROSE 4:30pm 29 M GOODRICH 4:30pm September 01 R LAKER 4:30pm 07 W @ Frankenmuth 4:30pm 12 M NO. BRANCH (JV) 4:30pm 14 W GARBER 4:30pm 17 SA @ Carman Ainsworth Invitational 10:30 am 19 M @ Lakeville 4:30pm 21 W @ Caro 4:30pm 26 M @ North Branch (JV) 4:30pm 28 W @ Garber 4:30pm October 03 M FRANKENMUTH 4:30pm 05 W LAKEVILLE 4:30pm 08 SA BISHOP FOLEY 11:00 am 10 M CARO 4:30pm 12 W @ Clio (JV) 6:00pm

Cross Country August 19 F @ Hemlock Classic 3:30pm 25 R BR INVITE 4:15pm September 01 R @ Brown City 9:00am 07 W @ Ovid Elsie 5:00pm 10 SA @ Bad Axe 9:00am 13 T @ Lakeville Jamboree 4:30pm 15 R @ Chesaning 4:30pm 17 SA @ Holly TBD 22 R @ Frankenmuth 4:00pm 27 T @ North Branch Jamboree 4:30 pm October 1 SA Wagener Park Invite 8:30am 5 W @ New Lothrop 4:30pm 11 T @ Frankenmuth Jamboree 4:30pm 18 T @ TVC Meet (Caro) 4:00pm 22 SA @ Saginaw County TBD 28/29 @ Regionals TBD November 05 SA @ States TBD

We Are BR

MGMS Football September 06 T Scrimmage (TBD) TBD 13 T @ Carrollton 5:00pm 20 T STANDISH 5:00pm 27 T @ Bridgeport 5:00pm October 04 T GARBER 5:00pm 11 T LAKEVILLE 5:00pm 18 T @ North Branch 5:00pm

MGMS Volleyball September 19 M CARO 4:30pm 21 W @ Lakeville 4:30pm 26 M FRANKENMUTH 4:30pm 28 W NORTH BRANCH 4:30pm October 03 M @ Bridgeport 4:30pm 05 W GARBER 4:30pm 10 M @ Millington 4:30pm 12 W @ North Branch 4:30pm 17 M LAKEVILLE 4:30pm 19 W BRIDGEPORT 4:30pm 24 M @ Garber 4:30pm 26 W @ Frankenmuth 4:30pm Home games @ MGMS with 7th playing @ 4:30 pm, 8th to follow.

Season athletic passes now available

Passes are good for all home games, 7th grade The Tri-Valley Conference has determined the cost of admission to all athletic events. Pricing is through Varsity, but exclude tournament games. as follows: PLEASE REMEMBER: BEGINNING THE • Varsity games: $5.00 for anyone 5 years of 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR, ADMISSION WAS age or older CHARGED FOR ALL SPRING SPORTS. • JV & Freshman Games: $4.00 for anyone 5 For your convenience orders can be placed years of age and older online by visiting the school website @ www. • Freshman only Games: $3.00 birchrunschools.org and click on Athletics. The • Middle School: $3.00 for anyone 5 years of form below can either be brought into the Athage or older letic Office or faxed to 989-624-8502. Please The prices above reflect per game/per person allow 1 week for passes to be processed. prices. The Birch Run High To order your season passes: Send this form and a check to: Birch School Athletic Run High School, Attn: Athletics, 12450 Church St., Birch Run, MI 48415 or Department will be selling fax this form to (989) 624-8508. You can also order them online at season passes to its home www.birchrunschools.org. You will be called when your passes are ready. games. The costs for season PLEASE PRINT passes are: Name(s) of adult(s)______________________ _______________________

Students: $55.00 Individual Adults $75.00 Family of three $145.00 Family of four or more $180.00 (FAMILY PASSES ARE IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY) Children under 5 are free. Make checks payable to: Birch Run High School

Name(s) of student(s) ________________________________Grade_______

________________________________Grade_______

________________________________Grade_______ ________________________________Grade_______ Telephone number where you can be reached when your passes are ready (_____) ______________________________ Please allow one week to process your order. Passes will be made in the order they are received.

Make checks payable to: Birch Run High School

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Birch Run Area Schools 12400 Church Street Birch Run, MI 48415

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Birch Run, MI 48415 Permit No. 1

POSTAL PATRON

BIRCH RUN AREA SCHOOLS CALENDAR 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR

Tuesday, Aug 30......... Teacher Work Day (7:30 a.m.-1:20 p.m.)

(No Students), staff meeting Wednesday, Aug 31....................... PDD (8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.) (No Students) Open House BRHS 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Open House North 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Open House MGMS 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1........................... PDD (8:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.) (No Students) Tuesday, Sept. 6.......................................First Instructional Day Friday, Sept. 23..........................................½ Day Students A.M. ½ Day PDD Teachers Wednesday, Oct. 19........................................... Fall Conferences Parent-Teacher Conferences (Evening) Grades K-12 – 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct 20......... Fall Conferences (1/2 Day Students A.M.) Grades K-4 – 12:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Grades 5-12 – 12:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.............................................. 1/2 day Students AM ½ Teacher Comp. Day Wednesday, Nov. 23......................................Teacher Comp. Day (No Students) Thursday, Nov. 24.................................................... Thanksgiving (No Students) Friday, Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Vacation (No Students) Thursday, Dec. 1........................................ (1/2 day Students AM) ½ Day Teacher Work Day Friday, Dec. 2............................................... End of 1st Trimester (1/2 day Students AM) ½ Teacher Comp. Day

Thursday, Dec. 22 Winter Vacation (No Students) Wednesday, Jan. 4............................................. Classes Resume Friday, January 20............................................... ½ Day Students ½ Day PDD Teachers Thursday, Feb. 9.....Spring Conferences (1/2 Day Students A.M.) Parent-Teacher Conferences (Afternoon & Evening) Grades K-4 – 12:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Grades 5-12 – 12:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10..............................................½ Day Students A.M. ½ day Teacher Comp. Thursday, March 9.........................................½ Day Students AM ½ Day Teacher Work Day Friday, March 10............................................End of 2nd Trimester ½ Day Students AM ½ Day Teacher Comp Friday, March 17.................................................. ½ Day Students ½ Day PDD Teachers Monday, March 27................................................ Spring Vacation (No Students) Monday, April 3.................................................. Classes Resume Friday, April 14.......................................No School (Good Friday) Monday, May 29...................................................... Memorial Day (No Students) Thursday, June 8...........................................½ Day Students AM ½ Day Teacher Work Day Friday, June 9................................................. End of 3rd Trimester ½ Day Students AM ½ Day Teacher Work Day 12