Monday, February 11 - B day - 1/2 day; dismissal at 11:35 a.m.
Tuesday, February 12  - A day
Wednesday, February 13 - B day
Thursday, February 14 - A day
Friday, February 15 - B day 

SPRING BREAK: Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 5

Tuesday, April 9 - 8th Grade State-Mandated PSAT exam (see "For 8th Grade Families)
Tuesday, April 9 - 1/2 day in the AFTERNOON for grades 5, 6, 7 & full day for 8th grade; details will follow at a later date
____________________________

RESOURCES FOR BHMS FAMILIES
The following resources are on the right side of the main BHMS webpage.
-BHMS CLUB MEETING CALENDAR
-A/B DAY & EVENTS CALENDAR
-DAILY BELL SCHEDULE (includes lunch periods)
-SCHOOL DAY HOURS AND OFFICE HOURS

BHMS TEAM SPORTS  SCHEDULE: Click HERE to find out where and when the current season BHMS team sports competitions are scheduled.

Count Day is Wednesday, February 13. Please make every effort to have your child in school all day that day. Avoid late arrivals, early dismissals or appointments. WHY? 90% of state funding comes from what is reported on this day! Count days are designated days when Michigan's schools take attendance to determine the number of students they serve. Count information is critical because each student translates into state funding. 

The Be the Change Club dedicates part of one of their meetings each month to sorting through the large volume of items that end up in the BHMS lost and found. Unmarked items, which make up the majority, are bagged and donated to a charity like Purple Heart or Salvation Army. Items marked with a name are returned to the owner. Please encourage your student to search for any missing items including jackets, hats, boots, lunch boxes, etc. in the lost and found. Even better, encourage them to mark their name on all of their items. The donation dates for the remainder of the year are February 13, April 11, May 23 and June 13. Students will also be reminded of these dates through daily announcements and on signs in the student lounge.

FROM THE DISTRICT PTO COUNCIL (PTOC): LAST CALL for participants for the upcoming district-wide Multicultural Celebration!!  Participation packets are due this Friday, February 8th. You are encouraged to sign up for this fun and festivities filled evening! 

The event is on Monday, March 18, from 5:30 - 8 pm at Bloomfield Hills High School.  We would love to see exhibits from every continent, and could use more representation of North and South America as well as Australia. All are still welcome to join in the fun and help represent a culture near or far!  Please email questions and participation packets to BHMS representative, Neeli jawad: neelijs@yahoo.com OR BHMulticulturalCelebration@gmail.com, or you can fill out the form digitally: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaTWHJ0sjJ0xnefGCwCmwNpvwU0pDFL5Tuh71Jf4koOT_2nw/viewform.

First semester report cards for all BHMS students are now available online. Log in to your My Bloomfield account. Your student's report card can be accessed under the "Marks" section of the Parent Portal.

The next redemption date for Box Tops for Education is in March. Carol Davis, BHMS Box Tops Redemption Coordinator, has asked that any Box Tops you've been saving be turned in to the BHMS main office by February 22, so that they can be clipped, snipped, checked for expiration and submitted for the March redemption date.

REMEMBER, that tiny piece of paper you might otherwise toss in the trash is worth a dime, and those dimes add up big-time for BHMS.

On Thursday, January 24, five BHMS 5^th grader students participated in the Pistons Math Hoops STEM Event at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit. Matthew Atto, Ashton Kallabat, Alaena Mullarky, Ben Toby and Max Upfall were able to participate in science experiments, view interesting demonstrations and exhibits, and hear from Earl Cureton, a former player on the Detroit Pistons.

These five 5th graders (as well as Valentina Varano, who was unable to attend) achieved NBA Math Hoops All-Star status by completing at least 25 games and 10 curriculum pieces during the last few months in the 5^th grade after-school club, which is run by parent Eric Mullarky. They also became eligible to participate in the Pistons Math Hoops Regional Tournament in Detroit next month, where they will compete against students from all over the state and have the opportunity to win trophies and other prizes.

THANK YOU! Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time at the Pajama Jam-In and to all who donated food and drinks. The event was a success! 13 professional musicians worked with students for over three hours in small ensembles and as an entire band/orchestra. In addition, thank you to all the parents who contribute monetarily to the Music Boosters. This event costs almost $2,000 to execute and would not be possible without everyone's continued support each year. 

NEXT BOOSTER MEETING: The next Music Boosters meeting is Tuesday, February 12, at 11:45 am in the Orchestra Room. 

BAKERS AND SELLERS DESPERATELY NEEDED: Music Boosters continues to need volunteers for the weekly Wednesday fundraising bake sales, which take place immediately after school in the Gateway Space. Volunteers are needed to donate baked goods and/or run sales. PLEASE REMEMBER that products must not contain or be cooked with nuts or nut products. Baked items can be dropped off in the main office anytime before 2:45 p.m. Sign up to donate baked goods and/or work at a sale by clicking HERE. Thank you for supporting the BHMS Music Boosters!

FUNDRAISER RESULTS: The PTO Mix and Mingle event was a great success. 131 people attended and $18,750 was raised for the PTO. This could not have been done without the dedication of fundraising committee members Soni Doshi, Hannan Alsahlani, Erika Solomon, Jen Harst, Kathy Galuardi, Renu Zaretsky, Patsy Bugajewski, Stacy Fox, Lara Ward, Ban Kizy, Anne Marie Veneroni, Natalie Shirley, Julia Schenke, and Suzanne Vaupel. There are still many pay-to-Play parties that have openings. If you or your child is interested in attending a party, please email sonalee_doshi@yahoo.com.

NEXT PTO MEETING: The next PTO meeting will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Previous meetings have been postponed because weather school closures.

See this week's MYP newsletter from Kathy Janelle, with an overview of the February MYP Learner Profile of "Principled".

STATE-MANDATED PSAT EXAM FOR 8TH GRADERS ON APRIL 9: For the first time, the State of Michigan is requiring that all 8th graders take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, a paper/pencil assessment more commonly referred to as the PSAT. The state requires that the PSAT be administered on April 9, which is the Tuesday immediately following Spring Break.  It is very important for all 8th graders to be in school on April 9. Advance notice is being shared so families can plan their Spring Break vacations accordingly. This assessment will take the place of the math and ELA portions of MStep. Watch the Lancer Update and this web page for more information as the administration date approaches. If you have any questions, please contact BHMS 8th grade counselor, Mrs. Jaster.

BH HIGH SCHOOL IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME: BHMS hopes to set up a meeting with a representative from BH High School (BHHS) about the Diploma Programme (DP), to help 8th graders learn about this opportunity. For more information about this option, go to the BHHS website and type International Baccalaureate into the search window. The BHHS counselors would like to know in advance of 9th grade course selection which students are considering this opportunity. This will help them guide students in their course selection. There is an application/interest form on the BHHS website that should be completed and turned in to Mrs. Jaster by March 1. 

BH HIGH SCHOOL (BHHS) COURSE SELECTIONS: The BHHS counselors will make two visits to BHMS to meet with 8th graders. The first date is March 7, when information will be shared about a typical 9th grade schedule, life at the high school, extra-curricular activities and more. Students will come home with a course handbook, a course selection sheet and directions for how to get online to enter the courses they want for 9th grade. The second visit will be on March 14, when the BHHS counselors will meet individually with 8th graders and a parent/guardian by appointment. At that time the course selection sheet will be turned in and all questions answered. Watch for more details about setting up an appointment with your student's BHHS counselor in early February. Please know that the schedule will only allow for a ten minute meeting per student and parent/guardian.

As in past years, BHMS yearbooks must be purchased in advance and online directly through Josten's. Currently they are $35 plus tax. Free personalization is available through the end of February only, so order now and save. Yearbook price will increase at a later date. Click HERE to place your order with Josten's.

Please scroll down to District News and read the article entitled "New Update for School Lunch Program". Effective January 25, there is a change in the way that online prepayment must be made. If you pay for your student's lunch online, this information is extremely important. This only affects payments made by credit card. Payment by cash and check may be made directly to the school cafeteria or main office.

Congratulations to BHMS 7th grader Sandra Fernandez, who won the BHMS spelling bee just before the holidays. Sandra won with the word "juxtapose", after a back-and-forth competition with runner-up, 8th grader Vijay Daita. The competition went 16 rounds, and deep into a list of words that went well beyond the school study list before Sandra emerged as champion. Both should be proud of the excellent job they did. As winner and runner-up, Sandra and Vijay were awarded a one-year subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica online, and Sandra will head to the County Spelling Bee hosted by Oakland Schools.

Please remember that BHMS IS A PEANUT and TREE NUT RESTRICTED BUILDING, 24-HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. There are students in the building who are highly allergic to peanuts and all kinds of tree nuts, and their well-being is of concern. Students, parents/guardians or visitors should not bring items containing peanuts, tree nuts or products derived from nuts of any type into the building. This includes items given to the office staff, to teachers, for classrooms, bake sales, end-of-sports or club parties or any other occasion. Thank you so much for your consideration.

SEE DISTRICT NEWS BELOW

Dear Middle School Families:

Join Bloomfield Hills High School for the Class of 2023 Family Orientation Night for parents/guardians* on Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at BHHS (4200 Andover Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302). Come early and learn about our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme scheduled from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.  You are invited to explore all that BHHS has to offer!

Orientation Program Flyer
Parking Map (entrances off of Long Lake or Andover Roads)

SCHEDULE:

• 6:00 - 7:00 PM Check-in, walk the building, learn about sports, clubs, and family resources
• 6:00 - 7:00 PM IB Diploma Programme Presentation in Auditorium (optional)
• 7:00 - 7:20 PM Welcome and Overview in Auditorium
• 7:30 - 8:15 PM Orientation with Counselors

*Student orientation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019.

Diploma Programme Information Night:

Are you wondering whether your student should consider pursuing the IB Diploma in addition to earning their high school diploma? Have you heard friends talk about the DP classes and you think they sound like something your student might like? Are you hearing about the Diploma Program for the first time and just want to hear what it is? Consider coming to the IB DP Family Information Session for current 8th graders (going into 9th) on Tuesday, February 12, from 6 - 7 p.m. at BHHS.

Dear Class of 2023 Families:

Bloomfield Hills High School is a fully-authorized Diploma Programme school of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging, optional two-year curriculum that leads to a qualification which is widely recognized by the world's leading universities. This rigorous academic Programme prepares students for university life and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other cultures. 

We invite you to attend an informational meeting on February 12, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium at BHHS to learn more about this Programme.

Eighth grade students interested in the IB Diploma Programme should fill out this linked Google form to indicate interest. Counselors and the IB Coordinator can support each student in ninth and tenth grade to ensure they remain on the proper course pathway to begin the IB Diploma Programme in eleventh grade. 

It is recommended that eighth grade students interested in the IB Diploma Programme schedule into the following classes for ninth grade: 

• Writing Through World Literature I
• Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2 (honors where appropriate)
• Spanish, French, German or Chinese 200
• Any Visual Art or Music
• World History
• Any Business, Engineering, or PE class
• Biology

If you are unable to attend, Mrs. Jackie Osborn, Administrative Assistant of IB and Postsecondary Programs, will be happy to provide information for you regarding the IB Diploma Programme at BHHS. Mrs. Osborn can be reached at josborn@bloomfield.org or 248-341-5668. Please visit the International Baccalaureate tab on the high achool website at www.bloomfield.org/bhhs for additional information.

Thank you for continued support of Bloomfield Hills Schools!

Sincerely, 

Charlie Hollerith
Principal, BHHS

David Trottier
Interim IB Coordinator, BHHS

• Surviving the Social Jungle Conference
  Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 9 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
  Academy of Sacred Heart
   
• A Teen's World
  Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 1-4 p.m.
  Academy of Sacred Heart
   

To support PSAT testing on April 9, 2019

Eighth grade students

• There is no change.  On April 9, 2019, please report to school prior to 8:15 a.m.
• Buses will pick up 8th-grade students at the regularly-scheduled time.  
• On the morning of April 9, 8th-grade students will take a standardized test called the PSAT 8/9.  The purpose of the PSAT 8/9 is to establish a starting point in terms of college and career readiness as students transition to high school.  The PSAT will also replace the M-STEP ELA and Math tests.  Students will still take the M-STEP Science and Social Studies subject tests during the M-STEP testing window.
• We recommend that students get a good night of sleep before the test and eat a balanced breakfast the morning of April 9.  
• After the test, 8th-grade students will have a scheduled lunch break before classes begin at 11:45 a.m.  Lunch will be available for purchase in the cafeteria.
• For the afternoon, students will follow the half-day class schedule shared by their middle school.
• School will be dismissed at the normal time of 3:05 p.m. and bus transportation will also follow the normal afternoon schedule.
• Please notify your student's school counselor ASAP if you know your student will not be in school on April 9, 2019.  Make-up testing arrangements will be made.

Middle school students and upper elementary students excluding 8th-Grade: 

• April 9, 2019 is a late start for students who attend BHMS, WHMS, and EHMS who are not in the 8th-grade.  
• Please report to school between 11:35 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. on April 9 and follow the half-day class schedule shared by your school.  Class will start at 11:45 a.m.
• For students who utilize bus transportation, the bus will arrive at the bus stop 3.5 hours later than the regularly scheduled morning pick up time.  Example: if the student's morning pick up time is usually 7:32 a.m.; on April 9, the adjusted pick up time will be 11:02 a.m.
• Lunch will not be served and late-start students will not have a lunch break scheduled on April 9.  Students should eat before arriving to school.  
• School will be dismissed at the normal time of 3:05 p.m. and bus transportation will follow the normal afternoon schedule.

As of January 25, 2019, Bloomfield Hills Schools will use Community Pass only for all lunch program payments.  When logging into My Bloomfield and signing in to view a specific student, lunch balances and a transaction history will still be available.  However, payments will only be accepted through Community Pass.  

We understand that a lot of families have appreciated the ability to make payments online, view transactions, and see account balances.  All of this will still be possible - the only change is that payments will no longer be accepted in the same location as you find balance information.  This is due to a rising cost environment in credit card processing fees that the district has historically not asked families to incur, but has rather paid on families' behalf.  The switch to 100% payment processing through Community Pass will allow us to retain the functionality of online payments, yet save money from the district's general fund.

This transition should be fairly seamless, but we recognize you may have some questions.  Please allow five minutes after processing a payment to contact us with any questions so we can digitally see the transaction on our end and better support your request.  In addition, please note that you may process payments for multiple items in the same shopping cart within Community Pass.  So, if you'd like to purchase lunch credits at West Hills along with Saturday swim lessons, please feel free to complete one checkout process for the entire family.

If you haven't already, please make sure you have your login information for Community Pass. If you have forgotten your login or password, please view instructions on how to retrieve that information.  Instructions will be sent directly to the email that is listed as the primary email for your student's account. If you have issues with this process, please contact the Recreation Department at 248.341.6425.

Do you ever wonder what opportunities and pathways are available for students entering high school? View the High School Opportunities Packet.

Families are automatically signed up to receive communication from their child's school, teachers, and Bloomfield Hills Schools (Wednesday Web News & Important Notices - including school cancellations). In order to receive emails, telephone calls, and even text messages, all you have to do is maintain your contact information and manage your personal preferences. If you wish not to receive these newsletters, simply "opt-out" when you receive the first newsletter (an option at the bottom of every email we send).

Instructions for updating this information are now available at www.bloomfield.org/notifications. Here you can manage your contact preferences as they pertains to emergency and district notifications.