IMPORTANT NOTE: This schedule is a change from what would regularly take place. Please see the article below about the important schedule change for the week of February 25

Monday, February 25 - A day
Tuesday, February 26  - B day
Wednesday, February 27 - A day
Thursday, February 28 - B day
Friday, March 1 - A 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.

Dear High School and Middle School Families:

Due to the unprecedented number of snow days this year that have fallen on our ODD (high school) and A (middle school) days, we have worked to change our class schedule for next week only.

Next week's schedule will be:

The early release and half days only impact the high school.  Middle school students attend school the entire day.

This schedule will not affect middle school core classes and will allow our middle school math students to attend their classes at the high school.

The week of March 4 will resume the regular rotation of days beginning with Monday, March 4, as an ODD day for high school and an A day for middle school.

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to provide the best education for your students.

Charlie Hollerith, Jason Rubel, Randy English, Rob Durecka
Principals

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME INFORMATION MEETING FOR STUDENTS: Representatives from BH High School (BHHS) will be at BHMS on March 4 during Academic Extension, to share information about the Diploma Programme with 8th graders who are interested in learning more about that program. Students wishing to attend the meeting must sign up in advance outside Mrs. Jaster's office door.

COURSE SELECTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL - IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: The counselors from Bloomfield Hills High School (BHHS) will be visiting BHMS twice in March to talk to 8th graders about the transition to high school. One of the dates involves an individual meeting here at BHMS with the student, a parent/guardian and a BHHS counselor. Please read through this information below, as it contains instructions on how to schedule that appointment online for you and your 8th grade student.

• March 7 - Students only: The first visit on March 7 will be a general presentation in the cafeteria for all 8th graders. They will be introduced to the administration and counselors at BHHS. Afterwards, the 8th graders will meet with their assigned counselor for about 45 minutes to hear more specific information about 9th grade course selection, graduation requirements and more. The 8th graders will come home with a 9th Grade Course Selection Sheet, a Course Description Book and directions on how to input desired courses into MiStar.
   
• March 14 and 15 - Students AND a Parent/Guardian: The high school counselors will return on March 14 and 15 to meet individually with 8th graders and a parent/guardian to collect course selection sheets and answer questions. Please click on the link below to schedule a time for your meeting. On March 14, all high school counselors will be here from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  On March 15, only two counselors have appointments available. Mr. Midea will be here from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and Mr. Fogle will be here from noon until 3:00 p.m. If you have to select an appointment on March 15, please know that Mr. Midea and Mr. Fogle can help you with questions even if they aren't your student's assigned counselor. Any 8th grader without an appointment to meet with their high school counselor will be assigned a time by Mrs. Jaster.  A master list of appointments will be posted in the 8th grade hallway first thing in the morning on March 14 and 15 as a reminder for students. Please reach out to Mrs. Jaster if there are any questions. To schedule your appointment click here, or cut and paste the following link into your browser. https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Bloomfield_Hills_Middle_School_1

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.

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.

Students who will be missing school for three or more consecutive, preplanned days must complete an EXTENDED LEAVE FORM. The form must be filled out and signed by a parent/guardian, then the students should have all A and B day teachers, including elective teachers, sign the form. The completed, signed form should be turned in to Mrs. Foronato in the BHMS office two weeks prior to the planned absence. Click HERE to download the required form.

This extended leave policy, as well as reference guide of other attendance policies - including what to do if you are going out of town and leaving your student in someone else's care - can be found by clicking HERE.

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!

Upcoming PTO meetings (assuming no more snow days!): The next PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, at 9:30 a.m. in the BHMS Media Center. That meeting will feature BHHS Principal Charlie Hollerith and International Academy IB Coordinator, Sarah Fairman. They will discuss high school curriculum tracks, including the IB program at the high school, as well as the International Academy. Meetings for the remainder of the year will be as follows: Wednesday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m., on the topic of middle school math curriculum; Wednesday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. on the topic of ELA (English and Language Arts) curriculum; and Wednesday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. featuring the district's Social and Emotional Learning Director Margaret Schultz, who will discuss the district's ongoing efforts to improve equity and inclusion.

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

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 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.

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.

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

If your child will be 5-years-old by September 1, 2019, it is time to start the enrollment process.

Step 1: Online Pre-Enrollment Form

• This form will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
• Complete this form using a computer (a smartphone or tablet is not recommended).
• Please read the instructions carefully on the introduction page.
• If you have questions or are unclear while completing this form, please send an email to stuservices@bloomfield.org or call 248-341-6390.

Step 2: Enrollment Appointment

• Once you complete the Online Registration, you will be invited to schedule an appointment with Student Services located at 7273 Wing Lake Road.
• This appointment must be attended by a parent or legal guardian.
• At this appointment, please bring the required items ("Documents Required" AND the 4 items needed for "Verification of Residency").
• This appointment will take approximately 15 minutes.
• Ideally, this appointment will take place prior to March 12, 2019.

www.bloomfield.org/kindergarten 

Dear High School and Middle School Families:

Due to the unprecedented number of snow days this year that have fallen on our ODD (high school) and A (middle school) days, we have worked to change our class schedule for next week only.

Next week's schedule will be:

The early release and half days only impact the high school.  Middle school students attend school the entire day.

This schedule will not affect middle school core classes and will allow our middle school math students to attend their classes at the high school.

The week of March 4 will resume the regular rotation of days beginning with Monday, March 4, as an ODD day for high school and an A day for middle school.

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to provide the best education for your students.

Charlie Hollerith, Jason Rubel, Randy English, Rob Durecka

Principals

Each year the BHS Foundation celebrates our Bloomfield Hills Schools at The BHS Foundation CeleBHration.  This year we're honoring Inspirational Educators.  We want our students to nominate an educator who inspires them. Complete this form to let us know who has supported and encouraged you: www.bloomfield.org/inspire 

• BHHS Poms Tryout Information
• Football Information for Current 8th Graders

Dear Middle School Families:

Join Bloomfield Hills High School for the Class of 2023 Family Orientation Night for parents/guardians* on Wednesday, March 6, 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 Wednesday, March 6, 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 March 6, 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

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Detroit Section will host their 11th Annual Girls Engineering Exploration on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Michigan Science Center. Students who display interest and enthusiasm in the STEAM subjects are highly encouraged to attend. Teachers and parents/guardians are also invited to attend an informational and interactive session. The registration deadline is Saturday, February 23, 2019. Register at tinyurl.com/GEE2019. Questions? Contact SWEDetroitGEE@gmail.com Erika Poli, GEE School Coordinator, at 517.435.9832.

Bloomfield Hills Middle School 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra students enjoy a Friday from 3:15 pm to 9:00 pm for fun, food, and music!  Student Om Joshi shares, "It's great!  We alternate practicing our music piece then have free time to play ping-pong, sing karaoke, or play in the open gym, eat pizza and snacks and back to practicing our piece.  We begin playing with our complete band or orchestra class, then later in the evening, we practice with our individual instrument sections.  At the end of the night, we come back together with our complete class and hear how much we improve."

• 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.