5/14 BHS Tiger News

Good afternoon, BHS Families! This is week #14 of Semester 2, and learning is moving along at a steady pace. On behalf of our staff and students, we want to say "Happy Mother's Day!" to all mothers, grandmothers, aunts, guardians, and everyone who has taken on the challenging role of "Mom". You are appreciated - more than you know!

SENIOR COUNTDOWN!

Attention ALL BHS Families, in addition to Senior activities and deadlines, there are options for non-Senior families to participate in events. Paying it forward keeps all grade levels covered!

Please see the Student Coucil Section below.

PARENT MEETING RESCHEDULED

TIGER PARENT & PTO MEETING has been RESCHEDULED for May 31st @ 6:30pm for ALL Grade Levels.

Teacher Appreciation Week

THANK YOU, BHS Families, for your gifts, donations, and encouraging words for our faculty and staff last week. We appreciate your appreciation and kindness in action! Have a wonderful week, and GO TIGERS!!

~ Principal Crockett, AP Mrs. Green, AP Mr. Roberson, AP Ms. Slingerland, BNT Director Mr. Wilsey, and Athletic Director Mr. Brodie

• This is a friendly? REMINDER that BHS conducts Hall Sweeps. Students caught in the halls after the late bell has rung will be scheduled to serve SAME DAY DETENTIONS. Parents and guardians, please speak with your student about the Excellence that being on time exhibits. Timeliness is a life skill that speaks to dependability and responsibility! STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO SERVE THEIR DETENTIONS FACE SUSPENSION.
• LATE ARRIVALS: Please note that students will NOT be admitted into the building after 3rd hour without sufficient notice (doctor note, dentist note, parent contact, etc.)
• Also, this is a reminder that SCHOOL STARTS AT 7:10am. We have too many students coming to school late and being dropped off late. This negatively affects their learning, their grades, other students' learning, and the classroom environment as a whole. We believe in our students, and their ability to be great. It starts every day at 7:10am!

• May 16th: Senior Cap & Gown Distribution during lunches (NOTE - ALL fines must be paid before students can receive their caps and gowns)
  

• May 16th: Senior Party Planning Meeting, 6:00pm

• May 17th: Tiger Parent Meeting, 6:30pm

• May 23rd: BHS Concert Bands Concert, 7:30pm

• May 24th: Senior Scholarship Night, 6:30pm

• May 25th: BHS Varsity and Symphony Bands Concert, 7:30pm

• May 26th: Senior Awards Ceremony (during the school day)

Tiger Victories!

- Men's VB played their first ever tournament at BHS!

Upcoming Home Schedules

• 5/15 V Baseball vs Wayne, 4:30pm
• 5/15 V LAX vs Northville, 5:30pm
• 5/15 JV Softball vs Churchill, 4:00pm DH
• 5/16 JV/V Girls Soccer vs Dearborn, 5:30/7pm
• 5/17 JV Softball vs Canton, 4:00pm DH
• 5/17 V LAX vs Allen Park, 5:30pm
• 5/18 V Girls Soccer vs Wayne, 5:30
• 5/19 V Baseball vs Lincoln, 4:00pm

For all Athletics Information, including upcoming practices and game schedules, click the LINK below. GO TIGERS!

BHS Athletics Homepage | Belleville High School (vanburenschools.net)

Next Tiger Parent/PTO Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the commons (cafeteria).

A Senior Party planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the media center. All parents or guardians of Belleville High School students are welcome to attend.

Friday, May 19, 2023 is the Tuff Puff Volleyball game from 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. in the main gym. Admission is $5.00 with proceeds benefiting the BHS Volleyball team.

The Class of 2023 is looking for donations for the Senior Party on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Please consider donating an item or items for this one last event for the seniors before graduation. Here is the link to the SignUp Genius. Thank you for supporting our Class of 2023 Seniors!

Parent volunteers from ALL GRADES are needed to help out at the Class of 2023 Senior Party on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Here is the link to the SignUp Genius.

Support the Class of 2023 Dine to Donate at Applebees on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 4 p.m till 9 p.m. at the Belleville location. You can participate in this fundraiser by:

• Dine in

• Take out

• Pick up

Applebee's is giving back 20% to Belleville High School Class of 2023 Senior Party this Wednesday, May 17th. Enjoy a delicious meal which also supports a local Belleville cause at the same time! Show your support for Belleville High School Class of 2023 Senior Party by RSVPing here: www.groupraise.com/events/252322

A Senior Party planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the media center. All parents or guardians of Belleville High School students are welcome to attend.

SENIORS - Class of 2023:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 is Cap and Gown, yard sign and senior shirt pick up during all lunches in the auditorium lobby. All fines must be paid in order to pick up your cap and gown.

The Class of 2023 is looking for donations for the Senior Party on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Please consider donating an item or items for this one last event for the seniors before graduation. Here is the link to the SignUp Genius. Thank you for supporting our Class of 2023 Seniors!

Parent volunteers from ALL GRADES are needed to help out at the Class of 2023 Senior Party on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Here is the link to the SignUp Genius.

Support the Class of 2023 Dine to Donate at Applebees on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 4 p.m till 9 p.m. at the Belleville location. You can participate in this fundraiser by:

• Dine in

• Take out

• Pick up

Applebee's is giving back 20% to Belleville High School Class of 2023 Senior Party this Wednesday, May 17th. Enjoy a delicious meal which also supports a local Belleville cause at the same time! Show your support for Belleville High School Class of 2023 Senior Party by RSVPing here: www.groupraise.com/events/252322

A Senior Party planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the media center. All parents or guardians of Belleville High School students are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Connie Testorelli at ctestorelli@vanburenschools.net or Anthony Tedaldi at atedaldi@vanburenschools.net

Belleville High School Proud Parent and Proud Grandparent shirts of a BHS graduate are available for purchase on PaySchools under the tab BHS Proud Parent or BHS Proud Grandparent. Here is the link to the form to place an order and directions on how to make a payment.

Upcoming Senior Class Dates:

• Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - Cap & gown, senior shirt and yard sign distribution - all lunches

• Senior Party planning meeting - Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6pm in the media center

• Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Dine to Donate at Applebee's

• Friday, May 19, 2023 - Senior Service hours due

• Friday, May 19, 2023 - Last day to submit graduation cap decoration application

• Friday, June 2, 2023 - Senior Prom

• Saturday, June 3, 2023 - Senior Party

• Thursday, June 8, 2023 - Graduation

If you have questions concerning upcoming senior events, here is the link to the Class of 2023 Informational Packet and the link to the Class of 2023 google slide presentation. Reference back to both of these links for updated information to assist you with your questions.

New Internship and summer opportunities! Click on the above link!

Self-care is essential for mental health and overall well-being. I am encouraged to see more and more people prioritizing their mental health, just as they would their physical health. We have seen professional athletes, actors and actresses, and other high-profile public figures putting their jobs on hold to put their mental health first. This is such a healthy and important step because by raising awareness and acceptance of mental health, we not only empower ourselves, but we also help remove stigma, enforce the message that it is okay to not be okay and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

When you take care of your mental health, your physical and emotional health improves; you become more resilient; and it makes it easier to find ways to manage life stressors in a healthy and positive way.

Here are just a few suggested strategies that you can use to maintain positive mental health. The key is to try them and see what works for you. Then put them into practice regularly.

• Enjoy the awesomeness of nature: Research indicates that being immersed in nature being immersed in nature can help with mild depression and anxiety symptoms. For example, just going for a walk or a hike in a natural setting can help you manage these depression and anxiety symptoms. Consider setting a reminder for yourself to get up and get out! This will help you stick to your plan to get some fresh air and will also help you maintain positive mental health throughout your day.
• Connect with family or friends: This is another great way to reduce stress and even improve mental health. We are social beings and thrive on the connection, support, love, and belonging that friends, family, and our communities bring to us. Studies show that people who feel connected to others are less likely to feel anxiety or sadness, and often feel increased happiness.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation, can help manage stress and anxiety. Making time for mindful techniques, even just a few minutes at the end, or beginning, of your day can make a big difference.
• Extracurriculars: Join a book club, take a hobby related class, or enjoy live music with others.
• Spend time with your pets: Owning a pet can help to reduce stress and boost endorphins. Pet owners may socialize and connect with other pet owners or be outside more often – both great ways to improve or maintain positive mental health.
• Volunteer: Helping others and participating in community organizations can also be a positive boost. Many community organizations welcome volunteers.
• Sleep: Another critical piece to maintaining positive mental health is getting enough sleep. Set your sights on trying to sleep for however long you need to feel rested and recharged during the day.
• Join a support group: Reach out and connect with others who can share strategies for getting through challenging times.
• Eat right: Food can affect our mood. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
• Exercise: Spend time each day to walk, run, bike, or whatever you can do to move your body.
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol and other substance use: Limiting the use of substances will improve your health and mental health.
• Practice self-gratitude: Being grateful for yourself, what you have, and the life around you, can promote positive thinking.

CRISIS HELPLINES

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 741741 in USA
• List of International Suicide Hotlines
• National Eating Disorder Association: Call 1-800-931-2237
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• For LGBTQ Youth: TrevorLifeline at 866-488-7386, TrevorText -Text START to 678-678

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
• MentalHealth.Gov
• Mental Health America
• National Institute of Mental Health
• The Kennedy Forum
• International Bipolar Foundation
• National Eating Disorder Association
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Resources

YOUTH FRIENDLY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

• Jed Foundation: Promoting emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. This website provides an online resource center, ULifeline, a public dialogue forum, Half of Us, and Transition Year, resources and tools to help students transition to college.
• Kelty Mental Health Resource Center: Reference sheets are provided that list top websites, books, videos, toolkits and support for mental health disorders.
• Teens Health: Providing a safe place for teens who need honest and accurate information, this website provides resources on mental health issues.
• Teen Mental Health: Geared towards teenagers, this website provides learning tools on a variety of mental illnesses, videos, and resources for friends.
• The Trevor Project: Resources for LGBTQ Youth
• Mindfulness for Teens: This website has resources to help teens use mindfulness to handle stress and includes apps to practice meditation and guided meditation recordings.

This 7 week summer internship will provide a structured introduction to working at a digital mental health company and interns will get to help determine new content and features we add to the app. Please click on the link below if you are interested. This opportunity is open to any high school students and graduating high school seniors who are passionate about de-stigmatizing and supporting youth mental health.

Posting: https://www.alongside.care/jobs/summer-high-school-intern

Application link: https://forms.gle/7A1i3RQ6ZWCcgTR98

Amazing opportunity for seniors and recent grads interested in skilled trades! Get connected to numerous organizations in construction, manufacturing, automotive and more to land "earn while you learn" opportunities.

Open to all 18-24 year old youth, no registration required.

We want to recognize YOU at Senior Recognition Night on Wednesday May 24th at 6:30 PM. To be recognized, you will need to submit an Award Letter detailing any scholarships you are receiving and will be utilizing next year for your post secondary plans. Please submit them to the Counseling Office or email them to Mr. Kellum at bkellum@vanburenschools.net

Be proud of the scholarship money you will be awarded, and continue to seek out and apply for more!

Seniors - Do you feel like everyone around you has a plan for next year but you don't know what you want to do? Make an appointment to meet with Dr. Rosenblum and talk about your options. It's not too late to apply to colleges or pursue options in the military, trades or world of work! Let's talk! Contact Dr. Rosenblum @ collegeadviser@vanburenschools.net.

Scholarships:

• My Impact Challenge- 9th-12th grade - Due May 31, 2023
  

Be sure your student is making of the most of their time this Spring. Check out the Spring Checklists listed below.

There are many opportunities for students of all ages to learn about a variety of career pathways this summer. Click on the photo below to learn about summer camp opportunities!

Have you received your FAFSA award letters from your college or university? Need help understanding your financial aid package? If so, please consider attending a free webinar sponsored by MI Student Aid. The first webinar will be held on Thursday, March 23rd. Please click on the link to attend webinar and for more information.

Webinars: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-fams/understanding-your-award-letter/virtual-sessions

Informational website: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-fams/understanding-your-award-letter

Please contact Dr. Rosenblum for more information.

Did you know that your child can get behavioral health services at school? The Corner Health Center has a satellite office at Belleville High School located in the counseling office, thanks to a grant from the state of Michigan. The E3 (Enhancing, Expanding Emotional Health) Program allows Corner Health to staff the office with a licensed mental health therapist and an office manager five days per week. Therapy is available for students and youth ages 10-21 that reside in the Van Buren School District.

In person and virtual appointments are available. Program hours are:

• Monday & Tuesday 7:30am - 3:30pm,
• Tuesday 7:30am- 2:30pm,
• Wednesday 7:30am - 7:30pm and
• Friday 7:30am - 12:30pm.

This event, sponsored by Wayne County Women's Commission, is just one of many ways that Michigan WORKS! is supporting the work of Wayne County and connecting employers and citizens to helpful resources.

Please use this link to register for the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-womens-resource-fair-tickets-582408087267

GREAT NEWS! In addition to our Tuesday/Thursday Homework Lab and Tutoring options for after school, we are now introducing the teacher-led Tutoring schedule. Students report directly to the designated teacher's classroom after school. CLICK HERE for the Tutoring Schedule, and revisit often for updates.

DRESS CODE - By now, some of you have received an email saying that your student has received a Dress Code violation. While these are minor infractions (typically for wearing a hood in the building or wearing a crop top or pajama pants), they can add up! Please be sure to speak with your student if they are receiving multiple of these emails. Besides academics, we are also teaching employability skills - which in many cases includes following a workplace dress code. Thank you for your support!

BUILDING, STUDENT, AND STAFF SAFETY

In light of recent events, and as a firm reminder of a couple of our safety basics please be intentional about discussing these two with your student(s).

• Building Entrances/Locked Doors: All entry doors in the building lock at 7:10am. After this, the only doors that may be utilized are at the Main Entrance. Students are not to open, leave from, nor prop open building doors. Failure to follow these safety protocols results in immediate suspension.

• Metal Detecting Wands: BHS began last year and continues this year utilizing wands as a metal detection option. These wand searches will take place in randomly selected classrooms during randomly-selected hours. Our goal is to continue to build upon our swift, yet thorough process to help detect anything that could be deemed as potentially dangerous. We believe that the random selection process will be more effective than announced, routine, or predictable searches. These "wanding" events will be attended and supervised by our local law enforcement.

NOTICE: Any family who receives a 5 Day Truancy Letter has a student who is at risk of failing the semester, and has a higher risk of not completing high school. PLEASE reach out to your student's counselor or assistant principal if your student is having issues with attendance. There may be solutions that haven't been considered yet. Don't let it turn into a 10 day problem...

Per the Student Handbook, any student who is absent from school for all or any part of the day without a legitimate excuse will be considered truant. All students and parents are subject to the truancy laws of the State. If a student, under the age of eighteen (18), is truant for more than ten (10) total days during a semester, he/she may be reported to the appropriate authorities. As a courtesy, BHS will send letters for any student who has been absent for 5 days.

ABSENCE NOTIFICATIONS:

ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: If you receive an attendance notice via phone or text, this means your student MISSED AT LEAST ONE CLASS that day. If it was not approved by a parent/guardian, this is cause for a follow up with them. Tardies will be handled through the general discipline policy checklist as a minor infraction.

An excellent educational experience is always undergirded by a safe and orderly environment. Please take the time to review the Student Handbook, which includes the BHS Student Dress Code. For a quick review of items to avoid, please click the link for COMMON DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS.

In particular, students will not be wearing:

• Hoods
• Crop Tops
• Ski Masks
• or any bedwear or grooming attire, including pajamas or pajama bottoms, hair scarves or durags.

Link to Student Handbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NJVkEanO8w2Yu6-V7QVP6snU0M1YCviWpn5G61hrmZ8/edit?usp=sharing

Email: ncrockett@vanburenschools.net
Website: https://www.vanburenschools.net/o/belleville-high
Location: 501 West Columbia Avenue, Belleville, MI, USA
Phone: 734.697.9133