
12/04/22 BHS Tiger News
This Week's News and Updates
Belleville High School
Greetings BHS Families, this is Week #14 of the school year. This week during the Early Release on Wednesday, teachers will continue planning and collaborating around Power Standards. Power Standards are the essential learning components that students need for a course. If students are successful on these assessments over the course of the school year, it means they are prepared to move on to the next course. Please ASK your student and have them SHOW you how they are performing on their Power Standards assessments. This is also great material to have conversations about with your student's teachers.
LATE TO CLASS?!
BHS Families, as mentioned in last week's Tiger News, we are focusing on helping students improve who are frequently late to class. This not only puts that student behind in getting startup information that sets the tone for the class period, but is also a distraction to other students AND the teacher. Students who have 3 tardies to any class have received a detention email (you have been copied on that email). Students who persistently display this behavior will require a conference with their parent/guardian and an administrator. Thank you for your support with this most important life skill!
Lastly, THANK YOU to everyone who supported our students and participated in yesterday's Winterfest Parade. A great time was had by all, and we could never do it without your help! On behalf of administration, teachers, and building staff, thank you for your attention to the information below. Have a wonderful week, and GO TIGERS!!
~ Principal Crockett, AP Mrs. Green, AP Mr. Roberson, AP Ms. Slingerland, BNT Director Mr. Wilsey, and AD Mr. Brodie
Band and Vocal Winter Concerts!
Are you a Music Lover? Do you know someone who is?
You're BOTH invited to share the love of music in Winter Concerts with our Jazz, Concert, and Symphony Bands on December 8th, December 13th, and December 15th, respectively! Our students have been putting in the time and practice to make these events most enjoyable. They would love to see you there!
...AND INTRODUCING! Mrs. Raquel Searles, our new Vocal Teacher! Mrs. Searles has been with us for approximately 4 weeks and is excited about growing a thriving Vocal Program! Don't miss the Winter Vocal Concert on December 21st!
MORE VOCAL MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES - A CAPELLA AUDITIONS!
ATTENTION STUDENTS: BHS is forming an A Cappella group (think Pentatonix)!
- We are looking for a group of 6-12 students who are strong singers, can hold their own part, and are willing to work hard for the good of the group.
- For auditions, we will be learning part of a song together and then auditioning in groups of four with each singer singing a different part.
- If you are interested in being in BHS's auditioned small vocal ensemble, please fill out the form.
We will hold auditions after school on Tuesday, December 6th.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events:
Dec 7th: Early Release, 12:04pm Dismissal
Dec 8th: Jazz Band Winter Concert, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Dec 8th: Course Test Out - Students MUST arrange a time with their Counselor BEFORE the 6th
Dec 13th: Concert Bands Winter Concert, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Dec 15th: Symphony Band & Varsity Band Winter Concert, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Dec 21st: BHS-Winter Choir Concert, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Dec 26th - Jan 6th: NO SCHOOL, Winter Break
Jan 16th: NO SCHOOL, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan 18th: Tiger Parent Meeting for ALL Grade Levels
BHS eSports Advances to the PLAYOFFS!
CONGRATULARIONS to our BHS eSports teams, who faced off in two playoff matches on Friday. Our Rocket League team won 4-0 in a best of 7 against Belding HS and advance to round 2 of the playoffs. (Congrats to Dylan, Aiden, and Cris)
Our Super Tigers A faced Mona Shores HS in Super Smash Bros and won 2-1 in a best of 3 and advanced to round 3 of the playoffs (congrats to Braylon, Danard, Ivan, and Justin)
Both teams will face Catholic Central in their next matches. GO TIGERS!!
More Greatness - BHS Dance Team!
The BHS Dance Team competed at the Hazel Park Invitational yesterday(12/3/22) and placed:
- 1st in Jazz Dance, and
- 2nd in Pom.
ATHLETIC UPDATES
- The Boys Bowling Team started off the season this past Saturday by taking 1st place at the John Glenn Baker Blast Off Tournament. Congratulations gentlemen!
- 12/6 Girls JV (5:30) and V (7:00) Basketball vs Lincoln at BHS
- 12/8 Boys JV (5:30) and V (7:00) Basketball vs Detroit Western at BHS
- 12/9 Boys and Girls Bowling (3:00) vs Brighton at Lodge Lanes
- 12/10 Girls Basketball Best of Michigan Showcase: 2:00 JV vs Salem, 7:00 Varsity vs Country Day at BHS
For all Athletics Information, including upcoming practices and game schedules, click the LINK below. GO TIGERS!
BHS Athletics Homepage | Belleville High School (vanburenschools.net)
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
BHS Student Council is sponsoring a BAKE SALE on Tuesday, December 6th during all lunches to raise money for the BHS Student Council Toy Drive . We are in need of baked goods, chips, candy or other items to sell. Donations can be dropped off at the high school main office on Monday, from 7:00 am till 2:30 pm or on Tuesday from 7:00 am till 10:00 am. Your student can also bring items to school and drop them off in room 93.
Belleville High School Student Council is sponsoring a BHS Student Council Toy Drive on Monday, December 5, 2022 through Wednesday, December 14, 2022. All donations will be used to provide gifts for students who attend our district who may not have gifts for the holidays.
BHS Student Council is looking for parents who are available to volunteer for upcoming events. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this form.
SENIORS:
If you were unable to attend the Senior Parent meeting which was held September 28, 2022, here is the link to the Class of 2023 presentation.
From the Counseling Team
Girls That Rock Mentoring Program -January 17, 2023-February 21, 2023
Girls That Rock Mentoring Program will be retuning to BHS in January 2023. Girls That Rock offers two programs for young ladies at BHS to be mentored by current and recent college graduates. Applications are now available. Click on the link(s) below.
Girls That Rock Mentorship (5th grade/ 12th grade)
Program Description: In this program we focus on the exchange of wisdom from generation to generation through mentorship. BHS Seniors travel to Owen Intermediate School to receive mentorship from college graduates. Seniors will spend their first 40 mins receiving mentorship that they will then apply to the 5th grade students through group discussions and team building activities. Young women will spend time reflecting on topics such as self-respect and esteem, developing healthy relationships, social media etiquette and more. This is an in-person, after-school program meeting on a weekly basis. GTR Mentor Application Link: https://www.capturedqueening.org/mentorapplication
Girls That Rock College & Career Prep (11th/ 12th grade) Program Description: Our College & Career Prep program aims to educate 11th and 12th-grade girls on the variety of options in the career force and the road to education. We focus on providing information on transitioning that focuses on setting SMART goals for applications, financial plans, networking, organization, and time management. College & Career Prep Application Links: https://www.capturedqueening.org/college-and-career-prep-application
Girls can also find all of the applications on the homepage of the website ( www.CapturedQueening.org). I have also attached the GTR Mentorship Program Flier.
College Boot Camp Round 2
College Boot Camp will be held on Thursday, December 8th, 2:15pm-3:15pm in room 88.This is an opportunity for seniors to receive assistance with their post secondary planning. Students will receive assistance with college applications, FAFSA, scholarships, essays and MUCH MORE!
FAFSA Is Now OPEN!
7 Reasons to Complete the FAFSA
1. Never Assume
Depending on specific schools, your eligibility for financial aid may be more than you realize, especially if your family has multiple children in college. Every school has a different policy regarding EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and/or the CSS Profile (not required by all schools) to calculate financial need. NONE of these policies are published. Your results may surprised you. Make sure you’re not leaving FREE money behind!
2. Some States Require FAFSA Completion to Graduate High School
Mandatory FAFSA policies exist in some states because FAFSA completion is the strongest predictor of college enrollment. Students are more likely to attend if they have access to more financial resources. As of February 2022, Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Texas are mandatory (some have alternative opt-outs) FAFSA states. Maryland obligates schools to encourage and assist as many students as possible in completing the FAFSA. At least seven other states are considering a mandatory FAFSA policy.
3. Merit Scholarship Programs May Require the FAFSA
Furthermore, many merit aid programs request completion of the FAFSA as part of their application process.
4. Federal Work-Study Requires the FAFSA
Unlike need or merit-based awards, federal work-study programs provide jobs for students, on and/or off-campus. The FAFSA is required for these programs which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Federal Student Loans Require the FAFSA
All three types of federal loans (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS loans) are only available to those who’ve completed the FAFSA. These loans usually have lower initial fees and lower interest rates than private loans. You may also be eligible for payment pauses or forgiveness programs not available with private loans.
6. Covid-19 Emergency Grants Require the FAFSA
Many colleges provide emergency grants to cover college costs related to coronavirus disruptions, including housing, food, and health care.
7. Covid-19 Stimulus Checks May Require the FAFSA
Individual colleges determine how to distribute their share of the American Rescue Plan and many start with FAFSA applications. Dependent students’ checks would be sent to eligible parents/guardians. You’ll want to be eligible for future stimulus checks if they occur.
Whether you think you have financial need or not, filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. With more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, plus some state-based aid on the table, it’s worth your time to complete one more application.
Because circumstances change at your house, your school, and at the federal level, file the FAFSA every year you are in college.
The easiest and fastest way to file the FAFSA is online. Expect your application to be processed within 3-5 days. Don’t delay, because some FAFSA-required awards are first-come, first serve. Consequently, the best time to file your FAFSA is in October beginning senior year of high school; the next best time is November.
Scholarship Information
Checkout the scholarships listed below:
All scholarship information can be found on our scholarship page. Please visit our scholarship page for the most up-to-date opportunities. Scholarship Opportunities
Need Support Now?
As the seasons change and the holiday season approaches, individuals and families coping with mental health issues can be a lonely and stressful time, filled with anxiety and/or depression. If you know someone who is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Behavioral/Mental Health Services @ BHS
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.
BHS Clubs and Activities!
Did you know that BHS has a wealth of clubs and activities?! For high school students, belonging to at least one group and forming healthy relationships with adults and other students with similar interests proves beneficial - both during their high school years as well as in future years. Encourage your student to GET INVOLVED!
THIS is the Link to Club/Activities on the Website: https://www.vanburenschools.net/o/belleville-high/page/clubactivities
THIS is another link for students which includes days & times: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19Q3SAXA2wtlE9ElDarD3n5hW1EE2phQJFprMKZdeLsQ/edit?usp=sharing
Welcome, Ms. Slingerland!
We would like to welcome Ms. Paula Slingerland as the newest edition to the Administrative Team! She has been one of our devoted English instructors in Belleville New Tech and is taking over as the Acting Assistant Principal for Mr. Dan Wright. Mr. Wright has been assigned to an Interim District Safety and Security position. We would like to say "Congratulations" to them both in their new roles!
Morning and Afternoon Traffic Flow Reminder
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!
SCHOOL SAFETY
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.
TRUANCY - 5 Day Letters
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.
STUDENT HANDBOOK AND DRESS CODE
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