The Supe's Newsletter

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OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS WHO ARE PREPARED TO LIVE, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN EVER-CHANGING SOCIETY.

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Our vision of "Reenergizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a brighter future" is becoming a reality. And this is just the beginning. We are setting the stage for our scholars to excel in an environment that is safe and secure but also vibrant and forward-thinking.

Looking forward, we are on the cusp of an exciting era for Flint Community Schools, thanks to the generous $14 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, supplemented by an additional $26 million in federal ESSER funds. This investment marks a transformative chapter in our journey, one that will see the Brownell STEM Academy and Holmes STEM Middle School campus evolve into a state-of-the-art educational hub.

This renovation, including the creation of "The Cube," a new community and educational space, symbolizes our commitment to academic excellence and community building. It's about creating spaces that ignite imagination, foster creativity, and empower our scholars to explore vast possibilities and opportunities.

As we review the events of this school year, I want to assure each of you that the safety of our scholars, staff, and community remains our top priority. In light of recent incidents, I am proud to share that we have strengthened our safety measures, particularly with our no cell phone, no hoodie policies and lockdown procedures. Adhering to the addendum, titled "Ensuring Safety and Fostering Responsibility: No Cell Phone and No Hoodie Policy Within the School Building approved by the Flint Board of Education on December 13th and effective as of January 3rd. and the ALICE protocol, we are committed to ensuring a secure environment for our scholars to learn and grow. These measures are about response and building a culture of awareness and preparedness.

We encourage everyone to celebrate each achievement, no matter its scale, as they collectively contribute to our vibrant school community. Flint Community Schools is an ever-evolving beacon of hope, change, and growth, and together, with your continued support, we'll pave the way for a more prosperous educational future.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

Educationally yours,

Kevelin B. Jones II

Superintendent

Flint Community Schools

"My Goal is OUR success!"

Flint, Michigan – In a significant development for Flint Community Schools, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has awarded a $14 million grant for the renovation of the Brownell STEM Academy and Holmes STEM Middle School campus, located in the city's northern area. At its regular board meeting on December 13, 2023, the Flint Board of Education approved the grant with a 6 to 1 vote. This substantial grant, along with an additional $26 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, represents a major milestone in the district's quest to create cutting-edge educational facilities.

FCS Superintendent Kevelin Jones expressed the importance of moving the district forward in his vision of "Reenergizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a brighter future!" Superintendent Jones also expressed gratitude for the Mott Foundation's support, acknowledging the significant changes the school district has undergone over the years. "This renovation is just the beginning of what we will do for our scholars and families, particularly in the Brownell-Holmes neighborhood," Jones stated, reflecting on the district's commitment to providing spaces that scholars are proud to attend every day.

The comprehensive renovation plan includes upgrading building façades, renovating the early childhood wing at Brownell, developing new playgrounds, replacing the running track, updating the football field, installing basketball courts, and constructing a new community hub, nicknamed "The Cube." The parking lot will also be rerouted to enhance access to The Cube and the early childhood wing.

Ridgway White, President and CEO of the Mott Foundation expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform the existing buildings into an exhilarating campus overhaul. "This reimagined space will not only be safer and more conducive to teaching and learning but will also energize and make the campus more accessible to the community," White said. He emphasized the importance of providing Flint's children with an environment that ignites their imagination and creativity daily.

The Cube, a 5,000-square-foot multipurpose building, is a pivotal element of the renovation. It is envisioned as a flexible space for students, staff, and residents, usable throughout the school day and during extended hours. The facility is designed to host neighborhood meetings, adult education classes, recreational activities, services for seniors, and after-school programming. The Flint Center for Educational Excellence and the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association will play key roles in supporting activities within The Cube.

Jeanette Edwards, President of the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association, expressed excitement about the renovations' potential to stabilize and invigorate the neighborhood. "Flint has a rich history of community education, and these renovations will reinforce that legacy, providing our young people with a place that reflects our commitment to their educational pursuits," Edwards said.

With an ambitious goal to complete the renovations by spring 2025, Flint Community Schools is poised to enhance its educational infrastructure and create a vibrant community space where residents can gather, learn, and grow.

"The Mott Foundation is proud to be part of this transformative project," White concluded. "It's an opportunity to create a space that will be cherished by both the school and the neighborhood community for years to come."

This initiative symbolizes a new era for Flint Community Schools, where the focus is as much on building community as it is on academic excellence – a true testament to the power of collaboration and vision in shaping the future of education for FCS scholars, staff, and school communities.

We are thrilled to announce that the new Flint Community Schools Mobile App is now available for download! This app is a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to enhance communication and engagement within our school community.

With our mobile app, parents, scholars, and staff can now access a wealth of information and resources from their smartphones. Whether staying updated with the latest school news, checking the academic calendar, or receiving real-time alerts, our app ensures you're always connected to Flint Community Schools.

In an era where digital presence is more crucial than ever, Flint Community Schools is excited to announce the launch of its new mobile app and then a new and improved website. This digital revamp is part of our continuous efforts to ensure that our families, staff, and the wider community get all updates from our schools.

You can download the Flint Community Schools app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

• Download for Android https://bit.ly/3t9skYw
• Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3ReLLa8

A New Digital Gateway

Our redesigned website will offer a sleek, intuitive interface, making it easier for users to navigate and find information quickly. Whether you're looking for school calendars, lunch menus, academic resources, or the latest news, everything is just a few clicks away.

Stay Informed on the go with Our Mobile App.

Understanding the need for on-the-go accessibility, we have also introduced a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. This app is a gateway for parents, students, and staff to stay connected with school updates, receive instant notifications, and access essential resources directly from their smartphones.

Key Features of the Mobile App

• Real-Time Notifications: Get instant alerts on essential announcements, school closures, and emergency information.
• Personalized Experience: Tailor your app experience to receive updates from specific schools within the district.
• Interactive Calendar: Stay up-to-date with school events, meetings, and activities.
• Access to Key Resources: Find information about academic programs, student services, and community events.
• Direct Communication: The app provides a direct line of communication with teachers and school administrators.

Bridging the Gap Between School and Community

We aim to enhance the communication bridge between our schools and the community. With real-time updates and a wealth of resources at your fingertips, we aim to keep our families well-informed and engaged in their children's education.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

As we embrace this digital transformation, we remain committed to improving and updating our digital tools to meet the evolving needs of our community. We encourage our families, students, and staff to explore the new website and download the mobile app to stay connected with Flint Community Schools.

Your Feedback Matters

We welcome your feedback as we strive to make our digital platforms as helpful and user-friendly as possible. Please share your thoughts and suggestions to help us enhance our digital communication to fcsfeedback@flintschools.org.

Coming soon! Our new website has the same address: www.flintschools.org. Download our mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store today and prepare for the new and improved platform. Please look at all the updates from Flint Community Schools as we journey together toward a brighter educational future.

The Flint Board of Education, at its Regular Meeting on December 13, 2023, approved a significant addition to the Flint Community Schools Student Code of Conduct, "Ensuring Safety and Fostering Responsibility: No Cell Phone Policy and No Hoodies Allowed Within the School Building," underscores our commitment to a safe, secure, and productive learning environment for all our scholars. We are leading by example and asking our staff to model this behavior.

🚫 **No Cell Phone Policy**: To reduce distractions and enhance safety, cell phones, and electronic devices are now prohibited within the school building and on school buses during school hours. Our focus is on learning and growing together!

🚫 **No Hoodies Allowed*: To ensure clear identification and maintain a secure environment, hoodies should not be worn or kept in lockers inside the school building or on school buses. Safety is our priority!

We understand that adapting to these changes may require effort, and we support this transition. Your cooperation and support are crucial in improving our schools for everyone. For more details, please refer to the attached addendum, approved by the FBOE.

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. We're creating a respectful, responsible, and safe space for all our scholars and staff.

#FlintCommunitySchools #StudentSafety #FocusedLearning #CommunityTogether

Flint Community Schools is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our scholars, staff, and the school community. In today's world, it is crucial to have clear and effective procedures for responding to various threat levels, including building threats, lockdowns, and active shooter scenarios. Our policies were created through a collaboration with the Genesee Immediate School District (GISD) and local law enforcement agencies. FCS staff receive yearly training through Navigate 360 on ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). Here's an informative guide to understanding our safety measures:

High-Threat Situations: Lockdown Mode

Whenever there is a high-risk internal/external threat (i.e., bomb threat, hostile visitor, suspicious package, dangerous situation in the area.

Moderate and Low-Risk Situations: Secure Mode

Whenever there is a moderate/low risk internal/external threat (i.e., local business burglary/robbery, school altercations, etc.

• Moderate Risk (e.g., nearby but not immediate threat): A secure mode involves locking exterior doors, with business as usual inside the building. Movement in and out of the building is restricted.
• Low Risk (e.g., non-immediate or potential threat): Increased awareness and vigilance are encouraged, with potential preparation for a secure mode if the situation escalates.

• Using the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) protocol, our staff and scholars are trained to assess the situation and decide the best course of action, whether a lockdown, countering the threat, or evacuating safely.
• Regular drills and training sessions are conducted to ensure readiness and familiarity with the procedures.

Ensuring Continuous Safety

• ·We work in coordination with GISD, law enforcement, and safety experts to regularly review and update our safety policies.
• · Communication with families is a priority; we ensure parents and guardians know our safety protocols and procedures.
• · Mental health support and counseling services are available for scholars and staff to address any concerns or anxieties related to safety issues.

At Flint Community Schools, the safety of our scholars and staff is our utmost priority. We are committed to providing a secure learning environment and are prepared to respond effectively to any situation. Your cooperation and support in these efforts are invaluable in maintaining a safe and supportive educational community.

Please visit our website or contact the school administration for more information on our safety policies and procedures. Together, we can ensure a secure and conducive learning environment for all.

We are excited to extend an invitation to the second FCS Future Focused Forum Family Engagement Meeting, where we will address critical topics that directly impact our staff and scholars and their educational journey. Your presence and input are highly valued, and we encourage you to join us for this informative session.

This is an in-person meeting at Pierce Elementary with a Zoom Meeting option.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85078308053?pwd=ZUZPS2UyZGV4azBYMTI1WmZUbWJDZz09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 850 7830 8053
Passcode: 293011

Please contact Bridgett Jones, District Communications Specialist at bjones@flintschools.org