BCPS News
May 22, 2024
Superintendent Update
With the last day of instruction (June 4th!) fast approaching, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our students, parents, teachers, and staff for their dedication and hard work. This year has been filled with achievements, challenges, and memorable moments, and your support has made it all possible.
On Saturday, Handy Middle School hosted its centennial celebration, welcoming students, staff, and families to the renovated campus. I want to thank the staff and volunteers who made it a memorable experience. As we honor history, it is fitting that we also recently learned of Handy’s designation as a New Tech Network National Spotlight School—a designation earned through forward-thinking teaching and learning practices. Congratulations to our Handy Middle School staff and students on earning this designation.
We are proud of our students’ academic, social, and personal progress. As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we are also excited to look ahead to the opportunities that await them in the coming school year.
Please take this summer to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. For graduating students, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You have made us proud, and we are confident you will continue to achieve great things.
Thank you once again for your continued support of Bay City Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Bigelow
Superintendent
Bay City Public Schools
Upcoming dates
Commencement - Eastern High School: May 23
Memorial Day break (non-school days): May 24 - 27
Commencement - Bay City Central & Bay City Western: June 2
Board of Education meeting: June 3, 6:00pm @ Handy Campus
Last day of school (1/2 day): June 4
BCPS Work Based Learning program hosts award ceremony
Congratulations to Dalton, Emma, Isabella, and Skylar on earning Student of the Year honors for our Work Based Learning program. This year's Legacy Award recipient is COPOCO Community Credit Union.
Yesterday, employers and students gathered to celebrate and recognize student & employer achievements. From Bay City Central Work Based Learning Coordinator Ed Clements:
"Bay City Public Schools has provided work-based learning opportunities since 1944, today we honored the 2023-2024 students and employers. Our employer partners are invaluable to the program and our school community, they provide our students a wonderful learning experience, and a jump start to their career pathways."
Handy Middle School celebrates 100 years, looks to future with national spotlight recognition
Just before a centennial celebration highlighting a strong history of education, Handy Middle School learned they were being recognized for forward-thinking efforts. New Tech Network, a leading nonprofit organization that works to transform schools into innovative learning environments, announced Handy Middle School as one of their National Spotlight Schools. The recognition underscores the school's commitment to innovative education and a student-centered approach through project-based learning.
Read the full news release in the District News section on the BCPS home page: www.bcschools.net
BCPS seniors complete new Senior Defense capstone course
New this year, BCPS seniors were required to complete the Senior Defense course. This capstone of their education is a major step in their journey to adulthood. The new graduation requirement connects their learning with the broader community, showcasing how they apply what they’ve learned in school to their own life stories.
As part of their Senior Defense, students dove into their school experiences, demonstrating their readiness for what’s next for them as individuals. They've assembled portfolios demonstrating their skills, polished their resumes, and secured letters of recommendation that speak to their capabilities. Their efforts culminated in a presentation that tackled three big questions: Who Am I? Where Am I Going? How Will I Get There?
The Senior Defense isn’t just preparation; it's an empowerment process, reinforcing confidence and purpose in our students. Special thanks to our group of community volunteers for joining our Senior Defense presentations!
Kolb Elementary Block Busters robotics team earns Core Values Award
Congratulations to the Kolb STEM Robotics Team Block Busters. They recently competed at the Handley Elementary Robotics Challenge/First Lego League Michigan Spring Event and earned the Core Values Award!
The Core Values Award is given to the team that best exhibits collaboration, teamwork, and sportsmanship. This is the first time Kolb has competed in the competition - great work students! Thank you to Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Pobanz for all your efforts in coaching these students to success.
Last chance: Parent/Guardian and student surveys
Bay City Public Schools is asking parents/guardians and 6-12 grade students to complete short, anonymous surveys between now and May 26, 2024. We value your opinion, and your feedback will be used for schoolwide communications improvement. Thank you in advance for your responses!
Parent/Guardian Survey
Parents/Guardians, PLEASE TAKE ONE SURVEY PER BUILDING if you have multiple children attending Bay City Public Schools in different school buildings or programs. Complete this survey by May 26, 2024.
6th – 12th Grade Student Survey
We are asking students in grades 6th -12th to complete this short survey by May 26, 2024. Parents received a copy of this survey in PDF form to review. Students in grades 6th – 12th also received an email to complete the survey.
Summer camps
For a complete list of summer learning and sports opportunities, please contact your child's home school.
Summer meal program
Bay City Public Schools will be offering the USDA sponsored FREE meal program this summer for all children 0 - 18 years of age. This is open to all, regardless of enrollment in Bay City Public Schools. Community sites will include: Wenonah Park, Community Center, Wirt Library, Bay City State Park, and Sage Library.
OK2SAY
BCPS participates in the statewide OK2SAY student safety program. Click the link below to learn ways that your student can safely, confidentially report tips if they are feeling unsafe.
Employment opportunities
BCPS is hiring for a variety of positions, including early childhood, teaching, transportation, and food service. You can see a full list of open positions and conveniently apply online at the link below.
New to BCPS and/or the Great Lakes Bay Region? Check out the all-new welcome guide filled with great information about our region: BCPS Great Lakes Bay Region Welcome Guide
Find upcoming events, enrollment info, Board of Education details and more on our newly-redesigned district website: