Bucks Blast!
BCS Updates - March 15, 2024
Press Release - Erin Kratky of BMS Receives 2024 MACUL Innovative Teacher Award
BUCHANAN, MI - Buchanan Community Schools proudly announces that Erin Kratky, Technology Teacher at Buchanan Middle School, has been honored with the 2024 MACUL Innovative Teacher Award by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the effective use of educational technology. Mrs. Kratky was recognized for her exemplary work on March 14 during the MACUL conference held in Grand Rapids, a premier event for educators and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements and best practices in educational technology.
Erin Kratky’s passion for teaching and commitment to innovation in a resource-limited and outdated computer lab have earned her the prestigious MACUL Innovative Teacher Award. The Awards Committee recognized Mrs. Kratky as an exemplary middle school technology teacher whose enthusiasm has significantly impacted her students.
Mrs. Kratky’s classroom is a hub of technological creativity, where she actively embraces new technologies such as Spheros and VR headsets, incorporating them seamlessly into her curriculum. Her innovative teaching approach fosters an environment where students are not just taught but encouraged to experiment, develop their skills, and prepare for future opportunities.
The MACUL organization, established in 1975, aims to support and lead the effective use of educational technology in the education community. The Innovative Teacher Award is bestowed upon a PK-12 classroom teacher who effectively integrates technology to enhance teaching and learning in a Michigan classroom.
“Since joining Buchanan Middle School, Mrs. Kratky has transformed the educational experience for her students. Beyond traditional typing and Microsoft Office Skills, her curriculum includes engaging activities such as using Canva for creative projects and collaborating with English teachers to teach proper research and citation methods. Students particularly enjoy coding with Sphero robots, creating stop-motion videos with StikBot Studio 2.0, and exploring diverse careers and global locations through VR headsets. Her dedication to providing an enriching and technologically advanced educational experience, even in the face of limited resources, is truly commendable. Mrs. Kratky’s innovative approach aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering a passion for learning at Buchanan Middle School,” Superintendent Patricia Robinson and Buchanan Middle School Principal Shelby Beasley.
Buchanan Community Schools congratulates Erin Kratky on this well-deserved recognition and applauds her dedication to fostering innovation in education. We are proud to have her as a valuable member of our team, shaping the future of our students through her unwavering commitment to excellence.
2024-25 Preschool and Kindergarten Registration Information
BCS Welcomes Registered Nurse
March 15, 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Corewell Health’s School Nursing Program. The program will collaborate with our district administration to provide nursing support and resources to our staff and students. District staff will receive ongoing education and training on health-related issues such as asthma, diabetes, medication administration, care planning, and medical emergency response. This program is an extension of our school’s health resources.
The School Nursing Program will provide in-district nursing and health aide services. This means our current school health aides will continue to provide support to identified students while the registered school nurse will focus on care planning, supporting students with chronic illness, and assisting school staff in the administration of medications.
It is important to work together to provide the safest care for your child during school hours. You may be asked to provide medical documentation (i.e. asthma action plan, diabetes school plan of care, medical consent form, etc.) or work with a health services team member to help coordinate your student’s care while at school.
We look forward to partnering with this program to provide better access to care, keep students in the classroom, and improve educational outcomes. Please contact the district or school administration with any questions. Thank you.
Educationally yours,
Patricia Robinson
Superintendent
March is National Reading Month
National Reading Month presents a crucial chance to promote daily reading habits and cultivate a passion for books among children across the country. With over 25 million children in the U.S. requiring assistance to attain proficient reading skills, there exists a barrier hindering their academic success, participation in various life domains, and fulfillment of aspirations. Reading, an enjoyable activity with numerous advantages, transcends age barriers. It serves as a fundamental aspect of both education and professional growth, while also offering immediate and enduring health benefits like enhanced cognitive abilities, memory, vocabulary, empathy, and reduced stress levels.
Linked below are resources for families to promote reading:
BUCKS in Action
Key Dates & Times
March is Women's History Month
National Women's History Month honors the successes and sacrifices of U.S. women. It dates to March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women from New York City garment and textile factories rallied to protest harsh working conditions.
BUCK Staff Recognition
At BCS, we value the passion and efforts of our staff members who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work. Click below to nominate a district staff member who goes above and beyond for our kids and community!
Athletics
Current Job Openings
Chain of Command
Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command
We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you!
But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can.
In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command.
About Buchanan Community Schools
Email: probinson@buchananschools.com
Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/
Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA
Phone: 269-695-8401
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514