Greetings, Black Knights!

Recently, our staff watched a film that explores the future of schools and student learning. The focus was mainly on students creating, collaborating, and cooperating to learn in similar manners that people in the "real world" work and produce. This is not a new concept in education and certainly isn't new to our staff at BHS. In fact, as we watched and reflected on the film, I kept thinking about the ways that we have already transformed learning to more hands-on methods where students have the opportunity to work together, solve problems, and create outcomes that illustrate what they have learned. This week, a few different examples came to mind:

• We have a new class at BHS called Drone Coding. The students had fun this week exploring how to fly drones and see what they could do on their own. Soon, they will learn how to code and fly drones for a purpose. There are so many ways that these skills could be applicable in the future! I love that our kids are having this opportunity!
• In our Digital Promotions class, students have been designing, creating, and selling shirts and hats in support of The B Foundation. Watching them learn and work has been impressive! They are understanding (on a small scale) what goes into running a small business and how hard it can be in the early stages.
• Our Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups have recently attended leadership conferences where they are taking the skills they learn in the classroom and applying them beyond. These students are learning how their skills translate to future careers and what steps they need to take to continue to grow their professional portfolio.

These are just a few of the awesome examples of non-traditional learning taking place in the halls (and beyond) of BHS! I am so proud of our staff for providing these opportunities and of our students for exploring new classes and learning arenas!

Have a great weekend,

Dr. O

• October 25 - A Day to Believe; Football Game and Glow Run
• November 1 - No School; Professional Development for Staff
• November 2 - Band State Finals
• November 14-16 - BHS Drama Presents "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
• November 27-December 1 - Thanksgiving Break

Our new college and career adviser, Ms. Hannah Hummel, has updated our career and college resource for students. The website, Belding Bright Futures, is a one-stop shop for students to access information about college applications, FAFSA, career opportunities, and more. We encourage all students and parents to become regular visitors of this site!

Last weekend, the band placed 2nd at Grandville, just a couple of points behind defending state champion Watervliet. This week, they are looking to take over the top spot! The Belding Black Knight Marching Band is at Okemos for the MCBA prelims for Flight V. This is their final tune-up before the State Championship at Ford Field! Belding will perform at 7:31pm, with awards at 8:00pm.

Congratulations to Mylie VandenToorn (1st Team) and Emeliza Murray (HM) for earning all-conference honors in girls golf! Great season, ladies!

Congratulations to CJ Kazmerski (1st Team), Brayden Kenyon (HM), and Edgar Grimaldi Hernandez (HM) for earning all-conference in soccer! Well done, fellas!

A Feeding America food truck will be here at BHS each month for anyone in the community who is in need. Cars will line up in the lower lot at the high school while volunteers help load from 4:30-5:30 or until the food is gone. The Feeding America truck is at BHS on the third Friday of each month.

This marking period Ariana Banuelos painted the new "Accepted" wall. This mural, with all of the accepted letters, is an amazing visual reminder of the incredible accomplishments of our student body. Way to go Ariana you did an amazing job.

Board of Education meetings are held on the third Monday of every month. Meetings are held at Orchard Hills and begin at 6:30 p.m.

Board of Education Committee meetings are held the Tuesday prior to the Regular Board meeting each month starting at 6:30 p.m.

Public attendance is welcomed and encouraged.