The Supe's Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 2024 - EXPECT MORE! ACHIEVE MORE!
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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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Flint Community Schools: A Vision for the Future
Dear Families and Staff,
As we embark on a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to each of you. It’s an exciting time, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and community building. Our schools thrive when we come together, and I encourage all families and staff to actively participate in school events. Whether it’s attending a parent-teacher conference, volunteering for school activities, or simply cheering on our scholars at games and performances, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant school culture that supports our scholars’ success and well-being.
I’d also like to remind everyone of the importance of consistent attendance. Having your child at school every day is crucial for their academic achievement and social development. Each day presents a new opportunity for learning and connection, and being present in the classroom allows our scholars to fully engage with their education. Let’s work together to ensure that every scholar is prepared and eager to learn, ready to make the most of their school experience.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Flint Community Schools. Let’s make this year our best yet!
Yours Educationally,
Kevelin B. Jones, II
Superintendent
Recap of the FCS Community-Wide Outreach Event and Planning for 2025
On August 24, 2024, Flint Community Schools (FCS) hosted its largest community event ever, the FCS Community-Wide Outreach Event for Flint Kids, in partnership with numerous community organizations. Held on the full school grounds of the former Northwestern High School campus, the event was open to all FCS scholars, families, and the broader Flint community. With 126 pre-registered families, 347 event-day registered families, and a total of 1,419 attendees, this event was a resounding success.
Key Highlights:
School Supply Distribution: We distributed over 26,000 school supplies, including essential items like pencils, notebooks, calculators, and binders to prepare students for the academic year.
Activity Incentives: Attendees also received over 5,000 activity incentives, such as gift cards, toys, games, LEGO sets, bikes, Bluetooth speakers, makeup kits, science kits, and much more.
Exciting Activities: Families enjoyed a variety of interactive games and activities, including:
- A rock climbing wall, inflatable games like the Plinko Carnival, Soccer Darts, Hungry Hippos, and the Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Course.
- Live entertainment, featuring performances by Mateen Cleaves (motivational speaker), Mama Sol (poet/lyricist), and Baba Kevin Collins with the Kuungana Drum and Dance Company.
- Demonstrations from Double Dragon Tang Soo Do and karate performances, along with hands-on STEM activities, Pre-K activities, a gaming truck, and live animals.
- Over 900+ guests were provided with meals by Chartwells.
Community & District Representation:
- 10 School tables and 6 District tables, with participation from the Flint Board of Education and community partners, such as the Crim Foundation, Berston Field House, Genesee Health Plan, Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, and many more.
- Special giveaways from the Pistons Organization.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible effort from our volunteers and partners.
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS from the Flint Center of Educational Excellence and Genesee Health Plan, as well as our awesome company partners participating in the resources for guests Crim (material only), The Flint Center for Educational Excellence, Berston Field House, The Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village, Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD), Communities First Inc, Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, Double Dragon Tang Soo Do, Involved Dad, Flint Pal, Home Depot, Kettering University, Delta Sigma Theta. DNR/Nature Awaits, Wildness Trails Zoo, Big Brothers Big Sisters Genesee Health Plan, Hamilton Community Health Network, Mott, Krogers Pharmacy .
THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED STAFF! Thank you for supporting the FCS Community-Wide Outreach Event! On behalf of Flint Community Schools, we are grateful for your commitment to making the event a success. We are ONE TEAM! And last but not least
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Flint Board of Education for your unwavering support. Your commitment was instrumental in making this event such a success.
Your dedication to supporting our scholars and families was invaluable.
Looking Ahead: Planning for 2025
Building on the success of this year's event, we are already planning for an even bigger and better FCS Community-Wide Outreach Event in 2025. Here are some of the key areas we will focus on:
Expanding Partnerships: We plan to bring in even more community partners to provide diverse resources and services. If you have suggestions for new partnerships, please share them with us.
Enhanced Programming: We aim to offer more specialized programming, including mental health resources, academic support, and job readiness training for parents.
Increased Accessibility: We are committed to making next year’s event more inclusive by expanding accessibility features and ensuring materials are available in multiple languages.
Sponsorship Opportunities: A new “Sponsor Spotlight” initiative will offer sponsors more visibility and opportunities to engage with families throughout the year, leading up to the event.
Sustained Engagement: We will create a year-round communication plan to keep the community informed about upcoming outreach efforts, key event dates, and opportunities for involvement.
Thank you again for making this year's event such a remarkable success. We look forward to working with you to make the 2025 event even more impactful for Flint’s scholars and families.
We are ONE TEAM!
Celebrating the Ribbon-Cutting at Potter Elementary!
We are thrilled to announce that September 13, 2024 marked a significant milestone for Flint Community Schools with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Potter Elementary! This is more than just the opening of a beautifully renovated school—it's a symbol of our district’s commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for our students.
Potter Elementary has been designed with our children’s growth, safety, and future in mind. The upgraded facilities will serve as a cornerstone for academic excellence and community engagement. We were honored to have many of our families, staff, local leaders, and community partners join us in celebrating this special occasion.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible and who continuously supports the vision of Flint Community Schools. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that Potter Elementary will have on our scholars and the community for many years to come.
Here’s to the bright future ahead for all of our scholars!
What's Next: The Completion of the Renovations and the Construction of "The Cube"
We are nearing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another marking significant strides and major milestones in the district's quest to create cutting-edge educational facilities. FCS Superintendent Kevelin Jones highlighted the importance of this project as part of his vision of "Reenergizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a brighter future!"
The comprehensive renovation plan included 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.
The Cube, a 5,000-square-foot multipurpose building, is a pivotal element of the renovation. Envisioned as a flexible space for students, staff, and residents, it will be 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.
It was an ambitious goal but nonetheless Flint Community Schools is poised to enhance its educational infrastructure and create a vibrant community space where residents can gather, learn, and grow. 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.
Stay tune! The renovations are almost over and the spaces will be open to public during our ribbon cutting ceremonies.
T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights. A multi-million dollar football field makeover!
Help Us Win a New Football Field for Our District!
Exciting news! T-Mobile and Rob Gronkowski are teaming up to give one deserving school or district a multimillion-dollar football field makeover through their T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for our district, and we need your help to make it happen!
Our scholars deserve the best, and Houston Stadium is ready for a refresh. To boost our chances of winning, we’re encouraging everyone—staff, families, friends, community partners, and beyond—to help spread the word! Social media posts have already gone live today on our website and social media channels: Website link to T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights initiative.
LIKE IT. SHARE IT. LEARN MORE at www.FridayNight5GLights.com. Make sure to tag @TMobile and use the hashtags #FN5GL #sweepstakes #flintjags on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/flintcommunityschools and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flintcommunityschools...
Please take a moment to share these posts, tag your networks, and encourage them to do the same! The more engagement we generate, the better our chances to win this amazing opportunity for our scholars and community.
Let’s come together and give our district the winning edge! We need everyone’s support to make this dream a reality. Every action counts! Let's Go, Flint! Together, we can bring this victory home!
Upcoming Athletic Events
We had a fantastic evening celebrating our Senior Football Players on September 20th for Jaguar Senior Night. While we didn’t come out on the winning side against Saginaw United, we are incredibly proud of our athletes for their hard work and dedication on the field.
As we continue to offer exciting programs for our scholars, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Flag Football and Volleyball for our elementary schools! These programs are a great opportunity for young scholars to have fun, stay active, and learn new skills.
If your scholar is interested in participating in either sport, please reach out to your Community School Director or any member of the Community Education team to get signed up. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy these fantastic sports!
We look forward to seeing our young athletes in action!
JV and Varsity Volleyball Schedule
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE NOTICE FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME ON SEPTEMBER 27: We are excited to continue our tradition of positive competition between Southwestern Classical Academy and Hamady High School. Where the focus is on showcasing the talent and hard work of our scholar-athletes. We take pride in the positive and safe environment we’ve fostered at our events and are committed to upholding these standards. In the spirit of caution and safety, Hamady’s administration has implemented an age restriction for this game to ensure the focus remains on the athletes and their performance. As part of this effort, the game is restricted to adults 21 years or older, no spectators under 21 will be allowed entry. We appreciate Hamady’s proactive approach and look forward to an exciting and respectful competition. Let’s continue to support our athletes and uphold the integrity of the game!
Watch the games "LIVE" on the NFHS Network
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15, 2024 – Oct 15, 2024)
Flint Community Schools is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15, 2024 – Oct 15, 2024)! Join us as we honor the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. From cultural contributions to shaping history, we recognize the immense impact of the Hispanic community. Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing stories, and achievements, and celebrating the vibrant heritage that continues to inspire us all. #HispanicHeritageMonth #FCSStrong #CelebrateDiversity #HonoringHispanicHeritage #CommunityAndCulture
Mark your Calendars!
October is National Principal Month, and we are excited to honor the outstanding leadership within Flint Community Schools! Our principals play a critical role in shaping the academic, social, and emotional success of our scholars. They are the heartbeat of our schools, guiding their teams with dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment.
From building strong relationships with families and the community to ensuring that every scholar has the tools and opportunities to thrive, our principals are true champions for education. Their leadership and vision inspire us all to aim higher and achieve greater success together.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our incredible principals for their tireless efforts to make a lasting impact on the lives of our scholars and the entire FCS community. We appreciate you!
Scholar Count Day - Attendance Matters!
October 2, 2024 is Count Day!
Flint Community Schools 2024-2025 School Year Calendar https://5il.co/2kv8b
Flint Community Schools ECDD Calendar 2024-2025 https://5il.co/2kv8b
Count Day! Every school will have fun activities for the scholars all week long with attendance incentives for their participation. Scholars must be present to win attendance incentives. Daily attendance is crucial, our school funding depends on your child's presence! Please ensure your child attends class and is prepared to learn. Attendance Matters! Your child’s academic success is closely tied to their attendance.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Let's go, Flint! Remember, attendance equals success!
Brownell STEM Academy
Potter Elementary
Autumn Leaves & Laughter, get ready Holmes STEM Middle School Academy!
Join us on September 27 for our PBIS Kickoff event, featuring not one, not two, but THREE local comedians prepared to bring the laughs! This will be an amazing day to celebrate positive behavior and enjoy some great entertainment....let's show up strong for positivity and fun!
National School Custodian Appreciation Day
October 2, 2024 - Happy National School Custodian Appreciation Day to our amazing custodial team in Flint Community Schools!
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to maintaining clean and safe learning environments for our scholars and staff. You play a crucial role in our school community, and we are grateful for everything you do!
SWCA Homecoming 2024. October 5 @ 6 PM. Get ready to show your school spirit and dance the night away at Southwestern Classical Academy's Homecoming! Ticket Prices: SWCA Scholar: $7, SWCA Couples: $10, SWCA Scholar w/Guest (approval required): $20. Tickets are available for purchase in the lunchroom. Don’t miss out! It’s going to be a night to remember! #SWCAHomecoming2024 #SchoolSpirit #SWCAPride
10-16-24 No School for Scholars - STAFF PD Day
Flint Community Schools 2024-2025 School Year Calendar https://5il.co/2kv8b
Flint Community Schools ECDD Calendar 2024-2025 https://5il.co/2kv8b
No School for Scholars - STAFF PD Day: Professional Development Day fosters growth, collaboration, and professional learning among our dedicated staff members. The focus will be on innovative teaching strategies, scholar engagement, and best practices to support our scholars' academic and personal growth.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES! No Intercession the Week of October 28-Nov. 1, 2024 Flint Comm
Flint Community Schools 2024-2025 School Year Calendar https://5il.co/2kv8b
Flint Community Schools ECDD Calendar 2024-2025 https://5il.co/2kv8b
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Staff professional development will occur during this time. Enrichment opportunities with the Flint Center of Educational Excellence are offered at destinated locations, please check with your child’s Community School Director (CSD) for more information.
We hope you enjoy your break and take this time to relax and recharge!
11-5-24 Election Day - No School for Scholars - STAFF PD
Your Vote Matters! Flint Community Schools encourages our community to actively participate in the democratic process. Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful way to make your voice heard on issues that impact our lives and future. Let’s ensure that our voices are counted in shaping the leadership of our country. Register to vote, educate yourself on the candidates and issues, and remember to cast your ballot. Together, we can make a difference.
Mid-Michigan NOW and Lee Steinberg Law Firm Celebrate Outstanding K-12 Educators
Mid-Michigan NOW, in partnership with the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, is proud to honor K-12 educators who consistently go above and beyond for their students. This initiative aims to highlight the dedication and hard work of teachers who make a meaningful impact on their students and the community.
Nominations for outstanding educators are open now through October 31st. Once all nominations are submitted, the teachers will be showcased online, giving the community the opportunity to cast their votes throughout November.
LET'S GO FLINT! We have some incredible educators. Anyone can submit a nomination—whether you're staff, family, a partner, or a community member—that’s everyone! Let’s share and recognize the outstanding teachers in Flint Community Schools who inspire and lead with passion. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate an exceptional educator—nominate someone today by CLICKING HERE!
BEE WISE Immunize! Immunization Clinics Available for FCS Scholars!
LOCATION:
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Administration Building 923 E. Kearsley Flint, MI 48503
Dates and times:
Monday, October 28th: 9 am - 4 pm
Tuesday, October 29th: 9 am - 4 pm
Wednesday, October 30th: 9 am -4 pm
Thursday, October 31st: 9 am – 4 pm
Friday, November 1st: 9 am – 4 pm
To make an appointment please follow the link or QR code
Stay Connected with the FCS Mobile App!
Download Our New Mobile App Today!
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.
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
Let's Go Flint! Do you have a story to share about the great things happening in Flint Community Schools?
Please contact Bridgett Jones, District Communications Specialist at bjones@flintschools.org