Battle Creek Area Parent Survey
This survey is designed to help the Battle Creek College Access Network (BCCAN) collect parent's thoughts and opinions related to college or other post-high school education pathways, opportunities, and impact messaging. The collected information will be used to help determine future post-high school focused programming, information, and resources in the greater Battle Creek community. Your participation is not required, but greatly appreciated!
Please take a second to read the bullet points below before completing the survey to ensure your willingness to participate.
- I understand the following:
- This information will only be reported as part of larger summary.
- Your individual responses are kept strictly confidential.
- Providing this information is optional.
Questions related to this survey can directed to Patrick Chenault, BCCAN Administrator at patrick@battlecreekcan.org or 269-719-8228.
World Kindness Day is Wednesday, November 13th.
Acts of kindness do not just make others feel good, they also benefit those who give. Research shows that children who practice kindness develop better social skills, have higher self-esteem, and experience greater happiness.
Kindness Activities for Families
Here are some fun and simple activities you can try at home to make kindness a regular part of family life:
Kindness Jar: Have a family jar where everyone writes down acts of kindness they performed or received each day. Watch it fill up over the month!
Thank You Notes: Encourage your children to write a note or draw a picture for someone they’re thankful for. This could be for a friend, teacher, or family member.
Volunteer Together: Whether it’s a neighborhood clean-up or a local food drive, volunteering as a family shows children that kindness is a community effort.
Compliment Chain: Start a chain of compliments at the dinner table, where each person shares something they appreciate about another family member.
Pay it Forward: Whether it’s covering someone’s coffee, leaving quarters at a laundry mat, or surprising someone with a small gift, paying it forward spreads joy in unexpected ways.
- Donate Unused Items: Sort through things you no longer use (clothes, toys, brooks) and donate them to local charities. It’s a simple way to help those in need and spread joy with things that are just collecting dust.
On October 7th, a group of Student Council student attended the Michigan Association of Student Councils' Leadership Training Institute in Grand Rapids. They learned about leadership types, decision-making protocol and group dynamics. Students also identified challenges in our school, worked to brainstorm solutions, and even had time left over for some fun! The HCMS Student Council is ready to implement our knew learning and get to work.
5th Grade students are working on showing LEAD positive behavior expectations in all of the building common areas. Students can earn rewards to reinforce these expectations with HCMS LEAD tickets. Students can deposit their LEAD tickets in their grade level box in the cafeteria. LEAD tickets are drawn a couple times each month to win prizes. If a student struggles with HCMS's positive behavior expectations, they are offered a reteach and given time to practice what they have learned.
Please encourage your students at home to be a LEADer.
Our 6th graders will be attending Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center Clear Lake Camp.
Students on a team with Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Crackel, Mrs. Gilbert, and Ms. Baldwin will be attending camp November 11th-13th.
Ancient Egyptian Unit:
In Social Studies the 7th graders are transitioning into the Ancient Egyptian Unit. Ancient Egypt was one of the world's first civilizations and one of the most famous civilizations in history. Students will be exploring pyramid, mummies, and all things Egypt right inside their classrooms.
The Rock Cycle:
7th Grade students will also be starting the Rock Cycle in their Science classes. They will all be working on a final project at the end of the Unit that includes creating "My Rock Tells a Story Book".
This is an exciting project where the students are able to use their imaginations and show off their creativity.
