"B" Informed

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we hope you had a joyful and restful winter break. A new year brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, and we are excited to continue partnering with you to support our students in achieving their goals. Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to a bright and inspiring year ahead!

Students do not have school on Monday, January 6th because of staff professional development (PD). PD days enable our staff to collaborate with colleagues and participate in professional learning opportunities. Regular professional learning directly impacts classroom innovation and student achievement.

BCSD proudly celebrated three BHS students who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor earned by only 4% of all Scouts. Marisa McCartin constructed storage boxes for Saint Ambrose Parish's fire pit area, Savannah Mitchell (not pictured) created a permanent dog toy box at Brunswick's dog park, and Alex Kral designed and installed an informational sign with an accessible walkway at Heritage Farms. These accomplished students exemplify service-minded leadership through projects that will benefit our community for years to come.

Brunswick High School sophomores Isabell Cassily and Hailey Toll exemplify outstanding leadership through their Girl Scout service project at Hickory Ridge Elementary. The pair returned to their elementary alma mater to dedicate a buddy bench they designed and built over two years. Their "Make a Friend, Be a Friend" project creates a welcoming space where students can connect during recess. During a school-wide assembly, they taught current students about kindness and inclusion, bringing their own friendship journey full circle while creating lasting impact for future generations.

Hickory Ridge Elementary fifth-grader Molly LeHue recently demonstrated exceptional leadership by organizing a successful school-wide donation drive supporting the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center's Shopping Day program. Inspired by her brother Luke's experience with the Center, Molly transformed her personal connection into meaningful community action. Her initiative collected toys, household items, winter accessories, and essential supplies that benefited over 150 deaf and hard-of-hearing families this holiday season. The project, which garnered attention from local media including the Medina Gazette and Cleveland.com, shows how Brunswick students are making a real difference in our broader community.

Brunswick High School student Isabella Heinbaugh-McCroskey continues to make an extraordinary impact through her leadership of the Wreaths Across America program at Westview Cemetery. As the youngest-ever recipient of the Veteran Advocate of the Year award in 2023, Isabella recently led this year's ceremony where Brunswick High School Principal and Army veteran Keith Merrill delivered the keynote address. Through four years of dedicated service, Isabella has worked to honor all 185 veterans resting at Westview Cemetery, including service members dating back to the Civil War. Her commitment to remembering our veterans has garnered attention from Fox 8 News, the Medina Gazette, and Cleveland.com, demonstrating how Brunswick students are making meaningful contributions to our community.

The Brunswick High School Marching Blue Devils capped an extraordinary 2024 season with an OMEA State Superior Rating, showcasing their powerful production "Within" under the leadership of first-year band director Samuel Portzer. The band's championship run included sweeping victories at both the Music in Motion Competition and Copley Marching Band Invitational, where they earned Overall Grand Champion honors along with Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Percussion awards. Through countless hours of practice and dedication, these 180 students prove that when talent meets dedication, extraordinary achievements follow.

Dear Brunswick Families,

We are excited to announce that our high school Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) team will be collaborating with an organization called Magic Gives Back to help raise funds for LLS. With YOUR HELP, we are hoping to raise funds that will directly support patient care in our area.

The Magic Gives Back fundraiser was founded by Rick Smith Jr., an award winning, YouTube sensation, and 8-time Guinness World Record holding magician and illusionist. Rick has been seen on many national TV shows and is now bringing his cast and incredible Grand Illusion show to OUR HIGH SCHOOL performing arts center!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Magic Gives Back raises funds in two ways, ticket sales & donations. On Wednesday, January 8th, students will come home with a detailed flyer branding a golden ticket. We encourage you to send 10 emails (or more) THAT NIGHT and return that golden ticket the following school day for prizes. Students MUST return the golden ticket the following day to be eligible for golden ticket prizes. Additional prizes will be awarded for ticket sales/donations received. The more emails you send, the more prizes you can win!

This can be the quickest fundraiser you’ve ever done! It is SO SIMPLE!

1.Create a student profile at:

https://ultimateraise.com/join/brunswickMGB/

2.Input the emails of as many people (near and far) you can think of. (at least 10)

3.Push send! And you’re DONE!!

*BONUS STEP*

Purchase your tickets to see an incredible Magic & Illusion show before they sell out!

Additionally, this year ANY STUDENT who raises over $500 in ticket sales/donations will be entered to WIN A FAMILY TRIP FOR 4 to Universal Studios ORLANDO valued at $10,000! Please see the information sent home with your student to learn about more prize-earning opportunities.

Thank you so much for your time and active participation. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Sincerest thanks,

Your LLS Team - Brunswick for a Brighter Future

Parent Mentors are parents of children with disabilities who offer free peer-to-peer support to other families with similar situations. They collaborate with families, schools, and agencies to provide assistance and guidance in understanding the special education process. Their goal is to help families become better advocates for their children by sharing their passion and experience. They strive to create strong partnerships and make special education processes, decisions, and information more accessible to everyone. Click HERE to see the most recent Parent Mentor newsletter. Please reach out to Parent Mentor Kim Hawkins (khawkins@bcsoh.org) with questions.

Email: dallar@bcsoh.org
Website: www.bcsoh.org
Location: 3643 Center Road, Brunswick, OH, USA
Phone: 330.225.7731