Bobcat Bytes

As we approach the end of the first semester, there are a few items that we wanted to share with you. This time of year is always filled with excitement, as the first half of the year comes to a close and the second half begins. Our new semester begins on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. I can't believe how quickly this school year is flying by!

Don't forget the deadlines for work submission that are quickly approaching. Students should be finishing up their courses over the next few days:

• High school classes and middle school classes that have an exam and are tied to high school credit: Friday, January 14

• Elementary and middle school classes that do not give an exam and are not tied to high school credit: Wednesday, January 19

Finally, Mr. Keilitz and I sincerely appreciate all of the feedback, concerns, and suggestions that we have received over this past semester. We value your input as we continue to grow and improve this program. In order to give everyone an opportunity to have a voice, please complete this parent survey if you would like to provide us with information about your experiences or suggestions for the future. We welcome all constructive feedback so that we can continue to grow and improve our program!

Allyson Walroth

Bobcat Virtual Learning Director

awalroth@gbcs.org

810-591-6649

As we are continuing to grow and develop, we are creating new documents and processes to help increase student and building success. For the second semester, we've created both a Student Handbook and a Family Contract. All families should read through the materials together and must complete the Family Contract before accessing semester 2 courses on Tuesday, January 25. Students who fail to follow the contract will be ineligible for readmission to Bobcat Virtual Learning in the Fall of 2022.

Just like at the middle school and high school, courses that are for high school credit have a final exam. Those exams are worth 20% of a final semester grade. As is true at the high school, if a student earns an 80% or higher on the final exam, he/she will earn a passing grade for the class, regardless of his/her overall grade.

Exams will be available January 18-January 21.

If you are new to Bobcat Virtual for Semester 2, you should have received this welcome communication from us. This includes instructions for accessing classes, expectations for virtual learning, information about contacting teachers, and a variety of other topics that will be helpful for new students to Bobcat Virtual Learning.

We will also be hosting a couple of New Student Orientations to welcome parents and students to Bobcat Virtual Learning. If you would like to join us, the meeting times are as follows:

• Elementary Students - Wednesday, January 19, 4:30-5:30pm
• Secondary Students - Wednesday, January 19, 5:30-6:30pm

Meetings can be accessed at the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8072191939?pwd=M3JGT3JHQzNpNG8waWdvY25ydjN4dz09. If necessary, you can use the Meeting ID: 807 219 1939 and the Passcode 385980.

Due to Firewall Maintenance at the ISD, our systems will experience an outage on Sunday, January 9, 2022, from 10:00am-4:00pm. This will affect access to Canvas. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Please join us for our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, January 19, at 6:30pm.

Meetings can be accessed at the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8072191939?pwd=M3JGT3JHQzNpNG8waWdvY25ydjN4dz09. If necessary, you can use the Meeting ID: 807 219 1939 and the Passcode 385980.

If you have a 5th or 8th grade student, it's time for them to exchange their Chromebooks for a new model. We now have all of the new Chromebooks in the BVL lab, located in the High School West Campus (1 Jewett Trail). Please bring in your student's current Chromebook, case, and charger during our office hours Monday-Friday from 7:00am-3:00pm.

Link to Register: https://forms.gle/S8sCRuVrWXZMfSmw5%20

More Information: https://www.gbcs.org/hgd

Swim - Tuesday, January 4, 5:00-7:00pm

Dive and Make up - Wednesday, January 5, 5:00-7:00pm

For more information, please contact the WMS office at 810-591-7309.

A sports physical dated after 4-15-21 and signed handbook must be on file at the West Middle School Office before participation.

Each week we will profile one of our amazing virtual staff members so that you can meet everyone!

Position: Secondary English & Business Teacher

Experience: This is my 14th year teaching with GBCS and my second year teaching at Bobcat Virtual.

Most Excited About: Bobcat Virtual serves the needs of so many students and families who prefer the flexible, self-driven structure of learning. It also allows me to form more personal relationships with my students and families as I have the time to work with them one on one (it's been so fun to meet parents, siblings, and pets along the way!).

Looking Forward To: Reading some awesome books with my Contemporary Literature students!

Interests: Kayaking, reading, hiking, anything outdoors! Being with my family.

If you need something, please don't be afraid to reach out:

• Main Desk/Technology Help: 810-591-1658
• Enrollment/Grades: Elaina Martinez - 810-591-6391
• Counselor: John Hentes - 810-591-1634 or jhentes@gbcs.org
• Mentors: Elizabeth Ralbusky (last names A-J) - 810-591-6368; Scott Thurlow (last names K-Z) - 810-591-6366
• Coordinator: Kevin Keilitz - 810-591-6375 or kkeilitz@gbcs.org
• Director: Allyson Walroth - 810-591-6649 or awalroth@gbcs.org
• Classroom teachers should all include information on how to contact them on their course. If you have course-related issues, please reach out to your teacher first. They will respond back within 24 hours (during the work week) and can usually clarify things quickly. You can also attend their office hours, which should be listed in their course.

Director of Bobcat Virtual & Secondary Curriculum Director

Email: awalroth@gbcs.org
Website: bobcatvirtual.org
Location: 1 Jewett Trail, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-6649