Advantage. Choose Birmingham schools. An unbeatable value for an exceptional education

Transcription

1 Advantage Choose Birmingham schools An unbeatable value for an exceptional education We live in a community that places an extremely high value on education. Our parents expect us to provide their children with the best possible learning environment and a curriculum that will prepare them for a successful future. The Birmingham Public Schools staff is continuously striving to outdo themselves and, as a result, our schools have always ranked among the highest achieving in the state. Even as we face cuts to funding, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our curriculum or to deliver it in an innovative way. Our district s commitment to excellence rings loud and clear through: High academic standards that promote excellence. Optimal class sizes (example: class size average of 21 at elementary level). Enrichment opportunities that include a broad array of electives, an expansive extracurricular menu and a wide variety of athletic options. A safe and nurturing environment built on a foundation of Character Education. Facilities with state-of-the-art technologies and amenities. A fiscally sound Board of Education whose endeavor is to provide a solid foundation for our future. Inside this booklet you ll see why a Birmingham Public Schools education will give your child the Birmingham Advantage!

2 High schools focused on success Wylie E. Groves and Ernest W. Seaholm High Schools are the launch pad from which our students go on to succeed in college, in their careers and in life. Colleges and universities know they can look to our schools for college-ready, college-successful students! Academically competitive Seaholm and Groves are among the most competitive high schools in the state, public or private. Nationally, they have ranked among the best public high schools in the country. 39 Advanced Placement classes 36 Honors Level classes Spanish, French, Chinese & Japanese Accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools State of the art facilities Thanks to an extremely supportive community, student learning is enhanced through both new and renovated facilities, and the latest technology. Our buildings feature: State of the art science and energy labs. Fully-equipped engineering & robotics facilities. Film editing suites and broadcasting studios. Specialized art studios. Food labs well-equipped for culinary exploration. Media centers and computer labs. Auditoriums with audio and video capabilities seat theatres for lectures and dramatic performances. 8-lane stretch pools, 3-court gymnasiums, fitness centers, and outdoor stadiums with artificial turf fields.

3 I felt so much better prepared for college. Not only did I get the foundation I needed, but also a chance to take incredible courses that you usually don t get until college. BPS graduate College and career preparatory experiences assist students as they look to transition to the next step. The majority of students are accepted at one of their top three choices. Cornell, Stanford, Northwestern, Yale, Howard, University of Michigan, Dartmouth, Harvard and Georgetown are just a few of the many universities seeking BPS students. 31 varsity sports offered with the program emphasis being on teamwork, sportsmanship and character. Both high school news publications (Groves Scriptor and Seaholm Highlander) continue to win accolades for excellence in journalism. High school theatre productions take performances to a new level as students present the finest in drama, comedy and musicals. Debate and forensics teams at both high schools continually excel and compete on both the state and national level. High school band, orchestra and choir students regularly achieve highest honors at music festivals. Robotics, engineering technology and renewable energy capture the talent and imagination of students who maximize their potential through hands on experiences. Community service opportunities include work in soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, canned food drives, blood banks, personal care collections, fund-raisers for medical research and so much more. Elective Classes: : Painting, Ceramics, Jewelry and Small Sculpture, Graphic Design, Photography, Theatre Production, Forensics, Marching Band, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Classic Piano, Vocal Music, Music Theory, Marketing, Investments, Web Design, Fashion Merchandising, Economics, Retail Marketing, Child Development, Foods and Nutrition, Multicultural Foods, Contemporary Life Issues, Interior Design, Leadership Seminar, Entertainment Marketing, Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Psychology, Experiential Learning, CAD Design, Architectural Design, Energy Technology, Engineering, Newspaper, Yearbook, Robotics, Personal Fitness, Scuba Diving, Lifeguard Training, Lifetime Sports, Total Fitness, Aerobics. Extracurriculars: Student Congress, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Ecology Club, Debate, Forensics, Video Club, Musicals, Plays, Diversity Club, Knitting Club, Film Festival, Interact Club, Field Day, Sprit Week, Talent Show, Dodge Fest. Sports: Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Water Polo, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and Diving, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Track, Wrestling, Skiing, Hockey, Pom Pon, Dance Team, Baseball, Gymnastics, Cheerleading and more.

4 Middle schools educating through transition After many years in private schools, I was nervous about making a change in schools. The school made it so welcoming. We love it! BPS middle school parent The fundamental goal of our middle school program is to develop confident, compassionate, intellectually-curious young people who are wellprepared to excel throughout their high school years and beyond. Both Derby and Berkshire Middle Schools follow a common curriculum but each school has unique learning opportunities as well. Language arts, math and social studies teachers deliver core content through an innovative 21st Century learning environment that leverages technology to engage students. Derby 8th graders enrolled in Chinese all three years have the opportunity to join a 2 week annual trip to China, while French students visit Quebec. Berkshire students experience traveling classrooms that include trips to Kentucky caves, civil war battlegrounds, immersion in the Amish Country, and an ongoing exchange program with Ritto, Japan. Berkshire and Derby offer intramural, club and competitive sports. Both schools have received Promising Practice awards from the Character Education Partnership. Each year 7th grade students can apply to experience a religious diversity exploration, expanding their knowledge of cultures in the area.

5 BCS offers a unique opportunity Birmingham Covington Districtwide 3-8 School (BCS) offers a choice in educational structure and philosophy to students who live in the district. Our multi-age learning environment and our science and technology emphasis make BCS a unique opportunity. Multi-age 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 classroom structures. Students learn in an interactive atmosphere where they are challenged to apply and integrate their knowledge. Technology is integrated in all subject areas as an essential tool. Choice Hours offer extended day learning opportunities in classes such as Math Facts, Origami, Forensics, Drawing & Painting, Swimming, Flag Football and many others. Home to a vertical-access wind turbine that powers learning in the engineering technology lab. Earned a National School of Character Award from the Character Education Partnership.

6 Elementary schools building a solid foundation I love my teachers and they love me. I can tell because they really care about me. BPS second grader The eight elementary schools in our district have an outstanding record of academic success. Our core curriculum is focused on building skills in reading, math, social studies and science and sets high standards designed to challenge a wide range of learners.!gnite is a 21st century learning environment offered at the 3rd - 8th grade levels at elementary and middle schools. Enrichment programs extend learning opportunities for 4th and 5th grade students who meet academic criteria. Through the Unified Arts program, students explore art, music and physical education. Beginning in 3rd grade, students receive Spanish language instruction. Fifth graders may choose to join orchestra or band. Care options include Kids Club programs before and after school. Schools have earned Michigan Green School recognition and numerous Character Education awards. Parents have initiated wellness programs and active Proud Dads Clubs. Community service projects are a part of every classroom.

7 Great beginnings Birmingham Public Schools offer a variety of high quality programs for our very youngest students. Wee Care is there from the very start At the Wee Care Center, quality care and education is offered for infants (beginning at 6 weeks), toddlers and preschool age children. Staff to child ratio is 1:4 for infants and toddlers and 1:8 for preschool students. Licensed facility at Groves High School offers a unique learning experience for young children. Program follows the school year calendar, perfect for families with other school-aged children. Select from a 10 hour or 8.5 hour day, with the center opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m. Call the Wee Care Center at to schedule a tour or to put your child on the waiting list. Half-day preschool programs Birmingham offers half-day, tuition-based classes for 3- and 4-year-olds at each of our elementary schools. Using a P.L.A.Y.-based approach, our curriculum is designed to give students the skills they will need to excel in our kindergarten programs. Offered September through May. Staff to child ratio is 1:8. Curriculum based on the State of Michigan s Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-K. Addresses all areas of development, including physical and cognitive development, language/literacy/communication, interpersonal skills and relationships, creative arts, dramatic play and construction. Licensed by the State of Michigan. To enroll in our half-day programs, please contact the elementary school of your choice. Visit and select Preschool Services. To inquire about our new Preschool Early Education Program, a blendedlearning environment for students with special needs and general education students, call

8 Full-day preschool programs We came to BPS from a private school. We are thrilled with the programs and services. BPS elementary parent The nationally accredited BPS Early Childhood Center at Midvale offers full-day child development programs for toddlers and preschool children who reside in the district. This tuition-based program addresses all areas of development and prepares children for the district s kindergarten curriculum. Three to five full days of education and care for toddler and preschool children. Choose from the school year calendar or an extended year calendar. Staff/child ratio is 1:4 for toddlers, 1:7 for three-year-olds, and 1:8 for four-year-olds. Summer camp is available for toddler, preschool, kindergarten and first grade children. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. One of only seven percent of preschool programs in our nation to have successfully completed this voluntary accreditation process. Licensed by the State of Michigan. Call the Early Childhood Center at for more information and to put your child on the waiting list. Character Education is not what we do, it is who we are. Character Education is an intricate part of the Birmingham Public Schools community, culture and curriculum. Teachers use everyday situations and the core curriculum to expand upon teachable moments for all students. Seven of our schools earned the National School of Character award and many others have received Promising Practice awards from the Character Education Partnership. The BPS district s character education traits are: Positive Attitude; Honest & Integrity; Respect & Kindness and Responsibility & Accountability Parents, staff and students model these traits all year long, but one of the most visible aspects is through district-wide, school-wide and classroom community service projects. Students have organized drives for books, nonperishable food and hygiene items. They have taken time to visit with senior citizens, tutor younger students, create gardens and plant trees. At the high school level, students engage in community service through Interact Club, Ecology Club, Club SOS and many other extracurricular activities. Take a look inside to learn more better yet, come visit. To schedule a visit at any of our schools, please contact the Community Relations Office at October 2013