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Re-sending Friday's newsletter with an updated video from Superintendent Carter (audio issues fixed) and a working link to view photos from the week.

BCPS TRANSFORMATION NEWSLETTER

Photo of the Week: Timeya Gray has been a long-term guest teacher at Verona for several years now and was excited to welcome former students back this school year. Mrs. Gray is close to completing the Teach for Tomorrow program and recently began the masters-level Urban Teacher Residency Program through Western Michigan University. Learn more about the program here.

A Note from Nate:

I had fun running around the district getting to as many schools as I could this week to grab first-week photos. Thanks to everyone who helped out! A photo library is linked down below, but first...a celebratory message from Superintendent Carter!

Nate Hunt
BCPS Communications Manager

Superintendent Update

Greetings Bearcat Heroes!

Amazing!!!!! That is how the year has started. Well done, everyone! I’ve had the opportunity to visit a majority of the schools over the last two days, and I am so excited about what I see. A climate of excitement about school is on the faces of both the students and the staff. I saw countless smiles and witnessed energy that can not be adequately expressed through words. This is going to be a great year! A year of excellence and equity in action.

What makes us great is our equity imperative which underscores our belief in the potential of every child we serve, anchors our decision-making, and centers our focus on the needs of students as individuals as the individuals they are each with unique needs and strengths.

As we progress throughout the year, let's remember that:

All students can achieve, and we have the power to ensure that they do.
Students will rise to the level of our expectations.
We have the ability to foster resilience in students that leads to their overall success.
If equity and social justice are at the center of all decisions, students will thrive.
In order for students to attend and achieve, they must feel safe and connected.
Authentic student experiences can lead to powerful community change and personal success.
Working together on shared problems produces greater outcomes for students.
A system designed to support and improve the achievement of those situated farthest from educational success (in BCPS, African American male students) will create improved outcomes for all students.

This continues to be the year of connection, communication, and collaboration and I look forward to working with you all to meet our goal of 100% success for every bearcat.

Dumela!

Kim Carter

Superintendent
Battle Creek Public Schools

What's Good & What's New

First Week of School Photos

There was positive energy in the air throughout the district this week! While there is certainly a long road ahead this school year, we're off to a great start! Check out a few photos from the first week, or click the button below to view them all as they continue to be added.

View All Photos

Guest Teachers Update

Thanks to everyone who helped us share the Guest Teacher recruitment campaign! Thanks to your help, we received more than 50 responses! Know someone who is still interested? Share this Facebook post with them now!

Teacher Supply Grant Window Open!

Thanks to the generous investment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we once again have teacher supply grants available to every building. Each classroom teacher has a budget of $300 this year to purchase additional supplies for their classrooms.

Please review the 2022-2023 Teacher Supply Grant SOP and follow the step by step procedure to place your order. Arts and Athletic teachers should also access the Athletics, Art, Music, PE / Health Supply Grant SOP protocol and collaborate with their Department Leads for requests.

Learn more by emailing cbriggs@battlecreekpublicschools.org.

Shoutouts & Spotlights

Mr. Gilland Makes the Front Page!

Congratulations to Mr. Gilland who made the front page of the Battle Creek Enquirer this week! Mr. Gilland's new role as Executive Principal for Battle Creek Central High School was highlighted, along with his hopes and dreams for the school and his own motivational story. Read more here.