Friday, Aug. 7, 2020
Dear BPS Families,
Over the last week, BPS leadership has continued to carefully consider the situation facing our community, state, nation and world. It has become evident that the safety standards we sought to implement in our hybrid return plan are not sufficient to reasonably ensure the safety of our students, staff and community. In light of this, I will be recommending to our Board of Education a full virtual return for all students as we begin the 2020-21 school year.
Many may ask why this recommendation is necessary, and I understand why it will be asked. Since announcing the BPS Return to School plan for the fall of 2020, District leaders have been closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on Michigan’s communities and evidence from school districts in other states who have started school already. While there is a leveling of new cases in Oakland County over the last two weeks, the average number of confirmed new cases due to spread remains nearly 100 per day. Reports of outbreaks at schools having reopened while attempting to mitigate risk in Georgia, Mississippi and Indiana have increased concern for many in our community. We continue to receive feedback from parents and staff members encouraging the District to take a stronger position with respect to student, family and staff safety.
The decision to teach in a virtual environment will pose challenges, but I am confident we will develop creative and innovative ways to overcome these as we continue to work together as partners in education. When it comes to our students’ development, I understand that those who need in-person learning the most may face challenges in this virtual schooling experience. The findings pre- and post-pandemic indicate our academic performance gaps will widen with this approach in a virtual fall of 2020. And still, I ask myself, could our district live with the potential loss of one of our members if we could have prevented it? We care deeply for every member of our community. We can take extraordinary measures to close learning gaps. We cannot recover a life lost.
Since we are moving to an all virtual environment for the foreseeable future, ALL students will remain in their home schools with teachers from their school instructing in a virtual environment. With students assigned to home school teachers, sign-up for the BVA is no longer needed and there is nothing parents need to do to change their status.
I want to share some of the features of our virtual approach, which will look very different from the spring’s Continuity of Learning emergency plan. This fall, you can expect:
Daily, live, virtual instruction for all students via Zoom or other video conferencing method will take place. Updated districtwide virtual schedules along with the BCS schedule will be announced next week.
The introduction of a new learning management system (LMS or “platform”) called Schoology, districtwide, to enhance our ability to facilitate virtual education. We will also finalize the selection of a platform fitting the needs of our youngest learners in the lower elementary grades. These will replace Google Classroom and provide students and families with a better, more engaging learning experience.
A revised school calendar with expanded professional learning opportunities for teachers prior to and during the school year focused on best practices in virtual instruction.
The districtwide purchase of required and supplemental virtual educational tools like EdPuzzle, GoFormative and Think Central, which are tools that promote virtual student learning.
Inclusion of traditional approaches to school including taking regular attendance, using traditional grading structures and administration of assessments.
Additional deployments of technology to students and staff.
Continued exploration of safe, small group social activities and athletics outdoors and through partnerships in our community.
A decision around fall athletics and activities can be expected by Aug. 21.
I anticipate that this decision will be met with a range of reactions, from frustration to praise from our community. I understand and offer assurance that we are prepared to deliver the highest quality virtual experience possible for our students given this extraordinary situation. The BPS Board of Education and leadership will regularly monitor the environment and revisit our plans again on Nov. 1, 2020. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mark Dziatczak
Superintendent
Birmingham Public Schools
SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING REGISTRATION FOR 2020-2021
Please save the following dates for student registration for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. More information will be coming soon!
Monday, August 17 - 12th Grade
Tuesday, August 18 - 11th Grade
Thursday, August 20 - 9th Grade
Friday, August 21 - 10th Grade
*A virtual option will be planned as well
Diploma Pick Up
If you did not attend the Diploma Day on Tuesday, July 28th, you may pick up your diploma in the Main Office, M-F, 9 am to 2 pm. If you have additional questions, please call the Main Office at 248-203-3500 for assistance.
What is BBBS?
Big Brother Big Sister is a high school transition program to help our ninth grade students adjust to the academic and social rigors of high school. Our mentors contact their BBBS siblings in August and support them throughout their first year at Groves. The BBBS program offers events and activities for our freshmen throughout the school year. Mentors and siblings often develop great friendships and continue to stay in touch after high school. Mentors are junior and senior students who have demonstrated social and academic maturity in their classes. They are not afraid to step outside of their peer comfort zone to meet a new friend and build others up.
Fall Athletics
The athletic staff has been preparing for a return to sports this fall. Please visit the Groves Athletics Website for current details about sport physicals, practices, game schedules and sports registration.
Work permits for student summer employment can be accessed below. Please email Mrs. Rondello @ LRondello@birmingham.k12.mi.us for additional information.
13 Mile Road Reconstruction Continues - Southfield to Evergreen Roads
Please refer to the information provided by the Village of Beverly Hills as this project may affect your route to Groves. 13 Mile Reconstruction Project Information
Summer Food Service continues through August 20
More information can be found at Meet Up and Eat Up
Please contact Pattie Guck at 248-228-7172 with questions.
To access the online registration process, you will need a Power School parent account. You will not be able to access the system through your student's account. Please ensure you have an active parent login to PowerSchool. If you require a password reset or new account set up information, please email Mrs. Reeves, Counseling Secretary, or call (248) 203-3501.
College Admission Exams 2019-2020 Schedule
Birmingham Groves High School
