Derby Middle School Week at a Glance 2018-2019
Monday (5-13)
Derby Soccer away at Bloomfield Hills Middle@4:00pm
Derby Tennis is Home vs Berkshire @4:00pm
  
Tuesday (5-14)
Derby Track is away at Warner Middle School @4:30pm
Typing 101 3:15-4:15 P.M.
B2 3:20-4:20 P.M.
Jazz Band 3:20-4:20 P.M.
  
Wednesday (5-15)
Derby Soccer is Home against East Hills Middle @ 4:00pm
Fantasy Gaming Unplugged 3:15-5:15 P.M.
Super Snacks  3:15-5:15 P.M.
Competitive Video Gaming 3:15-5:30 P.M.
B2 3:20-4:20 P.M.

Thursday (5-16)
Derby Tennis is away at West Hills Middle School at 4:00pm
Improv Comedy Club 3:15-5:15 P.M.
  
Friday, (5-17)
JavaScript Club 3:20-4:40 P.M.
Chess Club 3:20-4:40 P.M.
  
Mark Your Calendar-
REMINDER:  DEADLINE – MAY 14
6TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO GREENFIELD VILLAGE
Permission form and $20 is due to your student’s Social Studies Teacher
No later than Tues. 5/14
  
Friday, May 24th is a half day of school for all Derby students because of 5th-grade visitation.

Get connected into the happenings of Derby by …

*Receiving and reading Mrs. McKinney’s Derby Weekly Update email

*Signing up for Mrs. McKinney’s Remind text messages by texting the message @derbyms to 81010 from your mobile device.

*Visiting the Derby Middle School webpage (http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Derby).

*Following us on Twitter (@Derbyms) and Facebook.

Derby Safety & Security Rules - Spring Reminders
Student Arrival:
Derby's doors open at 7:30 a.m. for student drop off. Students are not allowed to be in the building before 7:30 a.m unless they are in an adult supervised activity (study session, practice, club etc…). Once the doors open, students are to be in the main/counseling lobbies, cafeteria or go to the library and wait for the first bell. Food and drinks are to remain in the cafeteria.  
  
Student Departure:
At the end of the school day, students must either head to their adult supervised school activity or outside to be picked up preferably by 3:30. Students who stay after in an adult supervised activity must secure a ride home prior to the activity. All students waiting for rides will be outside. This is a gentle reminder that students are not allowed in the building without supervision.
 
Student Drop Off & Pick Up:
Please do not park cars in the front driveway loop as it causes unsafe backups and traffic hazards during drop off and pick up times. Please be mindful of your speed and students are to be dropped at the curb only. We do not want them crossing traffic in the drop-off lane. Drop off traffic – Please pull up all the way to the flagpole to help alleviate backed-up traffic. Thank you!
 
Birthday Policies:
For student health and safety, please do not bring birthday treats & foods to share.  
 
Lunch bags:
Please remind your student to take their lunch bag home every day.  Earlier in the school year, we had lunch bags containing food items left on our cafeteria shelves and as a result, we had a fruit flies and ants infestation in our cafeteria. In our order to continue to keep our cafeteria safe and clean for our students and staff, any lunch bags found in the cafeteria will be emptied of all contents and put in the lost and found area.
 
Outside Food Order Deliveries:
No outside food orders deliveries for students are permitted at any time during or after school.
 
Student Lockers:
For safety reasons, parents are not permitted to go to their students' lockers during school hours.  
 
Spring Promotion & Awards:
As determined last year, this school year we will be blending the 8th-grade promotion with the formerly called awards day into one event. We are looking forward to honoring our 8th graders for their achievements in the classroom as well as their celebration of completing middle school. Please save June 12th at 6 pm and see below for further details.

Help needed!
We are looking for 2 people (from 6th or 7th-grade families) who can help at Derby 8th Grade Graduation. The pizza for the Celebration will be delivered while the Graduation Ceremony is going on 6/12. You would need to stay in the main hallway to accept the pizza deliveries and dessert drop-offs from 6 pm until the graduation ceremony is over.  You would not need to stay for the Celebration after the Ceremony. The Derby 8th grade families would really appreciate your help so that they can stay in the gym to watch their children’s graduation. If you are considering helping at your child’s Graduation, this would give you a sneak peek of the evening. To sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b44adaf29a20-derby5
  
Derby 8th Grade Graduation & Celebration 2019
Derby 8th Grade Graduation & Celebration 2019
It’s time to purchase the ticket for your child to attend! An invitation to the Graduation & Celebration should have come home from school with your child this week. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do parents need to purchase tickets for themselves?
No. The $25 is for the students only. All Derby Graduates can invite two guests to Graduation. Ceremony seating is limited to two guests per student due to fire and safety codes. For financial assistance, please email Derby principal Joanna McKinney. You only need to buy one ticket for your student to attend the Celebration after the Graduation Ceremony.

2. How do I sign my student up to attend the Celebration?
Buy one ticket for your student. Log into your MySchoolAnywhere account using the email that you submitted to the Derby directory. (Myschoolanywhere.com) Click on Our Store on the blue banner at the top of the page. Select the 8th Grade Graduation Celebration. Select your student’s name and Quantity: 1 (only pay for your student) and Add to Cart. Click on the red Your Cart button. You can pay online (preferred) or by cash/check. If you pay by cash/check, please print the invoice and return it to the Derby office in an envelope with payment marked 8th Grade Graduation Celebration. If you cannot remember your password, you can select Forgot my password and a new link will be sent to you. 

3. What time is the Graduation? And the Celebration?
The Graduation ceremony will be on June 12 at 6 pm in the gym. All students may invite two guests (max) to graduation. The Celebration, a great Derby tradition, is immediately following the graduation ceremony at Derby. It is for students. Students are picked up at the end of the Celebration at 9 pm. 

4. How should my child dress?
Girls usually wear dresses similar to what they would wear to a wedding or a religious ceremony like their confirmation or Bat Mitzvah. Most boys wear a shirt and a tie. Some add a blazer and others wear a polo shirt.

5. What is the Celebration?
It is a fun party for the entire 8th-grade class to celebrate their graduation together. It is a long-standing Derby tradition and one of the last times the entire class will all be together. There is a photo booth, DJ, food and desserts, decorations, small prizes (beach balls, inflatable toys etc.), basketball games in the gym and all children leave at the end of the night with an 8 x 10 matted personal black and white graduation portrait. Parents do not stay for the Celebration. Pick up is at 9 pm.

6. How can I get a reserved seat?
All volunteers will have their two seats graduation moved into the reserved section at the ceremony. Volunteers who Chair or Co-Chair a committee will be seated in the front rows of the reserved section. Committee volunteers will be next, followed by food donation volunteers. To sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b44adaf29a20-derby5

7. Will we received printed tickets?
No. We have a list of everyone who has purchased tickets.
 
To stay up to date on Graduation information, join the “Derby 8th Grade Graduation 2019” Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/286016758751511/
Any questions, please email Jeni Beckeman jbeckeman28@gmail.com or Carolyn Leo carolynleo@yahoo.com
  
6th Grade Parent-Led Activity
Derby 6th-graders who are interested in a fun cooking class with their Derby friends are invited to join a cooking class at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Troy!
  
The event is planned for May 13th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm. There will be a dinner buffet as part the class. Parents can sign up for the dinner buffet portion of the evening, and socialize with other parents while the children take the class.
  
Seating for the class is limited, so please join early to reserve your spot!
All details on the class location as well as sign-up can be found at the link below:
https://maggianostroyderbymiddleschoolcookingclass.eventbrite.com
This event has been organized by Parents of Derby Dragons. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their own children.
 
Choir Message
Derby Choir will have their final performance on Monday, June 3rd, in the Seaholm Auditorium at 7 pm.
  
M-STEP Testing Window during Ramadan
Diversity in Birmingham Public Schools is truly an asset and the recognition of various holy days is critical in fostering an understanding, appreciation, and respect for the religious beliefs of all students and families. Through Principle 4 of our character education framework of creating a caring community, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and to honor student voice, we would like to offer 6th and 7th-grade students who fast the option to take the M-STEP exam before the start of Ramadan.
The M-STEP testing window for grades 6 and 7 is on April 29 – May 31, 2019. Testing during the first week of the window will accommodate students that choose to take the exam at the beginning of the test window before they begin to fast. The M-STEP testing windows for other grade levels do not conflict with Ramadan.
  
If you would like for your 6th or 7th-grade child to take the exam at the beginning of the test window, please send an email to their principal at the appropriate middle school.
  
Mr. Clinkscale, Berkshire Principal
jclinkscale@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Mr. Morawski, BCS Principal
mmorawski@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Mrs. McKinney, Derby Interim Principal
jmckinney@birmingham.k12.mi.us
 
Field Day 2019…Calling Out for Volunteers!!!
A day of fun is coming…Derby’s Annual Field Day will take place on Friday, June 7th this year.  Each grade level will participate in Derby’s Field Day activities for an hour and a half this year in Derby’s back yard.  Students can engage in many, many fun activities.  Our Derby Dragons can play on a 70’ Inflatable Obstacle Course, Inflatable Human Hamster Balls, and can play a game of Inflatable Hungry Hippo.  Students can play carnival games and team up to play Tug-O-War with their friends.  Along with this fun – students can dunk their favorite teachers and Derby Administrators in the Dunk Tank and can enjoy snacking on Sno-Cones, Cotton Candy, and Popcorn.  If that isn’t enough fun – students can also participate in a fun game of Kickball.

In order to make this day possible for our students - - - we need SEVERAL volunteers!!!  We are looking for help.  Without you, this day will not be possible.  If you can volunteer to help make Derby’s Field Day a success this year – please click on the Sign Up Genius link below (sorted by grade level) - - - when signing up on Sign Up Genius, please provide your name, and add your student’s name and grade level in the comments area.

If you have any questions regarding Field Day, please email mmcgrath@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
The Derby 2018 Field Day time slots are:
7th Grade Field Day 9:00-10:30am
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BAFAE2DA7FC1-7thgrade4
6th Grade Field Day 10:40-12:10pm
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BAFAE2DA7FC1-6thgrade4
8th Grade Field Day 1:15-2:45pm
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BAFAE2DA7FC1-8thgrade4
 
Reminders From the Front Office:
If you are planning on excusing your child early during the school day, please send your student with a note in the morning to the main office. They should bring the note to the main office. We will hand your student a pass to leave class at the appropriate time. Parent/ Guardian will need to sign out their student at the main office before leaving the building. Students may sign themselves back in upon returning.
This is the procedure for leaving during the day and will help expedite the students leaving early and reduce interruptions in the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation!

Office Help     
Your help in our busy front office would be very much appreciated! Time slots are noted on the sign up below. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4DAAAC23A20-office1
  
Reflections
Derby PTA is in need of a board member to run the Reflections Program.   Each year, students in Pre-K through Grade 12 are invited to create and submit original works of art in the areas of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.  The Reflections program offers all BPS students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Reflect on the theme. Create an original work. Be recognized!  We are looking for a parent to sign up to run the 2019-2020 DMS reflections program.  If you are interested please email Natasha Sinagoga at Natasha.sinagoga@nccmedia.com
 

DISTRICT 2019-20 CALENDAR UPDATE
While the district works to finalize the Birmingham Public Schools 2019-20 school year calendar, we would like to share with you our start and end dates along with scheduled breaks for the upcoming school year. We will share the calendar in full once it has been finalized and approved. Find our calendars at: www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/calendars.  

2019-20 Break Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019 – First day of school (Half Day, AM only)
Sept. 26 – All Schools half day (AM only)
Nov. 27-29 – Thanksgiving Recess
Dec. 23-Jan. 1 – Winter Recess
Jan. 20 – No School (MLK Day)
Feb. 14 – All Schools half day (AM only)
Feb. 17-21 – Midwinter Recess
April 6-10 – Spring Recess
April 24 – All Schools half day (AM only)
May 25 – No School (Memorial Day)
Friday, June 12 – Last day of school  
 
Seaholm NHS Tutoring Sessions Available
When:
Monday, May 6th
Tuesday, May 7th
Tuesday, May 28th
Thursday, May 30th
Where: Seaholm High School Library
All ages are welcomed. 3rd Tri Finals Tutoring. Snacks are included!
 
For more information, please contact Anna Osbourne at 248-977-0028; Cole Wohifiel at 248-703-1404 or Ms. Davis at pdavis@birmingham.k12.mi.us
 
Message from Birmingham Public Schools: PAC Applications
2019/2020 PAC -Accepting Applications:
The Specialized Instruction & Student Services Parent Advisory Council is now accepting applications for interested new members. The committee meets monthly, during the day (typically 9:30am - 11:30am) with SISS Administration to collaborate on existing SISS programs and advise on new programs and services. The PAC is one of the resources that make our district so strong and is a great resource for our families. Please visit the PAC page on the district website for more information and application: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/2260 The deadline for accepting applications is Friday, May 31st, 2019. All applicants must have a student with an IEP attending a district school in the 2019/2020 school year. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact: Rachel Farabee PAC Chair 2018/2019 (810)348-0573
 
BU Hockey- SAVE THE DATE
 
Please note that times and locations are being finalized and will be confirmed ASAP
June 17th - June 20th — BU Spring Camp for ALL prospective players (new and returning)
June 24th - August 1st — BU Summer League (Varsity & Junior Varsity)
July 8th - August 22nd — BU Summer Training (off-ice & on-ice)
 
STEM Camp
Oakland Schools is hosting Stem Camp again this summer for middle schools students. Birmingham is able to send 3 students for free.  Additional scholarships have been available in the past.  If you feel that you would like to extend the opportunity to additional families demonstrating economic need, please contact us.
STEM Summer Camp 2019 Flyer
www.OaklandSTEM.com  
 
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Groves Varsity Pom Pom Team?
The Groves Varsity Pom team will be hosting FREE clinics for 7th and 8th Grade girls on the following days:
Tuesday, May 7th
Thursday, May 9th
Tuesday, May 14th
Thursday, May 16th
from 5pm-7pm in the Groves weight room
*dance, pom or cheer experience recommended
*wear workout clothes and sneakers
This is great preparation for 8th-grade girls wishing to tryout for the 2019/2020 season, and for 7th graders to get a head start in the process!
For questions, please contact the boosters: Lora Auten at lola5298@sbcglobal.net
Jocelyn Margolis at compubetty@aol.com
 
Summer Volleyball Opportunity!
Heather Gambone (Berkshire teacher and Seaholm Varsity Coach) is offering camps to boys and girls entering grades 5th-10th of all ability levels this July! Participants will learn and improve their skills and have a lot of fun! All camps will take place at Seaholm High School. Any questions can be directed to Heather at seaholmvball@gmail.com. *Grade in Fall 2019
Sign up at: https://goo.gl/forms/btIuvArnNXJphZNy1
 
Seaholm Boys Soccer NEW and RETURNING Players:
Please join us for Parent and Player Information Night on Wednesday, March, 20th at 6:00 PM in the Seaholm’s Little Theater.
NEW families encouraged to attend and returning families also welcome. This will be an informal gathering with Boosters and Coaches to discuss the upcoming season.
All NEW and RETURNING players need to register for the upcoming 2019 season. Please register your player on Seaholm’s Soccer website: seaholmboyssoccer.com under “2019 Player Registration”. Once registered, you’ll be put on an email distribution list for all soccer program communications including camp and upcoming events.
Questions? Email seaholmboyssoccer@gmail.com.
Go Mapes!
  
Birmingham Girls Softball Registration
Birmingham Girls Softball returns for its 20th season! BGS is southeast Oakland County’s largest girl’s recreational softball league with over 300 players. Online registration is now open at www.birminghamsoftball.com. Birmingham Girls Softball is a community-based, non-profit organization providing girls ages 6 to 14 the opportunity to play organized recreational softball. The group is dedicated to teaching young ladies the fundamentals of softball in a safe and fun environment with teamwork and good sportsmanship being their top priorities. BGS is open to all girls interested in playing softball for the first time and those with prior experience looking to build on and develop the skills needed to play the game for years to come. All that BGS requires is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. For questions, please email Jeff Weber at jeffw@birminghamsoftball.com. Early registration closes February 28, 2019.

Seaholm Football Seaholm Football is fired up for the 2019 season and has set dates for pre-season camps and conditioning.  Interested players should mark these dates in family calendars - all events are attended by all players - incoming freshmen included!  More information will follow, but keep these key dates in mind as you plan your summer:
PARENT MEETING @ Seaholm Gym Saturday, April 13th 9 am
Week of Champions @ Seaholm June 3-7 One hour before school each day
Big Five Camp @ Seaholm June 24-26
MHSAA Dead Week (No Practices) July 1-5
Veer Camp in Montrose, MI - July 29-31 DATE CHANGE
Maple Week Off (No Practices)- August 5-9
Hillsdale Camp @ Hillsdale College - August 11-14
Questions?  Call or text Katy Knoer at 312-543-4343
  
You're invited to the BEF BBQ!
Friday, May 17 6-9pm, Franklin, MI
Join the BEF for a casual night out to support our schools! The BEF BBQ includes a full BBQ dinner from Woodpile BBQ. Presenting sponsor DFCU will be on hand, offering a drawing for a family pass to the Henry Ford! Tickets are $45 each. 21+ Welcome. Purchase your tickets at https://supportbef.ejoinme.org/BEFBBQ
 
Join LGBTQ+ families and Allies
Please join us at our Annual BPS Family Pride Social on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm on the Greenfield Playground. Everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new people so feel free to stop by. You may want to bring a lawn chair or two. For more information about the BPS Family Pride group feel free to check out their Facebook page @BPS Family Pride.
 
Job Opportunities
No nights, no weekends!! Perfect school hours and a super fun work environment! BPS is looking for some awesome people to join our amazing team at Birmingham Public Schools Cafes!! Please call or text Pattie Guck, Director of Dining Birmingham Public Schools (248)228-7172 or email me at pguck@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Athletic Registration

BPS is happy to announce that PowerSchool Registration, powered by InfoSnap, is also being implemented for Athletic Registration. You may find the link, by clicking here:

https://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=17931&culture=en

As a reminder, this is an online student registration/data validation system, which allows the district to verify all student demographics, emergency and medical information, prior to the start of the athletic season. It is critical to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact and medical information for all students. The system is a secure and green process supporting our focus on safety and security. Electronic registration platforms of all kinds engage parents to ensure that information is entered properly, significantly reducing errors. The system will also allow families to electronically sign the annual permission forms. Reminder: you must still submit a physical to the Athletic Offices prior to participating. All physicals must be dated after April 15, 2018.