All Birmingham Public Schools will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 and will remain closed through June 2020.
With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, residents are being urged by the Governor’s office to take all necessary precautions to prepare and keep themselves and their families safe. The State is making preparations to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19.
Important updates from BPS can be found at this link, COVID-19 Updates.
Learn more about online learning opportunities at https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/10806
From our Dragon family to yours, we would like to send virtual hugs and say thank you at the end of this most unusual year of school. Thank you for your patience and trusting us with your children as we navigated this unforgettable year together. We hope you enjoy our “Enjoy your Summer” video.
If you were unable to pick up your student’s items or summer reading books, we will have a make-up day next Friday, June 19th from 9am-noon. After this time any leftover items will be donated.
We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy summer filled with memories. Thank you for sharing your children with us. We are privileged to be their team of educators! See you in August!
Go Dragons,
Derby Administration Team
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Student device drop-off will take place tentatively during the week of August 10th.
Return Procedure
If you received a technology device from Birmingham Public Schools for use during the remote learning experience due to COVID-19, please plan to drop the device off at the location it was retrieved from during the week of August 10, 2020. For staffing reasons, each building will likely have a different day and time. Depending on which deployment you participated in, this may be your child’s school or Groves High School. Please be on the lookout for an email from the Technology Services Department with more details closer to the week of August 10, 2020.
This summer our incoming 6th graders will be reading Refugee by Alan Gratz, our incoming 7th graders will be reading Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson, and our incoming 8th graders will be reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Many Derby families pre-ordered discounted books earlier this spring. If you didn’t get an opportunity to purchase one, our local libraries are opening up for curbside pick up very soon, and they have all ordered additional copies of these books along with ebook and audiobook copies. These books are also available through local independent bookstores, Amazon, Audible, and Kindle. All students should have received a summer reading brochure outlining the activities to be completed by students as they read. ELA teachers will collect this work during the first week of school in August. If you didn’t receive a copy of your child’s grade level summer brochure, please visit our Derby ELA summer reading website.
Finally, all Derby staff and students will be reading Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj. Again, many families pre-ordered the paperback copy of this book. We have worked with the author/publisher to get an early release of this edition. If you pre-ordered this book through Derby, you will receive an email in late July with pick up times/locations. The book is currently available in hardcover online, at local bookstores, and at our local libraries who have ordered additional copies for our Derby students. In late July/early August, families will receive more information about the activities that go along with this book.
If you have any questions about summer reading/books already ordered, please feel free to contact Mrs. Westerlund at kwesterlund@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Happy Reading!!!!!!
Does your child want to have some high school spirit wear for the start of school next fall? Bloomfield Sports Shop is running a fundraiser supporting Birmingham SOS. Seaholm/Groves spirit wear is available for purchase (sweatshirts/t-shirts), along with masks with individual school logos.
Advanced Math Placement tests will be administered in August for students who would like to enter the advanced math program at the middle school level. Students who were not recommended for advanced math for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade who would like to be considered for placement in advanced math will need to take the Advanced Math Placement test. The test consists of an online NWEA assessment and a set of constructed response questions for which students write out their responses.
Testing dates:
Berkshire – August 6, August 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Derby – August 13, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Note: This placement test is not for students already in advanced math who wish to continue in the advanced math sequence.
Parents interested in having their student take the placement test should contact Stacey Summerhill in the Teaching and Learning Department by e-mail at ssummerhill@birmingham.k12.mi.us . Please respond by July 9 with the following information:
Students interested in playing volleyball at Seaholm, please check the [seaholmvball.weebly.com] Seaholm Volleyball Website to get up to date information on possible outdoor summer training and fall sports information. We obviously are unsure at this time about tryouts, and if we will even have a season, but I want to make sure parents and students know where to find the information.
Heather Gambone
Berkshire Middle School Math Teacher
Seaholm High School Varsity Head Coach
The Seaholm Girls XC team captains made the attached video to introduce interested girls to Seaholm XC, and to provide contact information to help those interested to "get connected" to the rest of the team.
Enjoy the video! It also has contact information for captains and coaches to answer questions, and to get started with summer training.
Please help us get the word out by sharing, posting, referencing, . . . using the full power of social media to introduce our sport to incoming freshmen, or anyone in the Seaholm community that might be interested in XC.
Thank you, Craig and Terri
Calling all graduating 8th-grade girls who are interested in joining the Girls Seaholm Golf Team in the Fall. Golf tryouts start in early August and we would love to have you join us for some summer rounds and workouts. Please send your e-mail and phone number of the student and parent to kvalente@ford.com. We will add you to the list of communications.
Hello, all graduating 8th graders! Are you interested in joining Seaholm High School's Dance Team? Please follow our Instagram page (MapleMotionDanceTeam) and/or Facebook page (Maple Motion Dance Team). Information on auditions will be announced on our page in the next several weeks. For additional questions at this time, please email parent booster club president Beth Schrock (Beth_Schrock@yahoo.com) or treasurer Sarah Johnson (dsjohnson5@gmail.com).
This link explains how SOS (Seaholm Offers Support) has expanded into (Schools Offer Support). This is great news, as we have tried over the years to partner with this non-profit organization. This partnership will have a significant impact to our entire community. This does not mean that we will be eliminating our own Derby personal efforts for our families when they arise. SOS will have the sustainability to help bridge the needs of BPS families in more extended and/or severe circumstances.
Masks are available with Seaholm, Groves, BCS, Berkshire, Derby and BPS logos, masks are machine washable and are available in an adult size. A portion of the sale of these masks or any of the other spirit wear shown on the site will go to SOS. There is also an abundance of spirit wear and products with Groves and Seaholm logo's which is an ideal gift for 8th-graders planning to attend one of these schools in the fall.
Please click on this link to place your order.
Our seven weeks of virtual summer camps allow Elementary, Middle, and High School students to explore career pathways across a variety of industries. Campers will engage directly with real-world professionals to spark their interest in future career endeavors!
Campers will enjoy a unique field of study each week, with a daily virtual experience and supplementary activities, all based on grade level and area of interest. Camps run Monday through Thursday for an hour each day. Sign Up Today!
Check Out Some of These Cool Camp Sessions!
Professionals and content will vary based on the grade span of each week's camp
STEM WEEK - JUNE 15-18
This STEM-tastic week will feature a bat conservationist, a fossil preparer, and even a polymer chemist who makes make-up for L'Oreal USA! Interested in the tech side of STEM? Learn how to build apps and how computers learn, too.
Skills Week - June 22-25
Campers can brush up on their life skills with sessions from Verizon and LinkedIn employees demonstrating job seeking/keeping skills, a magician, and even a former NFL player who will inspire students to become leaders in their community.
ARTS WEEK June 29 - JULY 2
Get those creative juices flowing with sessions on chalk art, music and more! Learn how to turn your passion for art into a career by attending art school, ask a producer/director what takes to win an Emmy Award, or sculpt microbes with a biomedical engineer.
FOOD WEEK July 6 - 9
Experience cooking demos from American Culinary Federation chefs, take a farm tour, learn about the impacts of food waste from the World Wildlife Fund, or even ask a Senior Culinary Arts Supervisor at Marriott International about being featured on Food Network!
COOL CAREERS WEEK July 13-16
Who needs a desk job when you could be a test pilot for the U.S. Air Force or an agent for the CIA! Middle School and High School students are able to join K12's Job Shadow Week for free, featuring pros from Google, YouTube, and NASA!
HOW IT’S MADE WEEK July 20 - 23
Get a behind-the-scenes view on how-to from pros across multiple industries. Hear from Sphero engineers on how they invent robots, NASA's Earth Science Director on how to build a satellite, and how the Comms Team of the Golden State Warriors create marketing plans!
FUTURE WEEK July 27 - 30
Launch into the future with a space scavenger hunt with Janet's Planet or a view inside NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. Tallo will help you prep for your future career endeavors with tools on how to secure financial aid and scholarships.
BPS Summer Recommended Reading Lists:
Summer Resources
Attached please find a list of resources and websites to help your student stay engaged during the summer months.
Wow! It is hard to believe it is our last week of what is sure to be one of the most memorable years in school history. On a personal note, I would like to thank you all for making my first year at Derby a warm transition. The Dragons have shown lots of perseverance this year and I am proud to be a Dragon!
Please be sure to review the instructions below for our drive-thru materials pick up on Thursday and Friday. I would like to thank all of our staff for their assistance in cleaning out lockers and organizing many bags for our kids!
The 8th-grade farewell video is almost complete! 8th-grade families can expect an email tomorrow with an exact date and time of the premiere. 8th-grade certificates will be in bags during pick up on Thursday and Friday.
Happy last week of school! Finish strong!
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher, Principal
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Planning is underway for students to retrieve items they may have left in the building and locker cleanout. This will be drive-thru style and will coincide with yearbook pick up. The dates for our drive-thru are Thursday, June 11th (last names A-K) and Friday, June 12th (last names L-Z). Specific instructions came out last week and a reminder will arrive Wednesday!
***Your student’s locker shelving system and locks have been bagged along with items in lockers. Please be sure to look for those items among your child’s belongings.***
How are you approaching antiracism? Consider what it means to be an antiracist in our local and larger communities. Listen as Arthur Jack, president of the Birmingham African American Family Network; Embekka Roberson, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning and Inclusion; Jay S, a student at Seaholm High School and Joe Leibson, Spanish Teacher at Birmingham Covington School address questions around antiracism in Birmingham Public Schools and beyond.
Monday, June 8th 7-8pm
This exclusive live webinar is sponsored by the BCS Diversity Committee and will be moderated by BCS teacher Rick Joseph. It is limited to 100 attendees, so please register now.
Nominations for NJHS have been moved to September when we arrive back to school. 7th-graders (future 8th-graders) can expect their nominations when we return in the fall.
Does your child want to have some high school spirit wear for the start of school next fall? Bloomfield Sports Shop is running a fundraiser supporting Birmingham SOS. Seaholm/Groves spirit wear is available for purchase (sweatshirts/t-shirts), along with masks with individual school logos.
Mrs. Sindelar is excited to host a live Zoom with Ms. Elisabeth from the Baldwin Public Library on Tuesday, June 9th at 11:15 am. In this session, Ms. Elisabeth will answer any questions you have about their fantastic teen summer reading program. Please watch the summer reading promotional video and email Mrs. Sindelar at ssindelar@birmingham.k12.mi.us by 10 am on Tuesday for the live Zoom link. See you then!
The Seaholm Girls XC team captains made the attached video to introduce interested girls to Seaholm XC, and to provide contact information to help those interested to "get connected" to the rest of the team.
Enjoy the video! It also has contact information for captains and coaches to answer questions, and to get started with summer training.
Please help us get the word out by sharing, posting, referencing, and using the full power of social media to introduce our sport to incoming freshmen, or anyone in the Seaholm community that might be interested in XC.
Thank you,
Craig and Terri
Calling all graduating 8th-grade girls who are interested in joining the Girls Seaholm Golf Team in the Fall. Golf tryouts start in early August and we would love to have you join us for some summer rounds and workouts. Please send your e-mail and phone number of the student and parent to kvalente@ford.com. We will add you to the list of communications.
Seaholm Offers Support, SOS (soon to become BPS SOS) is a non-profit service organization founded by BPS community member, Lisa Corey over 11 years ago. SOS supports members of the Birmingham Public Schools community. SOS provides volunteer services and limited financial support to families within the community who experience temporary need. SOS has been able to donate $2000-$4000 each week to BPS families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They are in need of additional funds in order to continue this support to our families. If you are able to help with a financial donation, please visit https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Domain/2282. Thank you in advance for your much-needed help.
Below you will find our plan for the drive-thru item pickup taking place next week. Here is what you need to know:
· Please drive-thru the athletic parking lot on the east side of the building. (bus loop)
· Please have your student’s name(s) and grade(s) posted in the window for us to easily see.
· When you drive up and park in the loop, a Derby staff member will retrieve your items and place them in your trunk for no contact delivery.
· We will be emptying lockers this week and placing all non-Derby items in bags labeled with students’ names. If your student was using a locker not assigned to him or her, we will have a hard time placing these items but will do our best.
· If your student has medication at school, please email Mrs. Mcintyre at RMcintyre@birmingham.k12.mi.us and we will place it in your student’s bag. Otherwise, medication will be safely discarded.
· 8th-grade only: Please have your textbooks, library books, or athletic uniforms (volleyball or wrestling) in your trunk for us to return. Please have uniforms in a bag with your name clearly labeled.
· 6th and 7th graders may keep all books at home for the summer and return in the fall.
· We will only be collecting technology for any grade if your student is not returning to a BPS school in the fall. If this applies to you, please have your technology in the trunk. (Laptops if you loaned one out.)
· Yearbooks will be in your student’s bag along with certificates for 8th-graders. If you have a yearbook question, please email Mrs. McGrath at: MMcGrath@birmingham.k12.mi.us
· Lost and found items will be placed in bags if there are names on them. Gym lockers will also be cleaned out.
· Please make sure to reach out to your student’s music teacher if you need an instrument returned to you. We will make sure it is included with your bag.
· Please adhere to the following schedule when picking up items in order to make this as seamless as possible:
Last Name Date and Pick Up Time:
A 6/11 (8:15-9:00)
B 6/11 (9:00-10:00)
C 6/11 (10:00-11:00)
D, E, F 6/11 (11:00-12:00)
G 6/11 (12:00-1:00)
H 6/11 (1:00-2:00)
I, J, K 6/11 (2:00-3:00)
L 6/12 (8:15-9:15)
M, N 6/12 (9:15-10:15)
O, P, Q 6/12 (10:15-11:15)
R 6/12 (11:15-12:15)
S 6/12 (12:15-1:45)
T, U, V 6/12 (1:45-2:30)
W, X, Y, Z 6/12 (2:30-3:30)
I hope this update finds you well and enjoying the first moments of summer. I would like to begin by sending a big congratulations to all of our students who participated in our Derby virtual band recital. It was lovely to listen and connect Thursday evening and hear what students have been working on! Thank you, Dragons!
I know that we all have heavy hearts this week as we are not only dealing with a pandemic and the stress that comes with it, but are watching as our country is saddened by the tragedies and injustices of the events coming out of Minneapolis and even through Detroit. Now is the time more than ever to have courageous conversations with our kids, help them process all that is going on and ensure they have the information and tools they need to help stop the spread of discrimination and inequalities.
Here are four helpful hints in talking with your children about sensitive issues:
1. Give your child transparent information- In the absence of information people make up their own stories. It is important that you are honest with your child and give them transparent information.
2. Remember children can be a resource - As parents, we think of our jobs as providing and protecting, but children can also teach us. During difficult times, even young children have created ways to help and problem-solve. Allow them to do this and remember we can learn from them.
3. Cultivate empathy- We are only as healthy as the most vulnerable. It is important that we care for others. Teach children how to empathize by listening to others’ stories.
4. Raise storytellers- Be intentional when encouraging, training, and giving support to your child so that they can tell their own stories on how they use their lives to make the world a better place.
I am proud of our community and the way we come together when someone is in need. I look forward to our one school one book read, Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj where we will be discussing many of these very issues. I know our Dragons will be part of the solution and that gives me great hope.
Thank you for reading our weekly update. Please see below for tentative information on our drive-thru materials pick up. More information coming this week.
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Nominations for NJHS have been moved to September when we arrive back to school. 7th graders (future 8th graders) can expect their nominations when we return in the fall.
Planning is underway for students to retrieve items they may have left in the building and locker cleanout. This will be drive-thru style and will coincide with yearbook/summer reading book pick up. The tentative dates for our drive-thru are Thursday, June 11th (last names A-K) and Friday, June 12th (last names L-Z). More specific details will be coming this week!
The Seaholm Girls XC team captains made the attached video to introduce interested girls to Seaholm XC, and to provide contact information to help those interested to "get connected" to the rest of the team.
Enjoy the video! It also has contact information for captains and coaches to answer questions, and to get started with summer training.
Please help us get the word out by sharing, posting, referencing, . . . using the full power of social media to introduce our sport to incoming freshmen, or anyone in the Seaholm community that might be interested in XC.
Thank you,
Craig and Terri
Calling all graduating 8th-grade girls who are interested in joining the Girls Seaholm Golf Team in the Fall. Golf tryouts start in early August and we would love to have you join us for some summer rounds and workouts. Please send your e-mail and phone number of the student and parent to kvalente@ford.com. We will add you to the list of communications.
Seaholm Offers Support, SOS (soon to become BPS SOS) is a non-profit service organization founded by BPS community member, Lisa Corey over 11 years ago. SOS supports members of the Birmingham Public Schools community. SOS provides volunteer services and limited financial support to families within the community who experience temporary need. SOS has been able to donate $2000-$4000 each week to BPS families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They are in need of additional funds in order to continue this support to our families. If you are able to help with a financial donation, please visit this link. Thank you in advance for your much-needed help.
Hello Derby families,
We have already been in contact with some of you, and miss seeing all of your faces. Also, we hope all are healthy and staying safe. Please, reach out to us via our e-mails listed below if you are having a hard time with anything socially, emotionally, or academically and need to schedule a phone or video call with one of us. We will work with your schedules, but for sure be available at the following times:
Ms. Kelly (students with last names M-Z): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Mr. Miller (students with last names A-L): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
*Should it be an emergency and we are unable to reach you in a time of critical need, please call 911 or one of the below phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (or access the chat online link)
National Child Abuse Hotline: call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Before we end this note, we want to let you know that both attached and below are some documents and websites of helpful items to use to continue to take care of yourselves. (Some of these items are even fun! We’ve ADDED SOME ITEMS as of May 4th too! ) If you have questions regarding scheduling, please send us an email at the contact information below.
Hang in there; we’re in this together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kelly and Mr. Miller
Ms. Kelly (KKelly@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and Mr. Miller (DMiller@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Your Derby School Counselors
NEW ITEMS AS OF 5/4/20:
Bingo for Calm and Connection
Virtual Feelings Scavenger Hunt
Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt
With lots of time around your family members, here are some conversation starters:
DEEP breathing- what a stress reliever!
Meaningful May 2020 Calendar
Previously shared resources:
April 2020 Coping Calendar
Corona Virus Resources - ASCA
Find a Counselor - Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
Find a Therapist - Psychology Today
Helping Children Cope with Stress – World Health Organization
Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty- Harvard University
Let It Go
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 - CDC
Self-Care while Social Distancing: Twelve Ideas and Tips
Social-Emotional Resources
Stop, Breathe & Think
Headspace
SEL Resources for Parents, Educators & School Communities Related to COVID-19
Brain Pop
5 Mindfulness Apps (for Children)
School’s Out, Kids Podcasts Are In (Plus Many More Educate-at-Home Resources)
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Talking to Children about COVID-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
Ten teams delivered signs today via school buses to our 8th-grade students. The rain could not keep our staff away from our dragons! The smiles from both staff and students were contagious. Thanks again to the PTA for donating the yard signs to help celebrate our kids.
Our staff made another message to send to students this week as we head into the last big push to the end of the school year. Please enjoy that video link here.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Nominations for NJHS have been moved to September when we arrive back to school. 7th-graders (future 8th-graders) can expect their nominations when we return in the fall.
This summer we will continue our annual grade level reads, which are outlined in this flyer. Since we know that many students prefer their own physical copy of a book, we have organized a pre-order opportunity for each of these titles. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY THURSDAY, 5/28/2020. The grade-level novels will be available during Yearbook Pick-Up in June (details pending). These books should be read, and the work/activities completed, from mid-June through the end of July.
This year, we will be kicking off our 1st annual One Book, One School read, Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj, which all Derby students and staff will read. We have worked with the author and Penguin Publishers to order discounted, paperback copies of this book a month before they will be available for public purchase. We will organize a pick-up/distribution location for those who order Count Me In books in late July/early August. Please hold off on reading this title until August 1. We will have various activities available for Derby students/families to participate in during August and once the 2020-2021 school year begins.
Three different kids. One mission in common: Escape. Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft hoping to find safety in America. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe. All three of these kids go on harrowing journeys. All face unimaginable danger. However, there is always the hope of tomorrow. Although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.
Six kids discover the power of sharing their secrets and their stories. It all starts when six kids are sent to a room for a weekly chat…. by themselves, with no adults to listen in. A father has gone missing, and that starts a conversation about the things causing angst in their lives. They find that they can express the feelings and fears they usually hide from the world. Together, they grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives. Harbor Me digs in deep to show how so many of America’s social issues affect today’s kids and how they creatively learn to forge their way in spite of them.
At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued.
Karina Chopra would have never imagined becoming friends with the boy next door--after all, they've avoided each other for years, and she assumes Chris is just like the boys he hangs out with, who she labels a pack of hyenas. Then Karina's grandfather starts tutoring Chris, and she discovers he's actually a nice, funny kid. But one afternoon something unimaginable happens--the three of them are assaulted by a stranger who targets Indian-American Karina and her grandfather because of how they look. Her grandfather is gravely injured, and Karina and Chris vow not to let hate win. When Karina posts a few photos related to the attack on social media, they quickly attract attention, and before long her #CountMeIn #immigrants #WeBelong #IamAmerican #HateHasNoHomeHere" posts go viral, and Karina uses her newfound social media reach to bring a community coming together.
The Derby P.T.A. has graciously offered to take summer book orders via Membership Toolkit. In order to access our summer book store, please use this link if you have an incoming/rising 7th or 8th-grader. Once there, you can log in with your current Membership Toolkit account and navigate through the menu to the school store; if you don’t currently have an account please follow the New User link to create an account. If you, ALSO, have an incoming/rising 5th grader, please feel free to order books through this link/account as well. New Derby families will receive a different link since they don’t currently have Derby Membership Toolkit accounts. Important: ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY THURSDAY, 5/28/2020.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kathy Westerlund, 6th grade ELA teacher, at kwesterlund@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
Stay safe,
Derby Middle School ELA Department
Calling all graduating 8th-grade girls who are interested in joining the Girls Seaholm Golf Team in the Fall. Golf tryouts start in early August and we would love to have you join us for some summer rounds and workouts. Please send your e-mail and phone number of the student and parent to kvalente@ford.com. We will add you to the list of communications.
Seaholm Offers Support, SOS (soon to become BPS SOS) is a non-profit service organization founded by BPS community member, Lisa Corey over 11 years ago. SOS supports members of the Birmingham Public Schools community. SOS provides volunteer services and limited financial support to families within the community who experience temporary need. SOS has been able to donate $2000-$4000 each week to BPS families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They are in need of additional funds in order to continue this support to our families. If you are able to help with a financial donation, please visit this link. Thank you in advance for your much-needed help.
Hello Derby families,
We have already been in contact with some of you, and miss seeing all of your faces. Also, we hope all are healthy and staying safe. Please, reach out to us via our e-mails listed below if you are having a hard time with anything socially, emotionally, or academically and need to schedule a phone or video call with one of us. We will work with your schedules, but for sure be available at the following times:
Ms. Kelly (students with last names M-Z): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Mr. Miller (students with last names A-L): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
*Should it be an emergency and we are unable to reach you in a time of critical need, please call 911 or one of the below phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (or access the chat online link)
National Child Abuse Hotline: call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Before we end this note, we want to let you know that both attached and below are some documents and websites of helpful items to use to continue to take care of yourselves. (Some of these items are even fun! We’ve ADDED SOME ITEMS as of May 4th too! ) If you have questions regarding scheduling, please send us an email at the contact information below.
Hang in there; we’re in this together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kelly and Mr. Miller
Ms. Kelly (KKelly@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and Mr. Miller (DMiller@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Your Derby School Counselors
NEW ITEMS AS OF 5/4/20:
Bingo for Calm and Connection
Virtual Feelings Scavenger Hunt
Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt
With lots of time around your family members, here are some conversation starters:
DEEP breathing- what a stress reliever!
Meaningful May 2020 Calendar
Previously shared resources:
April 2020 Coping Calendar
Corona Virus Resources - ASCA
Find a Counselor - Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
Find a Therapist - Psychology Today
Helping Children Cope with Stress – World Health Organization
Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty- Harvard University
Let It Go
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 - CDC
Self-Care while Social Distancing: Twelve Ideas and Tips
Social-Emotional Resources
Stop, Breathe & Think
Headspace
SEL Resources for Parents, Educators & School Communities Related to COVID-19
Brain Pop
5 Mindfulness Apps (for Children)
School’s Out, Kids Podcasts Are In (Plus Many More Educate-at-Home Resources)
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Talking to Children about COVID-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
A big thank you to our students and families who helped celebrate our Dragon team during staff appreciation week. I know you helped brighten their days with your notes and videos. I would also like to thank our PTA for their generous donation in honor of our staff to our BPS SOS foundation. They also helped support our hardworking Chartwells team who have been feeding our kids during this time. Thank you, PTA!
Last week, we had three Town Hall meetings answering many different questions regarding online learning and BPS. One was hosted by our Derby PTA and two others were hosted by our superintendent, Mark Dziatczak. If you missed the meetings, you can watch the BPS one video online.
I would like to reiterate my closing remarks from our Derby Town Hall meeting as I close our eNews. If you or your student need any assistance with anything, we are here for you. Please reach out to me, a counselor, teacher, or support staff and we will help you find whatever you may need. Dragons always stick together, but especially right now. Have a great weekend!
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Nominations for NJHS have been moved to September when we arrive back at school. 7th graders (future 8th graders) can expect their nominations when we return in the fall.
Hello Derby families,
We have already been in contact with some of you, and miss seeing all of your faces. Also, we hope all are healthy and staying safe. Please, reach out to us via our e-mails listed below if you are having a hard time with anything socially, emotionally, or academically and need to schedule a phone or video call with one of us. We will work with your schedules, but for sure be available at the following times:
Ms. Kelly (students with last names M-Z): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Mr. Miller (students with last names A-L): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
*Should it be an emergency and we are unable to reach you in a time of critical need, please call 911 or one of the below phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (or access the chat online link)
National Child Abuse Hotline: call or text 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Before we end this note, we want to let you know that both attached and below are some documents and websites of helpful items to use to continue to take care of yourselves. (Some of these items are even fun! We’ve ADDED SOME ITEMS as of May 4th too! ) If you have questions regarding scheduling, please send us an email at the contact information below.
Hang in there; we’re in this together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kelly and Mr. Miller
Ms. Kelly (KKelly@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and Mr. Miller (DMiller@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Your Derby School Counselors
NEW ITEMS AS OF 5/4/20:
Bingo for Calm and Connection
Virtual Feelings Scavenger Hunt
Mindfulness Scavenger Hunt
With lots of time around your family members, here are some conversation starters:
DEEP breathing- what a stress reliever!
Meaningful May 2020 Calendar
Previously shared resources:
April 2020 Coping Calendar
Corona Virus Resources - ASCA
Find a Counselor - Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
Find a Therapist - Psychology Today
Helping Children Cope with Stress – World Health Organization
Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty- Harvard University
Let It Go
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 - CDC
Self-Care while Social Distancing: Twelve Ideas and Tips
Social-Emotional Resources
Stop, Breathe & Think
Headspace
SEL Resources for Parents, Educators & School Communities Related to COVID-19
Brain Pop
5 Mindfulness Apps (for Children)
School’s Out, Kids Podcasts Are In (Plus Many More Educate-at-Home Resources)
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Talking to Children about COVID-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
Our district is hosting Town Hall events today and tomorrow at 7PM and 4PM led by our Superintendent, Mark Dziatczak per the schedule below.
To submit questions in advance click Town Hall Questions.
Link to view the Town Hall live
As another reminder, both the district parent survey and district student survey eliciting feedback on our Continuity of Learning plan will remain open through tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6th. Your feedback is appreciated. (I sent a note earlier to the students via google classrooms.)
Parent Survey Link
Student Survey Link
Schedule of BPS Town Halls:
Tuesday, May 5
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Harlan Elementary School
Pierce Elementary School
Derby Middle School
Seaholm High School
Annex/Adult Transition Center
Wednesday, May 6
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Pembroke Elementary School
Quarton Elementary School
Birmingham Covington School
Derby Middle School
Seaholm High School
Lincoln Street Alternative
At the end of our second full week of online learning, we are hoping your family is healthy, adjusted to the new normal, and finding some fun in the new routine. Our Derby staff is still busy helping our learners grow and pushing them to be their best. Please enjoy the following “Derby Strong” message from our DMS family to yours: Derby Strong Video
Teacher appreciation week begins Monday, May 4th. A small email, thank you, or video sent from your child would go a long way with our teachers who have worked tirelessly these last few weeks and are really missing our students. Our teachers love getting positive notes from their students! Please encourage your learner at home to thank a teacher next week and show his or her gratitude to our Dragon staff!
Enjoy your weekend!
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
To submit an item for next week’s Derby E-News, email mpapp@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Thursday (5-7) Last PTA Meeting 4:30 PM via Zoom- Please see below
Please see the attached message from BT Travel with an update regarding Cedar Point Derby musical trips.
Ms. Barclay- Band sbarclay@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Mr. Karpinsky- Orchestra NKarpinsky@birmingham.k12.mi.us
Mr. Hummel- Choir JHummel@birmingham.k12.mi.us
April PTA Newsletter
We know that this is a unique time for all of us and that we need to stay connected more than ever now! Join us for our last PTA meeting on May 7th at 4:30 PM. We will be hosting our final PTA meeting virtually and ask that you join us to wrap up our 2019-20 year and announce our 2020-21 slate. After we cover our normal PTA business, we will host a panel discussion with the Derby Administration.
The link to the Zoom meeting is available in the eNews email sent at 8:15 am on 5/1/20
It’s that time of year to select our PTA “Volunteer of the Year”. Our PTA recognizes the importance of having volunteers in our schools and rewards outstanding volunteers with this award. Please consider nominating someone for the Derby PTA Volunteer of the Year. Both you and the nominee must be a paid member of the PTA. Nominations are due by May 8th. You can use this link to submit your nomination.
State Winner:
Music Composition:
Award of Excellence: Owen Dobrowitsky for “Beans”
District Winners:
Visual Arts:
Ally Schaufler, “Warm Heart”
Margot Nardone, “Daily Choices. Big Impact”
Music Composition:
Owen Dobrowitsky, “Beans”
Literature:
Gavin Bush, “Why Me?
Nominations for NJHS have been moved to September when we arrive back to school. 7th graders (future 8th graders) can expect their nominations when we return in the fall.
This organization was started by six local moms- two with kids at Derby!!
FLAG (front line appreciation group) of Metro Detroit
As we watched the number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Michigan rise dramatically in March and life continued to become more and more disrupted, we began to have conversations about what we could do to help. Our mission at FLAG of Metro Detroit is to offer support and meals to the front line medical staff, to help restaurants stay in business and to provide a way for people to help without leaving their homes. We have asked the community for donations, pooled the funds to purchase meals from local restaurants, and delivered them to front line workers in our local hospitals.
In four weeks, we've raised over $200,000, served 25,000 meals from 40 local restaurants! We've also amassed 25,000 people in our Facebook group who come together to support each other and our community as a whole. We recently became a nonprofit so that all donations are now tax-deductible!
This group serves as a positive light amid much uncertainty, a place to connect, lift each other up, and to bring hope. It might seem like just food, but it also sends such an important message to them that we are thinking of them, we are so grateful, and that we are all in this together!
www.FLAGmetrodetroit.org
Please help us spread the word!
Hello Derby families,
We have already been in contact with some of you, and miss seeing all of your faces. Also, we hope all are healthy and staying safe. Please, reach out to us via our e-mails listed below if you are having a hard time with anything socially, emotionally, or academically and need to schedule a phone or video call with one of us. We will work with your schedules, but for sure be available at the following times:
Ms. Kelly (students with last names M-Z): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Mr. Miller (students with last names A-L): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Should it be an emergency and we are unable to reach you in a time of critical need, please call 911 or one of the below phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Before we end this note, we want to let you know that both attached and below are some documents and websites of helpful items to use to continue to take care of yourselves. (Some of these items are even fun!) If you have questions regarding scheduling, please send us an email at the contact information below.
Hang in there; we’re in this together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kelly and Mr. Miller
Ms. Kelly (KKelly@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and Mr. Miller (DMiller@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Your Derby school counselors
April 2020 Coping Calendar
Corona Virus Resources - ASCA
Find a Counselor - Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
Find a Therapist - Psychology Today
Helping Children Cope with Stress – World Health Organization
Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty- Harvard University
Let It Go
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 - CDC
Self-Care while Social Distancing: Twelve Ideas and Tips
Social-Emotional Resources
Stop, Breathe & Think
Headspace
SEL Resources for Parents, Educators & School Communities Related to COVID-19
Brain Pop
5 Mindfulness Apps (for Children)
School’s Out, Kids Podcasts Are In (Plus Many More Educate-at-Home Resources)
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Talking to Children about COVID-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
4/22/2020
Thank you to all of our Derby teachers, students, and families for such a strong start to our new online learning platform. Our hope is your family continues to develop new routines as students adjust to Office Hours and teachers’ individual Google Classrooms. At any given time at our house, you can find the kitchen table full of books and laptops, multiple people in meetings and a dog barking, all parts of our new normal. Please see below for updates from Derby. We hope you are staying healthy and finding the sunshine!
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
The third quarter (Q3) officially ended on Friday (4/17). At this point, due to the school closure, teachers will be entering “G” grades for all of their students in PowerSchool for the third quarter. All “G” grades will be finalized in PowerSchool by Monday (4/20). Even though there will not be the traditional grades in PowerSchool for Q3, you may also notice that the percentages for each class will remain the same as they were when the school closure began.
Moving into the fourth quarter beginning on Monday (4/20), teachers will continue to document assignments in PowerSchool to help students and families keep track. In addition, teachers can also indicate in PowerSchool if assignments have been completed or not. This will help families support their students and keep up with the assignments. However, teachers will not be assigning grades or percentages to assignments in PowerSchool during the fourth quarter (Q4). Finally, for 6th graders that have rotation classes (Physical Education, Art, Skills for Living or Engineering Technology) as their electives, their normally scheduled fourth-quarter rotation class will also begin on Monday (4/20) and they should be receiving an invite into their new elective teacher’s Google Classroom.
Please congratulate the following students on winning the PTA Reflections Art Contest. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Congrats to our Derby Dragons winners, we are proud of you!
State Winner:
Music Composition:
Award of Excellence: Owen Dobrowitsky for “Beans”
District Winners:
Visual Arts:
Ally Schaufler, “Warm Heart”
Margot Nardone, “Daily Choices. Big Impact”
Music Composition:
Owen Dobrowitsky, “Beans”
Literature:
Gavin Bush, “Why Me?
Refund checks were picked up a week ago last Friday (they are only visiting the schools once a week to deliver/pick up mail). But then our mailperson had to add postage and deliver it to the post office. Hopefully, the checks will come this week! We appreciate how everyone has been patient as we tried to get refunds out ASAP! Thank you!
This organization was started by six local moms- two with kids at Derby!!
FLAG (front line appreciation group) of Metro Detroit
As we watched the number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Michigan rise dramatically in March and life continued to become more and more disrupted, we began to have conversations about what we could do to help. Our mission at FLAG of Metro Detroit is to offer support and meals to the front line medical staff, to help restaurants stay in business and to provide a way for people to help without leaving their homes. We have asked the community for donations, pooled the funds to purchase meals from local restaurants, and delivered them to front line workers in our local hospitals.
In four weeks, we've raised over $200,000, served 25,000 meals from 40 local restaurants! We've also amassed 25,000 people in our Facebook group who come together to support each other and our community as a whole. We recently became a nonprofit so that all donations are now tax-deductible!
This group serves as a positive light amid much uncertainty, a place to connect, lift each other up, and to bring hope. It might seem like just food, but it also sends such an important message to them that we are thinking of them, we are so grateful, and that we are all in this together!
www.FLAGmetrodetroit.org
Please help us spread the word!
Hello Derby families,
We have already been in contact with some of you, and miss seeing all of your faces. Also, we hope all are healthy and staying safe. Please, reach out to us via our e-mails listed below if you are having a hard time with anything socially, emotionally, or academically and need to schedule a phone or video call with one of us. We will work with your schedules, but for sure be available at the following times:
Ms. Kelly (students with last names M-Z): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Mr. Miller (students with last names A-L): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Should it be an emergency and we are unable to reach you in a time of critical need, please call 911 or one of the below phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Before we end this note, we want to let you know that both attached and below are some documents and websites of helpful items to use to continue to take care of yourselves. (Some of these items are even fun!) If you have questions regarding scheduling, please send us an email at the contact information below.
Hang in there; we’re in this together!
Sincerely,
Ms. Kelly and Mr. Miller
Ms. Kelly (KKelly@birmingham.k12.mi.us) and Mr. Miller (DMiller@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Your Derby school counselors
April 2020 Coping Calendar
Corona Virus Resources - ASCA
Find a Counselor - Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
Find a Therapist - Psychology Today
Helping Children Cope with Stress – World Health Organization
Helping Children Cope with Coronavirus and Uncertainty- Harvard University
Let It Go
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 - CDC
Self-Care while Social Distancing: Twelve Ideas and Tips
Social-Emotional Resources
Stop, Breathe & Think
Headspace
SEL Resources for Parents, Educators & School Communities Related to COVID-19
Brain Pop
5 Mindfulness Apps (for Children)
School’s Out, Kids Podcasts Are In (Plus Many More Educate-at-Home Resources)
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Talking to Children about COVID-19 - Parent Resource from NASP
4/15/2020
Dear Derby Families,
Welcome to our new online learning platform for the rest of the school year! Our teachers have been working extremely hard to bring our students the best possible programs in the given circumstance. Your BPS secondary admin team has put together a special message welcoming everyone back. You can check it out here: Link to YouTube message from the admin team
I know you have received a lot of information from BPS regarding our new platform. Here is what you can expect from our Derby team:
4/13/2020
Dear Derby Families,
Although this was not the Spring Break we were expecting, I hope you all found time to enjoy some sunshine and time with loved ones. For my family, it meant time playing backyard baseball and taking some long bike rides.
As we come back from break you will notice that the district Grade Level Google Classrooms do not have new assignments being posted to them. Our teachers are currently working on our new online learning platform in which they will have their own individual Google Classroom. Teachers will also be hosting their own “office hours” to meet students virtually, answer any questions and check in on our learners. Specific details about our program will be coming from BPS, Derby and teachers later on this week-stay tuned!
Our Technology Services Department is working to address the needs of families who truly need technology during this time. If your family is in need of a laptop, please email Mrs. Otterbacher at MOtterbacher@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
We look forward to continue learning with the Dragons this week. You will be updated as soon as we have the specific timeframe!
Go Dragons,
Marla Otterbacher
2020 8th Grade DC trip UPDATE 4/6
Good news on the refund for this year's trip. I have posted an email I received from my Worldstrides rep below. This email outlines a change in policy for refunds for those families that did not purchase trip insurance. Those families that did purchase the insurance will maintain the full refund benefit as it was originally described in the FRP agreement.
The second paragraph explains the change for those that did not have insurance. As I understand it, you still have the option to keep the money in your account to be applied to a future trip.
To get your refund, or get clarity on your options, you simply need to call Worldstrides at 800-468-5899. Give them trip ID 173358
Families,
I want to thank you for your tremendous patience as we’ve navigated this situation with our partners at WorldStrides. I’ve just spoken with my contact there, and I hope you’ll be pleased with how they’ve cleared a path forward here that will better suit our families!
I know we’re all disappointed by the disruptions that COVID- 19 caused and missing the chance to travel together is just one thing that is making this time so hard. WorldStrides will honor the Full Refund Program, as we’ve already discussed. Here’s the change. For those who did not purchase FRP, you will also get a similar cash refund, with an adjustment of $149 for just a small portion of WorldStrides’ unrecoverable costs including deposit paid. Your exact refund amount may vary depending on what you’ve paid in toward your trip cost. No action is required on your part to begin the refund process.
Due to the high volume of refunds being processed, WorldStrides has asked for your understanding on timing. Families can expect to receive refunds in late June or early July.
-The team at Worldstrides
Kindest regards
Chris
Dear Dragon Families,
Bravo to our students who continue to do a great job working on the BPS Google Classrooms. Our teachers will continue to upload assignments/enrichment activities this week. (Look for a special message from us at the end of the week!)
This week is "Virtual Spirit Week!". See below for all of the details (and attached) and join in the fun from home! We may not be able to see each other every day, but we can still show our Derby pride and share a smile. We hope you all are doing well and staying healthy!
Go Dragons!
Marla Otterbacher
Principal
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT YES WE DO - WE’VE GOT SPIRIT HOW ABOUT YOU?
o Derby will be hosting Spirit Week next week Monday, March 30th through Friday, April 2nd. We want YOU to participate!
o It is simple…follow the Spirit Day plan as stated in the attached flyer and have someone take a photograph of you each day you participate.
o Email your photographs to mmcgrath@birmingham.k12.mi.us for a chance to see YOUR picture appear in the Derby Yearbook AND for your photograph to appear in an upcoming video that Mr. Hickmott is putting together.
Who will display the most spirit…the choice is yours…we cannot wait to see your pictures!!!
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=21885&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 Mrs. Guise in the main office prior to participating. All physicals must be dated after April 15, 2019. Your student can drop it off, or you can email it (hguise@birmingham.k12.mi.us) or fax it at (248-203-4948).
The fundamental goal of Derby middle school is to develop confident, compassionate, intellectually curious young people, who are well prepared to excel throughout their high school years and beyond. Excitement and enthusiasm are two words that describe our middle school students. It is a unique time in children's lives when they can fully explore new activities, interests, and ideas.
As a principal, I am most proud of our school's commitment to the development of character. Whether it is through classroom activities such as writing letters to wounded soldiers, to students volunteering as Links to our special needs students, to school-wide community service projects, our students demonstrate their good character every day.
If you are a parent of our community and have any questions or concerns, please contact me. If you are considering having your child attend Derby Middle School, I welcome you to visit our school for a personal tour. Please contact my office to set up an appointment.
Best Regards,
Marla Otterbacher
Derby Middle School Principal
motterbacher@birmingham.k12.mi.us
1300 Derby Rd. Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-203-5000Fax: 248-203-4948
