Weekly Parent News

Upcoming Dates

Friday, December 15: SAN Table
Monday, December 18: Artastic 7pm at VSFAC
Tuesday, December 19: Artastic 7pm at VSFAC
Monday, December 18 - Friday, December 22: Spirit Week
Monday, December 25 - Friday, January 5: Holiday Break; No School
Monday, January 8: School Resumes
Monday, January 15: KCTC not in session
Wednesday, January 17: Half Day; 1st & 2nd hour exams
Thursday, January 18: Half Day; 3rd & 4th hour exams
Friday, January 19: Half Day; 5th & 6th hour exams
Monday, January 22: BC Sports Boosters Round Ball Bash & Silent Auction

Toys for Tots

Help our community with Toys for Tots. Donations can be dropped off at any BCPS school or the Administration Office between November 29 - December 12. 

  • $10 min for gifts
  • No wrapped gifts
  • No used gifts
  • No weapon-like toys
  • No candy or food

Student Life & Leadership is also making a competition within the high school for the 1st hour class who donates the most gifts. 

Attendance FAQ:

When do absences from school start having a negative effect on students

Kent Intermediate School District encourages all Kent County students to have 5 or fewer absences throughout an entire school year. Studies show that beyond 5 absences each year results in significant learning loss. 

When do I notify the school of my student’s absence?

When a student is going to be absent for all or part of the school day, a parent/guardian must contact the school (616 878 6610) by 8am to notify us of the reason for the absence. Absences not excused by parent/guardian within 24 hours will be considered unexcused absence, resulting in a detention. 

What if my student misses multiple days of school?

Students who are absent from school for more than 12 days per semester risk losing credit for their course without passing their final exam with a 59.5% or greater. Any absence beyond 12 days will require medical documentation. Excused and unexcused absences count towards these 12 days. 

Can I call in and have my student go get lunch?

No, We are a closed campus and students are not allowed to leave for lunch.

Stay or Go?

When to keep your child home from school. 
‘Tis the season for germs and illness. Here are a few simple reminders of when to keep your child home from school:

  1. FEVER (100.4 or higher)-Must be FEVER FREE for 24 hrs without medication.

  2. Nausea/Vomiting-Typically may return after 24hrs of no symptoms with the exception of Norovirus. NOROVIRUS (aka “stomach flu”) is unfortunately on the rise and we are advising students to stay home for 48 hrs due to a longer contagious period. 

  3. Diarrhea-24-48hrs symptom free.

  4. Severe Cough-stay home if unable to cover cough and/or perform proper hand hygiene. Stay home if experiencing difficulty breathing with normal activity.  

When in doubt feel free to contact the school nurse with any questions or concerns (Email: lisavanderveen@bcpsk12.net OR Ph: 616-878-6639)

It is our goal to keep all kids in school as much as possible but also prevent the spread of illness. Keep washing those hands!

PSAT/SAT Testing

We have had a few parents reach out about signing their student(s) up for PSAT/SAT testing. All 9th-11th grade students will be taking the PSAT or SAT during the school day on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Students are automatically signed up and there is no action required on your end. 

Ski & Snowboard Club

As many of you are aware, Bittersweet changed their policies regarding ski clubs.  Due to these changes, we limited the capacity to 40 students this year  The Byron Center Public Schools Ski and Snowboard Club is at capacity. 

We have had some inquiries regarding the option of purchasing a ski club card and driving separately on our ski club night.  We are not offering that as an option this season. 

BC Earrings Online Sale

Help raise money to send our West Middle School Dolce Choir students to Disney's Theater Workshop in Orlando. 

BC Earrings Online Sale orders are due by Monday, December 11 and will be delivered to West Middle School choir department or your building office by Monday, December 18.  
 

Important Dates for Seniors

Senior baby pictures are due by January 19. JPG files are the best quality.
Email photos to bcbabypics2024@gmail.com 

Counseling Newsletter

BCPS Diversity Newsletter

Athletic Schedules

Schedules can be located on the BCPS App or on byroncenterathletics.com