News from Bowling Green City Schools

August 23, 2024

Message from the Superintendent



Dear Members of the Bowling Green City Schools Community,


As the new school year begins, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our students, families, and staff. The excitement in the air is unmistakable as we start the 2024-2025 school year, and I am happy to share some of the highlights that have set a positive tone for what promises to be a fantastic year.


This week has been filled with energy and enthusiasm, marked by the successful opening days for our students. It was wonderful to see the familiar faces of our returning students, as well as the enthusiasm of those new to our district. We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming our preschoolers on Monday.


Last week Bowling Green City Schools employees came together for Staff Opening Day—a day filled with inspiration, motivation, and a sense of unity. Our talented BGHS Orchestra quintet, BGHS Marching Band, and Madrigals Choir set the stage with beautiful performances that echoed throughout the halls. District leaders, local officials, and educational partners shared their vision and encouragement for the year ahead. Our teachers also participated in invaluable professional development and collaborative sessions, ensuring they are well-prepared to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for all of our students.


We also had an exceptional turnout at our back-to-school registration, orientation days, and open houses. It was wonderful to see so many families connecting with our staff, exploring classrooms, and getting ready for the year ahead. These moments of connection are what make our community so special!

 

I am honored to serve the students, families, community, and staff of Bowling Green City Schools. I promise that our District will work hard to improve each day to provide a high-quality education for our students, a financially sound organization for our stakeholders, and be a point of pride for the entire community.

 

Go Bobcats,


Dr. Ted Haselman

Superintendent

You're Invited!

Join the Superintendent for Coffee Chats

Join Superintendent Dr. Ted Haselman for his Coffee Chats throughout the school year to ask questions and have open dialogue on topics relevant to Bowling Green City Schools and the community. To better accommodate our residents' schedules, two Coffee Chats have been scheduled for later in the day. Dr. Haselman looks forward to meeting with you!


The first Coffee Chat of the school year is: September 10 from 8-9 a.m. at Biggby Coffee


Additional Coffee Chats:

October 23: 5-6 p.m. at Grounds for Thought

January 23: 9-10 a.m. at Novel Blends

March 20: 5-6 p.m. Biggby Coffee

May 7: 8:30-9:30 a.m.: TBD

BGCS Welcomes New Educators with Comprehensive Orientation Program

Bowling Green City Schools was pleased to welcome a group of 17 dedicated educators, new to the district, as they embarked on their journey with two days of intensive new teacher orientation.


On August 12, the teachers engaged in a full day of professional development training led by Ervin Educational Consulting. The highlight of the day was The Kid Whisperer training, where teachers received The Classroom Behavioral Manual. This invaluable resource equipped them with strategies for building strong relationships with students, sharing control in the classroom, and teaching positive behaviors. The session was both enlightening and practical, providing our new educators with tools to create a positive and productive learning environment from day one.


The following day, August 13, was equally packed with essential information and resources. The new staff had the opportunity to meet with personnel from the central office, covering critical areas such as technology, pupil services, and the teaching and learning departments. They were also introduced to the Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC), the Resident Educator (RE) program, and the Professional Development Tracker, which will support their ongoing growth and development.


They met with representatives from the Bowling Green Education Association (BGEA) and the Bowling Green Schools Foundation shared information about on classroom grant opportunities. The day concluded with principal-led meetings at their respective school buildings, giving them time to familiarize themselves with their new environments and prepare their classrooms for the upcoming school year.


Bowling Green City Schools is excited to see the positive impact these enthusiastic and well-prepared educators will have on our students and community. 

Photo: New teaching staff and The Kid Whisperer presenters at the BGCS New Teacher Orientation.

Empowering Classrooms:

New Interactive Technology Enhances Learning in Our Elementary Schools

Our elementary schools are now fully equipped with new whiteboards, interactive projectors, and amps with upgraded HDMI cables. Last summer, our technology staff completed 34 classrooms, and this summer they finished 37 more, making all regular-size classrooms ready for the new school year!


These tools allow teachers to project a plain digital whiteboard, digital graph paper, or lined paper and write, highlight, or insert shapes using an electronic stylus pen (with rechargeable batteries) or even write with their fingers on the new white boards! They can also project their computer screens to show a website, present PowerPoint slides, and even split the screen to display multiple screens.


These are just a few possibilities for our teachers to utilize this new technology in their classrooms!

Last week, our tech department held a training session for teachers new to this technology and a second session as a refresher for those already familiar with it. We're looking forward to seeing how these innovations will enrich our classrooms! 

2024 Operating Levy

Frequently Asked Questions


We are pleased to share the 2024 Operating Levy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). This resource is designed to provide clear and detailed information about the upcoming levy, its impact on our schools, and how it supports the educational needs of our students. We encourage all members of our community to click here and review the Operating Levy FAQ document. 

Stop for School Buses


It's up to both motorists and pedestrians to ensure the safety of our kids. Always stop for school buses and encourage our young ones to check before crossing.


If you're driving, stay alert and know when to stop for school busses.


Yellow lights on a school bus mean drivers should prepare to stop. Slow down, stay alert, and watch out for children.


When you see the red lights flashing and the bus has a stop sign out - stop for buses.

On a two or three lane road – drivers on BOTH SIDES of the road must stop when a bus is dropping off or picking up students. On roads with four or more lanes – drivers traveling the opposite direction of the bus DO NOT have to stop.

BG Police Division Offers Safety Tips as Students Return to School


Bowling Green Police Division asks that families and motorists make back-to-school safety a priority to ensure a safe and successful start to the new school year. Read about their safety tips for families and motorists here.

Back to School Sleep Reminder! 

As we start the new school year, it’s important to help our students reset their sleep schedules. Adequate sleep isn’t just about avoiding tired mornings—it's crucial for overall health, learning, and development. Proper rest helps students stay focused, improves concentration, and boosts academic performance.

 

Research shows that students who get enough sleep experience better outcomes, including:


  • Improved attention and behavior
  • Enhanced learning and memory
  • Better emotional regulation
  • Stronger mental and physical health

 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:



  • Children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours of sleep each night
  • Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours of sleep each night


Let’s start the year off right—well-rested and ready to learn!

Thank You Athletic Boosters for

a Fantastic 2024 Fan Fair

A huge shoutout to the volunteers from the Bowling Green Bobcat Athletic Boosters for their hard work in organizing the 2024 Fan Fair! This event was a wonderful celebration of our athletes, with exciting performances by the marching band and plenty of opportunities for Bobcat fans of all ages to connect with our athletes and coaches.


The event was packed with fun activities, where kids enjoyed visiting various stations and collecting stamps on their passports to earn a free t-shirt, courtesy of the Athletic Boosters. Families also enjoyed delicious options from food trucks and indulged in free cotton candy, making it a memorable day for everyone.


We are deeply grateful to all of the families and community members who came out to support our athletes and the marching band. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world to us. Here's to a fantastic season ahead—Go Bobcats!

It's Game Time: WTOL Fan Challenge

The WTOL 11 Fan Challenge kicks off today, and we need YOUR votes to help us win! The first round is crucial! All schools will compete, but only the Top 16 will advance. Once we're in, every matchup will be decided by YOUR votes. Each victory brings a $200 gift card for our teachers to use for supplies they need. We need every single one of you to step up and cast your vote to help us secure a spot in the Top 16. Don’t wait—click here to vote NOW! Go Bobcats!

Mark Your Calendars

Click here for High School Athletics Schedules and Middle School Athletics Schedules

August 24: Beginner Orchestra instrument pick up (PAC Lobby)

August 26: First Day of School for Preschool

August 31: MS/HS Jazz Students to Detroit Jazz Festival

September 2: Labor Day – SCHOOLS CLOSED

September 9: BGMS Picture Day

September 9: Bobcat Vocal Music Boosters Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

September 9: BGHS PTO meeting, room 138, 7 p.m.

September 14: BGHS Band Performance @ Rally BG

September 17: BOE Meeting, PAC Lobby, 6 p.m.

September 20: Staff Professional Development Day, NO STUDENTS

September 25: Crim PTO Meeting, 6 p.m.

September 26: 6th grade band demo in PAC, 7 p.m.

September 28: BGHS Band at Anthony Wayne Band Festival

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