Beaver Island Community School
Weekly Update
Friday, May 20, 2022
BICS Masking Level: Precautionary (Yellow) on Monday, May 23rd
On Thursday and Friday, BICS was operating at the red level in the Middle and High School and the elementary students were remote. We are currently planning on resuming face to face instruction for all students on Monday, May 23rd at the Precautionary Level (yellow). At the yellow level, the wearing of masks in the school building is required for all individuals (K-12 students and staff) in common areas, when working in close proximity, during all-school events, and during community events held in the building. Students may remove their masks when sitting at their desks in a socially-distanced classroom. Teachers may remove their masks when socially distanced from students. Parents and guests are required to wear masks at all times in the building. Notification of any updates or changes will be sent to all parents via e-mail and indicated on the BICS web page atwww.beaverisland.k12.mi.us.
Banquet and Bash Reminder!
In case you didn’t see the note from Mrs. Anderson, Junior Class Advisor, Banquet and Bash will be taking place this Saturday, May 21st. We are very appreciative of the folks who were able to accommodate our need to reschedule this event from last week—thank you Planet X, the Beaver Island Boat Company, and the Harbour Bodega.
We have been in contact with the health department, other school districts, and the BIRHC regarding the COVID situation on the ground, what other schools are doing with their end of the year events, and what might be the best way to proceed. In the interest of providing this opportunity for our students responsibly, Banquet and Bash will take place with the following protective measures:
First and foremost, we ask that all guests and volunteers honestly self-check their symptoms. If you have a runny nose, sore throat, achiness, and other flu-like or allergy-like symptoms, then please stay home.
Secondly, just as we are operating school on Thursday and Friday at the Protective (Red) Level, Banquet and Bash will be conducted in the Protective (Red) Level. In other words, guests and volunteers will be required to wear masks when indoors other than when they are eating. Students will not have to wear masks when outside on the boat (but will need to wear masks when in the cabin) or on the soccer field. Given the unique nature of the Banquet and Bash, taking masks off for quick pictures will be acceptable.
As a way to provide additional flexibility and choice for guests, those who would rather not wear a mask may opt to take a COVID-19 test at the school on Saturday afternoon. Those testing negative will be able to attend the event without wearing a mask. Those testing positive will not be able to attend the event. Testing will take place at the school on Saturday, May 21, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. If you would like to test but cannot make this time, contact Mr. Cwikiel.
The Banquet starts at 6:00 pm at the Holy Cross Hall. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Students who are not able to attend due to COVID-19 or other concerns, may still have someone pick up a meal “to go” and have a buddy pick their Bash prizes for them. If you would like a “to go” meal, please contact Mrs. Anderson.
“Wingin’ It” Rescheduled to June 7th
The 4-5-6th grade play, “Wingin’ It,” has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 7th at 7:00 pm. You don’t want to miss this hilarious coming of age theatrical production!
Monitor for Symptoms
Parents--Please monitor symptoms and make sure you keep your kids home if they are showing symptoms of any illness. Most people who tested positive recently report symptoms similar to “seasonal allergies.” BICS has N-95 masks and COVID-19 tests available for our students and their family members.
Island Cleanup and Track and Field Day
The annual Island Cleanup is planned for the afternoons of Thursday, May 26th and Track and Field Day is planned for May 27th. More information will be sent via e-mail early next week.
June School Board Meetings
The Beaver Island Community School Board of Education will hold their regularly scheduled committee of the whole working meeting on Wednesday, June 8th at 5:30 pm and their regularly scheduled business meeting on Monday, June 13th at 6:30 pm. The Board will hold their annual special budget hearing on Monday, June 27th at 5:30 pm. Parent attendance and public input are always welcome!
Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Beaver Island Community School
Weekly Update
Friday, May 6, 2022
Educator Appreciation Week at BICS!
Thanks to parents Patti Pritchett, Cari Ledbetter, Thayer McDonough, Theresa McDonough, Ryann Turner, and the BICS School Board Members, the faculty and staff were feeling a lot of love and appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank YOU for your generosity!
Thank You Beaver Island Voters!
Beaver Island’s voters showed overwhelming support for the CTE programs that were on the ballot this week, with 86% voting in favor the renewal of the current .75 mill levy to support existing programs and 74% of voters approving the .25 mill levy that would allow Beaver Island and other Char-Em schools to expand our programs. Thank you Beaver Island voters!
Elementary Basketball Travels to Kinross this Week!
The 4-6th graders head to Maplewood Baptist tomorrow morning to test their mettle against the other teams in the Northern Lights League. Please have your young athlete at the airport by 7:40 am Saturday morning! Go Islanders!
AP Tests on Monday and Tuesday
BICS Juniors and Seniors will be taking the AP Calculus and the English Language and Composition tests next week. Remember, testing starts at 8:00 am at the Peaine Township hall, so be there around 7:50 am. Thank you Juniors and Seniors for taking on the extra challenge of AP coursework—we are so proud of you!
Soccer? You Bet!
Coach Doughman, John Brady Robert, and Mr. Ledbetter will be leading intermural soccer for 4th through 7th Grade students May 10th through 19th on T, W, Th from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Make sure you get your permission slip in so you can participate!
Banquet and Bash Reminder!
Back by popular demand—the BICS Banquet and Bash will take place this Saturday, May 14th. Students, make sure you bring in your permission slips and money for the Bash by May 11th…and hope for good weather on the 14th!
Only a Handful of Tickets Remain for “Wingin’ It”
The 4-5-6th grade students are hard at work preparing for “Wingin’ It,” a hilarious play that captures the milestones of childhood. Tickets are on sale now at the Beaver Island Community Center for $8.00 each. Get your tickets now—you don’t want to miss this event!
BICS Masking Level
Currently BICS is operating at the green level--where mask wearing is recommended but not required. Although cases on the rise in northern Michigan, hospitalizations are staying steady at a low rate. Currently BICS is operating at the green level, and we will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Notification of any updates or changes will be sent to all parents via e-mail and indicated on the BICS web page atwww.beaverisland.k12.mi.us. Please monitor symptoms and make sure you keep your kids home if they are showing symptoms of illness. BICS has N-95 masks and COVID-19 tests available for our students and families.
May School Board Meetings
The Beaver Island Community School Board of Education held their regularly scheduled committee of the whole working meeting on Wednesday, May 4th at 5:30 pm and their regularly scheduled business meeting on Monday, May 9th at 6:30 pm. Parent attendance and public input are always welcome!
Happy Mother’s Day!
We’d like to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day! If it weren’t for moms, none of us would be here!
Have a Wonderful Weekend!