Don’t miss out on everything you need to know at BMS! Watch our video announcements daily.
February 9, 2012
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The daily announcements will be posted to the web site by 3 p.m. daily.
We are reviewing our lunch service that is provided to our students and want your feedback. Please take a moment to fill out the survey linked below to help our food service department. All parents and guardians of BAS students are encouraged to complete the survey.
Thank you for your help!
The staff at Belding Middle School is collecting data for our school improvement plan. We invite all parents or guardians in the home to complete this survey (linked below) assisting us in this process. Your opinion is important and will assist us in improving our programs to better meet the needs of you and your child.
The survey will expire on March 1, so please complete it before then. Thank you for your continued support of Belding Middle School!
Click here to complete the Belding Middle School Parent Perception Survey
Belding Middle School’s newsletter gives you the most up-to-date information on important events and happenings in our building.
Belding High School’s newsletter, Friday Focus, gives you the most up-to-date information on important events and happenings in our building.
Read our most recent Ellis Elementary newsletter to find out about all the great things happening at our school.
Read our latest Woodview Elementary newsletter for information and events happening at our building.
Instructions for reading and signing the Student Code of Conduct Agreement
Watch the video linked here to learn about the new Michigan cut scores. The Michigan State Board of Education has recently changed cut scores for the MEAP and MME tests. This change has brought about several questions from both parents and the community. We want to keep you informed about these changes and how they will affect your students.
Click here to watch the video: Understanding the New Michigan Cut Scores.
What are cut scores?
Each year students in grades 3-9 are required to take the MEAP and eleventh graders are required to take the MME. MEAP and MME cut scores separate test takers into various categories such as advanced, proficient, partially proficient and not proficient. This scoring can be difficult to describe, but the results are clear: with the change in cut scores, fewer students will be considered “proficient” on state assessments.
How were cut scores changed?
Michigan’s previous cut scores for MEAP and MME were set at a very basic level. They have been raised. New cut scores represent a much higher standard for student achievement and are meant to better reflect a student’s progress toward college and career readiness. Now, instead of a passing score being in some cases as low as 29 percent, it will be more difficult for students to pass these tests and harder for schools to meet the definition of Adequate Yearly Progress. Under the new scoring system, students will have to correctly answer a much higher percentage of questions.
Why were the cut scores raised?
Raising the cut scores will give Michigan parents and students a much better sense of whether they are adequately prepared for the next step in their education and a future career. The new cut scores are also more in line with what is found in the Common Core State Standards that Michigan adopted in June. These new curriculum standards are based on College and Career Readiness Standards and they increase the rigor of what is taught in schools. Michigan will now be among those states, such as New York and Tennessee, which have these very difficult levels of testing.
What does this mean for students at Belding Area Schools?
BAS uses a variety of ways to measure student learning and academic progress. MEAP and MME are only two tools used to guide program changes and are not necessarily used for instructional decisions. Our teachers and administrators use classroom or school-based measures to provide more detailed information about student ability and achievement.
Like school districts across the state, our MEAP and MME proficiency results are expected to decline when publicly released next spring. While we anticipate an initial drop in the number of students reported as “proficient,” we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support.
If a student is reported as “not proficient,” it does not mean that he or she is not gaining academic skills or knowledge expected for his or her grade level. It means that on the day of the test, this student was not yet proficient on the material being tested. Many students may require additional help and/or time to master these skills. Actually, by the time parents and the school receive the MEAP/MME results from the state, many students identified as “not proficient” will have closed the gap.
For more information, contact your building principal or visit our district web site at http://www.bas-k12.org for periodic updates. We will continue to keep our parents informed through our district web site as well as written communications such as this.
Show your school spirit and shop for Belding gear in our new online spirit store!
Thirteen BHS students competed at the Regional Business Professionals of America competition at Davenport University. Nine of these students placed high enough in their competitions to qualify them to compete at the State Leadership Conference in March. Congratulations to our students on a job well done!
Administrative Support Team – 2nd place
Theresa Albert
Emily Kunkle
Arianna Leppink
Small Business Management Team – 2nd place
Chance Bylsma
Cody VanBuren
Tyler Jones
Legal Office Procedures – 4th place
Victoria Clark
PC Servicing and Troubleshooting – 4th place
Clinton Hewartson
Human Resource Management – 4th place
Emily Kunkle
Prepared Speech – 3rd place
Arianna Leppink
Economic Research Project, Individual – 4th place
Cody VanBuren
Financial Math and Analysis – 4th place
Fundamental Accounting – 4th place
Liz Wittenbach
Congratulations to Peg Berg who was named Teacher of the Week by the Ionia Sentinel Standard!
Peg Berg
Belding High School
Langusage Arts Teacher
What made you want to become a teacher?: My paternal grandmother was a teacher and so was my only aunt, Eleanor. I have always admired both of them.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?: I really love the kids, of course. I also love that no two days are the same in teaching. The kids have taught me to expect the unexpected and to maintain a sense of humor !
What is a lesser known fact about you?: I’m left handed and have ten wonderful grandkids. (I may have bragged about that one just a little.)
Favorite Band/Musician: I really enjoy Mozart and Diane Birch, not at the same time though.
Favorite Movie: “The War” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”
Favorite Book: “Boy’s Life” by Robert McCammon and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch telelvision regularly.
Favorite Place to Shop: Locally!
As Seen in the Ionia Sentinel Standard
Through a partnership with the city, alternative education students at Belding High School have worked together in order to help beautify the Belding Community Garden.
The students worked for three months to build and assemble three benches and three picnic tables thanks to a service learning grant which teacher Tim Sebald applied for in September.
He said after supplies were purchased at Self Serve Lumber in Belding and Menards in Ionia, the students began the construction.
“The kids definitely took leadership in the project,” said Sebald, adding he was proud of their accomplishments.
Now, the tables and benches have been stained and are ready to be stored through the winter season to be ready when the temperatures rise.
The students who helped make the items said they all enjoyed the work and experience. They added it makes them happy to assist in beautifying the community and providing a place for people to fully enjoy the gardens.
Andrea Belding, one of the coordinators for the Belding Community Gardens, said she is very pleased and thankful for the students’ hard work.
“We’re very excited. It definitely helps us out,” said Belding.
She said come spring time, the tables will be placed in select spots around the garden for maximum use, while the benches will be located at the north end of the property.
The goal of the gardens group is to live up to the word “community,” she said, and the school teachers are helping them live up to it.
“We’re so very grateful the community garden was thought to be a worthy project,” Belding added.
As Seen in The Ionia Sentinel Standard
By Karin Armbruster
December 13. 2011
Belding Middle School students are again gathering toys for Toys for Tots. Last year they raised 913 toys and are hoping to raiser even more this year! Their efforts were featured on WZZM 13.
Click here to see the video featuring BMS students on WZZM 13.
BAS Administrators voluntarily open contract and the district will save approximately $129,000 as a result.
Belding Area Schools (BAS) administrators voluntarily opened their employee contracts for renegotiation. The result of the new contracts will save the district approximately $129,000 over a two year period.
The new contract agreements will save about $45,000 during the 2011-12 school year and $84,000 the following school year. The agreements also make them subject to the new health care laws under Senate Bill 7; requiring schools to pay no more than a $15,000 family coverage hard cap, or enforce an 80/20 split with employees for healthcare costs. BAS administrators are on a healthcare plan that keeps them below the hard cap thus avoiding employee contributions.
“I appreciate the willingness of the administrative team to voluntarily come to the table during a time when school funding is so bleak in the State of Michigan,” said Superintendent Leslie Mount. “The administrators are already in year three of a pay freeze and last year moved to a new healthcare plan to save district funds. Their latest actions cut salaries, benefits and conference funds.”
Superintendent Mount’s contact was locked in for a total of three years when she began her position in 2010. A one year extension was added last year. No increases have, or will, occur during the contract. For the 2011-12 school year alone, her total compensation is $40,000 less than the previous superintendent who would have been contracted through the end of this year. In addition, Mount also went to the new health care plan.
The BAS Board of Education approved the contracts at the board meeting on Monday, November 21.
The Christmas Band Concert for tonight has been postponed until Thursday, December 15.
Join us for the Belding Band Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. in the aditorium on December 15. All are welcome! For every canned good you bring in you will receive a ticket and we will be doing a drawing for four poinsettia flowers. All canned goods will be donated to God’s Kitchen here in Belding. We look forward to seeing you at the concert.
The Belding Area Schools Ski and Snowboarding Club (middle school and high school) will be racing down the hills very soon. We offer discount lift tickets to Cannonsburg Ski Area. In addition to going to Cannonsburg, the ski club will also travel to Caberfae near Cadillac. This annual trip usually takes place over President’s Day weekend in February. Last year we had over 50 people go to Caberfae.
There is no school transportation for any ski club events. It is the responsibility of the parents and guardians to transport their child to the skiing areas.
Cannonsburg is in their second season of new ownership. Last year’s snowboarding and ski passes were a big hit. You must buy your pass through the school, in order to get the school discount. All money for season passes at Cannonsburg is due to Mr. Carlson by November 18. Please make checks payable to Cannonsburg Ski Area. Mr. Carlson will pick up and hand out the passes before Thanksgiving Break. Last year Cannonsburg opened over Thanksgiving break.
One of the biggest hits of last season was the “Parent Card,” which is good for six trips and cost $110. Another new option this year is the opportunity to buy a second card once you have used all of your punches. See below for more information.
If you have any further questions, please contact Mr. Carlson:
School - 794.4476
email:
CANNONSBURG STUDENT SKI AND SNOWBOARD PROGRAM OPTIONS 2011-2012 SEASON
LIFT TICKET CARDS
11 & older students:
Option I - 10 lift tickets, $150.00
Option II - 8 lift tickets, $125.00
Option III - 6 lift tickets, $105.00
Parents:
Parent card, 6 lift tickets, $110.00
Rental equipment will be the same for everyone based on our newly posted rates. You must have your ski club card with you in order to get the discounted rental rate.
Ski Rental Equipment:
Monday – Friday $12
Weekends and Holidays $17
Snowboard Rental Equipment:
Monday – Friday $15
Weekends and Holidays $20
All money is due to Mr. Carlson by Friday, November 18
Make checks payable to Canonsburg Ski Area
BMS Student Council is sponsoring the 2nd Annual WION Canned/Boxed Food Drive! We will be collecting food from November 9-22. Students can bring in canned or boxed food items (anything that can be stored on a pantry shelf) to their homeroom (AR) teacher and each canned/boxed item counts as one point for the homeroom class. The winning homeroom at each grade level will receive a game day in the game room during AR time!
The Grand Prize Winning Homeroom (First Place out of all 3 grade levels) will win a pizza party!
Last year we collected over 2,000 pounds of food! Let’s try and break our record! All food collected will be given to families in Ionia County.
Congratulations to our high school marching band members! They will compete at the state finals Saturday November 5 at Ford Field at 9:45 p.m. They are currently ranked 5th in the state.
The information below reflects the Budget and Salary/Compensation information of Belding Area Schools as required by Transparency Reporting.
Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Board Approved Budget
2011-12 General Fund
2010-11 General Fund
2009-10 General Fund
Athletic Fund
School Lunch Fund
Resolution
Personnel Expenditures
Personal Expenditures
Current Operating Expenditures
Operating Expenditures
Current Bargaining Agreements
Administrator Handbook
BEA Contract
BESPA Contract
Bus Driver Agreement
Employer Sponsored Health Care Plans
Administrator Benefit Plan
Union Support Staff Benefit Plan
Non Union Support Staff and Transportation Benefit Plan
Teachers Benefit Plan
Audited Financial Statements
Financial Audit
2010-11 Financial Audit
Employee Compensation Information
Employee Compensation, 2011-12
Employee Compensation, 2010-11
Employee Compensation, 2009-10
District Paid Association Dues
Association Dues
District Paid Lobbying Costs
Belding Area Schools has no lobbying costs to report.
Health Insurance Bids
Health Insurance Bids
Michigan School Data Portal
Click here to access the MI School Data Portal.
MI School Data is your window to a wealth of data on Michigan’s public school education system. The link below provides views of Michigan education data to help make informed educational decisions, to help improve instruction and to enable school systems to prepare a higher percentage of students to succeed in rigorous high school courses, college and challenging careers. Over time, MI School Data will be expanded to provide you with more data, more reports and more ways to access the information important to you.
Belding Area Schools has been busy planning and implementing some of the many bond projects that will take place over the next couple of years. Many exciting things are in progress.
Click here to find all the details on our various bond projects.
Belding Middle School’s Mrs. Melanie May was named Teacher of the Week by the Ionia Sentinel Standard. Congratulations Mrs. May!
Mrs. May’s Teacher of the Week Bio
School: Belding Middle School
Grade/Subject You Teach: Special Education for grades 6 through 8
What made you want to become a teacher?: My grandmother was a teacher and she really inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. It is what I have always wanted to do, and it is the best job in the world!
What is your favorite thing about teaching?: My favorite thing about teaching is my amazing students. They are so fun and make me laugh every day. I love watching them learn and grow!
What is a lesser known fact about you?: I love to create scrapbooks for my children of our family memories.
Favorite Band/Musician: The Verve Pipe and Brian VanderArk
Favorite Movie: “The Notebook”
Favorite Book: The “Twilight” series
Favorite TV Show: “Castle” and “The Mentalist”
Favorite Place to Shop: Old Navy
As Seen in the Ionia Sentinel Standard
October 26, 2011
Click here to access the article on the Ionia Sentinel Standard’s web site.
The Belding High School Drama Club will be hosting Romeo and Juliet on November 17, 18, and 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets $6 for the side section seats and $8 for the center section seats. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or they may be purchased at Millie’s starting on November 10. We hope everyone comes out to support the BHS Drama Club!
Congratulations to all of the students who have made it into West Side Story!
Cast List for West Side Story
*Tony, Nathan Huyck
*Maria, Theresa Albert
*Bernardo, Antonio Yanez
*Anita, Emily Sluiter
*Riff, Bret Priest
*Rosalia, Marissa Montero
*Chino, Wangpol Polnawee
*Anybodys, Ashley Salik
*Diesel, Thom Walters
*Graziella, Katie Groening
*Velma, Gabi Hayes
*Shrank, Katie Datema
Krupke, Kenny VanTimmeran
*Doc, Izzi Rytlewski
Glad Hand, Trevor Davenport
SHARK MEN
David Michalek (Pepe)
Brandon Hoople (Anxious)
Trishtin LaBelle (Luis)
Joey Dillingham (Moose)
Johnny Adame (Toro)
Connor Middlebrook (Nibbles)
Grant Steele (Indio)
SHARK WOMEN
Natasha Depue
Nicole Underwood (Teresita)
Nicolina Larsson
*Christy Gasper (Consuela)
Emily Kunkle (Margarita)
Sara Srupienko
Allie Granzo (Estella)
*Meghan Loser (Francisca)
Papishaya Thamsuaydee
Peach Kamphor
JETS MEN
Nathan Mason (Big Deal)
Michael Rackham (Tiger)
Ryan Hill (Mouthpiece)
*Andrew Swider (A-Rab)
Connor Tovey (Snowboy)
*Tyler Petrokovich (Action)
*Hunter Rackham (Baby John)
Mitch Jenks (Gee-Tar)
JETS WOMEN
Kate Ward
Alex VanLoo
Kenzie Shattuck
Natalja Girod (Minnie)
Mallory Miller
Emily Swider (Pauline)
Liz Wittenbach (Clarice)
Beth Mikek
Alyssa Ward
Katy VanTimmeran
CHORUS
Jazmyn Grant
Haley Davis
Briana Loree
Bradie Cooper
Tayler Reeves
Chelsea Price
Rachael Warner
Beth Anne Finley
Morgan Schumaker
Hannah Mikek
Laura Thaxton
Natty Auemanarom
Belding Middle school completed their first year of Fuel Up To Play with some beautiful new additions to their school. Thanks to the grant monies provided by the FUTP organization and the generosity of MC Sporting Goods, Belding Middle School was able to provide their school and students with a new game room.
The funds are used to promote activity within the school and movement of students. FUTP advisors at Belding Middle School felt that the integration of a game room would be interactive and fun for all students and engage kids in movement and activity at various levels and abilities.
MC Sporting Goods provided Belding Middle School with a tremendous amount of brand new equipment at a very low cost. Belding Middle School was able to get an air hockey table, fooseball table, shuffle board table, ping pong table and pool table for the students to enjoy. These tables and game room are used for student rewards and at events such as activity nights. The students have enjoyed playing on these tables and it has been a very nice addition to the school.
On September 27, six students from BMS participated in the Fuel Up to Play 60 - School Year Kick-Off Conference at Ford Field. This day educated students and school staff about the importance of eating healthy and exercising everyday. Participants also received tips they can take back to their schools in order to get more students involved. Students sampled a variety of healthy food items such as egg wraps, yogurt parfaits, smoothies and much more. In addition to eating healthy, students participated in daily exercise, such as a flash mob dance with rock star nutritionist Jill Jayne and football drills directed by the Detroit Lion’s coaches and a few of the current Lion players: Cliff Avril, Nate Burleson and retired player Luther Ellis.
Click here to see the news story about BMS and Fuel Up to Play 60
The Belding girls varsity golf team played at Western Greens par 36 course on September 19. The match was hosted by Coopersville. Belding individual scores and team scores are listed below.
Belding
Arianna Leppink-50
MaryRose Jakeway-50
Alyviah Mason-59
Theresa Albert-59
Team Total: 218
West Catholic-195
Forest Hills Nothern-216
Cedar Springs-221
Coopersville-189
Calvin Christian-199
Comstock Park-207
The next event is a dual match with Portland at Ridgeview Golf Club in Belding on Tuesday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Belding High School Senior Elizabeth Wittenbach was selected as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. She was one of 16,000 students selected across the nation and the only one in Ionia or Montcalm counties.
Wittenbach and the pool of semifinalists represent less than one percent of high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants of the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. About 1.5 million high school juniors entered the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking this test, which serves as the initial screening for program entrants.
To become a finalist, Wittenbach must fulfill several requirements including an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm her earlier performance on the qualifying test. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title.
“This is definitely a point of pride for our school and community,” said Brett Zuver, Belding High School principal. “All of the staff at Belding High School and throughout the district are so proud of her and her achievements so far.”
Wittenbach has lived in Belding all her life. Her parents, Mike and Marnie Wittenbach, are Belding natives as well. Her father owns and operates Wittenbach Orchards and her mother is a physical therapist. She is the oldest of three children. Her brother Tye is a sophomore at Belding High School and her sister Victoria is in the sixth grade at Belding Middle School. Outside of academics, she is very active in the Belding High School marching band and drama club. She enjoys playing the piano and is active in her church.
“We’re rooting for Elizabeth to go all the way,” said Superintendent Leslie Mount. “We know she has the potential to become a Merit Scholar. It’s wonderful to see such a kind and hardworking student receive this elite recognition.”
The Belding girls varsity golf team played an OK Blue jamboree at Ridgeview Golf Club in Belding. The course is a par 37. Belding finished 6th with 5th score playoff. Calvin Christian won 2nd place with 5th score playoff.
Belding
Kenzie Dahl - 48
Arianna Leppink - 51
MaryRose Jakeway - 60
Tayler Reeves - 60
Meghan Loser - 64
Team Total: 219
Calvin Christian
Hannah Staal - 47
Olivia VanDyken - 46
Alyssa Canute - 49
Jolissa Holsem - 49
Rachel Kuipers - 50
Team Total: 191
West Catholic
Libby Schichtel - 42
Kendall Walendzik - 48
Emma Arsubwicz - 47
Katie Kraus - 53
Team Total:190
Coopersville
Alexis Lampe - 45
Sarah Veldman - 46
Jenna Grimm - 50
Taylor Zerfas - 50
Team Total: 191
Cedar Springs
Nicole Shevuck - 47
Breanna White - 59
Conner White - 51
Jessica Ingerson - 54
Team Total: 211
Forest Hills Northern
Melissa Cox - 48
Kenzie Wright - 42
Christina McKnight - 51
Lexie Lynn - 52
Team Total: 193
Comstock Park
Alexis Datema - 51
Alexis Baker - 61
Hannah Borgeld - 55
Heidi Alt - 52
Kathleen Gray - 66
Team Total: 219
The next match is Thursday, September 8, at Iron Wood hosted by Calvin Christian.
The Belding girls varsity golf team began their season playing the OK Blue Jamboree hosted by West Catholic at the Highlands. The course is a par 36. Individual and team scores are below.
McKenzie Dahl - 50
Arianna Leppink - 56
Mary Rose Jakeway - 60
Tayler Reeves - 61
Theresa Albert - 68
Team Total-227
Coopersville - 213
Comstock Park - 223
Cedar Springs - 233
Forest Hills Northern - 209
West Catholic - 207
Calvin Christian - 208
The next event is the OK Blue Jamboree which will be held on Wednesday, August 31 at Ridgeview Golf Club at 1 p.m. Belding is the host.
The Belding High School cross country team would like to invite you to join us on Friday, August 26 at 7:45 a.m. for the 6th Annual Rivalry Run between Greenville and Belding. This is a non-competitive workout for the high school athletes that helps to kick off the day for the rivalry between Belding and Greenville. This year the run starts at Black Field in Greenville and ends at Rudness Field in Belding. The distance is about 9 miles. Several people from the community have joined us in the past for the run. You do not have to run the entire route. You can “hitch a hide” up the road from one of the support vehicles.
The cross country team would also like to invite you for our scrimmage with Comstock Park this Tuesday, August 30 at 9:00 a.m. at Lightning Bend Park on the east side of Belding. The Redskins look to find out what kind of racing shape they are in after logging over 5000 miles this summer. Andrew Wucher and Austin Giles have led the way for the boys’ team with over 350 miles each this summer, and Joesi Krieger and Monica Baylis have paced the girls’ team with over 300 miles each this summer. Eric Rasch was last week’s leader with 59.5 miles.
The Annual Education Report (AER) provides key information on the 2010-2011 educational progress for Belding High School. Please click on the link below for full details and information.
Belding High School Annual Education Report
The Annual Education Report (AER) provides key information on the 2010-2011 educational progress for Woodview Elementary. Please click on the link below for full details and information.
The Annual Education Report (AER) provides key information on the 2010-2011 educational progress for Belding Middle School. Please click on the link below for full details and information.
The Annual Education Report (AER) provides key information on the 2010-2011 educational progress for Ellis Elementary. Please click on the link below for full details and information.
Belding Area Schools supports the Dolly Parton Imagination (DPIL) Library of Ionia County. The Ionia County Intermediate School District in collaboration with the Belding Areas Schools, other area schools and generous community partners establishment the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ionia County. This is a free literacy program for children birth to age five. It is a gift from the community back to its young children. For just $27 per year, a child will receive a high quality, hard-cover book once a month delivered right to their home for an entire year. All children who live within the Ionia County Intermediate School District who have not turned five years of age are eligible.
Click here to visit the DPIL site for more information and to register your child.
While most passers-by see all of the upgrades happening outdoors at Belding Area Schools (BAS), there are many upgrades happening inside the classroom as well. The technology department at BAS has been busy all summer installing and upgrading equipment that will make classrooms more interactive than ever.
As part of the technology improvements, multimedia tools will be added to each classroom in the district. These classrooms will contain much more than the standard overhead projector of the past. “Our new multimedia classrooms will allow teachers to project a document onto an eight foot projection screen, then electronically manipulate it as the students watch,” said Mike Burde, director of instruction and technology at BAS. “Ultimately, our students will benefit from our multimedia tools as our teachers use them to reinforce skills and competencies demanded by the globally-competitive workplace.”
In addition, all K-5 classrooms in the district are now equipped with four student Netbooks that allow students to have technology at their fingertips. “In just one summer we have been able to add four student Netbooks to every kindergarten through fifth grade classroom in the district,” said Ryan Kelley, network engineer at BAS. “By the summer of 2012, each of our students in grades six through 12 will have their own Netbook that will be their digital textbook. Imagine the educational power in our district with this one-to-one technology.”
The multimedia classrooms include teacher and student wireless microphone, new ceiling mount projectors, 8’ screens, wireless Smart slate, and wireless routers to allow student Netbook internet access, and a four-speaker sound system. Teachers began the school year training with their new classroom technology and how to best utilize it for the success and achievement of their students. Sixth through 12th grade staff began initial training on the upcoming one-to-one initiative.
“It’s an exciting time at BAS,” added Burde. “Students will have technology at their fingertips and our teachers will have interactive tools to assist them, keeping our students at the highest level of learning.”
Check out The Belding Banner to read about all the great things and events happening at Belding Area Schools and find out the important dates for the start of the 2011-12 school year.
Belding Area Schools supports the Dolly Parton Imagination (DPIL) Library of Ionia County. The Ionia County Intermediate School District in collaboration with the Belding Areas Schools, other area schools and generous community partners establishment the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ionia County. This is a free literacy program for children birth to age five. It is a gift from the community back to its young children. For just $27 per year, a child will receive a high quality, hard-cover book once a month delivered right to their home for an entire year. All children who live within the Ionia County Intermediate School District who have not turned five years of age are eligible.
Click here to visit the DPIL site for more information and to register your child.
The Annual Education Report (AER) provides key information on the 2010-2011 educational progress for the district of Belding Area Schools. Please click on the link below for full details and information.
High school students have the option of testing out of the classes listed below. Students interested should plan to arrive at the high school media center by 9:00 a.m. on the day(s) of testing. Three hours have been set aside for the testing. We realize that some students will finish their testing prior to 12:00 p.m., while others may end up using the entire block of time.
Day 1
Monday, August 15
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
*English 9
*English 10
*Advanced English 11
Spanish I & II
*Note: Research papers must be turned in prior to starting the exam.
Day 2
Tuesday, August 16
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Algebra II
Biology 9
Geometry XYZ
Physical Science
Earth Science
Day 3
Thursday, August 18
9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m.
Government
Economics
US History
World History
The Belding boys golf team played their district tournament on June 2 at Oceana Golf Club in Shelby, MI. It is a par 72 course. Individual scores and team scores are below.
Belding Individual Scores
Cody Christensen-83 (Finished tied for 5th overall & received a medal)
Conor Wisman-85
Dillon Riches-93
Jake Fletcher-100
Team Total: 361
Regional Qualifying Teams
Whitehall-334
Chippewa Hills-344
Shelby-347
Central Montcalm-358
Belding-361
Reed City-366
Non-Qualifying Teams
Grant-378
Kent City-370
Newago-388
Lakeview-408
Montague-421
Regionals will be held on June 9 at Charlevoix Golf Club.
The Belding boys golf team played tge Blue/Silver Cross-over Tournament at Egypt Valley (par 72) on May 31. Individual and team scores are below.
Belding:
Cody Christensen-87
Jake Fletcher-90
Conor Wisman-94
Dillon Riches-107
Team Total-378
Forest Hills Northern-317 (Winner)
West Catholic-322
Cedar Springs-360
Calvin Christan-365
Belding-378
Sparta-381
Allendale-390
Coopersville-393
Kent City-401
Hopkins-412
The next event is the district tournament on June 2 at Ocean Club in Shelby.
Free summer meals are available for all children 18 and younger. There’s no sign-up necessary. Just come!
Where
Woodview Elementary School
Breakfast from 8:45 to 9:00
Lunch from 12:00 to 12:15
Snack at 3:15
Meals are available Monday thru Thursday, starting June 27th and ending August 11th.
Check the calendar and menu on the front door of Woodview Elementary or call 794-4753 for more information.
Funding for these meals is provided through the US Department of Agriculture.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The varsity boys golf team played at L.E. Kaufman for an OK Blue Conference Tournament (18 holes, par 71) on May 16, hosted by West Catholic. Individual and team scores are below.
Belding:
Cody Christensen-80
Conor Wisman-87
Dillon Riches-104
Jake Fletcher-105
Team Total-376
Cedar Springs-329
Comstock Park-339
Coopersville-358
Forest Hills Northern-312
Sparta-352
West Catholic-319
Final OK Blue standings:
1. Forest Hills Northern
2. West Catholic
3. Comstock Park
4. Sparta
5. Cedar Springs
6. Coopersville
7. Belding
All-Conference: Cody Christensen
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Conor Wisman
Next Event: Blue/Silver Cross-Over, Tuesday, 5/31/11, Egypt Valley Country Club.
As part of the annual Community Showcase, Gold Star Awards were given to one local business and individual.
This year’s business winner was Belding Tank Technologies, represented by Dan Blunt, Jr. This award is given to a business that has given generously of its resources in support of Belding Area Schools and its students. Belding Tank has supported the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, as well as sponsoring numerous youth and sports teams. They also support our students’ education through donations to the Belding Museum and the Alvah N. Belding Library.
Tami Tefft, BAS Maintenance Secretary, was the 2011 recipient for the individual Gold Star Award. Tami can often be found “behind the scenes.” She helped organize the first Nutrition Night and has arranged blood drives for students and staff. She, along with her husband, Mike, head up Belding’s Labor Day Celebration.
Our community is lucky to have such fine people who truly make Belding and our schools “a great place to live, learn and grow!”
The Belding Boys golf team played in the OK Blue Jamboree, on May 11 at Egypt Valley Country Club (par 36), hosted by Forest Hills Northern. Team and individual scores are below.
Belding:
Cody Christensen-43
Conor Wisman-46
Spencer Middling-54
Dillon Riches-57
Team Total-200
Cedar Springs-194
Comstock Park-180
Coopersville-201
Forest Hills Northern-165
Sparta-176
West Catholic-173
The next event will be the Sparty Cup Invitational at Cedar Chase held Friday, May 13, hosted by Sparta.
The Belding boys golf team played an OK Blue Jamboree at Moss Ridge Golf Course (par 36) on May 10, hosted by Coopersville. Team and individual scores are below.
Belding:
Cody Christensen-39
Conor Wisman-43
Jake Fletcher-47
Dillon Riches & Mike Brauer-51
Team Total: 180
Cedar Springs-170
Comstock Park-162
Coopersville-177
Sparta-170
West Catholic-150
Forest Hills Northern-155
The next event will be the OK Blue Jamboree on Wednesday, May 11 at Egypt Valley, hosted by Forest Hills Northern.
Mrs. Mehney’s and Miss Johnson’s classes will be attending Camp roger on Thursday, May 19th. We will leave the school at 9:00 a.m. and return at 3:00 p.m.
Field Trip to Camp Roger
Individuals wishing to volunteer on field trips, etc. are required to complete the ICHAT form. Please be prepared to provide a picture ID if necessary.
Volunteer Background Check - ICHAT Form
Send your student a special graduation wish or message!
Would you like to send a congratulations wish or good luck message to a senior? Parents, students, friends, teachers, neighbors, and family members can send a wish to a specific senior for $1.00 and this includes a few Hershey “kisses”. Wishes including a small plush item that says “I love you” are available for $5.00 (there are a limited number of plush available). These wishes will be distributed to seniors during their all night party. If the student is not attending the all night party the wish will be distributed to student their final week of school. Deadline to order is May 23rd. The forms are available on-line at the Belding Area Schools website (high school), in the high school office and will be sold at the end of next week during lunch hours.
Good Luck Wishes Order Form
Good Luck Wishes Order Form (with plush puppy)
Parents of the Class of 2012: It is time for you to begin thinking about electing officers and organizing your Project Graduation 2012 group. Traditionally, first meetings take place in June for election of officers and this also allows ample time for summer fundraising. You will also need to secure your location PRONTO! Project Graduation 2011 Executive Board will attend your June meeting to turn over records. Class of 2012 can contact Pam Wittenbach (794-4423) or Val Clementz (794-4701) for further information.
Project Graduation 2011: Next and final meeting for parents is scheduled for Monday, May 9th at 6:30pm in the BMS Media Center. Commitment forms to attend the All Night Party are due Friday, May 13th. If parents or students have volunteered during the school year the fee is $35 (attending a project graduation monthly meeting is not considered volunteering). If parents/student have not helped with any fundraisers during the school year the fee is $150. All of the fee procedures were outlined on the blue commitment forms distributed at the beginning of the school year. If a family/student still wishes to volunteer and then only pay the $35 fee to attend the party there is still time to help us out: student or parent can collect returnable cans/bottles; student or parent can return the cans/bottles we have in the Bordeaux garage; student or parent can work the car wash scheduled for 5/14 (9-noon); student or parent can work the powder puff event scheduled for 5/21; parents can chaperone the all night party; student or parent can sell our Good Luck Wishes and Good Bye Kisses during BHS lunch time; parent can wrap the candy bags that go along with the Good Bye Kisses wish (this can be done at home); parent can help with the Locker Buddy promotion (some of this can be done at home and some of this will need to be done at the high school the week of 5/15); parents can shop for the paper products needed for the all night party; parents or students can bake dessert for the meal to be provided students on 5/26 (after graduation and before they load the bus); posters can be made for the all night party. Please contact Pam Wittenbach at 794-4423 or if you have any questions. Thanks!
OK Blue Jamboree at Cedar Chase (par 36) hosted by Cedar Springs.
Cody Christensen-41
Conor Wisman-41
Mike Brauer-53
Spencer Middling-52
Team Total-187
Cedar Springs-182
Comstock Park-166
Coopersville-186
Forest Hills Northern-161
Sparta-173
West Catholic-167
OK Blue Jamboree at Cedar Chasee (par 36) hosted by Sparta.
Cody Christensen-45
Conor Wisman-46
Spencer Middling-54
Dillon Riches-58
Team Total-203
Cedar Springs-186
Comstock Park-180
Coopersville-196
Forest Hills Northern-165
Sparta-182
West Catholic-167
Coaches comments: Our course management was not strong and it cost us some penalty strokes. Our short game was not where it could have been today. We will be working hard at these two things during practice to bring them back.
Next event: Monday, 5/9/11, at Scott Lake Golf Course (Comstock Park hosting), at 1 p.m.
OK Blue Jamboree on 5/2/11 at The Elks (par 36), hosted by West Catholic.
Cody Christensen-40
Conor Wisman-43
Dillon Riches-49
Jake Fletcher-54
Team Total: 186
Cedar Springs-188
Comstock Park-166
Coopersville-188
Forest Hills Northern-164
Sparta-177
West Catholic-162
Coaches Comments: Once again tough conditions....cool & breezy with wind at a steady 20-25 mph. Course conditions were very wet with some very deep rough. Considering conditons, we played well.
Next Event: Wednesday, 5/4/11, OK Blue Double Jamboree, 1 p.m., at Cedar Chase hosted by Cedar Springs and Sparta.
Our beautiful 2010 is officially on the market! This is a must-see home that was beautifully built using the highest quality materials available.
Our 2008 home has been taken off the market so we can finish the basement. Information and photos for both homes are available below.
Belding Area Schools Build-A-Home program constructs homes of the highest quality. Name brand products including windows, flooring and cabinetry are used in all of our homes. Because the program teaches students how to become experienced and professional builders, we only allow the highest standards of workmanship. In many cases we go above and beyond standards to make sure students have learned the best possible way to build homes and please homebuyers.
What does this mean for you?
If you purchase a Belding Area Schools Build-A-Home you can expect a home of excellence, character and, most of all, great value.
For more information or to take a tour of one of our beautiful homes, please contact us at 616-794-4700.
Ionia County Shoot Out, Saturday (4/30/11), hosted by Lakewood at Willow Wood Golf Course (par 71), Portland
Belding:
Cody Christensen-81 (3rd overall)
Conor Wisman-83 (5th overall)
Dillon Riches-110
Jake Fletcher-114
Team Total-388
Ionia:
379
Lakewood:
322
Pewamo-Westphalia:
368
Portland:
341
Portland-St. Patrick:
391
Saranac:
429
Coaches Comments: The guys played decent today. We came home with two players in the top five (they both received metals). The conditions were very difficult as teh wind blew steadly from 20-30 mph. Overall, fairly decent showing.
OK Blue Conference Jamboree at Candlestone (par 36) on 4/25/11.
Belding:
Cody Christensen-46
Conor Wisman-47
Mike Brauer-58
Jake Fletcher-60
Total-211
Sparta-171
Cedar Springs-177
Forest Hills Northern-159
Comstock Park-172
West Catholic-163
Coopersville-196
Coaches comments: We had some real big numbers on the score cards today. We got into some trouble and just couldn’t get out of it in many cases.
Next Jamboree: Wednesday, 4/27/11, at Moss Ridge, Coopersville hosts.
Scheduling for the 2011-2012 school year is ready to begin! Please review the information below to prepare for next year’s scheduling. If you have any questions, contact Belding High School at 794-4900.
Belding High School’s Mr. Dan Scholtens was named Teacher of the Week by the Ionia Sentinel Standard. Congratulations Mr. Scholtens!
Mr. Scholtens’ Teacher of the Week Bio
School: Belding High School
Grade/Subject You Teach: Ninth through twelfth grade Biology
What made you want to teach?: I was inspired by my favorite high school teacher, Mr. Gary Kilborn at Ionia High School. I knew I would like to coach as well, and teaching was an avenue to that goal.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?: I find it very rewarding to help young people, whether I am helping them with Biology or helping them become better people.
What is a lesser known fact about you?: That I am a Fantasy Football junkie.
Favorite Band/Musician: Sheryl Crow
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Book: “The Art of War”
Favorite place to Shop: Pottery Barn
Favorite Website: http://www.si.com (Sports Illustrated)
As Seen in the Ionia Sentinel Standard
March 4, 2011
Click here to access the article on the Ionia Sentinel Standard’s web site.
MME week is a very important weel at Belding High School. Take a look at the schedule below to make sure you’re ready for all MME will bring.
2:00 p.m.
MME Assembly in the Auditorium (Juniors)
7:15
Staff Briefing-Teacher’s Lounge
ACT
No School for 9th, 10th, 12th Graders
7:15
Staff Briefing
7:30
Sophomores PLAN test
Juniors WorkKeys test
Freshmen-Field Trip to Davenport University (meet in auditorium)
7:45
Senior Exit Interviews-gymnasium
-Lunch after testing is complete (TBA)
-Blocks 1 and 2 after lunch-they may be shortened depending on the actual time the testing ends
1:30
Freshmen return from Davenport field trip
7:15
Staff Briefing
7:30
Freshmen EXPLORE test
Sophomores to GVSU (meet in auditorium)
Juniors MME State Testing
7:45
Senior Exit Interviews-gymnasium
-Juniors (good testers) report to auditorium upon completion of MME State Testing for Rewards Assembly-then dismissed for the day
-Lunch after testing is complete (TBA)
-Blocks 3, 4, and 5 after lunch-they may be shortened depending on the actual time the testing ends
1:30
Sophomores return from GVSU field trip
