Bath Community Schools
“Where Children Count”
August 2016
Dear Parents,
Central Office
6175 E. Clark Rd.,
PO Box 310
Bath, MI 48808
Jake Huffman
Superintendent
641-6721
641-6958 (fax)
———————————-
High School
6175 E. Clark Rd.,
PO Box 310
Bath, MI 48808
Matt Dodson, Principal
641-6724
641-7046 (fax)
————————————
Middle School
13675 Webster Rd.,
PO Box 310
Bath, MI 48808
Just a few more days and the halls will be filled with students and
staff. August 30th marks the first day of school and the schools
are a buzz in anticipation of the coming school year. Sports practices have begun, the finishing touches of paint are drying on
some of our freshly painted walls, and the staff is preparing for
this week’s professional development days.
Our technology staff has been working diligently throughout the
summer to add 220 Chromebooks, set up Chromebook carts in
classrooms, reset lab computers into Chromeboxes (Neverware
Software), updated all the Wi-Fi routers / switches, updated
computers and added more iPads. We are also migrating email
service from MeritMail to our Google Apps domain.
It was a pleasure to meet Timothy Busfield, actor and director,
who stopped in at Central Office to see me over the summer. He is
working in the area and is interested in sharing his craft with students through various workshops. We hope to hear more of his
ideas in the near future.
—————————-
One way to help your child succeed in school is to be involved in
their education and to maintain positive communications with
their teachers. I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher anytime you have questions or concerns. If you are unsure of
who to contact when you have a question or concern, I suggest
you review the “Chain of Command” included with this newsletter.
Elementary School
13789 Webster Rd.,
PO Box 310
Bath, MI 48808
I am looking forward to a great school year and to connecting with
all our wonderful students, families, and staff!
Lorenda Jonas, Principal
641-6781
641-4996 (fax)
Lisa Roedel, Principal
641-6771
641-7288 (fax)
__________________
Website
bathschools.net
Proud to be a Fighting Bee
Jake Huffman, Superintendent
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First Day of School ~ August 30, 2016
Elementary School
8:45 a.m.—3:45 p.m.
(first bell 8:40 a.m.)
Leaders Believe It, Bee's Achieve It! At Bath Elementary
School we grow the leaders of tomorrow through The
Leader In Me (Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective
Students) principles. Our Preschool through fifth grade
classrooms provide an engaging, safe and nurturing learning environment. KEEZ (Great Start Readiness Program)
provides a preschool program 4 days each week. The
Beehive offers a wrap-around (before and after school
care) as well as a preschool program. We offer developmental kindergarten along with our traditional kindergarten classrooms. Our K-2 classrooms are equipped with 10
or more iPads for learning purposes and our 3rd-5th grade
classrooms are one-to-one with Chromebooks. The staff
of Bath Elementary School are the best part of who we are
at the Elementary School, they are cheerful, warm and
dedicated to children.
Bath Middle School offers a wide variety of electives
(Spanish, art, band , drama, reading and math interventions to name a few). Also available is the Algebra I option (receive HS credit) and the Spanish I Option (test to
receive HS credit). In addition to this, you will find a homework room and many other academic supports to assist
students in being successful at the middle school level.
Volunteers are always welcome at the middle school and
are encouraged to join the Parent Teacher group.
Middle School
7:40 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
(first bell 7:35 a.m.)
Each year the high school organizes the Unity in the Community Day. On this day students go out in the Bath community to help our citizens with various tasks and give
back to our community. If you are looking to volunteer,
there are numerous opportunities at the high school in the
Band Boosters, Athletic Boosters, the Renaissance Program, etc.
High School
7:45 a.m.—2:35 p.m.
(first bell 7:40 a.m.)
The high school is especially proud of the Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, the Microsoft Certification Cisco Academy, junior and senior courses focusing on career/
college prep., vocational education programs and college
course offerings. Other exciting programs involve guided
academics, peer tutoring, peer mentoring (LINKS), state
certified computer networking courses and in house technology courses articulated to Lansing Community College
Credit.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION/ADMINISTRATION
Board of Education
Sam Bachelor
Ann Chaffee
Dean Sweet, Jr.
Nancy Hawkins
Stephanie Halfmann
Ken Krapohl
Blair Svendsen
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Bath Middle School
Lorenda Jonas, Principal
13675 Webster Road, P.O. Box 310
641-6781
Erik Harrelson, Athletic Director
6175 E. Clark Road, P.O. Box 310
641-6724
Bath Elementary School
Lisa Roedel, Principal
13789 Webster Road, P.O. Box 310
641-6771
Scheduled Board Meetings
Bath BeeHive Preschool/Latchkey Program
Jeannine Brown, Director
641-6218
Regular Open Meetings of the Board of Education will be held on the fourth Monday of each
month (with the exception of July 11, August
15, December 12, January 9, 2017) for the
2016/2017 fiscal year. Regular Open Meetings will be held in the Dr. Therese M. Peterson
Lecture Hall (6175 E. Clark Road, Bath) starting at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. The
meetings are scheduled as follows:
Bath GSRP - Kids Early Education Zone
Darlys Cowan, Director
(989) 224-4957
July 11, 2016 *
August 15, 2016**
September 26, 2016
October 24, 2016
November 28, 2916
December 12, 2016
(@ 5:00 pm)
January 9, 2017***
February 27. 2017
March 27, 2017
April 24, 2017
May 22, 2017
June 26, 2017
Transportation Office
David Wright, Director
13675 Webster Road, P.O. Box 310
641-6723
Food Service
Cathy Zeeb, Director
13675 Webster Road, P.O. Box 310
641-7068
Communications
(see also “Chain of Command”)
Teachers
Questions or concerns regarding instructional practices should be directed to the teacher first. If resolution still is not reached after this step, a conference should be scheduled with the principal.
*Annual Business Meeting **Work Session (@6:00 pm)
***Organizational Meeting
Administrators/Supervisors
Questions or concerns should be directed to the
administrator or supervisor who has responsibility
of the area in question.
School Directory
Superintendent
Central Office
641-6721
Jake Huffman, Superintendent
Doug Murphy, Technology Director
Caroline Maurer, Business Services Specialist
6175 E. Clark Road, P.O. Box 310
Bath High School
Matt Dodson, Principal
Erik Harrelson, Athletic Director
6175 E. Clark Road, P.O. Box 310
If questions or concerns have not been adequately
addressed at earlier levels, a conference with the
superintendent is appropriate.
Board of Education
The Board of Education is the final level of
contact with the district about a question or concern.
641-6724
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ATHLETICS
The sports season has begun and we are all looking
forward to a stellar year here at Bath Community
Schools. On August 16th an all sports parent meeting
was held covering such topics as: Athletic Department
Goals, injury procedures, concussion protocol, Fall
sport specific meetings, schedules, etc. If you were
unable to attend the meeting and you have questions
regarding sports and your child, I encourage you to
first check out the Athletic Website. On the Athletic Webpage is a link to the
schedule of upcoming games. This is also the area where various notices will
be posted and information you may need to better understand the sports program.
Erik Harrelson, Athletic Director
CALENDAR & PUBLIC NOTICES LINKS
Click HERE to access the 2016/2017 Calendar
Click HERE to access Public Notices
(printed copies available upon request)
STAFFING CHANGES
NEW STAFF MEMBERS AND STAFFING CHANGES: MALINDA BORREGO (FOOD SERVICE), LINDA BOSMA (PARA
ES), SARAH CHRISTOPHERSON (PARA AT HS), LAUREN LOVE (PARA AT ES), PAULA MAGEE (FULL-TIME BUS DRIVER), AARON MAYES (JV VOLLEYBALL COACH), ASHLEY MILLER (FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL COACH), MELISSA ROOSA
(PARA AT ES), CHRIS RYPSTRA (ASSISTANT VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH), ALEX SCHRAUBEN (JV FOOTBALL COACH),
JENNIFER SMITH (PART-TIME BUS DRIVER), DAVID WRIGHT (TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR).
AT
FAREWELL TO OUR RETIREES...THEY WILL BE MISSED! NAN BENDALL (BUSINESS MANAGER), GRAY BENDALL
(TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR), MARY BLANKENSHIP (FOOD SERVICE), JO COOLEY (MEDICA CENTER), JACKIE SHELEST
(EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT). BEST WISHES!
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GENERAL INFORMATION
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Breakfast/Lunch
Prices
Once the decision is made to either delay or close
school, the following television and radio stations
will be notified:
WILX TV 10
WLNS TV 6
FOX TV 47
WMMQ 94.9 FM
WVIC 94.1
Q106.1 FM
WITL 100.7 FM
WJIM 1240 AM
WFMK 99.1 FM
WJIM 97.5 FM
Elementary School:
Student Breakfast
Student Lunch
On days when school is cancelled due to
inclement weather, ALL EVENTS ARE
CANCELLED EXCEPT FOR HS ATHLETICS, and
an administrative decision to cancel/not
cancel will be made later in the day
(1:00 PM).
Middle School/High School:
Student Breakfast
$1.25
Student Lunch
$2.75
Individual milk for all students
$.50
In the event there is a two (2) hour delay,
school will end at its regular time with no morning Latchkey services, and no BeeHive morning
Preschool program.
Bath Great Start Readiness
Preschool Program (GSRP)
ATHLETIC TICKET PRICES
(in partnership with Kids Early Education Zone)
Student Pass
Family Pass (Best Value)
High School Sports
Middle School Sports
Cross Country, Golf
Golden Passes 60+
Now Enrolling
for Bath
Elementary School
(need to be 4 by 9/1/2016)

Qualified teachers and associates

School Hot Lunch & Breakfast provided

Transportation available

Four full days a week-Sept.—May
$1.25
$2.50
$30
$150
$5
$3
Free
Free
Passes are non-transferable
and must be presented at each
contest. Passes may not be
used for Michigan High School Athletic
Association Tournaments. All passes
are good for home events only.
To complete an application, apply online at
clintonpreschool.org - Questions? Contact
Darlys Cowan at Kids Early Education Zone
[email protected] / (989) 224-4957
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
The Bath Community Schools
district transportation department
welcomes back all returning
students and extends a special
welcome to any students and
parents newly enrolled in our
school district.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Parents and students can expect bus pick up times to be fairly consistent with last
year’s pick up times. Please be patient the first week of school as we all adapt to
the bus routes. Some bus route adjustments may need to be made during this time
as we work to accommodate approximately 500+ students needing transportation
on a daily basis. Please check with your student occasionally to see if their bus driver has notified them of any route change information. Students are expected to be
at their respective bus stops five minutes before their regularly scheduled pickup
time. If you are new to the school district and need to arrange transportation or
have other questions or concerns, please contact the transportation office through
one of the contact methods listed below:
~
Transportation Office Phone #:
(517) 641-6723
Transportation Bus Drivers Phone#:
(517) 641-4647
Transportation Email address: [email protected]
ES OPEN HOUSE ~ 8/25/16 ~ (5:30 pm-7:00 pm)
MS OPEN HOUSE ~ 8/29/16 ~ (6:00 pm-7:30 pm)
STUDENT ORIENTATIONS ~ 8/29/16
HS (8:00 am-12:00 pm) ~ MS (1:00 pm-6:00 pm)
See website for grade level scheduled times
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 Fighting, wrestling or horseplay will not be tolerated. Students must refrain from taking other students’ property such as hats, coats, pencils,
books and lunches.
FOLLOW the RULES
for BUS SAFETY
 Throwing articles of any kind will not be tolerated.
 Animals (including reptiles, amphibians, and
 The driver is in charge of the bus at all times.
 To maintain regular schedules, pupils must be at
birds), skateboards, weapons, knives, fireworks
and dangerous objects are prohibited. The aisles
shall be kept clear at all times; items not able to
fit on a student’s lap are prohibited. Litter should
be placed in waste containers.
their bus stop five minutes before pick-up time.
Bus drivers are unable to wait for tardy students.
 Students must stay off the roadway while waiting
and are to behave in a well-mannered, orderly
fashion, with no physical or verbal abuse to others
or abuse of others’ property. Students must form
a line and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and the door is opened before attempting to get on. When leaving the bus, students
must remain seated until the bus has come to a
complete stop and the door is opened.
 Eating, smoking, chewing tobacco, or possession
of intoxicants or illegal substances are prohibited.
Students are not to posses matches or start fires.
 Anyone apprehended for deliberately damaging a
bus (tearing seats, breaking windows, etc.) will be
suspended from riding the bus and held financially responsible for repair or replacement.
 All students who cross the street when leaving the  Approved articles (including musical instruments,
bus must cross 10 feet in front of the bus. Students must wait for a signal from the driver before
they cross; the driver will hold up a yellow paddle.
Students should cross promptly.
 Students are expected to remain in the seat des-
athletic equipment, toys, etc.) must be kept in a
bag or case.
 No glass containers are allowed on the bus.
 The rear door of the bus is to be used only in the
case of emergencies.
ignated by the driver. Students must keep their
feet out of the aisles, off seats, and off the back
of seats, and refrain at all times from moving
around while the bus is in motion.
 A written request from a parent, approved by the
principal or transportation coordinator, will be
necessary before a student may be admitted or
discharged at a stop other than his/her assigned
route.
 No part of the body and no objects should be extended outside the windows.
 There shall be no loud talking, shouting, whistling,  Transportation will be denied to any unauthorized
persons.
or profanity on the bus at any time. Students
must avoid unnecessary, disturbing noises. The
driver should not be distracted while the bus is in
motion. Students are not to shout at passing persons or
vehicles.
 Students may be suspended from riding a school
bus for failure to obey the rules or when their actions in any way are considered detrimental to the
rights,
safety, and property of others, or control of the
bus.
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The Bath BeeHive…a partner in your child’s educational experiences!
The Bath BeeHive is an on-site childcare at Bath Elementary ~ quality care at an affordable
rate right here at your child’s school! The Hive provides the following programs: Latchkey
services (both before and after school) and Preschool (classes for toilet-trained children age
3 to 5 years of age/wrap around care option available).
Latchkey services are provided both before and after school. The BeeHive hours are 7:00
a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are also open for latchkey care on half-days
and most full days out of school (e.g., professional development days). Parents appreciate
the convenience of having their child right here – especially when sports practices are in the
early evening hours! Students have a combination of structured activities along with freedom to make other play choices. Afternoon latchkey students also have snack-time and
homework time – two activities that are very important to the success of all learners!
Preschool is a child’s first impression of their educational future. Our goal is to make this beginning to learning fun and functional! There are three preschool groups to choose from—
two AM classes and one PM class. One AM class meets Monday/Wednesday/Friday, from
9:00 to 11:30, with the other AM class meeting Tuesday/Thursday, from 9:00 to 11:30. Our
PM class meets Monday through Thursday from 12:15 to 3:15. We are currently accepting
toilet-trained children age three through five to join us! (Birthdate of September 1st of enrollment year).
Our preschool wrap around care option offers preschool students the option of care
Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. for students ages three to five years of
age already enrolled in one of our preschool classes. Please check with Mrs. Brown for
availability.
n
We have a Preschool Parent Orientation on Wednesday, September 7th from 6:30 p.m. until
7:30 p.m. for both AM preschool classes. The PM Preschool Parent Orientation is Thursday,
September 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! These meetings are for all preschool parents—
new or returning. We will be discussing classroom policies, curriculum, schedules, etc.
While parents are meeting with Mrs. Brown in the library, preschoolers will be having playtime in the BeeHive with our preschool staff. This is a wonderful opportunity for our preschoolers to have a chance to play and get to know each other! Attending the Parent Orientation meeting will also give families another chance to ask questions, drop off enrollment
paperwork, and pay fees.
Please contact Jeannine Brown at 641-6218 or by e-mail at
[email protected] for assistance for any of our programs. The Bath BeeHive accepts childcare assistance from
the Michigan Department of Human Services and services provided by the BeeHive can be claimed on both Federal and
State tax returns.
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FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS AVAILABLE AT BATH COMMUNITY
Bath Community Schools announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children
served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Each school and/or the
Central Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits. Children who are recipients of Michigan’s Family Independence Program, Food Assistance Program, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations households automatically qualify for free
meals. Food Stamp/CA families who have not received a Direct Certification letter from Bath Community Schools, prior to the 2016/17 school year, need to complete a free and reduced application. Foster children that are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court are also eligible for benefits
regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside.
Parents may access the application for free/reduced meals online at www.LunchApp.com. Paper application forms will also be available upon request in each building office. We encourage you to apply
online through www.LunchApp.com and If you do not have access to a computer, one will be made
available for you to use at the school. The information households provide on the application will be
used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at
any time during the school year by school or other program officials.
All households must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of monthly income received by each household member, and the last four digits of the social security number of the
adult household member who signs the application. If the household member signing does not have a
social security number, he/she must indicate that a social security number is not available. An adult
household member must sign the application.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should
contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the
household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above. Applications for free or reduced price
meals are accepted at any time during the year. If a doctor has determined that a child has a disability, and the disability would prevent the child from eating the regular school or child care meal, Bath
Community Schools will make any substitution prescribed by a doctor at no extra charge. The doctor’s
statement, including prescribed diet and/or substitution, must be submitted to the Food Service Department at Bath Community Schools.
Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Cathy Zeeb, Food Service Director, will review
applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official
may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to
make a formal appeal for a hearing may make a request either orally or in writing to: Jake Huffman,
Superintendent, 6175 E. Clark Rd., P.O. Box 310, Bath, Michigan, 48808. Non-discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. “In accordance with
Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating
9
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS AVAILABLE AT BATH COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination,
write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250
-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the
Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Volunteers are always welcome at Bath Community
Schools! If you wish to volunteer, please contact your
child’s school office. You
will be asked to appear in
person to complete an
ICHAT form and have a copy
of your driver’s license taken. ICHAT is an acronym for
“Internet Criminal History
Access Tool.” This process
takes only a few minutes
and may be completed at
any of our building offices.
In order to be cleared as a
volunteer, your ICHAT form
must be completed no later
than one week prior to the
scheduled event.
The ICHAT check is required
to be completed every
school year.
Thank you to all our
volunteers!
Benefits of Substitute Teaching—Click HERE for details

Asphalt work, gym floors refinished, classrooms painted,
multiple computers added, are just a few of the projects
worked on over the summer

Michigan Premier Student Accident Insurance
(click HERE for brochure) is optional insurance available
for purchase.
PowerSchool Parent Sign-Up:
Parents may log into PowerSchool throughout the school year to
view their child’s progress. Grades, absences, etc. are all accessible depending on the grade level of your child. A username and
password are required to access your child’s information (contact
the school office to sign up if you do not currently have a
username/password).
PowerAnnouncement. Is a school notification system with features
that make it easier for us to keep in contact with your family. To
guarantee the messaging system is used efficiently, please confirm your contact information is accurate and up-to-date at all
times. Click HERE to review the steps on how to update your current contact information and how you would prefer to be notified!
The BCS phone system selects from a pool of phone numbers when an
outgoing call is placed from one of our school buildings and does not necessarily reflect the building where the call originated. If our staff member
did not leave a message and you still feel it is necessary to contact the
school, please call the office of the building where your child attends.
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