Principal's Newsletter

5/30/25

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, June 5th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

Wed- Fri, June 11th - June 13th - Half Day (10:35)

BATP News:

Please support our micro-business in Room 106 by ordering a lunch (chicken tetrazzini) for your student to be delivered to them on Wednesday 6/4.

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This week, a group of students from the BATP attended a dance at the Birmingham Athletic Club, hosted by Bloomfield Hills Prep. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to dress up, socialize with peers from the community, and celebrate the fast-approaching end of the school year. 

5/16/25

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, May 22nd - BATP Half Day (10:35)

Monday, May 26th - No School

Thursday, June 5th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

Wed- Fri, June 11th - June 13th - Half Day (10:35)

BATP News:

Please note that Thursday May 22nds is a half day. This is an adjustment from our original schedule.

3/14/25

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, March 20th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

March 24-28 - Spring Break

Thursday, April 10th - Half Day (10:35) 

Friday, April 18th - No School District Wide

Thursday, April 24th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

BATP News:

Room 106 will be serving lunch this coming Wednesday (3/19). Students will be sent home with order forms this week. Thank you for continued support of their micro business.

2/14/25

Calendar Highlights:

February 17-21 - Midwinter Recess

Thursday, March 6th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

Thursday, March 20th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

March 24-28 - Spring Break

Thursday, April 10th - Half Day (10:35) 

BATP News:

Happy Valentines Day! The students and staff had a great time exchanging cards and treats today. Thanks for your support in making the day festive for our students.

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Congratulations to the students and staff in Room 106.  The classroom have been honored with the Entrepreneurial Classroom of the Year award by the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC). This recognition will be presented at the MCEC's annual conference on Thursday, Feb. 27 in Grand Rapids. The award acknowledges classrooms that demonstrate excellence in preparing special education students for community integration through product creation, sales, and the development of social skills. As part of this honor, Kubus and her students will have the opportunity to showcase their work at a booth in the conference's exhibition hall and will receive complimentary accommodations and travel expenses. We are looking forward to attending the event in Grand Rapids and showcasing all the amazing work of our BATP students.

1/24/25

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, January 30th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

Wednesday, February 5th - Half Day (10:35)

Thursday, February 13th - BATP Early Dismissal (12:30)

February 17-21 - Midwinter Recess

BATP News:

Room 106 will be serving lunches for sale on Wednesday, January 29th. Order forms went home with students today.

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SCHEDULE CHANGE!

This week was a crazy ride with half days and two cold days. I did my best to minimize the impact on students by keeping our schedule the same, even though Seaholm made a change. I thought it was the best plan to limit the impact on families who have to arrange care for students when they are not in school.

I am still required to ensure that Seaholm teachers and BATP teachers teach the same number of hours during the school year, so I will have to adjust our schedule in April and May to accommodate the fact that we are running full days next week while they are running half days.

As a result of this need to adjust our minutes, April 10th and May 22nd will now become Half Days with a 10:35 release instead of Early Release Days with a 12:30 release. I hope altering two Early Release Days is less impactful to your students' after school care schedule than moving a full day to a half day.

April 10th and May 22nd are now listed as half days on the revised BATP calendar that I will send out to all families. Thank you for your flexibility, and know that I am always concerned about the impact of our schedule on our families and students. I will do my best to limit adjustments as much as possible.

I will make sure transportation is aware of these changes.

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12/13/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, December 19th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

December 23rd - January 3rd - Winter Recess

January 6th - Classes Resume

Thursday, January 16th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Friday, January 17th - Half Day (10:35)

BATP News:

The BATP Micro-businesses have been selling their wares at the EAC at Groves High School all this week.  Students have been learning valuable skills in engaging with others, managing money and working as a team.  Thanks to all of the staff members at the district office and at Groves who came by to support our students!

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This coming week is Spirit Week! Remind your students of the daily calendar in case they want to participate.

Monday: Winter Gear Day (wear a hat, scarf, and/or gloves)

Tuesday: Plaid/Flannel Day

Wednesday: BATP Day

Thursday: Holiday Sweater Day

Friday: Comfy Clothes/Pajama Day

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11/15/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, November 21st - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Wednesday, November 27th - Half Day (10:35)

Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th - No School (Thanksgiving Recess)

Thursday, December 5th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

BATP News:

Turkey Grams on Sale Now! 

Gobble them up before it’ s too late! 

$1.50 per gram 

More information is linked HERE 

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BPS students in the Adult Transition Program are making holiday cards to sell! All cards are handmade by students in the Cognitive Impairment program. They are available for $1 which includes an envelope. Please click on this LINK for more info.  

I have seen the first round of these cards and they are AWESOME.  I am sending BATP holiday cards to all my friends and family this year and I recommend you do the same!

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11/8/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, November 21st - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Wednesday, November 27th - Half Day (10:35)

Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th - No School (Thanksgiving Recess)

Thursday, December 5th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

BATP News:

BPS students in the Adult Transition Program are making holiday cards to sell! All cards are handmade by students in the Cognitive Impairment program. They are available for $1 which includes an envelope. Please click on this LINK for more info.

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Room 106 will make lunch on Wednesday, November 13th.

Lunch includes spaghetti (regular or gluten-free noodles), marinara or meat sauce, Caesar salad, bread sticks, and pumpkin bread for dessert.

Students should have received an order form to take home.  Any questions, please email Vicki Kubus: At vkubus@bps-schools.com

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Turkey Grams on Sale Now! 

Gobble them up before it’ s too late! 

$1.50 per gram 

More information is linked HERE 

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11/1/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Tuesday, November 5th - No School

Thursday, November 7th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Thursday, November 21st - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Wednesday, November 27th - Half Day (10:35)

Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th - No School (Thanksgiving Recess)

BATP News:

Turkey Grams have arrived!!

Want a thoughtful and sweet way to let a friend, teacher or classmate know you are thankful for them this season of giving? Send a Turkey Gram!

What is a holiday gram? It is a small, personalized card with a treat. 

How do I send a holiday gram? Stop in Room 115 and purchase one or as many as you would like. 

Write a note on the gram and return it to Room 115 before Thursday, November 21st at 2:00pm. 

You can purchase a Turkey gram at the Trailblazer store too! 

How will my Turkey note get delivered? On Tuesday, November 26th, they will be delivered to the person. 

How much does a Turkey gram cost? $1.50 Turkey grams are now on Sale, and will sell until Thursday, November 21st, 2024 

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10/25/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, October 31st - Half Day (10:35)

Tuesday, November 5th - No School

Thursday, November 7th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

Thursday, November 21st - BATP Early Release (12:30)

BATP News: 

Unfortunately, we had to cancel today's Zoo trip due to weather but we will be rescheduling for the spring semester.  Our staff has been working hard to organize CBI activities that address a wide array of student interests while also making sure they get the chance to practice the skills needed to maximize their independence.  Thank you for your continued support of the CBI activities our students are participating in.

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Attention BATP parents and families- we are teaming up with the Seaholm community to show our appreciation to our FABULOUS staff. Each first Friday of every month we will hold a drawing with Seaholm and BATP staffs’ names. Our goal is for each staff member to receive a gift at least once this school year! The gifts are in the 20$ to 25$ range and can be purchased by you or Venmoed. Please see the link below to donate and for further information. Please consider donating to this worthwhile cause! Thank you! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4BAEAA2CA31-50817317-seaholm#/

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This last week, Room 106 served quite a few lunches to very satisfied customers!  The next lunch is planned for November 13th.  They will be serving spaghetti with caeser salad, breadsticks and pumpin bread.  Be on the lookout for more information to come so you can support their work!

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10/18/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, October 24th - BATP Release (12:30)

Thursday, October 31st - Half Day (10:35)

Tuesday, November 5th - No School

Thursday, November 7th - BATP Early Release (12:30)

BATP News: 

Room 106 are beginning their class project of  making lunches for students/staff to purchase.  Our first lunch is Wednesday, October 23rd.  The cost for lunch is $6.00.   The first lunch is Nacho/Taco  (pork) Salad with a Snickerdoodle cookie.  Classroom teachers have order forms if anyone is interested.

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Community Based Instruction (CBI) is in full swing at the BATP.  We have students off at job sites, working out at the YMCA, visiting cider mills, ordering at restaurants and shopping at stores and participating in our community every day.  Please keep an eye out for information from you student's teacher to make sure that you stay up to day on all the things your student is doing.  

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10/11/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Tuesday, October 15th  -  Half Day (10:35)

Thursday, October 17th - BATP Parent Conferences 4pm - 7pm (Held Virtually)

Thursday, October 24th - BATP Early Release Day (12:30)

Thursday, October 31st - Half Day (10:35)

BATP News: 

Attention BATP parents and families- we are teaming up with the Seaholm community to show our appreciation to our FABULOUS staff. Each first Friday of every month we will hold a drawing with Seaholm and BATP staffs’ names. Our goal is for each staff member to receive a gift at least once this school year! The gifts are in the 20$ to 25$ range and can be purchased by you or Venmoed. Please see the link below to donate and for further information. Please consider donating to this worthwhile cause! Thank you! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4BAEAA2CA31-50817317-seaholm#/

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Bloom Pediatrics, a local pediatric medical practice will provide influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations at the EAC on Thursday, October 24th from 3:00-5:00p.m. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated, should complete the registration form using the link below, select the time you desire and upload your driver’s license and insurance card. 

Registration link: https://www.jotform.com/team/241645218536054/birmingham-administration-building

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Linked below is a flyer for a workshop series titled "Sexual Education for Adults with Developmental Disabilities". This workshop would be a great resource for your students and increase their ability to be strong self-advocates.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FpthRaM-TOKWZbiqHPUkscg3fH3_WSxp/view?usp=sharing

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10/4/24 Update:

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, October 10th - BATP Early Release Day (12:30)

Tuesday, October 15th  -  Half Day (10:35)

Thursday, October 17th - BATP Parent Conferences 4pm - 7pm (Held Virtually)

Thursday, October 24th - BATP Early Release Day (12:30)

Thursday, October 31st - Half Day (10:35)

BATP News: 

Bloom Pediatrics, a local pediatric medical practice will provide influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations at the EAC on Thursday, October 24th from 3:00-5:00p.m. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated, should complete the registration form using the link below, select the time you desire and upload your driver’s license and insurance card. 

Registration link: https://www.jotform.com/team/241645218536054/birmingham-administration-building 

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Parent Conferences will take place virtually on October 17th from 4pm to 7pm.  Your students teacher will be reaching out with information about signing up for a time slot to Zoom in and get an update on your students progress and address any other concerns you may have.  Please set aside some time that evening to check in with our staff.

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BATP's Fall Spirit Wear Sale has been extended! Show off your BATP pride and spirit! Place your orders by October 18, 2025. An updated order form has been sent home this week! 

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9/27/24 Update: 

Calendar Highlights: 

Friday, October 4th BATP Half Day (10:35 Release)

Thursday, October 10th BATP Early Release Day (12:30 Release)

Tuesday, October 15th District Half Day (10:35 Release)

**Just a note that Seaholm HS just changed their schedule to a full day on 10/4 and then a half day on 10/18.  To limit the impact on BATP families on such short notice we are going to stick with our original schedule and deviate from the Seaholm schedule on those days.

BATP News: 

Attention BATP parents and families- we are teaming up with the Seaholm community to show our appreciation to our FABULOUS staff. Each first Friday of every month we will hold a drawing with Seaholm and BATP staffs’ names. Our goal is for each staff member to receive a gift at least once this school year! The gifts are in the 20$ to 25$ range and can be purchased by you or Venmoed. Please see the link below to donate and for further information. Please consider donating to this worthwhile cause! Thank you! 

Here is the link to support the teachers who support your students!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4BAEAA2CA31-50817317-seaholm#/ 

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Since Seaholm has Spirit Week Starting September 30th, Let’s have one too!

September 30th -  Pajama/comfy clothes

October 1st - Favorite College team 

October 2nd - Favorite Rock band or musician t-shirt

October 3rd - Crazy or mismatched socks

October 4th - BATP or Seaholm gear

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Please remember to keep your students home if they are sick.  We have students in the building who are medically fragile and we do not want to compromise their health.  In addition, when staff gets sick we really struggle with making sure we have the coverage in classrooms that is necessary to meet the needs of students and keep everyone safe.  I know that it is sometimes difficult to keep your child home unexpectedly but it's important for the health of the staff and students at the BATP.

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9/20/24 Update:

We have had a great start to the school year. Thank you so much for you support and flexibility as staff and students have adjusted to a new schedule and new principal. I appreciate all of you patience as I have navitaged learning a new building and new students and staff.

Calendar Highlights:

Thursday, 9/26 Early Dismissal (12:30)

Friday, 10/4 Half Day (10:35)

Wednesday, 10/30 Early Dismissal (12:30)

BATP News:

Attention BATP Family and Friends: At the end of last year, our program was officially given its very own mascot!  We are proud to announce the BATP Trailblazers!

To celebrate, Fall "Trailblazin'" gear is now on sale. Flyers for the new spirit wear have gone home with students, and attached to the newsletter are additional forms. Show off some Trailblazing spirit and support by ordering one of the items available on the form.

Linked below is the copy of the flier sent home with students. All monies due by October 11, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact ASD BATP teacher, Tiziana Cristarella at Tcristarella@birmingham.k12.mi.us