September 2025 Update from Mr. Crete

Greetings, Baldwin Street Middle School Families and Community! 

I hope you all enjoyed the holiday weekend and are settling in to the new school year! The 2025-2026 school year is off to a fantastic start! We have established clear expectations throughout the building with our students and classes are rolling along.   Please make sure that you are helping them with organization and task completion by keeping up with their PowerSchool grades and Google Classroom.

Please note that the Homecoming Football game is schedule for September 19, 2025 against West Ottawa at Eagle Stadium! We will end our day at BMS with a Staff vs. Student Volleyball game and homecoming assembly. We also welcome a group of High School superfans, cheerleaders, players, and band members to our cafeteria on this Friday to create a fun Homecoming atmosphere. There will also be a Homecoming Spirit Week for that week that we will share with students next week. Keep an eye on our social media pages for those details.

We are also looking forward to our upcoming all 7th Grade Field Trip to Tunnel Park on September 25, 2025 for a day of team building and fun. If your child has any food allergies, please ensure that they have a sack lunch to bring with them on this date. This is an opt-out field trip, so if you do not want your child to attend, please email or call our office. If your child is suspended from school, they may not be eligible to attend the field trip. We will be communicating early next week the details for this trip in a separate message to 7th grade families. 

At Baldwin, we believe it is through a partnership with our families that we create a comfortable, positive, and engaging place for students to learn and grow. Together, we will build on the great things already happening at BMS!  There is a procedure that is very effective in resolving difficulties that arise. Please go to the source of the problem (or irritation) first. If you have a question about a teacher’s decision or judgment, please contact the teacher first. Many times misunderstandings occur because of a lack of communication. If after discussing the matter at the source of the problem, you are still concerned or were not answered to your satisfaction, I would welcome your contact. It is my desire to see this procedure in effect on all levels. For example, a teacher will address a problem with the student prior to contacting the parents. A parent should contact the teacher prior to taking the concern to the principal. The principal would be contacted prior to the superintendent, etc. This has served as a very effective problem-solver, and I would greatly encourage you in this and thank you for your cooperation!

We commit ourselves to providing the support and encouragement needed to do the best possible job of helping our students mature academically, socially and emotionally. If you know of a way we can better serve you, we welcome your suggestions. Our door is usually open and we welcome your visit. We may not always agree, but we will listen. Please remember that final decisions rest with administration so there will be times that we must stick with an original decision. However, there are many occasions in which we did not consider every aspect of a decision and we are willing to learn from you.

There is a lot of information in this newsletter, so please reach out if you have any questions.

We appreciate your desire to do your best for our students, and thank you for being committed to excellence!

Best regards,

Ryan Crete, Principal - Baldwin Street Middle School

Annual Registration for ALL students:  CLICK HERE ----> Annual Registration 2025-2026

**Please make sure that you are completing these forms if you have not done so already.**

This registration is REQUIRED for all students. 

Click here for 2025-2026 BMS Student-Parent Handbook

September 16, 2025 @ 6:oo pm

BMS Cafeteria

Please take a few moments to review the information regarding the books in our library and the policies and procedures around restricting titles for your children.

Please visit the following link for our normal daily schedules: 2025-2026 BMS Daily Schedule

At the Middle School, we are committed to helping students grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. This year, we are focusing on teaching and reinforcing positive behavior through a combination of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), the Responsible Thinking Process, and Restorative Practices. Together, these approaches help us create a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

SOAR Expectations

Our schoolwide expectations are built around the acronym SOAR:

• being Safe

• Owning it

• Acting responsibly

• being Respectful
  
  

Teachers and staff are committed to teaching, modeling, and reminding students of SOAR behaviors so they clearly understand what is expected in every area of the school.

Recognizing Positive Choices

We believe in celebrating when students make good choices! This year, staff will hand out SOAR Tickets to students they notice meeting or exceeding expectations. Students can collect these tickets and spend them at our SOAR Store. In addition, teachers will select students who demonstrate exemplary SOAR behavior to receive a Golden Ticket. Golden Ticket recipients will earn a special prize and recognition for being a role model to others.

Responding to Challenges

While our focus is on positive behavior, we also know that students are still learning and growing — and sometimes missteps happen. When they do, our response is designed to encourage reflection, problem-solving, independence and teach discipline, rather than just punishment.

Students may be asked to reflect on four simple but powerful questions:

1. What are you doing? / What’s happening?

2. What are you supposed to be doing / Which part of SOAR applies here or aren’t you showing?

3. What usually happens when someone doesn’t follow SOAR?

4. Is that the outcome you want / How could you adjust to show you are ready to SOAR?

These questions guide students to pause, think, and take responsibility for their actions.

The Alternative Learning Center (ALC)

If a student continues to struggle even after reminders and reflection, they may be asked to spend time in our Alternative Learning Center (ALC). The ALC provides a supportive environment where students can:

• Work with staff to complete a Golden Rod Reflection Form, helping them understand how their choices impact themselves and others.

• Create a plan for how to meet SOAR expectations moving forward.

• Repair any harm their choices may have caused.

• Stay caught up with classwork, so they don’t fall behind academically.

Our goal is for students to leave the ALC ready to rejoin their classroom, take ownership of their behavior, and continue learning with success.

Working Together

Student learning and growth — both academic and behavioral — is our top priority. With your partnership at home, we can support our students in learning how to SOAR at school and beyond, building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Please see below for important details about Chromebooks and the district's continuing 1 to 1 initiative:

• Students will be using the same Chreombooks, chargers, and cases they used last year.

• New students will get their Chromebooks during the first week of school.

Action needed:

• • Pay the $25 tech fee ($75 max per family). Follow these instructions (desktop).  You can also bring cash or check to the office. 

  • Review device details on use, fees, and care on this guide doc. 

  • Charge, start, and run updates on devices at home before the first day of school

  • If repairs are needed, students can bring devices to the media center during the first week of school

Please note the tech fee payment deadlines below:

September 8: Student/Parent receive an email saying they have a fee to pay in powerschool with instructions to pay. If parents have any questions please contact technology or building principal Ryan Crete.

September 15: Student/Parent receive an email saying they have a fee to pay in powerschool with instructions to pay. If they do not pay, their student Chromebook may be restricted. If parents have any questions please contact technology or building principal Ryan Crete.

September 22: Student/Parent receive an email saying they have a fee to pay in powerschool with instructions to pay. Student Chromebook is restricted. If parents have any questions please contact technology or building principal Ryan Crete.

September 29: Student/Parent receive an email saying they have an OVERDUE repair fee to pay in powerschool with instructions to pay. Student Chromebook remains restricted. If parents have any questions please contact technology or building principal Ryan Crete.

October 6: Student/Parent receive an email saying they have an OVERDUE repair fee to pay in powerschool with instructions to pay. Student Chromebook remains restricted. Library staff will lock the Chromebook and talk with the student to get the fee paid.  If parents have any questions, please contact technology or building principal Ryan Crete.

If there is any repair that needs to be done to a Chromebook, a student needs to have their technology fee paid first in order to have their Chromebook repaired.

Fall season sports have begun! Cross country, Football, Boys Soccer, Boys Tennis and Girls Volleyball competitions are under way. Come out and support our Eagle athletes! All Middle School Fall Sports Schedules can be found at: https://hudsonvilleathletics.com/

Jon VanSlyke - BMS Athletic Director: jvansly@hpseagles.net

Juli Smies - Athletic Secretary:  jsmies@hpseagles.net

Parents of Baldwin Street Middle School students! We need your partnership in many different ways during the school year. Opportunities include regular Copy Parent, volunteer during school day as needed, Activities, Library, and Others. 

***All parent volunteers are required to have a background check on file. This includes Parent Chaperones that attend field trips throughout the school year. Please fill out our online "Volunteer Background Check Form" on the BMS website.

Please contact Jayme Santana or call the office at (616) 669-7750 if you are interested in helping out.

Students will be collecting SOAR tickets to use at our SOAR store this upcoming year. We are hoping to collect donations for small prizes for the store. Prizes can include: Takis, Skittles, M and M's, snack sized chips, little knick knacks, etc. If you would be willing to donate, please bring them to the office and put them attention to the PBIS team. 

Thanks for considering donating!

Late / Lost Books

Students won't be able to check out another book until they return or replace an overdue book.

Save the Date: BMS Scholastic Book Fair 

November 18th-20th during Parent-Teacher Conferences

If you would be interested in volunteering at the book fair, we are looking for volunteers on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of that week from 10:45 am - 12:30 pm and during conference times. Please email Christine Banach.

About Hudsonville Robotics

We are entering our 11th season (est. 2014). HPS students have earned more than 190 awards, including three state championships. Each year, about 80 students participate, and we hope to expand. There are more than 200 VEX Robotics teams in West Michigan and over 40,000 worldwide. 

Note that I am leading with Scholarships.  I do have a few families inquiring who may reach out to you for support.

Scholarship Opportunities

• The student participation fee is $160 which is our actual cost to cover their team shirt, league play, tournaments, and equipment use.

• Scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the fee but demonstrate the academic drive and commitment to complete the 12-week season.

• This is not a discount or coupon—it ensures motivated students aren’t excluded because of finances.

• Robotics volunteers do not have insight as to who would benefit from a scholarship.  We look to HPS leaders to make these recommendations.

• To recommend a student, please email info@hudsonvillerobotics.com with:

  • Student’s name

  • Your contact information

  • A brief endorsement.

We encourage all students complete their training before joining a competition team. A student who is unprepared or drops mid-season can significantly impact their team.

Student-Centered Approach

Our teams compete in the VEX Robotics Competition, which provides a level playing field: all teams use the same library of parts and follow the same rules worldwide. Robots are designed, built, programmed, and operated entirely by students.

Mentors serve as resources, not directors. Adults don’t set strategy or design; they simply help students find answers to their own questions.

Competition Programs

High School

VEX V5 HS Robotics

9th–12th

Sept 1 – Dec 15

Middle School

VEX V5 MS Robotics

7th–8th

Sept 1 – Dec 15

Elementary

VEX IQ ES Robotics

5th–6th*

Oct 15 – Mar 15

*4th graders may join if they meet expectations.

For New Students Interested in Joining

Each April we offer a two-evening “Spring Training” class as an introduction. Students get hands-on experience in design, building, programming, and competition before committing. Additional training in late spring and summer helps students build a foundation before the season starts.

Student Development

Although it may look like “BattleBots” from the sidelines, robotics is much more. Students practice planning, time management, research, design, strategy, and teamwork. At events, they must collaborate with other teams, communicate with referees, present to judges, and manage stress while solving problems under pressure.

Why Robotics Matters

At its core, this program isn’t just about building robots—it’s about building students. We use technology and competition as a platform to teach resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence. Many students discover talents they didn’t know they had, and the experience often sparks lifelong interests in engineering, leadership, or collaboration.

Thank you for taking a moment to learn about our program.  I look forward to sharing the successes of our students with you.

Pete Niemann

Additional Information

• Website: https://hudsonvillerobotics.com/

• Email: info@hudsonvillerobotics.com

• Application Information

• Student Expectation Document

• Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) – governing body

Hudsonville Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment.  https://www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org/about/civil-rights-compliance