Bobcat Innovation

Dear Bobcat Innovation Families,

What a fun and exciting week at Bobcat Innovation! Our students in grades 5–8 visited the U of M College of Innovation for a STEAM day, exploring Cyber Security and AI, learning from and engaging with U of M professors. We also enjoyed bringing our families together for our annual Trunk or Treat! Thank you to everyone who decorated a trunk, donated candy, or joined in the fun.

We appreciate everyone who stayed for our PTO meeting and town hall where we discussed the future of Bobcat Innovation. See below for a summary of the main points from that conversation, as well as a Google Form that you can fill out to send us any questions or thoughts that you may have as we move forward with the planning process.

Next week brings more fall fun with our Halloween celebrations and parade on Thursday! Please remember that Thursday is a half day of school, and there will be no school Friday or the following Monday and Tuesday. We look forward to celebrating together before Fall Break!

Parent Teacher Conferences this week! Conferences are a valuable opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, discuss goals, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. You should have already gotten sign up information from your child's teacher. See below for dates and times for our different programs.

Warmly,
Zach Hamilton
Director of Innovative Programs
(Daily Oversight of Bobcat Innovation In-Person and Hybrid)
📞 (810) 591-6077
📧 zhamilton@gbcs.org

Kevin Keilitz
Assistant Director of Innovative Programs
(Daily Oversight of Bobcat Innovation Virtual)
📞 (810) 591-6375
📧 kkeilitz@gbcs.org

• Monday, October 26th and Tuesday, October 29th - 6th-12th grade Virtual Program Parent Teacher Conferences (virtual-4:00-7:00 - Must have scheduled appointments).

• Wednesday, October 28th (3:30-6:30) and Thursday, October 29th (12:00-3:00 and 3:30-6:30) - In-Person Program Parent Teacher Conferences

• Friday, October 30th, Monday Nov. 2nd and Tuesday Nov. 3rd - No School for Students! Fall Break!

• Thursday, Nov. 5th and Friday Nov. 6th: k-8 picture retakes

Congratulations and farewell! Thank you for protecting us all of these years. You will be missed!

Bobcat Innovation 5th-8th grade students took a field trip to U of M this week!

Students learned about cyber security and AI and showed their understanding by creating a comic strip demonstrating cyber security using AI.

On Tuesday, hybrid students spent time raking leaves, jumped in the pile, threw them in the air, and filled a pumpkin leaf bag during a brain break. They learned about why the leaves change colors in the fall, and read the story Leaf Man. The book shows all different kinds of leaves and what trees they are from. They matched some of our leaves with those in the book, and students made pictures out of leaves they collected

🌟 Next Week’s Positivity Project Focus: Other People Matter - Knowing my Words and Actions Affect Others

Students will explore how what we say and do can impact the feelings and experiences of those around us. A kind word, an invitation to join in, or a helping hand can make a big difference!

At home, you can practice by:

- Discussing how characters in books or movies affect others

- Encouraging thoughtful words during disagreements

- Looking for small ways to show kindness.

Ask your child, “How might your words or actions make someone else feel?” Remind them that when we make a mistake, a sincere apology and a change in our behavior can help make things right.

We can't wait to practice this important character strength together next week! 🐾

Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday’s town hall meeting to share your questions, thoughts, and ideas about our move to West Middle School for the 2027–2028 school year. We appreciate your involvement and the thoughtful conversation about how we can make this transition successful for our students and families.

For those who were unable to attend, here are the main points we discussed:

• Our identity and program: Bobcat Innovation will operate as a “school within a school,” serving students in grades 3–8. We will maintain our name, innovative teaching practices, and PTO, and Mr. Hamilton will continue as principal.
• Our space: We will have our own designated space at the far end of the West Middle School building. We may have elementary classrooms on the first floor and upper school on the second floor, but they will be very close in proximity. There is also and entrance/exit that we maybe be able to use for dismissal and/or dropoff.
• Transportation and school hours: We will continue to have separate transportation and maintain our own start and end times.
• Lunch/Recess: Bobcat Innovation students will have separate lunches from West Middle School students. We will also be moving some of our existing playground equipment to make a more conducive space for elementary recess.
• Middle school electives: Two hours of our middle school schedule will align with West Middle School’s schedule, allowing our students to take electives taught by West Middle School teachers. This will expand the elective opportunities available to our students.
• Athletics: All athletics will take place at West Middle School.
• Long-term planning: Future decisions about the location and direction of innovative programs will be guided by the district’s next strategic planning process, which begins next school year.
• Library: We will be bringing our library books so that our elementary students have access to age appropriate reading.
• Key Unknowns: One of the biggest unknowns at this point is which of our ancillary staff members will be transferred over to the new building. Many parents in attendance asked about the Bobcat Den, Library, and Office (what spaces will we have that are separate from West Middle School, and what will be shared). Some student services will be absorbed by West Middle School staff, but at this time we have not finalized a plan for specific positions and staffing.

Your input is an important part of this process. If you were unable to attend—or attended and have additional questions or ideas—please use the form below to share your thoughts. Your feedback will help us identify questions to address and considerations to include as planning continues.

Share Your Questions and Thoughts About the Move

We will continue to share updates and opportunities for families to become involved throughout the planning and transition process. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our Bobcat Innovation community.

Picture retakes are Thursday, Nov. 5th and Friday Nov. 6th at the Perry Center for K-8th grades. See the flyer and order form below.

Help Support Our School Store!

We’re looking for parent volunteers to help in the school store! Volunteering is a great way to get involved, connect with our school community, and support out students.

All proceeds from the school store go directly to the PTO and help fund field trips, supplies, and other opportunities and resources that support our amazing program.

If you’re able to lend a hand, please sign up using the link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FACA829A6FAC43-66143490-bobcat

Want to help support the school store but unable to make it in to volunteer? You can donate items directly from our Amazon Wish List! Simply choose an item from the list, place your order, and it will be shipped directly to the school – It’s an easy way to give back and support our students.

Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the school store stocked.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/37PNI0Y7G7EE7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_NTAANMC6ZB451EH13SQM

Thank you for supporting out school community!

GBCS’s Early Childhood programs are looking for Substitute Teacher Assistants and Latchkey Teachers! If you or someone you know might be interested in filling in for our amazing staff on a flexible, part-time basis, please contact (810) 591-6083 or email childrensgarden@gbcs.org

Posting: https://app.redroverk12.com/admin/1419/job-posting/205841/details

As you may have noticed, schools across the state are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers. With such a large number of district buses on the road every day, the need for new drivers at GBCS is almost continuous. We are currently hiring and provide free training and licensing. There are full and part-time opportunities available! If you have ever considered becoming a bus driver, we would love to talk to you! Please call 810-591-8965 or stop in to 2500 E Maple Ave, Flint, MI 48507 and talk to Bonnie or Adam at GBCS Transportation or apply online!

Follow us on Facebook and reference information on the website including the most recent minutes from the PTO meetings.

All PTO fundraising activities raise money for the engaging and educational field trips, guest speakers and activities students enjoy at Bobcat Innovation throughout the year!

Important November Dates:

• Wednesday, November 18th - Soup Cookoff and PTO meeting (Perry Cafeteria)

Please reference the teacher favorites list if you're looking to add a little welcome back gift for your teacher this fall! It will stay live on the website throughout the year whenever you'd like to send them a little thank you or pick-me-up.

Questions or comments? Email bobcatinnovationpto@gmail.com

Be on the Lookout for ZYN: What Parents and Educators Should Know

ZYN and other nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among teens. These small, discreet pouches are placed between the lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Because they do not produce smoke or vapor, they can be easy to use without being noticed.

Although ZYN pouches do not contain tobacco leaf, they do contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence—even with relatively small amounts of exposure. Nicotine can affect the developing adolescent brain and may cause feelings of stimulation or relaxation. Pouches are available in a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths, including mint, coffee, citrus, cinnamon, and unflavored options.

What can parents and educators do?

• Learn about nicotine pouches and be aware of products teens may encounter.
• Talk openly with teens about nicotine addiction and the potential health risks.
• Encourage teens who are using nicotine to seek support without fear of judgment.

Help Is Available

Teens who want to quit nicotine do not have to do it alone. Cessation programs and supportive resources are available, and students can also reach out to their GBCS school nurses for confidential guidance and support.

Helpful resources include:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW: Call 1-800-784-8669 for free quit support, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Michigan Quitlink: Visit the Michigan Quitlink website to explore cessation resources and enrollment options.
• My Life, My Quit: Visit mylifemyquit.org or text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to connect with a quit coach. Please verify current age eligibility and availability for Michigan teens before sharing this resource.

By staying informed, keeping communication open, and connecting teens with supportive resources, we can help protect their health and well-being.

Thank you,

Rachel O’Mara, BSN RN, District Nurse Consultant

Salma Luna, BSN RN, Assistant Nurse Consultant (Mon/Wed/Thur)

🌐 Helpful Links

• Bobcat Innovation Athletics Website: https://bobcatinnovation.gbcs.org/for-students/pic-athletics

• EMS Athletics Website: https://ems.gbcs.org/for-students/ems-athletics-fall-spring-25-clone

If you have any questions about athletics participation, tryouts, or paperwork, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school office by e-mailing Mrs. Olmsted @ holmsted@gbcs.org. We look forward to a great season of sports and school spirit!

Email: zhamilton@gbcs.org
Website: https://bobcatinnovation.gbcs.org/
Location: 11920 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 591-6078
Facebook: Visit us on Facebook at: Bobcat Innovation