The Weekly Update #4
March 4th, 2025

A message from our Principal...
Dear Birmingham Families,
It's a busy time of the year at Birmingham. We have a Charter Oversight Visit on Thursday March 13. Annually, a team from the LAUSD Charter Division spends a day on our campus reviewing our operational and instructional systems and data. Last year, we earned the highest rating in fiscal, operational, and governance. Academic rating is based on the California Dashboard. We have positive indicators (green or blue) in all academic categories including graduation and college and career readiness. However, only schools that have all blue (highest) ratings receive a 4. We received a three last year and will do so again based on earning green and blue indicators on the Dashboard.
For our English Learners, please be advised that the state English Learner exam known as the ELPAC wil be conducted from Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14. If your student is designated as an English Learner, please talk to them about the importance of the exam. English Learners must reclassify so they can waive out of English language support classes and take more advanced or elective classes. They are tested in four domains: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Finally, please be advised that we will have an unassigned day (no school) on Monday, March 31 for Cesar Chavez Day. Please make sure that your students don't extend the three-day weekend. Every missed school day at this point will have a negative impact on your student's grades. Please talk to them about the importance of attending every day and being on time. We'd also appreciate it if you would remind them about our school dress code policy. Our male students should ensure their pants are at their waist. Oversized pants must be worn with a belt. Female students' shirts, sweaters, or blouses must cover their belly button and meet their pants at their waist.
This semester is a long one. Please help them take it one day at a time focusing on positive habits and consistency. It will pay off in the end.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
Principal Bennett
Dear 9th grade parents and students,
We have about 3 more months left of this school year! Let's keep the momentum going and finish your freshman year strong.
1st Progress Report and Honor Roll notices were sent out to students last month. As of this reporting period, we are excited to share that, in 9th grade, we have:
132 students with a GPA of 4.0 or higher
141 students with a GPA of between 3.60-3.99
162 students with a GPA of between 3.00-3.59
Special pins and certificates are given to Honor Roll students who maintain high GPAs on the Final Report Card for each semester – Fall and Spring.
Here are some helpful tips for making sure your student earns that certificate for Spring Semester!
Please continue to remind your students to study hard, complete their assignments, and make up any missing assignments they may have.
Look over Aeries and/or Google Classroom with your student, and discuss their progress regularly.
Help your students reach out to teachers for help and guidance
Encourage your students to attend tutoring
Please encourage your child to join one of our many exciting clubs on campus. Not only are they a great way to meet new friends and get involved in school activities, but they are also great for boosting college applications.
A complete list of current clubs and meeting times may be found here: https://www.birminghamcharter.com/our-community/clubs
As always, please reach out to anyone on our team if you have any questions or concerns.
Leila Haghi
9th Grade Coordinator
The 9th Grade Team
Edwin Avarca- 9th Grade Administrative Director
Leila Haghi- 9th Grade Coordinator/ Lead Teacher
Hiyas Mutia, Sabrina Marquez, and Cindy Martinez- 9th Grade Counselors
Brooke Lopez-Psychiatric Social Worker
Melissa Reisbord- 9th Grade Dean
Rebeca Venegas - 9th Grade Office Clerk/ Primary Parent Contact (818) 758-4481
In February, the Class of 2027 took part in "Club Rush, " an incredible opportunity to connect with and inspire new members from the freshman class. It was a fantastic event that truly showcased the spirit of our club! Next month we will have another fun event, “Food Fest” to raise money for the Class of 2028 & 2027, we will be selling Chick-l-a at lunch. Look out for pictures next month.
Sincerely, Amanda Fitzpatrick
10th Grade Level Coordinator (818)758-4428
Class of 2027
Student Senate Advisor Birmingham Community Charter High School
Happy March 11th Grade Families!
We are well on our way through the second semester. Progress Reports went out last week, and the 11th grade students once again are doing very well. In total, 443 students were recognized for their achievement, approximately 63% of the total class had over a 3.0 GPA.
The number of students recognized are as follows:
Silver (3.0 - 3.59) : 177
Gold (3.6 - 3.99) : 103
Platinum (4.0 +) : 163
Currently 11th Grade Counselors are going to history class for next year’s programming. They will also be updating students on their credits and graduation status. Please refer to ARIES to see your student’s status OR reach out to your counselor.
It may seem early, but students interested in attending a 4 year college should begin their search now. Reach out to the college counselors in the Blue and Gold Center for resources. Also, remember the grades from this semester will be the last ones on transcripts when applications are submitted.
Open House is March 20th. The Grade Level Staff will be on the Quad. Please stop by if you have any questions or just want to say hello!
Second semester is off to a great start! For our 1st Spring Progress Report, we had an outstanding number of Seniors that made the honor roll. There were 210 with a GPA of 3.0 - 3.59 earning them on the Silver Honors List . Another 117 students made the Gold Honors Lists by receiving a GPA of 3.6 - 3.99. The Platinum Honors List had 168 of our Seniors achieving a 4.0 or above! Our Birmingham family is proud to recognize all the students who are continuing to perform diligently this semester. ONLY 2 more months to go!
Class of 2025 Prom Theme and Fashion will take place on March 28th during lunch on the Quad. Seniors can hardly wait to know what their Prom theme will be this year! During this event, The Senior Senate will head off the show with demonstrating several beautiful Prom attire. Prom Night will take place on Saturday, May 10th at Union Station from 7pm-11pm. Prom tickets will go on sale beginning on April 1st and will end on May 2nd. Don’t miss out and buy your tickets soon! If a Senior would like to bring a guest that is not a current Birmingham Senior and/or non-Birmimgham student, there will be a mandatory guest form that will need to be submitted for approval before purchasing their ticket. Guest forms will be located at the Student Store beginning March 10th and all guest forms are due no later than April 21, 2025.
On Thursday, March 13th, we are having our 4th Annual Prom Boutique that will consist of free gently used and new formal dresses, men suits, shoes, and possibly accessories! ALL Seniors are welcome to attend from 3:30pm – 5:30pm in the Faculty Dining Room.
Open House will be on Thursday, March 20th from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for families to come out and see what their child is currently working on in each of their classes. Open House will kick off the night with our School Band, Cheer Team and Dance Team. There will be a variety of food vendors along with other yummy desserts. We encourage all families to support our school clubs during this fundraising event.
LET’S CONTINUE TO WORK HARD THIS LAST SEMESTER!
12th Grade Level Academy Team
Mr. Elmore - Administrative Director
Mrs. Franco - 12th Grade Coordinator
Dr. Garnish - 12th Grade Dean
Mrs. Brown - Counselor (A-F)
Mrs. Perez - Counselor (G-N)
Mrs. Palacios - Counselor (O-Z)
Mr. Ermoian - Psychiatric Social Worker
Ms. Sedani - 12th Grade Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Mirazakhanian - 12th Grade Clerk
Join us for Coffee with the Principal!
PTSA Membership!
Grad Nite 2025!
2024-2025 Parent LCAP and Climate Survey
Birmingham is committed to two-way communication with our parents and families. Your input is a vital element in the development of Birmingham's annual plan, the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). Please complete this survey to provide us with your feedback.
Note: At the end of the survey, you will have an opportunity to submit questions, thank specific staff, and provide recommendations relating to programs and activities.
VAPA Newsletter
Upcoming Events!
Hello Patriot Family!
Spring is around the corner, and our Community School continues to provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for all students and families. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to another great month together!
The HUB – Our On-Campus Food Pantry
The HUB remains open Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering canned and shelf-stable food to anyone in need. No appointment is necessary—just stop by and take what you need!
Know Your Rights – Red Cards Available in the Parent Center
Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has rights under the Constitution. Red Cards help individuals assert their rights in various situations. We now have Red Cards available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Tagalog, and Arabic. If you need a different language, let me know so I can order additional translations!
Community School Advisory Council
Our next meeting is Thursday, March 27, at 3:45 PM in the Parent Resource Center. Parents, students, and community members—your voice matters! Join us in shaping the support and services available at our school.
Mobile Clinic Services
The CCHC Mobile Clinic will be on campus Thursday, March 27. If your child needs medical services, please complete the necessary forms [linked here].
Upcoming Events
March 13 – Fentanyl & Naxolone (NAX) Training Workshop (Zoom)
Hosted by National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
Spanish: 5:00–5:45 PM
English: 5:45–6:30 PM
Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 889 6959 2537)
March 26 – Know Your Rights Workshop (Zoom)
Hosted by SALVA
Time: 5:00–6:30 PM
Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 851 8748 5356)
Save the Date! Wellness Fair – Saturday, May 17
Join us for our 4th Annual Wellness Fair in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month! This event will feature community resources, wellness activities, and more. Stay tuned for details—we look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Whether you need assistance, want to get involved, or simply want to learn more, we’re here for you. We look forward to seeing you at our events and continuing to grow together!
-Cecilia Macias
Community Schools Coordinator
818-758-4411
As we welcome the month of March and the upcoming spring semester, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of school attendance during this critical time of the year.
Why March Matters
Academic Progress: March marks the beginning of the final stretch of the academic year. Consistent attendance is essential as students prepare for final assessments and projects that will impact their overall grades.
Spring Activities: With warmer weather, many exciting activities and events are planned, including sports, clubs, and special projects. Regular attendance ensures that students can participate fully in these enriching experiences.
Social Engagement: Spring is a time when students build stronger connections with their peers as they engage in various school activities. Regular attendance helps maintain these important social bonds.
Support for Students
If your child is facing any challenges that may hinder their ability to attend school consistently this spring, please do not hesitate to reach out to the attendance counselor, Ms. Aparcio or your student's school counselors. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help our students succeed.
Monitoring Attendance
Throughout March, we will closely monitor attendance and will reach out to families whose students are experiencing frequent absences. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to ensure that every student has the opportunity to maximize their learning.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting a positive learning environment for our students. Together, we can encourage our young learners to attend school regularly and take full advantage of the opportunities this spring semester offers.