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OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS WHO ARE PREPARED TO LIVE, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN EVER-CHANGING SOCIETY.

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As we transition into the fourth month of the academic year, Flint Community Schools remains deeply committed to its theme: "RE-ENERGIZING THE PRIDE, RENOVATING THE PLANS, REBUILDING THE POSSIBILITIES and REPURPOSING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE"

Exciting renovations are underway at Potter Elementary, Brownell STEM Academy, and Holmes STEM Middle School Academy, representing our dedication to offering students, educators, and families an environment in which they can truly excel. These projects symbolize more than just construction; they embody our shared vision of a prosperous future.

This transformation journey is a testament to our resolve to provide the community with top-tier resources and facilities. Each phase of the renovation marks progress towards a richer and inclusive educational setting.

We're immensely grateful to our educators and staff, who serve as pillars of Flint Community Schools. Their consistent commitment offers our students a safe and nurturing learning environment. They not only shape the minds but also the souls of our future generation, creating a positive ripple effect in Flint.

Every moment at Flint Community Schools is a story of our community's determination, brilliance, and passion. From enlightening trips for our students to educators going the extra mile to secure resources, these instances highlight our unwavering dedication to excellence.

We encourage everyone to celebrate each achievement, no matter its scale, as they collectively contribute to our vibrant school community.

Flint Community Schools is an ever-evolving beacon of hope, change, and growth, and together, with your continued support, we'll pave the way for a more prosperous educational future.

Educationally yours,

Kevelin B. Jones II

Superintendent

Flint Community Schools

"My Goal is OUR success!"

Your insights are invaluable to us. Please take a moment to complete the Future Focused Forum Questionnaire, helping us shape a brighter and more impactful future for our community. Your voice matters! INSTRUCTIONS: Please click on the link to complete the online questionnaire or the link below for the flyer and printed questionnaire.

Zoom Link for the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85050839771?pwd=MzkvaG9BeWZCaU45T3BrMU1pN2RHdz09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 850 5083 9771 Passcode: 209525

We are thrilled to announce that the prodigious talents of our scholars at Southwestern Classical Academy will soon adorn the walls of the Administration Office! Come and immerse yourself in the captivating world of art, each piece echoing the passion, creativity, and dedication of our young artists. Don't miss this opportunity to witness and celebrate the masterpieces crafted by our amazing scholars. 🖌️🎨#SouthwesternClassicalAcademy #YoungArtists #ArtDisplay #TalentUnveiled

Under the direction of Alan Lynch - Southwestern and Holmes Vocal Music

On Sunday, October 8th, the New Century Chorale Concert at St. Paul's Episcopal Church showcased remarkable talent, particularly from standout scholars Santana Barber and Micaiah Brown. Accompanied by the esteemed District 3 Honors Choir, both delivered captivating performances, notably during the final three concert selections. Highlights included the harmonious "Exsultate Justi" and the soul-stirring "I Will Be a Child of Peace," concluding with the uplifting "I'll Be On My Way." These events not only celebrate music but spotlight emerging talents like Santana and Micaiah. Their outstanding performances, together with the District 3 Honors Choir, hint at a promising musical future.

Our school's beginning band class has been diligently practicing, mastering their instruments and expanding their musical skills. Their hard work culminated in a grand performance on October 20th, where they showcased their talent at a pep rally and the homecoming game, wearing new, stylish uniforms that enhanced their charisma.

If you missed this performance, there's another opportunity to witness their musical prowess. The band is preparing for a special performance at the Flint Board Of Education meeting on November 8th, where they aim to impress the district with their talent and new uniforms. Join us in celebrating and supporting our young musicians as they continue to shine.

Holmes Instrumental Music has seen rapid progress under the adept guidance of Jordan Pavlica. The first two band classes, under her direction, now comfortably sight-read new music daily, having masterfully grasped their initial five notes. Their upcoming concerts, will spotlight their skills, particularly the ensemble's ability to play two distinct parts per section—a creative approach by Pavlica.

Beyond playing, students have sharpened their balance, intonation, and rhythm. Pavlica's innovative leadership initiative has designated section leaders for each instrument, promoting responsibility and spurring a competitive drive among students. The third-hour band is aligning its pace with the first two, while the fourth-hour piano ensemble displays impressive advancement, even composing their own melodies. A unique twist was the transformation of the 'Piano, Guitar & Drums' class from an exclusive piano session into an additional band class due to increased participation and limited keyboards. This class now enjoys double the practice hours, further enhancing their skills.

Brownell STEM Academy's music scene is vibrant, spearheaded by John Guzowski of the General and Instrumental Music department. Guzowski has pioneered the establishment of a 5th-grade band with 16 budding musicians. They've embarked on a journey from learning individual instruments to commencing full band instruction. Highlighting their progress, some band members will feature in the holiday programs on December 19th, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

The academy has also embraced the modern Quaver music curriculum, benefiting student engagement and understanding. Fourth-graders are delving into a new ukulele segment, while third-graders eagerly await a Quaver-led recorder unit post-intercession.

Under the dynamic guidance of Kathleen Martin, the General Music program at Doyle Ryder has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Initially facing the challenge of acquainting students with basic musical language, Martin's efforts have now enabled them to fluently engage with musical terms.

The Veterans Day program stands out as a notable achievement. Students across grade levels are preparing multiple songs, with the younger ones even integrating American Sign Language in their performance. Additionally, a special field trip is arranged for the 5th and 6th graders on November 11th to the Memorial Veterans Park, where they'll pay respects through song and poetry, linking music with historical appreciation.

Superintendent Jones has been actively engaging with and acknowledging the educators and scholars at Flint Community Schools through a series of inspiring visits. Highlights of these visits include:

• Brownell STEM Academy (Kindergarten): Superintendent Jones was captivated by the enthusiasm of Mrs. Maher's class, thanking Ms. Byas for introducing him to such passionate young scholars.
• Brownell STEM Academy (1st Grade): Mrs. LeGardye and Mrs. O'Keefe are leading STEM activities that emphasize creativity and problem-solving. Superintendent Jones was deeply impressed by the hands-on learning and innovation he witnessed.
• Neithercut Elementary (1st Grade): Mrs. Barnett class where we witness the 4Bs and the social contract in full force.
• Neithercut Elementary (4th Grade): A visit to Mrs. Millikins' class revealed a magical reading environment, with students engrossed in the book "Wonder" amidst a cozy setting.

Superintendent Jones also spotlighted two outstanding principals, Mrs. Cookenmaster at Neithercut Elementary and Ms. Byas at Brownell STEM Academy, highlighting their dedication to fostering a culture of excellence.

In his words, "Fridays with Superintendent Jones" offer a unique chance to connect with scholars, offering enriching experiences that underscore the transformative power of education. The ongoing efforts of educators and students promise a bright future for Flint Community Schools, emphasizing a community of endless learning and vast potential.

Southwestern Classical Academy has witnessed significant growth in the NWEA assessments over the past year, particularly in mathematics, where students consistently scored between the 96-99th percentile across all grades. Additionally, reading proficiency has seen substantial progress, with two grades performing at or above the 90th percentile and another at the 79th percentile.

The academy's math performance stems from an effective curriculum, innovative teaching, and dedicated faculty, leading the scholars to appreciate and excel in the subject. On the reading front, dedicated instructors instill a love for reading, enhancing comprehension, literacy, and analytical skills.

While celebrating these accomplishments, Southwestern Classical Academy remains focused on refining its teaching methods and resources to nurture its students' potential. The academy's dedication to providing holistic education ensures its scholars are well-equipped for future academic challenges. This progress underscores the academy's commitment to academic excellence and positions it as an exemplary institution in education.

At Southwestern Classical Academy (SW), school spirit isn't just a concept; it's a way of life. Nestled in the heart of our community, SW has been and will continue to be a beacon of educational excellence, which is a testament to the dedicated educators and scholars they serve. Today, we bring you the voices of four outstanding scholars, each sharing their unique experiences and reasons for being proud Jaguars.

Southwestern Classical Academy has indeed become a second home for these four scholars. With its commitment to diversity, academic excellence, community, and inclusivity, it's no wonder they proudly wear the title of "Jaguar" as a badge of honor. Our class size may be small, but 95% of all SW graduates are accepted to college with scholarships and other career opportunities. SW continues to be a place where scholars receive an exceptional education, build lifelong friendships, embrace their individuality, and become responsible citizens of the world.

All are welcome! Parents and guardians, please join us at our monthly meetings. Each meeting will provide school updates, resource information, and much more to help support our families and the educational goals of scholars.

Southwestern Classical Academy is holding its JV and Varsity Basketball Try-Outs! 🌟

• 📅 Boys: November 13th
• 📅 Girls: November 20th

Expanded Schedule:

• SW Boys tryouts start the 13th of November through the 18th of November, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm.
• SW Girls tryouts Start November 20th through November 24th, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.
• Holmes Boys practice began Friday, November 3rd, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.
• Holmes Girls basketball season does not start until the first of February.

Additional Information:

• Boys' basketball will have no activities from November 6th - 10th. They can condition (running, weight lifting), not basketball.
• Girls have no activities from November 13th - 18th.
• After November 24th, Holmes and SW freshman boys will practice from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Girl's practice will run from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Boys JV and Varsity Basketball practice will run from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and will tentatively held at Northwestern. Allowing the boys' JV and Varsity to practice at Northwestern will let all scholar-athletes get home at a reasonable time on school nights.
• The first Boys' basketball game will be played on November 28th, and the second game will be played on December 1st. The first two games are away. The first home game will be played on December 5th.

Mark your calendar. The district will be closed on the following dates.

Parents and guardians can schedule an appointment for their child's immunizations. Timeslots are available every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during November and December 2023. Clinics will also be available; please stay tuned for clinic dates. Please click the following link to make an appointment. https://forms.office.com/r/H2Biv3QLeL

We are thrilled to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to our new members of the Flint Community Schools Administration Team. Your arrival marks the beginning of an exciting journey as we work together to shape the future of education in our community.

You are invited to learn more about our new team members; click their images to read their professional biographies.

Please click the following link for updates on all current construction and renovation projects at Flint Community Schools.

Flint Board of Education invites you to participate in sharing your district. Location: Meetings are scheduled twice monthly except for special meetings at Accelerated Learning Academy, 1602 S. Averill Ave., Flint, MI 48503. Your input is important, and we encourage everyone to attend. Let's work together to shape the best path for our students, teachers, and the Flint Community Schools family. Your voice can make a difference!

REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2023

• November 8, 2023, at 6:30 PM - Accelerated Learning Academy
• November 15, 2023, at 6:30 PM - Accelerated Learning Academy
  

Click on the link for the LIVESTREAM of a Flint Board of Education Meetings: https://www.youtube.com/@flintschoolboard

To enhance our communication and ensure that you have direct access to assistance with any questions or concerns about your scholar’s bus route, we have established a new dedicated phone line for FCS Bus Transportation. Please note the new contact number: 810-776-0015

In our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and organization of our school environment, we are implementing a new entrance policy at Pierce Elementary effective immediately.

Entrance Usage Update:

• Front Entrance (Main Entrance): All visitors, including parents, guardians, and other guests, are required to enter the school building through the front entrance. This entrance is specifically designated for visitor access, and it is equipped with a check-in facility to ensure all visitors are accounted for, providing a secure environment for our students and staff.

• Side Entrance (Near Parking Lot): This entrance is reserved exclusively for Pierce Elementary staff. We ask that all non-staff members refrain from using this entrance. The side entrance is designed to allow faculty members to enter and leave the premises efficiently, as they often carry supplies and materials necessary for their day-to-day responsibilities.

If you are visiting for a scheduled appointment or event, please allow a few extra minutes for check-in procedures at the front entrance. If you have any questions or concerns about this new policy, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at Pierce Elementary at 810 760-1386. We're here to help you and make sure that your visit to Pierce Elementary is both welcoming and safe. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school community secure.

Please contact Bridgett Jones, District Communications Specialist at bjones@flintschools.org