October Cat Tracks

Merritt Elementary’s second graders recently celebrated the culmination of their CKLA unit on Fairy Tales and Tall Tales with a memorable and engaging event. Students were treated to a delicious flapjack breakfast, enjoyed themed activities, and watched Beauty and the Beast. Adding to the excitement, students were encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from the stories they explored throughout the unit. The creativity and enthusiasm were evident in the costumes, making the day even more magical. The second-grade team of teachers did a wonderful job coordinating this annual event, ensuring it was both educational and entertaining for all participants. This celebration highlighted not only the students’ learning and creativity but also the dedication of Brandywine’s teachers in making learning memorable and fun.

Mr. Pomranka’s middle school Bobcat Natural Resources class is transforming the overgrown middle school courtyard pond into a vibrant, welcoming space. As students clear brush, remove debris, and repair the pond, they’re learning about ecology, aquatic life, and environmental stewardship, all while contributing to a meaningful community service project. This hands-on work not only improves the school grounds but also gives students a chance to apply classroom lessons in a real-world setting. The revitalized pond will serve as a living laboratory for future classes and a peaceful spot for the school community, showcasing how learning, service, and school pride can come together in one project.

Submitted by Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Programs Amanda Lezotte

Brandywine Community Schools has welcomed a nationally registered and certified therapy dog, Copper, as part of our school community. Students and staff will have the opportunity to interact with Copper throughout the school year, always under the supervision of his teammate and handler, Amanda Lezotte, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & Programs. Schools across the world have seen a variety of positive outcomes when incorporating therapy dogs into their programs. Therapy dogs may provide mental health support, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in both students and staff. Schools have seen a decrease in chronic absenteeism because students find a new, exciting reason to want to come to school regularly. Interacting with a therapy dog can provide a much-needed stress reliever, confidence boost, and joyful experience during the school day. Therapy dogs and their handlers undergo rigorous training protocols complete with obedience, health screenings, temperament assessments, and scenario practice. This process usually takes between one and two years to complete. Copper has already begun visiting staff and some classrooms upon request. He looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of all Bobcats!

The Brandywine Partnership for Children PTO had an incredibly successful 2024-2025 year, raising a total of $34,889 thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of families, the support of local businesses, and collaboration with school staff. These funds were used to provide valuable resources, support teachers, and create memorable experiences for students. The PTO’s efforts ensured that every dollar donated and every volunteer hour contributed made a meaningful impact. Their work continues to strengthen Brandywine schools and provide students with opportunities to grow and thrive.

Submitted by Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Programs Amanda Lezotte

With the hiring of fourteen new teachers this year, Brandywine Community Schools has launched the Brandywine New Teacher Academy. Some of our new hires previously filled other roles in the district, some are veteran teachers who have experience elsewhere, and some are fresh out of college. Acknowledging the varied levels of knowledge and experience our new staff brings to the teaching profession, we want to support all who are new to this role with valuable tips, tricks and guidance to help them succeed! The first meeting of the New Teacher Academy took place on September 15. Time was spent getting to know one another and building a community of support for each other. Topics discussed included district vision and mission, professional ethics and establishing professional boundaries, classroom management basics and becoming familiar with the S.A.G.E. documents. The MTSS Leadership team looks forward to strengthening this network as the school year progresses!

At Brandywine Community Schools, our mission is clear: “Brandywine Community Schools empowers critical thinkers, collaborators, and leaders through high expectations in an inclusive environment.” This is not just a statement, it’s a call to action. Every day, our students, staff, and community are bringing this mission to life in meaningful and inspiring ways. At Brandywine Elementary, students are leading by example. They’ve been modeling Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) expectations for their classmates, showing what Respecting Others and Acting Responsibly and Safely (ROARS) looks like in action. By taking ownership of their school culture, they are becoming leaders while strengthening our inclusive environment. Over at Merritt Elementary, students are showcasing their learning in creative ways. At the end of each unit, they’re producing videos to share what they’ve learned. This not only deepens their understanding but also builds their communication and critical thinking skills. At the Middle/Senior High School, students are taking the lead in exciting and unique ways. Mrs. Paul’s Bobcat Nation class has been hard at work planning and leading pep assemblies, bringing our community together and building school spirit. In addition, Ben Miracle is demonstrating servant leadership by guiding the Fellowship of Christian Students group, providing a space for students to connect, reflect, and support one another. Our teachers and staff are also key to advancing our mission. Across the district, they are fostering collaboration in their classrooms, challenging students to think deeply and work together to solve problems. This collaborative approach is helping students grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. As we begin this new school year, we are proud to say that Brandywine Community Schools is on a mission. It’s a mission rooted in high expectations, inclusivity, and a belief in the power of our students and staff to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with purpose. Together, we are shaping the future, one student, one classroom, and one action at a time.

This year, Brandywine Elementary is excited to launch Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), building upon the strong foundation already established at Merritt Elementary. PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing three core expectations: Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. Students have been actively modeling these expectations through skits, videos, and demonstrations, showing their peers what positive behavior looks like in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and beyond. Staff consistently recognize students for meeting expectations while providing additional support for those who need it. By growing this program and working together as a school community, PBIS is helping us create a positive, inclusive culture where students feel valued and empowered to make good choices every day.

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support we’ve received from our community partners so far this year. Public funding for education is very specific in how it can be used, which means we rely on sponsorships to help make culture-building events like our annual holiday staff luncheon and Teacher Appreciation Week possible. These activities play a vital role in fostering a positive and connected school community. This year, we would like to thank Cedar Crest Dairy, The Plaza Restaurant, Owens Lawn Care, and Niles Precision Company for their sponsorships. Their contributions help us celebrate and support our staff in meaningful ways, and we are thankful for their commitment to Brandywine Community Schools.

Submitted by Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Programs Amanda Lezotte

On September 12, 2025 Brandywine Community Schools received notification as a recipient of a MiSTEM (Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) statewide network mini-grant for Math Recovery training for teachers. The grant will support all three of our math intervention teachers (Merritt, Elementary, Middle/Senior High School) and one of our instructional coaches, with additional training on the AVMR (Add+Vantage Math Recovery) program and assist with the cost of covering substitute teachers. AVMR provides teachers with research-based learning progressions and diagnostic assessments to identify student strengths and weaknesses in numeracy. The model helps teachers plan more effective instruction and supports math intervention strategies for students who struggle most. Being able to identify where errors occur in the progression of student mathematical thinking allows teachers to more deliberately remediate incorrect problem-solving methods and help students develop productive mathematical habits.

Brandywine Community Schools is excited to announce that all students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2025-2026 school year through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), regardless of household income. Families are encouraged to complete the Education Benefit Form (EBF), which helps the district secure additional state and federal funding that supports academic programs, classroom resources, and student services. While the State of Michigan’s school meal budget has been under discussion, these changes will not impact our CEP participation. Copies of the EBF are available on the district website and at school offices, and the Food Service Department is available to assist with any questions.

Brandywine Community Schools is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative to define a “Portrait of a Graduate.” This vision will outline the skills, mindsets, and character traits our students should develop to be successful in college, career, and life beyond graduation. Over the coming weeks, we will gather input from students, staff, parents, and community members through surveys and discussions. These conversations will help us identify the key attributes we want to see in all Brandywine graduates, ranging from skills like problem-solving and collaboration to qualities like adaptability and resilience. The process will begin with surveys being sent out, followed by meetings with each group in early October. After refining the input, we plan to finalize the Portrait in November and roll it out to the community in January 2026. Once completed, the Portrait of a Graduate will serve as a guiding framework for our schools, influencing curriculum, teaching strategies, and even district planning, ensuring that Brandywine students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Your voice matters, so please watch for opportunities to share your ideas and help shape the future for Brandywine students!

Mike Morrison has been a dedicated part of the Brandywine community for decades, and his story reflects both his passion for sports and his loyalty to his alma mater. A 2004 graduate, Mike currently serves as a Floor Supervisor at Four Winds Casino in South Bend, where he is primarily responsible for the safety and well-being of employees and guests.

His connection to Brandywine, however, runs much deeper. Since the 2000–2001 school year, Mike has been the voice of Brandywine athletics as the Public Address Announcer for football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. This upcoming school year marks his 25th season calling games for the Bobcats—a milestone that speaks to his love and dedication to the community. Beyond announcing, Mike has served as an assistant coach and statistician for Brandywine’s wrestling (2010–2024) and softball programs (2016–present), describing his involvement as “nothing more than a labor of love.”

Mike’s career path also reflects his passion for sports. While attending Central Michigan University, he considered broadcast communications but ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Over the years, he has expanded his announcing experience to include Thomas Stadium league games and tournaments, the South Bend Golden Hawks semi-professional girls football team, and a fill-in role for the South Bend Cubs. As a registered wrestling official for the MHSAA, he has worked team state finals since 2016 and individual state finals since 2021 as an official scorer.

For Mike, Brandywine is more than just a school—it’s a community. “My best friends in both childhood and as an adult came from Brandywine,” he says. “The educators provided me opportunities that I still do to this day, and I have a passion for every opportunity the school still gives me.”

Mike currently resides in South Bend, Indiana, but wherever he is, his heart remains with the Bobcats. His story is a reminder that the spirit of Brandywine isn’t just in the classrooms—it’s in the lifelong connections, passions, and dedication of its graduates.

In the episode titled "Varsity Club," members delve into the essence of school spirit and athletic excellence. They discuss the pivotal role of student-athletes in fostering a vibrant school community, highlighting their dedication both on and off the field. The conversation also touches upon the significance of leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and giving back. The second episode this month provides an in-depth look into the creative process behind the school's yearbook. The team shares the collaborative efforts involved in capturing memorable moments, designing layouts, and ensuring that each page reflects the unique spirit of the school year. Listeners gain an appreciation for the meticulous work and teamwork that culminate in this cherished keepsake. All episodes will be housed on Spotify if you are a subscriber. You can also find recent episodes on our website.

At the September 8 meeting, the Brandywine Board of Education approved the consent agenda, which included the August 25 regular meeting minutes and the payment of district bills totaling $1,453,634.22. The Board also approved the BESPA Contractual Agreement.

At the September 22 meeting, the Board’s only action was the approval of a no trespass order.

The August 25 and September 8 minutes are attached below. The September 22 minutes will be included in the November edition of Cat Tracks.

Brandywine Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, height, weight, marital status, political belief, genetic information, disability or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Title IX: Elise Sorensen, Director of Adult, Alternative and Special Education. Section 504 Coordinator: Matt Severin, Principal. Civil Rights Coordinator: Travis Walker, Superintendent. For procedural information, please review Brandywine Community Schools Board policies.

Email: twalker@brandywinebobcats.org
Website: brandywinebobcats.org
Location: 1830 South 3rd Street, Niles, MI, USA
Phone: 269-684-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCS.Bobcats