The Weekly Update #4
September 9th, 2025
Dear Birmingham Family,
Happy September. Please find the latest news from Birmingham.
Please consider getting involved at Birmingham. Our community is strengthened by the engagement and participation of Birmingham parents and guardians. With this in mind, please find a list of activities and events that are available for your participation or membership.
September Activities/Events/Meetings:
Tuesday, September 16th: Coffee with the Principal in the MPR at 9:00 am
Guests: Matthew Rubin, HR Director will discuss employee clearance and parent volunteer opportunities
Edwin Avarca, Administrative Director will discuss the 9th grade program and intervention and enrichment opportunities.
Principal Bennett will be there as well.
Tuesday, September 16th: PTSA/ Coffee with the Principal in the MPR at 7:00 pm (food will be provided)
PTSA Membership is only $7.50. You can sign up using this link: PTSA Membership
Tuesday, September 16th: Student Services Committee Meeting at 3:45 pm in the Counseling Center Conference Room
A parent member is needed for this committee (please email a.diaz@bcchs.net for more information)
Wednesday, September 17th: Due date for teachers to submit grades for the first reporting period.
As a reminder, we recognize students for attendance, grades, and improvement.
Although certificates are awarded at the end of the semester, the categories for grades are:
3.0-3.59 silver
3.6-3.99 gold
4.0 + platinum
For attendance: we recognize students with perfect attendance and also those that attend 96% or more of the time.
September 17th will be the 29th instructional day; therefore, to have attended 96% or higher, a student could have no more than 1 absence.
Thursday, September 18th: Back to School Night (student performances at 5:30 and class visits from 6:00-8:00 pm)
Friday, September 19th: Senior Sunrise on the Ramirez Soccer Field from 6:00 - 8:20 am.
Friday, September 19th: Minimum Day: Dismissal at 1:10
Thursday, September 25th: Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting at 3:45 in the Counseling Center Conference Room
A parent member is needed for this committee (please email a.diaz@bcchs.net for more information)
Saturday, September 27th: Board Meeting in the MPR at 9:00 am.
What Committees Can Parents Join? The Birmingham Charter created the following Standing Committees of the Board to focus on governance tasks and/or policy recommendations. The first two committees listed require a parent to join and participate.
Student Services Committee: Addresses policies related to student welfare, student safety, student discipline, attendance, and student activities
Members:
Administrative Director
Dean
3 Certificated Employees
Student (assigned through Associated Student Body)
Social Worker
Parent (contact Angie Diaz at a.diaz@bcchs.net for more information)
Board Member
Curriculum and Instruction Committee: Addresses schoolwide curricular and instructional initiatives including taking the lead on proposing school instructional calendars
Members:
Every Department Chair (10)
Administrative Director
Parent (contact Angie Diaz at a.diaz@bcchs.net for more information)
Student (Assigned through Associated Student Body)
Board Member
HR Committee: Addresses employee benefits, incentives, and work-related issues
Members
Director of HR
Classified Employee
Certificated Employee
Administrative Director
Facilities Committee: Addresses all issues related to facility maintenance, repair, and renovation
Members:
Chief Business Officer
Chief Executive Officer (Principal)
Athletic Director
Board Member
Finance Advisory Committee: Provides oversight and policy recommendations regarding the fiscal operations of the school including annual internal and external operations
Members:
Standing Committee Chairs (5)
Chief Business Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Board Member
Thank you for encouraging your student to attend everyday. Our attendance is trending up so far this year by over a percentage point. We could still use your help with encouraging your student to be on time in the morning. In addition, if it's possible to leave earlier in the morning when dropping off your student, it would be greatly appreciated. Our drop off circle on the Haynes side is often very light and quick to navigate around until about 8:20 when so many cars enter the complex at the same time causing a jam. If you could arrive any earlier, it would be greatly appreciated.
One final request: If you haven't yet downloaded Parent Square, please do so. It is the primary way that we communicate information to you. Please contact the Parent Center if you need assistance.
I hope the beginning of the school year has started off smoothly for your student and your family.
Sincerely,
Principal Bennett
We had our first Class of 2025 Student Senate meeting on Monday, August 18th during lunch. We have a lot to plan, discuss, design and simply enjoy all that it entails this final high school year! ALL Seniors are welcome to join! We are currently working on our first Senior event, SENIOR SunRISE, which will take place on Friday, September 19th from 6:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. On the day of the event, students may come in their pajamas to enjoy breakfast with a mobile beverage cart , selfie photo booth, class denim decoration making, jumbo outdoor games, all while listening to their favorite music on our Ramirez Soccer Field. Please note that students must arrive by 7:30 am to enjoy the festivities.
The first student progress report this school year will be submitted on Wednesday, September 17th. Our Back to School Night will be from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th with a minimum day dismissal on Friday, September 19th.
Lastly and most importantly, ANY Senior who has not already scheduled their Senior Portraits with White Studios must do so ASAP to prevent from being left out of the yearbook! Below is the link to set up an appointment at either the North Hollywood or Northridge locations. Pictures were supposed to be done on or prior to October 1st.
White Studios Appointment Link: https://www.whites-studios.com/book-your-appointment/
Something to look forward to in the next month is Homecoming! Homecoming Spirit Week is set for October 13th - 17th. Our Homecoming game will be Friday, October 17th and the Homecoming dance will be Saturday, October 18th.
More to come next month...Have a wonderful September month!
The 12th Grade Team
Mr. Elmore - 12th Grade Administrative Director
Mrs. Franco - 12th Grade Coordinator
Ms. Piliposian - 12th Grade Dean
Mrs. Riuech - Counselor (A-F) Ms. Aparicio - Counselor (G-N) Ms. Vasquez - Counselor (O-Z)
Mr. Rodriguez - Psychiatric Social Worker
Ms. Sedani - 12th Grade Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Salvatierra - 12th Grade Clerk
Class of 2027 Families,
Progress Report 1 will be distributed to students on September 17. Please ask your student for their progress report then, or check their grades on Aeries. This is a very important year for students, and we want to ensure they are set up for success after graduation. Please reach out to your students’ teachers and counselor for questions and support.
Back to School Night is on September 18. Because of this, September 19 will be a Minimum Day, and student dismissal will be at 1:10 PM.
On September 20-22, we will be taking 96 juniors to Northern California for the College Trip. This year, we had the highest number of applicants ever. It is wonderful to know that so many students are excited to attend a four-year college. We sincerely wish we could bring every student on the trip, but unfortunately, that is not possible. However, there is still an opportunity next summer for students to attend an on-campus event where they will have the chance to stay in college dorms. Please stop by the Blue and Gold Center for more information about these opportunities!
Welcome back to campus, sophomores! We hope you had a restful summer and are ready to dive into a new academic year. Here’s what’s happening this month:
1. Key Dates to Remember:
Welcome back: Carnival- September 6th, 6-10 pm Club rush: September 11th Back-to-School Night: September 18th Progress Report 1: September 19th (Passed out to students in period 2) Homecoming Week: October 13-18th
Academic Tips: ● Start strong by organizing your schedule and setting goals. ● Take advantage of office hours to connect with Counselors, teachers, and other staff. ● If you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask for your missing work; don’t get behind!
Reminders:
● Keep an eye on your student email for important announcements.
● Reach out if you need support—resources are here to help you succeed.
● Dress Code: Remember to adhere to the school's dress code policy. Please refer to our school website for details.
● Digital Responsibility: Be mindful of your online presence and practice safe social media habits. ● Mental Health: Take care of your mental well-being. Reach out to school counselors or our PSW counselors if you need support.
● Cell Phone Policy - Schoolwide: Students are to check their cell phones with the teacher upon class entrance and pick them up at the end of class.
Wishing you a fantastic September and a successful start to your sophomore year! Best Wishes,
Amanda Fitzpatrick
10th Grade Level Coordinator
Office # H-68 A
(818) 758-4428
Happy fall to our Class of 2029 parents and students!
Tips for Success!
Progress report one will be coming out this month. It is an excellent way to check how your student is doing academically so far. Here are some tips for success:
Aeries
Monitor your student’s Aeries portal for grades, attendance, and missing assignments.
Google Classroom
Ask your student to log on to their Google Classrooms and click “View Your Work” to see what is “Turned In” or “Missing.”
Communicate with Teachers
Communicate with your student’s teachers through email or Parent Square
Tutoring in
General tutoring in B71 : M, T, TH, F (7:30-8:20AM), W (8:30- 9:30 AM), M-Th (3:30-4:30pm)
IEP/ 504 Tutoring in B73: M-F (3:30-4:30pm)
EL Tutoring in B75: M, T, TH, F (7:30-8:20AM), W (7:30- 9:20 AM), M-F (3:30-4:30PM)
Link Crew after school in 406: starting 9/25 from 3:45-4:45pm
**Tutoring may be available with individual teachers. Your student should ask their teachers.
Setting Expectations with your student
What is your expectation of your student? (Ex. Grades of Cs or better)
What is the consequence if your student’s grades drop? (Ex. taking cell phone away, removing video game console)
Events
The freshmen have already experienced so many exciting events and there are more on the horizon. Freshman Tailgate was August 29th. This was the first home game that our football team has this season and freshmen received free entry if they brought their ID. There was food, games, and chances to meet new people before the Junior Varsity and Varsity football games. Students also attended the Back to School Carnival on September 6th where we had face painting, dancing, and an amazing DJ! Students played carnival booth games to win prizes and got to use a photobooth as well.
There are several upcoming events to get excited about as well!
On September 11th, students get to explore all the clubs offered at Birmingham during Club Rush. Clubs are a great way to build community and we strongly encourage your student to join a club that interests them. This year, we have all types of clubs for everyone! Some examples are anime club, skate club, film club, biology club, Freshman Senate, and more!
9th Grade Parent Night and Back to School Night are also on the horizon. Back to School Night is an important part of your child's time here at Birmingham! Please come meet your child’s teachers and see all that our amazing school has to offer on September 18th and come early to attend the Parent Night at 5pm in the MPR!
Leila Haghi
9th Grade Coordinator
The 9th Grade Team
Edwin Avarca- 9th Grade Administrative Director
Leila Haghi- 9th Grade Coordinator/ Lead Teacher
Sami Brown, Ana Palacios, and Veronica Perez- 9th Grade Counselors
Taylor Ermoian -Psychiatric Social Worker
Joe Granish- 9th Grade Dean
Anne Mirzakhanian- 9th Grade Office Clerk/ Primary Parent Contact (818) 758-4484
For 10th & 11th Grade ONLY!
