BCS Insider
July 2024
by Sarah Warner, Communications Coordinator
Mrs. McKenna Flohr’s third grade class at Tomahawk Intermediate School turned a classroom discussion into a mission to help families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
After learning about the devastation in North Carolina and contrasting it with preparedness efforts in Florida, students were inspired to take action.
“They couldn’t believe how hard it was to clean water. It made them realize how much they need help.” This led the class to brainstorm ways to meet other critical needs, asking, “What else do these families need, and how can we help?," said Flohr.
This curiosity became action. With support from Hedgesville Elementary, Potomack Intermediate, Spring Mills High School’s National Honor Society, and local churches and organizations.
“The kids wanted to take action after learning about the hurricane’s effects,” explained Flohr. "By involving other schools and community groups, we created a ripple effect of kindness."
Students collected blankets, bedding, and toiletries, sending all donations to Davidson River School in North Carolina, a trauma-informed school hit hardest by the disaster.
“Helping kids so they aren’t cold and have clean bed sheets—that’s been my favorite part," said Alex Sourbier, a third grade student at Tomahawk Intermediate.
“I’ve learned how to organize everything to get it to those who need it quickly," said Caitlyn Foltz, a third grade student at Tomahawk Intermediate.
Flohr says the effort is a hands-on lesson in empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
“They’re learning that when we come together, we can truly make a difference,” said Flohr.
Winter is almost here, which means inclement weather may cause closings or delays. Please make sure your family has a plan in place!
Information about weather-related closings or delays will be communicated to all BCS families by 5:30 a.m. Download the BCS app and subscribe to district push alerts to stay up-to-date on the latest information. You may also subscribe to our community list for text messages and email alerts.
Look out for Stormy the Weather Pup on social media to keep you updated when the weather gets "ruff!"
The Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee is a group that includes three students from each 8th-grade middle school and a 10th, 11th, and 12th grader from each high school, totaling 30 participants. These students come together to share feedback and insights from their respective schools, fostering a collaborative dialogue to improve the educational experience for all.
The 2024-25 committee held its first meeting on November 1st, and it proved to be an engaging and productive session. Students participated in activities designed to strengthen relationships, foster respect for diverse perspectives, and encourage meaningful discussions. These exercises highlighted both the unique strengths and shared challenges faced within their schools, setting a strong foundation for the group's work.
Thank you to these students for their active participation and thoughtful contributions. Their voices are vital to the continued growth and success of our schools, and we are excited to see the positive impact they create this year!
The BCS Department of Communications is excited to announce the launch of our school district's new and official podcast, BCS Unplugged! Hosted by Tyler Hawn, Assistant Director of Communications, this monthly podcast will take a deep dive into important educational topics and keep you connected with everything happening in our schools!
Our first episode features the C.A.R.E.S. Academy. where we speak with Dr. Tyler Long, principal of Tuscarora Elementary School, and Melissa Hollen, Pupil Services Coordinator, about a recent grant awarded to the C.A.R.E.S. Academy that is providing students identified as needing additional support in the classroom with the tools they need for success in and out of the classroom.
BCS Unplugged is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Download it now!
