The Weekly Update #4
May 4th, 2026
Dear Birmingham Families,
With fewer than four weeks remaining in the school year, we're in the home stretch — one more week of Advanced Placement exams, followed by ten days until senior finals begin. The year culminates on June 5th, when students in grades 9–11 complete their finals and our seniors walk across the graduation stage.
The year has gone by quickly, and as I reflect on it, I find myself genuinely proud — of our students, our staff, and the direction Birmingham continues to move.
Our growth tells a real story. Unlike many of the schools around us, Birmingham has seen enrollment increase this year, and our waiting list has continued to grow as well. This is not by accident. As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to name what I believe to be the central reason for our progress: our teachers, counselors, and support staff. Their dedication — inside and outside the classroom — has touched families, deepened community trust, and created the kind of school culture that draws families to us and keeps them here. I am grateful every day for a faculty that is second to none.
I'm also proud to share a remarkable milestone from our senior class. Of the 97 seniors accepted to UC Merced, 41 received full-ride scholarship offers — covering tuition, housing, meals, books, and more. Beyond Merced, 53 seniors were admitted to UC San Diego, 20 to UCLA, and 18 to UC Berkeley. A number of students will be heading east to Yale, MIT, and the University of Chicago, while others will attend Howard University and Morehouse College.
Whether our seniors go on to a four-year university, a community college, or directly into the workforce, I couldn't be more proud of who they've become — the growth, the resilience, and the maturity they've shown this year.
Thank you for being part of the Birmingham community.
With pride and gratitude,
Principal Bennett
SENIORS…YOU’VE MADE IT!
Although it may feel like a bitter sweet time, remember that it’s Not Over yet! There are still quite a few important dates to keep in mind:
May 4-15 – AP Testing…GOOD LUCK!
May 11 – Graduation Appeals - Due by 3:00pm to Ms. Franco in H68-A
May 15 – 2nd Round of Graduation Appeal Notices - Notifications to appeal for Graduation will be sent out via email, hand delivered and to home address on file.
May 26-29 – SENIOR FINALS…YOU GOT THIS!
May 28 – Senior Honors Award Banquet - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (BY INVITE ONLY)
June 1 – No School for Seniors
June 2 – Collections/Clearance (A-L) (REQUIRED) – Seniors will be assigned appointments to return BCCHS items and clear if any delinquencies (textbooks, chromebooks, equipment, fines, clear out lockers, lastly distribution of Cap & Gowns) (NOTE: M-Z students will not need to attend school on this day)
June 3 – Collections/Clearance (M-Z) (REQUIRED) – Seniors will be assigned appointments to return BCCHS items and clear if any delinquencies (textbooks, chromebooks, equipment, fines, clear out lockers, lastly distribution of Cap & Gowns) (NOTE: A-L students will not need to attend school on this day)
June 3 – Senior Sunset/Decision Day – 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Ramirez Field
June 4 – Graduation Rehearsal (REQUIRED) – 8:30AM. SENIORS who miss the Graduation Rehearsal will NOT be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony and will NOT receive guest tickets.
June 5 – Graduate w/ Family/Friends Photos – Photo opportunity at the Quad from 2:30 PM- 5:00 PM - SENIORS MUST REPORT TO THEIR GRADUATION SPOT AT THE STADIUM BY 5:00 PM.
June 5 – Graduation Ceremony – 6:00 PM. SENIORS MUST ARRIVE at BCCHS by 5:00 PM. (NOTE: Tickets will be required to enter the graduation ceremony) Students who miss their appointments and are NOT CLEARED from all the required stations will NOT be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
Appointments for Senior Collections/Clearance Day will be emailed to students on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Students will need to adhere to his/her/their appointment dates and times as we have many students to get through this process.
June 7 - June 8 – Grad Nite – 7:45 am at BCCHS Haynes Parking Lot. All students MUST bring their
purchase receipt and student ID. Please contact Mrs. Ponce for more information.
As you are nearing the end in completing yet another life milestone, know that this is only the beginning to a new and adventurous journey. We wish you ALL a lifetime of happiness and success! There is ONLY one Birmingham “Class of 2026” and we will MISS YOU!
12th Grade Level Academy Team
Mr. Elmore - Administrative Director
Ms. Franco - 12th Grade Coordinator
Ms. Piliposian - 12th Grade Dean
Mrs. Riusech - 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
11th grade students and families, you did it!!!
In April all Juniors participated in state-mandated testing for English, Math, and Science (SBAC and CAST). We are so proud of the hard work and dedication you showed by showing up every day!!! Well done!
Finals are June 2 - June 5. These grades are the LAST GRADES that appear on your transcript for college applications. You must get a C or better in all classes.
Juniors with any missing classes or credits have been enrolled into summer school. If you want more information about your student and if they are on track, please contact your counselor ASAP. Emails and ParentSquare notifications have been sent with summer school information.
May 13 there is a meeting for all Juniors and families at 6 PM in the Performing Arts Building. Topics will include Senior Events, Senior Expectations, Senior Costs, and more. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hey Sophomores! You’re doing an amazing job—let’s keep pushing toward the finish line!
Important Dates:
May 25, 2026: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
Finals Schedule:
June 2nd: Period 1 & 2
June 3rd: Period 3 & 4
June 4th: Period 5 & 6
June 5th : Period 7 & 8
(Early Dismissal for Students)
June 8th: Summer School starts
August 6th: School Starts
Keep up the great work, and let’s finish strong!
Have a Great Summer!!- 10th Grade Level Team
Dear 9th grade parents and students,
One more month left to go! Let's finish strong and earn those credits!
A-G Readiness
As a reminder, Birmingham aims to help our students become A-G ready. A-G requirements are the classes that students must take and pass with a C or better to be eligible to apply to a 4 year university. If a student earns a D or an F, then they will be scheduled for summer school.
Summer School
Birmingham offers two types of summer school. Talk with your student's counselor about what they recommend for your student.
BCCHS In Person Summer School- Your student can make up 2 D or F grades. It goes from June 8th until July 3rd from 8:30-3:20pm, Monday through Friday.
Assurance Online School- offered by the counselor if a student has more than 2 D or F grades. It goes from July 1st to July 24th.
Tutoring
Please remember that Birmingham offers tutoring before and after school to support students who may be struggling. Getting your student the support they need is of the utmost importance so that they can earn that high school diploma!
Learning over the summer!
Over the summer, we recommend that students read at least 2 books to keep their reading skills sharp. Visit your local library to choose something that suits your student's interests. Summer is also a great time for your student to practice any skills they struggle with. Give your students math problems to practice or conduct a DIY scientific experiment at home! For example, Khan Academy and Youtube have many great resources for boosting your student's math and science skills.
There are many ways to keep your child learning during the summer so please feel free to reach out if you would like ideas!
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
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
Hello BCCHS Community,
As we wrap up the school year, we want to thank all of our students, families, staff, and community partners for your support throughout the year. We are grateful for everything our community has accomplished together and for the continued care and support shown to our students and families.
5th Annual Wellness Fair – Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our 5th Annual Wellness Fair! We were excited to bring together students, families, staff, and community organizations for a day focused on wellness and connection.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, vendors, performers, staff, and community partners who helped make this event possible.
We hope everyone enjoyed:
Community resources
Wellness activities
Giveaways
Health and mental health supports
Thank you again for helping make this event a success for our BCCHS community.
The Hub (Food Pantry)
The Hub remains open and available to all BCCHS students and families.
No questions asked—students and families are always welcome to access pantry items as needed. Please remember to sign in on the iPad when taking items.
Community School Advisory Council (CSAC)
Thank you to everyone who participated in CSAC meetings this year. Your feedback and ideas have helped guide important conversations around student and family needs.
Our final CSAC meeting of the school year will take place on:
Wednesday, May 21
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Counseling Conference Room
During this meeting, we will:
Reflect on this school year
Discuss goals for next year
Review community feedback and needs
Share updates on community school initiatives
Parents, students, staff, and community members are all welcome to attend. We would love to have your voice included in the conversation.
Summer Support & Resources
Support will continue to be available for students and families over the summer. If you or your student may need support or resources, please reach out before the school year ends so we can help connect you to services.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram for updates, resources, and events:
@bcchs.supports
Thank you again for being part of our BCCHS community this school year. We wish all of our students and families a safe and restful summer.
Cecilia Macias
Community School Coordinator
c.macias@bcchs.net
818-758-4411
