The Baker Blast

What an incredible way to kick off the school year! The Baker Middle School PTO Foam Party was a tremendous success, bringing together students, families, and staff for an afternoon filled with foam, fun, and friendship.

We could not have asked for a better day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, creating the perfect backdrop for students to celebrate the start of another exciting school year. From jumping through mountains of foam to spending time with friends, our Bobcats made memories that will last all year long.

A special thank you goes out to our Baker PTO Board for organizing this amazing event. We are also incredibly grateful to our parent volunteers, staff volunteers, and custodial team whose hard work, time, and dedication helped make the event run smoothly from start to finish. Events like this are only possible because of the support and commitment of our school community.

Thank you to all of the students and families who joined us and helped make the Foam Party such a memorable celebration. If you were not able to attend this event, we hope you'll join us for the next one!

Be sure to keep an eye on the Baker Blast and SchoolMessenger for information about upcoming PTO events and opportunities throughout the school year. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Baker PTO event!

Let's make it another amazing year to be a Bobcat!

One of our favorite first-day traditions is Mr. Quinn, our Video Technology teacher, making his way around the building to capture the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm of our staff as we prepare to welcome students back to Baker. His annual video gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the dedication and positivity that make our school such a special place.

If you'd like to take a look at our first day right before the start of school, be sure to click the link below and enjoy a snapshot of the excitement that kicked off another great year for the Baker Bobcats!

Thursday, September 10 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Baker Middle School families are invited to join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 10, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

This special evening provides parents and guardians with an opportunity to step into their child's educational experience and learn more about the exciting programs, opportunities, and expectations that make Baker Middle School a great place to learn and grow.

During the evening, families will have the opportunity to:

• Meet classroom teachers and staff
• Learn about grade-level curriculum and academic expectations
• Explore instructional programs, resources, and technology used throughout the school year
• Gain insight into homework, assessment practices, and strategies for student success
• Discover ways to stay connected and support learning at home
• Learn about opportunities and student experiences at Baker

At Baker Middle School, we believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential to student success. Curriculum Night is a wonderful opportunity to build those connections, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the learning journey ahead.

We are excited to welcome our Baker families and look forward to meeting with you as we begin another outstanding school year together.

Please save the date and plan to join us on Thursday, September 10!

Baker's' WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Leaders are continuing their work to create a welcoming and positive school climate with a new initiative called the WEB Conversation Station.

At the end of each week, WEB Leaders set up outside Room 109 and invite all students passing through the hallways to stop by for a quick conversation, participate in a fun mini-game, and even win small prizes. The goal is simple: help students connect, build relationships, and end the week on a positive note.

WEB is a nationally recognized middle school transition program designed to help students, especially sixth graders, feel connected, supported, and successful during their middle school years. Through leadership activities and peer mentoring, WEB Leaders work throughout the year to foster a strong sense of belonging among all students.

The Conversation Station is just one example of how our student leaders are taking an active role in building community at Baker. Whether sharing a laugh, answering a fun question, or participating in a quick game, students are finding a welcoming space to connect with one another and celebrate the end of the week.

We are proud of our WEB Leaders for their creativity, leadership, and commitment to making Baker a place where everybody belongs.

Thank you to our WEB Coordinators Judy Morgan & Emily Stetson and our dedicated WEB Leaders for helping create meaningful connections and bringing extra joy to the halls each week!

Most parent communications will be included in the Baker Blast. The Baker Blast is our bi-weekly newsletter that is sent out using School Messenger and (X) formerly known as Twitter. If you were subscribed to School Messenger last year (either at Baker or your student’s elementary school), then you are all set for this school year and don’t need to do anything. If you need to sign up for School Messenger, please contact the main office for more information 248-823-4600. You can follow us on (X) @jdcross76 and @BakerMiddle.

At Baker Middle School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) that works throughout the year to enrich the educational experience of our students, support our staff, and strengthen connections with our families and community.

Whether you are a parent, guardian, community member, or local business partner, there are many ways to make a difference through the PTO. The impact of their work can be seen across our school in programs, celebrations, and opportunities that directly benefit our Baker Bobcats.

The PTO proudly sponsors and supports a variety of initiatives, including:

• Capital improvement projects that enhance our school environment
• Fall and winter-themed student events
• The annual Color Run/Foam Party
• The 8th Grade Celebration Party
• AOK ticket raffle prizes and student recognition programs
• End-of-year candy and ice cream celebrations
• Funding for classroom and school projects
• Troybery book additions to support literacy and learning
• Fall and Spring Teacher Grants that provide innovative opportunities for students
• Teacher Appreciation Week activities that recognize our outstanding staff

The PTO's commitment helps create memorable experiences for students while providing valuable resources for our teachers and classrooms.

We invite our Baker community to learn more about the PTO and consider getting involved. Whether you volunteer your time, attend meetings, participate in events, or provide financial support, every contribution helps strengthen opportunities for our students and staff.

Together, we can continue to make Baker Middle School a place where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and our school community remains strong.

Thank you for supporting the Baker Bobcats!

Looking for a fun way to get involved and see your child during the school day? Come volunteer at the Bop Shop! It is a fantastic opportunity to spend time at Baker, connect with the kids, and help out our school community.

Spaces are filling up, so grab your spot today!

Protect Your Student’s iPad: Families are strongly encouraged to purchase iPad insurance each school year. Insurance can help reduce the cost of eligible accidental damage that occurs during the year in which coverage is purchased. Please note that insurance is not retroactive and cannot be used to cover damage or fees from a previous school year.

Learn more about coverage and how to purchase insurance here.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge for all students this school year. Additional meals and snack items may be available for an additional cost.

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits are encouraged to complete the required application. Qualification may also reduce or eliminate certain clubs and athletic fees. If you are eligible, please plan to complete and submit the required forms available in our main office during registration.

This will also allow your student to have reduced or eliminated fees for clubs

and/or athletics. Meal accounts will continue to be managed through MySchoolBucks.

Baker families thank you for driving safely and following our Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures. As we return to another amazing school year, I would like to remind our returning families and inform our new families of our Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures. Please follow these guidelines at all times and keep in mind the safety of our staff and students.

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURES

• Student may be dropped off at the main entrance starting at 7:30 am.
• Students must wait in the main entrance foyer outside the main office.
• Students will be allowed to enter the interior of the building at 7:45 am.
• Parents dropping off are asked to use the main entrance drop off loop.
• Please pull as far forward as possible.
• Adults should stay in the car.
• Please encourage students to exit your car quickly and safely (from the right side of the car only).
• Please stay behind the car in front of you and wait patiently.
• Please do NOT park in the staff parking spaces
• Parents are NOT allowed to use the bus loop to drop off or pick up students.
• Students are dismissed at 3:05 pm.
• If you are picking up your student before 3:05 pm, please call ahead or go into the main office to sign them out.

All students in grades 6 - 12 who plan to play a school sport or intramurals are required to get a sports physical for the 2025 -2026 school year. Prior to getting a physical, please do the following:

1. Update/verify all information in Final Forms

2. Print the physical form, populated with your child’s information right from Final Forms

3. Take the physical form with you to the physical exam

4. Once the physical exam is completed and the form is signed by a doctor, either upload the completed physical form directly into Final Forms or turn in the hard copy to your coach/school.

PARENTS NEW TO FINAL FORMS: The Parent Playbook provides information on registering. If you require any support during this process, scroll to the bottom and click “Use Support”.

7/8 Grade Interscholastic Sports

Football Football Football Football

• Head Coach Hosbach - mhosbach@troy.k12.mi.us
  

Sideline Cheer Sideline Cheer Sideline Cheer Sideline Cheer

• Head Coach Wigman - cwigman@troy.k12.mi.us
  

Girls Volleyball (see attached tryout info)

• Formerly in the Winter - moved to Fall starting this school year (swapped with Girls Basketball)
• 7th Grade Coach Kirtland - akirtland@troy.k12.mi.us
• 8th Grade Coach Maliepaard - lmaliepaard@troy.k12.mi.us

6th Grade Intramural Sports

• Coed Flag Football
  
• Coed Cross Country
• Girls Volleyball
• Coaches TBD - Schedules to come out in September

Athletic Director - cquinn@troy.k12.mi.us

If your student was unable to have their picture taken during schedule pick-up, they will have access to our photographers during Picture Make-Up Day on Friday, September 11th.

• Please fill out the form below to order pictures for your student. All students will take a picture and receive a school ID. These pictures will be used in our yearbook and Powerschool data base.

• Picture Retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, October 27th
  

ATTENDANCE HOTLINE (248) 823-4601

Research shows that there is a strong relationship between regular school attendance and academic performance. Students who attend their classes daily and arrive on time increase their opportunities to maximize their learning potential. If your student is going to be absent or arriving late, please notify the school using our attendance hotline (248) 823-4601. If your student is out with an illness and you have a doctor's note, please bring it to school and give it to our attendance secretary. This will allow us to update our records and accurately document excused absences.

TSD ATTENDANCE POLICY

Tardiness – Students are expected to arrive on time to all classes. Students who arrive within five minutes after the start of class will be marked tardy to the class. Students who arrive more than five minutes late must report to the main office and will receive an unexcused tardy. Students are afforded 3 tardies per class per secondary marking period without penalty. Subsequent tardies in any will prompt the assignment of a detention. Ongoing tardiness shall cause additional disciplinary action.

Absences – Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Excused absences include mandatory court appearance, chronic/serious illness, religious observances, family bereavement, school-sponsored field trip/activity, school suspension, or other reasons approved by a building administrator. For an absence to be excused, a parent must call the attendance office to notify the school of the absence within 24 hours of the absence.

If an absence is unexcused, students may not be permitted to make up the work missed or due during that period (this includes missed assessments/tests, labs, presentations, or other assignments). Any absence that is not excused within 24 hours of the absence, it will remain an unexcused absence.

Long-term absences, more than 5 days, must be prearranged and approved one week in advance through the submission of an Extended Absence form available in each school’s main office.

Long-term absences and chronic absences have a negative impact on student achievement. Many classroom experiences are not able to be recreated (discussions, lab work, group assignments) and can negatively impact a student’s grade.

Baker Families, as you are aware, the state is providing FREE lunches to all students. If you and your student decide to opt out of the free lunch program, please be sure to send their alternative food with them in the morning. We DO NOT allow food deliveries to come to the Main Office. If there is an emergency or an issue related to a medical or diabetic need, please contact the main office (248) 823-4600.

Lunch is only 25 minutes long and it is a transition time for our office staff, as they take their scheduled lunches. There is not the capacity to facilitate individual food deliveries to the cafeteria in a timely manner. Thank you for your assistance in helping us manage the regular assigned tasks for the office administrative assistant team.

The 26-27 Annual iPad Insurance window is open. Please be sure to opt in at the beginning of the school year. The form and ability to opt-in for insurance will close on October 31st.

New Students Troy

New students are scheduled to receive their iPad at their school during the first two weeks of school.

Insurance may be purchased in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. For more information regarding the optional iPad insurance, please visit our website.

TSD expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the District’s intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student.

1. Basic Principle/Students Must Wear:

• A Shirt (with opaque fabric – not see through material - in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms as well as some form of shoulder strap) AND
  
• Bottoms (made of opaque material) including pants/jeans or the equivalent (ie. skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress, shorts) AND
  
• Shoes
  

*Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, and job readiness) may include assignment-specific dress but should not focus on covering bodies in a particular way or promoting culturally-specific attire. Activity-specific or course-specific shoes requirements are permitted (i.e. athletic shoes for physical education or recess, closed toe shoes for science, labs, industrial arts, etc.).

2. Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate above:

• Hats, hooded sweatshirts, and other head coverings: must allow the student’s face to be visible to staff and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff
  
• Fitted pants
  
• Ripped jeans
  
• Tank tops (including spaghetti straps, halter tops, etc)
  
• Athletic attire
  
• Visible waistbands on undergarments or visible straps on undergarments worn under other clothing
  

3. Students Cannot Wear:

• Violent language or images
  
• Images or language depicting/suggesting drugs, alcohol, vaping or paraphernalia (or any illegal item or activity)
  
• Body armor, tactical gear, or facsimile
  
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography
  
• Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed)
  
• Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)
  
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous, are replicas of weapons, or could be used as a weapon (ie. Chains, handcuffs, or other metal accessories that might be dangerous)
• Any item that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or as personal protective equipment (PPE) (ie. medical face masks); hats, hooded sweatshirts, and other head coverings are permitted but must allow the student’s face to be visible to staff and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff