Perfect weather for some high school tennis today! We caught Lifetime Sports out enjoying the sunshine. ☀️
This week is NWEA testing for students in kindergarten through tenth grade!
NWEA testing is used to measure student growth in math, reading, language, and science in a given school year. Students take it at the beginning of the year and then retake it later on to see where their skills are.
Here are some growth highlights from last year's testing:
-District-wide (grades K-10): 59% of students met their Math growth goal
-58% of students met their growth goal in Reading
-70% of Merritt students met their Math goal
-64% of middle school students met their Math goal
-65% of middle school students met their Reading goal
#thebrandywinedifference
NWEA testing is used to measure student growth in math, reading, language, and science in a given school year. Students take it at the beginning of the year and then retake it later on to see where their skills are.
Here are some growth highlights from last year's testing:
-District-wide (grades K-10): 59% of students met their Math growth goal
-58% of students met their growth goal in Reading
-70% of Merritt students met their Math goal
-64% of middle school students met their Math goal
-65% of middle school students met their Reading goal
#thebrandywinedifference
The Cat's Meow!
#ThrowbackThursday features a group of cheerleaders from what we believe to be sometime in the early 1970's, exact date unknown. Do you see yourself in this picture?
Go Bobcats!
#ThrowbackThursday features a group of cheerleaders from what we believe to be sometime in the early 1970's, exact date unknown. Do you see yourself in this picture?
Go Bobcats!
Michigan Teacher of the Year Nominations are open!
Please take a moment to nominate one or more of our district’s outstanding teachers for the Michigan Department of Education’s 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Celebrate a deserving teacher by simply completing the online form: https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0
The nomination window is open now until Wednesday, September 23.
Please take a moment to nominate one or more of our district’s outstanding teachers for the Michigan Department of Education’s 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Celebrate a deserving teacher by simply completing the online form: https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0
The nomination window is open now until Wednesday, September 23.
Welcome Isabel Soileau to Merritt Elementary! 🐾
We are excited to officially welcome Isabel Soileau as our new K-2 Special Education Teacher!
Isabel earned her Elementary Teaching Certification through the #T.E.A.C.H. program. She grew up in Austin, Texas. She is thrilled to join Merritt Elementary, where she was instantly drawn to the close-knit, welcoming community! Outside the classroom, Isabel loves spending quality time outdoors with her family and whipping up delicious creations in the kitchen through cooking and baking. She can't wait to partner with our families and watch her students grow both academically and emotionally this year!
We are excited to officially welcome Isabel Soileau as our new K-2 Special Education Teacher!
Isabel earned her Elementary Teaching Certification through the #T.E.A.C.H. program. She grew up in Austin, Texas. She is thrilled to join Merritt Elementary, where she was instantly drawn to the close-knit, welcoming community! Outside the classroom, Isabel loves spending quality time outdoors with her family and whipping up delicious creations in the kitchen through cooking and baking. She can't wait to partner with our families and watch her students grow both academically and emotionally this year!
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Today is 988 Day, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
In Michigan each year, 1 in 9 young adults, ages 12-17, have serious thoughts of suicide, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Learn to recognize the signs, you could save a life.
Suicide Prevention Action Steps: https://aptg.co/z35lnG
Warning Signs: https://aptg.co/k9yH9v
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
In Michigan each year, 1 in 9 young adults, ages 12-17, have serious thoughts of suicide, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Learn to recognize the signs, you could save a life.
Suicide Prevention Action Steps: https://aptg.co/z35lnG
Warning Signs: https://aptg.co/k9yH9v
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Welcome Kelley Neville to Brandywine Elementary! 🐾
We are thrilled to introduce our new Dean of Students, Kelley Neville!
Kelley holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Ball State University. Originally from Reno, Nevada, her extensive background as a behavior specialist and working with students with disabilities has deeply shaped her commitment to inclusive education. As she steps into this school leadership role, Kelley was drawn to Brandywine because our mission aligns directly with her core belief: every student can rise to high expectations when provided with a supportive, inclusive environment tailored to their needs.
At home, Kelley stays busy raising her eight-year-old twins and two-year-old, and in her free time, she loves playing pickleball! She is most looking forward to building strong, lasting relationships with the staff, students, and families throughout the district.
We are thrilled to introduce our new Dean of Students, Kelley Neville!
Kelley holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Ball State University. Originally from Reno, Nevada, her extensive background as a behavior specialist and working with students with disabilities has deeply shaped her commitment to inclusive education. As she steps into this school leadership role, Kelley was drawn to Brandywine because our mission aligns directly with her core belief: every student can rise to high expectations when provided with a supportive, inclusive environment tailored to their needs.
At home, Kelley stays busy raising her eight-year-old twins and two-year-old, and in her free time, she loves playing pickleball! She is most looking forward to building strong, lasting relationships with the staff, students, and families throughout the district.
It's time to cheer for the Bobcats!
The Mini Cheer Clinic will be taking place on October 6 and 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. with a performance on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. during the first quarter of the football game. This is for students in DK through 6th grade. The cost is $35.
Registration will be September 11 and 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Brandywine Middle/Senior High School cafeteria.
For more information, contact Cheer Coach Mia Frazier at mfrazier@brandywinebobcats.org.
The Mini Cheer Clinic will be taking place on October 6 and 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. with a performance on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. during the first quarter of the football game. This is for students in DK through 6th grade. The cost is $35.
Registration will be September 11 and 12 from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Brandywine Middle/Senior High School cafeteria.
For more information, contact Cheer Coach Mia Frazier at mfrazier@brandywinebobcats.org.
Congratulations to our very own Mr. Pomranka and Mrs. Starr, who received one of the $2,000 "Heart of Cook" grants, which will further student opportunities in STEM and agricultural education by creating, studying, and monitoring ecosystems for salmon and tilapia. Mr. Pomranka, Mr. Winkler, and Ms. Lezotte attended a reception last week at Cook Nuclear to celebrate!
Welcome Shanna Harper to Brandywine Elementary! 🐾
We are excited to officially welcome Shanna Harper as our new Sixth Grade Science teacher!
Shanna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and comes to us from nearby Buchanan. While she is stepping into a new role this year, Shanna is already a familiar face around the district—having substitute taught at Brandywine for a long time! Over the years, she has been continuously impressed by the overwhelming kindness throughout our schools. Outside the classroom, Shanna loves spending quality time with her family and looks forward to her favorite season, winter. She can't wait to dive into science and learn and grow right alongside her sixth graders this year!
We are excited to officially welcome Shanna Harper as our new Sixth Grade Science teacher!
Shanna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and comes to us from nearby Buchanan. While she is stepping into a new role this year, Shanna is already a familiar face around the district—having substitute taught at Brandywine for a long time! Over the years, she has been continuously impressed by the overwhelming kindness throughout our schools. Outside the classroom, Shanna loves spending quality time with her family and looks forward to her favorite season, winter. She can't wait to dive into science and learn and grow right alongside her sixth graders this year!
Here's what's happening this week at Brandywine Community Schools!
View the full schedule at www.brandywinebobcats.org.
View the full schedule at www.brandywinebobcats.org.
Reminder: Wednesday, September 9 is a two hour late start. School will begin two hours later to allow for staff professional development.
This Week in Photos!
Welcome CieAna Werner to Brandywine Elementary! 🐾
We are thrilled to welcome our new Third Grade Teacher, CieAna Werner!
CieAna earned her degree in Early Childhood Education (P–3) from Purdue North Central and brings 8 years of teaching experience with her. Coming to us from Michigan City and LaPorte, teaching has been her lifelong dream, and while she is a seasoned educator, this marks her first year teaching 3rd grade! CieAna was drawn to Brandywine’s close-knit community and places immense value on building strong relationships with students, their families, and the school staff. She is most looking forward to getting to know her third graders and creating a warm, connected classroom community this year!
We are thrilled to welcome our new Third Grade Teacher, CieAna Werner!
CieAna earned her degree in Early Childhood Education (P–3) from Purdue North Central and brings 8 years of teaching experience with her. Coming to us from Michigan City and LaPorte, teaching has been her lifelong dream, and while she is a seasoned educator, this marks her first year teaching 3rd grade! CieAna was drawn to Brandywine’s close-knit community and places immense value on building strong relationships with students, their families, and the school staff. She is most looking forward to getting to know her third graders and creating a warm, connected classroom community this year!
The Mini and Mighty Catwalk will be Friday, September 18 at 6:15 p.m., prior to the football game.
Kindergarten students are invited to meet our Seniors at the 50 yard line to "pass the Bobcat pride." Kindergarten families should meet at "Nate's rock" where the football team enters between 6 and 6:15 p.m.
Kindergarten students are invited to meet our Seniors at the 50 yard line to "pass the Bobcat pride." Kindergarten families should meet at "Nate's rock" where the football team enters between 6 and 6:15 p.m.
Mrs. Alstott's third graders are being safe and responsible Bobcats! They created Fire Safety posters in class this week!
Members of the Bobcat team met with Carmi Design Group today to take a virtual tour of the new Performing Arts Center! They were able to see what the inside would look like, check out different interior finishes, and see renderings of the exterior.
We are set to break ground on the building later this fall and we couldn't be more excited about the opportunities this will bring to our students!
This project is a part of our 2024 community supported Bond.
We are set to break ground on the building later this fall and we couldn't be more excited about the opportunities this will bring to our students!
This project is a part of our 2024 community supported Bond.
BOBCAT NATION, WE ARE BACK! 🐾
Brandywine Middle/Senior High School kicked off the new school year the only way the Bobcats know how—LOUD & PROUD! From games to deafening class cheers, the Bobcat spirit was at an all-time high today.
Catch the Bobcats in action tomorrow night at the football home opener against the Buchanan Bucks. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Go Bobcats!
Brandywine Middle/Senior High School kicked off the new school year the only way the Bobcats know how—LOUD & PROUD! From games to deafening class cheers, the Bobcat spirit was at an all-time high today.
Catch the Bobcats in action tomorrow night at the football home opener against the Buchanan Bucks. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Go Bobcats!
Mrs. Weglowski’s and Mrs. Abdoo’s fourth graders teamed up yesterday for a round of Times Table Bingo!
The multiplication game is strong and the learning is officially unlocked!
The multiplication game is strong and the learning is officially unlocked!
Welcome Sydney Fritz to Brandywine Elementary! 🐾
We are delighted to introduce our new Speech-Language Pathologist, Sydney Fritz!
Sydney holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Andrews University. Originally from Mills River, North Carolina, she was drawn to Brandywine by its warm community feel and supportive environment. Outside of school, Sydney loves reading, staying active, spending quality time with her fiancé and cats, nurturing a constantly growing houseplant collection, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. She is most looking forward to getting to know the students and staff across the district and diving into full-time speech and language support!
We are delighted to introduce our new Speech-Language Pathologist, Sydney Fritz!
Sydney holds a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Andrews University. Originally from Mills River, North Carolina, she was drawn to Brandywine by its warm community feel and supportive environment. Outside of school, Sydney loves reading, staying active, spending quality time with her fiancé and cats, nurturing a constantly growing houseplant collection, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. She is most looking forward to getting to know the students and staff across the district and diving into full-time speech and language support!
