Brandywine Community Schools has a bond proposal on the May 7 ballot for a zero mill increase. Learn more about the potential projects and see renderings here: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/page/bond2024
On May 7, there will be a bond proposal on the ballot. The bond is proposing keeping the rate at the current 3.9 mills, which means the tax rate would stay where it is now. Learn more: https://www.brandywinebobcats.org/page/bond2024
Kindergarten Round Up is April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Merritt Elementary School. If your child will turn 5 on or before September 1, 2024, they are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten for this upcoming school year (Fall 2024). Learn more by visiting our website at brandywinebobcats.org.
BACC Open to the Public!
Brandywine Community Schools is excited to announce open enrollment for preschool and kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. Enrollment is now open for children who will be four years old by September 1 for preschool or five years old by September 1 for kindergarten.
To assist families in the process, Merritt Elementary will have Kindergarten Round Up on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the school at 1620 Lasalle Ave. Kindergarten Round Up is a night to introduce the Merritt Elementary staff and building, while helping families start the process of enrolling for Fall of 2024. By filling out the enrollment form and having all of the important registration documents the night of Kindergarten Round Up, families will be able to reserve a spot for their child in kindergarten. Important documents to have are immunization records, an official birth certificate (not a photocopy), and proof of residency, such as a utility bill. The evening will be geared towards adults.
“We hope that when families leave that night, they have a good handle on what the registration process entails and what they might still need to complete or submit,” said Merritt Elementary Principal Matt Severin. “We hope to answer any questions parents have right now, and to give them resources so we can continue to help answer questions. Kindergarten Round Up is all about beginning the journey in the Bobcat nation!”
Enrollment is ongoing and necessary forms and documentation can be found at www.brandywinebobcats.org or by visiting Merritt Elementary. If you have any questions, please call the school at 269-684-6511.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigated through today's challenging events. The safety of our students and staff remains our utmost priority, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the invaluable assistance provided by our School Resource Officers, canine detection teams, the Michigan State Police, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and the cybercrime units.
This morning, at approximately 7:20 AM, we received alarming information from the Michigan City Police Department in Indiana regarding threats involving the placement of bombs at multiple specified locations, including Brandywine Elementary.
Fortunately, our regularly scheduled two-hour delay allowed us to conduct thorough canine searches of all buildings within the Brandywine district before students arrived. Staff at Brandywine Elementary were promptly evacuated to an alternate location, and those in other buildings were given the option to work remotely until their respective premises were cleared.
Thanks to the swift response of the canine detection units, all buildings were declared safe before the start of the school day. Throughout this process, we maintained transparent communication, providing updates to families and staff as each building was cleared.
We urge our community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. It's crucial to recognize that threats against children and schools constitute a serious criminal offense, and we will pursue legal action against any individuals involved to the fullest extent of the law.
On a positive note, amidst today's challenges, I had the pleasure of judging the Shark Tank pitches presented by our fourth-grade students as part of their CKLA unit. I must commend the students for their outstanding creativity and innovation.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce that all schools will reopen as usual tomorrow, marking the final day before the much-needed spring break. We eagerly anticipate welcoming all students back to the classroom for a day of learning and positivity.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and cooperation during this time.
The investigation into today's threat is still ongoing, thus we can not share any further information at this time. Brandywine Community Schools will remain in a perimeter lockdown through the end of the school day and dismissal will occur as normal, with an added police presence available. All regularly scheduled after school events will take place, however, all athletic practices will take place indoors.
The K9 team and law enforcement have conducted a sweep of all buildings including Brandywine MSHS, Brandywine Elementary, Merritt Elementary, and BIA, and have deemed all buildings safe to hold classes in. An investigation is ongoing as to where the threat originated from. Brandywine Community Schools will operate today, March 27, as normal but with a lockdown in place out of an abundance of precaution. We will notify the community with a formal letter once the investigation is complete and the lockdown has been lifted.
Just like our boys, our girls’ basketball team has made now it to the semi-final round of the MHSAA tournament at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. This is a significant achievement for our team and school community, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. In light of this, we have made the decision to cancel classes for all students on Thursday, March 21. We understand that this may inconvenience some families, but we believe that supporting our team at this important game is a valuable experience for our students, families, and staff alike. Thank you for your patience and understanding with this decision.
March 26 is the next Bond Information Meeting!
Hey Bobcat Families & Friends! The High School Student Senate is thrilled to announce their latest initiative to boost school spirit while supporting a fantastic cause - the Bobcat Blanket Fundraiser!
As we cheer on our teams through the exhilarating Spring and Fall sports seasons, let's do it in style and warmth. Whether you're at the game or cozied up at home, our Bobcat Blankets are the perfect way to show off your pride and spirit!
Pre-Sale Price: $25
Order Here: https://forms.gle/FjENKZ6AP3ZSA2xN7
Payment can be dropped off at the High School
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL FOUR of our High School Band students for medaling at State yesterday. Elisa Skinner finished in the top 10% of students at State with a Division 1 Rating in Proficiency Level 2. Our other Brandywine Students; Mason Stier, Bailey Roeder, Hailey Amster, and were close behind her, all receiving a Division 2 rating in Proficiency level 1. WAY TO GO!
Basketball continues this week with our girls basketball team headed to the quarterfinals tomorrow night! Let's GOOOOOO! Grab your tickets here: https://gofan.co/event/1433934
Be sure to stop by the Niles District Library and see our high school students' work on display through the end of March!
Brandywine Boys Basketball are STATE CHAMPS!
Our boys' basketball team has made it to the semi-final round of the MHSAA tournament at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. This is a significant achievement for our team and school community, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.
In light of this, we have made the decision to cancel classes for all students on Thursday, March 14. We understand that this may inconvenience some families, but we believe that supporting our team at this important game is a valuable experience for our students, families, and staff alike.
We have heard from many families and staff members who are eager to cheer on our team, and we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to attend and show their support. We encourage you to join us at the Breslin Center to cheer on our boys' basketball team as they represent our school with pride.
Please note that while classes will not be in session on Thursday, March 14, all other school activities and events will resume as usual on Friday, March 15, which as a reminder, is a half day of school to mark the end of the marking period.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we celebrate this exciting milestone for our boys' basketball team. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
There's a new game in town, featuring our friends at Niles Community Schools! The event is a Senior Capstone Project for 3 NHS Senior students with hopes this becomes a tradition for our community. The theme is One Community, One Goal, uniting Niles and Brandywine communities. All the proceeds are going to Ferry Street Resource Center.
Rescheduled board meeting.
Brandywine Community Schools will be closed today, January 23rd, due to Icy road conditions. We hope that everyone stays safe in their travels and that we will see our amazing students back in the classroom tomorrow.
Tonight's board meeting has been reschedule for January 29.