Our learners in Ms. Gmeiner's DK class, created their very own Leaf Men as part of a book they read - The Leaf Man! They took a nature walk, picking up twigs and leaves for their project, and then came back to the classroom to construct their men! It was a perfect story for fall!
The Leaf Man refers to a children's book by Lois Ehlert. It's a whimsical and visually creative story about a figure made of leaves who is blown away by the wind.
The Leaf Man refers to a children's book by Lois Ehlert. It's a whimsical and visually creative story about a figure made of leaves who is blown away by the wind.
🎙️Season 3, Episode 3: Understanding Interest-Based Bargaining
https://sites.libsyn.com/497938/season-3-episode-3-interest-based-bargaining
In this episode of Cat Chat, Superintendent Travis Walker sits down with special guests to discuss the process of interest-based bargaining (IBB) — a collaborative approach to contract negotiations that focuses on problem-solving rather than positions. Together, they break down how IBB works, why Brandywine uses it, and how it helps strengthen relationships between administration and staff while keeping students at the center of every decision.
Tune in to hear insights, examples, and a behind-the-scenes look at how communication and cooperation shape successful negotiations at Brandywine.
🗳 Vote November 4!
On the November 4 ballot, Brandywine Community Schools will have a Sinking Fund Renewal. Is this a tax increase?
The renewal will be for ten years for a rate of 1 mill. This will not be a new tax, though due to the Headlee rollback, less than a full mill (.9913) was levied on properties in 2024, so property owners may see a very slight increase.
A "Headlee rollback" is a provision in Michigan's Headlee Amendment of 1978 that forces local governments to reduce their property tax millage rate if property tax revenues grow faster than the rate of inflation.
On the November 4 ballot, Brandywine Community Schools will have a Sinking Fund Renewal. Is this a tax increase?
The renewal will be for ten years for a rate of 1 mill. This will not be a new tax, though due to the Headlee rollback, less than a full mill (.9913) was levied on properties in 2024, so property owners may see a very slight increase.
A "Headlee rollback" is a provision in Michigan's Headlee Amendment of 1978 that forces local governments to reduce their property tax millage rate if property tax revenues grow faster than the rate of inflation.
Thank you to the Niles Township Fire Department for coming to Merritt Elementary today to teach our students about fire safety!
Students in Mrs. Anderson's sixth grade class have been working on planning and building their very own food trucks! They will present to their class next week, and their projects will be on display for parent teacher conferences!
🎥 Meet Victoria, a senior at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School! She was spotted on the sidelines at the football game rocking her marching band outfit and a large video camera for her broadcasting class! Talk about school spirit and multitasking — capturing the action while being part of it! 💛🐾 #thebrandywinedifference
Copper the Therapy Dog has been a busy guy this week!
He visited students in Mrs. Srmek's class for pets and hang out time and followed it up with a visit to Mrs. Duffield's high school health class. Students learned about Copper's story of overcoming trauma before he was adopted and his journey to becoming a therapy dog.
He visited students in Mrs. Srmek's class for pets and hang out time and followed it up with a visit to Mrs. Duffield's high school health class. Students learned about Copper's story of overcoming trauma before he was adopted and his journey to becoming a therapy dog.
Brandywine represented in style at the Hastings Invitational on Saturday!
Our Bobcat Marching Band brought home awards for Best Color Guard, Best Drum Majors, and Best Marching, and was the only band to earn awards of excellence in every category! They finished with an impressive 2nd place overall.
🎶👏 Congratulations to our hardworking band members!
Our Bobcat Marching Band brought home awards for Best Color Guard, Best Drum Majors, and Best Marching, and was the only band to earn awards of excellence in every category! They finished with an impressive 2nd place overall.
🎶👏 Congratulations to our hardworking band members!
🏅 Happy National Coaches Day! 🏅
Today we celebrate the mentors, motivators, and leaders who do so much more than teach the game — they build character, teamwork, and confidence.
Thank you to all our Brandywine coaches for your time, energy, and heart. Whether it’s on the field, court, mat, or track — you inspire our students to give their best every single day.
Today we celebrate the mentors, motivators, and leaders who do so much more than teach the game — they build character, teamwork, and confidence.
Thank you to all our Brandywine coaches for your time, energy, and heart. Whether it’s on the field, court, mat, or track — you inspire our students to give their best every single day.
Friday night at the football game was extra adorable! Our Mini Cheerleaders brought the energy to the sidelines with all the spirit, smiles, and sparkle!
🐾Character Trait of the Week: ENTHUSIASM🐾
Enthusiasm means approaching life, learning, and challenges with energy and excitement. It involves having a positive attitude, being eager to engage in new experiences, and maintaining motivation even when things get tough.
Enthusiasm means approaching life, learning, and challenges with energy and excitement. It involves having a positive attitude, being eager to engage in new experiences, and maintaining motivation even when things get tough.
✨ Sensory fun in the making! ✨
Our Merritt Elementary students recently became "Zones of Regulation experts!" To celebrate, they created their own rice sensory bags - the perfect hands-on tool for calming, focusing, and exploring textures.
The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help children (and adults!) understand and manage their emotions, energy levels, and behaviors. It uses four color-coded “zones” to make self-regulation easier to recognize and talk about.
Our Merritt Elementary students recently became "Zones of Regulation experts!" To celebrate, they created their own rice sensory bags - the perfect hands-on tool for calming, focusing, and exploring textures.
The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help children (and adults!) understand and manage their emotions, energy levels, and behaviors. It uses four color-coded “zones” to make self-regulation easier to recognize and talk about.
Reminder: Wednesday, October 8 is a late start day for all students. Students will start school two hours late to provide time for teacher professional development.
This Week in Photos!
Fun and creativity in art class today at Brandywine Elementary!
Parent volunteers wanted! Brandywine Elementary is looking for parent volunteers who would be willing to come roll around the R.O.A.R store cart so students can trade in the R.O.A.R tickets they earn for prizes. If you are interested, please fill out this form and someone from the PBIS team at the elementary will contact you to schedule a time for you to come in.
http://bit.ly/46A8cQ3
http://bit.ly/46A8cQ3
Students in Mrs. Frye's third grade class just finished up a part of their CKLA unit with an Alice in Wonderland inspired tea party, complete with riddled theme bingo. The class just finished reading "The Wind in the Willows."
The Wind in the Willows is a classic 1908 children's novel by Kenneth Grahame about the adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad, four animal friends in the English countryside.
The Wind in the Willows is a classic 1908 children's novel by Kenneth Grahame about the adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad, four animal friends in the English countryside.
Our first graders have been exploring nonstandard units of measurement!
This week in math, they measured objects (and even their friends!) around the room using Unifix cubes. Last week they used craft sticks, so it was fun for them to compare the two and see how the smaller cubes gave them more accurate measurements.
This week in math, they measured objects (and even their friends!) around the room using Unifix cubes. Last week they used craft sticks, so it was fun for them to compare the two and see how the smaller cubes gave them more accurate measurements.
Brandywine is working to create a Portrait of a Graduate to guide our district’s focus on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared with the skills and behaviors needed for success beyond the classroom and in their future endeavors. Our goal is for every student to achieve these skills and behaviors by the time they graduate.
As we begin shaping this Portrait of a Graduate, we are seeking input from students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members to identify the skills and behaviors that best prepare students to contribute positively to society.
We invite you to complete the Portrait of a Graduate Survey to help the district prioritize the most important skills and behaviors. http://bit.ly/48JyzEC
As we begin shaping this Portrait of a Graduate, we are seeking input from students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members to identify the skills and behaviors that best prepare students to contribute positively to society.
We invite you to complete the Portrait of a Graduate Survey to help the district prioritize the most important skills and behaviors. http://bit.ly/48JyzEC
One of the best things about Brandywine? You don’t have to pick just one thing—you can do it all! From marching band to sports to clubs, our Bobcats are everywhere and loving it.
