Above: On Monday September 30th, the Center for Cartoon Studies director James Sturm and cartoonist Coco Fox visited Baker Middle School to meet with our 8th grade social studies students. They brought their historical comic book, "This is What Democracy Looks Like". They helped students understand our democracy and how they can become active and informed participants in our democratic system.
Activities Calendar
This is What Democracy Looks Like
“This is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance" is a 32-page comic book that will be distributed to classrooms in Detroit, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, and more this fall. This comic book is the result of the collaboration of educators and word-class cartoonists. It is designed to help teachers who are working hard to prepare students to be empowered, informed, and civic-minded.
At each school, the Center for Cartoon Studies instructors will give away comics and work with teachers to help students gain a deeper understanding of how their government works (and doesn’t work) and how they can make a difference in their communities and beyond. We are happy that Baker could participate in this tour.
PTO Color Run
Despite the wet weather, the PTO Color Run was a huge success. Students and staff literally weathered the storm and participated in an untimed 1.5 Mile walk & 2 Mile run to raise money for Baker. This event was a Blast for our students and surprisingly, the rain helped the color stick on the students adding to the fun. Throughout the race, participants were doused with color at various color stations ending with one final color celebration at the finish line. Looking at the pictures, you can see that there were plenty of happy students! Thank you parent and staff volunteers for making this event a success!
A.L.I.C.E. Drill
On Tuesday October 8th, we will conduct our first A.L.I.C.E. drill in your student's 2nd hour class. This is our second year of implementation of A.L.I.C.E. All TSD staff have been trained in the A.L.I.C.E protocol, which is an options-based model that can be utilized in the event of a violent intruder. This protocol replaced the Code Red "Lockdowns" that were conducted in the past.
On Tuesday, our drill will be introductory and discussion-based. Teachers will remind students of the options afforded by the protocol and then view a short video featuring our Troy PD Resource Officer John Julian. Future drills will be designed to allow students to practice the options available in the protocol. If you have any questions about Tuesday's drill, please contact the main office.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
The Conference Manager will open Tuesday, October 8th at 6 am and close Tuesday, October 15th at 3 pm.
Baker is once again using an online Conference Manager scheduling tool for Parent Teacher Conferences. This software, will allow you to pick and choose your own schedule for conferences, which can make for a more efficient and personalized experience for parents. Click on the link below to visit the Conference Manager website.
The Fall Parent Teacher Conferences (3 sessions):
- Wednesday, October 16, Evening 5 - 8 pm
- Thursday, October 17, Afternoon 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Thursday, October 17, Evening 5 pm - 8 pm
Half-Day & Early Release Transportation Reminder: Shuttles will run on Full and Early Release Days only. Students taking courses at the high school and elementary students taking math courses at Baker will not have a shuttle on Half-Days.
A few tips:
- Keep “travel” time in mind and please do not schedule back to back conferences as it will take time to travel from room to room. Please allow 5 minutes between time slots.
- Please only schedule one conference per teacher/class (unless you have more than one child per teacher). 6th grade parents may schedule two back-to-back sessions with their ELA teacher since it is a 2-hour block.
- You can add comments/questions when scheduling your time that the teacher can see to help guide the conference
- Need help with directions? You can always call the office and we will help get you scheduled.
Parent Engagement Night
Save the Date: Parent Engagement Night, Monday, October 14th from 5-6pm in the Baker cafeteria.
Ongoing research shows that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, social-emotional well-being, and parents’ confidence in their children’s education. We understand that the key to improving parent engagement at school involves making engagement and volunteering opportunities convenient. We are committed to nurturing and supporting our school and parent partnership.
On Monday, October 14th we will be hosting our first Parent Engagement Night social event to share all of the engagement and volunteer opportunities available at Baker. We will serve light refreshments and your children are welcome to attend. Please note that your attendance does not require signing up. This evening is designed to share information and provide networking opportunities.
Please click on the link above to RSVP. We will use this information when ordering refreshments. We hope to see you there!
This Week at Baker
Baker Spirit Items
Last call for Baker Spirit Items! We have T-shirts and coffee mugs available in the main office for a limited time. Our inventory is running low. Get yours before they are gone. Contact the main office if you are interested.
Fall Book Fair
Monday, Oct. 14 - Friday, Oct. 18
The Baker Fall Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon! The Fair will run every day beginning Monday, Oct. 14, through Friday morning, Oct. 18. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Fair with their ELA classes as well as any time during the school day. Parents are, also, welcome to shop the Book Fair any time during the school day.
In addition, parents will have the opportunity to shop at a special after-school shopping event during Conference hours. On Wednesday evening, the Book Fair doors open at 5:00 P.M. and close at 8:00 P.M. On Thursday afternoon, the doors open at 12:30 P.M. and close at 3:30 P.M. They reopen at 5 P.M. and close at 8 P.M. Please stop by for a great shopping opportunity!
Picture Retakes
Tuesday, October 8th
Every student at Baker had their picture taken and received a school ID. These pictures are used in our yearbook and Powerschool data base. If you ordered picture packages, they will be distributed this week during lunches. If you noticed an error or would like to have your child take their picture again, there is a picture re-take day, Tuesday, October 8th.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application Deadline
Wednesday, October 9th
Your child’s application is only good for the last school year and for the first few days of this school year through Wednesday, October 9th. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. If you do not send in a new application that is approved by the school or you have not been notified that your child is eligible for free meals, your child will be charged the full price for meals as of Wednesday, October 9th. Application forms can be picked up in the main office.
8th Grade Washington DC Trip
February 14 - 18, 2020
For additional information and questions please contact Contact - Mr. MacIntosh - zmacintosh@troy.k12.mi.us
Counseling Resources
Suicide Prevention & Intervention
Over the past two weeks, the Baker Counseling Department visited all 6th, 7th and 8th grade science classes introducing themselves to our students and helping them understand the role of the school counselor. In an effort to address social-emotional needs, the Baker counselors gave every student a pocket-sized “ACT Card” with crisis information. The acronym ACT stands for (A=Acknowledge, C=Care, T=Tell). This is a part of the district-wide crisis prevention initiative.
The card helps students know what to do if they notice signs of a serious issue either with themselves or with a friend. Students are asked to identify two trusted adults (one in school and one outside of school) that they feel comfortable going to in a serious situation. The back of the card provides phone, text and web resources for free and confidential crisis support. The counseling presentations went well and we are happy to engage in activities that support our student's social-emotional needs.
The Green Team
Cold Weather Preparation
With cold weather and the holidays quickly approaching, we wanted to take a moment to reach out to any families that may be in need of assistance regarding clothing, food, etc. Please connect with your child’s counselor for more information. There are many local programs and support systems to help during difficult times. All information is kept confidential.
The Baker Middle School Parent/Teacher Organization provides comprehensive services and support to students, parents and teachers to enhance the learning environment and experience. They provide support and funding for activities within Baker, TSD and the Troy community. If you would like to learn more information about the PTO and how you can get involved, feel free to join us for one of the PTO Board Meetings.
PTO Board Meeting Dates
- Monday 9/23
- Monday 10/28
- Monday 11/25
- Monday 1/27
- Monday 2/24
- Monday 3/23
- Monday 4/27
- Monday 5/18
Box Tops
It’s time to submit your boxtops! The program is moving to a scan your grocery receipt process, but we know you have some physical box tops still lying around! Please have your student turn them in to their 4th hour teacher by October 22nd to support the Baker PTO! Thank you!
Halloween Party
Save the Date: The PTO Halloween Party is Friday, October 25th from 3:05 pm - 4:30 pm
The Bobshop
Hello and welcome to the Baker Bob Shop!! We really appreciate you signing up to volunteer. The shift runs every school day from 11:15am - 1:00pm. On these days we need one Shop Keeper, with the exception of Tuesdays and Fridays. These are Candy Days and usually very busy, so we ask for two Shop Keepers.
Don't worry if you have not volunteered in the past. There are directions in the Bob Shop, and Jennifer Molotky is there most days as a noon aide. She is overseeing the Bob Shop this year and is happy to help anyone who needs it!
Please review the slots using the link below and sign up where you can. Be mindful to let everyone have a chance to take a spot so as to be fair. Again, we really appreciate your willingness to help out and have fun Shop Keepers!! Feel free to email or text me any questions.
Kristin Kennaugh
Kroger Rewards & Amazon Smile
The Baker PTO has the opportunity to raise a significant amount of funds every year through purchases regularly made at Kroger and Amazon! Many of you already make purchases through these companies. They are willing to donate a portion of the proceeds back to Baker. These funds go directly into the classroom, impacting all Baker students. If you have not registered yet with Kroger or Amazon, simply click on the links below to find out how. Please consider asking your family and friends to sign up for this FREE benefit for our Bobcats. Thank you for support of the Baker PTO.
Troy Food Service is Hiring!
The Troy Schools Food Service Department, which is contracted by Chartwells, is seeking friendly people willing to fill various vacancies within the Food Service Department that are responsible for providing lunches to the students of the Troy School District. Not to worry if you haven’t had previous experience, as “on the job” training will be available! Depending on the school, the hours would primarily be during the middle of the day, but will vary depending on the vacancy. And you would be earning some extra money while your students are in school! Come join our Food Service Staff by calling 248-823-5089, or please email us at ngervais@troy.k12.mi.us.
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