I hope that you have had a nice summer. Welcome back to the new school year!  As always, our main focus is improving student achievement. Along with this, last school year, we also focused on improving student safety such as the installation of security cameras at schools and on buses and improving communication with you through improving our school websites, telephone messaging and Edline. Safety and communication will continue as a priority.

During the coming school year, most of the goals are aimed at improving student achievement; helping students who are struggling with the basics of reading, writing, and math through intervention programs, improving student attendance, and reducing bullying.  Bay City Public Schools, as always, offer a large assortment of high school electives and programs.  We plan to expand those opportunities through changes in dual enrollment, independent study courses, Internet courses and long-distance learning.  We also plan to pilot more use of technology directly in classrooms by students and teachers.

As there is much more I could share than the space I have here, I hope that you will take some time and review our 2010-11 goals which are available on our website at www.bcschools.net. 

A few other areas of interest to share are:

Opportunity Connection Website

This resource, created by a combination of business and education partners in the Bay Area, offers a variety of learning opportunities for students, teachers, and businesses. Students have the opportunity to participate with local businesses for job shadowing, tutoring and work experience. The website has links to scholarship opportunities, summer jobs and volunteer opportunities. The website address is:  www.opportunityconnection.net. Please visit the site and inform others who may be interested. 

Imagination Library

The Imagination Library is a Dolly Parton initiative being offered through Bay-Arenac ISD. This is a FREE book a month program for ANY child (age birth to 5) living in Bay or Arenac Counties. Visit www.imaginationlibrary.com for more information and to register, or call 989.667.3280. Please spread the word to any/all families of children age birth to 5!

Finally, I am committed to ensuring that we are doing everything we can to help students and parents in our District.  So please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 671-8165 if you have questions, concerns or comments. Your support and interest in the education of your children is appreciated and important to their success.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Douglas L. Newcombe
Superintendent