Back to School Information for Grades K-12

2023-2024 School Year

The start of the 2023-2024 school year is right around the corner, and we look forward to seeing all of our BR families back on campus. As you plan for the upcoming academic year, please use the following information as your main hub of answers for frequently asked questions.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please know that we are always happy to answer questions or point you in the right direction. Thank you for choosing Black River Public School!

Allison Hilgert, Elementary Main Office Administrative Assistant

Phone: 616-355-0055, ext. 302

Email: hilgerta@brpsk12.org

Christie Phillips, Middle School/High School Main Office Administrative Assistant

Phone : 616-355-0055, ext. 102

Email: phillipsch@brpsk12.org

Update your Contact Information   

Please help us keep family and emergency contact information up-to-date. If you have moved or changed your phone number, please take a moment to email changes or verify information. Email the elementary main office at hilgerta@brpsk12.org or the MS/HS main office at phillipsch@brpsk12.org. Please note that participation in the Black River Parent Organization Directory does not update your personal information on file with the school.  

Important Dates

Access the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar for all important calendar dates and the Black River Master Calendar with early dismissal times and event information. 

Thursday, August 17, 2023: MS/HS Schedules 2023-2024 Available on Infinite Campus  | Watch for your schedule!

Student schedules will be mailed via USPS on Wednesday, August 16 and available on students' Infinite Campus accounts Thursday, August 17.  New students see below for Infinite Campus access information.  Students who have an error in their schedule can make changes after August 17 between the hours of 9am-1pm, Monday-Thursday by contacting Jennifer Wise, School Registrar. She can be reached via email at wisej@brpsk12.org or phone at 616-355-0055,  ext. 141. Please leave a detailed message.  

Technology Information

1:1 Technology and Chromebooks (Grades 6-12)

Black River MS/HS is a 1:1 school, meaning students 6th-12th are expected to have a computer or tablet with them daily for regular use in class.  BR also supports a ‘Bring Your Own” environment, meaning students can bring a personal device that is capable of handling the classwork expected.

Families interested in taking part in BR's 1:1 Chromebook program will have the opportunity to order a Chromebook for the 2023-’24 school year soon.  Look for updated information regarding the program and costs in your email and under the Technology Information page when available.  If you have any questions, please contact Caleb Fisher, technology director, at fisherc@brpsk12.org.

New Student Email and Infinite Campus Accounts (K-12)

New student email and Infinite Campus accounts are generated periodically throughout the summer.  If you have a new student at BR and have not received a welcome email with account information yet, please contact Caleb Fisher for support.

New Parent/Guardian Infinite Campus Accounts (K-12)

Fast and Convenient! Infinite Campus Parent Portal and the Schoolpointe App Keeps BR Families Up-to-Date!

The Black River Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a web-based student information system that allows parents/guardians and students to monitor registration, schedules, attendance, assignments, progress reports, lunch balances, school-related email messages, and much more! If you already have a username and password, it is not necessary to sign up again. However, it is greatly appreciated if you can log in and make sure your information is up-to-date. If you are new to Black River and would like to access Infinite Campus, please complete the Infinite Campus Portal Consent form and return it to the main office. Your activation information will be emailed to you.

Get the app for your mobile device.here.

Stay up-to-date on BRPS current events and news by adding the Stay Connected App to your phone!

School News Updates at a Glance - Download our Stay Connected Mobile App

• Headline News and Information

• Calendar of Events

• School and Staff Directory

• School Notifications for Closings and Delays

• Push Notifications for Important Updates 

Please click on the preferred link below to download the website application:

Click Here for Apple SchoolPointe Stay Connected App

Click Here for Android SchoolPointe Stay Connected App

Middle School/High School Block Schedule

Middle School/High School Block Schedule 

Elementary Student Home Visits: One way our elementary teachers get to know their students is by visiting the child's home before the beginning of school. This allows the teacher to meet the child and parents in a comfortable setting and gives the teacher valuable information to help support students in the classroom. Teachers will begin making phone calls to set up these visits in early to mid-August.

Friday, August 11, 2023: MS/HS Family Ice Cream Social | 5:00-7:00 pm

Join other new middle/high school families for an informal, meet and greet at Tunnel Park, North Pavilion hosted by the BR Parent Organization. No RSVP is needed.

Thursday, August 17, 2023: Elementary Family Popsicles in the Park | 5:30-7pm

Please join the Elementary Parent Organization for an evening of popsicles, outdoor activities, and a meet-and-greet with other Black River K-5 families. Popsicles will be supplied. We hope you can make it out to this great community event located at nearby Prospect Park. 

Tuesday, August 22, 2023: Middle School/High School New Student Orientation | 9-10am

The MS/HS New Student Orientation is an opportunity for students new to BRPS and new to the MS/HS main building campus to meet their CAP teacher, tour the school, find their classrooms and locker. Please be on-time as students will break up into CAP rooms to tour as a group. Students should meet in the Main Building Lobby with a copy of their schedule.

Parents are invited to the Lyceum building to meet and hear a short presentation from school administration, counselors and other faculty. This is an informal gathering and that is not required but highly recommended.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023: Elementary Open House | 3-4pm

The Elementary Open House is an opportunity for students NEW to BRPS, NEW to a classroom, and all Kindergarten students to take a walk through the building and see their classroom before school starts. We hope that this will ease the transitions for new students, rising students, and Kindergarten students on Wednesday morning. It is an excellent time to prepare your student for drop-off and pick-up procedures.  

HOORAY! Wednesday, August 23, 2023: First Day of School for Grades K-12 | 8:00am

Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Elementary Meet the Teacher and Curriculum Night - BRPO Family Picnic | 5-7pm

Elementary families will receive detailed information about this event from Mr. Jim's bi-weekly newsletter and in your classroom newsletter. Details will also be posted to the website.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023: MS/HS Curriculum Night | 6-7pm

Middle School and High School families will receive detailed information about this night from Peter Middleton, Dean of Academics, via Infinite Campus messenger email. Details will also be posted to the website.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023: 6th Grade Field Trip | 8am-3pm

6th graders at Black River are headed to Camp Pendalouan! 

Click HERE for more information and a printable permission slip.

The online Permission slip for the field trip is HERE.

Thursday, September 7, 2023: School Picture Day for Grades K-12 

Black River is proud to partner with Geskus Photography for our school picture needs. Watch your elementary student classroom newsletter and your students backpack for more information. MS/HS picture packets are passed out in CAP class.

School Hours:

Middle School/High School - 8:00am-3:00pm, Doors open at 7:50am

Elementary - 8:00am-3:10pm, Doors open at 7:45am

Doors to the Lyceum Building open at 7:15am for breakfast and early arrivals.

K-12 School Attendance Procedures

If your student will be late due to an appointment, absent from school or has a scheduled appointment that will require an early release, please call the automated attendance line by 9:00am the day of the absence:

Middle School/High School Attendance Line: 616-355-0055, ext. 228 

Elementary School Attendance Line:  616-355-0055, ext. 328

• Students must be signed out from the student’s main office before leaving and upon returning to school. A pass will be given to allow the student back into class.

• Students leaving campus without signing out are considered unexcused.

• The person providing transportation is required to come into the office to sign out their student anytime they are leaving before the end of the school day. 

• Parents/guardians of student drivers with medical appointments or illness are required to contact the main office before the student will be dismissed from class and allowed to sign out in the main office to leave campus. 

For last-minute appointments, please call the student’s main office as the attendance line is not regularly checked after 9:30 am. Following the above procedures will alleviate waiting long periods of time in the office while staff searches for a student who is in gym class or not in their assigned classrooms. 

Elementary Parents: The teachers and staff are so excited for the upcoming school year! In recognition of the Montessori focus on fostering independence in children and allowing the teachers to quickly establish a morning routine in the classroom, students will proceed to their classrooms independently.

Students or parents can request homework directly from their teachers via email. Homework can be picked up in the main office after school.

Please read the District Attendance Information & Procedures for more detailed attendance information. We are your partner in attendance success!

In order to maintain a consistent attendance policy as students move through their academic careers, Black River has adopted the Ottawa County attendance policy and absenteeism protocol. Please see the important Attendance section in your student's handbook below:

Elementary Handbook - currently being updated, check back soon!

Middle School Handbook - currently being updated, check back soon!

High School Handbook - currently being updated, check back soon!

Any pre-planned absences over two days require a signed Extended Absence Notification Form submitted to the student’s main office for the building administrator. This form is available in the main offices or on the Black River website.

Student Drivers - If your student is driving to an appointment during school hours, please contact the MS/HS Attendance Line (ext 228) by 9:00 am to inform us of the release time and when/if your student will be expected to return to campus.  

Tardiness  - School begins at 8:00 am for all students. A student who arrives late must report to their main office and be signed in by a parent/guardian.

Students who are consistently tardy to class will be offered interventions, which may include a meeting with parents/administration/Social Work/Counseling Team.  A student who is late 3 or more times to a single class may be eligible for supportive follow-up/interventions.  During this time the student and team will identify why the late arrivals are occurring and seek to fix the cause of the issues.

In addition to interventions and supportive measures, if a student continues to arrive late to class consequences ranging from lunch detention to morning detention up to suspension may be assigned.  

Stricter Student Immunization Rules Mandated by the Health Department

Are your student's immunizations up-to-date? Michigan law requires that all kindergarten, 7th grade students, as well as transfer students, have current immunizations to be in attendance at school. ALL students not compliant will be sent home from school. Please turn in any immunizations received over the summer to the main office. If you are unsure of your child’s immunization status, please check with your family physician. Families that may be exempt for a medical, religious belief and/or a moral or ethical reason, will need a waiver signed by the Ottawa County Health Department. Please remember waiver appointments are being  scheduled several weeks out. Contact the Health Dept. today! 

Medications at School

If your student takes medication, uses an inhaler, administers insulin, or carries an EpiPen during school hours, an Administration of Medication form must be on file in the main office. The form is available on the school website. To ensure accuracy, a new form must be completed each year. Please note students may not have medication (prescription or non-prescription) in their possession at school unless otherwise noted by the physician on the Administration of Medication form (ex: Epi-Pen/Inhaler). Medication is required to be held and dispensed from the main office.

Dress Code

We have updated the wording addressing our dress code policy. Below is an excerpt for quick reference. Please take the time to read the entire policy in the student’s respective handbook.

“Clothing that is overly revealing is inappropriate. Clothing must cover the chest, back, torso, stomach, and lower extremities, from armpit to armpit to mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is defined as halfway between the hipbone and where the kneecap begins. Clothing must not be see-through. Tops must have at least two-inch straps.”  

Are you Volunteering on Our Campus?

Black River Public School requires a School Volunteer and Campus Guest Profile Form to be on file in the main office before a volunteer or campus guest can help in a classroom, chaperone a field trip, or be on campus for an extended amount of time. Standard school safety procedures require all campus visitors to sign in and out in the elementary or middle school/high school main office and wear a visitor badge while on campus. Please allow 72 hours before your visit for the main office to process your form and once completed your form will remain on file for the school year. 

Important Reminder: A new form must be completed by EVERY campus guest and volunteer EVERY school year.

MS/HS Locker Information and Request Form

Grades 6-8: Lockers will automatically be assigned to students in grades 6-8. Locker details will be printed on schedules mailed in August.

Grades 9-12: Lockers are available upon request. Students who wish to have a locker need to fill out the Locker Request Form or stop by the main office by Wednesday, August 16th. 

     School Breakfast and Lunch Program Information

Breakfast/lunch menus and additional information can be found on the website under Food Services. The school is not accepting drop-offs or deliveries unless they are medically necessary. If your student forgets a lunch at home, they will have the opportunity to get one from our kitchen. 

Great News! Universal Meals for all students during the 2023-2024 school year has passed!

All students will be eligible for a free breakfast and a free lunch every day at school this year. This program ensures students are fueled and ready to learn!

As in all years, any additional servings will be charged to the student's account at full price. Please check your Infinite Campus account to pay for any outstanding food service balances prior to the start of the school year. 

SENIORS-Black River Public School allows seniors in good academic and behavioral standing to have off-campus privileges for the CAP/lunch hour on the last school day of the week. On most school weeks this will fall on a Friday but can be on another day. A parent/legal guardian must pre-approve this privilege by completing the Senior Off-Campus Lunch Form online. 

    School Supplies for Grades K-12

Grades K-5: Each elementary student has a fee of $50 that covers the expense of all supplies as well as some school field trips scheduled throughout the year. This fee can be paid through your Infinite Campus parent portal account or by cash/check in the main office.

Grades 6-12: Students will be instructed on the first day of class with specific school supplies that are needed. Basic supplies such as folders, pencils, and paper can be purchased prior to school starting.

Student Parking - Permit Required               

Each year students are responsible for purchasing and displaying a valid permit if they drive to school. Students should fill out the Student Parking Permit Form and once submitted pick up a permit in the main office. A parking permit costs $20. In order to be good neighbors, we ask that students use the designated Main Building or Lyceum parking lots and not the streets surrounding the school or the lot at Baker Lofts.

Carpool Survey

If you would like to join a carpool, or are willing to drive another Black River student, please complete the carpool survey. Updated lists will be emailed in mid-August only to families who filled out the survey. The survey is due by August 11, 2023. The school is an information source only and is not responsible for organizing carpools.

Elementary Dismissal Procedure

Both walker line and carline pick-up will be on the east side of the building.  For both walker line and carline you will need to know or show your Driveline number.  If you are a new family to Black River you can find your Driveline number by calling the elementary office at 616-355-0055 ext 302.

Click here for more information: Arrival and Dismissal Procedure + Maps

Black River Gear is Here!

Head back to school in BR style. Shop the school Spiritwear Store 24/7 for all of the latest BR gear including t-shirts, jackets, hats, backpacks, duffels, and more!! 

ATHLETIC PROGRAM INFO     

All high school fall sports athletes and their parents with the exception of boys tennis, should plan to attend an informational/parent meeting on Tuesday, August 15 at 6:00pm in the BR main gym.  Meet the coaching staff, parent-coach meetings, purchase sports passes, learn about digital ticketing, and get all your athletic questions answered.

High School Boys and Girls Cross Country - Official Practice begins on Monday August 7th. Those going to cross country camp will be leaving the school at 7:00 am while those staying in the Holland area will have practice at 7:00 pm at Black River, meeting in the weight room. All details for cross country are relayed through final forms emails that will be sent out on a weekly basis. Please contact Coach Diener at dienerwe@msu.edu with any questions or to get further information on the cross country program. We are practicing throughout the rest of summer and it's a great way to get prepared for the season.

High School Girls Volleyball - Tryouts are August 7-9 5:00-7:30 pm. They will be held in the BR gyms.
Questions? Contact Varsity Coach Izzy Schroeder - ikschroeder@icloud.com

High School Boys Soccer - Tryouts for all HS soccer players will be August 7-9 from 6-9pm at the BR soccer field.  Bring cleats and shin guards to each session. Team practices will begin on August 10 from 6-8pm. Questions? Contact Varsity Coach Kyle Lawton at lawtonk@brpsk12.org 

High School Boys Tennis - Co-op program with Holland Christian. Tryouts/practices begin on August 7.  Please contact Coach Steve Gorno for exact times - sgorno@hollandchristian.org

Middle School Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, & Boys Soccer (Grades 6,7,8)- Begins on Monday, August 21.  Please check the BR Website, Final Forms emails and BR social media for exact times for tryouts/practice.

ALL ATHLETES MUST BE REGISTERED WITH FINAL FORMS PRIOR TO TRY-OUTS/PRACTICES - 

All athletes and parents (MS and HS) must be registered with Final Forms - https://blackriver-mi.finalforms.com.  Please register ASAP so you do not miss out on important communications. If your athlete is already in the FinalForms system, please update which sports they plan to play this year (it is reset each year). This will be used for data collection and communication throughout the entire BR athletic department at all levels (MS and HS). Please upload your student’s current sports physical to the FinalForms account.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: NO STUDENT CAN PARTICIPATE IN TRYOUTS OR PRACTICE WITHOUT A CURRENT SPORTS PHYSICAL ON FILE. THE PHYSICAL MUST HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON OR AFTER APRIL 15, 2023

Any general athletic questions can be directed to Kyle Lawton, Athletic Director, at lawtonk@brpsk12.org.

SPECIAL REQUESTS REGARDING BRPS PUBLICATIONS AND PESTICIDE INFORMATION

Throughout the year, Black River Public School families have the opportunity to opt out of publications and the release of information. This may include a student's name, photograph, or video recording as they participate in routine academic, artistic, or athletic activities. The photos and videos are used in school-related promotional and advertising materials disseminated to the public through newspapers, magazines, admission materials, our website, social media, and other channels deemed appropriate and safe by Black River Public School. This consent will remain in effect until changed in writing by filling out the Opt Out/In Form. Please fill out a form for each student in your family. This request is only valid for the 2023-2024 school year. You will need to fill out a new survey each school year.

If you would like to receive email notification of pesticide applications on Black River Public School property, please fill out the Opt Out/In Form. This request is valid for the 2023-2024 school year only. Requests must be made each year to ensure accuracy.

Stay Connected with Black River

For more BRPS news and updates, we encourage you to follow us on Twitter @blackriverrats.

We are also on Facebook and Instagram as @blackriverpublicschool.
 

Our Parents Make us Better! BLACK RIVER PARENT ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Submit your Student/Parent Directory and Volunteer Forms online! A new form must be submitted each year.

2023-2024 Parent Organization Student/Family Directory

2023-2024 Parent Organization Volunteer Form

Save the Date for the BRPO Kickoff Social - Monday, August 28, 2023 from 4-6pm at Brew Merchant Hall

Join us to learn about opportunities for you to get involved that fit with your time, skills, and interests.

This event is for you if you....

... are the parent or guardian of a K-12 BR student

... are a teacher, staff member, or other part of the BR community

... want to learn more about the Parent Organization

... are looking for a way to get involved with the school

... are interested in meeting other people from the BR community

... or just need a child-free hour to eat some appetizers

We will have more information about the PO, Fine Art Boosters, and Athletic Boosters and the different events held throughout the year that could use your support. 

Calling all Class of 2024 Parents/Guardians

Would you like to lead or be on the senior party planning committee?  Please contact the Black River Parent Organization at blackriverparentorg@brpsk12.org and express your interest.

Join the Elementary, MS, or HS Parent Organizations

We are seeking parents who would like to participate in Black River's Parent Organizations! We have many opportunities to help serve the school - from fundraising, to research, to planning trips and community service events, to helping organize teacher appreciation lunches.

Don’t forget to join our Facebook groups to stay up-to-date on events, fundraisers, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and more!

Elementary Parent Organization Facebook Group

Middle School Parent Organization Facebook Group

High School Parent Organization Facebook Group

Join the Black River Fine Arts Boosters

Do you have a student who is interested in one of the Fine Arts at Black River? Would you like to be part of supporting the Fine Arts program, the teachers & their goals? Come join us and share your enthusiasm and ideas!

The FAB is made up of volunteers who support the teachers and educational goals of the Fine Arts department including art, band, choir and orchestra.  We host two annual fundraisers during the school year: RatFest in February and Spring Fine Arts Night held in April.

FAB Team:  

Made up of the FAB Chair, Faculty Liaison and a Treasurer.

OPEN POSITION for 2023-2024 School Year:  FAB Co-Chair.  This position simply requires attendance at monthly Leadership Committee meetings, attendance at FAB meetings to be held via zoom based on the availability of the Chair, Faculty Liaison and Treasurer and helping to organize our two annual fundraisers.  

DON'T HAVE TIME TO HOLD A POSITION? No worries!  There are PLENTY of ways to help FAB during their two fundraisers.  Examples would be working short shifts at the event setting up, cleaning up, selling tickets, selling concessions and helping with crafts.

DON'T HAVE TIME TO ATTEND AN EVENT?  No Worries!  For each or our events we will be in need of donated items.  For RatFest we will have a list of concession items posted that we will sell at the event!  For Fine Arts Night we will have items listed for baskets that will be raffled off on the night of the event!  EVERY SINGLE DONATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND HELPS FAB FUND: Educational trips, classroom supplies, float decorations, and other items used to help the BR Fine Arts Department accomplish its goals and enrich our students.

Interested in volunteering?  Contact Tammy Clark, FAB faculty liaison at clarkt@brpsk12.org, fineartsboosters@brpsk12.org.

Interested in learning more?

Go to https://www.blackriverpublicschool.org and look for Fine Arts in the Quick Links

NON DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Black River Public School admits students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, athletic programs and other school-administered programs.