Bucks Blast 2-6-2026

BUCKS BLAST District Updates February 6, 2026 Safety Refelction & Weekend Wishes Dear Buck Families, Staff, and Students, Nature certainly took us by surprise this morning. As our buses began their routes, our drivers reported sudden, extreme white-out conditions that made travel unsafe. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we made the immediate call to implement a delay. We recognize that the timing of this morning’s announcement was not ideal, and we appreciate your flexibility and quick action. Our primary goal was to ensure that no one—students, staff, or parents—was forced to navigate those dark winter roads. We are already reviewing our emergency procedures to improve our communication speed should a similar situation arise in the future. Thank you for your continued support and for keeping our community safe. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! Patricia Robinson Superintendent Superintendent Robinson's February Message February is here, and with it came some familiar predictions from Michigan's official woodchuck, Woody the Woodchuck, and the national woodchuck, Punxsutawney Phil, who both saw their shadows earlier this week. This means we are predicted to have six more weeks of winter weather. As we settle into this extended winter season, many may be feeling irritable, restless, or bored. Despite these challenges, we applaud our students for their determination and resilience in pushing through. We encourage everyone to continue following a consistent routine, head outside for some fresh air, ensure you get ample sleep, and find a creative outlet, such as learning to play an instrument or finishing a project. While winter continues outside, our students have been hard at work achieving remarkable things indoors. Avery Mollberg, Isabella Gedert, and Gabriel Kappes were highlighted in a previous Bucks Blast for earning top-tier rankings in the Microsoft Office Specialist Word competition. Meanwhile, our kindergarten through 7th-grade students returned from winter recess and immediately tuned into their NWEA test sessions, demonstrating their readiness to excel. Adding to our celebration of achievement, our high school science teacher, Mrs. Frost, is highlighted in this week's Bucks Blast for her outstanding work with the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) fellowship and her student-led project with the prairie garden. As we move through February, we're grateful for the dedication our students and staff show every day. Whether it's mastering a new concept, supporting a classmate, or persevering through challenges, these moments of growth remind us why we do this work together. Celebrating Excellence: Mrs. Melissa Frost Featured in Statewide Science Research We are thrilled to share that Buchanan High School’s own science teacher, Melissa Frost, was recently featured in a research article by the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) for her outstanding work with the MiSTRIPS program. Through a prestigious Research Experience for Teachers (RET) fellowship, Mrs. Frost worked alongside university scientists to study how native prairie strips support biodiversity and soil health. She didn’t just leave that knowledge in the lab—she brought it home to Buchanan. Inspired by her research, she collaborated with her students to design and plant our very own BHS Habitat Restoration Project. We are incredibly lucky to have Mrs. Frost inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders! Read the full feature story here: MiSTRIPS Program Extends its Impact Free Admission to Fernwood for kids 12 & under in February! Snow Day Information Dear Buck Families, Thank you for your patience as we, along with many districts across the state, navigate decisions about school closings due to inclement weather. While our goal is always to have students in school learning, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Below are frequently asked questions about snow days and their impact on our school calendar. We hope this information helps you better understand Michigan's requirements and how Buchanan Community Schools manages weather-related closures. General Information About Snow Days Q: What are "snow days" or "forgiven days"? A: Snow days (officially called "forgiven days") are instructional days that can be canceled due to conditions beyond the school's control, such as severe weather, utility failures, or health emergencies. Michigan law allows these days to count toward our required instructional calendar without needing to make them up. Q: How many instructional days and hours are Buchanan Community Schools required to provide? A: Michigan law requires that we provide at least: 180 days of instruction per school year 1,098 total hours of instruction per school year How Snow Days Work Q: How many snow days can Buchanan Community Schools use automatically? A: The first 6 days of instruction canceled due to conditions beyond our control are automatically forgiven by the State of Michigan. These days (and their equivalent hours) still count toward our required 180 days and 1,098 hours. Q: What happens after we've used all 6 automatic forgiven days? A: We can apply to the State Superintendent for a waiver to forgive up to 3 additional days. This waiver request will be submitted before the end of the school year. Q: Where is Buchanan Community Schools right now with snow days? A: We have currently used 7 total snow days this school year, which means we've used our 6 automatic forgiven days and will be applying for the waiver to cover the additional day. If We Exceed the Forgiven Days Q: What happens if we have more than 9 total snow days this year? A: If we exceed the 9 total forgiven days (6 automatic + 3 waiver days), we will need to make up the lost instructional time. This most likely means extending the school year by adding days to the end of the calendar. Q: How will we be notified if the school year needs to be extended? A: If we exceed the 9 forgiven days, we will send direct communications to all families explaining the changes to the school calendar and any new end-of-year dates. Questions? If you have additional questions about snow days or our instructional calendar, please contact the district office at 269-695-8401. 2026-2027 District Calendar Interested in Participating in Plow Day? Would your organization like to participate in Buchanan Community School Farm’s old-fashioned pancake breakfast and plow day? This year’s Plow Day will be on Saturday, April 18th, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. We are looking for participants and organizations to add to the activities of the day. It's going to be a fun-filled Saturday for the whole family! Plow Day will take place at 3588 Andrews Road, Buchanan, MI. We'll have a range of activities, including a pancake breakfast, tractor demonstrations, farming workshops, and much more. It's a great opportunity for our entire community to learn about agriculture and the importance of farming. If you are interested in participating or need additional information, please contact Melissa Frost at mfrost@buchananschools.com or 269-695-8435 We can't wait to see you there! RX is in Buchanan! Rx Kids will be available to Buchanan City residents in January of 2026. Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning January 12, families who reside in these municipalities can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.    Rx Kids overview & request for sample utility/tax invoices Rx Kids is a prenatal and early childhood cash prescription program that supports all expectant parents and families with newborns in high-need communities. The attached “Rx Kids Executive Summary” provides more detail, including data specific to Berrien County. Buchanan City has been identified as a high-priority community, with approximately 40 births per year and 70% of those births covered by Medicaid, indicating substantial economic hardship among families with new infants.   To prepare for implementation and to streamline the verification and proof of residency for Buchanan City participants, I’m requesting example billing documents (with all personal/identifying information removed), specifically: A sample gas or electrical bill/invoice Sample City of Buchanan property tax bill A sample City of Buchanan combined sewer/water bill   These samples will help us confirm that local utility and tax documents contain the information needed to verify residency for eligible families. We will also be verifying proof of pregnancy and photo ID. Looking forward to the opportunity for Buchanan City families. Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the cities of Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Charter Township who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at https://rxkids.org/communities/berrien-county/ Click for Rx Kids Guidebook Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Buchanan Community Schools: Search and Seizure - What Parents and Students Should Know School officials may search students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal contraband or evidence of a rule violation. This helps us maintain a safe learning environment for all students. School lockers and district-owned technology have no expectation of privacy. Since lockers are district property and students use district devices under school supervision, these may be searched at any time without advance notice. Personal items like backpacks, cell phones, and vehicles do have privacy protections and will only be searched when school officials have specific reasons to believe they contain evidence of wrongdoing or pose a safety concern. Safety is our priority. In rare cases involving an imminent threat of physical harm, school officials may conduct searches without reasonable suspicion. Strip searches are strictly prohibited. Searches must be appropriate and limited in scope — meaning they are conducted in a manner suitable for the student's age and are directly related to the suspected violation. The full board policy regarding searches and seizures is linked here. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Open Coaching Positions Click for more MHSAA info! JANUARY TIPS OF THE MONTH -Did You Know? with Nurse Comer- -From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell- An IEP vs. a 504 Plan: This information sheet is designed to help Michigan parents navigate the two primary ways students with disabilities receive support in public schools. While both ensure a "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE), they fall under different laws and offer different levels of support.  1. What is an IEP? An IEP is a "blueprint" for a child’s special education experience. In Michigan, the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) provide additional guidelines for how these are implemented. ● Eligibility: To qualify, a student must have one of 13 specific disability categories (e.g., Autism, Specific Learning Disability, OHI) AND the disability must create a need for specialized instruction. ● What it provides: Specialized instruction, "Related Services" (like Occupational Therapy or Social Work), and specific annual goals that are tracked and reported to you. ● The Team: Includes a general ed teacher, a special ed teacher, a district representative, and the parent. ● Protection: Offers the highest level of procedural safeguards, including "Stay Put" rights during disputes. 2. What is a Section 504 Plan? A 504 Plan is a civil rights protection. It is designed to "level the playing field" so a student with a disability has the same access to education as their peers. ● Eligibility: The definition of "disability" is much broader here. If a child has a physical or mental impairment (like ADHD, Type 1 Diabetes, or Anxiety) that limits a major life activity, they qualify. ● What it provides: Accommodations that change how a student learns, but not what they learn. For example, a student with ADHD might get a quiet testing room, but they take the same test as everyone else. ● The Team: A group of people familiar with the child (usually including the parent, though the law is less strict about who must attend than with an IEP). ● Protection: Protects against discrimination and ensures the student isn't penalized for their disability. 3. Pro-Tip Pro-Tip: If your child has an IEP, they are already protected under Section 504. You do not need both documents; any necessary accommodations (like extra time) should simply be written directly into the IEP. Next Steps for Parents ● Request an Evaluation: If you think your child needs support, submit a written request to the school principal or special education director. ● Gather Documentation: Have medical diagnoses or private evaluations ready to share with the school team. ● Think about: what types of support at school your child will need to be successful at school and share with the school evaluation team. ● An evaluation: is not a guarantee that your child will qualify for special education services-a number of specific factors are used to determine special education eligibility for a student.  -From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang- Good day Buck's Family! Your SRO for the schools is hoping you all had a great holiday break! I am sharing with you that with the weather changing and the colder weather becoming more frequent, mental health cases can increase. With this become more frequent, please be more attentive to your kid's mental health! Some resources include: School Counselors A trusted teacher the student feels open to share with Berrien RESA has a counselor that comes to the schools Outside Counseling services Remember, the only way of getting help is if you ask for it! Please do not hesitate if there are any questions regarding this matter to reach out! Thank you and Lets go Bucks Family! SRO Huang Understanding Swatting We want to provide you with information about a growing concern called "swatting" and how we work to keep our students safe. What is Swatting? Swatting is the criminal act of making a false report of a serious emergency—such as a bomb threat, active shooter, or hostage situation—to trigger a large-scale law enforcement response. The term comes from the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams that are often dispatched in response to these false reports. These hoax calls are designed to create panic, disrupt school operations, and waste valuable law enforcement resources. Swatting incidents have unfortunately become more common at schools nationwide. Why Does Swatting Happen? Perpetrators engage in swatting for various reasons: To cause disruption and get school dismissed As a "prank" without understanding the serious consequences To create fear and chaos In retaliation or as part of online challenges Regardless of motivation, swatting is never a joke or a harmless prank. Legal Consequences Swatting is a serious federal crime with severe legal consequences, including: Federal felony charges Significant prison time (up to 20 years or more) Heavy fines and restitution for law enforcement costs Permanent criminal record affecting college and career opportunities Civil lawsuits for damages caused Even juveniles can face serious criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies have sophisticated methods to trace these calls, even when perpetrators attempt to hide their identity. How Schools Respond When any threat is received, schools follow established safety protocols: Immediately contacting law enforcement Conducting thorough building searches when appropriate Following district crisis response procedures Communicating with families about the situation Documenting all information for investigation We always err on the side of caution when it comes to student and staff safety, treating every threat seriously until proven otherwise. Talking With Your Children We encourage families to discuss this topic with their children: Make it clear that swatting is a crime with life-changing consequences, not a prank Explain the real impact: Swatting diverts emergency resources from actual emergencies, traumatizes school communities, and can result in injury Encourage reporting: If students hear someone talking about making a threat or swatting call, they should immediately tell a trusted adult Discuss digital citizenship: Many swatting incidents originate from online interactions or social media challenges Emphasize that "just kidding" doesn't matter: Even joking about threats can result in serious consequences We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! Hiring School Crossing Guards Help our local students get to school safely! The Buchanan Police Department is currently looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Crossing Guards. If you love being outdoors and want to make a positive impact on our community's safety, we want to hear from you. Position Details Role: Permanent and Substitute positions available. Requirements: Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening. How to Apply Applications are available for pickup at the Buchanan Police Department lobby. Location: 720 E. Front Street, Suite B, Buchanan, MI 49107 Questions? For more information, please contact Diana at the Buchanan PD: Phone: 269-695-5120 District Calendars BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Feb 06 2026

NEW Bus Route & Schedule Updates

Hi Buck Families, To better serve our students, we are thrilled to announce that we’ve added a route back into our daily fleet! This expansion has resulted in several changes to our existing routes. If your student is a bus rider, please take a moment to review the BusQuest app for updated bus numbers and timing. These adjustments will be live starting Thursday  morning. Thank you for your flexibility as we work to improve our transportation! If you need anything, reach out at 269-695-8402 or bucksbus@buchananschools.com.

Tuesday, Feb 03 2026

Bucks Blast 1-30-2026

BUCKS BLAST District Updates January 30, 2026 Professional Growth & Gratitute Today, our halls are filled with more than just bells and books—they’re filled with inspiration! Our dedicated educators are gathered at Buchanan Middle School for a day of Professional Development, sharpening their skills to better serve our students. A day of learning requires a lot of behind-the-scenes magic, and we want to give a massive shout-out to the teams making it happen: To our Kitchen Crew: Thank you for fueling our morning with a delicious breakfast! To our Custodial Staff: Thank you for your hard work in prepping the building and ensuring we have a clean, welcoming space to collaborate. We are so lucky to have a team that supports one another from the classroom to the cafeteria.! Last week some Michigan Gateway Community Foundations Youth Advisory Council students presented this check to the National Honor Society at Buchanan High School. This was a mini grant written by Lily F. for our November Mini grant cycle. The funds were used by the Buchanan NHS to purchase food for one of the Little Free Food Pantry’s in town. This group volunteered to keep the food pantry stocked for a month! Youth Advisory Council members also presented this check to the BHS Track & Cross Country team to purchase a portable AED and pulse oximeter. This was a mini grant written by Jack S. last fall. Snow Day Information Dear Buck Families, Thank you for your patience as we, along with many districts across the state, navigate decisions about school closings due to inclement weather. While our goal is always to have students in school learning, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Below are frequently asked questions about snow days and their impact on our school calendar. We hope this information helps you better understand Michigan's requirements and how Buchanan Community Schools manages weather-related closures. General Information About Snow Days Q: What are "snow days" or "forgiven days"? A: Snow days (officially called "forgiven days") are instructional days that can be canceled due to conditions beyond the school's control, such as severe weather, utility failures, or health emergencies. Michigan law allows these days to count toward our required instructional calendar without needing to make them up. Q: How many instructional days and hours are Buchanan Community Schools required to provide? A: Michigan law requires that we provide at least: 180 days of instruction per school year 1,098 total hours of instruction per school year How Snow Days Work Q: How many snow days can Buchanan Community Schools use automatically? A: The first 6 days of instruction canceled due to conditions beyond our control are automatically forgiven by the State of Michigan. These days (and their equivalent hours) still count toward our required 180 days and 1,098 hours. Q: What happens after we've used all 6 automatic forgiven days? A: We can apply to the State Superintendent for a waiver to forgive up to 3 additional days. This waiver request will be submitted before the end of the school year. Q: Where is Buchanan Community Schools right now with snow days? A: We have currently used 7 total snow days this school year, which means we've used our 6 automatic forgiven days and will be applying for the waiver to cover the additional day. If We Exceed the Forgiven Days Q: What happens if we have more than 9 total snow days this year? A: If we exceed the 9 total forgiven days (6 automatic + 3 waiver days), we will need to make up the lost instructional time. This most likely means extending the school year by adding days to the end of the calendar. Q: How will we be notified if the school year needs to be extended? A: If we exceed the 9 forgiven days, we will send direct communications to all families explaining the changes to the school calendar and any new end-of-year dates. Questions? If you have additional questions about snow days or our instructional calendar, please contact the district office at 269-695-8401. Tips to Keep Safe During Extreme Cold Weather Cold arctic air will move into Michigan today, bringing dangerously low temperatures through the weekend. Many areas will see temperatures in the single digits and lows below zero degrees. Wind chills are expected to feel as low as -5 to -35 degrees. The Michigan’s Health Alert Network is providing safety tips and resources: To prevent cold-related illness such as hypothermia and frostbite, people are encouraged to remain indoors when possible, as a wind chill of -20 degrees will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  You are encouraged to review and share the following health resources:  MDHHS Cold Health and Safety Fact Sheet – also in Spanish  Michigan Fall and Winter Educational Resource Packet Michigan Prepares – Winter Weather  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Factsheet  Portable Generators Factsheet  MDHHS Learn More About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  Call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for information on warming centers. 2026-2027 District Calendar Interested in Participating in Plow Day? Would your organization like to participate in Buchanan Community School Farm’s old-fashioned pancake breakfast and plow day? This year’s Plow Day will be on Saturday, April 18th, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. We are looking for participants and organizations to add to the activities of the day. It's going to be a fun-filled Saturday for the whole family! Plow Day will take place at 3588 Andrews Road, Buchanan, MI. We'll have a range of activities, including a pancake breakfast, tractor demonstrations, farming workshops, and much more. It's a great opportunity for our entire community to learn about agriculture and the importance of farming. If you are interested in participating or need additional information, please contact Melissa Frost at mfrost@buchananschools.com or 269-695-8435 We can't wait to see you there! RxKids Coming to Buchanan! Rx Kids will be available to Buchanan City residents in January of 2026. Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning January 12, families who reside in these municipalities can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.    Rx Kids overview & request for sample utility/tax invoices Rx Kids is a prenatal and early childhood cash prescription program that supports all expectant parents and families with newborns in high-need communities. The attached “Rx Kids Executive Summary” provides more detail, including data specific to Berrien County. Buchanan City has been identified as a high-priority community, with approximately 40 births per year and 70% of those births covered by Medicaid, indicating substantial economic hardship among families with new infants.   To prepare for implementation and to streamline the verification and proof of residency for Buchanan City participants, I’m requesting example billing documents (with all personal/identifying information removed), specifically: A sample gas or electrical bill/invoice Sample City of Buchanan property tax bill A sample City of Buchanan combined sewer/water bill   These samples will help us confirm that local utility and tax documents contain the information needed to verify residency for eligible families. We will also be verifying proof of pregnancy and photo ID. Looking forward to the opportunity for Buchanan City families. Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the cities of Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Charter Township who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at https://rxkids.org/communities/berrien-county/ Click for Rx Kids Guidebook Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Buchanan Community Schools: Search and Seizure - What Parents and Students Should Know School officials may search students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal contraband or evidence of a rule violation. This helps us maintain a safe learning environment for all students. School lockers and district-owned technology have no expectation of privacy. Since lockers are district property and students use district devices under school supervision, these may be searched at any time without advance notice. Personal items like backpacks, cell phones, and vehicles do have privacy protections and will only be searched when school officials have specific reasons to believe they contain evidence of wrongdoing or pose a safety concern. Safety is our priority. In rare cases involving an imminent threat of physical harm, school officials may conduct searches without reasonable suspicion. Strip searches are strictly prohibited. Searches must be appropriate and limited in scope — meaning they are conducted in a manner suitable for the student's age and are directly related to the suspected violation. The full board policy regarding searches and seizures is linked here. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Open Coaching Positions Click for more MHSAA info! JANUARY TIPS OF THE MONTH -Did You Know? with Nurse Comer- -From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell- We can often find ourselves in some boredom of routine-even after coming back to school after a break…Here are some practical, family-friendly tips to help students with IEPs finish the second half of the school year strong—academically, emotionally, and behaviorally: 1. Revisit the IEP (Midyear Check-In) Read the current IEP and remind yourself of goals, accommodations, and services. Ask: Are the supports actually happening? Are they still effective? You don’t need to wait for an annual meeting—families can request a check-in or IEP team meeting anytime if something isn’t working. 2. Strengthen Home–School Communication Establish a simple communication routine (weekly email, shared log, or app). Ask teachers: What’s going well? Where is my child struggling now? How can we support the same skills at home? Share any changes at home (sleep, health, stress) that might affect school performance. 3. Support Organization & Executive Functioning Many students with IEPs struggle more as expectations increase later in the year. Use visual schedules, checklists, or planners. Break long assignments into smaller steps with mini-deadlines. Set up a consistent homework routine (same place, same time, clear end point). 4. Reinforce Accommodations Remind your child it’s okay—and important—to use their accommodations (extra time, breaks, assistive technology, preferential seating). Practice self-advocacy at home: “I need clarification.” “Can I take a break?” “May I use my notes or tool?” 5. Address Motivation & Burnout The second half of the year can feel long. Celebrate effort and growth, not just grades. Set short-term, achievable goals (weekly or biweekly). Build in movement, creativity, and choice outside of schoolwork. 6. Prepare for State Testing or End-of-Year Assessments Confirm testing accommodations are clearly listed and will be provided. Reduce anxiety by: Explaining what to expect Practicing test-taking strategies Emphasizing that tests don’t define them 7. Support Emotional & Behavioral Needs Watch for signs of stress: avoidance, headaches, shutdowns, or increased behavior challenges. Keep routines predictable at home. Encourage open conversations: “What feels hardest right now?” “What helps when school feels overwhelming?” 8. Collaborate on Transitions If your child is moving to a new grade, school, or setting: Ask how transition planning is happening. Request teacher input or transition supports. For older students, review postsecondary or transition goals if included in the IEP. 9. Keep Perspective Progress for students with IEPs is not always linear—and that’s okay. Focus on skills gained, confidence built, and resilience developed. Your advocacy and consistency matter more than perfection. -From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang- Good day Buck's Family! Your SRO for the schools is hoping you all had a great holiday break! I am sharing with you that with the weather changing and the colder weather becoming more frequent, mental health cases can increase. With this become more frequent, please be more attentive to your kid's mental health! Some resources include: School Counselors A trusted teacher the student feels open to share with Berrien RESA has a counselor that comes to the schools Outside Counseling services Remember, the only way of getting help is if you ask for it! Please do not hesitate if there are any questions regarding this matter to reach out! Thank you and Lets go Bucks Family! SRO Huang Understanding Swatting We want to provide you with information about a growing concern called "swatting" and how we work to keep our students safe. What is Swatting? Swatting is the criminal act of making a false report of a serious emergency—such as a bomb threat, active shooter, or hostage situation—to trigger a large-scale law enforcement response. The term comes from the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams that are often dispatched in response to these false reports. These hoax calls are designed to create panic, disrupt school operations, and waste valuable law enforcement resources. Swatting incidents have unfortunately become more common at schools nationwide. Why Does Swatting Happen? Perpetrators engage in swatting for various reasons: To cause disruption and get school dismissed As a "prank" without understanding the serious consequences To create fear and chaos In retaliation or as part of online challenges Regardless of motivation, swatting is never a joke or a harmless prank. Legal Consequences Swatting is a serious federal crime with severe legal consequences, including: Federal felony charges Significant prison time (up to 20 years or more) Heavy fines and restitution for law enforcement costs Permanent criminal record affecting college and career opportunities Civil lawsuits for damages caused Even juveniles can face serious criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies have sophisticated methods to trace these calls, even when perpetrators attempt to hide their identity. How Schools Respond When any threat is received, schools follow established safety protocols: Immediately contacting law enforcement Conducting thorough building searches when appropriate Following district crisis response procedures Communicating with families about the situation Documenting all information for investigation We always err on the side of caution when it comes to student and staff safety, treating every threat seriously until proven otherwise. Talking With Your Children We encourage families to discuss this topic with their children: Make it clear that swatting is a crime with life-changing consequences, not a prank Explain the real impact: Swatting diverts emergency resources from actual emergencies, traumatizes school communities, and can result in injury Encourage reporting: If students hear someone talking about making a threat or swatting call, they should immediately tell a trusted adult Discuss digital citizenship: Many swatting incidents originate from online interactions or social media challenges Emphasize that "just kidding" doesn't matter: Even joking about threats can result in serious consequences We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! Hiring School Crossing Guards Help our local students get to school safely! The Buchanan Police Department is currently looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Crossing Guards. If you love being outdoors and want to make a positive impact on our community's safety, we want to hear from you. Position Details Role: Permanent and Substitute positions available. Requirements: Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening. How to Apply Applications are available for pickup at the Buchanan Police Department lobby. Location: 720 E. Front Street, Suite B, Buchanan, MI 49107 Questions? For more information, please contact Diana at the Buchanan PD: Phone: 269-695-5120 District Calendars BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Jan 30 2026

Bucks Blast 1-23-2026

BUCKS BLAST District Updates January 23, 2026 Press Release - BHS Wins in the 2026 Microsoft Office State Championship Fall Qualifier BUCHANAN, MI - The winners of the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Michigan State Championship Fall Qualifier have been announced by Certiport, a Pearson Business, the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate people’s academic and career opportunities. Representing Buchanan High School, Avery Mollberg (1st place), Isabella Gedert (2nd place), and Gabriel Kappes (6th place) earned top-tier rankings in the Microsoft Office Specialist Word (Office 2019) competition. Facing rigorous challenges from students across the state of Michigan, these three individuals demonstrated mastery of the software to bring home these impressive honors. To compete in the Fall Qualifier, students aged 13 to 22 were eligible to participate in one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified, passing score on the MOS Word, Excel®, or PowerPoint® certification exams by December 19, 2025.  “We have seen amazing results from the MOS program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Russ Philip, CTE Business Administration Management Teacher. “The MOS U.S. National Championship further motivates them to get certified, and we are proud of these students who have proven to be the best in our state. We know they will go on to make us proud at the MOS U.S. National Championship in June.”   The first-place students will get to represent Michigan at the upcoming 2026 MOS U.S. National Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. During this event, they will compete in their exam track, network with other top students from around the United States and celebrate their certification success. One winner per track will be named the U.S. National Champion and earn a trip to represent the United States and compete in the 2026 MOS World Championship in Anaheim, California.  “We’re impressed by these students. They have proven they are the best in their state at using Microsoft Office products effectively. Plus, they now have an important distinction to place on their resume that shows a desire to learn and validate in-demand skills,” said Krista Ketchmark, Vice President Certiport and Global IT Business Development, Pearson. “The title ‘Microsoft Office Specialist Champion’ will serve them well in their academic and career pursuits.”  The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office globally and serves as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge. For more information about the MOS U.S. National Championship visit www.us.moschampionship.com.  About Certiport  Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery, and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 14,000 [HD1] Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certifica Strategic Planning Update Dear Buck Families, Over the past year, Buchanan Community Schools has been engaged in thoughtful work to develop a strategic plan that will guide our district into the future. We want to take a moment to share where we are in the process and reaffirm our commitment to keeping our community informed along the way. Where We Started Last spring, we announced the launch of our strategic planning process and shared information about how the community could be involved. Invitations were extended to students, staff, families, and community members to participate in listening sessions designed to gather feedback and perspectives from across the district. Listening and Feedback The listening sessions were completed last spring. Feedback gathered during that phase has served as the foundation for our planning work. Over the summer and into early fall, that input was carefully reviewed and synthesized to identify key themes and areas of focus. Strategic Planning Retreat and Board Update In October, a representative group of staff, students, and community members participated in a two-day strategic planning retreat. (See photos below) Following that retreat, an update was shared at a Board of Education meeting in October, outlining the progress made and the next steps in the planning process. Current Focus Since then, our work has focused on developing a draft strategic framework to help guide the district forward. This includes: Draft language for our vision, mission, and core beliefs Emerging goal areas related to: Teaching and Learning, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Accountability and Operations.  Alignment and Appreciation We are working to ensure that the strategic plan aligns with: Existing initiatives District priorities Budget planning Our goal is to create a plan that brings clarity and focus to our work, rather than adding competing efforts. We want to thank so many of you who participated in both the listening sessions and the surveys. We are grateful for the voices, time, and care our community has invested in this important work. This work remains in progress and continues to be refined. We look forward to sharing the finalized plan with you during a Board of Education meeting this spring.  Educationally Yours, Patricia L. Robinson  BCS Superintendent Snow Day Information Dear Buck Families, Thank you for your patience as we, along with many districts across the state, navigate decisions about school closings due to inclement weather. While our goal is always to have students in school learning, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Below are frequently asked questions about snow days and their impact on our school calendar. We hope this information helps you better understand Michigan's requirements and how Buchanan Community Schools manages weather-related closures. General Information About Snow Days Q: What are "snow days" or "forgiven days"? A: Snow days (officially called "forgiven days") are instructional days that can be canceled due to conditions beyond the school's control, such as severe weather, utility failures, or health emergencies. Michigan law allows these days to count toward our required instructional calendar without needing to make them up. Q: How many instructional days and hours is Buchanan Community Schools required to provide? A: Michigan law requires that we provide at least: 180 days of instruction per school year 1,098 total hours of instruction per school year How Snow Days Work Q: How many snow days can Buchanan Community Schools use automatically? A: The first 6 days of instruction canceled due to conditions beyond our control are automatically forgiven by the State of Michigan. These days (and their equivalent hours) still count toward our required 180 days and 1,098 hours. Q: What happens after we've used all 6 automatic forgiven days? A: We can apply to the State Superintendent for a waiver to forgive up to 3 additional days. This waiver request will be submitted before the end of the school year. Q: Where is Buchanan Community Schools right now with snow days? A: We have currently used 7 total snow days this school year, which means we've used our 6 automatic forgiven days and will be applying for the waiver to cover the additional day. If We Exceed the Forgiven Days Q: What happens if we have more than 9 total snow days this year? A: If we exceed the 9 total forgiven days (6 automatic + 3 waiver days), we will need to make up the lost instructional time. This most likely means extending the school year by adding days to the end of the calendar. Q: Will we add minutes to the end of each school day instead of extending the year? A: No. While this is an option, the State of Michigan encourages districts to add full instructional days rather than extending daily schedules by a few minutes. Research shows that adding a few minutes to each remaining day doesn't result in meaningful additional learning for students. If makeup time is needed, we will add full instructional days. Q: How will we be notified if the school year needs to be extended? A: If we exceed the 9 forgiven days, we will send direct communications to all families explaining the changes to the school calendar and any new end-of-year dates. Questions? If you have additional questions about Tips to Keep Safe During Extreme Cold Weather Cold arctic air will move into Michigan today, bringing dangerously low temperatures through the weekend. Many areas will see temperatures in the single digits and lows below zero degrees. Wind chills are expected to feel as low as -5 to -35 degrees. The Michigan’s Health Alert Network is providing safety tips and resources: To prevent cold-related illness such as hypothermia and frostbite, people are encouraged to remain indoors when possible, as a wind chill of -20 degrees will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  You are encouraged to review and share the following health resources:  MDHHS Cold Health and Safety Fact Sheet – also in Spanish  Michigan Fall and Winter Educational Resource Packet Michigan Prepares – Winter Weather  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Factsheet  Portable Generators Factsheet  MDHHS Learn More About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  Call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for information on warming centers. Understanding Personal Curriculum & Graduation Hiring School Crossing Guards Help our local students get to school safely! The Buchanan Police Department is currently looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Crossing Guards. If you love being outdoors and want to make a positive impact on our community's safety, we want to hear from you. Position Details Role: Permanent and Substitute positions available. Requirements: Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening. How to Apply Applications are available for pickup at the Buchanan Police Department lobby. Location: 720 E. Front Street, Suite B, Buchanan, MI 49107 Questions? For more information, please contact Diana at the Buchanan PD: Phone: 269-695-5120 2026-2027 District Calendar Interested in Participating in Plow Day? Would your organization like to participate in Buchanan Community School Farm’s old-fashioned pancake breakfast and plow day? This year’s Plow Day will be on Saturday, April 18th, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. We are looking for participants and organizations to add to the activities of the day. It's going to be a fun-filled Saturday for the whole family! Plow Day will take place at 3588 Andrews Road, Buchanan, MI. We'll have a range of activities, including a pancake breakfast, tractor demonstrations, farming workshops, and much more. It's a great opportunity for our entire community to learn about agriculture and the importance of farming. If you are interested in participating or need additional information, please contact Melissa Frost at mfrost@buchananschools.com or 269-695-8435 We can't wait to see you there!   Donate to help create the BHS Spirit Wall! RxKids Coming to Buchanan! Rx Kids will be available to Buchanan City residents in January of 2026. Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning January 12, families who reside in these municipalities can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.    Rx Kids overview & request for sample utility/tax invoices Rx Kids is a prenatal and early childhood cash prescription program that supports all expectant parents and families with newborns in high-need communities. The attached “Rx Kids Executive Summary” provides more detail, including data specific to Berrien County. Buchanan City has been identified as a high-priority community, with approximately 40 births per year and 70% of those births covered by Medicaid, indicating substantial economic hardship among families with new infants.   To prepare for implementation and to streamline the verification and proof of residency for Buchanan City participants, I’m requesting example billing documents (with all personal/identifying information removed), specifically: A sample gas or electrical bill/invoice Sample City of Buchanan property tax bill A sample City of Buchanan combined sewer/water bill   These samples will help us confirm that local utility and tax documents contain the information needed to verify residency for eligible families. We will also be verifying proof of pregnancy and photo ID. Looking forward to the opportunity for Buchanan City families. Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the cities of Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Charter Township who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at https://rxkids.org/communities/berrien-county/ Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Buchanan Community Schools: Search and Seizure - What Parents and Students Should Know School officials may search students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal contraband or evidence of a rule violation. This helps us maintain a safe learning environment for all students. School lockers and district-owned technology have no expectation of privacy. Since lockers are district property and students use district devices under school supervision, these may be searched at any time without advance notice. Personal items like backpacks, cell phones, and vehicles do have privacy protections and will only be searched when school officials have specific reasons to believe they contain evidence of wrongdoing or pose a safety concern. Safety is our priority. In rare cases involving an imminent threat of physical harm, school officials may conduct searches without reasonable suspicion. Strip searches are strictly prohibited. Searches must be appropriate and limited in scope — meaning they are conducted in a manner suitable for the student's age and are directly related to the suspected violation. The full board policy regarding searches and seizures is linked here. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! JANUARY TIPS OF THE MONTH -Did You Know? with Nurse Comer- -From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell- We can often find ourselves in some boredom of routine-even after coming back to school after a break…Here are some practical, family-friendly tips to help students with IEPs finish the second half of the school year strong—academically, emotionally, and behaviorally: 1. Revisit the IEP (Midyear Check-In) Read the current IEP and remind yourself of goals, accommodations, and services. Ask: Are the supports actually happening? Are they still effective? You don’t need to wait for an annual meeting—families can request a check-in or IEP team meeting anytime if something isn’t working. 2. Strengthen Home–School Communication Establish a simple communication routine (weekly email, shared log, or app). Ask teachers: What’s going well? Where is my child struggling now? How can we support the same skills at home? Share any changes at home (sleep, health, stress) that might affect school performance. 3. Support Organization & Executive Functioning Many students with IEPs struggle more as expectations increase later in the year. Use visual schedules, checklists, or planners. Break long assignments into smaller steps with mini-deadlines. Set up a consistent homework routine (same place, same time, clear end point). 4. Reinforce Accommodations Remind your child it’s okay—and important—to use their accommodations (extra time, breaks, assistive technology, preferential seating). Practice self-advocacy at home: “I need clarification.” “Can I take a break?” “May I use my notes or tool?” 5. Address Motivation & Burnout The second half of the year can feel long. Celebrate effort and growth, not just grades. Set short-term, achievable goals (weekly or biweekly). Build in movement, creativity, and choice outside of schoolwork. 6. Prepare for State Testing or End-of-Year Assessments Confirm testing accommodations are clearly listed and will be provided. Reduce anxiety by: Explaining what to expect Practicing test-taking strategies Emphasizing that tests don’t define them 7. Support Emotional & Behavioral Needs Watch for signs of stress: avoidance, headaches, shutdowns, or increased behavior challenges. Keep routines predictable at home. Encourage open conversations: “What feels hardest right now?” “What helps when school feels overwhelming?” 8. Collaborate on Transitions If your child is moving to a new grade, school, or setting: Ask how transition planning is happening. Request teacher input or transition supports. For older students, review postsecondary or transition goals if included in the IEP. 9. Keep Perspective Progress for students with IEPs is not always linear—and that’s okay. Focus on skills gained, confidence built, and resilience developed. Your advocacy and consistency matter more than perfection. -From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang- Good day Buck's Family! Your SRO for the schools is hoping you all had a great holiday break! I am sharing with you that with the weather changing and the colder weather becoming more frequent, mental health cases can increase. With this become more frequent, please be more attentive to your kid's mental health! Some resources include: School Counselors A trusted teacher the student feels open to share with Berrien RESA has a counselor that comes to the schools Outside Counseling services Remember, the only way of getting help is if you ask for it! Please do not hesitate if there are any questions regarding this matter to reach out! Thank you and Lets go Bucks Family! SRO Huang We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! District Calendars BCS Google CalendarsBCS FoundationBuchanan Bucks MerchandiseBuchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Jan 23 2026

Bucks Blast 1-16-2026

BUCKS BLAST District Updates January 16, 2026 Donate to help create the BHS Spirit Wall! RxKids Coming to Buchanan! Rx Kids will be available to Buchanan City residents in January of 2026. Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning January 12, families who reside in these municipalities can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.    Rx Kids overview & request for sample utility/tax invoices Rx Kids is a prenatal and early childhood cash prescription program that supports all expectant parents and families with newborns in high-need communities. The attached “Rx Kids Executive Summary” provides more detail, including data specific to Berrien County. Buchanan City has been identified as a high-priority community, with approximately 40 births per year and 70% of those births covered by Medicaid, indicating substantial economic hardship among families with new infants.   To prepare for implementation and to streamline the verification and proof of residency for Buchanan City participants, I’m requesting example billing documents (with all personal/identifying information removed), specifically: A sample gas or electrical bill/invoice Sample City of Buchanan property tax bill A sample City of Buchanan combined sewer/water bill   These samples will help us confirm that local utility and tax documents contain the information needed to verify residency for eligible families. We will also be verifying proof of pregnancy and photo ID. Looking forward to the opportunity for Buchanan City families. Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the cities of Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Charter Township who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at https://rxkids.org/communities/berrien-county/ Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Buchanan Community Schools: Search and Seizure - What Parents and Students Should Know School officials may search students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal contraband or evidence of a rule violation. This helps us maintain a safe learning environment for all students. School lockers and district-owned technology have no expectation of privacy. Since lockers are district property and students use district devices under school supervision, these may be searched at any time without advance notice. Personal items like backpacks, cell phones, and vehicles do have privacy protections and will only be searched when school officials have specific reasons to believe they contain evidence of wrongdoing or pose a safety concern. Safety is our priority. In rare cases involving an imminent threat of physical harm, school officials may conduct searches without reasonable suspicion. Strip searches are strictly prohibited. Searches must be appropriate and limited in scope — meaning they are conducted in a manner suitable for the student's age and are directly related to the suspected violation. The full board policy regarding searches and seizures is linked here. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! JANUARY TIPS OF THE MONTH -Did You Know? with Nurse Comer- -From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell- We can often find ourselves in some boredom of routine-even after coming back to school after a break…Here are some practical, family-friendly tips to help students with IEPs finish the second half of the school year strong—academically, emotionally, and behaviorally: 1. Revisit the IEP (Midyear Check-In) Read the current IEP and remind yourself of goals, accommodations, and services. Ask: Are the supports actually happening? Are they still effective? You don’t need to wait for an annual meeting—families can request a check-in or IEP team meeting anytime if something isn’t working. 2. Strengthen Home–School Communication Establish a simple communication routine (weekly email, shared log, or app). Ask teachers: What’s going well? Where is my child struggling now? How can we support the same skills at home? Share any changes at home (sleep, health, stress) that might affect school performance. 3. Support Organization & Executive Functioning Many students with IEPs struggle more as expectations increase later in the year. Use visual schedules, checklists, or planners. Break long assignments into smaller steps with mini-deadlines. Set up a consistent homework routine (same place, same time, clear end point). 4. Reinforce Accommodations Remind your child it’s okay—and important—to use their accommodations (extra time, breaks, assistive technology, preferential seating). Practice self-advocacy at home: “I need clarification.” “Can I take a break?” “May I use my notes or tool?” 5. Address Motivation & Burnout The second half of the year can feel long. Celebrate effort and growth, not just grades. Set short-term, achievable goals (weekly or biweekly). Build in movement, creativity, and choice outside of schoolwork. 6. Prepare for State Testing or End-of-Year Assessments Confirm testing accommodations are clearly listed and will be provided. Reduce anxiety by: Explaining what to expect Practicing test-taking strategies Emphasizing that tests don’t define them 7. Support Emotional & Behavioral Needs Watch for signs of stress: avoidance, headaches, shutdowns, or increased behavior challenges. Keep routines predictable at home. Encourage open conversations: “What feels hardest right now?” “What helps when school feels overwhelming?” 8. Collaborate on Transitions If your child is moving to a new grade, school, or setting: Ask how transition planning is happening. Request teacher input or transition supports. For older students, review postsecondary or transition goals if included in the IEP. 9. Keep Perspective Progress for students with IEPs is not always linear—and that’s okay. Focus on skills gained, confidence built, and resilience developed. Your advocacy and consistency matter more than perfection. -From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang- Good day Buck's Family! Your SRO for the schools is hoping you all had a great holiday break! I am sharing with you that with the weather changing and the colder weather becoming more frequent, mental health cases can increase. With this become more frequent, please be more attentive to your kid's mental health! Some resources include: School Counselors A trusted teacher the student feels open to share with Berrien RESA has a counselor that comes to the schools Outside Counseling services Remember, the only way of getting help is if you ask for it! Please do not hesitate if there are any questions regarding this matter to reach out! Thank you and Lets go Bucks Family! SRO Huang We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Jan 16 2026

Bucks Blast 1-9-2026

BUCKS BLAST District Updates January 9, 2026 Press Release - BCS Honors School Board Members for Annual Recognition Month Buchanan Community Schools is joining 537 local and 56 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month. This annual observance honors the dedicated volunteers who navigate the complexities of public education to ensure the success of every student. “In another year full of challenges for public education, our school board members persevered through the adversity of 2025 to provide the best possible education for our students,” said Superintendent Patricia Robinson. “Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one of the very small ways to express appreciation for all they do.” School board members act as the bridge between the community and the classroom, representing local priorities while reinforcing the principle of local control over public education—a hallmark of Michigan’s educational system. “Too often, the efforts of school board members go unrecognized,” Superintendent Robinson noted. “The school board’s main goal is to support student achievement.” To achieve that goal, the Buchanan Board of Education focuses on critical needs, including: Visionary Leadership: Creating a roadmap for the district’s future based on community values. Academic Standards: Setting high expectations for what students must learn and achieve. Accountability: Assessing school performance and tracking progress toward district goals. Resource Alignment: Ensuring human and financial resources are used effectively to support the classroom. Safety and Improvement: Creating a secure climate for learning and focusing on continuous, year-over-year growth. The Board’s impact is reflected in the district’s strong performance. Buchanan Community Schools is currently ranked within the top 30% of all 845 school districts in Michigan. Notable achievements include a 92% graduation rate (placing the district in the top 10% statewide) and high academic marks for Moccasin Elementary, which boasts a 62% math proficiency rate.  The district will officially honor the Board during their meeting on January 20th. Members will be presented with a special video tribute and certificates of appreciation for their service. “Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation, we recognize their contributions reflect year-round effort,” said Superintendent Robinson. “No matter what challenges lie ahead in 2026, our school board members will continue to govern to improve student achievement and provide exceptional education for all our community’s children.” Meet the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education: Katie Berry – President (Serving since 2021) Harvey Burnett – Vice-President (Serving since 1998) Kelly Laesch – Secretary (Serving since 2013) Chris Carlson – Treasurer (Serving since 2021) Scott Carlin – Trustee (Serving since 2021) Jennie Brackett – Trustee (Serving since 2023) Jake Brown – Trustee (Serving since 2025) About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a premier school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. Dedicated to academic excellence and community values, the district consistently ranks among the top performers in the state, preparing students for success through innovative instruction and a supportive learning environment. Message from Superintendent Robinson Welcome Back, Buck Families, and Happy New Year! As we begin the spring semester, January offers our students fresh opportunities and a clean slate for success. While settling back into routines after the break can be challenging, re-establishing healthy patterns—such as consistent study schedules, appropriate bedtimes, nutritious meals, and regular physical activity—will help students hit their stride and thrive academically. School Board Recognition Month  This month is School Board Recognition Month, when we show our appreciation for the hard work our board members put into governing our district. Our current board is dedicated, supportive, resourceful, and above all, has the well-being of our students at the center of their decisions. Please read the full press release above. A Note on Recent Safety Incidents This week, families at the high school and middle school received notifications regarding two safety concerns. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the exemplary response from our teams: our building leaders followed emergency protocols with precision and professionalism, and our staff executed their training flawlessly. Most importantly, I commend the students who demonstrated courage and responsibility by reporting concerns to trusted adults. Your vigilance helps keep our schools safe. We encourage all students to speak up whenever they see or hear something concerning, no matter how small it may seem. Below, you'll find our standard emergency response protocols, along with information about reporting options, including the Herd Hotline and OK2Say. These tools are available 24/7 and allow for anonymous reporting when needed. Your partnership in maintaining a safe, supportive learning environment is invaluable. Together, we're building a community where every student can learn and grow. Big News from our Transportation Department! Please join us in celebrating two wonderful updates to our team! A huge congratulations to Jennifer Templeton on her new role as our Transportation Supervisor! Jennifer has been an invaluable asset to our district, and we know her leadership will keep our wheels turning. We are also thrilled to welcome Danielle Flenar! Danielle is joining us as the new Administrative Assistant to Transportation & Operations. Next time you call the transportation office, be sure to give her a warm welcome! Moccasin's NEW Book Vending Machine! We are so excited to celebrate the new book vending machine at Moccasin Elementary! Huge congratulations to Britney Martin and the Moccasin PTM for their vision and hard work in bringing this project to life. A massive thank you to the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (through the Buchanan Area Fund and Buchanan Education Fund) and the Buchanan Community Schools Foundation for making this possible. We love seeing our students rewarded for their hard work with a brand-new book to keep! Donate to help create the BHS Spirit Wall! National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Honoring Those Who Keep Our Community Safe On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Buchanan Community Schools would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local, county, and state law enforcement officers. From our School Resource Officer, Office Huang, who builds bridges with our students every day, to the local police including our school board member Chief Burnett, county sheriffs, and state troopers who ensure our neighborhoods remain safe—we see your dedication and we appreciate your sacrifice. Thank you for being our partners in safety and for your unwavering commitment to our schools and families. RxKids Coming to Buchanan! Rx Kids will be available to Buchanan City residents in January of 2026. Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Beginning January 12, families who reside in these municipalities can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. To learn more, please visit RxKids.org.    Rx Kids overview & request for sample utility/tax invoices Rx Kids is a prenatal and early childhood cash prescription program that supports all expectant parents and families with newborns in high-need communities. The attached “Rx Kids Executive Summary” provides more detail, including data specific to Berrien County. Buchanan City has been identified as a high-priority community, with approximately 40 births per year and 70% of those births covered by Medicaid, indicating substantial economic hardship among families with new infants.   To prepare for implementation and to streamline the verification and proof of residency for Buchanan City participants, I’m requesting example billing documents (with all personal/identifying information removed), specifically: A sample gas or electrical bill/invoice Sample City of Buchanan property tax bill A sample City of Buchanan combined sewer/water bill   These samples will help us confirm that local utility and tax documents contain the information needed to verify residency for eligible families. We will also be verifying proof of pregnancy and photo ID. Looking forward to the opportunity for Buchanan City families. Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the cities of Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Charter Township who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at https://rxkids.org/communities/berrien-county/ Bucks Blast Podcast Episode Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Buchanan Community Schools: Search and Seizure - What Parents and Students Should Know School officials may search students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will reveal contraband or evidence of a rule violation. This helps us maintain a safe learning environment for all students. School lockers and district-owned technology have no expectation of privacy. Since lockers are district property and students use district devices under school supervision, these may be searched at any time without advance notice. Personal items like backpacks, cell phones, and vehicles do have privacy protections and will only be searched when school officials have specific reasons to believe they contain evidence of wrongdoing or pose a safety concern. Safety is our priority. In rare cases involving an imminent threat of physical harm, school officials may conduct searches without reasonable suspicion. Strip searches are strictly prohibited. Searches must be appropriate and limited in scope — meaning they are conducted in a manner suitable for the student's age and are directly related to the suspected violation. The full board policy regarding searches and seizures is linked here. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! Women's Varsity Basketball Men's Varsity Basketball JANUARY TIPS OF THE MONTH -Did You Know? with Nurse Comer- -From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell- We can often find ourselves in some boredom of routine-even after coming back to school after a break…Here are some practical, family-friendly tips to help students with IEPs finish the second half of the school year strong—academically, emotionally, and behaviorally: 1. Revisit the IEP (Midyear Check-In) Read the current IEP and remind yourself of goals, accommodations, and services. Ask: Are the supports actually happening? Are they still effective? You don’t need to wait for an annual meeting—families can request a check-in or IEP team meeting anytime if something isn’t working. 2. Strengthen Home–School Communication Establish a simple communication routine (weekly email, shared log, or app). Ask teachers: What’s going well? Where is my child struggling now? How can we support the same skills at home? Share any changes at home (sleep, health, stress) that might affect school performance. 3. Support Organization & Executive Functioning Many students with IEPs struggle more as expectations increase later in the year. Use visual schedules, checklists, or planners. Break long assignments into smaller steps with mini-deadlines. Set up a consistent homework routine (same place, same time, clear end point). 4. Reinforce Accommodations Remind your child it’s okay—and important—to use their accommodations (extra time, breaks, assistive technology, preferential seating). Practice self-advocacy at home: “I need clarification.” “Can I take a break?” “May I use my notes or tool?” 5. Address Motivation & Burnout The second half of the year can feel long. Celebrate effort and growth, not just grades. Set short-term, achievable goals (weekly or biweekly). Build in movement, creativity, and choice outside of schoolwork. 6. Prepare for State Testing or End-of-Year Assessments Confirm testing accommodations are clearly listed and will be provided. Reduce anxiety by: Explaining what to expect Practicing test-taking strategies Emphasizing that tests don’t define them 7. Support Emotional & Behavioral Needs Watch for signs of stress: avoidance, headaches, shutdowns, or increased behavior challenges. Keep routines predictable at home. Encourage open conversations: “What feels hardest right now?” “What helps when school feels overwhelming?” 8. Collaborate on Transitions If your child is moving to a new grade, school, or setting: Ask how transition planning is happening. Request teacher input or transition supports. For older students, review postsecondary or transition goals if included in the IEP. 9. Keep Perspective Progress for students with IEPs is not always linear—and that’s okay. Focus on skills gained, confidence built, and resilience developed. Your advocacy and consistency matter more than perfection. -From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang- Good day Buck's Family! Your SRO for the schools is hoping you all had a great holiday break! I am sharing with you that with the weather changing and the colder weather becoming more frequent, mental health cases can increase. With this become more frequent, please be more attentive to your kid's mental health! Some resources include: School Counselors A trusted teacher the student feels open to share with Berrien RESA has a counselor that comes to the schools Outside Counseling services Remember, the only way of getting help is if you ask for it! Please do not hesitate if there are any questions regarding this matter to reach out! Thank you and Lets go Bucks Family! SRO Huang We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Jan 09 2026

Bucks Blast 12-19-2025

BUCKS BLAST District Updates December 19, 2025 Press Release - CTE Students Charge Ahead with FCC Amateur Radio Licenses BUCHANAN, MI -  On December 15, 2025, students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Electrical program at Buchanan Community Schools reached a significant professional milestone. In a demonstration of technical proficiency, students sat for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician Class Amateur Radio license exam. The exam is a comprehensive assessment that bridges classroom theory with real-world application. To earn the license, students had to demonstrate mastery in several complex areas including: Electrical Theory: Basic DC and AC theory and component identification. Wireless Communications: radio frequency spectrum characteristics, RF signal propagation, and modulation techniques. Infrastructure: Antenna and transmission line theory. Safety: Rigorous electrical safety standards and general electrical topics. Earning this license is more than just a certificate; it authorizes these students to experiment with advanced wireless communications technologies, providing a competitive edge for future careers in telecommunications, engineering, and electrical studies. Buchanan Community Schools is proud to announce that the following students successfully passed their exams and obtained their FCC licenses: Marley Hinds Taryn Hartman Kyle Kirk Sheldon Cornelius “We are incredibly proud of the dedication these students showed in preparing for this rigorous exam,” said Jim Wades, CTE Electrical Instructor. “This license is a testament to their hard work and their readiness to engage with the technologies of tomorrow.” The district extends its sincere gratitude to the FCC-certified volunteer examining team who generously provided their time and expertise to conduct the examination session. Their commitment to the next generation of technicians ensures our students have access to industry-standard credentials. Students who did not obtain their license during this session will be offered the opportunity to study and re-test later in the school year. Buchanan Community Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life. Through innovative programs like CTE Electrical, the district provides hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with industry needs. Bucks Blast Podcast Episode HUGE Congratulations to the 2026 Miss Buchanan Court of Honor! The Buchanan Community Schools family is elated to share the results of the 2026 Miss Buchanan pageant! We are incredibly proud of all of the contestants for their hard work and dedication. A massive shout-out and congratulations to the students who will be representing us this year: Miss Buchanan 2026: Justyce Cashier 1st Runner Up: Sydney Denison 2nd Runner Up: Audree Hunt Miss Congeniality: Morgan Cornelius Mr. Blossomtime Representatives: Chase Mitchell & Merrick French What an outstanding group! We know you will represent our school and community with distinction.   December Buck Staff Appreciation Winner Nominees included: David Short, Operations & Custodial Supervisor Doug Zundel, BHS Interventionist Heidi Holloway, 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer Templeton, Transportation Supervisor Kristine Rettig, 2nd Grade Teacher Mike Babcock, Moccasin Elementary School Principal Sandra Miller, BHS Art Teacher Tami Wreggelsworth, Payroll & Accounts Payable Clerk Congratulations to all! Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Audio and Video Recordings of Meetings Buchanan Community Schools values our partnership with families and embraces transparency through productive dialogue on challenging matters. Under Board Policy 5806 (available here), families may make video or audio recordings of any public meeting held under the Open Meetings Act. For all other meetings, the following guidelines apply: Video recordings are prohibited. This includes IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, re-entry meetings, and similar meetings. Audio recordings are permitted at IEP or Section 504 meetings if the parent provides notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.  The district may record these meetings if the parent records. Audio recordings may be permitted with prior written approval from the Superintendent or designee. This applies to meetings such as parent-teacher conferences and re-entry meetings. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! DECEMBER TIPS OF THE MONTH Did You Know? with Nurse Comer From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell December Special Education Tip: Strengthen Your IEP Team Through Communication & Collaboration A strong partnership between home and school is key to supporting your child’s progress. This month, focus on building open, ongoing communication with your child’s IEP team—and remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 💬 1. Start With a Check-In Reach out to your child’s teacher or case manager for a mid-year check-in. Ask: How is my child progressing on their IEP goals? Are there any strategies that are working especially well? Are there concerns we should address early? Keeping communication proactive helps prevent small concerns from growing into big challenges. 🤝 2. Know Your Partners These Michigan-based organizations are here to support you: Michigan Alliance for Families Offers free workshops, one-on-one support, and resources to help families understand special education rights and the IEP process. https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org The Arc Community Advocates Provides advocacy, information, and support for individuals with disabilities and their families—helping you communicate your child’s needs clearly and confidently. https://communityadvocates.org Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS) If disagreements arise, SEMS offers free, confidential mediation and facilitation to help families and schools resolve concerns collaboratively. https://www.mikids1st.org 🧭 3. Use Mediation Early, Not Last If communication becomes challenging or you feel stuck, contacting SEMS early can help restore teamwork and reduce stress. Mediation doesn’t mean conflict—it means partnership. 📚 4. Keep a Family IEP Notebook Stay organized by keeping: Meeting notes Copies of evaluations and IEPs Work samples Emails or communication logs This helps you advocate effectively and track what’s working for your child. ✨ Remember: You are an essential part of your child’s IEP team. With the support of Michigan Alliance for Families, The Arc Community Advocates, and SEMS, you never have to navigate the special education system alone. From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang Hi Buck's Family! This is SRO Huang wishing you all Happy Holidays! With the holidays upon us, scams are in full effect. Please be mindful of people who are requesting any personal information including payments or financial info. Some helpful information to be better aware of scams: Be aware of fishing or emails that may be loaded with virus to obtain personal information.  A court or law enforcement agency will never call you in regards to a warrant or jury duty! If you suspect a possible scam, you may need to change your credentials.  If you receive any sort of scam call, mail, etc. contact your local law enforcement agency for appropriate actions that can be taken.  I hope you all stay safe and warm because winter is upon us. Happy Holidays from SRO Huang Buck's Family! We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Dec 19 2025

Bucks Blast 12-12-2025

BUCKS BLAST District Updates December 12, 2025 IMPORTANT: Is your emergency contact info up to date? Dear Parents, Have you moved, updated your email, or got a new phone number recently? Please make sure the school has your new details! We need current phone numbers, emails, and addresses to keep you in the loop regarding your child's education and safety. In the event of an illness, injury, or unexpected school closure, it is critical that we are able to contact you immediately. Simply call the school office to give us your new details: Ottawa Elementary 269-695-8409 Moccasin Elementary 269-695-8408 Buchanan Middle School 269-695-8406 Buchanan High School 269-695-8403 Best Regards, Superintendent Robinson District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Important Update: Holiday Concert Rescheduled ❄️Please be advised that our Holiday Concert has been reschedule to next week. Please mark your calendars with the following changes: 🎷 The Band Concert New Date: Tuesday, December 16 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Buchanan High School Auditorium Student Call Time: 6:00 PM 🎤 The Choir Concert (Including 4th/5th Grade Choirs) New Date: Wednesday, December 17 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Buchanan High School Auditorium Student Call Time: 6:30 PM We apologize for the change of plans and appreciate your flexibility. We look forward to celebrating the season with you next week! Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Audio and Video Recordings of Meetings Buchanan Community Schools values our partnership with families and embraces transparency through productive dialogue on challenging matters. Under Board Policy 5806 (available here), families may make video or audio recordings of any public meeting held under the Open Meetings Act. For all other meetings, the following guidelines apply: Video recordings are prohibited. This includes IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, re-entry meetings, and similar meetings. Audio recordings are permitted at IEP or Section 504 meetings if the parent provides notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.  The district may record these meetings if the parent records. Audio recordings may be permitted with prior written approval from the Superintendent or designee. This applies to meetings such as parent-teacher conferences and re-entry meetings. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! DECEMBER TIPS OF THE MONTH Did You Know? with Nurse Comer From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell December Special Education Tip: Strengthen Your IEP Team Through Communication & Collaboration A strong partnership between home and school is key to supporting your child’s progress. This month, focus on building open, ongoing communication with your child’s IEP team—and remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 💬 1. Start With a Check-In Reach out to your child’s teacher or case manager for a mid-year check-in. Ask: How is my child progressing on their IEP goals? Are there any strategies that are working especially well? Are there concerns we should address early? Keeping communication proactive helps prevent small concerns from growing into big challenges. 🤝 2. Know Your Partners These Michigan-based organizations are here to support you: Michigan Alliance for Families Offers free workshops, one-on-one support, and resources to help families understand special education rights and the IEP process. https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org The Arc Community Advocates Provides advocacy, information, and support for individuals with disabilities and their families—helping you communicate your child’s needs clearly and confidently. https://communityadvocates.org Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS) If disagreements arise, SEMS offers free, confidential mediation and facilitation to help families and schools resolve concerns collaboratively. https://www.mikids1st.org 🧭 3. Use Mediation Early, Not Last If communication becomes challenging or you feel stuck, contacting SEMS early can help restore teamwork and reduce stress. Mediation doesn’t mean conflict—it means partnership. 📚 4. Keep a Family IEP Notebook Stay organized by keeping: Meeting notes Copies of evaluations and IEPs Work samples Emails or communication logs This helps you advocate effectively and track what’s working for your child. ✨ Remember: You are an essential part of your child’s IEP team. With the support of Michigan Alliance for Families, The Arc Community Advocates, and SEMS, you never have to navigate the special education system alone. From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang Hi Buck's Family! This is SRO Huang wishing you all Happy Holidays! With the holidays upon us, scams are in full effect. Please be mindful of people who are requesting any personal information including payments or financial info. Some helpful information to be better aware of scams: Be aware of fishing or emails that may be loaded with virus to obtain personal information.  A court or law enforcement agency will never call you in regards to a warrant or jury duty! If you suspect a possible scam, you may need to change your credentials.  If you receive any sort of scam call, mail, etc. contact your local law enforcement agency for appropriate actions that can be taken.  I hope you all stay safe and warm because winter is upon us. Happy Holidays from SRO Huang Buck's Family! We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Dec 12 2025

Bucks Blast 12-5-2025

BUCKS BLAST District Updates December 5, 2025 Message from Superintendent Robinson Dear Buck Families, As we reach the halfway point of our school year, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible partnership we share in supporting our students' success. December brings both excitement and challenge—the change in weather, the anticipation of the upcoming break, paired with the important work of completing the first semester strongly. Below are just a few tips about finishing the semester and staying safe during these cold winter months. Finishing the Semester Strong With final assessments and projects approaching, now is the time to help our students maintain their focus and momentum. Here are some strategies that can make a difference: Establish consistent routines. Regular homework times, adequate sleep, and healthy meals provide the foundation students need to perform their best. Create a dedicated study space. A quiet, organized area free from distractions helps students concentrate on their work. Check in regularly. Ask specific questions about upcoming assignments and tests. Your interest shows students that their work matters. Encourage time management. Help students break larger projects into manageable steps and use calendars or planners to stay organized. Reach out when needed. Our teachers and staff are here to support your child. Don't hesitate to contact them if you have concerns. Staying Warm and Safe This Winter As winter weather arrives in Southwest Michigan, please keep these safety considerations in mind: Dress in layers. Students waiting for buses or walking to school need appropriate winter gear—coats, hats, gloves, and boots make a real difference. Check school closings. Monitor our website, social media, and local news for weather-related delays or closures. We make these decisions with student safety as our top priority. Drive carefully in school zones. Winter conditions require extra caution. Slow down, allow additional time, and watch for students in crosswalks and bus zones. Talk about winter safety. Remind children about the dangers of ice, the importance of staying visible in low light, and safe practices around snowbanks. As we close out 2025 and prepare for the new year ahead, I want to thank each of you for the trust you place in Buchanan Community Schools. The progress we're making together—in academics, attendance, and creating a welcoming environment for all—is a testament to our shared commitment to every student's success. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a safe, restful winter break. Warmly, Patricia Robinson Superintendent Buchanan Community Schools Join us for the Middle & High School Winter Concert! Winter Clothing and Coat Giveaway - December 9th Bucks in Action Important Update : Streamlining Notifications for ParentSquare Posts Hello families & staff,  We're excited to announce an improvement to how you receive notifications for posts from our school. Soon, if you use the ParentSquare app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll receive post notifications through the app, with text notifications sent only as a backup when needed. This smart delivery system will simplify and streamline how you receive your school communications.  What's changing?  Currently, you might receive duplicate notifications for posts via both the app and text message.  With this update:  App-first delivery, with text as fallback: When a post is shared, you'll receive a notification through the app first, with a backup text notification only if needed. This applies to posts, post digests, and updates to posts. No change for time-sensitive messages: Direct Messages and alerts will continue to be delivered via your preferred methods.  Why it’s changing  This change streamlines how you receive post notifications. By reducing the number of notifications sent to your device for each post, it will be easier for you to keep track of school updates in one place.  What do you need to do?  No action is required from your side! If you already use the app and have both app and text notifications turned on, you'll automatically benefit from this smart notification delivery.  If you haven’t downloaded the ParentSquare app or turned on app notifications, now is a great time to do so. This gives you the best way to access and customize classroom communications on your mobile device.  To learn more about this change, see ParentSquare's Help Article. Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Audio and Video Recordings of Meetings Buchanan Community Schools values our partnership with families and embraces transparency through productive dialogue on challenging matters. Under Board Policy 5806 (available here), families may make video or audio recordings of any public meeting held under the Open Meetings Act. For all other meetings, the following guidelines apply: Video recordings are prohibited. This includes IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, re-entry meetings, and similar meetings. Audio recordings are permitted at IEP or Section 504 meetings if the parent provides notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.  The district may record these meetings if the parent records. Audio recordings may be permitted with prior written approval from the Superintendent or designee. This applies to meetings such as parent-teacher conferences and re-entry meetings. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! DECEMBER TIPS OF THE MONTH Did You Know? with Nurse Comer From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell December Special Education Tip: Strengthen Your IEP Team Through Communication & Collaboration A strong partnership between home and school is key to supporting your child’s progress. This month, focus on building open, ongoing communication with your child’s IEP team—and remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 💬 1. Start With a Check-In Reach out to your child’s teacher or case manager for a mid-year check-in. Ask: How is my child progressing on their IEP goals? Are there any strategies that are working especially well? Are there concerns we should address early? Keeping communication proactive helps prevent small concerns from growing into big challenges. 🤝 2. Know Your Partners These Michigan-based organizations are here to support you: Michigan Alliance for Families Offers free workshops, one-on-one support, and resources to help families understand special education rights and the IEP process. https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org The Arc Community Advocates Provides advocacy, information, and support for individuals with disabilities and their families—helping you communicate your child’s needs clearly and confidently. https://communityadvocates.org Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS) If disagreements arise, SEMS offers free, confidential mediation and facilitation to help families and schools resolve concerns collaboratively. https://www.mikids1st.org 🧭 3. Use Mediation Early, Not Last If communication becomes challenging or you feel stuck, contacting SEMS early can help restore teamwork and reduce stress. Mediation doesn’t mean conflict—it means partnership. 📚 4. Keep a Family IEP Notebook Stay organized by keeping: Meeting notes Copies of evaluations and IEPs Work samples Emails or communication logs This helps you advocate effectively and track what’s working for your child. ✨ Remember: You are an essential part of your child’s IEP team. With the support of Michigan Alliance for Families, The Arc Community Advocates, and SEMS, you never have to navigate the special education system alone. From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang Hi Buck's Family! This is SRO Huang wishing you all Happy Holidays! With the holidays upon us, scams are in full effect. Please be mindful of people who are requesting any personal information including payments or financial info. Some helpful information to be better aware of scams: Be aware of fishing or emails that may be loaded with virus to obtain personal information.  A court or law enforcement agency will never call you in regards to a warrant or jury duty! If you suspect a possible scam, you may need to change your credentials.  If you receive any sort of scam call, mail, etc. contact your local law enforcement agency for appropriate actions that can be taken.  I hope you all stay safe and warm because winter is upon us. Happy Holidays from SRO Huang Buck's Family! We are Hiring! View Our Open Positions! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Buck Staff Recognition Did you know you can nominate a staff member at Buchanan Community Schools for our Buck Staff Appreciation staff member of the month? You can! We value the passion and efforts of our staff members in all departments who strive to make our district a great place to learn and work! Make your nomination here! Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Friday, Dec 05 2025

Bucks Blast 11-25-2025

BUCKS BLAST District Updates November 25, 2025 Wishing You a Warm and Joyful Thanksgiving Dear Buck Family, As we pause for Thanksgiving, we want you to know how grateful we are for you. Your partnership, support, and trust in Buchanan Community Schools make our work truly meaningful. It's because of families like yours that we come to school each day energized and inspired. We hope this holiday brings you time with loved ones, moments of rest, and plenty of reasons to smile. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Happy Thanksgiving! Gratitude at Moccasin Elementary Buchanan Floor Hockey 2026 Registration Information Buchanan Floor Hockey 2026 Player Cost: $50 REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2025 Practice begins the Week of January 5, 2026 Games: 1/10/26, 1/17/26, 1/31/26, 2/21/26, 2/28/26 League Tournament: 3/6/26 & 3/7/26 Divisions: Coed Grades 1 – 2 Girls Grades 3 – 5 Boys Grades 3 – 5 Girls Grades 6 – 8 Boys Grades 6 – 8 Questions: Please email buchananfloorhockey@gmail.com REGISTRATION IS ONLINE  No paper forms Find us on Facebook or use SportsEngine links below! Player Registration (Grades 1 – 8) https://buchananfloorhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/876162517 Register to Coach (Ages 18+) https://buchananfloorhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/772026982 Referee Registration  (Must be 9th Grade or Older) https://buchananfloorhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/572630583 Team Sponsor Registration https://buchananfloorhockey.sportngin.com/register/form/337482948 Bucks in Action Buchanan College Club Fundraiser Key Dates BCS Safety Corner Audio and Video Recordings of Meetings Buchanan Community Schools values our partnership with families and embraces transparency through productive dialogue on challenging matters. Under Board Policy 5806 (available here), families may make video or audio recordings of any public meeting held under the Open Meetings Act. For all other meetings, the following guidelines apply: Video recordings are prohibited. This includes IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, re-entry meetings, and similar meetings. Audio recordings are permitted at IEP or Section 504 meetings if the parent provides notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.  The district may record these meetings if the parent records. Audio recordings may be permitted with prior written approval from the Superintendent or designee. This applies to meetings such as parent-teacher conferences and re-entry meetings. Athletics Buchanan Athletics Calendar Click for more MHSAA info! NOVEMBER TIPS OF THE MONTH Did You Know? with Nurse Comer From the Director of Special Education, Callie Campbell We know. We have been there. We understand. It is OK to feel scared, frustrated and overwhelmed. Those are all important feelings to have when you learn that your child qualifies for special education services. The good news — you are not alone.  During the academic years of your child’s life, you will experience tremendous joys and may also be faced with challenges. Know that as you navigate your child’s special education experience, there is a network of parents, guardians, friends and others who are here to help you called the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The goal of PAC is to support you as you learn about the special education system and to help you become more confident about your child’s school experience. What is the PAC? The PAC is a group of parents who have one thing in common: a child with a disability. It is a peer network that allows you to take a step back from your particular situation and gain insight and valuable information to assist you and your student. Additionally, in partnership with local school districts, PAC members serve as a voice for the families whose children attend special education programs and receive special education services within Berrien County.   What we do: • Provide emotional support/listening ear through a peer network • Attend and offer parent assistance during Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings • Share experiences and resources • Offer outreach support in the community • Celebrate the accomplishments of educators who make a difference in the lives of students receiving special education services PAC Meetings: PAC representatives meet monthly during the school year. The meetings are open to the public - everyone is welcome! Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Berrien RESA Administrative Center located at 711 St. Joseph Avenue in Berrien Springs (unless noted otherwise). Upcoming meeting dates: • September 16, 2025 • October 21, 2025 • November 18, 2025 • January 20, 2026 (virtual) • February 17, 2026 (virtual) • March 10, 2026 - PAC Awards Event • April 21, 2026 • May 19, 2026 Trying to understand your child’s educational challenges along with figuring out what educators, care-providers, and experts are saying to you about your student can be frustrating and confusing. Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Parents are here to help you! These are parents who have children with disabilities and have gone through exactly the same things that you are experiencing with navigating your child’s educational needs. The PAC parents in Berrien County gather together once each month for mutual support and resource-sharing. The meetings are held in person at Berrien RESA in Berrien Springs, along with a couple of virtual meetings that you can join from anywhere!   Our Buchanan PAC parents are Britney Martin (who is the PAC President) and Angela Fowler. These parents would love to meet you and help you in your child’s educational journey. To contact either Britney or Angela, email them at: Britney Martin: Britney.Martin83@gmail.com Angela Fowler: afowler@lephunt.com Educationally Yours, Callie Campbell Special Education Director  From School Resource Officer, Officer Huang Dear parents, This is SRO Huang from Buchanan Community Schools reaching out with an important update. We have observed an increase in vaping incidents, particularly at the middle and high school levels. To address this, on November 20th, 2025, Superintendent Robinson and I will be presenting a joint educational session. We will discuss the effects of vaping on youth and provide information on our new safety system, “I Love You Guys”, including guidance on how to navigate it. We encourage all parents to attend this presentation as we work together to ensure a safer and healthier environment for our students. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there! SRO Philip Huang  We are Hiring! APPLY NOW! 2025-2026 District Calendar BCS Google Calendars BCS Foundation Buchanan Bucks Merchandise Buchanan Promise District Inclement Weather Guidance Dear Buck Families, The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We know that students should attend school, but we also know that we can not control the weather, and our priority is the safety of our students and staff.  In the event of inclement weather, one of the following options will be implemented: School Canceled/Closed - All school buildings will be closed. Evening activities will be determined separately based on whether the weather improves.  2-Hour Delay - All schools will start 2 hours later than the normal times. This will be determined based on the premise that the weather conditions are predicted to improve. Evening activities will move forward as planned.  2-Hour Delay Start times: Buchanan High School Start 9:40 am End 2:40 pm Buchanan Middle School Start 9:30 am  End 2:25 pm Moccasin Elementary School Start 10:45 am End 3:48 pm  Ottawa Elementary School Start 10:40 am  End 3:43 pm Early Dismissal - If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss students early. We will do our best to notify parents immediately after making a decision.  When schools are dismissed early for inclement weather, all school and community-sponsored after-school and evening activities in schools will be canceled.  Weekends and Holidays - If inclement weather is on weekends or holidays, all school facilities will be closed, and any school or community-sponsored activities will be canceled. Inclement Weather FAQs How are parents and staff notified of a school closing? In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the parents and community through the following:  Post on Buchanan Community Schools Website Post on Buchanan Community Schools Facebook page   Automated robocalls to parents  Emails and text messages to parents  Local news stations  Who decides to close the school? The Superintendent decides to close the school based on the factors below. How do we decide to close the school? Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff, who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions Amount of snow and ice accumulation Duration and timing of the snow or ice Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 air temperature and/or wind chill for a sustained time as a guide).   School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)  School parking lot and sidewalk conditions Operation of buses and the ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads Consultation with neighboring school districts and other officials When do we decide to close school? The decision as to whether or not to close school is usually made in the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or forecasts. We also need time for the maintenance staff to clear parking lots and sidewalks and sufficient time for the transportation staff to travel the routes safely. The alerting of a school closure will go out as soon as we decide to give families as much notice as possible. We try to decide by 5:30 am and inform families soon after. If the decision is made later and buses have already picked up some students, we will contact families and return students home safely. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings. Parent Decision Remember, the District will make the best decision based on the current information to determine if schools will close or remain open. While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.  How you can help Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file. Make sure to check social media, our website, the news channels, and email.  Educationally yours, Patricia Robinson Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools Homeless Liaison The homeless liaison will coordinate services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed. Brandon Flowers, BCS Homeless Liaison bflowers@buchananschools.com 269-695-8403 ext. *20018 Chain of Command Do you have a question or comment about our district? See our Chain of Command We pledge our best efforts to make Buchanan Community Schools a premier school district, and we strive to create safe, welcoming, engaging, and innovative schools that develop all students’ academic, athletic, artistic, and social growth. We take pride in our community and we appreciate the support of our stakeholders! Thank you! But we do realize that sometimes something might not go right, or you might have a question about what we do or how we do it. We welcome that communication, and we will work to solve your issue for you as efficiently as we can. In order to do that, we ask that you follow our Chain of Command process shown in the diagram. On the left side of the process chart, you will see the common areas of district programming, and then following to the right would be the next step(s) in the Chain of Command for that district program area. Please start by contacting the staff member listed in the second box of each program area. The contact information for our leadership staff members with responsibility for addressing concerns is listed at the top of the diagram. Other contact information for building staff is available on our website in the “Staff Directory” section of each building’s web page. It is expected that most issues should be able to be resolved at these initial steps in the Chain of Command. District Chain of Command About Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Community Schools is a school district located in Buchanan, Michigan. In 2020, Buchanan was named the Nicest City in America and is known for its community concerts and parades. Buchanan Community Schools has over 1500 students and over 200 employees. The school district has four schools based on grade bands, Ottawa- PreK-1, Moccasin-2-4, Buchanan Middle School 5-7, and Buchanan High School 8-12. Email: probinson@buchananschools.com Website: https://www.buchananschools.com/ Location: 401 West Chicago Street, Buchanan, MI, USA Phone: 269-695-8401 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065665262514 BCS Vision To develop responsible, resilient, creative citizens capable of succeeding in a global society.

Tuesday, Nov 25 2025