Beaver Island Community School
Weekly Memo
Friday, February 13, 2026

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat!
Live from Lake Superior State University, reporting on the Islanders’ status at Northern Lights League Basketball Tournament: On the boys’ side, the Islanders defeated the Paradise Rockets in their first game on Friday morning with a decisive 43 to 25 win. The win took them into the next game against Mackinac Island. The boys played hard and came up short 35 to 56. The Lady Islanders dove into deep competition with the Mackinac Island Lakers in an intense rematch of the final Great Lakes Islands Tournament on Friday afternoon. Despite a strong second half and some amazing play, the Lakers edged the Islanders 56-66. Great play by all the Beaver Island athletes despite a season where all but one of their regular season games were cancelled due to weather. Special thanks to our Seniors! Go Islanders!

Want School Information!—Download the App!
For the last couple of years, information for parents and community members has been accessible through our school app that provides updates on what’s going on at BICS.
The BICS app allows you to access documents, school board meeting minutes, weekly news updates, school events, the sports schedule, school calendar, lunch menus, news updates, emergency notification/school closing alerts, and more. If you don’t have the BICS app, you can download it to your computer or phone easily by using one of the links below:
Download for Android  https://bit.ly/3Lgpsyy
Download for iPhone  https://apple.co/45F5Lc0
There is also a parent portal link to PowerSchool so you can access your student’s grades, assignments, and attendance. If you need your sign in or password for PowerSchool or need help downloading the app, please contact the BICS school at 231-448-2744.

Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament Planned for Saturday, Feb 21st
The Beaver Island Wildlife Club is hosting the annual Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 21st. The festivities start at “first light” at the Lake G. boat launch (bait provided) and lunch will be provided at noon (donations of food are welcome—if you want to make a dish to share, please contact Levi Connor). There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for pike and bluegill with separate adult and kids categories (and everyone’s favorite—a special prize for the smallest pike!). Weigh-in is at 6:00 pm. Even if you don’t fish, come on out and enjoy the beauty of Lake G. in the winter!

Save the Date—February 27th—Annual Crock Pot Cookoff!
Calling all Crockpot Cooks and food lovers! The annual Crock Pot Cookoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm on Friday, February 27th. In addition to great food, there will be ample entertainment with the cherished parent/athletes games and presentations by the BICS Cheerleaders. Free will donation. Contact the school office or email Kerry Smith at kerrys@beaverisland.k12.mi.us to let us know if you will be bringing a Crock Pot. Prizes for the top three delicacies as selected by those in attendance. All proceeds go to support BICS Athletics.

Have a Great Weekend!
Stay Warm!
3 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
thumbs
So for the last couple years BICS has been accessible through the new app! You can download it to your computer or phone easily.
It's everything BICS, in your pocket.
With the new apps you can access documents, board meeting minutes, weekly news updates from the Principle, school events and sport schedule, school calendar and lunch menus, news updates, emergency notification/school closing alerts and more.
There is also a parent portal link to PowerSchool so you can access your Childs grades, assignments, and attendance. If you do not have a sign in or password please contact the office and we will get you set up.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Lgpsyy
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/45F5Lc0

If you need help getting this downloaded or have any questions please contact BICS school at 231-448-2744
4 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
Sports boosters Crockpot cook off Reminder
4 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
2.27
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐦 𝐈𝐒𝐃 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝟐𝟑 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟓𝟎+ 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭!

Did you know that Char-Em ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings have grown over the years to now include 23 different programs operating in more than 50 classrooms across Charlevoix, Emmet, and northern Antrim counties? You can find an interactive version of the accompanying map on the CTE website: https://charemisdcareertech.org/interactive-map/

These classes, which take place in every local high school, are a large part of Char-Em's CTE programs and initiatives funded by the CTE millage, which has been approved by voters every four years since 1996 - that's 30 years of support! The next millage request will come before voters on May 5, 2026. Absentee ballots can be requested now. If you'd like to register to vote in person, do so online or by mail by April 20 (or in person up until Election Day).

High school vocational classes are just one part of the K-12 career tech spectrum in Char-Em ISD. Learn more about the many unique initiatives for elementary, middle, and high school students at www.charemisdcareertech.org.
5 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
CTE
Second Graders at BICS have been having a very busy and wonderful winter of learning.
Here are some highlights:

Our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics work has included dipping our toes into the world of robotics.

Second graders have built creations and programmed sounds and movements of their own
Lego builds. This has taken patience, focus and teamwork.

We have been talking about possible why’s, and figuring out possible ways; that this type of work in the classroom might be used to help solve problems outside of the classroom.

Our fiddle instructor (Miss Ruby John) made her return to BICS in early February! Wild winter
weather had kept her from visiting us for many weeks.
The BICS second graders have made great progress this year in their timing, tone, and
attention.

Another classroom highlight this winter was having our guest reader - the director of the Beaver
Island Historical Society, read to us. We invited the third and fourth graders to join us.

Afterwards, all students were able to pick out a few books to keep in their personal libraries at
home.

Finally, most of the second graders had their first trip snowshoeing. We paired up with the pros
(the third and fourth graders!) as we walked our woods and studied animal tracks. We found a
spot where a fox or coyote had pounced on a snack. We are thankful for our partnerships with
the Beaver Island Library and to the Little Traverse Conservancy for this neat adventure.
8 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
1
2
Beaver Island Community School
Weekly Memo
Friday, February 6, 2026

Islanders Off to Maplewood!
Thanks to a rare break in the weather today, our Basketball Teams got off the Island today and are headed to Maplewood to play the Black Bears. If you want to watch the action, check out the BI Athletics YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@BIAthletics.

Sports Action Next Week
At Monday morning’s flag ceremony, the ELKS club will be recognizing Alice Ledbetter with a trophy for winning second place in the overall district Hoop Shoot competition. In an effort to make up some of the games that were cancelled due to weather, the Islanders are flying to Hannahville for girls and boys games on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the boys are flying to Grand Marais. On Friday, both teams head to Lake Superior State University for the Northern Lights League Basketball Tournament. After the tournament, our athletes will be joining other teams to watch the Lake State v Michigan Tech men’s hockey game.

BICS Spelling Bee Winners!
Congrats to Olive Ledbetter, Tyler Bousquet, and Ryley Maudrie for their spelling acumen. Olive, as the school champion, and Tyler as the runner up, will be competing in the regional Scripps National Spelling Bee in Traverse City on March 10th. Ryley, as our third place winner, will be the alternate in place of Olive or Tyler if they can’t attend. Congrats to all our spellers for competing in the school bee…and good luck to Olive, Tyler, and Ryley!

Shakespeare and Snowshoes!
The 9-10 graders had the unique opportunity to travel to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts for a presentation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday. On Wednesday and Thursday, thanks to Little Traverse Conservancy's Dylan Klinesteker and the BIDL's Jacque LaFrenier, Beaver Islands 2-12 grade students donned snowshoes and headed out into our winter wonderland. As part of the BIDLs National Endowment for the Arts "Big Read" that featured The Bear by Andrew Krivak, our students learned about tracking, winter survival, and how to navigate the snowy woods in snowshoes.

Valentine’s Spirit Week
The Student Council is organizing a Spirit Week next week to get the teams ready for the Northern Lights League Tournament. The days and what to wear are on the attached flyer.

Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament Planned for Saturday, Feb 21st
The Beaver Island Wildlife Club is hosting the annual Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 21st. The festivities start at “first light” at the Lake G. boat launch (bait provided) and lunch will be provided at noon (donations of food are welcome—if you want to make a dish to share, please bring it on the 21st or contact Levi Connor). There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for pike and bluegill with separate adult and kids categories (and everyone’s favorite—a special prize for the smallest pike). Weigh-in is at 6:00 pm. Even if you don’t fish, come on out and enjoy the beauty of Lake G. in the winter!

Save the Date—February 27th—Annual Crock Pot Cookoff!
Calling all Crockpot Cooks and those who like to eat (doesn’t everyone?!). The annual Crock Pot Cookoff is set to kick-off at 5:00 pm on Friday, February 27th. In addition to great food, there will be ample entertainment with the cherished parent/athletes games and presentations by the BICS Cheerleaders. Free will donation. Contact the school office or email Kerry Smith at kerrys@beaverisland.k12.mi.us to let us know if you will be bringing a Crock Pot. Prizes for the top three delicacies as selected by those in attendance. All proceeds go to support BICS Athletics.

Have a Great Weekend!
Stay Warm!
10 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
1

Got Snowshoes?
With special thanks to Little Traverse Conservancy's Dylan Klinesteker and the BIDL's Jacque LaFrenier, Beaver Island students donned snowshoes and headed out into our winter wonderland. As part of the BIDLs National Endowment for the Arts "Big Read" that featured The Bear by Andrew Krivak, our students learned about tracking, winter survival, and how to navigate the snowy woods in snowshoes. Thank you Jacque, Dylan, and all the teachers who helped make this happen!

11 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Our Health Occupations students continue to gain meaningful, hands-on experience across multiple areas of healthcare in partnership with North Central Michigan College (NCMC).

10th-grade EMT students are developing foundational clinical skills by using cardiac monitors to observe heart rate and rhythm changes during controlled activation of the sympathetic nervous system, as well as during vagus nerve stimulation. These activities help students understand real-time physiological responses to stress and recovery—an essential concept in emergency medical services.

11th-grade students continue to excel in their online college-level mental health coursework through NCMC, successfully meeting program requirements toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Their progress reflects strong academic discipline and preparation for future healthcare careers.

Our senior student is further advancing her education through NCMC medical assistant coursework, while expanding her clinical skills at the local health center. She also continues to perform at a high level in her NCMC mental health studies as she works toward completing her Associate of Applied Science degree.

14 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
BI Fit is canceled today as there is no volunteer this morning.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
14 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
Beaver Island Community School
Weekly Memo
Friday, January 30, 2026

Weather Weather Weather Again and Again and Again…
Due to inclement weather throughout the upper Great Lakes, this weekend’s games with Hannahville have been cancelled.

However, as Mr. Kohne reminds his math students, “Good players adjust.”

So, A.D. Smith, Coach Olson, and Coach McGee put their heads together and came up with great plan for tonight. So that each team can practice their plays in a real game situation, the boys and girls team will compete. As originally planned for tonight’s Hannahville games, we will be honoring our senior parents at halftime.

After the Islanders v. Islanders game, the coaches are having an athletes only (basketball players and secondary cheer athletes) pizza party. After the pizza party, the coaches are hosting a Michigan-Michigan State Game watch party (the game starts at 8:00) for the 7-12 basketball/cheer athletes. Parents of Athletes, please plan to be at school no later than 11:00 pm to pick your athlete up if they stay for the watch party.

So, although our friends from Hannahville will not be joining us, Kerry and the Coaches have a great night planned for our athletes. Come on out and cheer on the Islanders!

New Sports Channel!
OK…some of us are old enough to remember when ESPN started. Well, the hottest new sports channel is the Beaver Island Athletics YouTube channel. So, although we want you to come out to the school to cheer on our athletes, if you have to stay home, point your browser to the following URL to watch tonight’s action: https://www.youtube.com/@BIAthletics.

Back to the Future—Going Back to 80s--BICS Spelling Bee on Monday!
Bringing back the Bee! The school-wide Scripps National Spelling Bee for Beaver Island is planned for Monday, February 2nd, at 2:00 pm in the gym. Parents are encouraged to attend, and we ask that the students who are competing to dress nicely. This is the first spelling bee in several decades, and we hope this can become an annual event. The top two school spellers will be eligible to compete in Traverse City on March 10th.

Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament Planned for Saturday, Feb 21st
The Beaver Island Wildlife Club is hosting the annual Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 21st. The festivities start at “first light” at the Lake G. boat launch (bait provided) and lunch will be provided at noon (donations of food are welcome—if you want to make a dish to share, please bring it on the 21st or contact Levi Connor). There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for pike and bluegill with separate adult and kids categories (and everyone’s favorite—a special prize for the smallest pike). Weigh-in is at 6:00 pm. Even if you don’t fish, come on out and enjoy the beauty of Lake G. in the winter!

Save the Date—February 27th—Annual Crock Pot Cookoff!
Calling all Crockpot Cooks and those who like to eat (doesn’t everyone?!). The annual Crock Pot Cookoff is set to kick-off at 5:00 pm on Friday, February 27th. In addition to great food, there will be ample entertainment with the cherished parent/athletes games and presentations by the BICS Cheerleaders. Free will donation. Contact the school office or email Kerry Smith at kerrys@beaverisland.k12.mi.us to let us know if you will be bringing a Crock Pot. Prizes for the top three delicacies as selected by those in attendance. All proceeds go to support BICS Athletics.

Have a Great Weekend!
Stay Warm!
17 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
We still have BICS gear for sale. If you are interested please contact the office 231-448-2744 or stop by and we can get you in your favorite item.

Crew short sleeve T-shirt $15.00
V Neck short sleeve T-shirt $15.00
Kids T-shirt $10.00
White sweatshirt crew neck long sleeve $35.00
Hoodie $25.00
GLT orange t-shirt $15.00
GLT hat $15.00
Islanders Pom hat $20.00
19 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
20260129_105215
Please see attached fly for the upcoming Spirit week.
21 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
Beige And Red Illustrative Valentine's Party Flyer

Unfortunately the games are cancelled again tonight and tomorrow morning due to Lake effect over the Lake in between the Island and mainland. Regular practice this evening for boys and girls.
Really hoping we will actually get games in this weekend against Hannahville!


22 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
Beaver Island Community School

Weekly Memo

Friday, January 23, 2026



Weather Weather Weather Again and Again…

Due to inclement weather throughout the upper Great Lakes, the games with Ojibwe and this weekend’s games with Big Bay were cancelled. Next week, the Munising Baptist Boys Team comes to play the Islanders on Monday evening (5:30 tip off) and Tuesday morning (8:30 tip off). Secondary students will have a modified schedule on Tuesday (all classes meet for 55 minutes except for 6th hour). On Friday, January 30th, the Hannahville travels to Beaver Island for games Friday evening and Saturday morning. Go Islanders!



Front Door Etiquette

Students, Parents, and Visitors—I’d like to remind you that there is a slight delay (between 6 and 9 seconds) between when you press the button at the front door and the door is opened electronically. Neither hitting the door, swearing at it, nor pulling the handle impatiently will speed up the process. In fact, pulling on the door will actually cause the door to reset and double the time you wait for it to open. For the safety and security of our students, and for your own blood pressure level, please be patient after you press the button and are allowed entrance to the BICS building.



February Lunch Menus and Order Forms

February lunch menus and order forms have been emailed and handed out. Please get your order forms into the office by January 29th.



Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament Planned for Saturday, Feb 21st

The Beaver Island Wildlife Club is hosting the annual Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 21st. The festivies start at “first light” at the Lake G. boat launch (bait provided) and lunch will be provided at noon (donations of food are welcome—if you want to make a dish to share, please bring it on the 21st or contact Levi Connor). There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for pike and bluegill with separate adult and kids categories (and everyone’s favorite—a special prize for the smallest pike). Weigh-in is at 6:00 pm. Even if you don’t fish, come on out and enjoy the beauty of Lake G. in the winter!



Register for the Dental Clinic 2026!

The Beaver Island Elks Lodge #2886, BI Rural Health Center, and Dental Clinics North are joining forces to provide free dental exams, x-rays cleanings, and fluoride or sealants (if needed) to all Island youth and Island elders over 80 years old. The registration forms for Island youth have been distributed. Please complete and return your paperwork to the BICS office by Monday, January 26th. We will gather and forward the completed registration forms to the BIRHC. The BIRHC will contact parents directly to schedule dental appointments during the February 26th and 27th youth clinic. The Dental Clinic for Island elders will be on March 13th.





Have a Great Weekend!

Stay Warm!


--
Wilfred Cwikiel, Ed.D.
Superintendent-Principal
Beaver Island Community School
(231) 448-2744

22 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
BICS will be closed tomorrow Friday 1/23/26. Stay warm and safe. See you all Monday.
25 days ago, Debbie Pomorski
We will not be traveling to Big Bay De Noc this weekend. Due to the weather and Big Bay De Noc is cancelled tomorrow. We are trying to hold out hope that Munising Baptist boys will make it for a game Monday evening and Tuesday morning. We are also scheduled to have home games next weekend versus Hannahville.
Stay warm this weekend!
25 days ago, Beaver Island Community School
We are not able to fly to Kinross today 1/21/26, the game is cancelled.
27 days ago, Beaver Island Community School

Beaver Island Community School

Weekly Memo
Friday, January 16, 2026

Weather Weather Weather Again…
Due to inclement weather throughout the upper Great Lakes, this weekend’s games with
Mackinac Island were cancelled. Next week, both the Boys and Girls Basketball Teams head to
Ojibwe on Wednesday (athletes leave from school at 10:30 am) and both teams head to Big Bay
on Friday and Saturday (1/23 and 1/24). Go Islanders!


Are You Getting the BICS Text Alerts?
Hopefully all parents are getting the BICS Text Alerts for cancellations and delays. If you did not
get a text alert to your cell phone this Wednesday for the school delay and then for the
cancellation, please call the office at (231) 448-2744 to make sure you are on the list.


February Lunch Menus and Order Forms
February lunch menus and order forms have been emailed and handed out. Please get your order
forms into the office by January 29 th .


Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament Planned for Saturday, Feb 21st
The Beaver Island Wildlife Club is hosting the annual Lake Genesereth Ice Fishing Tournament
on Saturday, February 21 st . Mark your calendars for this amazing event.
Register for the Dental Clinic 2026!


The Beaver Island Elks Lodge #2886, BI Rural Health Center, and Dental Clinics North are
joining forces to provide free dental exams, x-rays cleanings, and fluoride or sealants (if needed)
to all Island youth and Island elders over 80 years old. The registration forms for Island youth
were passed out to students this week (please have your student stop by the office to pick one up
if it didn’t make it home). Please complete and return your paperwork to the BICS office by
Monday, January 26 th . We will gather and forward the completed registration forms to the
BIRHC. The BIRHC will contact parents to schedule appointments for youth on February 26 th
and 27 th . The Dental Clinic for Island elders will be on March 13 th .


Got Breakfast?
As part of our food service program, Ms. Perrone can prepare breakfast boxes for families who
request them. If you are interested in getting a weekly breakfast box, call the school office at
(231) 448-2744.


Attendance Reminder—School Starts 8:15 am!
Parents, this is a reminder that the school opens at 8:05 am and classes start promptly at 8:15 am.
It is very disruptive for teachers to have students come to class late, so please have your students
here on time. Tardy and absence letters for Marking Period 2 will be going out next week.

Have a Great Weekend!

about 1 month ago, Beaver Island Community School
A huge thank you to Mrs. Donna Stambaugh and Ms. Mary Kenwabikise for giving thei 5th & 6th class their first lesson in stitching. With the help of these two wonderful volunteers, my class will be able to create the most beautiful quilt and continue this much-loved tradition!
about 1 month ago, Beaver Island Community School
2
IMG_5394
4
3
BICS VS Mackinac Basketball games for this weekend Friday 1/16 and Saturday 1/17 have been cancelled due to the flight weather.
We will update when/if this can be rescheduled.
about 1 month ago, Beaver Island Community School