Weekly Parent News

Upcoming Dates

January 29: Roundball Bash
February 2-6: Snowcoming Week
February 13: Half Day of School
February 16: No School

STAMP Testing

Students who speak a world language may choose to take the STAMP Test this spring if desired. The STAMP Test is an assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for world language students. Students who take the STAMP Test have the opportunity to earn the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma, test into the correct world language placement or earn credits for a world language already mastered.

Who should consider taking the STAMP Test

Seniors who are taking German or Spanish, level 4 or AP
Seniors who speak a second language
7-11th grade heritage speakers looking to test into the correct world language placement

Students who are interested in taking or learning more about the STAMP Test should attend an information session on January 27 in room 104 during Flex. The official day of the STAMP Test will be February 25.

If you are interested in your student taking the STAMP Test please fill out this form (STAMP Test Sign Up)

Additional Resources for the STAMP Test 4S including practice

Additional Resources for Michigan Seal of Biliteracy

Please note that students who were educated in a world language K-6 may qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy already.

Detention Policy Update

The second semester will have some updates to our detention policy, designed to give families more flexibility while maintaining consistent expectations and accountability.

Key Updates:

Students will now be assigned a two-week window during which they must serve their detention, rather than a specific date. Detention will still be running on Tuesday morning, Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon. This provides seven opportunities to serve within the detention window. Given the multiple options, students will no longer receive one reschedule per semester.
If a student does not serve their detention within the assigned window, they will be required to serve In-School Suspension (ISS) the next school day.
Students with multiple detentions within the same window may serve them consecutively if they choose.
Students must remain for the full duration of their assigned detention time for it to count.
Students may serve a one hour detention at HWS on any day during their assigned window.
Students will continue to receive an email from Mrs. Wilkins or Mrs. Valente when they are assigned a detention. Please encourage students to check their email regularly to make sure they do not miss key instructions and reminders about their detention.

We believe this structure will support clearer expectations, increased student responsibility and more consistent follow-through.

If you have any questions about the updated policy, please feel free to contact our office.

Spin Club Opportunity

Have you ever wanted to spin in the color guard that you see on Friday nights? Whether you have years of dance training, or have never picked up a flag, WE WANT YOU! The Byron Center Spin Club is an after-school color guard program that is open to ALL students from 7th grade through 11th grade. Our Skill Week begins on January 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Band Room! This is a great first step to develop dance skills and training, open doors to new performance opportunities, travel around the greater Grand Rapids area to watch other Winter Guard shows, and more!

From the Nurse's Office

As we enter cold/flu season, the nurses wanted to send a few helpful reminders of when to keep your child home from school. Please see this flyer for more detailed recommendations.

School News Network Reader Survey

School News Network (SNN) is a local publication dedicated to sharing the stories of teaching and learning, students and educators and the education issues shaping our schools. SNN is currently seeking feedback from its readers.
Please take a moment to fill our School News Network’s 2026 audience survey by February 27. Your comments will help the SNN team plan for the future and reach more people with articles, podcasts and videos about Byron Center Public Schools. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential. Thank you for your input!