🎉🎓 Celebrating the Class of 2026! 🎓🎉
A huge congratulations to our amazing seniors who participated in the BRHS Swing Out today! The energy, the smiles, and the celebrations in the gym were absolutely unforgettable.
We've already started pulling together some fantastic memories from the event, and we want you to help us fill the gallery! Whether you were cheering from the bleachers or taking snapshots with your graduate afterward, we want to see your point of view.
📸 View our photo gallery and upload your own favorite Swing Out pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VDfUCus7JwDphFUA8
Let’s build the ultimate album for our graduates! We can't wait to keep the celebrations going at Graduation tomorrow night!
A huge congratulations to our amazing seniors who participated in the BRHS Swing Out today! The energy, the smiles, and the celebrations in the gym were absolutely unforgettable.
We've already started pulling together some fantastic memories from the event, and we want you to help us fill the gallery! Whether you were cheering from the bleachers or taking snapshots with your graduate afterward, we want to see your point of view.
📸 View our photo gallery and upload your own favorite Swing Out pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VDfUCus7JwDphFUA8
Let’s build the ultimate album for our graduates! We can't wait to keep the celebrations going at Graduation tomorrow night!
✨BEN DID IT AGAIN! ✨
Remember back in February when we announced Benjamin Wayne was a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program? Today, the Michigan Department of Education officially announced that Ben has been selected as one of only 19 semifinalists in the ENTIRE state!
Being named a Scholar in the Arts semifinalist places Ben among the absolute top graduating seniors in the nation. We could not be prouder of his hard work, talent, and leadership.
Click the link to read the full story and join us in congratulating Ben below! 👇
https://www.brps.org/article/2922468
Remember back in February when we announced Benjamin Wayne was a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program? Today, the Michigan Department of Education officially announced that Ben has been selected as one of only 19 semifinalists in the ENTIRE state!
Being named a Scholar in the Arts semifinalist places Ben among the absolute top graduating seniors in the nation. We could not be prouder of his hard work, talent, and leadership.
Click the link to read the full story and join us in congratulating Ben below! 👇
https://www.brps.org/article/2922468
Senor Enrichment Day is coming to Big Rapids High School! Check out all the information at www.brps.org/flyers.
Catch the Class of 2026 in action! 🎓✨
Can’t make it to the ceremonies in person? We’ve got you covered. Tune in to our live streams to celebrate our graduates from anywhere:
BRHS Swing Out 📅 Wednesday, May 20 @ 2:00 PM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V84PhypVMlQ
BRHS Graduation Commencement 📅 Thursday, May 21 @ 7:00 PM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myg5mP20mGU
BRVS Graduation Commencement 📅 Friday, May 22 @ 7:00 PM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZE8Hnlo4fg
In case you missed it, our Senior Class of 2026 took a nostalgic trip last Friday for the annual Senior Parade! They visited their former elementary and middle schools to say a huge thank you to the teachers who helped them start it all. There were endless smiles, emotional reunions, and lots of big hugs.
And because you're never too old for recess, they even spent some extra time hitting the playgrounds they once ruled as kids! 🛝✨
We know a few photos have been floating around, but we couldn't resist sharing a few more of our favorite moments from an unforgettable day. Check them out below! 📸👇
And because you're never too old for recess, they even spent some extra time hitting the playgrounds they once ruled as kids! 🛝✨
We know a few photos have been floating around, but we couldn't resist sharing a few more of our favorite moments from an unforgettable day. Check them out below! 📸👇
Congratulations to our Big Rapids High School Class of 2026 Award recipients! 🎉
We are proud to celebrate these students for their hard work, leadership, dedication, and accomplishments throughout the school year and, for some awards, throughout their entire high school career. Thank you to everyone who helped recognize and support our students along the way.
View all the award recipients here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aorJX8SSvGyHu9CQ6
We are proud to celebrate these students for their hard work, leadership, dedication, and accomplishments throughout the school year and, for some awards, throughout their entire high school career. Thank you to everyone who helped recognize and support our students along the way.
View all the award recipients here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aorJX8SSvGyHu9CQ6
As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the nearly 300 shout-outs submitted recognizing our incredible teachers and staff!
The heartfelt and kind words shared by parents, students, coworkers, and even students recognizing their parent staff members truly made this week special. Your messages highlighted the care, dedication, encouragement, and impact our staff bring to Big Rapids Public Schools each and every day.
Taking the time to spread kindness and recognize the goodness in others is such a powerful gesture, and it truly leaves a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to lift someone up this week — your words mattered more than you know.
We are so proud of our BRPS staff and so thankful for a community that values and appreciates them so deeply.
The heartfelt and kind words shared by parents, students, coworkers, and even students recognizing their parent staff members truly made this week special. Your messages highlighted the care, dedication, encouragement, and impact our staff bring to Big Rapids Public Schools each and every day.
Taking the time to spread kindness and recognize the goodness in others is such a powerful gesture, and it truly leaves a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to lift someone up this week — your words mattered more than you know.
We are so proud of our BRPS staff and so thankful for a community that values and appreciates them so deeply.
🍎✨ 100 Shout-Outs and Counting! ✨🍎
In just a day and a half, we’ve already received 100 messages of appreciation for our incredible teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week!
Let’s keep them coming! Every message is shared directly with the staff member—it truly makes their day.
Send your shout-out here now through Friday:
👉 https://forms.gle/sAi94p8decyaWoiS8
In just a day and a half, we’ve already received 100 messages of appreciation for our incredible teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week!
Let’s keep them coming! Every message is shared directly with the staff member—it truly makes their day.
Send your shout-out here now through Friday:
👉 https://forms.gle/sAi94p8decyaWoiS8
We’re excited to celebrate Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week again this year at BRPS! 🎉
Join us May 4–8, 2026, as we recognize the incredible individuals who make a difference in our schools every single day — from teachers to food service, front office, maintenance, transportation, administration, and paraprofessionals.
We invite students, families, and community members to submit shout-outs to any BRPS staff member who has made an impact. There’s no limit — share as many messages of appreciation as you’d like!
Your kind words will be shared throughout the week. The form will remain open through May 8th, but notes of encouragement are always welcome.
Submit your shout-outs here: https://forms.gle/sAi94p8decyaWoiS8
Let’s come together to show our Cardinal appreciation! ❤️
We are BR!
Join us May 4–8, 2026, as we recognize the incredible individuals who make a difference in our schools every single day — from teachers to food service, front office, maintenance, transportation, administration, and paraprofessionals.
We invite students, families, and community members to submit shout-outs to any BRPS staff member who has made an impact. There’s no limit — share as many messages of appreciation as you’d like!
Your kind words will be shared throughout the week. The form will remain open through May 8th, but notes of encouragement are always welcome.
Submit your shout-outs here: https://forms.gle/sAi94p8decyaWoiS8
Let’s come together to show our Cardinal appreciation! ❤️
We are BR!
🍎✨ Happy School Principals Day! ✨🍎
Today we celebrate and thank our amazing principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to empowering our students to reach their highest potential.
We appreciate all you do for our schools each and every day!
Today we celebrate and thank our amazing principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to empowering our students to reach their highest potential.
We appreciate all you do for our schools each and every day!
✨ Make a Difference Award Celebration ✨
Each year, the Mecosta-Osceola ISD hosts the Make a Difference Award Ceremony, honoring staff members who go above and beyond for students.
Through powerful, testimonial-style messages, we heard firsthand how these individuals have made a lasting impact on the lives and learning of their students.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and especially those that we are fortunate enough to call Cardinals:
Aimee Sparks, 31N Social Worker - Brookside Elementary
Alex Breslav, 1:1 Paraprofessional - Big Rapids Middle School
Amber Smith, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Annie Garchow, Administrative Assistant - Big Rapids Public Schools
Brad Antcliff, Behavior Interventionist - Riverview Elementary
Carrie Beeney, Elementary Special Education Teacher - Riverview Elementary
Emily Westman, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Genaveve Root (Ms. Gena), Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Katie Underwood, Paraprofessional - Brookside Elementary
Ken Ranjel, Principal - Brookside Elementary
Leah Vandersloot, Paraprofessional - Riverview Elementary
Lenore Weaver, Special Education Consultant - Big Rapids Public Schools
Linda Lindsey, Paraprofessional - Big Rapids High School
Maggie Gager, 1:1 Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Mark Bongard, Behavioral Interventionist - Eastwood Elementary
Mary Gunn, Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Maureen Somsel, 5th grade math - Big Rapids Middle School
Megan O'Hara, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Micky Payton, Special Education Teacher - Big Rapids Middle School
Molly Galloway, PTO President - Riverview Elementary
Monika Repke, Middle School Special Education Teacher - Big Rapids Middle School
Olivia Hamlin, Second Grade Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Rachel Foster, First Grade teacher - Brookside Elementary
Shelly Selzer, High School Teacher - Big Rapids High School
Thank you for making a difference every day!
Each year, the Mecosta-Osceola ISD hosts the Make a Difference Award Ceremony, honoring staff members who go above and beyond for students.
Through powerful, testimonial-style messages, we heard firsthand how these individuals have made a lasting impact on the lives and learning of their students.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and especially those that we are fortunate enough to call Cardinals:
Aimee Sparks, 31N Social Worker - Brookside Elementary
Alex Breslav, 1:1 Paraprofessional - Big Rapids Middle School
Amber Smith, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Annie Garchow, Administrative Assistant - Big Rapids Public Schools
Brad Antcliff, Behavior Interventionist - Riverview Elementary
Carrie Beeney, Elementary Special Education Teacher - Riverview Elementary
Emily Westman, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Genaveve Root (Ms. Gena), Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Katie Underwood, Paraprofessional - Brookside Elementary
Ken Ranjel, Principal - Brookside Elementary
Leah Vandersloot, Paraprofessional - Riverview Elementary
Lenore Weaver, Special Education Consultant - Big Rapids Public Schools
Linda Lindsey, Paraprofessional - Big Rapids High School
Maggie Gager, 1:1 Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Mark Bongard, Behavioral Interventionist - Eastwood Elementary
Mary Gunn, Paraprofessional - Eastwood Elementary
Maureen Somsel, 5th grade math - Big Rapids Middle School
Megan O'Hara, General Education Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Micky Payton, Special Education Teacher - Big Rapids Middle School
Molly Galloway, PTO President - Riverview Elementary
Monika Repke, Middle School Special Education Teacher - Big Rapids Middle School
Olivia Hamlin, Second Grade Teacher - Brookside Elementary
Rachel Foster, First Grade teacher - Brookside Elementary
Shelly Selzer, High School Teacher - Big Rapids High School
Thank you for making a difference every day!
We enjoyed celebrating Jim Ackroyd and Michael Stratz today with cake and coffee as they approach their retirement dates.
Jim has been a valued part of the district since 1999, mostly as our Facilities Department Clerk. He wraps up his years of dedication tomorrow!
Michael, our skilled mechanic since 2013, will celebrate his last day at the end of May.
We wish you both all the best in this next chapter! You will be missed!
The Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA), the professional organization representing school coaches and athletic directors across the state, is proud to announce that Mr. Cole Haist of Big Rapids High School has been selected as one of eight statewide recipients of the prestigious MHSCA Rich Tompkins Multi-Sport Athlete Award.
Mr. Haist will be formally recognized during the Big Rapids Senior Honors Award Ceremony later this spring. His selection highlights his outstanding contributions to athletics, academics, and the community throughout his high school career.
For more on this achievement, visit https://bigrapidsmi.sites.thrillshare.com/o/bra/article/2852726
🚌 Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌
Today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, we celebrate the incredible individuals who safely transport our students each and every day.
Our bus drivers are often the first and last friendly face our students see—greeting them with a smile in the morning and ensuring they return home safely in the afternoon. Their dedication, patience, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all you do to keep our students safe and supported. We appreciate you today and every day!
Today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, we celebrate the incredible individuals who safely transport our students each and every day.
Our bus drivers are often the first and last friendly face our students see—greeting them with a smile in the morning and ensuring they return home safely in the afternoon. Their dedication, patience, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all you do to keep our students safe and supported. We appreciate you today and every day!
🎶 We’re proud to share that Big Rapids Public Schools has once again been named one of the Best Communities in Music Education — marking our 9th consecutive year receiving this national honor!
This recognition celebrates more than music — it celebrates opportunity. Big Rapids Public Schools is proud to be a #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation, ensuring access to music learning for every student.
As Middle School Band Director Albie Todd shared, “Earning this recognition for the ninth consecutive year reflects the strong support for music across our district and the meaningful opportunities our students experience every day.”
👏 Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive community, and talented students who make this possible!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.brps.org/article/2841396
This recognition celebrates more than music — it celebrates opportunity. Big Rapids Public Schools is proud to be a #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation, ensuring access to music learning for every student.
As Middle School Band Director Albie Todd shared, “Earning this recognition for the ninth consecutive year reflects the strong support for music across our district and the meaningful opportunities our students experience every day.”
👏 Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive community, and talented students who make this possible!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.brps.org/article/2841396
