where we’ll explore how even the smallest acts can help make the world more peaceful and kind.
Learn more at https://www.brps.org/flyers
Just a reminder that Holiday Break runs from December 22 through January 2. School resumes on January 5.
We hope all our BR families enjoy a safe, restful, and joyful break, filled with time to relax and create lasting memories. See you in the new year!

We wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break.

❤️ A Random Act of Cardinal Kindness 💙
Today, our administration team took time to surprise local businesses with a random act of Cardinal kindness, thanking them for the support they provide our schools throughout the year. They signed thank-you cards and delivered “We Are BR” stickers as a reminder that our schools and community are strongest when we work together.
A special thank you to Cranker’s for hosting breakfast for our administration team this morning—we appreciate your hospitality and continued support!
We are grateful for the partnerships, generosity, and care that make a difference for our students and staff. Together, we are BR.










Hello Cardinal Families! There are just a few days left to participate in the Middle School Student Council Toys for Tots Drive. This is a great opportunity to help spread holiday cheer throughout our community.
We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Donations can be sent with your student and dropped into their grade-level bin. Plus, it’s a friendly competition—the grade that donates the most toys will earn a special surprise from Student Council after Holiday Break!
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our students as they give back. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lukas or Mrs. Strong. 🎄✨

Our award-winning band programs invite families and community members to enjoy a full week of concerts as students showcase their talent, dedication, and hard work at Big Rapids High School Auditorium.
All concerts begin at 7:00 PM.
📅 Concert Schedule:
• December 16 – 6th Grade Chamber Winds & High School Jazz Band
• December 17 – 7th Grade Band & High School Concert Band
• December 18 – 8th Grade Band & High School Wind Symphony





📣 East Coast Parent Meeting Update
The East Coast Parent trip meeting planned for tonight has been rescheduled to December 15th — same time, same place!
Thanks for adjusting with us. We’ll see you then! ✈️📘

Due to the weather, Central Montcalm games have been canceled for this evening.
Additionally, ONLY varsity teams will hold practice tonight.
There will be NO subvarsity or middle school practices.
Thank you for your understanding, and please help us spread the word!

We’re sharing our School Closing Procedures to help families stay prepared this season.
When inclement weather or emergencies impact school operations, Big Rapids Public Schools shares updates through multiple communication channels so families and staff receive information quickly and accurately.
Check out the flyer for full details!
https://aptg.co/krfScB
First, congratulations to Riverview Elementary for being honored by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Elementary Schools for 2026. This achievement reflects the incredible dedication of Riverview’s staff, students, and families. Way to go, Riverview! ❤️📚
We also celebrated our outstanding BRPS Facilities Department, led by Director Brian Akey, for earning the Michigan Safety Awareness and Facilities Excellence (MSAFE) Award from SET SEG. This award recognizes Michigan public schools that demonstrate exceptional safety, risk management, and facilities practices—and our team continues to set the standard. Their hard work keeps our students and staff safe every single day. 🛠️🏆
Thank you to everyone who helps make BRPS a place where excellence and safety thrive. We are BR!
🌍✈️ Class of 2027-2030 - Ready to explore the world? Check out our new travel-abroad opportunities — see all the details on our Virtual Backpack page! 👉 www.brps.org/flyers
Or check out this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-qsj97R10VtQ4x-YiBFSOUhc1UUEAl_W/view?usp=sharing
Don’t miss out — your next adventure could start today!

This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our incredible Cardinal community — our students, families, staff, and supporters who make our district such a special place to learn and grow.

📣 Don’t miss it!
The Winter Events Insert in The Pioneer hits stands Saturday, November 22!
It’s jam-packed with everything you need to know this season — BRHS winter sports schedules, band, choir, and theatre events, plus handy QR codes that keep you connected! 🎭🏒🎶
Can’t grab a copy on Saturday? No worries! Pick one up next week at the BRPS Central Office or Big Rapids High School Office.

Thanks to the generosity of our families, we raised $270 for the Rotary Club and collected 150 canned green beans!
Thank you to all who attended, donated, and organized this event!



BR Families -
There will be no school Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28.

Big Rapids Public Schools uses several ways to communicate school closings, delays, or early releases so families stay informed quickly and accurately.
✅ Text, email, and phone alerts (based on your Skyward contact info)
✅ Posts to our website, app, and social media
✅ Updates shared with local radio and TV stations
Be sure your contact information is up to date in Skyward Family Access so you don’t miss important updates.
📲 Learn more and see the full breakdown in the flyer found here: https://5il.co/3s8ec

