| “What if today, we were just grateful for everything?” -Charlie Brown |
| We want to start with a thanks to those who came out to BAWMI’s Trunk or Treat Event this year! The staff enjoy this event so much even though it did coincide with the BIG GAME this year! There’s always so much excitement surrounding what the kids are going to be dressed as and meeting parents and siblings. We decided we will be doing this event forever! BAWMI is giving back! This month there has been a little friendly rivalry has been going between our two locations. We have been doing a food drive for Community Food Club. Each location is donating items (worth points). Once the points are added up the location that has the most points will win a mystery reward that may or may not be a room full of puppies to play with for a while. Our staff give of themselves every day and are so kind to give to others as well. Inclement weather policy & appropriate cold weather dressing – Reminder that if either center is going to be closed due to the weather, all parents will receive an email with that information. It will also be listed as a closing on WZZM13. Please remember to dress or send with your child outerwear appropriate for the weather. If it is outer clothing that could be left at the center for the winter months, let your child’s BCBA know. |
| Staff Introductions Makenna Bolthouse Makenna Bolthouse has been with BAWMI since April of 2018. She currently splits her time between working with clients as a behavior technician and as the Center Manager at our north location. Makenna is fun-loving and creative. She makes sure our center is sanitized, organized and creates fun activities for all the clients. Makenna has made activities for Science Thursday where the clients can work one-on-one with their tech or sometimes in groups to learn about science. Makenna cares for staff and clients alike and she can make even the most mundane tasks like collecting garbage & recycle fun! Jesse VanDommelen Jesse VanDommelen has been with BAWMI since October of 2018. He currently splits his time between working with clients as a behavior technician and as the Center Manager at our south location. Jesse does all the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes everyone else’s jobs easier. Jesse’s upbeat and compassionate personality continues to lift everyone’s spirits through these pandemic times where everyone’s anxiety levels are high. Jesse goes above and beyond in his position. He’s always available to help with clean up, keeping our toys in good working order, and making every Thursday Popcorn Day! Jesse goes out of his way to take care of others. West Michigan Early Childhood Center is coming! At our south location, there has been some remodeling being done on the office space in the south end of the building. In January 2022, a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) will open in this space. This program is federally funded, and Kent ISD oversees the program. There will be two classrooms of 4-year-olds. BAWMI will be pushing in some of our clients of preschool age to allow for collaboration and learning. We are so excited for this partnership and look forward to learning together! Holiday Break coming soon! A friendly reminder that BAWMI will be closed December 20-31, 2021. We will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022. A 2022 schedule is attached to this email and a hard copy will be available at each location. |