Miss Purdy's Counseling Corner

Welcome to SMS!

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year!

I'm Miss Purdy and I am the school counselor at SMS. This is my tenth year at SMS. This is my 28th year as a Bearcat in various levels; teaching elementary, counseling, student support specialist, and a Title One reading teacher. I love working with and supporting our middle school students. I advocate for all students in academics, career, and attendance. I also schedule students into their classes. I provide support for any issues that students may need support in.

Feel free to call me at (269) 965-9648 or email me at rpurdy@battle-creek.k12.mi.us with any questions you may have.

8th graders to visit Battle Creek Central

Our 8th grade students will have the exciting opportunity to visit Battle Creek Central High School on October 20 to explore and learn more about their future high school experience. During this visit, students will tour the building, meet staff and students, and learn about academic programs, extracurricular activities, and what it means to be a Bearcat!

This experience helps students get a glimpse of high school life, build excitement for their future, and learn about the opportunities waiting for them as they continue their education within Battle Creek Public Schools.

8th graders going to MI Career Quest at Kalamazoo Expo Center

The 8th graders will be going to MI Career Quest on Tuesday, October 28 from 11-2. They will be going to the Kalamazoo Expo Center to explore a wide variety of careers.

Academics and Attendance

Grades and attendance tend to go hand in hand. It is imperative that students are attending their classes at school.
I am here to support all students in their academics and attendance. If you need support, please reach out.

Career Information

When students become 9th graders at Battle Creek Central High School, they will determine their career pathway for the remainder of their high school career. At SMS, we explore the different career pathways. Each month we will focus on a different career pathway. This month our focus will be on Informational Technology.

Here is some information regarding Career Pathways and Informational Technology.

BCCHS Career Pathways
Informational Technology Information

We also use Xello, an online career program that provides interest inventories for the students to take to see what good career matches may fit their interests.

Here is the website to Xello:

https://login.xello.world

Here are the projected Hot 50 job in Michigan until 2026.

Hot 50 Brochure 2026 1

Michigan Career Outlook to 2028

West Michigan Career Outlook to 2028

100 Must Reads for Middle Schoolers

Here are some wonderful ideas of books that have been deemed worthy for middle schoolers to read.

100 Must Reads for middle schoolers

Legacy Scholars

Did you know if you attend BCPS from 8th grade to graduaiton, then your student qualifies for the Legacy Scholars to attend KCC or RMTC for 2 years.

What is Legacy Scholars?The Legacy Scholars program is an award that covers up to 62 credit hours of tuition, fees and books at either Kellogg Community College or an approved trade school or registered apprenticeship program — providing students with greater opportunity to pursue their goals and reach their full potential. The program is open to eligible graduates from Battle Creek Public Schools, Lakeview School District and Calhoun Community High School. Legacy Scholars support looks like: Easy access to funding, with no high school G.P.A. requirements or essays.Year-round enrollment, through a simple, one-page online enrollment form.Freedom from last-dollar restrictions — meaning students can use Legacy Scholars funds in addition to other need-based financial aid, like Pell Grants.

Why was the program created?

Legacy Scholars was created to increase equitable access to educational opportunities for the students who need support most. The goal of Legacy Scholars is to help enable low-income high school graduates and students of color in the Battle Creek community to pursue higher education and career technical training to succeed in college, career and beyond. Legacy Scholars is an investment in our young people’s future and the future of our community.

The Bearcat Advantage

Your student has an amazing opportunity to utilize The Bearcat Advantage. Here is a link for more information.

The Bearcat Advantage provides eligible Battle Creek Central High School graduates with up to 100% of their college tuition and mandatory fees covered. This program was created to make higher education more accessible and affordable for BCCHS students, rewarding their hard work and commitment.

In addition to covering costs at colleges and universities across Michigan, the Bearcat Advantage also supports students who choose to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.

By removing financial barriers, the Bearcat Advantage helps students pursue their goals, build brighter futures, and strengthen our community through education.