Bushnell Buzz
January 13, 2023
Mrs. Walters News
Hello Bushnell Families~
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is next Monday. We do have a half day of school that day. In the past, it’s been debated whether or not we should have school on this day. To be honest, I appreciate it when we do. This allows our teachers to bring attention to Dr. King and explain the impact he’s had on our nation. I saw a lot of quality instruction throughout classrooms this week focusing on this topic. You can be certain on Monday and throughout the remainder of the school year that our students will be learning the importance of Dr. King’s contributions to our country.
Reminder: Monday, January 16, will be a half day of school for students. Dismissal for students will be at 11:50. While students are at home, our staff will be getting some professional development and working collaboratively to better support our students.
Our students have been taking the NWEA MAP and Acadience tests this week. You should be getting results home soon. This testing it just a mid year check in. Our students haven’t been taught everything that they were tested on yet so don’t stress! Our students are making so much growth in all areas! This data is mostly for teachers to inform their instruction for the reminder of the year.
If you are interesting in having some extra tutoring for your student, either because they need extra support in an area or because you'd like them to extend their learning, check out the letter below regarding Book Nook. It's an organization we've partnered with that we are excited to share.
The month of February is approaching. I have some interesting things planned for staff with the theme of "Feel Good February!" In partnering with our PTO, I'm wondering if families can help with any of the following things:
1. Flower vases- Do you have extra flower vases around the house you'd like to donate? We can take them off your hands. Send them in with your child or drop them off at the office!
2. Flowers- Do you have an insider connection with a flower shop? Email me at ewalters@lowellschools.com and I can give you more details about what we need.
3. Strawberry Treats- Would you be willing to make or cook a delicious dish that includes strawberries on Monday 2/27? You can reach out on the Bushnell PTO facebook page to let them know!
Well, I don't know if I speak for everyone but I really wish we would get some snow around here! My family plans on heading downtown this weekend for the World of Winter festivities. If you haven't checked it out, you can find more information about this fun, lit up, nighttime experience here!
I hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Erin Walters ~ Bushnell Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
BookNook is an outside agency that has been approved by the Michigan Department of Education to offer On-line Literacy Tutoring. Lowell Area Schools is extending this literacy tutoring opportunity for interested parents of K-5 students.
The tutoring is designed to run through a virtual format and occur outside of the school day during a 4:30-6:30 p.m. time slot. There is No Cost for the tutoring as it is funded through a Michigan Department of Education grant. Literacy tutoring will begin in mid-February for identified students.
The intent of the literacy tutoring is to benefit students that either need extra time and support or those that are already reading at grade level but seeking literacy enrichment. The district will provide assessment scores to BookNook. Scores will be used by BookNook to match an appropriate tutor for your student.
Weekly tutoring sessions will be scheduled 3 days a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays for 30 minutes each session. Your student would be On-line with a BookNook tutor for literacy support or enrichment. Parental or other adult participation and supervision will be important to provide for students as tutoring will happen outside of the school day.
The links below provide more information about this opportunity offered by BookNook.
The district has 50 tutoring spots available for K-5 Lowell Students.
This will be a first come first serve offering.
Parents will have through Tuesday, January 17 to sign up your student.
If you would like to sign your student up for BookNook, please complete the application.
Please contact Krista Kurti or Heather Worm, at the Curriculum Office, with any questions. 616-987-2500
Thank you.
Mrs. Sweany's K and Mr. Nanninga's 1st grade students enjoying Reading Buddies!
Important Dates...
1.16 Half Day for students, dismiss at 11:50, Martin Luther King jr. Day
1.19 Pomper/Christians to Wittenbach
1.20 DeVito, VanWeezel to Wittenbach
1.24 Cummings, Nanninga to Wittenbach
1.27 Progress Reports go Home
1.27 Favorite Sports Team Day!
2.1 100th Day of School!
2.17 Half Day of School for Students, dismiss at 11:50