Lewton School's Lobo Lines
February, 2024
A Note From Steve Chartier, Principal
Dear Lewton Parents, Caregivers and Community Members:
Now that the second semester is underway, I am eager to update you on the exciting initiatives and progress that have been taking place at Lewton School since we held our two Parent Meetings this past November and December respectively. Your continued support remains invaluable to us and to me personally. Through a series of communications—parent meetings, phone calls, emails, formal face-to-face conversations and even chats on the fly—your thoughts, hopes, visions and most importantly your voices have been heard and put to great use as we strive to strengthen our overall program. Keep reaching out and providing us with your input. It’s needed and it’s helping us collectively make a difference! I am thrilled to share the positive impact these endeavors are having on our students’ learning experiences. Here is a snapshot of where we currently stand:
- We have met with a representative from Language Testing International to customize AAPPL testing for our grade 2+ students. This assessment has been developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and will assess our students' proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing-- and do so in real-world contexts (i.e. author an email to a peer requesting help with homework). We expect the AAPPL assessments to begin over the course of the next few weeks. Total test time is about 2 hours per student and results will return to Lewton within a few weeks of completion. We are looking forward to having a deeper understanding of the proficiency levels of our students, and we will organize a meeting to assist you with understanding them as well.
- After-School Tutoring has begun with select students invited to attend based upon academic needs. Sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:05 to 5:30 P. Students can partake in ELA and math offerings in English or Spanish. We have also designed a few conversational Spanish sections that students can attend. While tutoring is based on academic need (as measured via the NWEA Assessments), we are extending conversational Spanish to a grouping of students within our Grade 2 and 3 classrooms. Our intent is to also consider Grade 4 students, if needed, but that will be determined at a later date.
- We have a number of ancillary guest teachers working within our classrooms at various points of the day providing structured assistance to students in need. Spanish Language Arts (Grades K-1) and English Language Arts (Grades 2+) is a heavy focus presently as acquired data (NWEA) indicates it to be a priority. This work is in addition to the small group instruction that all classroom teachers provide on a daily basis. Thus far, we have extra ancillary support in the following grades: Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth and Sixth. As funds come available, we will be able to flood the remaining grades as well.
- Native Spanish speaking volunteers (that have been vetted via the District) are beginning to join the Lewton team and will provide conversational Spanish intervention to those in need as identified via the AAPPL assessment, as well as serve as after-school tutors via our Monday/Wednesday programming.
- $78,000.00 worth of reading materials has been ordered and will stock our classrooms and central bookroom (which all teachers utilize) with much-needed texts that students will utilize mainly during independent reading opportunities but during core instruction as well. A beautiful mix of genres and topics have been ordered in Spanish and English, and I cannot wait for you to see them coming home in reading bags, etc.
I sincerely hope that this information is helpful to you and keeps you abreast of our latest and greatest. I have said it before and will say it again—it is an immense pleasure and honor to be working with each of you. Sharing your children with us day in and day out brings a great deal of joy to those of us at Lewton!
Kind regards-
Steve
February
- Friday, February 2nd:
- Popcorn Sales
- Quarter Two Report Cards Released via ParentVUE
- Hard Copies of Report Cards Sent Home with Students
- Individual Reading Intervention Plans (K-3) Sent Home with Students
- Monday, February 5th:
- WIDA Testing Begins for Select Students (i.e English Language Learners)
- Friday, February 9th:
- Popcorn Sales
- Monday, February 12th:
- PTSO Meeting: Room 8; 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 14th:
- Spring Count Day: Send Your Child to School Today!
- Valentine's Day Celebrations: Select Classrooms: 2:45 PM
- Friday, February 16th:
- Popcorn Sales
- Spring Picture Day: Flyers Heading Home Soon!
- Monday, February 19th:
- No School for Students/Staff
- President's Day
- Thursday, February 22nd:
- Lansing SAVE Program at Lewton
- PTSO Meeting: Room 8; 4:15 PM
- Friday, February 23rd:
- Popcorn Sales
March
- Friday, March 1st:
- Popcorn Sales
- Wednesday, March 6th:
- PreK/GSRP Mobile Dentist Visits Lewton
- Friday, March 8th:
- Popcorn Sales
- Friday, March 15th:
- No School for Students
- Staff Professional Development Day
- Tuesday, March 19th:
- Reading is Fundamental Book Selection
- Wednesday, March 20th:
- Reading is Fundamental Book Selection Continued
- Thursday, March 21st:
- WIDA Testing Ends Today
- Friday, March 22nd:
- No School
- Spring Break Begins
- Monday, March 25th - Friday, March 29th
- No School
- Spring Break
- Monday, April 1st
- School Resumes Today
Day of Service Gratitude
We want to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Lewton PTSO and staff for an exceptional Day of Service in painting our Media Center. Their dedication and hard work have truly transformed that learning space into a vibrant and inviting environment. The commitment demonstrated by each member during this initiative not only enhances the aesthetics of the room, but also contributes significantly to creating a more conducive atmosphere for students and staff alike.
The impact of the PTSO's efforts goes beyond the fresh coat of paint; it symbolizes a collective investment in the betterment of the Lewton community. Their selfless commitment to improving our facilities is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility that defines our school.
Hats off to the PTSO for their invaluable contribution to creating a more inspiring and dynamic learning environment for everyone!
Calling All Community Members
Have you ever wondered how you can become more involved in a child’s life? Do you happen to have some free time during the course of the school day? If so, we need you!
Lewton is a vibrant school bubbling with activities, and your support is needed in order to ensure our success. Lunch/playground assistance and general classroom volunteers are always appreciated.
Security clearance is required for all volunteers, and must be completed prior to volunteering within the building. Contact the Main Office for more information.
A Word About Dismissal Changes
We are proud of our dismissal procedures as they ensure an orderly and safe dismissal for each of our students each and every day.
As part of our process, we ask that you notify the Main Office of any changes to your child’s method of departure from school by 3:00 PM daily. Doing so will help ensure that all persons working with your child/ren are amply informed in a timely fashion.
We will do all that we can to assist you with your request. However, please know that the Main Office is quite busy toward the end of the school day. As such, we cannot guarantee that changes made after 3:00 PM will be honored.
Inclement Weather and School Closure
During the next few months, inclement weather is likely. As a result, school may be closed for the day. To monitor such closures, please tune your TV to a local news station, or visit the District’s website at: www.lansingschools.net. As another method of communicating school closures, an automated call may be sent to all families of LPS students. The Superintendent’s Office will make every effort to have school closure decisions made in a timely manner so that families and staff can properly plan. When school is closed for the day, all associated activities are canceled as well.
PTSO Ongoings
From Amanda Voorheis, PTSO Vice President
Lewton is in the process of establishing a thriving PTSO whose main mission is to enhance the children’s learning environment via community building activities, curriculum support, and facility enhancements. Through our work, we strive to make every child’s potential a true reality by strengthening the sense of community between Lewton families and the faculty through events, programs, and initiatives; and to foster meaningful communication between them.
It is our hope that all parents, teachers and staff will join the Lewton PTSO to help carry out that mission. Our next meetings will be held on February 12th at 6:00 PM; February 22nd at 4:15 PM.
Important Updates/Ongoings:
This month the Lewton PTSO established a calendar of events for the rest of the school year. It includes a commencement for our 8th graders, a dance for the 6th-8th grades, our school-wide Field Day, and an Edru roller skating fundraiser. The entire calendar will be accessible online in the very near future. Please look for it and additional information in the weeks ahead!!
We received two submissions for our T-shirt design contest! After the school has voted, there will be order forms sent home with your kids. We're so excited to get Lewton gear!
The PTSO has taken on the task of popcorn Fridays, and there are slots available for volunteering. Please reach out and let us know your availability. You can review when popcorn sales will be held by visiting the calendar above.
If you'd like more information regarding the PTSO or if you're interested in helping our budding organization, please email us at lewtonglobalstudiesptso@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Donations Needed
Donations are greatly appreciated throughout the year and help make our school a success. Items currently on our school-wide wish list include:
- Gloves! Gloves! Gloves! (Grades K - 8)
- Winter Coats/Jackets (Grades 2+)
- Snow Pants (Grades K-3)
- Pants of all sizes
- Boxes of Tissue-- lots and lots!
Bell Times & Office Hours
- 8:50 A: Lineup Bell Rings
- 8:55 A: Classes Commence
- 3:50 P: Dismissal Bell Rings
Half Day (Grades PreK-8):
- 8:50 A: Lineup Bell Rings
- 8:55 A: Classes Commence
- 11:45 A: Classes Dismiss
Main Office Hours:
- 7:30 A - 4:30 P, M-F
Contact Us
Lewton Global Studies/Spanish Immersion Elementary School
2000 Lewton Place, Lansing MI 48911
517-755-1460 (Main Office)
517-755-1465 (Attendance Line)
517-755-1469 (Fax)
Steve Chartier, Principal
Daniel Gowell, Assistant Principal
Katerina Jenks, Administrative Assistant