The Spencer Scoop
The Amazing Spencer Elementary: September 10, 2021
News From the Office
-Spencer now offers breakfast each day at 8:25. Have your child enter through the main entrance through door two and go to the cafeteria if in need.
-Don't forget Spencer's Curriculum Night this Monday. Please see the times below for you to connect with your child's teacher.
-Tuesday is our first PTO meeting in the evening at 7:00. Please take some time to join us to hear about the fun plans ahead.
Note from the Attendance Secretary
Calling in to the Attendance Line
Please Pack a Change of Clothes
Meet One of Our New Staff Members...
My name is Brianne Burke, and I am the new Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher at Spencer Elementary. I was born and raised in Lapeer, Michigan, where the biggest thing to happen there was getting a Super Walmart! I was the first in my family to attend college, and I graduated
with both my Special Education (HI/K-12) and Elementary Education (K-8) teaching certificates from Eastern Michigan University. While in college, I met my wonderful husband, whom I have been married to for the past 3 years. As soon as we graduated from college, we knew we
wanted to travel out of state, which led us to moving to sunny Arizona. It was in Arizona that I
fell in love with hiking and camping, and it has been my mission ever since to see every National
Park. So far, I have been to 9 National Parks (Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches,
Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Kings Canyon) as well as many other beautiful
outdoor wonders! While in Arizona, my husband and I adopted our adorable goldendoodle
puppy, appropriately named after our favorite candy, Reese! I was also lucky enough to teach
for 6 years in a special education classroom to some amazing students. Although I loved my
students, coworkers, and friends, my husband and I made the hard decision to move back
home this summer in order to be back with family. As soon as the decision was made to move
back to Michigan, I knew exactly where I wanted to work: Brighton! I was blessed to not only be
given a chance to interview (on my birthday too!), but was hired just a few days later! I am so
excited to begin this journey within Brighton Area Schools, and cannot wait to grow as an
educator, and help inspire students to grow as well.
A Dash of Salt Podcast
Salt is essential to life; it heals; preserves; and adds flavor to life. I'll share my experiences not only as a principal but my other favorite title, dad.
Click HERE to listen
Medication
Important Dates at a Glance
Sept. 13 - Parent Night Meet and Greet for grades 1-4.
6:00 - 6:30 - First-grade and Second-grade families with student's last names starting with A-L meet with the teacher in class.
6:30 - 7:00 - First-grade and Second-grade families with student's last names starting with M-Z meet with the teacher in class.
7:00 - 7:30 - Third and Fourth-grade families with student's last names starting with A-L meets with the teacher in class.
7:30 - 8:00 - Third and Fourth-grade families with student's last names starting with M-Z meets with the teacher in class.
Sept. 14 - Spencer's P.T.O. Meeting at 7:00 pm
Sept. 21 - Spencer's Picnic on the Playground from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Fall Book Fair from 6:00-8:30 pm in the Library
Sept. 22 - Fall Book Fair after school from 4:00-6:00 pm in the Library
Oct. 1 - Josten's Picture Day - more info to come...
Oct. 22 - Josten's Picture Retake Day - more info to come...
Lunch Information
Lunch
We will offer hot lunch each day the students are present. You are also able to bring your own lunch too!
This year the Federal grant has been extended and all students will receive lunch at no cost. No sign-ups or paperwork is needed. If your child would like to purchase milk only, there will be a charge for that item.
This year, Spencer students will eat lunch first and then head out to recess to ensure proper hygiene before eating. When the students arrive in the lunchroom, they will sit in assigned seats with their classrooms. This will allow for appropriate contract tracing if needed. Lunch will be 25 minutes and recess 20 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE the adjustments that will take place:
- We would encourage you to bring a water bottle that can be refilled throughout the day.
- Microwaves are not available for use.
- The salad bar has been removed.
- We will no longer have a choice for lunch; it will be one entree only—no extra snacks for sale either.
- Condiments such as ranch, ketchup, and mustard will no longer be available.
In the past, we had a "late table" for those that needed a little more time to eat. This will not be an option due to the adjustments we've made to our plan for social distancing and contract tracing.
Note from Physical Education
Physical Education at Spencer Elementary
About:
My name is Jennifer Peters. I teach Physical Education. Here at Spencer students attend specials classes each day, they rotate through the three (Art, Music, PE).
Our time with the students is 45 minutes every three days. We do our best to get them engaged and learning almost as soon as they walk through the door.
Procedures and classroom expectations:
Due to the nature of my class, physical education might look a bit different from Art and Music, but it’s still a learning environment full of sights, sounds, and cool equipment.
Class begins with students walking to their spot on the gym floor, I explain the activity/equipment being used, and then get them started.
I utilize stations often since it allows the students multiple opportunities to practice the same skills.
When we are done, the students help put everything back for the next class and line up to leave.
I will be trying some new strategies this year to encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and how to resolve conflicts.
Every student should feel safe in my classroom
Things to have for PE:
Water bottle, students will need them and use them often. Especially when we are outside.
Athletic shoes: sandals, boots, crocs, and dress shoes are not very safe for the activities we do in Physical Education. If a student forgets their shoes, I will have them walk around during class so they are getting some exercise.
A great attitude: This year we will focus on “I can” statements. Encouraging each other and working to improve ourselves every class. You don’t need to be the best, you just need to try.
An ability to tie those shoes:) Students love to learn new skills and there are a ton of videos and books to help your child learn to tie their shoes.
Things we will do/assess/practice this year:
Locomotor skills: skip, hop, jump, run, sideways, gallop, backwards, leap, and walk.
Throwing both overhand and underhand
Kicking
Striking with an implement (bat, stick, racket etc)
Following directions
Maintaining and knowing safe zones
Balancing
Stretching
Rock Wall
Sports skills: basketball, hockey, tennis, volleyball, kickball, soccer, football, lacrosse, golf
Spatial Awareness
Fine and gross motor skills
Recess games, outdoor games, tag games, and lots of games that tie into the skills being learned in each lesson.
Hula Hoop activities
Dance (just a few silly dances that the students love)
Scooters
Fitness stations/skills
Endurance, strength, and stamina activities
How to reach me:
Email is best: petersja@brightonk12.comLibrary News
The Fall Book Fair is Coming to Spencer!
Books Bring us Together! I am excited to announce the Fall Book Fair is coming soon to our school! Save the date for Tuesday, September 21st - Wednesday, September 22nd. See the days and times below.
*Tuesday, 9/21 from 6-8:30 pm during the Spencer Open House
*Wednesday, 9/22 after school from 4-6 pm
We cannot run our Book Fairs without our amazing family volunteers! If you are interested, please click on the link below to sign up for a time to help us out. We would be very grateful!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084EACAB23ABF58-fall2
Thank you for helping us get books into the hands of our Spencer students. ~Mrs. Richards
What Day is my child's Library Day?
Help them find a spot at home to keep their library books safe, so that they can return them in good condition and on time. If they need more time to finish their book, no problem! They can just tell us that they want to "renew" it for another week. Here is our library schedule for the year...
Mondays: Cowher/Thomas, Hukkala, Rucinski, Sobolevski, Vollmer, Wiater
Tuesdays: Cowgill, Eiden, Kahl, Miller, Morrow, Phillips
Wednesdays: Andrews, Copenhaver, Howe, McBride, Rowe, Urso
Thursdays: Bridson, Ferguson, Garza, Gunn, Price
Here's to a year full of book adventures! ~Mrs. Richards
Note From the Counselor
Counselor Corner!
Hello from your Spencer Elementary School Counselor! I am so excited to welcome you all back for another amazing year! Although some things this year may still look different, your counselor is available to help support your children with Social-Emotional Learning. I will be providing classroom lessons, small group activities, and individual support this year. This month's lessons will focus on building connections in the classroom with peers. The Elementary Counselor Team also has the BAS Elementary Counseling website for ideas and resources to be used at home! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have, and I will do my best to support your child.
Mrs. McKiddy
Spencer/Hornung
https://sites.google.com/brightonk12.com/bas-elementary-counseling/home
PTO News
2021-22 PTO Board Members
Jen Lumsden - President
Nicole McGhee - Vice President
Amanda Hoffmann - Treasurer
Jacquelyn Turkovich - Secretary
Meghann Calvin - Secretary
Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! The PTO has a lot of fun events planned for our Spencer Families this year. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Our first PTO meeting this year will be Tuesday September 14 at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held in-person in the media center, with a virtual login option. If you wish to log in virtually, you can find the information below.
Topic: September PTO Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72486375444?pwd=M0VuTGFhZWtyVFpnQ2RTb3ppTVZWdz09
Meeting ID: 724 8637 5444
Passcode: acdu17
We have secured several sponsorships for our annual Roadrunner t-shirts over the summer. Please be on the lookout for t-shirt order forms in your child's folder this week! As usual, we are asking for a $5.00 donation for each shirt that you purchase, however, please note that all students will receive a shirt regardless of ability to pay! We do ask that you send your form back, even if you cannot pay, to ensure your student gets the correct size shirt. Please return no later than September 20!
A family Open House event will be held September 21st from 6-8pm, on the playground. We will have hot dogs and music. Be on the lookout for informational tables for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Laugh and Learn Therapy, and more. It's going to be a fun night to catch up with old (or make new) friends and let the kids play outside together. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on!
Check out our Facebook page for more information! https://www.facebook.com/groups/402232026502881
You can also find information on our website. http://spencerroadpto.weebly.com/
Bountiful Harvest Donation Opportunity
Brighton Idol
Transportation Information
Transportation
The Brighton Transportation Department is sending bus and route information soon for those that are in the district. If your child is to be picked up or dropped off anywhere but home, you will need to fill out an alternate destination form before school starts. Contact the office and we can email you the form.
*Please note:
Face Coverings/Masks Required for All Bus Riders
All students and staff must wear a face-covering/mask which snugly covers the nose and mouth on the bus, if medically feasible. If your child doesn't have a mask, they will not be able to ride due to federal regulations.
**PLEASE NOTE**
There is a new policy that the Transportation Dept is enforcing this year...Maltby parents are NOT allowed to pick their Maltby student up at Spencer unless they have a child attending Spencer.
Daily Start Time
Student drop off will be 8:40 (this is different than years past)
First Bell - 8:46
Starting Time in class- 8:50 AM
Dismissal Time - 3:43 PM
Pick-up time: 3:40
Attendance Line*
810-299-4354
*Please remember to call your child's absence in as early as possible.
Spencer Elementary
Email: rennerb@brightonk12.com
Website: https://www.brightonk12.com/Domain/238
Location: 10639 Spencer Road, Brighton, MI, United States
Phone: 810-299-4350
Twitter: @SpencerElem