The Siple Scoop
MARCH 2023
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It's March! Can you believe it? The year is flying by. I love this time of year at Siple. The children are in an exciting learning mode. I see them grow more during this time of year than any other.
March is Reading Month every year. Our staff will be helping the students to celebrate the joy of books and reading. This year we are following a sports theme. We are having our own March Madness, but with books! We will all read and the vote for our favorites to see which book wins! Each week of March we will read and vote for different books. Watch for more information from your child's teacher.
We will also celebrate reading by having our 2nd Scholastic Book Fair of the year March 6-10. More information about the Book Fair is available later in the newsletter.
We hope your family will join in the fun of celebrating reading by joining us for our Family Reading Night on Tuesday, March 7th. It will run from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. More information will be sent home soon. Have a terrific March!
Christy Flowers, Principal
810-591-5104
WE ARE HIRING
We are interested in hiring additional Playground Monitors and Title I paraprofessionals at Siple Elementary. Playground Monitors work 10:30 - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session. Playground Monitors have an excellent opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of children. If you are interested in applying to be a Playground Monitor you can apply online at www.gecs-inc.org. Please call the office at 810-591-5104 to let the office staff know you have completed an application.
Title I Paraprofessionals work with students to provide additional support to increase student achievement. Paraprofessionals are required to have some college credit or pass a test to be eligible for employment. If you are interested in becoming a paraprofessional you can apply online at through Applitrack. Also, please be aware that part of the hiring process for both positions is a complete background check and fingerprinting. If you have any questions please feel welcome to call us.
The Scholastic Book Fair Returns
Technology Code of Conduct
The Davison Community Schools Parent and Student Handbook is posted online and hard copies are available upon request. I've copied the link below for your convenience. Although District rules and procedures are reviewed with students at school, we understand that the partnership that we have with our parents/guardians play a critical role. It takes a team effort of cooperation and individual responsibility to achieve the safest and best educational environment for our students, families, and faculty.
I'm highlighting 2 areas of our handbook in this month's newsletter. Please know that this includes cell phones, smart watches, or other paraphernalia that has the ability to game, record, snap pictures etc. In all honesty, these devices are a major distraction to the learning environment and make it very difficult for our children to focus. If you review the handbook, you can see that consequences for any violation of our District handbook are progressive in nature, due to age/development, as well as frequency of offenses.
K. Improper Use or Possession of Electronic Devices: Electronic games or other paraphernalia, and digital cameras are not to be used/played or operated without permission of the teacher. In all buildings, use of these devices may be permitted under special circumstances with permission of the classroom teacher and/or administrator. Cell phone use during before- or after-school activities is at the discretion of the coach, director, or other adult in charge. Cell phones, electronic music players and games may be permitted during bus rides. They may not be used when boarding or exiting the bus. These items are the responsibility of the student. The school assumes no responsibility for lost, broken or stolen items. Taking pictures, video or audio recordings of any staff or student, or drawing pictorial representations of students or staff without their permission is not allowed. These may not be posted on any internet sites or disseminated in any fashion to other individuals.
Elementary First offense – warning. Second offense – warning and parent notification. Third offense – warning, detention, restorative practices, parent must pick up device in office. After the third offense, the student may no longer be permitted to possess the device on school grounds. Additional suspension up to 3 days may result from repeated violations.
L. Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: In the elementary and middle school buildings, cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices are to be used for emergency purposes only and after school hours. Their use during the school day presents a disruption to the educational process. Cell phones must be turned off and put away in the student’s locker at Hahn Intermediate and Davison Middle School during school hours. At Davison High School and Davison Alternative Education, cell phones may only be used before school, after school, during passing time and during a student’s lunch time in the cafeteria In all buildings, use of cell phones may be permitted under special circumstances with permission of the classroom teacher and/or administrator. Cell phones may be permitted during bus rides. They may not be used when boarding or exiting a bus. Students are prohibited from using cell phones/cameras to capture, record or transmit the words (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity, without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or transmission/posting of such words or images. Using a cell phone/camera to take or transmit/post audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without his/her consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted unless authorized by the building principal. Students who violate this provision, violate the privacy rights of another person may have their cell phone confiscated and given to law enforcement. No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of cell phones on school premises/ property.
Elementary First offense – warning. Second offense – device taken and sent home at the end of the day and parent notification. Third offense – warning, detention, parent must pick up device in office. After the third offense, the student may no longer be permitted to possess the device on school grounds. ** Additional suspension up to 3 days may result from repeated violations or taking or transmitting pictures/ video/ audio recordings.
Davison Community Schools Parent and Student Handbook
WAYS TO HANDLE PROBLEMS THAT ARISE
1. Please reach out to your child's teacher first. The teacher is with your child most of the day. They are aware of situations that arise at lunch, recess, and in the classroom. Because the classroom teacher knows your child so well, as well as their classmates, this is the best place to start.
2. If you and the classroom teacher are not able to clear-up the matter, please contact the office to speak to the Principal. The Principal will speak with the classroom teacher to see what steps you and the teacher have already put into place and then reach out to you to discuss the matter.
3. If there is a bus issue, please contact the transportation office at 810-591-0816. They can reach out to the bus drivers and work to resolve the situation. If the issue is not cleared up, please contact the Siple office so we can get involved and help.
Finally, I would encourage parents to avoid turning to social media to address problems. As mentioned before, contacting the classroom teacher and then the office is the best way to handle a difficult situation. If we don't know about a situation we cannot fix it. We care deeply about all of our students and want to partner with parents to keep our school safe for everyone. We appreciate your help with this.
Staffing News
PARENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Our Siple Singers Performing at Americana Seniors of Davison
SAVE THE DATE: KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP
Parents, if you have younger children at home we wanted to make you aware that we are now starting the waiting list for Early-5's. Our Early 5's program is for children that will turn 5 between June 15 and December 1, 2023. This is an excellent program to prepare young children for kindergarten. It is a full day program that focuses on kindergarten readiness. To add your child to the wait list please call the Thomson Elementary office at 810-591-0911. Registration for Early 5's is open now.
Information was sent home Monday about Kindergarten Round Up. The age required for Kindergarten and Early 5's is that they must be 5 by September 1, 2023. Kindergarten Round Up has been scheduled for April 17 - April 21, 2023 at Thomson Elementary. Appointments for Round-up can be made beginning March 1st by calling the Thomson office at 810-591-0911. All registration calls, even for Siple, are handled at Thomson Elementary.
Davison also offers our amazing GSRP preschool program. Registration is currently underway for the 2023-2024 school year. For more information you can call 810-591-0922.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS??
SIPLE STARS OF THE MONTH
Each month classroom teachers will nominate one student from their class to be entered into the grade level drawing for the STAR of the MONTH for that grade. Each grade level STAR of the Month will receive a certificate, medal, and their photo will be on display in the hallway during that month.
We are pleased to recognize students for consistently demonstrating excellent behavior. Thank you for sharing your outstanding children with us. I am pleased to announce our STARs
December Winners
Kindergarten: Tate Campbell, Kennedy Owczarski, Oliver Wheeler
1st grade: Hunter Dudenas, Grace Harris, Nikolai Klingensmith
2nd grade: Rush Allen, Wesson Goretski, Brenden Stogner
3rd grade: Cora Schwartz, Luella Nelson
4th grade: Amelia Anselmo, Kenzlie Aulph, Nash Martin
January Winners
Kindergarten: Kayla Bryson, Serenity Angle, Kaylan Skau
1st grade: Blake Bearss, Amelia Traynor, Lilyana Christ
2nd grade: Elayna Rider, Addison Ross, Paige Goin
3rd grade: Jace Babcock, Jaylend Stimson, Lucian Marshall
4th grade: Cayden Cornell, Dishon Davis, Benny Gordon, Patricia Schlip
February Winners
Kindergarten: Cole Diehl, Abigail Dunton, Emily Montague
1st grade: Adyson Fenner, Cali Morse
2nd grade: Lincoln Meeks, Graham Nation, Olivia Beal
3rd grade: Mason Hill, Maverick Vandecar, Elizabeth Coughlin
4th grade: Carson Unger, Lorenzo Kennedy, Cahsea Merry
Congratulations to these outstanding young learners!
December 2022 STARs
January 2023 STARs
February 2023 STARs
DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR RECESS
Attendance, Tardiness & Leaving Early Matters!
Additionally, when children leave early, they often miss the end of the day's closure. Please be mindful that every minute matters and we must work to make the most of every minute!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Sunshine
“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”
~Helen Keller
This time of year can be challenging for many in Michigan. The constant change between the cold, cloudy days and warm, sunshine plays with our emotions and leaves many feeling drained of energy. It affects children as well, but they aren’t often able to identify it in themselves. I have found that the best way to overcome those dreary emotions is to go outside to get fresh air and even get exercise. Those two activities have the potential to revitalize even on the most challenging days. Sunlight increases serotonin levels which improves mood, focus, and even a sense of calm.
Children today spend a great deal of time inside. Although we like to protect children from the elements, they also need time outside to explore and absorb all that nature has to teach. I highly encourage limiting time with electronics, especially on sunny days. This may mean muddy shoes, but it also equates to happier faces.
Mrs. Liley, Counselor
810-591-0227
DID YOU KNOW.........
Did You Know This Service is Available
There are many great resources for families in the area. This section of the Siple Scoop is dedicated to introducing you to a FREE resource each month.
This month we are featuring Michigan 211, which is a free, confidential service, that connects you with local community based organizations across the state offering more than 30,000 different programs and services for people seeking help with a variety of things (Food, Utilities, Housing/Homelessness, Veterans & Military Affairs, Children & Families, Re-Entry Services, Disaster Preparedness & Response, Transportation, and Tax Assistance). Simply dial 211 or go to the website: https://www.mi211.org
FUN TO BE FIT
This year is going by so fast! We will be working on our underhand roll unit. I have a lot of fun games and activities that the students will love while working on underhand roll.
March is also Heart Awareness Month so I'll be working on some jump roping at the end of the month. We will have a jump contest school wide to see which classroom can jump the most jumps in one class time. The kids love this day and it's so cool to see everybody working together as a class to get the most jumps they can with a jump rope!
March Madness is finally here - Root for those Spartans - Go Green!!
Mr. Sipley, Gym Teacher
810-591-0231
MUSIC NOTES
2023 4th Grade MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
This event will be performed at the Davison High School Auditorium.
*Mrs. Odglen sent home letters to this performing group!*
4th Grade Musical = March 16, 2023
*Practice! Practice! Practice!*
4th graders need to meet in the Davison High School Choir Room at 6:45pm.
4th grade attire for the performance: This year's musical is set in a school.
Please wear a nice outfit you would wear to school. The stage can get very warm, so please keep this in mind when selecting what to wear.
Also, please wear comfortable shoes for the performance.
The performance will begin at 7:00pm in the DHS Auditorium.
*Thank you so much to our Parent Volunteers!*
Let’s shine bright Siple Stars!!
Mrs. Odglen, Music Teacher
810-591-0238
STEM FUN
Can you believe it is March already? We are busy every week in STEM class improving our technology skills and problem solving.
This month students will work on specialized coding lessons and we will have a bit of fun working on St. Patrick’s Day themed activities for all grade levels. The lower elementary students are continuing to work with Google Docs and Google Drawings to practice responding in text format.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am very easy to reach via email at ecarr@davisonschools.org.
810-591-0238
PTO NEWS
There are many ways to get involved! They are finding creative ways to continue their strong partnership and support to our school. The best way to stay informed is to connect with the PTO on their Facebook page. They are listed as Siple Elementary PTO. Our next PTO meeting is Monday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m. Enter the building at the Media Center entrance. We hope you can join us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 1: Kindergarten Round Up appointments start @ Thomson Elementary
March 1: Early Release Day @ 1:30 p.m.
March 7: Family Reading Night: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
March 16: 4th Grade Musical @ DHS/7:00 p.m.
March 24: No School: Spring Break Begins
March 27 - 31: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/Spring Break
April 3: NO SCHOOL/Teacher Records Day
April 4: School resumes with a full day
Siple Elementary
9286 E. Coldwater Road
Davison, MI 48423
Christy Flowers, Principal
Follow Mrs. Flowers on Twitter: @Principal4Kids
Office Phone: 810-591-5104
Office Fax: 810-591-5102
Attendance: 810-591-5100