Parsons Pirates Update
December 11, 2023
Message From the Principal
Dear Parsons Pirates,
Holiday cheer is in the air! We are so excited to show off our musical talents on Monday at Carlson High School for our Christmas Concert. Your little elves have been working so hard! We have multiple holiday and family events coming up. Please read below for all the dates and times!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
Fill The Bus!
Background Check Reminders
You may not get a background check done the day of an event. For Christmas parties, background checks must be completed a week before an event (December 15).
Attendance
Regular attendance and punctuality in school gives students the best chance of benefiting from the instructional program. Experiences missed because of absence cannot be made up adequately. We would like to encourage you to schedule family vacations at times other than when school is in session. When you must schedule a family trip during school time, contact the teacher in advance concerning how your child will complete missed assignments. Families that are struggling with attendance should know that it is our mission to be partner oriented.
❖ Parents are asked to call the school when their child is going to be absent. Please record your child’s absence on the automated line when prompted.
❖ Truancy occurs once a child misses beyond 10 scheduled school days in a semester or up to 12% of scheduled school days up to the current day of instruction.
❖ Generally, parent interventions will include phone calls, letters, involvement of local truancy officer, and possible report to Wayne County prosecutor’s officer.
❖ Student absences are reported to parents on progress reports, Parent Connect, and report cards as well as upon request.
Parking Lot Safety
Please help our keep our kids safe!
Please do not drive across the grass.
Please do not reverse in at the stop sign on Fryer to be the first in line.
Please do not drive in the left lane and then cut into the drive line.
Please have patience, especially as we get ready for winter weather.
Giving Tree
Christmas Concert
Our annual Christmas Concert will take place on Monday, December 11th at CHS auditorium. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students will start at 6:00. Third grade through fifth grade students will start at 7:00.
Students in grades Kindergarten through 2 should arrive no earlier than 5:45. Teachers will not be in their assigned classrooms until that time. Students in the older grades please arrive no earlier than 6:45. Attached are the room assignments for each teacher, please have your student go to this room at arrival time. Parsons Holiday Celebration Room Assignments There will be name tags on each door to help you find the correct classroom. They will need to leave their coats and other belongings with you, the rooms will not be locked during the performances. If you have students in parts of the program please have them sit with you when their group is not singing.
On the evening of the concert, students should wear whatever they would like. Mrs. Arndt and Mrs. Monticello just wants them there to have this experience. Please do not feel like they need a new outfit just for this occasion. If your student is unable to attend please let Mrs. Arndt know, some students have "jobs" during the performance and Mrs. Arndt will need to fill that role if they are unable to attend.They have all worked so hard. We can't wait to see them show off!
Polar Express Week
Next week is Polar Express week in the library! Thank you to Mrs. Buza for creating this fun event! Please wear pajamas on Friday!
Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa is a free event sponsored by our PTO at Parsons on Tuesday, December 19th from 6:00-7:30. We encourage all families to attend to take pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, eat cookies, make a craft, and listen to teachers read Christmas stories.
Santa's Shop
Santa's Shop will take place on Monday, December 18th and Tuesday, December 19th. Students will have an opportunity to shop during the school day and families can shop at night at Cookies with Santa. All Santa's Shop items are $1.25. Students can buy up to 10 items.
Cold Weather Reminder
Outside recess occurs when the temperature and wind chill are 15 degrees or above. The children are expected to participate in recess activities and it is certainly to their advantage to dress properly. Children should wear mittens, boots, and proper head covering during cold weather.
Spark Orange Frog Positive Award
Spark Student of the Week: Braydon Revoir
Braydon is a second grade student that always comes to school with a smile! Even after breaking his arm twice, he continues to be positive and not let it stop him. He always has a story. He always wants to help friends and teachers at school. He gives lots of hugs. Braydon even helped pass the Bond by making videos about how much he LOVES Parsons!
Braydon
- What brings you joy? Everything!
- How do you bring joy to others? Being kind.
- Who is someone that brings joy to you? Everyone! Mom, Dad, my dogs, Ama, friends, my teacher, and Mrs. Aherne.
Shout Out a Staff Member
WatchDOGS
WatchDOGS started on October 10th. Check out the link and/or the QR code.
Please only sign up for two days to allow more parents to sign up.
School Hours
School doors open at 8:33! Our school hours are from 8:38am-3:33 pm. Our half day hours are 8:38 am-11:55 am. School dismissal is staggered. Please read information from your child’s teacher regarding grade level dismissal.
Tardy 8:45
Absent AM 9:30
Absent PM 2:30
Please Check Out Our GSD Student Handbook
School Safety
All doors are locked during the school day. If you come to school, you will be buzzed into the foyer area and office and then asked to show identification before your child is released. All visitors/volunteers in the building must report and sign in at the office. Visitors must wear a badge in the school building. All volunteers in the classroom and for field trips must have a background check on file each year.
Parsons Positive Behavior Model
This month we are working on showing Responsibility!
PBIS Clubs:
Free School Breakfast and Lunch
Governor Whitmer has made school breakfast and lunch free again this school year. You will receive free and reduced lunch forms the first day of school. Even though meals are free we encourage all families to fill out the forms. The completion of the application by our families helps us receive federal funding. Lunch menus are available at this link.
Lunch is 11:45-1:00.
K 11:45-12:10
3 11:55-12:20
1 12:05-12:30
4 12:15-12:40
2 12:25-12:50
5 12:35-1:00
Teacher of the Month
Jamie Churches', State Representative HD 27, office has a new ‘Teacher of the Month’ nomination form available on their website. As always, they wish to highlight the phenomenal educators of our district and showcase their incredible efforts in the classroom, with our students, and within the school community. I have attached the link to this email for your convenience. As they receive nominations, her team will reach out accordingly to schedule a day/time to present the award to a teacher per school month. Last year, Brittany Gurney received this award. We have so many awesome educators!
Teacher of the Month Nomination Form: https://housedems.com/jaime-churches/teacher-of-the-month/
When to Keep Your Child Home From School
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X1h-iSol2YD68QRJndqs3bNInfpnLoISC0h1E_B7-Ck/edit?usp=sharing
Upcoming Dates
December 11th: Christmas Concert at CHS 6:00 (k-2) 7:00 (3-5)
December 12th: PTO meeting 6:00
December 14th: Board meeting 7:00 Board Office
December 18th-19th: Santas's Shop
December 19th: Cookies with Santa 6:00-7:30
December 22nd: Last Day before Winter Break
December 23rd-January 7th: Winter Break
January 9th: PTO 6:00
January 10th: Early Dismissal 11:55
January 11th: Space Dome Assembly
January 15th: MLK Day, No School
January 18th: Drama Club Begins
February 19th-20th: Winter Break, No School
February 27th: PD Day, No School
Mrs. Aherne
Email: ahernes@gibdist.net
Website: https://www.gibdist.net/parsons-elementary
Location: Parsons Elementary School, Middle Gibraltar Road, Gibraltar, MI, USA
Phone: (734) 379-7050