Parsons Pirates Update
January 22nd, 2024
Message From the Principal
Dear Parsons Pirates,
Thank you for all of your flexibility with school closures this week. We definitely had some crazy weather. We were so glad to see students back in school at the end of the week. I hope all of you stay warm this weekend, cuddle up with a good book, and take advantage of the snow to go sledding or make a snowman.
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
Half Day Friday, January 26th
Shout Out a Staff Member
Popcorn Day
The 5th Grade Party Planning team is underway and has their first fundraiser this week. Orders and payment have already been collected. The team will pack the popcorn and deliver it on the half day. The popcorn will be left outside of each teacher's classroom before dismissal and students can take the popcorn home with them.
Reading Month is Coming
Our PTO has already planned lots of amazing activities in preparation for Reading Month.
The Book Fair is coming February 21-February 28th. The Book Fair will be officially open for student shopping from 8am-9am on Thursday, February 22nd during Grandparents' Breakfast. We will begin our classroom shopping that afternoon at 1pm. We will have a full day of classroom shopping on Friday, and a half day in the morning on Monday, February 26th. The Book Fair will also be open in the evening on 2/26 during Bingo for Books. Since we do not have school on Tuesday, we will be open for a half day in the morning on Wednesday, February 28th for any make-up shopping needs.
I also advocated for an author visit and our PTO has made it happen! Author Lindsay Gizicki wrote The Pirate Doctor and To the Moon and Back. She does a one hour assembly presentation that includes a reading of one of her books, goes over the publication printing process and answers questions about what it's like to be an author. She does a writer's workshop activity and giveaway during the assembly. This assembly is geared towards 2nd-5th grade. However, she also said that she could do 15 minute classroom visits for kindergarten and 1st grade for free in addition to the assembly. She is coming on March 15th.
Parking Lot Safety
Please drive slowly through the parking lot, especially with snow and ice. We are trying to keep sideways salted but please let us know if there is a spot we missed. Remember there is no adult supervision until 8:33. Please keep our kids safe and warm.
Drama Club has started
Drama Club has come to Parsons. Mrs. Bloomfield, Mrs. Claus, and Mrs. Linge are directing. The play is Alice and Wonderland. Fourth and fifth graders who are participating in Drama Club will head straight to the gym on Thursdays for practice. They are expected to follow school expectations during Drama Club. The final show will take place on Thursday, March 21st.
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.
We encourage students to bring boots and regular shoes. It is uncomfortable for students to sit in boots all day and it makes the classroom wet and dirty.
Spark Orange Frog Positive Award
We are keeping this star for next week since we only got to celebrate them in school for two days!
Spark Student of the Week: Blake
Blake is Mr. Positive. He always is excited to come into school in the morning. He gives hugs and compliments. Blake is always willing to help out in his classroom or school community.
Blake
- What brings you joy? To see everyone be happy
- How do you bring joy to others? By playing with them at recess, being a friend, or helping someone who needs help
- Who is someone that brings joy to you? Everyone in Ms. Fairris's class!
Watch Dogs
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
Are you interested in Champions?
Please check out the Champions newsletter from Ms. Rachel for information about Champions and what they are learning this week!
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.
Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
Many students received phones or tablets over break. Here's a great article about how to keep your kids safe with technology and social media.
Parsons Positive Behavior Model
This month we are working on Goal Setting!
PBIS Clubs: We have had a lot of fun at our first club session. We will pick new clubs for the second part of the year!
Check out the January Lunch Menu!
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
January 25th: Drama Club
January 26th: Half Day Dismissal 11:55, End of 2nd Quarter, Popcorn goes home
February 7th: Count Day
February 8th: Drama Club
February 13th: PTO 6:00
February 19th-20th: Winter Break, No School
February 21st-February 29th Book Fair
February 22nd: Drama Club
February 26th: Bingo for Books
February 27th: PD Day, No School
February 28th: Rev'd Up Fun Event 4:30-9:00
February 29th: Drama Club
March 1st: Trenton Theater Kindergarten Field Trip 9:00
March 7th: Drama Club
March 12th: PTO 6:00
March 14th: Drama Club
March 15th: Dress Rehearsal Drama Club
March 21st Drama Club Final Performance
March 22nd: Talent Show
March 25th-April 1st : No School, Spring Break
April 2nd: School Resumes
April 5th: Half Day, Dismissal 11:55
April 9th: PTO 6:00
April 11th: Board Meeting 7:00
April 17th: No School, PD day
May 9th: Mornings with Mom, Board meeting 7:00
Math 14th: PTO 6:00
May 16th: Bike to School
May 20th-May 22nd: 5th Grade Camp
May 27th: Memorial Day, No School
May 30th: Donuts with Dad, Real Life Farms Kindergarten 9:00
May 31st: 5th Grade Party 5:00-7:30
June 5th: Senior Clap Out at Parsons
June 7th: CHS Graduation
June 10th: Field Day
June 14th: Last Day of School, Half Day 11:55 dismissal
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