KERBY NEWSLETTER
November 15, 2019
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
The transition from fall to winter is one of my favorite times of year. It is definitely a busy season, I know that my weekends are filling up with family commitments and activities, but it is also a time of reflection.
The early snow forced me to slow down a bit and reflect on my first few weeks in the building. I have been fortunate to jump into a school community that is centered around compassion for students. I have enjoyed visiting classrooms to see learning in action and meeting Kerby families. Kerby's mission statement: cultivate kindness, inspire creativity, lead and learn for life is evident throughout our community. On our first snowy recess I saw kind students working together to build snow forts or snowmen. They were using materials found in nature to decorate and engaging in imaginative play. I saw leaders helping younger students with their coats and mittens. It was a wonderful way to see Kerby's mission statement in action.
As you gather together for celebration in the next few months, I hope that you take the opportunity to slow down and reflect. Know that I am grateful for this community and each of you.
With gratitude,
Ms. Bourke
PICK UP DROP OFF REMINDERS
- Please remember that the upper and lower wing back doors lock at 8:25 AM. Do not drop off your child if you no longer see the classes standing outside. You will need to walk with them to the front doors on Kerby Rd. and ring the bell. All students must be signed in by a parent if they arrive after 8:25 AM. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.
- Kindergarten parking, on Beaupre along the fence between the painted yellow lines on the curb, is reserved for cars that have a kindergarten parking pass. Please make sure you do not park there without one or you will be ticketed.
KERBY KEY DATES
November is Green Service & Safety Month
November 19- PTO Meeting 6:30 PM Kerby Library
November 22-December 6 - Soulliere Garden Center Wreath Fundraiser (see order form below)
November 25 - Wintersgiving Concert (see flyer below for those participating)
December 11 - Buffalo Wild Wing Fundraiser all day
December 13 & 14- Santa's Attic Fri. 6-8 PM Sat. 9-12 PM
LUNCH ROOM UPDATES
- Please remember to send your child's lunch in a thermos if it is something they enjoy eating warm.
- Please remind your child to take home what they do not eat instead of throwing it away
Chartwells pricing is as follows:
Lunch - $3.10
Milk - $.50
MUSIC ROOM UPDATES
Kerby Kudos
- Congratulations to Kerby Green Team for a successful assembly. Their planning and preparation for the Waste Free Wednesday initiative is a great example of leadership in action!
- Thank you to Mrs. Blazinski and Mrs. McClanaghan for leading trainings during our November 5th professional development. Mrs. McClanaghan shared updates on reading groups and supported our teachers in implementing small group instruction. Mrs. Blazinski shared technology information about Schoology.
- Congratulations to the Wayne County Community College Holiday Family Tradition Art & Essay Contest winners: Nicholas Moran, Brianna Crecy. Honorable mention was given to Lucy Nielubowicz, Gabrielle Gargasoulas and Sicily Spangler.
OFFICE NEWS
- Recess -Kerby students go outdoors for recess two times each day throughout the school year unless it is raining hard or the wind chill is below zero degrees. Please be sure that your child leaves for school dressed properly for the weather. All students must have boots and snowpants to play on the wood chips, gaga ball court, or playfield once the snow is on the ground—otherwise they must stay on the blacktop. Students should NOT throw snow or ice while on Kerby grounds. This will help all the students enjoy the joy of snow. We also ask that you write your child’s name on his/her gloves, hats, boots, and coat. Our Lost and Found quickly fills up!
- Phone Calls to the Office- If at all possible please let your child know in the morning what their after school plan is. We receive many late day phone calls and it is not always easy to relay the message to your child.
LEADER IN ME
- What does our family want to be known for?
- How do we treat each other?
- What unique contributions can we make?
- What big goals do we want to achieve?
- What unique talents and skills do we have?
GREEN TEAM
This week we kicked off “Waste Free Wednesdays” at Kerby. Prior to the Kickoff, we did a lunch sort and in just one day we generated 35 pounds of food waste, 12 pounds of trash and 4 pounds of recycle. The lunch sort was part of a workshop assembly with a guest speaker from Peace, Love and Planet. Our goal is to learn more about how we can reduce food waste and increase recycling. We’re trying to put uneaten food(s) back into our lunch boxes and pack meals in reusable containers, avoiding single use items such as plastic bags, cling film and drink boxes, which aren’t recyclable. We have started a new food pouch recycle (i.e. go go packs) program and are staring to recycle clean #1-#7 items (lunchables, etc). The kids seem to be learning a lot and bringing enthusiasm around going green. We thank you for all of your support at home!
KERBY SPIRIT WEAR
BOX TOPS
ART ROOM NEWS
Kerby Art Room Wish List:
If you can donate any of the following items to the Art Room, please label them "KERBY ART ROOM" and send to school with your child, or drop off in office. Thank you in advance for your support!
Antibacterial Wipes
Baby Wipes
Kleenex/Tissue (lots of colds going around!)
Paper Towels (new, not cardboard rolls)
Cotton Balls
Q-Tips
How to Draw Books
THIRD GRADE READING LAW
Please click on and read the following link from the district about the Third Grade Reading Law. This school year is the first year that the retention language of the law goes into effect. Please let Ms. Bourke know if you have any questions as to if/how this might affect your child.
Bell Schedule 2018-2019
09:05 AM Entry Bell
09:10 AM AM Instruction Begins
11:56 AM Lunch Bell
12:46 PM PM Instruction Begins
03:38 PM Dismissal Bell
Tuesday-Friday Bell Schedule
08:20 AM Entry Bell
08:25 AM AM Instruction Begins
11:36 AM Lunch Bell
12:26 PM PM Instruction Begins
03:38 PM Dismissal Bell
Stay Connected with Kerby
Email: bourkej@gpschools.org
Website: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/Domain/1321
Location: 285 Kerby Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4200
Twitter: @gpkerby