Parsons Pirates Update
October 16, 2023
Message From the Principal
Dear Parsons Families,
What a weekend! It was great to see so many families at the parade. Way to go Marauders on the big win! This week is the Fun Run! We have exceeded our goal and have some exciting rewards as a result! Check out the information below to learn more!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
Gibraltar Non Tax Increase Bond
We have exciting news for all GSD Community!
This summer, the Gibraltar School District Board of Education has approved placing no tax-rate increase bond proposal on the November 7th ballot. Voter approval of the bond proposal will not increase residents' current tax rate.
The $81.5 million no-tax-rate increase bond proposal is designed to improve the learning environment and update the interior and exterior of school buildings.
The bond proposal will allow the school district to make improvements in five key areas:
1. enhancing elementary educational programming;
2. enhancing student safety and security;
3. improving the learning environment;
4. expanding arts, athletics, and play areas; and,
5. addressing aging facility infrastructure and, increasing building efficiencies.
To learn more about the bond proposal, click HERE
Amy Conway- Superintendent
Fun Run Fundraiser
First, the PTO has purchased an additional assembly for us as a result of our earning! Basketball Jones is coming on November 15th and the Space Dome is coming January 11th!
We did make all of our goals and have Spirit Days coming up that we earned!
Mismatch Day - Monday 10/16
Hat Day - Wednesday 10/25
Crazy Sock Day - Thursday 10/26
Crazy Hair Day - Friday 10/27
Wear Your PJs and Bring Your Favorite Stuffed Animal to School Day (Stuffed Animal must be able to fit in student’s backpack) - Friday 11/3
Finally, the PTO has decided that If the school can raise at least $2,000 more BEFORE the Fun Run, we are going to raffle off a new iPad!!!
Here are the rules….the collection window for this challenge starts at the time of this post (10/13 at 2pm) and will run for 5 days until Wednesday, 10/18 at 8pm. If the school raises at least $2,000 during the next 5 days, every student that obtained ANY donation amount during this time period will have their name entered into the raffle. One entry per student. Any in-school donations have to be turned in before 3:00pm on 10/18 in order to be counted for the challenge.
School Divided? U of M versus MSU
Unity Day
Unity Day - October 18th - Wear Orange
Unity Day is an annual event occurring during National Bullying Prevention Month that promotes joining together to create healthier communities through kindness, acceptance of difference, and inclusion.
Why unity? For years, bullying was justified with expressions such as, “Bullying is a natural part of childhood,” “Bullying makes kids tougher,” or “Bullying is a rite of passage.” The goal of Unity Day is to bring together youth, parents, educators, businesses, and community members across the nation to emphasize the message that bullying is not acceptable, and that all students deserve to be safe in school, online, and in the community
Why the color orange? Unity Day is celebrated in October, and orange is a color commonly identified with the month and the autumn season. It is also a color that is associated with safety and visibility. It is a color described as warm and inviting, and its vibrancy makes an impactful statement.
Why just a day? The event provides a catalyst for everyone to come together with a visual statement that our actions matter not only on one day, but every day.
Trunk or Treat Info
Halloween Parade
Each classroom party will have a limited number of parent volunteers. Please check with your child's teacher.
The parade route will be leaving school down Fryer to Stoeflet to Young to Navarre back to Fryer and back to the school. The fire department and police department will assist us. Unfortunately, Chapman Elementary booked the band first! Kindergarteners will lead the parade followed by all grade levels from oldest to youngest.
Please check with your child's teacher to see how they would like you to handle costumes. Most teachers in K-1 prefer that students come to school in their costume. Older students are more easily able to put their costumes on themselves in the afternoon.
Parents will not be allowed into the school to put on their child's costume or do makeup or hair. Costumes need to be easy to move in and school appropriate. Please no weapons, masks that make it hard for students to walk safely, guns, blood, weapons, or inflatable costumes.
Parents are welcome to walk with their child in the parade.
Spark Orange Frog Positive Award
Spark Student of the Week: King
King is a very helpful third grader. He is always ready to learn and brings a smile to others. He likes to make sure that Parsons is a positive place by solving problems and being a good friend.
I asked King the following questions.
- What brings you joy? Playing with fidgets and pop-its
- How do you bring joy to others? I help them, like I have a friend and I help him put his book box back on the shelf.
- Who is someone that brings joy to you? My family. My mom, dad, and brother.
Clarification about Free Breakfast and Lunch
Shout Out a Staff Member
WatchDOGS
Also, t-shirts are in for those who ordered! Mrs. Revoir will be in contact.
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.
Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
Our arrival and dismissal continue to get better everyday!
Just a couple of important reminders.
- Pull ALL the way up! More cars can line up so more students can be dismissed. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- Don't park on the crosswalk. It's illegal and our students need a safe way to cross.
- If you have parked in the parking lot, walk up to the curb or crosswalk. Do NOT let you child walk or run without a parent/guardian in the parking lot. Safety first!
- If you are parking, please park IN a parking spot. You cannot park in the middle of the road or up on the curb by the big lot because it is against fire code.
- Be nice to the crossing guard! We teach our students to be kind and it's not kind when parents yell and say the rules don't apply to them. Remember Parsons Pirates are Kinder Than Necessary.
Please Pick Up on Time
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
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
Water Only in the Classroom
While we know our students love Prime, juice, milk, pop, Starbucks, etc, we ask that you help us with ensuring that only water is available in the classroom. Students are welcome to have these other drinks at lunch but they will not be allowed in the classroom.
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
October 19th: Fun Run
October 23rd-24th: No School Autumn Break
October 26th: Trunk or Treat
October 31st: Halloween Parade 1:30
November 3rd: Half Day-Dismissal 11:55 Teacher Work Day
November 7th: No School-Professional Development Day
November 9th: Half Day-Dismissal 11:55 Parent Teacher Conferences
November 10th: Veteran's Day, Half Day-Dismissal 11:55 Parent Teacher Conferences
November 14th: PTO 6:00
November 20th or 21st: Turkey Trot PM
November 22nd-24th: Thanksgiving Break
December 2nd: Gibraltar Christmas Parade
December 11th: Christmas Concert at CHS
December 12th: PTO 6:00
December 18th-19th: Santas's Shop
December 19th: Cookies with Santa PM
December 22nd: Last Day before Winter Break
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