Parsons Pirates Update
February 19, 2024
Message From the Principal
Dear Parsons Pirates,
Can you believe we have been in school for 100 days?! Wow! Just a reminder that we have no school on Monday and Tuesday due to President's Day. We will see you back here on Wednesday. Enjoy the time off! Play outside, read a book, do a puzzle, and spend some quality time together!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
Kids Heart Challenge™ is HERE!
Kids Heart Challenge Update!
We have 142 students registered. Thirty two students have completed Finn's Mission. We have raised $6,167 for Kids Heart.
- Start by downloading the Kids Heart Challenge APP or click this link: http://www2.heart.org/goto/ParsonsElementary to sign up!
- Complete Finn’s Missions: learn TWO lifesaving skills as a family TONIGHT!
- Become a Heart Hero: Send emails/e-cards on the website or texts via the app to invite friends and family asking for support.
Watch the official kick-off video to get to know our heart heroes!
PLUS, this Online Envelope will show you all the thank you gifts your student can earn.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: http://www2.heart.org/goto/ParsonsElementary
OR DOWNLOAD THE
KIDS HEART CHALLENGE APP
We LOVE our teachers! Don't forget to shout out a staff member!
Mini Marauders
Below is the flyer for our Mini Marauder Baseball/Softball program. Check it out.
Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books
empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as
always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place from Thursday,
February 22nd - Wednesday, February 28th in the Parsons Library.
Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the
Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each
child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online. All orders ship
directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will
also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/parsonselementaryschool6.
The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Happy reading!
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.
Grandparent's Breakfast
The Grandparent's Breakfast is on February 22, 2024. It is a sold out event. When you come into the building, you will wait in line and get food at the tables in front of the library. The photo opportunity will be in the gym in the back corner to help with the flow. We can't wait to see everyone! Don't forget to have the grandparents check out the book fair!
Bingo for Books
Bingo for Books is Monday, February 26, 2024. This is a great event! Come play Bingo and take home some free books! We will have two time slots to allow more people to attend.
6:00-6:45
7:00-7:45
Come Skate With Us!
Author Visit
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.
Spark Orange Frog Positive Award
Student Spark of the Week: Hannah RS
Hannah is a little spark of sunshine. She usually has a smile and something to say. She loves to learn and tell everyone about her weekend plans.
- What brings you joy? When Daddy gives me a hug
- How do you bring joy to others? I help them.
- Who is someone that brings joy to you? Daddy
Parking Lot Safety
The Gibraltar Police Department has kindly been helping us monitor our parking lot. Please made sure you are following our policies and procedures.
Follow the One Way signs.
Drive slowly.
Pull up all the way.
Don't leave your car unattended in drive line.
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.
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. Just a reminder that if you have a felony conviction you may not volunteer in the classroom or on field trips.
Parsons Positive Behavior Model
This month we are working on Fairness!
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 February 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
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
May 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