Bear Bulletin
Maire newsletter: November 9th Edition
Dear Maire Families
I want to thank you for going out to vote on Election Day. I realize that not everyone agreed with the bond proposal, however the bond has passed and now we will take steps to move forward together. This was a necessary bond to support our schools. All of the principals in Grosse Pointe supported the bond and we appreciate you doing your part to make the bond a reality for our students.
The first phase of the bond spending will be used to support security initiatives across the district. We want safe, secure buildings where students can focus on learning. We will improve the internet infrastructure to keep up with the demands of 21st century teaching and learning. Here at Maire, due to our generous PTO, we have numerous technology devices that will soon be able to operate more efficiently on the internet.
With the bond passing, our PTO is able to focus their support for our teachers and school with initiatives and items of our choosing that will continue to enhance the learning experience at Maire. We did an amazing job raising funds at the Fun Run. Knowing that the bond is covering essential and critical building items, we can support our classrooms with new and exciting programs and resources.
I want to thank all of those who supported the bond and our schools. This is an important step in creating a safe, warm, dry and connected school district.
Sincerely,
Ryan Francis
Principal
PS- Please consider attending our first "Coffee with the Principal" event on Friday November 16th. This is a chance to meet other parents and hear about events in the school. *See the flyer below
PARKING LOT SAFETY REMINDERS
I wanted to say thank you for all who show patience and gratitude for our volunteer parking lot helpers. Your kindness and understanding during heavy traffic times in the parking lot is sincerely appreciated.
Just a few parking lot reminders for each day:
- Pulling as far forward in the green zone as possible before you stop.
- Dropping off your student in the green zone only.
- Seating your child on the passenger side of the car for a quick, easy, curbside exit.
- Parking in the lot and walking your child in if you know you will need to get out of the car.
- Crossing only at the crosswalk.
- Entering and exiting the parking lot with a right turn only.
- Extending grace and patience to other drivers and especially our wonderful volunteers!
Our "Character Word of the Month" for September was KIND and for October was RESPECT. These are values that we want to instill in every student at Maire and we need your help at home too. Modeling respect and kindness, especially to volunteers who freely give up time in their mornings to help create a safe drop-off for your child(ren) is one step that you can do to help ensure your child grows up with solid core values. We appreciate all who have modeled this well, day-in and day-out. We understand that some mornings can be frustrating because of weather, traffic or other extenuating circumstances. We hope that each day is a new opportunity and chance to promote positive social and emotional growth for the students at Maire. We are in this together and we appreciate your support in creating amazing kids by supporting positive character.
If you have concerns about our drop off lane and procedures, please contact the office.
Thank you for working together to make the school day as pleasant as possible for the whole Maire community!
Character Word of the Month-Responsibility
During November we will focus on Responsibility. We kicked off the month at our November 2nd Bear Den Town Hall Meeting. Our Safeties were also sworn in by the Lt. Gwyne. Thanks for your support at home helping to create well-rounded kids and continuing at home with what we do at school on a daily basis. Responsibility Parent Letter
The "PRINCIPAL CHALLENGE" for November...take on more responsibilities at home. Perhaps it is packing your own lunch or backpack, helping with laundry or yard work. Students are encouraged to take on more at home and come in to school to let Mr. Francis know what they are doing to help share the responsibilities at home.
"Maire Moment" Dates Coming Soon:
11/12 GPPSS Board Meeting at Brownell 7pm
11/14 PTO Meeting in teachers lounge 7pm
PTO Hungry Howie's night (*please note this is rescheduled from last week)
11/15 Box Top Collection Day
11/16 Coffee with the Principal in the library 10 am
11/20 1/2 Day for Students AM classes only
11/21-11/23 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break (school resumes on 11/26 at 9:05 a.m.)
12/1 PTO Holiday Craft Fair & Gift Shop 9am-1pm
12/4 Report cards go home
12/11 Maire Diversity Meeting 6-7:15pm
Maire Messages from the Office:
Please be sure to call our Attendance Line at 432-4301 with all absences/late arrivals by 8:45 a.m. This is a dedicated line and is available 24 hours/7 days a week. If you know of a future absence (trip, appointment, etc.) please let the office know with a phone call or note as soon as possible.
- It is best to make sure your child is prepared in the morning with their winter gear, lunch, homework or any other needed items. This reduces the many visits to the school by parents. This also minimalizes the amount of classroom interruptions during the day.
Please label all of your child's outerwear! This really does help when we have 307 students, as many items are left behind. Please check the lost and found for any missing items. It is always overflowing!
Distinguished Award
Persons receiving Board recognition will receive their awards at the Board of Education's meeting on Monday, November 12, 2018. The BOE meeting is at 7:00 p.m., in the Brownell Multipurpose Room. All are welcome!
Socktober Service Project !
Clustering or Magnet Services
These learning opportunities include:
- Formal cluster grouping in math, language arts or both within their homerooms.
- The Magnet program, which focuses on the specific needs of academically gifted children
Look for a letter coming home next week with more information!.
Super Star Safety Patrol
Check out these Superstar Safeties : Ava, Evie, Clara, Peyton & Sam!
These 4th Grade Safeties filled in while their 5th Grade friends were away at camp, standing in at their posts. Thank you for your willingness to take on extra shifts! That is an awesome show of Responsibility. (our Character word for November)
PBIS Celebration for November
For the monthly incentive party for November, we will be making placements for "Empty Bowls". This is fabulous, because not only do we get to reward our students with an activity, our Maire Bears get the chance to give back to a great organization.
The goal of the monthly PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) Party is to recognize positive behavior around the school.
Research shows that students achieve at a higher level when they know the expectations and feel safe. PBIS helps us improve on both these areas. We want students to feel good about themselves and come to school happy and ready to learn!
The Simple “Bear” Necessities:
Respect
Responsibility
Safety
Gleaner's Food Drive
Boxes can be found on the 1st and 2nd floor for collection of non perishable items.
Here are some suggested items to donate:
Boxes of: pasta, rice, potatoes, cereal, containers of oatmeal
Bags of: rice, pasta, crackers
Cans of: fruit, vegetables, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken) soup, beans, canned chili, canned pasta sauce
Peanut butter, sun butter, almond butter
Squeezable jelly
NO Glass bottles or containers
NO fresh fruit or vegetables
$$$ monetary donations are always accepted, and should be turned in to the office.
***BE SURE THE DONATIONS HAVE NOT REACHED THEIR EXPIRATION DATE. FOOD THAT IS BEYOND THE DATE CANNOT BE DONATED***
PTO Holiday Craft Fair Saturday December 1st
9am -1pm
Please come and join us for this annual Maire tradition!
Coming soon: Look for the sample crafts in our 1st floor showcase
HELP! WE NEED YOU...Lunch and Clinic Volunteers!
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044fa9ac2ea20-maire
Support the Grosse Pointe South Boy's Basketball Team
Maire Weekly Flyers
https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/Page/14526
Flyers may also be accessed by going to the Maire website and clicking on the "Weekly Flyers" button.
Follow us on social media
Twitter: @GPMaire
Facebook : Principal Francis-Maire Elementary and Maire Elementary PTO group page
Maire Mission Statement
The staff at Maire School, in partnership with students, parents, and community, will provide a high quality instructional program. Our purpose is to prepare students to be life-long learners and productive citizens in a dynamic society.
District Mission Statement
The Grosse Pointe Public School System mission - in partnership with students, staff, parent, and community members - is to challenge all students to realize their full potential by providing them with the highest quality educational program and instruction.
District Vision
One GP-where everyone learns every day.
Maire Elementary School
Email: kramerm@gpschools.org
Website: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/gpmaire
Location: 740 Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4300
Twitter: @GPmaire