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Arcadia Stars Newsletter

November 2023

Arcadia Stars Newsletter November 2023

Arcadia Elementary Mission and Vision

Dear Arcadia Star Families,


I hope each of you have had a restful break with family and friends. I want to thank you for sharing your students with us at Arcadia Elementary. It is with great joy and gratitude that we get to serve such special students, who leave their footprints in our hearts!


Be sure to check out the new and upcoming events that will take place at Arcadia!


Wishing Blessings, Peace, Joy, and Health,

Meaghan O. Timmons

Principal, Arcadia

Attendance Matters and Every Day Counts, Missing School = MIssing Out

New Attendance Expectations and Support Starting on November 27, 2023 (the first day of trimester 2)

* There will be 2 opportunities to learn about the attendance procedures with superintendent, Dr. Slade:


  • November 29th at 6:00pm at Lincoln International Studies
  • December 7th at 6:00pm at Maple Street School for the Arts



When your student has the following number of unexcused absences in a trimester, you should expect to receive the following notifications and support.


3 days of unexcused absences in a trimester

Letter or email to parent/guardian

Robo text or phone call


5 days of unexcused absences in a trimester

Letter or email to parent/guardian

In person, virtual or phone conference


10 days of unexcused absences in a trimester

Letter or email to parent/guardian

School attendance committee creates and individualized plan of support


15 days of unexcused absences in a trimester

Letter or email to parent/guardian

Referral to central office. The central office attendance team will make further recommendations that may include:

  • wrap around services

  • referrals to community support organizations

  • academic interventions

  • summer school attendance

  • possible recommendations for grade level retention


Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to notify the student’s school as early as possible on the day of an absence and explain the reasons for the absence.

  • Written or email verification of a student’s absence by a parent/guardian is required (unless otherwise indicated by the appropriate administrator) and should be provided to the school the day after an absence.

  • Student absences are considered unexcused if documentation supporting an excused absence is not provided.

  • After 3 consecutive absences, a medical note from a physician may be required.

  • It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to make arrangements with the teacher to obtain missed assignments due to absences.


What is an excused absence?

  • Student illness and/or appointment verified by the parent/guardian or medical professional

  • Medically verified extended illness or hospitalization

  • Attending a funeral

  • Religious holiday

  • Absence due to a subpoenaed court appearance

  • Any time missed due to KPS school transportation issues


Chronic Absenteeism

The state defines ‘chronic absenteeism’ as attending school less than or equal to 90% of the time. This includes all absences (excused, unexcused, suspensions, etc.). A student who misses more than half the day is considered absent for the day.


Chronic absenteeism not only impacts the absent student, it disrupts learning for an entire classroom when teachers have to repeat lessons for students returning to class.


When your student is out of school, for any reason, they are missing valuable instructional time.


Every six weeks, families will receive letters from the school if their child has an attendance rate of less than or equal to 90%.

Reminder: Students Release Early from Arcadia on Wednesday, Dec 13th @ 2:20pm

  • All students will dismiss from Arcadia early on December 13th.
  • When? Students will dismiss at 2:20pm.
  • Be sure you have a plan to pick up your students at 2:20pm, or be prepared for your buser to take the bus home this Wednesday at 2:20pm. Students that take the bus will arrive home from the bus after their early dismissal at 2:20pm.
  • Other early dismissal dates are: January 17th, and March 13th. Students will also dismiss at 2:20pm on these dates.

Arcadia's Got Talent: Arcadia Talent Show Dec. 22nd

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Arcadia will be hosting another talent show! Does your student have a talent they want to share? Tryouts are coming up soon...more details to come!

Arcadia PTO Meeting: Nov. 28th at Arcadia @ 4:00pm

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Get involved! Come to the next parent teacher organization meeting at Arcadia!

Premier Basketball Sign up for 4th and 5th Graders- Register now!

Parent Meeting for 4th and 5th Grade Basketball:

Where: Arcadia

When: Friday, Dec. 1st

Time: 5:30pm

Why: Come to Arcadia to meet Coach Kyle Emory, get details about the basketball program, and ask questions you might have.

Click the link below to register:

Arcadia Hoops with Premier Basketball: Go Stars!

Arcadia's Fall Fest was Fantastic!

Kalamazoo Public Library brings the Mobile Library to Arcadia!

5th Graders at Sherman Lake Camp

Western Michigan Basketball Team Visits Recess at Arcadia

Bus Behavior Award from Mr. Don's bus!

Arcadia is Hiring Activity Coaches!

  • Arcadia is hiring activity coaches to assist with lunch and recess games and activities.
  • Coaches attend weekly meetings with the principal and coaching team and attend trainings through PlayWorks.
  • Coaches work daily from 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • Please reach out if you or someone you know is interested!
  • Email: timmonsmo@kalamazoopublicschools.net
  • Phone: 269-337-0530

SAVE THE DATE

Dates to Remember:

Nov. 28th: PTO meeting at 4:00pm in the library

Nov. 30th: KPS Board Meeting at 7:00pm

Dec. 5th: Field Trip for Education for the Arts for grades 3, 5 to Comstock Auditorium to see SOLE-buses leave at 9:00am

Dec. 11th: Picture Retakes for Absent students or Families unsatisfied with your purchased photo package

Dec. 13th: Field Trip for Education for the Arts for grades K, 1, and 2 to Comstock Auditorium-buses leave at 9:00am

Dec 13th: No PEEP

Dec. 13th: Early Release Day Dismissal at 2:20

December 15th: Popcorn Friday - Popcorn for $1

Dec. 22nd: Arcadia Talent Show

Dec. 22nd: Pajama Day

Dec. 25th - Jan 5th: Winter Break/ No School

Jan. 8th: School Resumes

Jan. 25th: Winter Fest at Arcadia

Photo Retake Reminder - Dec. 11th

Retake Picture Day is 12/11/2023! If you're satisfied with your child's picture, no further action is required.

If you purchased and were unhappy with your Picture Package, please send your Picture Package to school with your student on Retake Day. Your Retake Picture Package will be produced and shipped to the school four weeks after Retake Day. Please note, if your child is photographed on the original and Retake Picture Days, the Retake picture will replace the original picture in certain products, like the yearbook.

Students who were absent for Picture Day should come to school prepared to have their picture taken. If you have not preordered, please use the Retake Order Code 81185DF to place your order at https://inter-state.com/Order. To see your Order History, check your Inter-State Account.


Find answers to Retake Day questions here.

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Contact Us

Arcadia Elementary: 932 Boswell Lane, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006

Phone: 269-337-0530

Fax: 269-372-9871

Arcadia Website: https://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/Arcadia

Principal Email: timmonsmo@kalamazoopublicschools.n

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Meaghan Timmons
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