

Parsons Pirate Update
March 3rd, 2025
Principal's Message
Hello Parsons Family,
Thank you to everyone who attended our events this week. It's always a busy and exciting week as we kick off Reading Month. We could not have pulled off such amazing events as Grandparent's Breakfast, Book Fair, and Bingo for Books without this community, a strong PTO, and lots of volunteers! The money that was fundraised from our Fun Run at the beginning of the year pays for things like Bingo for Books, books for classroom teachers, students who can't afford books, and offsets the rising cost of Grandparent's Breakfast. Please check out the Reading Month calendar that is attached digitally to the update and was sent home in your child's folder. Happy Reading!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
Staff Member Shout Out
Please shout out a staff member, using this form. We love to get your feedback and recognize all staff.
Kindergarten Round Up and Information
Do you have a child at home who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2025? Do you know someone who does, perhaps a friend or a neighbor? If so, Gibraltar School District has a spot waiting just for them in our kindergarten classrooms next year! Gibraltar School District offers both a traditional Kindergarten program and a Young Fives Kindergarten program. Both of these programs have a strong focus on the math and literacy skills needed for a solid foundation through the course of the formative elementary years. Registration is open!!!! Once you register, please join us for an informational night for parents and prospective students on April 22 at 6:00. Students should be fully registered to attend Kindergarten Round-Up. These will be held in each elementary building. Visit our website for more information!
https://www.gibdist.net/page/kindergarten-and-young-fives-information
Reading Month is Here!!!
Jonathon Rand is coming to Parsons!
We are so excited to announce that the PTO is bringing author Jonathon Rand to Parsons! Jonathon Rand is the author of the hugely popular Michigan Chillers and American Chillers series. We are thrilled to have him coming to Parsons. See below for information from Jonathon Rand's website.
"Since releasing the Michigan Chillers in the spring of 2000, he’s traveled to over 2,200 schools and libraries across the US and Canada, speaking to students of all ages and presenting a powerful, influential message regarding the benefits of reading and writing. In 2005, he, his wife, and a small staff opened Chillermania, a retail store/corporate office and warehousing facility in Indian River, Michigan that’s open to the public and continues to welcome thousands of visitors each year. Collectively, he’s written over 120 books with nearly 7 million copies in print."
Reading Month Calendar
PBIS-Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports...
1. Creates and maintains a safe and effective learning environment
2. Ensures all students have social skills needed for success at school and beyond.
3. Provides a proactive system-wide framework for implementation
The purpose of PBIS is to establish a climate in which appropriate behaviors are the norm.
Parent Interest in Clubs
Do you have a talent or hobby that you would like to share with our students? Would you be interested in leading a club at Parsons? You would be responsible for running three 45 minute sessions, once a month during school hours. A teacher would also be in the room to help you. If you have an interest, please fill out this form.
March's Monthly Focus-Growth Mindset
Parking Lot Updates
WatchDOGS
WatchDogs we appreciate you! Don't forget you must have your background check on file before you may volunteer!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FADA92AABFBC07-50155930-watch#/
School Hours
Our school hours are from 8:38am-3:33 pm. Our school doors will open at 8:33 am. Our half day hours are 8:38 am-11:55 am. The first day of school is a half day and dismissal will be 11:55. Our front doors will open at 8:38 for students to enter the building. School dismissal is staggered so younger grades will come out first.
Lunch Times
Kindergarten: 11:45 am-12:10 pm
1st grade: 11:55 am-12:20 pm
2nd grade: 12:05 pm-12:30 pm
3rd grade: 12:15 pm-12:40 pm
4th grade: 12:25 pm-12:50 pm
5th grade: 12:35 pm-1:00 pm
Visitors in the Building and Background Checks
Although we love to have visitors, we remain committed to your children’s safety. Students must enter the building themselves in the morning. Parents and guests must always check in the front office.
As we start to have volunteers in the classroom, please remember that you must have a background check prior to your volunteer date. You can fill out the form and bring a copy of your license to Ms. Veronica. Once approved, you may volunteer. We do background checks twice a year. If you have a felony, you may not volunteer for WatchDogs, field trips, or volunteer in the classroom.
Parsons Spiritwear
We have a new company for Parsons spirit wear this year. The great news is that you can order Parsons or Carlson gear throughout the year. They also have many sales and specials. Check out the link here and the flyer for the weekly ad below.
Carlson Boys Volleyball Summer Skills Camp
Carlson Girls Volleyball Summer Skills Camp
Downriver Otters
MiStar Parent Portal App
If you would like to access your Parent Portal on your smart phone or tablet, we offer a free mobile application. It is quick and easy to get started. Click on the PDF below to view Mobile App Installation Instructions.
Parent Square Communication App
Download the Parent Square App today! Use your email and phone number you used when you registered to log in.
We use ParentSquare at the District, school and classroom level to communicate with families.
What is ParentSquare?
ParentSquare is a simple-to-use platform that provides a safe way for everyone at a school to connect. With ParentSquare, you'll be able to:
- Receive messages from the district and school via email, text or app notification
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage in your school community
- Direct message teachers, staff and other parents
- Participate in group messages
- Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
- Sign forms & permission slips
- And more all from your phone or web portal!
Elementary March Lunch Menu
Upcoming Dates
March 11th: PTO meeting 6:00 pm
March 13th: Board Meeting 7:00 pm
March 19th: Jonathon Rand Author Visit 1:30
March 21st: Talent Show
March 24th-March 28th: No School, Spring Break
April 4th: Half Day, Teacher Work Day, End of 3rd Quarter
April 8th: PTO meeting 6:00 pm
April 7th: MSTEP opens
April 10th: Board Meeting 7:00 pm
April 17th: No School, Teacher Professional Development Day
April 18th: No School, Good Friday
April 21st: Recycling Assembly
April 22nd: Earth Day, Kindergarten Round Up
May 13th: PTO Meeting 6:00 pm
May 14th: BMX Assembly
May 19th-21st: 5th Grade Camp
May 22nd: Parsons Carnival
May 26th: Memorial Day No School
May 30th: 5th Grade Party
June 6th: CHS Graduation
June 9th: Field Day
June 12th: 5th Grade Graduation
June 13th: Half Day, Yearbook Signing, Last Day of School