Parsons Pirate Update

Hello Parsons Family,

Can you believe it is November already? This week your child will get their first report card and you will have a chance to conference with your child's teacher. This marks an important milestone in their academic journey, and we want to take a moment to celebrate their hard work and growth so far.

The report card provides insights into your child's progress in various subjects, highlighting their strengths and areas where they can continue to improve. We encourage you to review it together, discussing the achievements and setting goals for the future.

Best of luck to our Carlson Marauders tonight!

Sincerely,

Sarah Aherne

Gibraltar School District has placed a non-homestead operating millage renewal and a sinking fund renewal and restoration on the November 5 ballot. These millages are essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of education and facilities in our school district.

The Non-Homestead Millage Renewal quick facts:

• The non-homestead millage is not levied on primary residences (a homeowner's primary residence).

• This millage has been in place since 1994.

• Michigan law requires all Michigan school districts to levy a non-homestead millage to receive their full share of state aid.

• The non-homestead operating millage renewal will generate approximately $3.6 million annually for GSD.

The Sinking Fund Renewal and Restoration quick facts:

• The sinking fund millage is essential for the continued upkeep and improvement of our school buildings and infrastructure.

• Revenue from the sinking fund will cover needs such as roof replacements, heating and cooling system updates, and upgrading technology.

• The sinking fund millage will generate approximately $415,000 annually for GSD.

• Due to Headlee rollbacks per the Michigan Constitution, the sinking fund has been reduced from the original amount of 0.5 to 0.4817.

• Restoring the sinking fund to the original 0.5 mills will cost the average homeowner living in a home with a $200,000 market value ($100,000 taxable value) $1.83 per year.

To learn more about the ballot proposals, click HERE

Don’t forget to vote on November 5 or by absentee ballot after September 26.

We are thrilled to have the CHS Varsity Football team once again make the playoffs this year. Tonight, our Marauders will be taking on Bedford in the Shultz Classic at 7:00 pm in Marauder Stadium. MHSAA is in charge of tickets and does not allow the use of family or student season passes. We (especially our students) would love to see you there helping them to cheer on our boys. If you would like to purchase a ticket, please use the following link: https://gofan.co/event/2117848?schoolId=MI10045

If you are unable to make it, the game can be watched through the NFHS Network at the following link:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/oa-carlson-high-school-gibraltar-mi-2/gam5b11e90146

We'd also like to remind our students and families of the expectations we have for elementary students at all Carlson athletic events. In Gibraltar, we take great pride in our school spirit and fan participation. Elementary students are encouraged to attend sporting events. That being said, ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT for admission to varsity football games. The adult accompanying the elementary student(s) is responsible for their behavior and well-being throughout the duration of the sporting event, as well as transportation home after the event.

We fully expect our students to demonstrate appropriate behavior while attending CHS events. Hanging out under the bleachers, engaging in horseplay, hanging on the poles that support the bleachers, and throwing things off the back of the stadium are all behaviors we have unfortunately seen our younger fans taking part in. Not only are these dangerous, but they also do not display the Marauder Pride that we build our reputation upon, and are known for. Please know that we want and encourage our young Marauders to cheer on the CHS football team, but we must ensure that the environments on both sides of the stadium are positive and safe, and that our elementary school Marauder fans are well supervised.

Please review the general expectations for our elementary students:
*Elementary school students will not be permitted into the stadium without a responsible accompanying adult and ticket.
*The expectation for students is to act responsibly and with respect throughout the entire game.
*Students need to be seated in the stands or standing/walking to/from the concession area.
*No pickup football games anywhere within the stadium.
*No hanging out beneath bleachers or hanging from the bleacher support poles.
*Nothing should be thrown from the bleachers.
*No running anywhere within the stadium.
*No backpacks, cups or outside drinks.

Working together we can ensure that this is a fun and positive activity for students and adult spectators at all of our games. Go Marauders!

Only students who were absent on picture day and students who bring their original picture day packet back to school will have re-takes done on Wednesday, November 6th.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, November 7th until 7:00 pm and on Friday, November 8th until 3:45 pm. Both Thursday and Friday are half days for students due to conferences. Dismissal is 11:55.

Just a reminder...we think your pets are cute too but we cannot have animals (dogs, cats, ferrets, hedgehogs, etc) at arrival or dismissal. Please leave your animals at home or in your car. Thank you!

The annual Turkey Trot will be held the morning of Tuesday, November 26th. Mr. Grima and Mrs. Wilhelm are organizing the trot. The route is slightly different this year in order for the police department to safely close the roads and guard our route. More information will be coming soon!

It seems far away but December will be here before we know it! Our annual Holiday Concert will take place on December 11th at Carlson High School auditorium. K-2 students will begin at 6:00 and 3-5 students will start at 7:30. A big thank you to Mrs. Ardnt and Mrs. Monticello for preparing our students.

WatchDOGS is going well! Thank you for your service! Here is the sign up again for those who might need it.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FADA92AABFBC07-50155930-watch#/

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

November 5th: No School for Students, Professional Development Day for Staff, Election Day

November 6th: Picture Re-Takes

November 7th: Parent Teacher Conferences, Half Day Dismissal 11:55 pm

November 8th: Parent Teacher Conferences, Half Day Dismissal 11:55 pm

November 11th: Veteran's Day Assembly

November 12th: 5th Grade Field Trip, PTO 6:00 pm

November 13th: NED Assembly

November 14th: Board Meeting 7:00 pm

November 26th: Turkey Trot

November 27th-November 29th: Thanksgiving Break

December 7th: Gibraltar Christmas Parade

December 10th: PTO 6:00 pm

December 11th: Christmas Concert at CHS, K-2 6:00, 3-5 7:30

December 12th: Board Meeting 7:00 pm

December 20th: Last Day Before Winter Break

December 23rd-January 3rd: No School

January 6th: Welcome Back!