We had a fun week here at Buchanan. From class parties, to singing and so much laughter. I know I say this all the time, BUT it's true Buchanan has the nicest kids and it's the best place to be. Thank you for being a huge part of that. 2025 is going to be a year of continued growing, socially, emotionally and academically. WE look forward to having everyone back on January 6th.

I ready report will be sent to you shortly. Keep an eye out in your email.

At Buchanan Elementary School, our mission is to educate, empower and encourage the whole child, to create a productive member of society.

PTA Points

Secret Santa/Holiday Shop

Thank you to all the MANY volunteers who came and helped the kids at our Secret Santa shop. We cannot do these special things for the kids without help from everyone.

Staff Favorite Things

Need some ideas for your favorite staff members? Here their favorite things, collected by the PTA.

Staff's Favorite Things

docs.google.com

Candy Grams

We will be distributing them on the 18-19th.

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are on sale, and you can get free shipping to the school if you order before April 10th. Also new this year, you can add custom pages! These are pages that will only be in your childs book and can be adventures you had throughout the school year. Those pages also need to be completed by April 10th. Tutorial coming soon! Set up an account and order at this link: https://web.treering.com/create-account/1017188948131942

Upcoming Events

Riverside skate night 01/28

VIP dance-February 7th

Save the date for future PTA meetings, 7 pm:

January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

We are very excited to have another 3 to Be assembly on Monday morning. We will be celebrating students demonstrating hallway expectations and responsibility. Way to go Buchanan Bears! Next month our focus in on Recess expectations especially in the winter. Ask your child what they will be working on after Monday's assembly! Our character trait is mindfulness.

Friday 12/13- 1/2 day for students. Morning class only!

Monday 12/16- No school (Data dive and Collaboration for teachers) This is the day teachers take a deeper look into students academic, social/emotional progress. This is one of my favorite days. Celebrating success and looking at where we need to support our students.

Secret Santa/Holiday Shop

We are getting excited for our Holiday shop next week! Flyers came home this week. There are still some classes that need volunteers. It takes a lot of volunteers to run this shop so come and help. Come for 1 shopping time, or come help all day!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AFAE2FA5FB6-52851319-volunteer

Staff Favorite Things

Need some ideas for your favorite staff members? Here their favorite things, collected by the PTA.

Staff's Favorite Things

docs.google.com

Candy Grams

It's that time of year to spread some holiday cheer with Candy Grams! Your child(ren) should have been sent home with a form that has 6 tags on them. Each candy gram is $1 and includes a candy cane and little tag your kiddo fills out. Please have your tags and money turned in by December 12th. We will be distributing them on the 18th. You can send as many as you'd like and if you need more, there is a QR code you can scan to print additional pages of tags. Have fun!

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are on sale, and you can get free shipping to the school if you order before April 10th. Also new this year, you can add custom pages! These are pages that will only be in your childs book and can be adventures you had throughout the school year. Those pages also need to be completed by April 10th. Tutorial coming soon! Set up an account and order at this link: https://web.treering.com/create-account/1017188948131942

Upcoming Events

Santa shop 12/09-12/13

Riverside skate night 01/28

VIP dance-February 7th

Save the date for future PTA meetings, 7 pm:

January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Notes from the Music Room Friday, November 22, 2024

There are so many exciting things happening both personally and professionally in the music room. Thank you so much for all of the well wishes this past week! I got married last Friday and will be changing my name to Mrs. Moon. Many students are excited about the name change, but they are still welcome to call me Ms. Geverink as I slowly make the transition.

I also found out last week that I am a recipient of an LPS Foundation Grant! I will be using the money to purchase a class set of Ukuleles for all 3rd and 4th grade students at Buchanan to use.

As a grant recipient, I have been invited to march in the Livonia Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 8.

*Optional Singing Opportunity:

I am inviting any interested 3rd or 4th graders to come march and sing with me in the parade. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome to march and sing as well. We will be meeting at the starting location at Frost Middle School. It will be crowded and parking is limited, so it is best to have someone drop you off and plan to pick you up at the Livonia Civic Center Library, which is the ending point of the parade. The time is in the afternoon, TBD. I will send home a note as soon as I get more details.

Let me know if anyone has a truck that they would like to drive with us in the parade. I do not have a float, but it would be great to have some students ride in a truck and hold a Buchanan sign and/or my large grant award sign.

Interested 3rd and 4th graders can practice our special parade song at home:

Type “Winter Fantasy” in the search bar on YouTube or simply click on this link “Winter Fantasy with Lyrics.”

Nicole Geverink

(unofficially Mrs. Moon)

ngeverin@livoniapublicschools.org

Happy Thanksgiving! There are so many things to be thankful for. Enjoy this time off, get some rest and stay healthy. No school on Wednesday 11/27- December 1. I can't believe when we get back it's December.

• Students go outside daily as long as the real feel is 15 degrees or above. Please send coats and warm clothes. Gloves and hats are always a great idea too.

• It is the time of year, when cold, flu, and other “bugs” hit our homes and infect our bodies. This leads us to ask the question, “Should I keep my child home from school today?” While being at school can be a very enjoyable experience, it is also a lot of hard work! Children who are feeling miserable are often unable to participate and engage in learning. Here are some tips to consider when determining if a child should stay home:
  First the easy ones ...
  • If your child is running a fever, or has run a fever in the past 24 hours, he/she should remain home. (The
  CDC states that children are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine prior to returning
  to school).
  • If your child has vomited in the past 24 hours, or is very nauseous he/she should remain home.
  • If your child has any type of infectious disease (i.e. pink eye, strep throat, head lice, influenza, etc.) he/
  she should remain home until under treatment according to Wayne County Health Guidelines.

  
  It is more difficult to determine whether your child should stay home when he/she has a runny nose, persistent cough, tummy ache, headache, etc. Some rules of thumb to consider are:
  • Will your child be able to manage his/her symptoms during the 7 hour school day? (Remember, the
  school district policy does not allow our staff to administer, or for children to bring and self-administer,
  “over the counter” meds, such as cough drops, cold medicine, Tylenol, etc.)
  • Will he/she be able to concentrate on schoolwork, complete assignments, participate in class and
  participate in lunch and recess?
  • Are the symptoms likely to infect other children who will be in close proximity?
  • Would I want a fellow classmate with the same symptoms to be sitting next to, or across from, my child
  all day?
  
  Certainly we encourage children to have excellent school attendance and are not
  expecting that children will be kept home with every sniffle. We simply ask that
  you do your best to gauge your child’s symptoms, especially those of the past 24
  hours, and allow him/her time to recover when ill. Thank you for helping us to
  keep a healthy school environment for all who enter.

PTA Points:

VIP dance planning meeting

Come and help plan the VIP dance held in February. Monday Nov 25th @ 9:30 am inside the school. Come help with planning theme, decorations and quiet room activities. We would love your help! Can't come in? We have a zoom link to participate.

https://umich.zoom.us/j/92839468084

Secret Santa/Holiday Shop

We are getting excited for our Holiday shop. Flyers will go home the week after thanksgiving, but you can sign up to volunteer! It takes a lot of volunteers to run this shop so come and help. Come for 1 shopping time, or come help all day!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AFAE2FA5FB6-52851319-volunteer

Save the date for future PTA meetings, 7 pm:

January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are on sale, and you can get free shipping to the school if you order before April 10th. Also new this year, you can add custom pages! These are pages that will only be in your childs book and can be adventures you had throughout the school year. Those pages also need to be completed by April 10th. Tutorial coming next week! Set up an account and order at this link: https://web.treering.com/create-account/1017188948131942

Upcoming Events

Santa shop 12/09-12/13

Riverside skate night 01/28

VIP dance-February (date coming soon)

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

School Office Hours: 8:00-4:30

Student Day: 8:55 - 4:00

A.M. Half Day Schedule: 8:55 - 12:10

P.M. Half Day Schedule: 12:55 p.m. - 4:00

Art Help Needed:

Please be on the look out for a sign up to come help make Buchanan into a candy land for the holidays. Ms. Medellin is full of ideas and is requesting help to make them come alive:)

Message from the office:

We have a long school day, please remember to send your students with snacks. We try to have extra snacks available but they are going quickly. If you ever have a snack you buy at Costco that your child decides they don't like anymore, please donate to the office for students that forget.

* As most of you know I have 3 boys and I completely understand how busy the mornings are and can be. Have you considered making a check list on the fridge to help teach responsibility and independence? Have your child pack their own snack, maybe you give suggestions but put this on them:) Just an idea!

Please send your younger students with a change of clothes in case they have an accident or spill, and replace as needed. We are running out of extra clothing and we always feel awful asking you to leave work or an appointment to bring up clothing.

Upcoming Events

Santa shop 12/09-12/13

Riverside skate night 01/28

VIP dance-February (date coming soon)

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Picture Re-take day is Wednesday November 20th.

Thanksgiving Break- No School on Wednesday November 27- December 1st.

PBIS Store Update:

A huge thank you to everyone that has already signed-up to work the school store from 9-9:30. The children are so grateful and are enjoying spending their hard earned bucks. We still have a few spots open. If you are available, please sign up. The children love seeing their parents at the beginning of the day. Although there are still spots open, please be mindful when signing up and give all parents a chance to sign up when the calendar first comes out. You can always go back and fill in the spots after a couple of days.

Parent School Store Signup for November/December

Since one of our PBIS goals at Buchanan is to be kind, we will be having a school wide spirit day to celebrate "World Kindness Day" on November 13th. Suggested amount to participate is $1 and all proceeds will be buying things off of our store Amazon wish list.

PBIS School Wish List

"In a world you can be anything, Be Kind!"

The PBIS Committee

PTA Points:

We had a blast seeing so many of you at skate night! Loved seeing all those Bears out there . Our next one will be January 28th 6-8 pm. Save the date!

Our next meeting will be November 12th at 9:30 am. If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom. There will not be childcare for this daytime meeting.

Both our Principal Jen Wilson and Secretary Terri Rentis will be attending to go over topics like: daily operations, phone calls to home, communication with from the school and will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Upcoming Events

Santa shop 12/09-12/13

Riverside skate night 01/28

VIP dance-February (date coming soon)

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Thank you for joining us for the Buchanan Halloween Parade, we had the perfect weather. There were so many smiles and the classroom parties were such a success. Thank you for spending some of your day with us.

Next week is Professional Development Day for our teachers as well as election day, there for we have no school on Tuesday November 5th.

Wednesday Nov 13- World Kindness day (Wear kindness shirts)

PTA Points:

Upcoming Events

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

Our next meeting will be November 12th at 9:30 am. If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom.

Both our Principal Jen Wilson and Secretary Terri Rentis will be attending to go over topics like: daily operations, phone calls to home, communication with from the school and will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Music News for Friday, November 1

3rd and 4th Grade Music:

Students are finishing our bucket drumming unit. Students learned to play quarter, eighth, and sixteenth note patterns, as well as counting quarter and eighth notes, and quarter rests. We will begin a vocal music unit next. As I begin planning our spring performances, I wanted to give families advance notice of our themes this year. Fourth grade will be performing a 1950’s rock and roll musical. Third Grade will be performing a Hawaiian-themed musical. If you would like to get your child something theme-related to wear, this is a great time of year to catch the Halloween costume sales or borrow from a friend! It is not required, but many students enjoy dressing in our theme.

2nd Grade:

Second graders are working on reading, playing, and singing melodies with *solfege. Our first three notes are “Mi-Sol-La.” Students are asked to explain if music notes go up, down, or stay the same. Students will practice reading rhythms with quarter notes and rests, half notes and rests, and eighth notes. The xylophone will be used as our main instrument along with 2-part chants and songs as students get a chance to experience being a part of an ensemble.

1st Grade and Kindergarten:

Students are learning to differentiate between their singing and speaking voice, as well as high and low sounds. We move, play, and sing to a steady beat. First graders are working on reading and singing melodies with *solfege. Our first notes are Sol-Mi patterns. Kindergarten pre-reading music skills are closely related to pre-reading literacy skills with a focus on words and their syllables through rhymes and sound patterns. We began with reading icons and have moved to stick-notation. Kindergarteners are asked to explain if music notes are high or low. K-1 students perform rhythms using one and two sounds (du and du-de). Small percussion instruments are used to perform rhythm patterns.

Young Fives:

These students are learning body awareness, creativity, and social skills through music. Our first unit is percussion instruments, so students will have a chance to try out many small hand instruments and identify instrument families (woods, metals, shakes and scrapes, drums). We also use songs and chants (rhythms) to listen for sound (syllable) patterns.

Enrichment:

Select students in grades K-3 are participating in a drama unit with a focus on performing songs and short skits related to one of our fall character traits (growth mindset, responsibility, and mindfulness).

*Latin syllables and hand signs that teach young children how to read and sing music.

Expectations and Character Trait Assemblies~

• Starting in November we have assemblies each month focusing on a school expectation, such as classroom, hallway, recess, coming and going or lunch room, as well as a character trait (respect, grit, empathy, etc.). We like to celebrate students exhibiting them daily. Students are working so hard learning, working on independence, relationships and following directions from multiple adults. Its a big job being a student! This month we are focusing on respect and classroom expectations. One big expectation is keeping our hands and body to ourselves. This is a huge part of life and we like to start early on. No one likes to be hit, kicked or pushed. In the younger grades especially, we are talking about the person you want to be. You want to be the person people like to hang around, feel safe with and have fun with. Please support our teachers and staff with reinforcing how important hands and body to yourself is in the world. We want our students to be a productive members of society. It starts here and we appreciate and love your support. Here at Buchanan, we care and take care of the whole child which ties in with respect, one of our character traits for November. I am looking forward to our assembly.

Halloween Parade Details: 10/31/24

As always, weather pending if it will be inside or outside, but we will have our annual Halloween parade for all students. Please make sure you child can put their costume on independently and no make up or elaborate/scary masks.

Kindergarten will have their parade at 9:30 am

Grades Y5 &1-4 will be at 3:00 pm.

Thank you Parents for your continued support of the school store! The store is always getting new things from all of your donations and the children are loving it! Also, having parents run the store has been very helpful. If you are interested please visit the sign up below. You will set up the bins, sell and put away. Each grade level has their own shopping day, so please find your child's classroom teacher. The shopping times are daily from 9:00-9:30. Again, thank you so much for your continued support!

Parent School Store Signup for November/December

The PBIS Committee

PTA Points

BooBash Trunk or Treat

Thank you to everyone that came out for the Trunk or Treat! We saw over 500 kids come through with some pretty awesome costumes. A big shout out to all the families that donated candy, non-candy items and funds, decorated amazing trunks and passed out goodies! It was an amazing night for the Buchanan Community. Look to socials for lots of fun pictures.

Theme Day and SpiritWear Exchange

If you have old themed days from past grades and/or spirit wear clothes that no longer fit your kiddo you can donate them to be passed along to someone else and get something that DOES fit your kiddo and goes with your new grades themed day!

Here's how it will work:

1. Bag each item individually and label it with your child's name, size of the item and description (ex: 100s day)

2. You can also send your items to school with your child or place them in the tub in the vestibule of the school.

3. We will go through and make sure everything is in good condition.

4. For each item you donate you receive one ticket to trade for something new.

5. Ticketed shoppers will shop first. Those without tickets will shop second.

6. Shopping days will begin at the end of October.

7. This is our first time doing this so please bear with us as we figure out what works and what doesn't.

8. We can not guarantee that there will be something new for you to get, it is first come first serve and dependent on donated items.

Upcoming Events

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

Our next meeting will be November 12th at 9:30 am. If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Amy Oppie

Parent/Family Survey:

Thank you so much for taking the time to fill out the Buchanan Survey. We care very much on how our students view their education, safety and feelings, this gives us a closer look on how we can continue making Buchanan a great place to be. If you didn't have a chance yet there is still time.

Buchanan Family Survey Also, please know outside of a survey you are always welcome to call, stop by or send an email about a question or concern you have. I am here to help.

Picture re-take is on 11/20

Safety Drills- Students and staff did a great job on our drill this week. They got out of the building for a fire drill quickly, quietly and safely.

Buchanan PBIS store- Ask your child if they have shopped yet. Buchanan students are absolutely LOVING this school store. A HUGE thank you to Mrs. Blazek for setting this up, shopping for fun incentives, as well as encouraging students to follow expectation's in such a positive way! Also ask your child how they earned their most recent Buchanan Buck!

PTA Points

Check out the fun we had at the Color Run!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LqRK2s4qM6D5stfa8

Boo Bash Trunk or Treat

We are blown away by the donations for Boo Bash! Buchanan has the best community, our kids are so lucky! So thank you to all those that have signed up to decorate a trunk, or donated candy, non-candy items and funds to help us throw an amazing trunk or treat! We can't wait to see you there, rain or shine!

Theme Day and SpiritWear Exchange

If you have old themed days from past grades and/or spirit wear clothes that no longer fit your kiddo you can donate them to be passed along to someone else and get something that DOES fit your kiddo and goes with your new grades themed day!

Here's how it will work:

1. Bag each item individually and label it with your child's name, size of the item and description (ex: 100s day)

2. You can also send your items to school with your child or place them in the tub in the vestibule of the school.

3. We will go through and make sure everything is in good condition.

4. For each item you donate you receive one ticket to trade for something new.

5. Ticketed shoppers will shop first. Those without tickets will shop second.

6. Shopping days will begin at the end of October.

7. This is our first time doing this so please bear with us as we figure out what works and what doesn't.

8. We can not guarantee that there will be something new for you to get, it is first come first serve and dependent on donated items.

Upcoming Events

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

Our next meeting will be November 12th at 9:30 am. If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Buchanan Art Donations

Conferences:

Thank you for joining us this week at conferences. It was great to see so many families leaving after great conversations and learning about what your child is learning at school and how they are acclimating to a new school year. Thank you for taking the time to team with us.

Safety:

This week we will continue our second round of safety drills. Fire and tornado drills will be practiced with our students. Safety is our number one concern.

Assemblies:

We had our first assembly this week. Students practiced how and where to sit for an assembly. We discussed assembly and classroom expectations as well as what respect looks like at school, respect is our character trait this month. Teachers will be watching for students demonstrating these expectations and rewarding them with Buchanan Bucks and shopping at our school store. Students were quite excited.

Save the Date:

We will have a Halloween parade on Halloween 10/31 here at Buchanan. More info to follow:

Y5, 1, 2, 3, 4- at 3:00 pm

Kindergarten at 9:30 am.

Picture Re-take is 11/20

Buchanan Lunch Information

There has been some questions and wonderings about lunch. I understand how important this time is and how crucial it is for students to have food in their stomachs to learn all afternoon. The lunch period at Buchanan is 25 minutes and while we would like students to socialize, we know how important it is for them to eat at school. Therefore, near the end of the lunch period, we have 3 silent minutes to encourage students to take a couple more bites before the period ends. We do not want the students to view it as a punishment, it is truly a chance for each of them to eat. This also gives them a chance to get calm before a transition. We have noticed a difference, and students are at least getting a few bites. When students clean up and are ready to go to recess they are asked to put their heads down for about 30 seconds to indicate they are ready to go to recess or class. This too gives them a minutes to reset and regulate before a transition. Below are some ideas on how you can help make lunch and eating a success at Buchanan.

Suggestions:

• Pack more substantial snacks. For example, students can eat their sandwich at snack and save their sides for lunch time, as they chat with their friends.
• Send items that are easier to open independently so they are not waiting for the adult assistance to start eating.
• Ask your child to help you pack their lunch so they can pack what they desire to eat.
• Encourage your child to use their lunch time for eating and recess for socializing.
• Lunch is free to all students now and our kitchen serves over 325 students on a typical Tuesday, pizza day. The lines can be quite long, and students need to focus on eating once they have their food. Maybe send bigger snacks on Tuesdays especially.

Thank you for all the support, I hope this helps.

Jen Wilson

School pictures are ready!

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

BooBash Trunk or Treat

October 23rd 5:30-7:30

This is a free event for Buchanan students and their families, but we need your help! Donations are greatly appreciated as this event hosts 700+ people! Please see the signup genius for donations and to sign up to decorate your trunk!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094CADA92BA5FC1-51873660-boobash?useFullSite=true#/

Theme Day and SpiritWear Exchange

If you have old themed days from past grades and/or spirit wear clothes that no longer fit your kiddo you can donate them to be passed along to someone else and get something that DOES fit your kiddo and goes with your new grades themed day!

Here's how it will work:

1. Bag each item individually and label it with your child's name, size of the item and description (ex: 100s day)

2. You can also send your items to school with your child or place them in the tub in the vestibule of the school.

3. We will go through and make sure everything is in good condition.

4. For each item you donate you receive one ticket to trade for something new.

5. Ticketed shoppers will shop first. Those without tickets will shop second.

6. Shopping days will begin at the end of October.

7. This is our first time doing this so please bear with us as we figure out what works and what doesn't.

8. We can not guarantee that there will be something new for you to get, it is first come first serve and dependent on donated items.

Upcoming Events

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

Thank you to all who attended our second PTA general membership meeting of the school year! If you couldn't meet and want to see waht we talked about, become a PTA member. We send out the minutes and all links talked about Our next meeting will be November 12th at 9:30 am

If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

What a great week at Buchanan. I know I say that a lot, but we are already seeing so much growth in our students and classrooms already. This is amazing to see. Tuesday was our district PD and Data Dive for our teachers. This is a great day of looking at all of our students (482) and making sure they are getting what they need, academically, socially/emotionally and behaviorally. We are beyond lucky to have such a great team that cares whole heartly about every child.

SCHOOL STORE

Over the past 3 weeks, children have been earning "Buchanan Bucks' by being safe, kind and responsible. The school store officially opened last week. Over the past 2 weeks all of the children were able to shop and come visit to see what it was all about. Thank you to everyone who has donated items. The children are really loving it! However, we still need a few more volunteers to help run it. Please visit the signup below and look for your child's teacher if you are interested. The store runs from 9:00-9:30 each morning. Each class shops every other week. If you have any questions, please contact me at kblazek@livoniapublicschools.org.

Mrs. Blazek

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A9AC2EA1FB6-51588831-october

Reminders: Bus K is canceled this week at Buchanan. Bus K will not run 10/7-10/11. Thank you for being so understanding and helpful to others. Please also drive slowly and safely through the parking lot at drop off and arrival. Our children's safety is #1.

Color Run Fundraiser

The day has come, the Color Run on 10/04! Please look to Socials for pictures of all the fun we had! We are so thankful for all the donations made, the volunteers, the staff and the Buchanan Families for making this event and fundraiser possible!

All incentives and raffle ticket prizes will be determined after October 13th, the last day for donations, and distributed in the weeks following.

BooBash Trunk or Treat

October 23rd 5:30-7:30

This is a free event for Buchanan students and their families, but we need your help! Donations are greatly appreciated as this event hosts 700+ people! Please see the signup genius for donations and to sign up to decorate your trunk!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094CADA92BA5FC1-51873660-boobash?useFullSite=true#/

Upcoming Events

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

We would also like to invite you to attend our second PTA general membership meeting of the school year! The meeting is Tuesday, October 8th from 7-8pm at Buchanan Elementary School. Childcare will be provided in the gym.

If you are unable to attend in-person, we will also have a virtual option to join via Zoom. Here's the link: https://umich.zoom.us/j/98016114062

This will be a great way to hear from our PTA board, Principal Wilson, and connect with other Buchanan parents. The agenda includes a review of our finances/budget, review of the Book Fair, Fall Family Photo Fundraiser, and Color Run Fundraiser, and planning for the upcoming Boo Bash and Santa Shop.

Save the date for future PTA meetings: November 12, 2024, January 14, 2025, February 11, 2025, March 11, 2025, April 8, 2025, & May 13, 2025.

Join the PTA!

Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

Happy Friday Everyone~

It has been a great week at Buchanan. Students are leaning routines and procedures. Friday is a fun day for students please read below for color run info.

Bus Information:

• Bus J and H for the following week, Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 are canceled. (Reminder: There is no school for K-6 students on Tuesday, Oct. 1) We apologize for the inconvenience. Take you time and be patient we are here to help make this smooth. Thank you for being so understanding. Mrs. Wilson

PTA Points:

Color Run Fundraiser

Our Color Run Fundraiser is well underway! Thank you to all that have shared and donated! We are over 70% to our goal! Way to go Buchanan Bears! We have 1 week until our event, so keep spreading the word! We will be sending out an email early next week with all the details on the event, so stay tuned!

We have some pretty awesome prizes for our students working hard to earn funds for Buchanan.

The top 2 earners from each grade will get a special lunch with our Principal Mrs Wison!!

We also have prizes for students starting at only $25 raised:

Tier 1 $25 raised - goodie bag

Tier 2-$50 raised - tier 1 + Buchanan eraser

Tier 3-$75 raised - tier 1, 2, + Buchanan pencil

Tier 4-$100 raised - tier 1, 2, 3 + Buchanan bracelet

Every $50 a child raises, they get their name put into a drawing for some fabulous prizes. Here are just a few:

-Movie passes to Phoenix Theater

-1 year family Membership to Toledo Zoo

-Zap Zone activity passes

-$50 Ann Arbour Hands on Museum gift card

-Comicon Tickets

-Giftcards!

-Squishmallows

-Poster!

-Book bundles!

And Students who raise $300 or more get a Spirit wear item!

This Color Fun Run event is for all Buchanan Students! Happening October 4th during school hours.

https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/event-webpage/668456729a0e3

Thank you to all those who helped with the Book Fair! We had so many volunteers come out, we cannot do things like this without you!

Upcoming Events

Color Fun Run 10/4

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Holiday Shop 12/9-13

Join the PTA!

Each year the PTA funds field trips, teacher stipends, student magazines, reading programs, other school activities and programs, and so much more!

Join the PTA: Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school. Be as involved as you want!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Join us at our next meeting; Tuesday October 8th @ 7pm find out how you can get involved! We will be in person as well as virtual this year!

PTA Points:

Color Run Fundraiser

Our Color Run Fundraiser is well underway! Thank you to all that have shared and donated! We are over 50% to our goal! Way to go Buchanan Bears! We have 2 weeks until our event, so keep spreading the word! It's as simple as sharing on socials and emailing out to family and friends! Many companies match donations, and we can apply those donations to your student, just reach out and let us know.

We have some pretty awesome prizes for our students working hard to earn funds for Buchanan.

The top 2 earners from each grade will get a special lunch with our Principal Mrs Wison!!

We also have prizes for students starting at only $25 raised

Tier 1 $25 raised - goodie bag

Tier 2-$50 raised - tier 1 + Buchanan eraser

Tier 3-$75 raised - tier 1, 2, + Buchanan pencil

Tier 4-$100 raised - tier 1, 2, 3 + Buchanan bracelet

Every $50 a child raises, they get their name put into a drawing for some fabulous prizes. Here are just a few:

-Movie passes to Phoenix Theater

-1 year family Membership to Toledo Zoo

-Zap Zone activity passes

-$50 Ann Arbour Hands on Museum gift card

-Comicon Tickets

-Giftcards!

-Toys!

-Poster!

-Book bundles!

And Students who raise $300 or more get a Spiritwear item!

This Color Fun Run event is for all Buchanan Students! Happening October 4th during school hours.

https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/event-webpage/668456729a0e3

Fall Book Fair 9/23-9/27

We are excited to host the Scholastic bookfair. Parents can set up an e-wallet for students to use to shop with instead of sending cash.

Find details for that at:

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/buchananelementaryschool1

Upcoming Events

Family Photo Shoot 09/22

Book Fair: 9/23-27

Color Fun Run Fundraiser 10/4 (Please see flyer for registration information)

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Riverside Skate night 11/07 5:30-7:30

Join the PTA!

Each year the PTA funds field trips, teacher stipends, student magazines, reading programs, other school activities and programs, and so much more!

Events such as the Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat, VIP Dance, and Spring Fling are planned and funded by the PTA.

Join the PTA: Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school and gives you voting rights in decisions affecting our school, staff, and students. Mom, Dad, grandparents, etc, anyone can join!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Spirit wear Sale extended until 09/20!

Show our school's spirit in Buchanan branded items! Visit our Spiritwear shop and enjoy 30% plus free shipping over $75.00 until Sept 17th. Orders under $75 get $5 shipping with code 5SHIP

http://1stplace.sale/48227

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Join us at our next meeting; Tuesday October 8th @ 7pm find out how you can get involved! We will be in person as well as virtual this year!

We just finished our first 5 day week! YEAH! Students are still learning routines and procedures in class, specials, in the lunch room, recess, hallways and so on. The first 7 weeks are so important and set the tone for the rest of the school year. Our goal at the end of these important weeks are teachers can teach and students can learn. Ask your child about a procedure or routine they have learned this week.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is a huge support/system we use at Buchanan. We are finding the positives and teaching expectations through positive reinforcement each day. PBIS helps us have consistent expectations and safety throughout our building. Students have seen and appear VERY excited about our school store opening in a few weeks, ask your child about the video they watched in class.

We will be having a school wide spirit day this Friday 9/20. It will be wear your favorite sports team shirt! It can be local, college or pro. Suggested donation is $1. All proceeds will go to the PBIS school store. Thank you for the support.

Thank you to SO MANY who came out to our first PTA meeting, both in person and virtually! We loved being able to chat and discuss all things Buchanan with you.

Last night Mrs Wilson also showed us some AMAZING data! Direct results of our incredible teachers, Tier one instruction systems, strong intervention blocks, and programs funded by the PTA. Go check out our post on Facebook that talks all about it @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA or search for our school at https://www.mischooldata.org/dashboard-home/ and see just how amazing our Bears are doing!

If you couldn't make the meeting this time, don't worry! If you are a registered PTA member, we will be emailing the minutes out so all can stay informed.

Color Run Fundraiser

Our Color Run Fundraiser is well underway! Thank you to all that have shared and donated! We are 35% to our goal after only a week so keep spreading the word! It's as simple as sharing on socials and emailing out to family and friends!

Did you know that for every $50 a child raises, they get their name put into a drawing for some fabulous prices? Here are just a few:

-Movie passes to Phoenix Theater

-1 year family Membership to Toledo Zoo

-Zap Zone activity passes

-$50 Ann Arbour Hands on Museum gift card

-Giftcards!

-Toys!

-Book bundles!

-And so much more!

This fun event is for all Buchanan Students!

Children will also start earning goody bags/prizes at only $25 raised, and the classroom with the most earned per students will earn a special classroom treat! See the Flyer and FundHub site for all the information.

https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/event-webpage/668456729a0e3

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Are you planning to shop the Just Between Friends sale this coming weekend? You can go on September 14th and they are graciously donating back to participating PTAs for sale that day. So be sure to mention us and show them the bookmark flyer.

Fall Family Photo Fundraiser

There are only a few slots left for our amazing Family Photo Sessions. This is a great way to get those pictures taken for Holiday cards! 1/2 of the proceeds come right back to the PTA. See the Flyer below for more info.

Fall Book Fair 9/23-9/27

Help is needed to assist with student shopping, see the signup genius below for shopping times. Flyers to go home soon!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AFAE2FA5FB6-51139413-volunteer

Join the PTA!

Each year the PTA funds field trips, teacher stipends, student magazines, reading programs, other school activities and programs, and so much more!

Events such as the Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat, VIP Dance, and Spring Fling are planned and funded by the PTA.

Join the PTA: Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school and gives you voting rights in decisions affecting our school, staff, and students. Mom, Dad, grandparents, etc anyone can join!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Spirit wear Sale ends soon!

Show our school's spirit in Buchanan branded items! Visit our Spiritwear shop and enjoy 30% plus free shipping over $75.00 until Sept 17th.

http://1stplace.sale/48227

Upcoming Events

Family Photo Shoot 09/22

Book Fair: 9/23-27

Color Fun Run Fundraiser 10/4 (Please see flyer for registration information)

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Join us at our next meeting; Tuesday October 8th @ 7pm find out how you can get involved.

It's been a great week here at Buchanan. Students are learning procedures and routines. Thank you for all the support with arrival and dismissal. Students are catching on quickly. Below is information from special teachers and our amazing PTA. Please also make sure you are receiving your child's teachers emails as well.

Safety tip: IF you are coming into the school please always check in at the office first. It you need to talk to a teacher please send an email to set up a good time to talk either via phone or in person with an appointment. Thank you for keeping all of our students safe.

A "Note" from the Music Room

Buchanan students are celebrating the start of the school year in music class with an exciting new theme. Everyone is a "VIP" (very important person) and receives a ticket to their special seat, followed by a chance to walk the "red carpet," while the class claps and cheers. Stay tuned for more information on musical happenings throughout the year. There will be many opportunities for your child to be a "star!" I will send out an official welcome letter next week.

Our color run fundraiser has begun, with the run being held on 10/04 at the end of the school day. Please see the flyer below and register your child today.

This fun event is for all Buchanan students!

Please note that if registration occurs on or after 9/12, we cannot guarantee t-shirt sizes as we need time to have shirts ordered and produced. Any students not registered by this date will receive a youth medium sized shirt. Children will start earning prizes at only $25 raised, and the classroom with the most earned pre students will earn a special classroom treat! Plus so much more. See the Flyer for all the information.

Fall book fair runs 9/23-9/27

Help is needed to assist with student shopping, see the signup genius below for shopping times. Flyers to go home next week.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AFAE2FA5FB6-51139413-volunteer

Join the PTA!

Each year the PTA funds field trips, teacher stipends, student magazines, reading programs, other school activities and programs, and so much more!

Events such as the Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat, VIP Dance, and Spring Fling are planned and funded by the PTA.

Everyone is welcome to attend PTA meetings and members have voting rights.

Join the PTA: Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school and gives you voting rights in decisions affecting our school, staff, and students. Mom, Dad, grandparents, etc anyone can join!

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Spirit wear: Show our school's spirit in Buchanan branded items! Visit our Spiritwear shop and enjoy 30% plus free shipping over $75.00 until Sept 17th.

http://1stplace.sale/48227

Upcoming Events

Book Fair: 9/23-27

Color Fun Run Fundraiser 10/4 (Please see flyer for registration information)

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Family Photo Shoot 09/22

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Want to help?

Get involved by chairing one of our committees. We are looking for committee chairs and other positions, like assisting in dine-in fundraisers and teacher appreciation week planning. Join us at our first meeting of the year; Tuesday September 10th @ 7pm find out how you can get involved! We will be in person as well as virtual this year!

Here is the google meet link https://meet.google.com/xpk-upkf-nck

We hope to see you there.

Happy Thursday Buchanan Families~

Wednesday and Thursday were not how we pictured the first week of school. But, we have to make the best of it. Therefore, we will redo the first week of school with a full week of routines and procedures. Thank you for your patience and support thus far. It is going to be a great year at Buchanan.

Kindergarten Placement Pilot-

Due to such an outstanding attendance at round up, teachers are ready to send home permeant placement letter on Tuesday September 2nd. Thank you for your patience. All 4 welcome teachers were able to spend quality time with all our kindergarteners.

Safety Week:

This week we will be practicing safety drills as a school. Safety is our number one priority at Buchanan.

It was wonderful seeing new and returning families at open house/curriculum night and the first week of school!

You might be thinking: Why join the PTA?

The Buchanan PTA is a true partner in our children’s education!

The teacher/staff reimbursement program puts a portion of your $10 membership back to the classrooms.

Each year the PTA funds field trips, teacher stipends, student magazines, reading programs, and other school activities and programs.

Events such as the Boo Bash Trunk-or-Treat, VIP Dance, and Spring Fling are planned and funded by the PTA.

Everyone is welcome to attend PTA meetings and members have voting rights.

Join the PTA: Membership is easy! Your $10.00/family member does so much for the school and gives you voting rights in decisions affecting our school, staff, and students.

https://buchanan.givebacks.com/store/items/15647

Spirit wear: Show your school spirit in Buchanan branded items! Visit our Spiritwear shop and enjoy 30% plus free shipping over $75.00 until Sept 17th.

http://1stplace.sale/48227

Upcoming Events

Book Fair: 9/23-27

Color Fun Run Fundraiser 10/4 (Please see flyer for registration information)

Trunk or Treat 10/23

Follow us on Facebook: @BuchananElementraySchoolPTA

Email us: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Want to help?

Get involved by chairing one of our committees. We are looking for committee chairs and other positions, like assisting in dine-in fundraisers and teacher appreciation week planning.

Join us at our first meeting of the year; Tuesday September 10th @ 7pm find out how you can get involved! We hope to see you there.

Amy Oppie

Welcome back to all our Buchanan Bears! We are excited and ready for the 24-25 school year. Thank you for joining us last night for Curriculum Night and Open house. It was great to see many happy faces. It was also amazing to meet so many new young 5's and Kindergarten students coming to school for the first time. What a great night!

A few reminder and notes:

• Please be patient with transportation this week. There is a lot of construction and the drivers are learning students and stops.
• Kindergartener's can only be released to an adult at the bus stop. Please leave tags on Kindergarten and first grade back packs. This helps our drivers learn bus stops.
• Students will line up in the front of the building for the first week of school (there will be signs with teachers names on them)
• Young Fives will line up in front of Door 5
• Kindergarten lines up in front of the main front doors of the building
• 1st grade lines up by the main front building doors, but up against the building
• 2nd grade lines up outside of Door 6
• 3rd grade lines up outside of Door 37
• 4th grade lines up outside of Door 42
• The first day is Monday August 26, and this is a 1/2 day. Dismissal is at 12:10 out the teachers exterior classroom door. (See map above)

GRADES: Young Fives K-4

8:55 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LUNCH: 11:40-12:30

HALF DAY SESSIONS: Dismissal 12:10 p.m.

Teacher Workday: 8:20 a.m. – 4:02 p.m.

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Welcome back! This is going to be a great year full of learning and growing. Our theme this year is "better together." A school thrives when students, teacher and the community collaborate. Students thrive when they have a team behind them and learn to collaborate with their peers. We are very excited for this year and I can't wait to share more at Curriculum Night and Open house. (Dates below)

Here is a suggested Supply this for each grade:

Buchanan Supply list

Important dates:

• Thursday August 15: Building Tours at Buchanan at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Tours are about 30 minutes and will begin in the lobby.

• Thursday, August 15: BOUNCE BACK TO SCHOOL! The district wide event will be held on the Riley Upper Elementary Playground hosted by the Livonia Education Foundation from 5:00-8:00 pm
• Bus Routes will be posted the week of August 19th and classroom teachers will be posted on August 22nd. Both will be in parent connect.
• Thursday August 22, 20240 Open House and Curriculum Night (More information to follow, Please free to bring any supplies you have this evening. Less for your child to carry on the first day of school)

4:45pm - 5:15pm - Y5, Kindergarten - Kona on the Playground (Open House)

5:30pm - 6pm

Y5, K, 3 & 4 - Curriculum Night

1 & 2 - Open House

6:15pm - 6:45pm

1 & 2 - Curriculum Night

3 & 4 - Open House

There have been a few changes here at Buchanan this year.

Mrs. Edwards moved up to 4th grade with her amazing class for the 24-25 school year.

Mrs. Kelly Brown will be an amazing addition to our 3rd grade team. She comes from Wayne Westland with experience and excitement.

Mrs. Parish is now the full time secretary at Cleveland, we are so sad to see her leave us.

Ms. Stevens will be our floater secretary with Mrs. Rentis in the office. She has come from the LPS already and she is ready to be in an elementary building. We are excited to welcome her to Buchanan.

Mrs. Boardman is going to another elementary school within the district, she will be missed.

Mrs. Neeb is our new Resource Room provider this year. She comes with experience from West Bloomfield. We welcome her to our school as well.

Buchanan is very excited to host and welcome the Young 5's program. Mrs. Howard is beyond thrilled to be teaching our new students. We will be welcoming Mrs. St. Ledger as her full time para support. We are so lucky to add her to our amazing team.

Hello Families! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. As school starts to quickly approach, I wanted to remind you that every year a new health care plan needs to be filled out. These were sent home prior to school getting out. If you need another one, please let me know and I can email it to you. That way we'll be ready to go on the first day of school. I also wanted to let you know that I will be accepting medication at Buchanan on Friday August 23rd or Monday August 26th. You can also bring it in during regular school hours the first week of school. Please remember that you may not send allergy medication in your child's backpack.

Below I found some links to help with the cost of Auvi-Q and Epi-pen. I hope they can save you a few dollars as they can get quite expensive.

AuviQ Discount
EpiPen Discount

Enjoy the rest of the summer and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Kristen Blazek

Elementary Support Teacher

I-Chat- Going on a future Field Trip?

Livonia Public Schools, in an effort to ensure the safety and security of its students, is continuing our safety procedure for field trip drivers, chaperones, and volunteers (PALS, Motor Moms, ELVs, etc.)

It is necessary for all parents/guardians who will be chaperoning field trips or volunteering in a classroom to provide information for a criminal conviction/background check. Please use the following link to go to the ichat form: I-Chat Form

A friendly reminder of parking lot etiquette:

Just a reminder to all parents/grandparents/guardians, that our parking lot can be a very dangerous place while dropping off students at the building so please keep these things in mind:

• Reduce your speed while entering and exiting the parking lots.

• The cut off time to use the designated exit lane is 8:40. We do this to ensure the safety of students and other vehicles who need to exit the parking lot.

• Obey stop signs unless otherwise directed by Bobby. If Bobby is unable to be at the crosswalk, please stop at all times. When dropping off your student, please pull all the way forward. This allows space for other vehicles behind yours to drop off their children simultaneously

• Be sure your student(s) are packed up and ready to exit the vehicle (backpack, water bottle, jacket, lunch box, etc... all should be easily accessible to your student and staff members).

• Be cautious of other traffic, especially buses, as you pull away from the designated drop off area.

Thank you for keeping our children safe here at Buchanan!

Report an Absence

Parents should excuse absence by using one of the following methods:

1. Fill out the “Report an Absence” form on the Buchanan website main page under Quick Links. (preferred method) Buchanan Attendance Form (google.com)

2. If you are unable to access our website, please call the Buchanan Attendance line 734-744-2690 (option #1).

If your student will be tardy, an adult must walk them into the building and sign them in for the day. If your student will be leaving early during the school day, please try to avoid lunch & recess times.