Parsons Pirate Update

Hello Pirates Family,

Can you believe it's already October? Make sure your child brings their smile on Wednesday, October 2nd for Picture Day!

Also, keep that fundraising going for our Fun Run! The students were so excited to hear that if they reach the school goal of $22,000 I will be duck taped to the wall! Don't we all want to make their dreams come true. :)

Sincerely,

Sarah Aherne

Two proposals are on the ballot!

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.

Picture Day is coming Wednesday, October 2nd!

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTTKZ33F

Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

We are very excited to get this year's Parsons Mileage Club underway! There is much research that proves the great connection between exercise/movement and learning.

Mileage Club will start on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 and will run up until November 20, 2024. Eventually, Mileage Club will start back up again in Spring 2025. We realize the first day is Picture Day. We will go over the rules and there will be light walking.

We invite students in grades 2nd through 5th to run/walk every Wednesday morning before school. Each Mileage Club morning is weather dependent, of course. If it is raining, or the weather is unsafe for runners to participate, that day's Mileage Club will be cancelled. Proper cold weather attire is recommended on days it is chilly. The course is the track located behind our school. Start time is 8:00 AM sharp. We will be on the route until the school doors open. Students will track their mileage each day they participate.

Please fill out this form to register your child. The final date to register is Monday, September 30th. Thank you--we look forward to a successful fall season!

Kara Scheetz, Dane Ziemba, & Amanda Fairris

Parsons needs your support as we begin a very important, fun, healthy way to raise money for our school. The Fun Run is our school's only fundraiser, and the money raised makes up the entire budget for our PTO. Our organization uses these funds throughout the year for things such as bus transportation for field trips, school assemblies, technology for the classrooms, playground equipment, after school clubs (drama club, run club, art club), Teacher Appreciation, Kindergarten Roundup, and fun school events such as Field Day, Cookies with Santa, Grandparents Breakfast, Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, and many other PTO-funded activities. This year's total school goal is $22,000 - if each student raises just $50, we will be able to meet our goal! There is no donation amount too big or too small - it all matters, and every donation makes a difference!!!

We want to promote a healthy lifestyle within our school and community. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by taking the time to support our Fun Run. We have teamed up with Get Movin'© to make this event both fun and profitable with online mobile-friendly technology! This is our 14th annual Fun Run and it continues to be a successful event thanks to wonderful families like you. Help us make the 2024 Fun Run a SPLASH!!

PARENTS - PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED!!!

EVENT DETAILS AND IMPORTANT DATES

o Fun Run Kick-Off: 9/11

o Register Online/Select Shirt Size before 9/23

o Event Date: 10/10

o Final Donations Due: 10/18

Check out the flyers below for more info and incentives!

Kindergarten students often have the most absences. However, we were so happy on our half day when Mrs. Bannon, Mrs. Pendergast, and Ms Blake had 100% attendance! They were the only three classrooms to have everyone here on the half day and they received a special treat!

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. Please read information from your child’s teacher regarding grade level dismissal.

We have approximately 31 additional students this year. This has appeared to cause some more congestion. Please be patient and continue to follow the rules to ensure the safety of the children.

Please do not park on the grass or up on the sidewalk. There are approximately 105 parking spots in the lot and approximately 15 on the gravel area along Fryer. I have reached out to the Director of Maintenance to see if anything else can be done.

Remember your options are always...

Park in a spot and walk up to the door.

Use the driveline.

If your child is in a bus area, they may ride the bus.

Thank you for your continued patience.

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

A full lunch is FREE.

If your child, wants to just get a milk, they must purchase one. There must be money in their account prior to purchasing. Milk is 50 cents.

I know this sounds so confusing. This is a government rule because they want to encourage full healthy lunches.

All this to say...if your child wants a milk, you probably just want to encourage them to get a full lumch.

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.

All doors are locked during the school day. If you come to school, you will be buzzed into the foyer area. You will be asked to show identification before your child is released. All visitors/volunteers in the building must report and sign in at the office. Visitors must wear a badge in the school building. All volunteers in the classroom and for field trips must have a background check on file each year. If you have a felony, you may not volunteer for WatchDogs, field trips, or volunteer in the classroom.

You can access our suggested supply list here. We also have supplies and backpacks for students if needed. Don't hesitate to ask!

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!

We do need trunks. Call Tracy Scrivner at 734-731-0771.

October 2nd- Count Day, Picture Day

October 4th-PBIS Movie Party, Carlson Homecoming Game, Parade 5:00

October 8th-PTO meeting 6:00

October 10th-Fun Run, Board Meeting 7:00 pm

October 21st-22nd-No School Autumn Break

October 24th-Trunk or Treat 6:00-7:30 pm

October 31st-Halloween Parade