CUBS COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION

Our mission at Collins, with the help of the community, is to foster a caring and enriching environment that enables all students to grow academically and socially, to reach their individual potential as they become lifelong learners.

SCHOOL HOURS: 8:25-3:15 DAILY

HALF-DAY HOURS: 8:25-11:29

BREAKFAST OPENS @ 8:10-8:25

email: mailto:officecollins@uticak12.org

website: https://collins.uticak12.org

Location: 12900 Grand Haven, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Phone: 586-797-4200

Attendance Line: 586-797-4299 (24 hours)

COLLINS Facebook: www.facebook.com/CollinsCubs

PTO Facebook: www.facebook.com/BruceCollinsPTO

APRIL DATES:

28: 3rd Grade ELA MSTEP continues 9:30-10:30

29-30: 5th SCIENCE MSTEP 9:30-10:30

MAY

1-2: 4th Grade and 4/5 Split MATH MSTEP

5: 5th Grade Social Studies MSTEP

6-7: 3rd Grade Math MSTEP

6: 6th Grade Career Focus 11-1, Pictures at 9AM

12: SMART MOVES @ 2pm in GYM

12-13-UTICA ART SHOW

12: PTO MEETING 3:45 MEDIA CENTER

16: 6th Grade Dance

26: NO SCHOOL MEMORIAL DAY

27: 6th Grade Camp

28: FIELD DAY

JUNE

3: SENIOR CELEBRATION

5: KICKBALL GAME 6th Graders

4: FIELD DAY RAIN OUT DATE

9: PTO MEETING 3:45 MEDIA CENTER

10: 6th Grade Graduation

11: Kindergarten Celebration 9:30

11: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL HALF-DAY DIMISSAL AT 11:29

Dear Collins Community-

Week THREE of MSTEP testing is complete! Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will continue with their MSTEP testing in ELA (grade 3), Science (grade 5), Math (4th and 4/5 split) this week. There are a lot of great things happening at Collins Elementary! Be sure to review below for some additional information on our SENIORS CELEBRATION! In addition, please review the dates above as there were many added for the duration of the school year. Lastly, we have had some reminders needed regarding Student Code of Conduct. Please review them in the sections below, including, dress code, Hallway Regulations, and defacing of school property. We appreciate your support in this area. Thank you.

AFTER SCHOOL: As a reminder, our school playground becomes a PUBLIC PARK, after school hours. With dismissal procedures and parents on the school property upon dismissal, our park opens to the public, with a courtesy start time around 3:45. Upon dismissal, students should return home first before returning to the park. Any issues after school hours, local law enforcement can assist you. Thank you.

MSTEP: As we move into next week, we will begin our important MSTEP State Assessments. Please see the letters below regarding the critical MSTEP State Assessments as well as our testing schedule. Attendance on these days are vital as is getting a great night's sleep. Please see below for important information regarding MSTEP.

Make it a great week Collins Cubs! See you back on MONDAY!

Principal Ciacchella

Teachers and staff have been working closely to review our Summer School Options. Please look for a digital flyer to come home from your child's teacher. There are several factors that lead to the recommendation for Summer School programs and a careful selection process. If you child has been identified, you will receive a digital flyer. Thank you.

Families-

We are pleased to welcome the following new staff members to COLLINS!

• Ms. Morris: Security Specialist in the afternoons-if you see her in our parking lot, please say hello! She is a retired Police Officer and we are thrilled to have her support our afternoons.
• WELCOME MRS. HARWOOD to 1st GRADE! We are THRILLED to hire Mrs. Harwood to be the long-term substitute teacher in Mrs. Gray's first grade classroom. Please see her letter of introduction below.

WELCOME TO COLLINS!

I am working in partnership with the PTO to plan and coordinate a lovely TEACHER APPRECIATION week of special activities and gifts to show our gratitude for our entire teaching staff at Collins Elementary. Families, we need your help and are looking for additional supplies to be donated, if possible. Please see the PTO created sign-up below. Thank you PTO and THANK YOU COMMUNITY MEMBERS, in advance!

As the weather gets warmer, please remember our guidelines to be followed from our Utica Community Schools 2024-2025 Parent and Student Handbook (see pages 69-70):

"Consider the following guidelines when selecting school clothing:

1. Indecent, tattered or unsafe dress or footwear, or attire that calls undue attention to the wearer or has lettering or symbols that are disrespectful or derogatory are not allowed. Beach wear, low-cut tops, tank tops, sleeveless tops, muscle shirts, see- through clothing, short skirts or shorts, pajamas, tight clothing without proper coverage and clothing exposing the shoulders or mid-section are not allowed. CODE OF CONDUCT 69 School Appropriate Attire and Appearance (Continued)

2. Knee length shorts and skirts are acceptable. Shoes must be worn.

3. Outerwear, such as coats and hats, is not to be worn in school.

4. Clothing that promotes illegal substances or drugs, illegal activities, violence, tobacco or alcohol is prohibited.

5. Clothing or head coverings worn as group identifiers that promote a disruptive school climate are prohibited.

6. Clothing consistent with religious or cultural beliefs is acceptable. 7. Jewelry and accessories that may be deemed dangerous are prohibited. 8. Costumes and costume accessories are not to be worn at school unless otherwise authorized by school administration (holidays, specific events, etc.)"

"Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and courteous manner in the hallways. Students who are in the hallways during class time must have a pass issued by a member of the school staff. Hallway Restrictions may be implemented for students who are not able to meet the above expectations."

Taken from School Board Policy 5150:

"5150 POLICY - Student Vandalism:

The deliberate destruction or defacement of any school property, including textbooks, will be viewed as a most serious offense because it has a direct affect on the education of all students. In addition to regular disciplinary measures, students guilty of vandalism will be required to make full restitution. Where this is impossible, parents of these students will be held responsible."

Dear Families-

We are about to begin our MSTEP State Assessment testing. During the next 6 weeks from April 8-May 15th, students in grades 3-6 will be assessed at Collins Elementary School.

APRIL DATES:

28: 3rd GRADE ELA SESSION 2

28: NWEA WINDOW OPENS

29: 5th Grade MSTEP SCIENCE SESSION 1

30: 5th Grade MSTEP SCIENCE SESSION 2

MAY DATES:

1: 4th and 4/5 SPLIT MATH SESSION 1

2: 4th and 4/5 SPLIT MATH SESSION 2

5: 5th Grade MSTEP Studies ONLY SESSION

6: 3rd Grade MATH SESSION 1

7: CAREER FOCUS 6th Graders

8: 3rd Grade MATH SESSION 2

12-15: MAKEUPS MSTEP ALL GRADES 3-5

16: MSTEP MUST BE COMPLETED

23: NWEA WINDOW CLOSES

26: NO SCHOOL MEMORIAL DAY

WEEK FOUR: APRIL 28-MAY 2

Monday, April 28, 2025: 3rd ELA SESSION 2 Oltersdorf/Degenfelder

Tuesday, April 29, 2025: 5th Science SESSION 1 Doss/ Van Sickle/ Grimes SCIENCE (students split)

Wednesday, April 30, 2025: 5th Science SESSION 2 Doss/ Van Sickle/ Grimes SCIENCE (students split

Thursday, May 1, 2025: 4th and 4/5 Split MATH SESSION 1 Visca/Brusseau/Grimes

Friday, May 2, 2025: 4th and 4/5 Split MATH SESSION 2 Visca/Brusseau/Grimes

SPECIAL SWITCH

• SPECIAL SWITCH: Brusseau switch with DOSS
• SPECIAL SWITCH: Visca switch with Van Sickle
• SPECIAL SWITCH: GRIMES switch with BRYANT

WEEK FIVE: MAY 5-9

Monday, May 5, 2025: 5th SOCIAL STUDIES ONLY SESSION DOSS/VAN SICKLE/GRIMES

Tuesday, May 6, 2025: 3rd MATH SESSION 1 Oltersdorf/Degenfelder

Thursday May 8, 2025: 3rd MATH SESSION 2 Oltersdorf/Degenfelder

FRIDAY May 9, 2025: 3rd/5th Makeups

*RUN NORMAL SPECIAL SCHEDULE*

WEEK SIX: MAY 12-15

Monday-Friday, May 12-15, 2025 MAKEUPS ALL GRADES

*RUN NORMAL SPECIAL SCHEDULE*

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:

1. CAREER FOCUS May 6, 2025

Mrs. Merrifield, our fabulous Behavior Interventionist, is working on ways to celebrate our CUBS and their special behaviors. From the lunch room puff ball incentives to the WALL OF FAME-we are ready to celebrate ALL OUR CUBS who SHOW THEIR P.A.W.S.. A special thank you to Mrs. Merrifield's continued commitment to helping our students make successful strides of improvement in behavior. Stay tuned for the WALL OF FAME!

Please be sure to review the Attendance Policies and Procedures. If your child is absent, please be sure to call the office attendance line. We need to be fever free for 24 hours. Cough drops and lotions are not allowed in the building, due to allergy concerns. Tardies will be marked after the official start of our school day which begins at 8:25. Thank you.

POLICY 5115- Attendance Regular attendance and active participation in class are integral parts of a student’s total education. Students can achieve optimal educational benefits only through regular class attendance and a serious commitment to an educational program. Expecting good attendance fosters a habit that will be beneficial to the individual student throughout life, as school attendance patterns are often repeated in the work place. The Utica Community Schools considers absenteeism and tardiness a serious disruption to the educational process, not only for the student, but also for the teacher and the entire class. In order to protect the integrity of the classroom and to encourage students to establish good attendance attitudes and habits, students who are absent/tardy may be subject to disciplinary action by the school. Attendance in school is the responsibility of the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s). The school’s task is to provide instruction, encourage attendance and notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of absences from class. Exemplary class attendance should be the desired goal of students, parent(s)/guardian(s) and teachers

SHOWING OUR P.A.W.S:

• POSITIVE CHOICES (includes keeping our hands, feet, and objects to ourselves)
• ACT RESPONSIBLY (Hands to ourselves, following class rules and board policies, being prepared for class)
• WILL BE RESPECTFUL (Kind words, no swearing in any language, following directions the first time they are received.)
• SHOW INTEGRITY (Honest and Bully-Free)

STUDENT INCENTIVES

• Earning PAWS tickets for assemblies and awards
• Recognized by teachers and staff
• Shout-outs on Morning Announcements, Call home, or note from Principal!
• Earning extra rewards such as recess, lunch, etc.

CLASS INCENTIVES

• We try to recognize classrooms that have adhered to our GOAL for the week. Our goal is typically set by our Character Strong. This month is PERSERVERANCE!
• Classes get to house the CUB TROPHY award for the week and enjoy an additional recess.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

• We use our restorative practices to help guide students through reflection and redirection with behaviors.
• Did you know that use of Restorative Practices is a law in Michigan: MCL - Section 380.1310c?

ANTI-BULLYING

• We take this matter to heart. Please be sure to review the UCS SCHOOL BOARD Policy regarding this matter.
• We have Friendship Fridays on morning announcements that review part of our CHARACTER STRONG initiative to support anti-bullying friendships and support Social Emotional Learning.
• CHECK OUT OUR FAMILY CHARACTER STRONG COMMUNICATION regarding Anti-Bullying.

We try our best to get outside at ALL costs, weather permitting! Please be sure to send your students with hats, gloves, snowpants, boots, etc. Make sure to put their name inside!

If you need support with items, please let us know as we are happy to help provide some donations to your family in need.

TEMPERATURES: We do adhere to staying inside if it is 10 degrees (real feel) or below. This includes altering our safety posts if weather conditions are too cold for extended stretches. Thank you for your continued support for dressing appropriately for the weather! As always, if you need assistance, we are happy to help.

WEATHERBUG APP: Our building uses WEATHERBUG.com for Sterling Heights to determine our REAL FEEL temperatures.

Sometimes, it is necessary to hold indoor recess for a variety of circumstances including: icy black-top in spite of salting and plowing.

Safety remains a priority for our school. Collins Elementary is once again providing training to our students on our safety protocols. The protocols identify actions that students may be asked to take in the event of a potential incident: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter.

The training is provided through a short, animated video. In the video, the teacher – Mrs. Appleton – and her students walk through the different responses in a very relaxed and engaging way for younger children. The script was written by our staff.

The protocols will continue to be part of the training while practicing our regular school safety drills, such as fire drills, security drills, tornado drills, evacuation procedures, etc.

The video is available for you to review at this link: UCS School Safety: Standard Response Protocol - Elementary - YouTube If you have any questions, please contact our office.

We have several positions that will be open and available for Utica Community Schools for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have every considered getting involved in this amazing community, this is the time to do so! Please be sure to check out the website FREQUENTLY!!

https://uticak12.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

If you'd like to SUBSTITUTE TEACH in our building, please visit the website below!!

https://www.edustaff.org

There is always support available to you and your family. Should you need to contact our Care Match site is always running. At anytime, students, staff, or families can submit an anonymous request to care through your district's custom link caresolace.com/utica.

SUPER CUBS SHOW THEIR P.A.W.S!

P: Positive Choices

A: Act Responsibly

W: Will be Respectful

S: Shows Integrity

All Collins Cubs are expected to follow protocols and procedures while showing their PAWS! That includes inside the classrooms, during the hallways, on the playgrounds, and for arrivial/dismissal as well. Teachers will be on the lookout for ways to celebrate students showing their PAWS and have a chance to earn incentives.

Please review all Utica Community Schools behavior policies in the Parent Handbook attached to the link below. It is expected that all UCS policies and procedures will be adhered to at any/all school functions and on school properties. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Bond Issue Updates / Bond Issue Updates (uticak12.org)

Principal of Collins Elementary

Email: collinsquestions@uticak12.org
Website: https://www.uticak12.org/Collins
Location: 12900 Grand Haven Drive, Sterling Heights, MI, USA
Phone: (586)797-4200
Facebook: facebook.com/collins