The Barnard Broadcaster
Weekly Updates
Dear Barnard Families,
As I reflect on our week of learning and growing together, so many memories fill my mind with such positive images from the countless guest readers that filled our classrooms, from family members to board members, students were exposed to read alouds that were sure to expand their love of reading.
I was even lucky enough to be invited in to classrooms to be a guest reader. On the floor, with a favorite book in my hand, surrounded by smiling and eager faces by the best humans on earth, kids, is one of my very favorite places to be. However, all of my lunch dates lately with tickets to fly winners has also been a highlight of my days! Racing third graders on the playground also reminded me that I still have a few moves to pull out when needed. Just more evidence that Barnard is the BEST school for countless reasons even beyond this small snapshot of weekly memories.
Thank you to all the families that participated in conferences this week. The partnership and shared collaboration between the school and home is one of the most important influences on your child's success both socially and academically. We are so grateful to have such a supportive and active parent community.
Our week ahead is a short one as we head into spring break at the end of the day on Thursday, with a reminder of no school on Friday. Whether your plans are to stay at home for a staycation or to travel, I wish everyone a safe and restorative week.
Friendly reminder that if you drop off your child after 9:09 am, you must come sign your child in as tardy. Thanks for working hard to arrive on time so our classrooms can all start their busy days on time with all students. We have noticed a huge improvement and greatly appreciate your collaboration on this. Let's keep it up moving forward to finish out the year.
Karen Bush
Principal, Barnard Elementary School, Troy School District
Ext. 4320
Motto: Each person, each day, learning and caring in every way.
π Important Dates π
More Important Dates Coming Up:
March Dates
Monday, March 18th- Senator Weber to visit 4th and 5th Graders
Tuesday, March 19th - 4th Grade Heritage Project Presentation
Thursday, March 21st- March is Reading Month Spirit Day- Wear a Hat to school.
Friday, March 22nd - Sunday, March 31- SPRING BREAK!
April Dates
Monday, April 8th- PTO Meeting at 7:00 pm *Dr. Machesky Spring Update
Thursday, April 25th- 1/2 Day- Dismissal at 12:59 pm; *Take your child to work day!
May Dates
Monday, May 6th - Friday, May 10th- Teacher Appreciation Week- Time to spoil Barnard Teachers!
Monday, May 13th- PTO Meeting at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 15th- Early Release at 2:37 pm
Monday, May 27th- NO SCHOOL- Memorial Day
June Dates
Friday, June 7th- 5th Grade Promotion- Fun Day!
Tuesday, June 11th- 1/2 Day- Dismissal at 12:59 pm
Wednesday, June 12th-1/2 Day- Dismissal at 12:59 pm
Thursday, June 13th- 1/2 Day- Dismissal at 12:59 pm- LAST DAY! Clap Out at 12:40 pm
π· Snapshots of Daily Happenings Across Barnard π·
π» Updates from Mr. Werner in Media π€
4th graders used block code and Dash robots to launch catapults at a target. This was a fun way to build on our prior experience with the Blockly app. Lots of trial and error and a good lesson in perseverance!
2nd and 3rd grades learned about Rube Goldberg machines and then built their own fun designs on our new magnetic marble run.
Important Book Return Reminder
Parents, thank you for your help in returning media materials on time. We have over 10,000 books in our collection and lots of moving parts. All book checkouts are for one week. A book can be renewed for an additional week if the student wants more time. If a book is lost, the replacement fee is $10. Once paid, the fee can be refunded if the book is eventually found a returned.
Sincerely,
Mr. Werner
π March is Reading Month π
π Helpful Parenting Tips π
Reading for Pleasure Promotes Healthy Brain Development
According to a recent study, regular pleasure reading at a young age is linked with stronger cognitive skills and better mental health. To encourage your elementary schooler to read for fun:
- Find reading role models who can inspire your child. Ask relatives, family friends or neighbors who love reading to recommend books they enjoyed at your childβs age.
- Weave reading into daily routines. At the breakfast table, encourage your child to read a book while you read the news. If your child gets stuck or restless working on a school assignment, suggest taking a break to read just for funβyour child is unlikely to say no!
- Create a βbook nook.β Help your child make a special place in your home to read. Include a basket of books, pillows or a bean bag chair, stuffed animals and a light.
- Take books everywhere you go and read with your child. For extra fun, have your child pick a book related to your destination. For example, read a book about the dentist together while waiting for a dental appointment.
- Make a special visit to the library to stock up on books before a family trip or vacation. Your child will discover that reading is a relaxing way to spend free time away from home.
- Offer a monthly incentive for finishing a certain number of books.
π Kindergarten Round Up Coming Soon! π
Kindergarten Round Up
Save the date for Barnard's Kindergarten Round-Up on Wednesday, April 3rd. Enrollment is now open, please be sure to complete all paperwork as soon as possible. All paperwork must be complete before April 3rd. For access to the portal, please click here.
π On Your Mark Basketball π
Thank you for keeping traffic moving at pick up and dismissal by pulling up far.
Karen Bush - Barnard, Principal Troy Elementary School
Phone: 248.823.4320
Email: kbush@troy.k12.mi.us
Website: barnard.troy.k12.mi.us