Marlette Elementary News

January 2020

From the Principal's Desk

Happy New Year! 2020 is going to be awesome at Marlette Community Schools. We are continuing to focus on students being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, in and out of school and renew our commitment that together, we will educate every child, in every classroom, every day! January is a busy month with the end of the second quarter only three weeks away. Students will be taking benchmark assessments as we continue to use data to ensure we are doing our best for each student. You will hear from your child about taking the DIBELS and STAR Reading and Math assessments. Please let us know if you have any questions!

If you need to contact me, my office phone number is 989-635-4925, Google voice number is 989-272-3718, and email address is jvislosky@marletteschools.org. Thank you all so much for trusting us with your children!

Recess during the winter months

If the temperature is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit (including wind chill) and the weather cooperates, students will have outdoor recess. This means that students must be dressed appropriately for cold weather. Students should dress in layers and have a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and boots at a minimum. Snow pants are always a good idea to help keep the children dry. Please take the time to write your child’s name on each article of clothing in case it ends up on the lost and found rack.

Article of the Month

There is no secret formula for helping your child become an effective reader. Reading to your child every night, having daily conversations, and even singing are all ways to improve your child's literacy skills. I truly believe that there is no app that can replace your lap! For more ideas, check out this article- http://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-literacy/11-ways-parents-can-help-their-children-read

Attendance Matters

Marlette Community Schools does not have a major problem with truancy, but we do have a serious problem with chronic absenteeism. Truancy refers to excessive and unexcused absences, but chronic absenteeism is when all absences are combined (illness, vacation, doctor's appointments, etc...). Most absences at MES are excused, but they all add up and hurt children academically when they become excessive. Missing two days per month in Kindergarten through 3rd grade puts a child half a year behind their peers when they reach 4th grade. We understand that children do get sick and we don't want them here spreading their germs to others, but please only keep children home when absolutely necessary, schedule appointments on non-school days whenever possible, and try to schedule vacations that align with our school calendar. Together, we will ensure all children are successful and prepared for the increased rigors of high school and beyond. If you receive a notice from us regarding your child's attendance, it's because we care. Notices are sent automatically through Skyward.

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School Calendar and Hours

The Annual School Calendars along with District information may be accessed online at www.marletteschools.org. Students are expected to be in class by 8:15 when the second bell rings and stay until the dismissal bell at 3:00. A pattern of late arrivals and/or early checkouts is considered truancy.

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast is served every morning, free of charge, in every classroom. Lunch is available for only $2.45. Milk is available for $.40.

School meals are a great value and a huge convenience for busy families, too! Parents are encouraged to complete the free/reduced meal form application each year as the qualifications change. Furthermore, forms may be resubmitted at any time during the school year if there is a change in financial status with the household. For more information, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 989-635-7429.

Upcoming Dates

January 6, School resumes

January 13, Marlette Board of Education meets at 7:00 in the Hub

January 24, End of the second marking period (1:00 dismissal)

January 27, No school for students (Teacher professional development day)

January 28, 3rd marking period starts

January 30, Report cards sent home

January 30 & 31, Marlette Basketball Kappen Family benefit games

February 3-7, Winter Homecoming spirit week

Tobacco Free School Environment

Just a reminder that the Marlette Community Schools are a Tobacco Free School environment. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all school property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This also applies to your personal vehicle on school property. Please extinguish all tobacco products before entering school district property. Our property is a Drug Free School Zone.