The TU Tribune

This 180 Seconds (or less) of Learning Podcast is your chance to learn about amazing things happening in the world of education and at Troy Union!

The podcast will be quick, optimizing your time while giving you a chance to connect and learn with us. Our stories, will highlight the positive happening in education but we also hope some topics inspire you to do a 180 and possibly think about something differently. Either way, sit back and enjoy the next 180 seconds of learning.

We are excited to announce that we are accepting nominations for our 2024-2025 Outstanding Teacher of the Year! Please consider taking the time to nominate that special teacher who makes a difference in the lives of countless students. We look forward to celebrating our wonderful teachers!

TWO IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered. Every question must be answered: an answer of N/A or a single word is not considered complete.

1. Please be mindful of your nomination length.

The nomination form can be found here: https://forms.gle/q5NEcYKVNrqueh9C6

The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, January 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Nominations will NOT be accepted after this date and time. If you have any questions, please email me atkmontante@troy.k12.mi.us. This is a wonderful opportunity to nominate someone over Winter Break!

Thank you so much for your willingness to nominate one of our fabulous teachers!

We are excited to invite you to International Night: A Taste of the World, an event celebrating the diverse cultures that make our school community so special. This vibrant evening will take place on February 27th 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

At this event, families will have the opportunity to represent their country of origin at one of 15 available tables. We encourage you to share your culture by serving traditional food and/or drinks, dressing in cultural clothing, showcasing music/arts, and teaching others about the unique traditions, history, and customs of your home country.

This year’s International Night theme is inspired by the book Finding Gobi. Finding Gobi will also be Troy Union’s oneSchool/oneBook celebrating March is Reading month. Prior to International Night Troy Union staff members will introduce the book during Eagles Nests (more on that in February). With that and as you explore the event, you and your children can pretend to be Gobi, the little dog, traveling the world and marking the countries you’ve "visited." It will be a fun and educational way for everyone to learn about global cultures! (and there may even be some "ways" to get our kids in "Gobi Mode" as they enter the event).

The evening will also feature up to five performances that showcase music, prayers, and dance from families representing different cultures. These performances will highlight the rich diversity in our community and provide a wonderful way to learn through art and music.

Finger foods and drink are encouraged but not required. If you're interested in representing your country at a table or performing in front of the community, please use the SignUpGenius link below to sign up for one of the available spots:

• 15 tables available for cultural displays, food, drinks, sweets, and much more.
• 5 performance slots available for musical, dance, song or prayer presentations.

SignUpGenius Link Here

On behalf of the Troy Union PTO, we encourage you to join us, participate and help make this a memorable and exciting experience for our students and their families. Let's come together to explore the world and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity!

We look forward to seeing you at International Night: A Taste of the World!

If you have an incoming kindergarten student who plans to attend Troy Union Elementary in the fall of 2025, please reach out to the main office to be put on our projected list. This way you will not miss communications that will be coming from Troy Union, starting at the end of January/beginning of February. Enrollment is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Attached is an excellent resource we are sharing with our Troy Union families. "Parents Make the Difference" is a four-page, evidence-based newsletters that provides practical information for families and a comprehensive array of school success topics. This new to Troy Union resource is being shared with our families in partnership with the Troy Union PTO.

When dropping off your child please only park in designated spaces.

Each school day over 400 students arrive and depart from Troy Union. Our arrival and dismissal procedures have been implemented and refined to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community. Please read the following very carefully as some procedures have been modified. We ask for your patience as we strive to create a safe and efficient environment for our students during arrival and dismissal.

To ensure the safety of all, students and families should not congregate outside the school and it is important that you do NOT drop your child off at school until 8:33 at the earliest. If you arrive early then families should stay in their car. Students should not lineup outside their entrance.

• Winter Holiday Party: December 19 (Party times vary, classroom teacher will confirm)
  
• PTO Fun Fair: May 8, 5:30-7:30 PM (we are moving this from the fall to the spring to let the playground grass grow)
• Annual Makers Challenge: May 23
• Field Day: June 3

All dates are tentative and could be adjusted.

Looking for a rewarding way to spend a few hours each day? Consider becoming a noon aide at Troy Union! This role offers you the chance to make a positive impact on our students during their lunchtime, while also becoming a valued member of the vibrant Troy Union staff.

Whether you're looking to contribute to the school's positive CULTURE or simply want to get more involved, this opportunity might be perfect for you.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to Mike at mcottone@troy.k12.mi.us for further details!