Dear Plumbrook Families, I was so pleased to see all of you at our

Dear Plumbrook Families,
October, 2012
I was so pleased to see all of you at our Open House on Thursday, September 27th. We all know that the
relationship between home and school is imperative to having a successful year! The first month of school was
great and very busy for our Plumbrook Knights. Teachers have been busy testing and gathering data that will
assist them in driving and planning their instruction. Our teachers pride themselves on differentiating instruction
to meet the needs of all their learners. Our school improvement goals are to improve our MEAP scores in the areas
of Reading, Math, and Writing. Encourage your child to practice reading, writing, and math at home. A good rule of
thumb for reading is 10 minutes a night per grade level. For example, if you have a third grader, 3 times 10 is 30
minutes a night. Encourage your child to keep a journal and write about their day. Practicing your math facts,
whether on the computer or using flash cards, will increase your child's confidence level in the area of math.
In October, our third through sixth grade students will have the opportunity to “show what they know” when they
take the 2012 MEAP Assessment. Test taking is an important part of school for all grade levels, and here are some
important test taking tips for parents to use at home:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Keep a positive attitude about tests. Children are very intuitive and pay careful attention to how parents and family
members view tests and school. If you want your child to have a positive outlook on the test, then the positive attitude
needs to start in the home. Talking about the test with your child can also relieve any stress your child might have about
test taking.
Post the test dates. Mark down the testing days on your family calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing
dates. Posting the dates will also help your family to ensure that you do not schedule too many activities the night before
a test.
Get plenty of rest. School children need at least nine to eleven hours of sleep. Kids who don’t wake easily often seem
irritable or lack daytime energy and need more sleep. A good night’s rest is important for many things, from overall
growth to learning and concentration at school. To aid in the transition of bedtime, it might be helpful to have children
wind down quietly before lights- out.
Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast. If your child hasn’t eaten since dinner the night before, there’s no energy to draw
from – the gas tank is empty. Kids learn and focus better when there is food in their tummies. Children who eat breakfast
are also leaner because they are not as likely to snack on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods later in the day.
Be on time. Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will arrive to school on time. A smooth and
relaxing start to the day will set the tone for a successful day at school and help your child to approach the test relaxed
and focused.
Celebrate the success. Praise/reward your child when he/she does well on a test or when your child works hard towards
an educational goal. The power of positive praise can really motivate your child for future assessments, homework and
school projects.
I look forward to a wonderful October with our families and will see many of you Friday, October 26th at 5:30 p.m.
for our PEP Halloween Celebration!
Sincerely,
Sofia Papastamatis
Plumbrook Proud Principal
Positive Behavior Support at Plumbrook
I am excited to share with you that we will be continuing Positive Behavior Support to promote excellent social and
academic behavior at Plumbrook! One of the foremost advances in school-wide discipline is the emphasis on
school-wide systems that include classroom, hallway, lunchroom, recess and bus environments. This support
system includes proactive strategies for encouraging appropriate student behavior to create and promote a
positive school environment. Distributing the “Code of Honor” tickets is a school-wide strategy that we will use to
maintain appropriate social and academic behavior. These tickets can be distributed to the students if you see
them following any of the UCS Success Skills listed below:
The UCS Success Skills are:
RESPECT- Treating others the way you want to be treated.
(ex. Helping a friend, letting someone sit with you on the bus or inviting someone to play a game at recess,
walking down the hall quietly, etc.)
RESPONSIBILITY- Being accountable for what you say and do.
(ex. Picking up trash, following through on a task, following the rules, etc.)
INTERITY- Being truthful and trustworthy.
(ex. Telling the truth-even when it is hard)
PERSONAL BEST-Putting forth your best effort.
(ex. Trying your best on a project or assignment, making the right choice, etc.)
POSITIVE COMMUNICATION- Being considerate with your words and actions
(ex. Using an “I” message, working hard to solve a problem, complimenting others, etc.)
Once the children receive a ticket, they are to write their name on it and deposit the ticket in the box located right
outside the office. Every Friday, there will be a drawing and five names will be drawn. The lucky students will have
the opportunity to choose a Plumbrook Prize!
In addition to the Friday drawings, every month one child from each classroom will be recognized for displaying
the Utica Community Schools Success Skills, as well as, our Plumbrook Success Skills.
The Plumbrook Success Skills are:
FANTASTIC FRIEND
AWESOME ARTIST
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
MARVELOUS MUSICIAN
TERRIFIC TECH
WONDERFUL WRITER
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
Thank you for supporting our students at Plumbrook and for encouraging
them to make positive choices. We are making a difference in the lives of our
Plumbrook Knights!
Announcing September’s Plumbrook Award:
For RESPECT:
Nolan Viviano
Chloe Ivy
Mike Ciani
Aaron Sobolewski
Andrew Sacco
For RESPONSIBILITY:
Anna Wathon
Juliana Briggs
Angelina Paho
For PERSONAL BEST:
Ashley Kniola
Maddy Hanser
Elizabeth Morachevska
Cecilia Pellerito
Noah White
For INTEGRITY:
Cody Girard
Nikolas Benka
For POSITIVE COMMUNICATION:
Seth Pelkey
Nick Perkins
Damian Daris
For FABULOUS FRIEND:
Joseph Lulgjuraj
Brianne' Hill
Rivaldo Tobia
For Terrific Tech:
Justin Farley
For Sportsmanship Award:
Caden Bolinger
For Marvelous Musician:
Mycah Hill
For Awesome Artist:
Adam Shippey
Deniss Ileasa
Vanessa Long
Calendar 2012-2013
Oct 12
Mom to Mom set up
Bagel Day
Oct 13
Mom to Mom event
Oct 18
Cookie Dough Kick Off
Oct 23-26
Book Fair
Oct 23
Picture Retake Day
Book Fair evening
event 6-8
Oct 26
Halloween Party (art/music)
Oct 31
½ day – dismissal 11:32
Jan 17&18
½ days – dismissal 11:32
Jan 18
Bagel day
Jan 23
Bingo Night
Feb 6
PEP Meeting @ 3:30
Feb 8
Bagel Day
Feb 15
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Feb 18-24
No school – mid winter break
Mar 1
Cookie Dough Kick-Off
Mar 6
Nov 2
Nov 6
Cook dough $ due
No school for students
Teacher Professional Day
PEP Meeting @ 3:30 Election form
Distributed
Mar 8
Bagel Day
Mar 15
All School Dance, Cookie Dough
Sale Ends
Nov 7
PEP Meeting 3:30-4:30 (art/music)
Nov 9
Bagel Day
Mar 29-Apr 7 No school – Spring Break
Nov 13
Parent/Teacher Conferences
April 10
Nov 15
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Half day - dismissal 11:32
April 19
Bagel Day
Nov 21-25
No school – Thanksgiving Break
May 1
PEP Meeting 3:30
Nov 22
Thanksgiving
May 9
Flower Sale & Muffins w/Mom (set-up)
Nov 30
Plumbrook’s Birthday party
May 10 Flower Sale & Muffins w/Mom
Dec 5
PEP meeting 3:30-4:30 (art/music)
May 17 Bagel Day
Movie Night
Dec 6
Cookie dough delivery
Dec 7
Silent Auction/Spagetti Dinner
Dec 14
Bagel Day
Dec 24-Jan 1
No School
PEP Meeting @ 3:30
Elect new board
June 6
Doughnuts w/Dad (set-up)
June 7
Doughnuts w/Dad
June 12 POHI to Metro Beach
Jan 2
School Resumes
Jan 9
PEP meeting 3:30-4:30 art/music
June 13 6th gr. Graduation
Last Day of School dismissal 11:30
Lunch Times
Shift 1: Kindergarten, PI-OHI,
Grades 1 and 6
Eating: 11:30-11:50
Playing: 11:50-12:10
Shift 2: Grades 2,3,4,5
Eating: 11:50-12:10
Playing: 11:30-11:50
Free and Reduce Lunch
Please complete the Free and Reduce
Lunch applications by October 16,
2012, for benefits to continue without
interruption. On October 16th,
students who do not have an approval
meal application will be removed
from the meal benefit eligibility.
Please visit www.lunchapp.com or
complete a paper application as soon
as possible in order for benefits to
continue.
Arrival Time
To ensure the safety of your
student(s), please be sure your child is
not dropped off in the morning before
8:15a.m. unless they are coming in for
breakfast which is not open until
8:05a.m.
No adult supervisor is available.
Picture Retake Day
Tuesday
Wednesday 23, 2012
Career Expo
Utica Community Schools will host
its annual Career Expo on Thursday,
March 21, 2013 from 7:00 pm to
9:00pm at Eisenhower High School.
Career Expo is a free event for UCS
students and their parents. More than
100 career representatives will be
present to answer questions regarding
educational requirements, job duties,
expected earnings and the job outlook
for their careers. Career Expo is an
excellent opportunity for students to
begin or to continue their exploration
of career possibilities. Free shuttles
will run from Stevenson High School,
Henry Ford II High School and Wiley
Elementary from 6:45pm through
9:15pm.
MEAP Testing Dates
Tuesday, Oct. 9th• Grade 3
o
o
• Grade 4
o
o
• Grade 5
o
o
• Grade 6
o
o
Wednesday, Oct.10th• Grade 3
o
• Grade 4
o
• Grade 5
o
• Grade 6
o
Reading Test AM
Reading Test PM
Thursday, Oct. 11th• Grade 4
o Writing Test AM
o Writing Test PM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test PM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test PM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test PM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test AM
Reading Test AM
Tuesday, Oct. 16th• Grade 3
o Math Test AM
o Math Test PM
•
•
•
Grade 4
o
o
Grade 5
o
o
Grade 6
o
o
Wednesday, Oct. 17th• Grade 4
o
o
• Grade 5
o
o
• Grade 6
o
o
Math Test AM
Math Test PM
Math Test AM
Math Test PM
Math Test AM
Math Test PM
Writing AM
Writing PM
Science AM
Science PM
Social Studies AM
Social Studies PM
Halloween
Information
We all know that Halloween is a very
exciting time of year for our children! By
working together, we can make Halloween a
safe and happy experience for all of our
Plumbrook Knights. When shopping and
planning for the perfect Halloween costume
with your child, please avoid the following:
masks, weaponry (including toys), blood,
gore, overly scary costumes, and any
character from a rated “R” movie: (ex.
Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm
Street, Jason Voorhees from Friday the
13th, Michael Myers from Halloween and
the Scream ghost mask, etc.)
Face painting is a good alternative to
wearing a mask. Students whose costumes
do not adhere to these guidelines will not be
permitted to wear the costume and will have
to return home to change into
appropriate attire. Thank you in advance
for your respect of our preschool through
6th grade student population.
On Wednesday, October 31st, please
remember to send students to school dressed
in their costumes. Our half-day schedule
(dismissal is at 11:30 a.m.) does not allow
for “costume time.” The Plumbrook
Halloween parade will start at 10:30 a.m.
outside.
Please line up and gather around the outside
perimeter of the school, that way it feels like
more of a “true parade” for the students. We
will start the parade with our youngest
students and work our way to upper
elementary, heading out the back doors. We
will be parading around the outside
perimeter of the school.
I look forward to seeing many of you on
Halloween!
Happy Trick-or-Treating!
Community Education
SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE (SACC)
To Register Please Call (586) 797-6980
In School Age Child Care we strive to provide the best care for your children in a safe,
friendly and comfortable environment where they can socialize with their peers. We
offer multiple opportunities for children to participate that are developmentally
appropriate and allow for social, physical, and intellectual stimulation. It is our goal
to consistently grow in all areas to provide your children with positive experiences
before and after school child care.
• School Age Child Care registration packets can be downloaded at
www.communityeducation.com
or available from your SACC Director.
Packets must be completed and returned to the SACC Director.
•
A non-refundable registration fee of $40 per child or $55 per family may be paid,
by credit card. Please call the School Age Child Care Office (586) 797-6980.
Cash or checks must be brought to: (Payment will not be accepted at individual sites)
Community Education Center @ Walsh
SACC Office
38901 Dodge Park Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
The cost of SACC is $3.95 per hour, there is a minimum charge of one hour per
morning and/or afternoon session. Please call (586) 797-6980 for more information.
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy
Grains
1-1 ½ cups daily.
Fruit can be served
whole, sliced, cut in
half, cubed, or in
wedges.
Apples (whole or
sauce)
Bananas
Berries (black, blue,
rasp., straw)
Cherries (fresh or
dried)
Grapes
Kiwis
Melons (cantaloupe,
honey dew,
watermelon)
Nectarines
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Tangerines
1 ½-2 ½ cups daily.
Vegetables can be
served raw with dip or
salad dressing.
2-3 cups daily.
Try to make sure all
dairy foods are lowfat or fat-free.
4-6 ounces daily.
Try to serve mostly
whole grains.
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Peppers (red, green,
yellow)
Tomatoes (cherry,
grape)
Summer Squash
Zucchini
Yogurt
Lower-Fat Cheese
String Cheese
Low-Fat Pudding
Whole Wheat English
Muffins, Pita, or
Tortillas
Baked Tortilla Chips
Whole Grain Crackers
For dips: Try low-fat
salad dressings, like
fat-free Ranch or
Thousand Island,
store-bought light
dips, or salsa.
Make a dip for fruits
or vegetables
w/yogurt or top your
yogurt or pudding
w/fruit.
Canned, frozen, and
dried fruits often need
little preparation.
(Triscuit/Wheat
Thins)
Pretzels (Rold
Gold/Better Made)
Popcorn (low-fat)
Cheese-Nips
(Nabisco)
Cheez-Its (Sunshine)
Cereal-Dry
(Cheerios, Raisin
Bran, Frosted Mini
Wheats, Wheaties)
Goldfish
(Pepperidge Farms)
Whole grains provide
more fiber, vitamins,
and minerals than
refined grains.
***WATER should be the main drink served to children at snack time.***
(One regular juice box can contain 7-8 teaspoons of sugar.)
This list is to be used as a guide for you, if you choose to send a healthy snack with your child. The snacks listed are
intended to be healthy as well as safe for our children with peanut/tree nut allergies. If your child’s classroom is
designated as peanut/tree nut safe please check the labels of food prior to sending them into school. Keeping
children healthy and safe is our priority.
The School District is not responsible for any change in the ingredients used by the manufacturer in making
and processing the snacks. It is your responsibility to check the labels regularly as products ingredients are
subject to change without notice.
This list was compiled for use in the Utica Community School District. Fall 2009.
From birthday parties to holiday celebrations, classroom parties are a frequent activity in
elementary schools. Cupcakes, juice, pizza, donuts and ice cream don’t have to be the main
menu items at these parties. Below are some ideas for making those celebrations fun,
active and healthier.
Donate a classroom gift. Wrap a game or a book that can be donated to the
classroom for indoor recess or free time. Don’t tell your child what it is so that it is
a surprise to them too!
Gift bags with school supplies! The gift that keeps on giving every time they use
that pencil or eraser.
Bring in a craft for the students to do together, arrange a game, or extra recess.
Be a guest reader for your child’s birthday (or ask another very special person).
When a snack is part of the party, think healthy. Low fat and low sugar snacks help
students get through the day without losing focus or feeling tired when the sugar burns off.
Here are a few ideas to start:
Fruit Smoothies: 1/2 cup fruit, 1 cup yogurt, ½ cup juice or milk, 4 ice cubes. Blend
together and serve!
Freshly popped popcorn. Use an air popper for a change.
Low-fat pudding cups.
Fruit slices with dip.
Fruit Kabobs: use different kinds of fruit or let the kids make their own.
We recommend no homemade or bakery made goods.
Baked goods (i.e., cookies, cakes, brownies, etc.), ice cream, chocolate and candy are all food
items that could unknowingly contain traces of peanuts/nuts.
Please remember that all treats must be store bought, unopened, and include
an ingredient label on the package.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to provide treats that can be safely enjoyed by everyone.
This list was compiled for use in the Utica Community School District. Fall 2009.
NOTE: PLEASE check labels regularly; product ingredients change often and without notice.
When checking for allergens, look for a warning/alert on the packaging first. Labeling laws have
made it easier and many times a product will have an allergen warning/alert on it.
Avoid products with the following or similar allergy and ingredient alerts:
“Contains peanut/tree nut ingredients”
“May contain peanuts/tree nuts”
“Processed on equipment where peanuts or tree nuts may be present”
“Made or packed in the same facility as peanuts/tree nuts”
If there is no allergy alert on the packaging, make sure to check the ingredient list for allergens.
Verify that the product does not contain any of the following or similar ingredients:
Peanuts/peanut oil/peanut butter/peanut flour
Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
Please do not send products into the classroom with these warnings or ingredients.
We recommend no homemade or bakery made goods.
Baked goods (i.e., cookies, cakes, brownies, etc.), ice cream, chocolate and candy are all food
items that could unknowingly contain traces of peanuts/nuts.
Please remember that all treats must be store bought, unopened, and include
an ingredient label on the package.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to provide treats that can be safely enjoyed by everyone.
This list was compiled for use in the Utica Community School District. Fall 2009.