Upcoming Dates - South Lake Schools

South Lake Schools – St. Clair Shores, Michigan
January / February
2016
Upcoming Dates
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
**********************************
Jan. 4 – School Resumes - FULL DAY
COMING SOON!
Jan. 18 - NO SCHOOL - MLK Day
Thanks to all of you and your support of the bond, our new
“facelift” to Koepsell will soon be here. As we prepare to transition
to the new area of the building, we will make some changes in our
students entering and exiting the building. When we are ready to
make these changes, we never know with certainty when the final
construction will be complete, the office will communicate the
entering and exiting changes and a Start Date.
Jan. 12 – Family Council Mtg – 6 pm
Jan. 25 – Great Skate Nt – 6-8:30 pm
Jan. 29 - End of 2nd Qtr. Records Day
HALF DAY – DISMISS 11:35
Feb. 2 – Movie Night – 6pm
Feb. 5 – Waste Free Lunch
* Grades K-2 will enter and exit in the new entrance. (Circular
driveway)
Feb. 8 – Lolli-gram Sale
Feb. 9 - Family Council Mtg - 6pm
Feb. 15 & 16 – Winter Break
NO SCHOOL
We are Online!
www.solake.org/koepselleducation-center/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/southlake
schools/
* Grades 3-5 will enter and exit in the familiar foyer (next to
playground area)
There is a sense of pride that comes with a school that updates its
structure and I know the community, staff and students are excited
to see these changes. The true heart of a building is felt in the
relationships and collaborative spirit of all of us working together
for the success of the children. Thank you again for your support on
the bond.
Here’s to new beginnings in the New Year!
Diane Larsen, Principal
October / November 2014
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Dear Koepsell Families,
It’s so hard BUS
to believe
that our
winter holidays are rapidly approaching.
I’m hoping
that we
SCHOOL
SECURITY
RIDER
INFORMATION
can help some of our families who are struggling financially to better enjoy their family
celebration.
youthe
can
with our
holiday
weThe
are Building’s
asking forEntry
donations
Doors of
can only
If your childIfrides
busafford
to andto
or help
from school,
please
have effort,
a
giftconversation
cards and/or
cash.
Please
leave
your
donation
with
one
of
our
office
assistants.
Any
amount
be
opened
by
the
Office
Staff.
All will
with her/him regarding what he/she should do in
bethe
much
addorup!!!
And
feel free to letother
me know
if you are teachers,
one of our
staff members,
eventappreciated.
they miss a busDollars
at Koepsell
any of
the please
schools the
families
that
might
benefit
from
assistance
this
year.
We
want
to
do
what
we
can
to
make
bus travels to. Tell them to report to the office at the school
parents and students are this
not holiday
a happier
oneand
fortell
you.
WhilePlease
we cannot
helpthat
every
will at least
to connect
youdue
to to
immediately
someone.
emphasize
they family, we permitted
totry
open
entry doors
should be interacting
schooltopersonnel
only.can reach me at 586-435-1510.
a resource
that maywith
be able
help. You
Leave
a
message
ongo
my
safety concerns. All Visitors must
voicemail if I’m not available.
directly to the Main Office to sign in
Please contact the office at 586-435-1500 if your child needs
and show identification. Thank you
help with
transportation
you.be eligible for their
If you received
Cops
4 Kids lastissues.
year,Thank
you will
gift giving
program
for important
two more
for your
cooperation
in this
years! And, here’s a quick reminder from an online article about holidays: matter.
STUDENT
PICK
UP of the
Yes, kids like presents, holiday decorations, cookies and candy and the
hustle and
bustle
holiday season. As much as it is an exciting time, it can also be a lot for kids to handle
STUDENTS
AREhave
DISMISSED
AT time
as well. When asked, kids repeatedly say the best parts of the holidays
always
to do with
PM.
spent with the family- going shopping alone with dad to pick out someone's3:20
gift, sharing
a simple
IF YOU ARE
ABLE TO
YOUR
dinner alone with mom while everyone else is out, looking at holiday
lightsNOT
together,
or PICK
making
CHILD
AT THAT
TIME,
YOUkids
MUST
paper snowflakes and drinking hot chocolate together on a cold
day. UP
These
are the
things
ENROLL
YOUR
CHILD
IN
LATCHKEY
remember and cherish. This time spent together is what helps strengthen relationships and
OR MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.
build self-worth.”
THERE ARE LATCH KEY FORMS IN
OFFICE. Thank you.
Thank you all for taking the time to consider how you might be able THE
to help.
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DRESS WARMLY!
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT VISITORS
REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR
WARM CLOTHES TO SCHOOL. STUDENTS
WILL GO OUTSIDE IF THE TEMPERATURE IS
20+. (WITH WIND CHILL)
If middle school students would like to visit
their previous elementary teachers, please call
the school and arrange a time. Students are
getting off the bus and coming to visit. I have
communicated that they should not do this for
their own safety as the law is portal to portal
(no stopping by 711, schools, etc.) The teachers
would love to see former students with an
arranged visit and after checking in at home.
Thank You
In Honor of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
EACH OF US HAS A CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE -- WHAT WILL BE YOURS?
The article, “What If There Were No Black People” , reminds us
of the many contributions made by individuals, who have personally
made a difference to all of us.
This is a story of a young man who woke up one morning and asked his
mother, “Mom, what if there were no black people in the world?”
Well he soon found out  When he went in his room to comb his hair - he couldn’t - Walter Sammons invented the comb
 He wanted to put on his shoes - he couldn’t - Jan E. Matzellinger invented the shoe lacing machine
 His clothes were wrinkled - he couldn’t iron them - Sarah Boone invented the ironing board
His mom told him to do his chores around the house  He swept the floor and when he went to sweep it into the dust pan - he couldn’t - Lloyd P. Ray
invented the dust pan
 He couldn’t mop the floor - Thomas W. Stewart invented the mop
 He went to put the clothes in the dryer - he couldn’t - George T. Samon invented the dryer
Later, he tried to do his homework  He couldn’t sharpen his pencil - John Love invented the pencil sharpener
 He grabbed for a pen, but it wasn’t there - William Purvis invented it
It was getting dark  He couldn’t turn on the lights - Lewis Howard Latimer invented the filament within the light bulb
 He wanted a cold drink and a snack - he couldn’t - John Standard invented the refrigerator
He quickly learned what it would be like if there were no black people in the world. Hopefully you have
too. We are thankful for the bright minds that have made a difference!
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October / November 2014
PLEASE NOTE:
We are sorry, but we are unable
To warm up Student lunches.
Thank you.
Attendance
Reminder
We understand that there are
times when special circumstances
may occur, but please try to have
your child in school everyday and
ready to learn on time. This is very
important for your child to be
successful in school.
The first bell rings at 8:15 and the
second bell rings at 8:20. Students
enter the building at 8:15 am and
all students should be in their
classroom at the 8:20 bell.
It is important for students to be
on time and ready to learn. If a
student has too many absences
and or tardies, their parent will
receive a letter informing them of
this. If the absences/tardies
continue, they may be referred to
the Macomb County Attendance
Officer.
If your child is going to be absent,
please remember to call the
Attendance Line at 586-443-1550
to report the absence. If you
would like to send in a doctor’s
note the absence will be changed
from an unexcused/excused
absence to a Documented
absence which will not count in the
attendance report. If a student
has excessive absences/tardies
(10 or more, which is the guideline
used by the Attendance Officer),
the parent, will receive a letter
informing them.
Thank you for your cooperation in
this matter.
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DROP OFF
When you drop off your child at
school, please do not leave until
you see them enter the building
at 8:15 am. Thank you.
NOTES FROM
MS. LEFCHICK’s CLASSROOM
Our class has been working hard this year. We finished a
Science Unit on Magnets and Electricity and are now working
on States of Matter. In Social Studies we are learning about
regions. Students are multiplying double digit numbers and
taking timed fact quizzes. We also are reading the novel,
Poppy. Time is going by very fast this year and we are
learning so much. On behalf of our class, we wish you a safe,
fun and relaxing holiday season!
***************************************************
Ms. Lefchick’s classroom also made peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches for the Homeless who were very thankful.
KINDERGARTEN LEARNING
Kindergarten Students learned what the word tradition meant buy studying
various countries during the month of December. Some of their favorite
traditions were gingerbread houses, stockings, and learning Santa Claus
rides on a surf board to deliver presents to kids in Australia. To conclude
the unit the students tasted food that is traditionally served in the countries
we studied. We would like to extend a huge shout out to our parents that
provided snacks, food items, project preparations and time in the
classroom.
In the upcoming months Kindergarten will learn how animals adapt for
colder climates, the difference between hibernation and migration, along
with completing their first post narrative writing prompt.
We thank you for you continued support.
Ms. Klokow and Kindergarten Students
Dare To Be Awards
At Koepsell we celebrate students for being
Respectful, Responsible, and
Safe and In Control
WORDS YOUR CHILD
NEEDS TO HEAR
I’m so lucky to have you.
You are a great helper.
I like it when you try so
hard.
Let’s talk about it.
I’m sorry.
You’re very special to me.
Thank you for being
patient.
You’re a great kid.
I Love You!
PARENT PORTAL
A GREAT WAY TO STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE
WITH YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS
The Power School Parent Portal gives parents and students access to real-time information including
attendance, grades, detailed assignment descriptions and teacher comments. Everyone stays connected!
Students can stay on top of assignments, parents are able to participate in their student’s progress, and
teachers can share information with parents and students.
To access the Parent Portal, parents/guardians and students sign in from South Lake School’s Power
School Parent Portal login screen. No special software is needed. All you need is a computer with
Internet access and your own Confidential User Information (a Username and Password will be provided to
you by the school district). Just come into Koepsell’s office and you will be given your password’s and
instructions. (Due to personal information, we cannot send the passwords home with students or give
them to you over the phone). You may use your home computer, a computer at a public library or
anywhere that you have Internet access.
We strongly believe that the Parent Portal will be a useful way for you to follow the progress of your
student(s). If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at
586-435-1500.
October / November 2014
Koepsell Elementry School’s Mission & Vision
Why Koepsell Education Center?



High Achievement – Our commitment to academic excellence is cornerstone to our building. Through
demonstrated merit and superior academic results, our students are driven to succeed.
Smaller School – Our students benefit from personalized, supportive relationships. Small class sizes
allow teachers to become engaged with each student and present the material on a personal level.
Personalized Learning – Our experienced teachers lead dynamic classes that are responsive to the
individualized needs of each student. Teachers employ multiple teaching styles to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of the material.
Mission
Collaboration – It is our mission to create a collaborative community of lifelong learners who:





Learn how to learn.
Use self-evaluation and self-monitoring to strive for quality.
Apply and communicate their knowledge to the real world.
Respect themselves and others.
Show responsibility by making appropriate life choices.
Vision
Real World Education – Our vision is to create a Glasser Quality School that will enhance every person’s
natural desire to learn.
"One of the most difficult lessons to master as we struggle to create
effective change is to learn not to label something as bad just because it is
different from what we want."
--William Glasser
STUDENT COUNCIL NOTES
Our Student Council makes school fun by sponsoring Spirit Days.
On assigned days students can wear the theme of the day. This month they held a
Wear a Hoodie To School Day
which raised money for families in need.
The Student Council representatives also made Thanksgiving and Christmas Cards for the Homeless.
We are so proud of the positive impact our Student Council has on Koepsell and in our Community.
We would like to thank Ms. Klokow and Mr. Weir for being the Student Council sponsors.
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