The Eagle's Beak
"Auburn Pride Starts Inside"
March 6, 2026
Principal's Corner
Hello Auburn Families,
This week our Positivity Project focus is Perspective—understanding that people may see and experience things in different ways. When students learn to consider different points of view, they grow in empathy, patience, and respect for others. A great reminder for our students comes from author Wayne Dyer, who said: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
Family Challenge:
Have a short conversation with your child this week about perspective. Ask them, “Have you ever seen something differently than a friend?” or “How might someone else feel in that situation?” Try looking at something simple together—like a picture, story, or even a disagreement—and talk about how different people might see it in different ways.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help our Auburn Eagles grow in empathy and understanding. Together, we’re teaching our students that when we take time to see things from another person’s perspective, our world becomes a kinder and stronger place.
With appreciation,
What's Happening This Week
We're in A week for Specials
3/11/26 through 3/25/26 NWEA Testing (TK-5)
3/13/26 - Coffee with The Principal @ 7:45am in Auburn Media Center
3/13/26 - SOTM Breakfast (by invitation) @ 8:00am in Auburn Media Center
3/13/26 - SOTM Assembly (led by 1st grade) @ 8:45am in Auburn Gymnasium; families are encouraged to attend
READ-A-THON CONTINUES
March is Reading Month Activity Calendar
Monday March 9
Today for our reading calendar it is “Book Buddy Day.” read a book with a friend
Read-a-thon update: At this time our readers have raised $1,400.00 dollars for the school and have read over 6,000 minutes. We have 8 more days of the Read-a-thon left. IT is still not too late to have your parents set up a read-a-thon page for you to log your minutes.
Tuesday March 10
Today is “Bookmark day.” Make a bookmark to use in your favorite book. Take a paper, even recycle paper and cut it into any shape you want. Then use crayons or markers to decorate just the way you want. Just remember to make sure it is not sticky and dry before you use it in a book. So it will not stick to the pages of your book.
Tomorrow is “Hat off to reading.” Wear a hat to school that has words on it.
Wednesday March 11
Today is “Hats off to reading.” Did you wear a hat with words on it? If not, you could always make a paper one to wear at school today.
Thursday March 12
Today is “Actors read too!” You can go to storyline online.com and watch an actor read you a book. Maybe you will be lucky and your classroom teacher will show you one today.
Remember to bring a flashlight to school Friday to read in the dark classroom.
Friday March 13
Today is “Flashlight Day.” Did you bring your flashlight to school to read with the room lights off?
Don’t forget we have fun activities you can do on the weekend. Saturday is, visit a local library and Sunday is Cook in the Kitchen.
Read-a-ton update: You only have until this coming Monday March 16, 2026 to log all of your minutes online. The Read-a-thon ends Monday March 16th. Currently Ms. Fecko class is still in the lead for the most minutes read. And Ms. Moore class has the lead for the most money raised.
Upcoming Important Dates
3/11/26 through 3/25/26 NWEA Testing (TK-5)
3/13/26 - Coffee with The Principal @ 7:45am in Auburn Media Center
3/13/26 - SOTM Breakfast (by invitation) @ 8:00am in Auburn Media Center
3/13/26 - SOTM Assembly (led by 1st grade) @ 8:45am in Auburn Gymnasium; families are encouraged to attend
3/16/26 through 3/20/26 - Scholastic Spring Book Fair
3/19/26 - TK Fieldtrip @ 8:45am
3/20/26 - No school for students (staff professional learning day)
3/23/26 - Music dress rehearsal @ Avondale High School (select students only)
3/25/26 - Music performance @ 6:00pm @ Avondale High School; all families are encouraged to attend
3/27/26 - Half day of school for students; dismissal is at 11:45am; end of Quarter #3
3/30/26 through 4/6/26 - No school due to Spring Break & Easter
4/7/26 - School resumes for students
Spring Picture Day
School of Choice Applications Are Open
🎉 Avondale School of Choice applications are now open!
Families with students in grades 1–11 are invited to apply and become part of an amazing school community.
Have questions? Parents and guardians can find all the details at the link below.
Thanks!
👉 https://www.avondaleschools.org/about/enrollment/school-of-choice/
K-1 Gifted Program
OCHN CEO Letter to the Community
Avondale Non-Homestead Operating Millage & Sinking Fund Renewal
Planning today, for every student's tomorrow • Vote May 5, 2026
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Avondale voters will see two school-related proposals on the ballot. The district is seeking to renew the existing sinking fund and operating millages with zero tax increase for residents.
All Avondale voters are encouraged to learn more about how millage proposals impact our schools at www.avondaleschools.org/millages.
A Quick Reminder About Student Chromebooks
A gentle reminder about student Chromebooks. When devices are damaged, families may be charged a fine based on the cost of the repair. This includes damage caused by dropping the Chromebook.
Please take a moment to review with your child how to properly care for their device—carry it with two hands, keep it closed when moving, and place it securely on their desk (not near the edge).
We truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students take responsibility for their technology. Together, we can ensure our Chromebooks stay in great condition for learning. 💜💛
A Quick Lunch Reminder to Help Our Eagles
Hello Auburn Families,
At this time, we’re unable to heat student lunches in the microwave during the school day. To help us keep systems fair, consistent, and efficient for everyone, we ask that lunches from home are sent ready to eat.
If your child enjoys hot food, we recommend using a thermos to keep items warm until lunchtime or enjoy the warm school lunch choices.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership. Your support truly helps us create a positive, smooth lunch experience for all of our Auburn Eagles.
Oakland Schools Family Engagement Event
FREE Family Science Event: Comets, Clues, and Our Cosmic Story ( registration is required to attend.)
A hands-on Citizen Science experience for all ages. Explore real NASA space images, learn how scientists study comets and planet formation, and contribute data to a NASA-funded research project!
Engage with Cranbrook’s mobile planetarium, science tools, simulations, and guided activities. Light refreshments provided. All-ages welcome, children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
* Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
* Location: Oakland Schools Main Campus
* 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328
* Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
* Registration: osisd.us/ccos-2026<http://osisd.us/ccos-2026>
Winter Study And Coping Skills Groups For K-12 Students Free
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share our flyer for this semester's coping and study skills groups for elementary through high school students. All groups are FREE and open to any students in Michigan.
Route 56: The Road to AMS
Updated Parent Information
Please click on the link for important information for 5th grade parents transitioning to AMS: https://app.smore.com/n/u4jfy
If any parent has a question, please contact:
kathryn.gomez@avondaleschools.org 248-537-6399
arryn.schneider@avondaleschools.org 248-537-6398
Katie and Arryn enjoy talking to the parents and easing middle school nerves.
5th Graders!! An unforgettable adventure awaits your child in Spain!
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to Spain in Summer 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective.
We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited:
Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/9fgz59g
Why attend?
- Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment.
- Get first access to limited spots.
- Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more.
In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.
I hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life!
Best,
Ms. Hannah Syme
Reminders for Families
- Please arrive on time each day so students start smoothly.
- Doors open at 8:20am. Your child(ren) must remain in your care until 8:20am
- At 8:33am you are required to sign your child(ren) in at the main office.
- Early Pick Up ends at 3:00pm
- Dismissal is at 3:39pm; for safety, students will not be released to meet at the top of the hill—please join the pickup loop which moves quickly and is usually done by 3:45pm OR walk over to your child's dismissal area
- Check backpacks, email, and our school website daily for important updates.
- Read the weekly Eagles Beak
- Check out our school FaceBook page for updates and highlights. https://www.facebook.com/AuburnRockStars
- Spend 10–20 minutes each evening reading or sharing stories together.
- Please follow the classroom teacher’s guidance on sending healthy snacks, as this helps us keep all students safe and mindful of allergies.
- Every day counts—thank you for helping students be present and ready to learn!
Start with your child’s teacher — they know your child best and can usually resolve things quickly.
If the concern is urgent or involves safety, please reach out to me or our Dean of Students right away.
We’re all here to work together to support your child’s success.
Auburn Elementary Year Book Sale!!!!!
Don’t miss out—order your yearbook today! Our yearbook team has been hard at work creating a book you’ll be proud to look back on. Secure your copy now, as only a limited number of extras will be available at the end of the year.
Auburn's yearbook sales website is active, and ready to be shared with parents. Please view the link below to view your yearbook market:
https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/auburnelementary
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents check if they've already ordered a yearbook?
- After they have purchased a yearbook in your school's online store, they should have received an order receipt by email from the Yearbook Market. If they can't find their receipt, use the Yearbook Market order locator to search for the order.
Log into https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/
Search for your school's site.
Click on DID I ALREADY ORDER? on the top menu bar.
Type the email address to search for the order.
Recent orders placed under the selected email address will be displayed. If you don't see any results, no purchases have been made using that email address. Feel free to try a different email addresses in a new search or need to check if other email addresses could have been used. For privacy reasons, the name of the student assigned to the order will not be displayed.
How can I view my yearbook sales?
The main yearbook contact for your school will receive a weekly sales report emailed to them. If you require updates more frequently than that, please contact your sales representative or the SchoolPictures.com yearbook team for assistance.
Will parents receive any marketing from SchoolPictures.com?
Yes. Our team will help promote your yearbook sales via email throughout the school year through an online marketing campaign. Parents who purchase a yearbook will be removed from these emails, and parents have the ability to unsubscribe from the emails at any time.
Was a yearbook included in my student's picture packages?
No. None of our fall picture packages include a yearbook with them. The yearbook must be purchased separately using the link above.
If you have any questions feel free to call us at 1-800-482-0321
FAMILY RESOURCES & REPEAT INFORMATION
STEM Night Parent Survey
We’re exploring the possibility of hosting a STEM Night at Auburn Elementary—an evening of fun, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for students and their families.
To help us decide whether to move forward with planning this event, we’d love to hear from you! This short survey will help us understand:
- How many families might be interested in attending
Whether you'd be willing to volunteer or help organize
What we could offer to make this an engaging night
Your input is valuable and will help us shape a potential STEM Night that reflects our school community's interests. Please click on the link below to take the survey.
PowerSchool Parent Resources
PowerSchool Resources
All resources below can also be found at www.avondaleschools.org/parents.
*If you need your student Access ID and Password for account creation, please contact your school's front office.
AVONDALE ALERTS
Reminders for Receiving Communications
Avondale School District sends information and alerts to families and staff via text message, in addition to email, voice message, social media posts, and website updates.
Avondale families will receive an invitation to opt-in to accept text messages the first time a message is sent to the contact number on file. You must accept the opt-in invitation OR text Y or YES to 67587 (using a phone number on file with your student's school) to receive texts going forward. If you do not opt-in, you will not receive text messages from any Avondale school or program.
Texting is limited to contact numbers tied to the district’s staff and student databases, therefore is not available to the general public.
Auburn's Art Class
As we move further into the school year, your student has already been busy creating amazing artwork in class — soon you will be able to view it all online through Artsonia, our digital student art gallery!
Artsonia is a wonderful way to celebrate your student's creativity — no purchase necessary. You can enjoy their artwork, share it with family and friends, and watch their artistic journey unfold throughout the year.
If you'd like, you can also support our art program by purchasing custom items featuring your student’s artwork — like mugs, t-shirts, and more. It's a fun and meaningful way to showcase their talent and support the arts in our school.
Join Auburn Elementary PTO - Stay Connected!
We invite all parents to stay engaged with the Auburn Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)! Whether you're interested in attending meetings, learning about upcoming initiatives, or exploring volunteer opportunities, signing up ensures you receive important updates and a Zoom link to join our summer and school-year meetings.
Click here to complete the PTO Interest Form and be part of our efforts to support students, teachers, and the school community. We look forward to working together!
Click below to see the PTO Meeting Schedule
Stay Connected with Social Media (Facebook)
We have thrilling news—Auburn Elementary is officially on Facebook! 📱✨ Come check us out, hit that "Like" button, give us some stars and share in all the new and exciting updates and events, both past and upcoming. Join our community and stay connected! We can’t wait to share this journey with you! 🎊💙 https://www.facebook.com/AuburnRockStars
Happy Friday Everyone!
Avondale High School Newsletter
Avondale Athletic Newsletter
I know I say this often, but it’s been another great week at the high school!
This week we have been fundraising through our 2026 Grand Jacket Campaign. Our students have been selling lunches, snacks, trinkets, and more to raise money for a future Emotional Support Dog. This afternoon we will find out who our 2026 Grand Jacket will be!
Last Friday, our Boys Basketball team became District Champions, and last night they were crowned Regional Champions. We are so proud of our boys and all their hard work! Please check out some great pictures in the Athletic Newsletter!
Go Jackets!
Marvelous Manners Camp
Oakland Community College camp opportunity:
Join us for an engaging and interactive experience at Marvelous Manners Camp led by certified etiquette trainer Courtney Opalko. This special class is designed to equip your child with essential social skills and modern manners that are crucial for building confident leaders. Through fun games, role-playing exercises and group activities, children will be introduced to concepts including growth mindset, confidence, respectful communication, being their best self and table manners. Instructor: Courtney
RCX Sports Foundation NFL FLAG
It's Time To Sign Up!
It's Not Too Late!!
The state of Michigan has adopted six Career Zones to help elementary students explore a
wide range of future career paths. These zones group careers that share similar interests,
skills, and competencies, allowing students to begin identifying general directions that match
their strengths and passions.
As students learn about the Job of the Week, they also discover which Career Zone that job
belongs to—helping them connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
This month, we’re highlighting the Human Services Career Zone. This zone includes careers in
early childhood development, counseling, education, civil service, hospitality and social
services. People in this zone tend to have a strong desire to help people, show empathy for
others and have strong communication and listening skills. They are patient, compassionate,
and good at problem solving.
If this sounds like your child, they might be interested in careers such as teacher, social
worker, exercise trainer, cosmetologist, counselor or therapist.
Blessings in a Backpack
Please contact Angelina Massie at angelina.massie@avondaleschools.org
Auburn Elementary Small Business Owners and Local Business Owners
Attention Local and Small Businesses: Support Auburn Elementary School!
The Auburn Elementary School PTO is reaching out to our local and small business community for potential fundraising opportunities that can benefit our students and school programs. We welcome ideas and partnerships that can help make this year’s fundraising efforts a success!
If you’re a local or small business and would like to get involved or discuss potential fundraising ideas, please contact the PTO at amandaauburnpto@gmail.com. OR Auburn elementary main office at 248-537-6500. We look forward to partnering with you to support our Auburn elementary community.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Auburn Elementary School PTO
Stop the Silence. Help End the Violence.
Now more than ever, parents and students should familiarize themselves with OK2SAY, which is Michigan’s student safety program to help keep students safe. Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools.
Tips, which can be anonymous, can be reported in 31 different tip categories, including planned school attacks, threats, bullying and more. Tips can be submitted 24/7 in one of the following ways:
- Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, 855-565-2729
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
- Email OK2SAY
- Visit the OK2SAY website
- OK2SAY Mobile App: Available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android mobile devices.