Memorial Messenger- December

Dear Memorial Pirate Families,

As we close out November and embrace Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season, we are in the thick of our academic endeavors at Memorial. Our students and staff have been working incredibly hard, and we couldn't be prouder of the dedication and progress we're seeing in our classrooms each day. This time of year reminds us not only to focus on academic excellence but also to celebrate the spirit of gratitude, generosity, and community that makes Memorial such a special place.

We've had a wonderful start to the holiday season with our Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Event and our successful Goodfellows can drive, where our Pirates demonstrated incredible generosity in supporting our community. Looking ahead, we're excited to invite you to our Kris Kringle Mingle on December 12th—a perfect opportunity to celebrate together as a Memorial family. Please note that Christmas break will begin at the end of the day on December 19th. We wish all of our Pirate families a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and treasured moments together.

We want to take a moment to recognize Gleaners Community Food Bank for their ongoing generosity and partnership. Throughout the year, Gleaners provides the snacks that fuel our students, ensuring they have the nutrition they need to learn and thrive. Their commitment to supporting our students makes a real difference every single day.

Thank you, Gleaners, for being such an important part of our community!

Go Pirates!

Here are some important upcoming dates to remember:

November 24th: PTC Meeting @ 6:30 in Memorial Library

November 25th: Early Release day and Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

November 26th to 28th: No school Thanksgiving Break

December 3rd: Dine for $ at Buffalo Wild Wings

December 12th: Kris Kringle Mingle

December 15th to 21st: Five Below Fundraiser

December 21st to 22nd: Memorial at Kalahari

December 22nd to January 2nd: NO School (Holiday Break)

In Appreciation,

Mr. Browe

At Memorial Elementary, we have a scheduled time throughout the day for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students that is called “WIN Time”, an acronym that stands for What I Need. WIN Time is meant to be a structured, flexible block of time built into the school day. The purpose is simple, to meet students where they are and provide targeted support. During this time, students engage in activities specifically tailored to their current needs, whether it’s academic intervention, enrichment, or reinforcement of skills.

To determine what activities and groups students will participate in during WIN time, our staff takes a data driven approach to these groups which includes gathering data from assessments, progress monitoring data, and more. The groups are flexible based on needs which means that they can change over time and ensures all students are included. WIN time also involves focused instruction from classroom teachers, specialists, or other support staff that leads small groups activities such as counseling or behavior supports.

WIN Time is important because it addresses the diverse needs of all students, ensuring they can succeed. For students who need extra support in areas like reading or math, WIN time provides targeted interventions that help close learning gaps without interrupting their regular classroom instruction. At the same time, advanced learners benefit from the chance to explore challenging topics, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. By tailoring activities to meet students where they are, WIN Time promotes equity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Each grade level’s WIN time may look a little different, but may include time with specialists as stated above, but also includes rotations in the classroom such as independent reading, writing activities, digital learning time, work at the ‘teacher table’, and more. We are excited to offer this new process at Memorial this year.

I wanted to update you on the important safety drills and lessons we've been conducting at our school.

ALICE Lessons: We began our ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) safety lessons this Tuesday, October 20th. These age-appropriate lessons help prepare our students to respond effectively in emergency situations while ensuring they feel safe and supported in our school environment.

Emergency Drills: Last week, we successfully completed both an evacuation drill and a fire drill. These practice drills are an essential part of our safety preparedness and help ensure that students and staff know exactly what to do in various emergency situations.

These drills and lessons are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students. Our staff works carefully to present this information in a reassuring, age-appropriate manner.

Principal Attendance Letter 25 26.docx

Daily attendance in elementary school is crucial for several interconnected reasons that impact both immediate learning and long-term academic success.

Foundation Building: Elementary years establish fundamental skills in reading, writing, and math that serve as building blocks for all future learning. Missing even a few days can create gaps in these foundational concepts that become increasingly difficult to fill as students progress.

Sequential Learning: Elementary curricula are carefully structured so each lesson builds on the previous one. When students miss school, they often struggle to catch up because new concepts assume mastery of previously taught material. This is particularly evident in subjects like math, where understanding multiplication depends on solid addition and subtraction skills.

Habit Formation: Elementary school is when children develop their attitudes toward education and establish patterns of behavior. Regular attendance helps instill discipline, responsibility, and the understanding that education is a priority. Students who miss school frequently often develop a more casual attitude toward learning that can persist throughout their academic career.

Social and Emotional Development: School provides essential social interaction and emotional learning opportunities that can't be replicated at home. Children learn to work in groups, resolve conflicts, follow classroom routines, and develop relationships with peers and teachers. Chronic absenteeism can lead to social isolation and difficulty forming connections.

Early Intervention: Teachers can identify learning difficulties, behavioral issues, or other challenges more quickly when students attend regularly. Early detection and intervention are far more effective than trying to address problems that have compounded over time.

Academic Achievement Gap: Research consistently shows that students with poor attendance in elementary school are more likely to struggle academically throughout their educational journey. The achievement gap that develops early often widens over time, making it harder for students to reach their full potential.

Regular attendance in elementary school sets the stage for lifelong learning success and helps ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need for future academic and personal achievement.

Crocs or sandals will not be permitted in gym class. Students will be unable to participate in the gym class activities due to safety concerns if they are wearing unsafe footwear. Parents/ guardians thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Help your child start each school day comfortably by dressing them appropriately for the weather! On warm, sunny days, lightweight clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and breathable sneakers will keep your child cool during outdoor activities and recess. For cooler or unpredictable weather, consider layering—a sweater or light jacket that can be easily removed indoors works well. Don't forget rain gear like a coat or umbrella when storms are forecast.

During winter months, please ensure your child has adequate outerwear including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear for snowy or icy conditions. We encourage you to check the weather forecast together as part of your morning routine, turning it into a learning opportunity about weather patterns and planning ahead.

When children are dressed appropriately for the weather, they can focus on learning and enjoy their time with classmates without the distraction of being uncomfortable.

Firearm Storage Requirements - Riverview Community School District

https://www.riverviewschools.com/parents/annual-notifications

Important Times

Memorial Elementary 2025-2026

8:25 - 8:46 - Breakfast in the Cafeteria

8:40 -Kindergarten teachers will meet students outside at designated area to bring students to class - K – Teachers – NW Doors (closest to cafeteria/Champions Program)

8:45 - Grades 1-5 students will enter through the following doors

1st Grade Teachers – NE Doors (closet to Board Office)

Grade 2 and Bus Students – North Doors (closest to Flag Pole on Colvin)

Grade 3 – NW Doors (closest to cafeteria/Champions)

Grade 4 – SW Doors (closest to main office)

Grade 5 – Recess Doors (closest to the playground and Longsdorf)

Students riding the bus – North Middle Doors Colvin by the flagpole

3:25 - K Dismissal – Teachers will walk students outside – Please communicate with teacher dismissal plans - kindergarten students will not be dismissed unless someone is there to pick them up.

3:30 - Grades 1-5 Dismissal

Our District Calendar for 2025-2026 can be found on our district website after scrolling to the bottom of the page: District Website - Click Here

Students may bring a spill-proof water bottle to school each day. To help keep our learning environment clean and focused, only water is allowed in the classroom. Starbucks, McDonalds, juice, pop or energy drinks will not be permitted.

Classrooms generally have a short daily snack break built into the schedule. To support energy, focus, and healthy habits, we ask that students bring a small, healthy snack. Please avoid candy, cookies, and salty chips (like Doritos or Takis).

Great snack options include:

Fresh fruit (grapes, bananas, apples)

Raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, etc)

Cheese sticks or crackers

Yogurt tubes or applesauce pouches

Low-sugar granola bars

Snacks should be appropriately sized- just enough for a quick refuel, not a full meal.

To support a focused and productive classroom environment, we ask that the following items remain at home unless otherwise communicated.

FAKE NAILS, LIP GLOSS, AND MAKEUP

Are all unnecessary distractions. They also interfere with writing, hands-on learning, and student focus. These items should be saved for home use.

TOYS AND STUFFED ANIMALS

Students should not bring toys or stuffed animals from home. If a teacher has a special day where toys or stuffed animals are allowed, the teacher will send a note home or let parents know ahead of time. Items brought for Latchkey (before/after care) must stay in backpacks during the school day.

At Memorial Elementary, student cell phones must remain turned off and stored in backpacks, which are kept in the students locker. Any phones used during the school day without teacher permission will be taken and held in the office for a parent/guardian to pick up.

Smart watches that are used for texting, calling or gaming during class will also be considered a distraction and may be turned into the office and may be handled in the same way. We appreciate your support in helping students stay focused.

Click Here

Click Here for Elementary Handbook

This is something new this year, so please mark your calendars. Students will be released at 12:50 on the following dates. Lunches will be served to all students before they are dismissed from school on these dates.

• October 23rd, 2025
• November 25th, 2025
• February 12th, 2026
• March 6th, 2026
• June 5th, 2026 (Last day of school)

Dismissal is 12:50 on these dates - Lunches will be provided to all students

• October 17th- Homecoming vs Grosse Ille
• October 23rd- Elementary/ Middle School Early Release Conferences
• November 25th- End of 1st Trimester
• November 26th-28th- No School for Students or Staff- Thanksgiving
• December 22nd- January 2nd- No School for Students or Staff- Holiday Break
• February 12- Elementary/ Middle School Early Release Conferences
• February 13-16- Mid- Winter Break
• March 6th- End of 2nd Trimester
• March 30th - April 3rd- Spring Break
• May 25th- Memorial Day
• June 5th- Last Day of School

Memorial Concerts will all be held in Gymnasium

12-1-25: 1st Grade Fall Concert @ 6 PM

2-5-26: 3rd Grade Winter Concert @ 6 PM

5-7-26: 5th Grade Spring Concert @ 6 PM

• Be kind and patient! Let's set a good example for our students!
• It is illegal to leave your car unattended if it is not parked in a designated parking spot - this includes on Colvin, the drop-off lines, and unmarked spaces in the two parking lots
• It is considered trespassing to park in other business lots - this includes the law office, Hair Forum on Fort Street, and residential drives and spots.
• Students are only supposed to cross at Colvin and Longsdorf where the crossing guards are located. There are spacious sidewalks for students to walk down so that they are crossing with the help of a crossing guard.
• Drivers need to drive slowly and cautiously around school grounds before and after school
• In the east parking lot, respect the cones that are put up for 10 minutes in the morning and in the afternoon, to ensure that those walking by our safe from parking lot traffic.
• Safeties will be at each set of doors and working out of the east parking lot with cones. Please remember these are students who are beginning their first opportunity as leaders within this role. They are nervous and can be easily intimidated. If you see a problem that needs to be addressed, please contact the office and allow for me to handle it. Please do not attempt to correct it yourself. Thank you!
  

• Also our city's emergency vehicles (police, fire, and ambulance) need the driveway kept cleared at all times in case they need to access our building. There is never an appropriate time to stop and hold up the line coming in from Longsdorf to the west parking lot. Thank you for your cooperation and support it making our parking lot safe.

  
  

• If you are arriving to school to pick-up older students, please do not pull into the pick-up line until after 3:30 which would allow for kindergarten families to pick-up safely and exit the parking lot. Many families have reported that they wait on a nearby side street until after 3:30 before entering the west parking lot and find that this works best for all.

If you would like your child to eat breakfast, please drop them off no earlier than 8:25 and no later than 8:35. They will come in the cafeteria doors (A.K.A the Kindergarten Doors) and go directly to the lunchroom. Chartwells staff will be able to supervise and assist your child in getting (and eating at the tables in the cafeteria) breakfast. Students will then report to class when the warning bell rings (8:). Students may NOT report to their classroom, go back outside, or go to their lockers before 8:46!

A couple of important reminders:

• Students must report DIRECTLY to the lunchroom. They may NOT go into their classroom or locker to drop their backpack off prior to the warning bell. If this is a repeat issue, you will receive a call and free breakfast program is no longer an option for your child.
• Children must be well-behaved for Chartwells staff in the lunchroom. If this is an issue, you will be called, and breakfast will no longer be an option for your child(ren).
• You may NOT drop your child off UNLESS they are eating breakfast. Chartwells staff are not able to supervise children that are dropped off and not eating breakfast. If you need childcare for your child(ren), please contact Champions before and after school care (see parent newsletter or call the office for contact information).
• You may not drop your child off to the breakfast program earlier than 8:25 am for any reason.
• When the warning bell rings at 8:45, your child must clean up and head to class. If your child reports to class at 8:50 or after, they will be marked tardy.
• Your child does not need to order breakfast ahead of time, or on certain days. This is a drop-in service that you can utilize up to 5 days per week.
• If a student comes to school a few minutes late, a bagged breakfast can be provided if students need one, until 9:10 a.m.