Panther Pamphlet

Hello Parkwood Upjohn Families!

Thank you everyone for helping support us through a great January! We are now gearing up for February and have a lot of fun activities planned for this month!

Celebrations from the Week Thank you for hanging with us through the ups and downs of the recent winter weather! We appreciate your patience and flexibility.

• Rescheduled Popcorn Day this Friday will be a fun way to finish the week — remind your child to bring 50¢ if they want a bag.
• Attendance Awareness Spirit Day: Wear red or pink on Friday, February 6 to celebrate showing up for school. We are grateful for the families who prioritize regular attendance — it makes a big difference for learning and community.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Mon Feb 2 — No School (Professional Development Day for Staff)
• Tues Feb 3 — Middle School Counselors visit with 5th graders to present information about middle school
• Fri Feb 6 — Popcorn Friday & Attendance Awareness Spirit Day
  • Wear red or pink to show your LOVE for attending school
  • Popcorn: 50¢ per bag; students will order with their teacher
• Mon Feb 9 — 4th & 5th Grade Spelling Bee @ 2:20 PM (eligible students will receive information from their teacher).

Additional Information

• We will have a Kindness Spirit Week from February 9th to 13th. We will conclude the week on Friday, February 13th with our PTO Sponsored Valentine's Dance. This week will celebrate all of our students who are working hard to be PURRS and kind, caring members of our school community. Our PURRS motto stands for Parkwood Upjohn is Responsible, Respectful, and Safe!

Valentine's Day Celebrations

• Please look to your child's teachers for how they will be celebrating Valentine's Day. Each teacher runs it a little differently, so classroom teachers will be communicating directly with parents on expectations for that day.

YMCA Basketball — Coaches Needed (4th & 5th Grade)

• We are excited to partner with the YMCA for a new basketball league in March and are looking for at least one more volunteer coach. If you are interested in coaching or supporting the program, please email Principal Rosecrans at rosecransje@kalamazoopublicschools.net.

Quick overview of YMCA schedule:

• Season: March 2, 2026 – April 25, 2026
• Game dates (Saturdays): March 7, 14, 21; April 11, 18, 25 (played at the YMCA Maple Branch)
• No practices or games March 28 – April 5 (Spring Break)
• Grades: 4th & 5th combined, boys and girls
• Practice days/times will be determined after we have coaches signed up and check their availability (likely Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, approximately 4:00–5:30 PM)
• Sign-up forms will be sent home once YMCA provides them — watch for that information.

First Day Shoe Fund Ordering still open until February 10th- Order your child new no cost tennis shoes with the link below.

Future Event Flyers with more information in the Save the Date section of the newsletter.

Thank You!

Thank you again for your support, families! We appreciate you and look forward to another great month!

Warm regards,