The Spartan Family Newsletter

Growing up, my family never had any "traditions" that we did for any holiday. When I had my own family, my wife and I made sure that we came up with our own traditions for Christmas and New Years. Not that I have a granddaughter, we are adding/modifying some of our old traditions.

I challenge all of you to come up with a new tradition with your children this year.

Here are some ideas that I've found in my searching.

Starting new Christmas traditions can involve acts of kindness (daily charity), creative projects (ornament making, cookie baking), festive outings (light tours, something in the snow), or cozy indoor fun (movie marathons, Christmas Eve boxes with PJs) to build lasting family memories focused on togetherness, giving, and fun. Key ideas include a daily kindness countdown, a family talent show, decorating with natural items, or a special Christmas Eve dinner or pajama reveal, all making the season more meaningful.

New Year traditions with memory-making activities like creating a time capsule, writing down year-in-review highlights and goals to open later, or having a themed movie/game night with special snacks like fondue or DIY pizzas. You can also incorporate acts of service, like baking for first responders, or fun countdowns with balloon pops or activity bags. Making special memories with your family that you'll remember for years.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!

As the holiday season unfolds, there are many things that can overshadow what truly matters: the opportunity to connect and spend meaningful time with the people we cherish. This time of year offers a crucial chance to slow down, put away distractions, and prioritize deep, genuine engagement with family and friends. These shared moments, whether cooking a traditional meal, sharing stories, playing games, or simply sitting together in quiet reflection, are the building blocks of lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that support us throughout the year. Investing your time and presence in your loved ones is the most valuable gift you can give, fostering a sense of belonging, well-being, and love that extends far beyond the holiday celebrations themselves. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season.

We held a staff door decorating competition this year and they were awesome!! We had a hard time picking our winners so we're thinking that next year we'll be posting it on Facebook and letting all of you vote!! Here are our TOP 3 from this year:
1st Place: Ms. Hodas and Ms. Goodlock - Candyland
2nd Place: Mrs. Goodlock and Mrs. Evers in the cafeteria - Polar Express
3rd Place: Ms. Cramer - Reindeer Stables

Students brought in food to package up for our Thanksgiving food drive. The lucky "winner" of the Pie in the Face was Mr. Furtney. I appreciate Seth taking it easy on me!!

As I've talked about in earlier newsletters, we are having Character Assemblies for our elementary students. Last week we discussed Following Directions. The goal is for our students to do their best this next month at following directions. The student in each class that does really good at following directions will be their classroom's Student of the Month at our next character assembly. That student will be receiving a yard sign and certificate. I will be posting those on here at that time too.

The class of 2027 advisor is in need of some additional volunteers. There are many opportunities to support your students. The money raised goes towards their Prom, graduation, and senior trip. Even if your student doesn't plan on attending the senior trip, they could definitely use the help to raise funds for prom and graduation. If you are interested, please contact their class advisor, Diane Evers. Phone - (517)260-2291. Email - gypsy.snickers@gmail.com

If you are late dropping off your student, after 8am, please be sure to drop them off at the front door. All other doors will be locked at 8am and with it getting so cold out, we can't have any students standing at the door waiting for someone to come let them in. Thank you for help with this.

We are so glad to have you visit and hope you feel welcomed in our building! To best ensure the safety of our students and staff and maintain the daily flow, we have a couple of important requests for visitors:

When you arrive, please use the front doors to check in and sign out at the main office.

Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the front bus loop during the busy morning drop-off or afternoon dismissal times. We need to keep this lane clear for our buses to maneuver safely and efficiently.

Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!

Our elementary students are still going outside for recess, please ensure that they are bringing appropriate clothing for the cold temperatures. If you need any hats, gloves, coats for your child please contact Mr. Furtney

Week of Dec 29th - Jan 2nd

Dec 29th and 30th - Varsity Basketball Holiday Tournament @ Hillsdale College

For this week's staff member highlight,

December 22 - January 2 - Christmas and New Year Break

January 19 - No School - Martin Luther King Day

February 13 - Half Day

February 16 - No School - Staff PD

February 26 - Reading Night

March 6 - End of 3rd Marking Period

March 19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 20 - Half Day

March 23-27 - No School - Spring Break

April 3 - No School - Good Friday

April 6 - No School - Possible weather make up day

May 7 - Half Day - Exams

May 8 - Half Day - Exams

May 1- Last day of school for Seniors

May 17 - Graduation

May 22 - Half Day

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

June 3 - Half Day- Last day of School