Pembroke Press

Hello Families,

I hope that everyone was able to stay warm and safe this weekend. Across cultures and history, January has been a time to slow down, rest, and gather strength for the months ahead. While that can be difficult with busy schedules, I hope that the freezing weather was a reminder to enjoy slower days and rest together.

I want to take a moment to celebrate the kindness, growth, and pride that fill our school each day. From helping hands in the hallway to encouraging words in the classroom, our students continue to show what it means to care for one another. We now have well over 200 links in our kindness chain. Our goal for this week is to have our kindness chain wrap around the whole lobby.

I also want to recognize our incredible staff, whose dedication and positivity help make our school such a welcoming place. At the end of this month we will have had multiple teachers from inside and outside the district visiting Pembroke to learn and grow from our teachers. They are truly leaders in the best instructional practices for students. Together, our students and staff make our community something truly special.

This week we continue iReady testing. We appreciate your continued support in helping students get a good night rest and healthy breakfast before testing. We also are excited to host Kindergarten Round Up on Wednesday night. Kindergarten Round Up will begin with tours at 6:30 pm and a formal presentation at 7:00 pm. We are looking forward to meeting brand new Pembroke families and sharing the amazing things happening with our PRIDE!

Have a great week!

Colleen Hoyne

When dropping off in the front drop-off line, please drop students off near the main entrance, this includes 3rd graders. Dropping off near the staff parking lot can create backups in the line. Additionally, if you park and are walking please use the cross-walks when walking to the building. We appreciated your support in making our parking lot a safe place for all!

Wed., January 28 - Kindergarten Round Up at Pembroke 6:30pm

Wed., February 4 - Grade 2-5 Music Concert at Seaholm

Wed., February 11 - Pembroke PTA Meeting 7pm

Fri., February 13 - Valentine's Day Parties

Mon., February 16 - Fri., February 20 - NO SCHOOL - Mid-Winter Break

The Pembroke 2nd - 5th grade concert is coming up on Wednesday, February 4th. The students are putting the finishing touches on their songs, instrument parts, and folk dances. We can't wait to perform for you! Parents, you can help us prepare for the performance by reminding your students to practice their songs at home and finding clothes to wear for the show. Here are all of the details you need to know:

Concert Theme: Here Comes the Sun

Date: Wednesday, February 4th

Place: Seaholm High School Auditorium

Arrival Time: 6:10 PM

Concert Begins: 6:30 PM (The show should last about 45 minutes.)

Performers: 2nd - 5th grade students

Concert Attire: A yellow/orange/gold/white colored t-shirt, black/dark pants, comfortable shoes (Eton Street Singers wear their choir t-shirt)

Audience Members: Family members and friends are welcome to attend!

Concert Practice Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vS-w2Y96vxAFq_FVcdoq3hAvs4RhlzB0DGvThn73VS-yngMh1VgZa61F7uz4o2RGCy53GS3Z7DCSK07/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

**If there is a snow day on February 4th, we are hoping to reschedule the concert for Thursday, February 12th. Please mark your calendars just in case we need this extra date!**

See you at the show!

~ Mrs. McDonald

Do you have an incoming kindergartener or junior kindergartener? Are you interested in learning more about kindergarten or junior kindergarten at Pembroke? Please join us for Kindergarten Round Up, Wednesday, January 28th. We will be offering tours at 6:30 pm with presentations beginning at 7:00 pm. RSVP below.

Kindergarten Round-Up

We are excited to continue planning for the 2026–2027 school year and our Junior Kindergarten program. You are receiving this message because you expressed interest in Junior Kindergarten and your child is age-eligible based on their birthdate. The information you shared through our interest survey is greatly appreciated and helps guide our planning.

The Junior Kindergarten enrollment window will open on January 12, 2026, and close at 11:59 p.m. on January 25, 2026. Birmingham Public Schools currently offers seven Junior Kindergarten sections. If enrollment exceeds capacity at a school, a lottery will be held the week of January 26. Families not selected will remain on a waitlist and may be offered placement at another location as space becomes available.

Beginning on January 12th you will be able to access the 2026-2027 enrollment portal. In addition to the portal, you will also be able to view what documentation is needed to complete enrollment by visiting the following link: https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/enrollment-services/k-12-in-district

Thank you for your interest in Junior Kindergarten. We look forward to welcoming your child to Birmingham Public Schools as part of the Class of 2040.

We are already looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year for our youngest learners. With many families expressing interest in our GSRP/Free Pre-K for All program, it’s important for us to gather information about what our community needs for next year.

Please take a moment to complete the interest survey and let us know what your family will be looking for in the GSRP program for the 2026–2027 school year.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/mt4mEmvJWQxZ3SYk8

"Tuition based programs will enroll Winter 2026"

Greetings Pembroke families,

One of the top priorities Birmingham Public Schools outlined in its strategic plan is to create a culture of unity and well-being for all students, parents/caregivers, and staff. To accomplish and measure the goals set forth, the district administers an annual climate survey to assess the perceptions students, families, and staff have of the district, schools, and departments.

As an important partner in your child’s education, BPS values input from our community and we believe hearing directly from your student(s) is vital. Students' voices are important as we work to improve our communication, academic programming and overall school experience. To learn more about their experiences at school, we will be asking for feedback from students in grades 3-12 through an annual online survey that will be completed at school. The 2025-26 survey is anonymous and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The testing window begins Monday, February 2 and concludes Friday, February 13. Your student will only need to complete the survey once.

We highly encourage all BPS students to participate in the surveys, as their feedback will provide us invaluable insight into their experiences and how the district can improve/adapt to their needs. If a student does not feel they have enough information to answer a question, they are allowed to skip the item altogether. The survey content will ask students to self-reflect on their general perceptions of the school, preparedness to learn, sense of belonging, cultural awareness, and school engagement.

If you wish to view the survey questions before administration, please contact me to receive a demo link, which allows you to impersonate the student survey-taking experience. You are also welcome to review the survey on our district website. If you have any questions about the BPS Climate Survey, please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email. Additionally, please complete the linked questionnaire by Friday, January 30 at noon, if you do not want your child to participate in the survey:

Thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your child's learning!

Sincerely,

Colleen Hoyne

Principal

Pembroke Elementary

With the rising cost of bagels, we will be increasing the price per bagel to $2 per bagel. (Plain or Salt available) - each child is allowed one bagel. Bagels will be sold in the main lobby and at the Witherbee loop entrance. Thanks to all our 4th grade parent volunteers!

Please note there was one update to the ABCD calendar for the remainder of the year. The last day of school will now be an A Day.

Please contact the Pembroke Attendance Line if your child will be late or absent. You can leave a message at 248-203-3888 Option 2. Or email Tracy Longe at tlonge@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

If your child will be absent for 4 days or more - please complete an extended absence form and submit to the Pembroke Main Office or email to Tracy Longe.

Friendly reminder on the Pembroke Sickness Policy:

• 24 hours Fever & Vomit Free with no medications!
• If your child has cold symptoms and requires cough drops, please send cough drops to the office with a note giving permission to provide them to the student.
• Absences with a doctor/dentist note are excused

All after-school classes are currently at risk of being canceled due to low enrollment.

If you or your child are interested, please sign up as soon as possible at www.communityed.net.

A full list of available classes is provided below.

Your interest can help keep these classes running—thank you for your support!

Join our Community Education team and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our state-licensed before- and after-school programs!

✨ Available Positions

• PM Student Programming Coordinator
  11:30 AM – 6:00 PM

• PM Kids Club Director
  3:30 – 6:00 PM

• Kids Club Assistants — AM & PM Shifts
  7:00–9:00 AM and/or 3:30–6:00 PM

🌟 Position Highlights

• Work directly with children in a state-licensed program

• Build positive, nurturing relationships

• Lead and assist with fun activities: crafts, games, playground time, homework help, and more

• Help maintain a safe, caring, inclusive environment

• Competitive starting pay

• Paid training and professional development

👉 Ready to Apply?

Submit your application here:
https://forms.gle/D3b8xg5BgAGss5kEA

We are looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in being an even bigger part of the Pembroke community! Our incredible team of Noon Aides is looking for more staff to join their team at lunch and recess. We are also always looking for great guest teachers. If you are interested in learning more about either position, please reach out to Mrs. Hoyne choyne@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

Order Pembroke Pride gear any time and have it delivered to your door!

Wednesday January 21st @ 7:00 in the Media Center – come join us!

Don’t miss out on the latest PTA updates, events, and behind-the-scenes fun — follow us on social media!

👉 Check us out and give us a follow — your like might just make our day!

Seaholm High School has some exciting winter athletic events coming up, and we'd love to see our BPS families in the stands!

Mark your calendars for these upcoming matchups:

• Jan 14 | Wrestling vs. Royal Oak | Seaholm Gym | 6:00 PM

• Jan 16 | Birmingham United Ice Hockey vs. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard | Birmingham Ice Arena | 5:30 PM

• Jan 17 | Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Southfield | Seaholm Gym | 7:00 PM

• Jan 31 | Boys Swim & Dive vs. U of D Jesuit | Seaholm Natatorium | 11:00 AM

• Feb 5 | Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Troy Athens | Seaholm Gym | 7:00 PM

These events are a great way for our students to see what's ahead in their BPS journey and for our community to come together in support of our Maples athletes.

For tickets and the full athletics schedule, visit seaholmsports.org. Event tickets can be purchased here: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10080 or purchased at the door with CC.

Let's pack the stands and cheer on the Maples!

Birmingham Girls Softball returns for its 26th season! BGS is southeast Oakland County’s largest girls’ recreational softball league with over 350 players. Online registration is now open at www.birminghamgirlssoftball.com Birmingham Girls Softball is a community-based, non-profit organization providing girls ages 5 to 14 the opportunity to play organized recreational softball. The group is dedicated to teaching young ladies the fundamentals of softball in a safe and fun environment with teamwork and good sportsmanship being their top priorities. BGS is open to all girls interested in playing softball for the first time and those with prior experience looking to build on and develop the skills needed to play the game for years to come. All that BGS requires is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. For questions, please email softballbgs@gmail.com.

The Seaholm Dance Team is hosting a dance clinic on Friday, February 6 for K-8 students.

Get ready for an afternoon filled with friends, fun, food and dancing! We welcome kids from Kindergarten through 8th grade to learn dances taught by the Seaholm JV & Varsity Maple Motion dancers. Snacks, drinks and dinner is provided. All family and friends are invited to watch the grade-level performances in the Seaholm gym.

Drop off: Between 4-4:30pm at Seaholm's front entrance - 2436 W Lincoln, Birmingham

Performance: Arrive by 6:15pm for a performance in the gym at approximately 6:30pm.

Cost: $60 per dancer

Clinic Information and registration HERE