Beach Elementary, 2741 Hts. Ravenna Rd., Muskegon, MI, 49444

Jason Bogue, Principal

Jbogue@fruitportschools.net

Office: (231) 773 -8996

Hours: 8:25 -3:37

Late start Wednesday: 9:55

Half day dismissal: 12:00

Dear Families,

We had a great first week at Beach! All of our kids have been working hard learning expectations and routines. I want to thank our BLT's (Beach Leadership Team) for helping students find their lines in the morning, comforting our younger learners, modeling behavior and being positive role models. Our entire Beach staff has been busy building relationships with students and ensuring our kids have everything they need. Thank you to all of our Beach families for entrusting us with your children and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership throughout the year.

As we head into a longer week, please encourage your children to get a little extra sleep. Having enough rest is a key component in the learning process. I also want to thank you for your patience as we continue to work out the kinks in our drop-off/pick-up process. Things should continue to get smoother as kids, staff and families have more opportunities to practice these procedures.

Most Sincerely,

Mr. Bogue

Principal, Beach Elementary

Fruitport Community Schools

REMINDERS:

Do NOT drop your child off prior to 8:05 a.m., or on delayed-start Wednesday 9:35 a.m., as there is NO adult supervision before these times. If you are absent or returning late, please contact the main office by 10:00 a.m. at (231)773-8996. All Fruitport Community schools offer FREE BREAKFAST to all students! Breakfast at Beach is served in the cafeteria from 8:05 a.m. - 8:25 a.m. on regular school days, and then from 9:35 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. on late start Wednesdays.

We highly recommend labeling all of your Beach student's school supplies, gear, and materials. Many of our kids have identical or similar backpacks, lunch boxes, coats, etc. It is very helpful for these types of items to be labeled with names.

PBIS-update (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports)

We Are VEry Safe, Respectful and Responsible...students learned and practiced our Beach behavior expectations last week for all areas of the school. Consistently following these expectations are key ingredients to making Beach a Fun and Safe learning environment for all. Students can earn WAVE coupons when “caught” doing the right thing and we will be holding monthly PBIS celebrations where we gather as an entire school. We also have weekly opportunities for students to earn positive behavior recognition and rewards.

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, 8/30 - Monday, 9/02

Labor Day Break

Tuesday, 9/03

Full-day

Wednesday, 9/04

Delayed Start

9:55 am - 3:37 pm

Thursday, 9/05

Full-day

Friday, 9/06

Full-day

On The Radar

Tuesday, 9/10

Fire Drill

Please remember that morning drop-off takes place on the westside of the building near where our playground is located. This area is located on the opposite side of our Beach Main Office. The eastside of the building where our Main Office is located is designated for busses and visitors only.

Allowing vehicle drop-off on the eastside of the building is a major safety concern and not permitted. Beach houses our counties MOCI program, and as a result we have many busses arriving from around the county to drop students off in the morning. This is in addition to our own Fruitport Community Schools busses. Please be mindful to only drop-off students in the designated drop-off area.

Thank you so much for your cooperation in helping make Beach a safe place for all!

This week our staff spotlight shines bright on Millie, our school therapy dog. This is Millie's 2nd year with us at Beach. Millie's owner/handler is Mrs. Forbes, our school Social Worker. Millie plays an important and multifaceted role in our school community. She offers emotional, social and educational support to students and staff. A detailed list of how Millie provides a positive impact on our entire school can be found below, as well as a list of some of her favorite things.

1. Emotional Support

• Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Millie provides comfort to students who may feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. The simple act of petting or sitting with a Millie can help lower stress levels and create a sense of calm.
• Supporting Students with Emotional Challenges: For students dealing with grief, trauma, or other emotional difficulties, Millie can offer non-judgmental companionship and a comforting presence.

2. Social Support

• Encouraging Social Interaction: Millie helps students develop social skills by encouraging interactions among peers. Students often bond over their shared interest in Millie, leading to increased communication and cooperation.
• Building Confidence: Interacting with Millie can boost students' confidence, particularly for those who may struggle with self-esteem. Millie's unconditional acceptance helps students feel valued and important.

3. Educational Support

• Reading Programs: Millie can also be used in reading programs, where students read aloud to her. This practice can help reluctant readers gain confidence, improve their reading skills, and develop a love for reading in a non-judgmental environment.
• Motivating Learning: The presence of Millie can make learning more engaging and enjoyable. For example, students may be more motivated to complete assignments or participate in class when they know they’ll get to spend time with her.

4. Behavioral Support

• Promoting Positive Behavior: The presence of Millie encourages positive behavior in students. For example, students may be more likely to follow school rules or complete tasks when they know they can spend time with her as a reward.
• Assisting with Behavioral Interventions: Millie can be part of behavioral intervention plans, helping students who struggle with behavior regulation by providing a calming influence and a positive focus.

5. Creating a Positive School Environment

• Enhancing School Culture: Millie contributes to a more positive and inclusive school culture. Her presence helps reduce tensions, creates a sense of community, and makes the school environment more welcoming.
• Supporting Staff Well-being: It's not just students who benefit from Millie. Teachers and staff can also experience reduced stress and improved morale when they have access to the therapeutic presence of a dog.

6. Crisis Intervention

• Providing Comfort During Crises: In times of crisis or a traumatic event, Millie can offer comfort and support to the school community. Their calming presence can be particularly valuable during difficult times.

7. Facilitating Mindfulness and Relaxation

• Mindfulness Practices: Millie can be integrated into mindfulness and relaxation exercises, helping students focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety.
• Relaxation Breaks: During high-stress periods, such as Testing times, Millie can provide relaxation breaks, giving students a chance to decompress and refocus.

Millie' Favorite Things

Favorite Toy: a rubber carrot that makes crinkle sounds

Favorite Book: Just Like Millie, by Lauren Castillo

Favorite Color: Blue and Orange

Favorite Food: Meat (especially bacon!)

Interests Outside of School: Being outside, bugs (especially flying bugs), sticks, playing with other dogs, fetch, walks, and LOTS of belly rubs.

Beach is so honored to be recognized as a Reward School from the Michigan Department of Education for the 2023-2024 school year and as a Best Elementary School by US News and World Report. We couldn’t reach these goals without our amazing teachers and staff as well as our parents who are always willing to partner with us in creating an environment that embraces learning. Thank you to our FCS family for helping make Beach a GREAT place to be.

This school year, through its State Aid Budget and Healthy School Meals for All, the State of Michigan is providing two (2)universal meals, breakfast and lunch, to all students at no cost to the student or family. To claim reimbursable meals, schools must provide milk, fruit, vegetable, grain, and meat/meat

alternate in the proper portions. It is important to recognize that a la carte items may not be included in the universal meal provided to students. As such, families may still want to fund student accounts to allow for the purchase of these items. Next, families are still encouraged, regardless of income, to complete and submit a confidential school meal application. Even if you would normally not qualify for traditional free or reduced priced meal benefits, completing and signing an application will allow the District to maximize the use of available State and Federal funds. These applications are critical in determining supplemental funding received by the District in programs like Title I, Section 31a At-Risk, Title II, E-rate, etc. Parents or guardians can submit an application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals online at https://familyportal.cloud/, or in person after August 7th at their child’s school office. It’s easy and confidential. Please contact the Food Service Department by email at: foodservice@fruitportschools.net for assistance.

If your student has a food allergy or is in need of a special dietary accommodation, it is very important that the attached "Dietary Needs Form" be completed and returned to our Beach Elementary Main Office. A new form needs to be completed every year If you have further questions in regards to school meals and/or food allergies, please feel free to contact our Food Service Department at (231) 865 - 4054.

If you plan on dropping off or picking up your children, please take a look at the diagrams below that help explain the directions on how we perform these important tasks. Safety is our number one priority, and drop-off/pick-up can be a stressful time for everyone. I appreciate your patience and consideration, especially at the beginning of the year as we work on teaching and modeling these procedures. If there are any changes to your child's normal transportation please notify the office no later than 3:00 p.m.

Dear Families,

Beach Elementary is in our 3rd year of partnering with Living Life Church (2808 S. Mill Iron Rd. Muskegon) to bring an amazing program to our school called Hand 2 Hand. This program helps provide students with food for the weekends and is intended for families who currently may be experiencing a financial burden. Please review the below permission slip and decide if you would like to participate in this program. The program has no cost to families and no limit on participants. If you have any questions feel free to email or call Mr. Bogue.

Below you will find links to useful forms that you may need or want to fill out. There is also a link to "suggested" classroom supply lists.