Little Eagles
Columbia Elementary School (PK-2)
April 2026
Mr. Jackson, CES Principal.. Derek.Jackson@myeagles.org
Mrs. Wilding, CES Secretary.. Joelle.Wilding@myeagles.org
Mrs. Phelps, CES Counselor.. Ashley.Phelps@myeagles.org
Mrs. Vlcek, Nurse.. Lyza.Vlcek@myeagles.org
Mrs. McLaury, Child Care & Preschool Director.. Terri.McLaury@myeagles.org
A Peek Ahead
Thursday, March 26th
Half Day AM 7:55-11:20 a.m.
Friday, March 27th
No School Spring Break
Saturday, March 28th-Sunday, April 5th
No School Spring Break
Wednesday, April 1st
Comfy Cozy Day!
Tuesday, April 7th
Student of the Month 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 8th
Credit Union
K Round Up 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 9th
PTO Meeting @ CUES Library
Friday, April 10th
Bible Release 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Monday, April 13th
Mileage Club Kicks Off!
School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16th
Kindergarten Graduation Pictures 8:00 a.m.
Friday, April 17th
1st Grade Field Trip to Impressions 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Popcorn Friday!
Sunday, April 19th
Mother Son Night at the Ballpark 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22nd
Credit Union
Monday, April 27th
No School
Thursday, April 30th
Career Day 8:30 a.m.
Mileage Club
It is almost that time!!!! This club will run almost entirely on volunteers! The dates are 4/13-5/22. Sign up using the link below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FA4A72EAAFAC16-62484783-2026
Smiles for Miles
How does the Easter Bunny stay in shape?
*Eggs-ercise!
What do you call a Transformer Bunny?
*Hop-timus Prime!
Friday is Blue and Gold Day!
Show your school spirit and wear your blue and gold Little Eagle spirit wear!
Important Transportation Information
Please note that all bus changes need to go through the transporation department this school year. For example, if your child is riding a bus with a friend, etc. The phone number is 517.592.6449. This needs to be approved at least 24 hours in advance. Your cooperation is appreciated!
Breakfast and School Arrival Time
School Breakfast and Lunch Information
We are excited to share that free breakfast and lunch will continue for the 2025-2026 school year! We still encourage families to complete a free and reduced lunch application. It may help families qualify for other programs.
Popcorn Fridays are coming back to CES!
We cannot do it without your help! Check out the signup below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A8A72DA6FAC16-57740304-20252026
Youth Savings Program at TRUE
For information on our Student-Run Credit Union, click the link below:
https://www.trueccu.com/accounts/personal-savings/youth-savings.html
Principal's Corner
Happy April!
March is Reading Month was a hit! I hope that your student(s) enjoyed their space-themed events. Ask them about their planetarium assembly and their end-of-the-month assembly where their successes were celebrated! So much fun and laughter was had by all.
I wish everyone a pleasant Spring Break starting on a Half Day on Thursday, March 26th with dismissal at 11:20 AM.
Kindergarten Registration is now open on our school website: www.myeagles.org. Our Kindergarten Round Up will be held on Wednesday, April 8th from 5 to 7 pm. We will have Food Trucks available for families to utilize as we welcome our newest Little Eagles to our school!
PreK Round Up is ongoing! You can register for FREE 4 year old preschool at www.greatstartjackson.org. Our tuition programs will begin enrollment in April as well.
April is a wonderful time to get outside and explore the community as our spring season begins and the flowers start blooming. Consider visiting local parks, greenhouses, and other outdoor areas to explore the world around you! Continue to send in appropriate clothing for recess and our outdoor learning opportunities. Also, check out our Lost-and-Found locations to see if your student's belongings are here.
Here are some low/no-cost activities that you can do with your student(s) this spring:
*Taking a walk
*Play hopscotch
*Visiting a park
*Visit a greenhouse
*Planting flowers
*Collecting rocks
*Painting rocks
*A nature scavenger walk
*Playing frisbee
*Riding a bike
*Riding a scooter
*Playing basketball
*Playing soccer
*Go fishing
*Build a birdhouse
We have a Clothing Bin available in our overflow parking lot. If you are planning any Spring Cleaning, consider donating your textile materials there. Our school receives a donation per pound!
Wishing you all a wonderful April! Enjoy the sunshine!
Mr. Jackson
Counseling Corner
Hi Eagle Families!!
I hope everyone has a restful Spring Break! You all deserve this break to rest and come back refreshed to rock the rest of the year out!
Character Strong
April's Trait of the month is Courage.
Defined as: Choosing what is helpful, right, and kind - even when its hard or scary.
Student of the month for:
March is on Tuesday, April 7th at 10:30am.
April & May will be on May 6th at 10:30am.
Safer, Smarter Kids *Only those who opted in for lessons*
We will begin final lessons in April, connection letters on topics will continue to come home to further discuss lessons as desired.
K-Kids Peer Mentoring
2nd grade K-Kids have continued mentoring Kindergarten students: role modeling positive play, good choices and conflict resolution strategies. In April & May K-Kids will begin joining Kinders out on the playground as recess buddies too! They are excited about this.
Vehicle Career Day
CES will be having Vehicle Career Day on Thursday, April 30th in the morning. If you have not yet signed up and have a career that includes a vehicle and you would like to share please reach out to Mrs. Phelps asap.
Take Ellie the Eagle to work
Along with Vehicle Career Day, CES will be doing another fun Career activity in April. Parents will be invited to "check out" Ellie the Eagle to take to work with them (And share pictures of Ellie at their job to share with students at school). This will be a way for those who are not able to participate in Vehicle Career Day but still want to share about their career. ** See flyer attached, and coming home!
*Click the Counselor Smore below for more tips & Info!
You can reach me by email: ashley.phelps@myeagles.org or by calling 517-769-8557, feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am available.
K-Kids Mentoring Kinders
Student of the Month
February Student of the Month Nominees for Honesty were celebrated in March!
🩺 News From the Nurse 🩺
🌷 Spring has officially sprung! While we love seeing the sun again, the transition into April brings its own set of "seasonal specialties". Here is what you need to know to keep your student healthy, focused, and ready for the home stretch of the school year.
🤧 Is it a Cold or Allergies?
The trees are blooming, and so are the sneezes. It can be tricky to tell if your child is coming down with a virus or just reacting to the high pollen count.
Allergy Clues: Itchy/watery eyes, clear nasal drainage, and no fever. Symptoms often flare up after recess or outdoor practice.
Cold Clues: Fever, body aches, and thick or colored mucus.
The Nurse’s Tip: If your child has known seasonal allergies, please start their physician-recommended maintenance medication now. It’s much easier to prevent an allergy flare than to stop one once it’s started!
🕷️ Tick Talk: Play Safe Outdoors
As the weather warms up, the ticks come out to play. After your child spends time in wooded or grassy areas:
Do a Check: Check behind ears, under arms, behind knees, and in the hairline.
Toss Clothes in the Dryer: High heat for 10 minutes kills ticks on dry clothing.
Know the Sign: If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers by pulling straight up. If a "bullseye" rash appears later, contact your pediatrician.
A Few Reminders for the 25'-26' School Year:
● All students are required to have an updated immunization record on file and documented in order to start and remain in school.
● Make a point to talk with the school, the teachers and nurse about any medical condition/health concern you may have including your child.
● Reminder to bring new and updated medical orders from your child’s physician for any treatment and prescription medications that are to be done here at school. All medications must be brought in their original containers and a medication form must be completed by a parent or guardian and signed by a physician (This includes prescription AND non-prescription medications).
● Allergy and asthma medications, rescue inhalers, and Epi-Pens are a necessity, and may save a life! These medications also require an updated order every year. These action plans have to be completed by your child's physician and returned to school before the start of the school year.
● If your child has a health condition or needs special care while at school, for example, medications, treatments, or monitoring, please inform the school nurse or office. Individual health care plans help keep your child safe, protected and healthy. It is also important to talk to your child's teacher regarding any health care conditions.
● Please have a current and working phone number of a parent or guardian in the school office daily in the event your child needs your attention and we need to get a hold of you.
Healthy Habits for the New School Year!
- Maintain a regular sleep routine
- Plan balanced meals and stay hydrated
- Make physical activity a priority
- Limit screen time
- While academics are important, make time for hobbies and loved ones, and activities they enjoy!
Attendance Matters!
Showing up to school greatly impacts a student's academic success. Families play a crucial role in ensuring that a student gets to school safely and on time daily. We understand that absences are unavoidable, such as illness or medical appointments. Please call in advance if your child will not be in school.
CES Attendance Line 517-592-7552
PTO Meeting
The PTO Meeting is the first Thursday of every month.
All parents and staff are invited to attend.