Linden Elementary Updates

Dear Linden Elementary Families,

Happy October! It’s hard to believe we already have more than a month of school behind us. I hope your family is settling into the routines of the school year and enjoying some of the little things that make fall in Michigan so special.

The nervous energy of those first few weeks has softened, everyone seems to know where they’re going, and our school is beginning to feel comfortably settled. As I walk through the halls and classrooms, I see students building friendships, gaining confidence, taking chances in their learning, and simply becoming more at home at school.

October brings a different kind of energy. With cooler mornings and changing leaves, there’s a sense that we’ve found our rhythm and are ready to grow. Each day brings new learning, stronger connections, and those small moments that remind us just how much happens between the first and last bell.

Thank you for sharing your children with us each day and for being such an important part of our Linden Elementary community. Your partnership, encouragement, and support mean so much. I’m looking forward to all that October will bring!

🍂 Settling into the Season

By now, many families are finding their rhythm—and October is the perfect time to reinforce those healthy habits:

• Keep consistent bedtimes and routines

• Stay organized with school materials and schedules

• Keep conversations going about school—celebrate new friendships, learning milestones, and fun fall activities

A steady routine supports focus, confidence, and success throughout the year!

📅 Parent Teacher Conferences: October 15, 2026: Half Day For Students

Before Conferences: Be on the lookout for communication from your child’s classroom teacher with important details about their classroom and the year ahead.

📅Friday, October 16th - NO SCHOOL!

Student attendance on Count Day directly determines our state funding for classroom resources, staffing, and programs. Please help us by making sure your child is at school on time and stays for the full day. If your child is sick, please call the office to report the absence. Thank you for your support!

Halloween Planning

It's hard to believe we're already planning for Halloween! We are looking forward to a great day with our students on Friday, October 30th. Below are a few reminders to keep everyone in the loop:

• Costume Guidelines: Please check with your classroom teacher regarding details about changing into costumes. Students must leave toy weapons at home and save face paint for trick-or-treating after school to prevent skin irritation during the day.

• Classroom Celebrations: Teachers will send out information about their individual party plans. If sending in treats, please ensure they are store-bought due to food allergies.

• Costume Parade: Join us at 2:15 PM for our parade! Families are welcome to take photos. We will share the exact parade route closer to the date once we check the weather.

• Early Departure: If you choose to take your child home before the end of the day, please be sure to sign them out with your child's teacher or at the office.

Thank you for your help in making this a fun and safe celebration! Reach out to your child's teacher or the office anytime with questions.

We know how important family time is, and we understand that illnesses, appointments, family commitments, and occasional trips are part of life. At the same time, being at school consistently makes a meaningful difference in a child’s learning, confidence, and connection to their classroom community. Building strong attendance habits in the early years helps children develop routines that will support them well beyond elementary school.

And truthfully, we just love having your children here! Each child brings something special to our school. Their ideas, friendships, questions, and personalities make our classrooms stronger and help create the sense of community we value so much at Linden Elementary.

Throughout the year, families may receive attendance update letters by email. These are simply intended to keep our records accurate and maintain open communication between home and school. If you receive an update and have questions or circumstances you would like us to be aware of, please reach out. We are always happy to connect.

As we work together to keep our arrival and dismissal loop safe and moving smoothly, please remember that children should remain completely inside the vehicle while in the parent pick-up and drop-off line.

While it may seem fun to hang out a window or pop up through a sunroof, moving vehicles and busy school traffic make this unsafe. Please help us by making sure all children remain properly seated inside the vehicle until it is time to exit safely.

Thank you for helping us keep our littlest passengers safe during the busiest parts of our school day!

Nurse Danielle Loynes is hard at work keeping the children of Linden Elementary safe and healthy every day. From caring for little injuries to managing health plans, she’s always here to support our students and help them thrive!

Join PALS: Parents Active in Linden Schools!

Reach out to Kayce Durgan at Lindenelementarypals.pto@gmail.com to learn more.

Let’s work together to create lasting memories and opportunities for our kids—we’d love to have you join us!

Thank You for Your Amazing Support!

We are truly grateful for the community’s overwhelming response to our Mums Fundraiser! Thanks to you, our fundraiser has been a wonderful success. Together, over 500 plants were sold!

10/01 - PALS Meeting 9am

10/05 - Sinking Fund Informational Meeting @ LHS 6-8pm

10/06 - Half Day of School for Students

10/07 - School Picture Day

10/07 - PALS Trunk or Treat

10/07 - Board of Education Meeting 6pm

10/15 - Half Day of School for Students

10/15 - Parent Teacher Conferences

10/16 - No School

10/21 - Board of Education Meeting 6pm