Memorial Messenger- October

We have had an outstanding start to the school year. Students are settling into routines, building relationships, and demonstrating our ARRGH expectations of Academics, Responsibility, Respect, Growth, and Honor every day. Thank you for your continued partnership and support

As the colorful leaves begin to fall and the crisp autumn air settles in, Memorial Elementary is excited to welcome a month full of family fun and community events sponsored by our amazing PTC! October kicks off with a delicious opportunity to support our school during the Dine for Dollars event at Red Robin on October 14. Then, get your costumes ready for one of our most anticipated events of the year, Trunk or Treat on October 16 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. This evening promises plenty of treats, creative decorations, and fun memories for students and families alike.

The fall festivities continue with our Book Fair from October 19-23, giving students the chance to discover new stories and spark a love of reading. Families can also lace up their skates for Family Fun Night at United Skates on October 21, an opportunity to connect with fellow Memorial families while enjoying a night of active fun. On October 22, families will have the opportunity to meet with teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences, an important time to celebrate student successes and work together to support continued growth.

Fall is also a wonderful time to spread kindness, and our Kindness Fundraiser, running from September 28 through October 9, gives Memorial students and families the chance to support our school while promoting the values of compassion, generosity, and helping others. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our Memorial community and look forward to seeing the positive impact this effort will have on our students and school programs.

Beyond our special events, students are already enjoying many of the opportunities that make Memorial such a special place to learn and grow. We recently held our first Tuesday Talk and Book Buddies sessions of the year, providing students with valuable opportunities to build connections, strengthen literacy skills, and foster a positive school culture. Throughout the fall, students will also participate in ALICE lessons and Mentor Group activities as part of our rotation schedule. These programs help strengthen relationships, promote school safety awareness, and continue our commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student.

As October comes to a close, we encourage families to stay involved by attending the PTC Meeting on October 26 at 6:30 p.m. and participating in the Texas Roadhouse Gift Card Fundraiser, which begins the same day and runs through November 6. Fall is truly in full swing at Memorial, and these events are a wonderful reminder of the strong partnership between our school, families, and community. We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the month as we make the most of this exciting season together! 🍂🎃

In Appreciation,

Mr. Browe

To help ensure a safe and smooth start and end to each school day, please review our updated arrival and dismissal procedures.

Morning Arrival

Breakfast

• Breakfast will be served from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

Kindergarten Students

• Students eating breakfast may enter beginning at 8:00 AM.
• Students not eating breakfast may enter the building at 8:25 AM and proceed directly to their classrooms.

Grades 1-5

• Students eating breakfast may enter beginning at 8:00 AM.
• Students not eating breakfast may enter the building at 8:30 AM.

Tardy Bell

• All students must be in school and ready for learning by 8:35 AM.
• Students arriving after 8:35 AM will be marked tardy.

Afternoon Dismissal

Kindergarten

• Dismissal begins at 3:20 PM.

Grades 1-5

• Dismissal begins at 3:25 PM from assigned dismissal doors

Siblings

If you have an older student and a younger sibling at Memorial, the older sibling may go to the younger sibling's classroom at dismissal so they can leave the building together.

Safety Reminder

Please be patient and mindful during arrival and dismissal times. Working together and following staff directions helps ensure the safety of all students, families, and staff members.

Thank you for your partnership in making Memorial Elementary a safe and welcoming place for all students!

Mr. Ethan Edwards- Music

Mrs. Sarah Gorman- Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Please make sure to sign up for the Schoology app for the 2026/2027 school year. A table will be set up at Open House to help you join if you need assistance.

To help ensure the safety of all students, e-bikes, electric scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards, and other motorized mobility devices are not permitted on Riverview Community Schools property for elementary and middle school students.

Students in grades PreK-8 may not ride, bring, possess, or use these devices on school grounds, in school buildings, on school buses, at school-sponsored events, or while arriving at or departing from school.

Students may not arrive at school on an e-bike or similar motorized device, whether operating the device independently or riding with another individual.

Any prohibited device brought onto school property may be confiscated and held in the office until it is picked up by a parent or guardian. Repeated violations may result in disciplinary consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe school environment for all students.

Daily attendance in elementary school is crucial for several interconnected reasons that impact both immediate learning and long-term academic success.

Foundation Building: Elementary years establish fundamental skills in reading, writing, and math that serve as building blocks for all future learning. Missing even a few days can create gaps in these foundational concepts that become increasingly difficult to fill as students progress.

Sequential Learning: Elementary curricula are carefully structured so each lesson builds on the previous one. When students miss school, they often struggle to catch up because new concepts assume mastery of previously taught material. This is particularly evident in subjects like math, where understanding multiplication depends on solid addition and subtraction skills.

Habit Formation: Elementary school is when children develop their attitudes toward education and establish patterns of behavior. Regular attendance helps instill discipline, responsibility, and the understanding that education is a priority. Students who miss school frequently often develop a more casual attitude toward learning that can persist throughout their academic career.

Social and Emotional Development: School provides essential social interaction and emotional learning opportunities that can't be replicated at home. Children learn to work in groups, resolve conflicts, follow classroom routines, and develop relationships with peers and teachers. Chronic absenteeism can lead to social isolation and difficulty forming connections.

Early Intervention: Teachers can identify learning difficulties, behavioral issues, or other challenges more quickly when students attend regularly. Early detection and intervention are far more effective than trying to address problems that have compounded over time.

Academic Achievement Gap: Research consistently shows that students with poor attendance in elementary school are more likely to struggle academically throughout their educational journey. The achievement gap that develops early often widens over time, making it harder for students to reach their full potential.

Regular attendance in elementary school sets the stage for lifelong learning success and helps ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need for future academic and personal achievement.

Crocs or sandals will not be permitted in gym class. Students will be unable to participate in the gym class activities due to safety concerns if they are wearing unsafe footwear. Parents/ guardians thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Title 1 Parent Letter

Memorial Title 1 Presentation, will be available for viewing until Friday, September 11th

Memorial Title 1 Survey

https://www.riverviewschools.com/parents/annual-notifications

Important Times

Memorial Elementary 2026-2027

8:00 - 8:30 - Breakfast in the Cafeteria

8:25 -Kindergarten teachers will meet students outside at designated area to bring students to class - K – Teachers – NW Doors (closest to cafeteria/Champions Program)

8:30 - Grades 1-5 students will enter through the following doors

1st Grade Teachers – NE Doors (closest to Board Office)

Grade 2 – North Doors (closest to flag pole on Colvin)

Grade 3 – NW Doors (closest to cafeteria/Champions)

Grade 4 – SW Doors (closest to main office)

Grade 5 – Recess Doors (closest to the playground and Longsdorf)

3:20 - K Dismissal – Teachers will walk students outside – Please communicate with teacher dismissal plans - kindergarten students will not be dismissed unless someone is there to pick them up.

3:25 - Grades 1-5 Dismissal

Our District Calendar for 2026-2027 can be found on our district website after scrolling to the bottom of the page: District Website - Click Here

Students may bring a spill-proof water bottle to school each day. To help keep our learning environment clean and focused, only water is allowed in the classroom. Starbucks, McDonalds, juice, pop or energy drinks will not be permitted.

Classrooms generally have a short daily snack break built into the schedule. To support energy, focus, and healthy habits, we ask that students bring a small, healthy snack. Please avoid candy, cookies, and salty chips (like Doritos or Takis).

Great snack options include:

Fresh fruit (grapes, bananas, apples)

Raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, etc)

Cheese sticks or crackers

Yogurt tubes or applesauce pouches

Low-sugar granola bars

Snacks should be appropriately sized- just enough for a quick refuel, not a full meal.

Personal Items Reminder: 2026-2027 School Year

To support a safe, focused, and productive learning environment, we ask that the following items remain at home unless otherwise communicated by the classroom teacher.

Makeup, Lip Gloss, Press-On/Fake Nails, and Cosmetic Items

These items are not necessary for the school day and can become distractions to learning. Fake nails may interfere with writing, computer use, participation in hands-on activities, and physical education. Makeup and cosmetic products should be reserved for home use and should not be brought to school.

Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Personal Collectibles

Students should not bring toys, stuffed animals, trading cards, or other personal collectibles from home. These items can distract from instruction and may cause conflicts among students.

If a teacher plans a special event or classroom activity that allows these items, families will be notified in advance.

Items brought for Champions Latchkey (before and after school care) must remain in backpacks throughout the instructional day unless otherwise directed by school staff.

Responsibility for Personal Belongings

Students are encouraged to leave valuable or non-essential personal items at home. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced personal belongings, including toys, sports balls, Pokemon cards, Needoh's, stuffed animals, cosmetics, jewelry, electronics, accessories, or items brought for Champions Latchkey.

Thank you for partnering with us to help maintain a positive learning environment where students can remain focused on learning and personal growth.

Cell Phone and Smart Watch Expectations for the 2026-2027 School Year

Michigan law requires all public and charter schools to prohibit student cell phone use during the school day beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. This legislation was enacted to reduce distractions and help students remain focused on learning.

At Memorial Elementary, students may bring a cell phone to school if needed for communication with families before or after school. However, all cell phones and smart watches must be completely powered off immediately upon entering the school building and remain off for the entire school day. Devices must be stored in a student's backpack or locker and may not be carried on the student, accessed, checked, or used at any time during the school day unless specifically authorized by a school administrator for an approved purpose.

Cell phones and smart watches may be powered back on only after dismissal and after students have exited the school building.

Smart watches are subject to the same expectations as cell phones. Smart watches must be powered off and stored throughout the school day. They may not be used for texting, calling, messaging, gaming, photographing, recording, internet access, or any other communication or electronic function while students are at school.

Any cell phone or smart watch that is seen, heard, accessed, or used during the school day without administrative authorization will be confiscated and turned in to the school office. A parent or guardian may be required to pick up the device. Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary consequences in accordance with school policy.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is asking all parents and guardians to talk with their children about the seriousness of making threats of violence toward schools, students, or staff.

Because school violence incidents often receive significant attention in the news and on social media, some students may mistakenly think that making a threat as a joke or prank is harmless. However, under Michigan law, making a threat is a serious offense, even if the student never intended to carry it out.

Law enforcement and schools must investigate every threat to determine whether it is credible. As a result, even a threat that was meant as a joke can lead to serious consequences, disrupt learning for students, create fear within the school community, and require significant time and resources from school staff and law enforcement.

We encourage families to speak with their children about using good judgment online, in text messages, and in conversations with friends. Students should understand that any statement suggesting violence toward a school, student, or staff member will be taken seriously and investigated.

By working together, we can help maintain a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.

Key Message for Students:
If you wouldn't want police, school officials, and your family investigating the comment, don't say it, text it, post it, or share it. Every threat is taken seriously.

Based on the Memorial Elementary PTC Monthly Events calendar, here are the major PTC-sponsored events and fundraisers families should be aware of:

September

• Sept. 2: Spirit Wear Fundraiser Begins
• Sept. 2: Meet the Teacher Night (5:00-6:30 PM)
• Sept. 16: Dine to Donate at Chipotle
• Sept. 28: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Sept. 28-Oct. 9: Kindness Fundraiser

October

• Oct. 14: Dine to Donate at Red Robin
• Oct. 16: Trunk or Treat (6:00-7:30 PM)
• Oct. 19-23: Book Fair
• Oct. 21: Family Fun Night at United Skates
• Oct. 22: Parent-Teacher Conferences & Early Release
• Oct. 26: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Oct. 26-Nov. 6: Texas Roadhouse Gift Card Fundraiser

November

• Nov. 2: Family Fun Night at Rev'd Up Fun
• Nov. 23: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Nov. 24: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Celebration

December

• Dec. 2: Dine to Donate at Buffalo Wild Wings
• Dec. 9-11: Santa Shop
• Dec. 11: Kris Kringle Mingle (6:00-8:00 PM)
• Dec. 22: Memorial Night at Kalahari

January

• Jan. 12: Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse
• Jan. 25: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Jan. 28: Family Fun Night at United Skates

February

• Feb. 1: Dine to Donate at Panda Express
• Feb. 11: Parent-Teacher Conferences & Early Release
• Feb. 11: Memorial Night at Kalahari
• Feb. 22: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• Feb. 26: Girls & VIP Dance at Crystal Gardens
• Feb. 26-Mar. 27: Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraiser

March

• Mar. 5: Deadline to Purchase Tickets for Boys & VIP Event
• Mar. 18: Art & Literacy Night (5:00-7:00 PM)
• Mar. 19: Boys & VIP Night at The Grecian Center
• Mar. 22: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)

April

• Apr. 6-May 8: Color Run Fundraiser
• Apr. 15: Family Fun Night at United Skates
• Apr. 16: Dine to Donate at Panera Bread (Southgate)
• Apr. 26: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)
• 2026-2027 PTC Board Nominations Begin

May

• May 3-7: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
• May 12: Dine to Donate at Pita Way (Woodhaven)
• May 20: Field Day
• May 20 (Rain Date May 27): Memorial Color Run
• May 24: PTC Meeting (6:30 PM)

June

• June 4: Family Fun Night
• June 9: Fifth Grade Farewell

PTC Meeting Dates

All meetings begin at 6:30 PM:

• September 28
• October 26
• November 23
• January 25
• February 22
• March 22
• April 26
• May 24

This calendar includes family fun nights, dine-to-donate fundraisers, dances, Trunk or Treat, Book Fair, Santa Shop, Color Run, Art & Literacy Night, Teacher Appreciation Week, and monthly PTC meetings, providing families many opportunities to support Memorial Elementary throughout the year.

Click Here

Click Here for Elementary Handbook

✅ Sept. 8 – First Day of School
✅ Oct. 22 – Early Release/Conferences
✅ Nov. 24 – Early Release (End of Trimester 1)
✅ Dec. 21-Jan. 1 – Winter Break
✅ Feb. 11 – Early Release/Conferences
✅ Feb. 15 – Mid-Winter Break
✅ Mar. 12 – Early Release (End of Trimester 2)
✅ Mar. 29-Apr. 2 – Spring Break
✅ May 31 – Memorial Day (No School)
✅ June 11 – Last Day of School (Early Release)

Early release at Memorial is 12:40 PM

Memorial Concerts TBD

• Be kind and patient! Let's set a good example for our students!
• It is illegal to leave your car unattended if it is not parked in a designated parking spot - this includes on Colvin, the drop-off lines, and unmarked spaces in the two parking lots
• It is considered trespassing to park in other business lots - this includes the law office, Hair Forum on Fort Street, and residential drives and spots.
• Students are only supposed to cross at Colvin and Longsdorf where the crossing guards are located. There are spacious sidewalks for students to walk down so that they are crossing with the help of a crossing guard.
• Drivers need to drive slowly and cautiously around school grounds before and after school
• In the east parking lot, respect the cones that are put up for 10 minutes in the morning and in the afternoon, to ensure that those walking by our safe from parking lot traffic.
• Safeties will be at each set of doors and working out of the east parking lot with cones. Please remember these are students who are beginning their first opportunity as leaders within this role. They are nervous and can be easily intimidated. If you see a problem that needs to be addressed, please contact the office and allow for me to handle it. Please do not attempt to correct it yourself. Thank you!
  

• Also our city's emergency vehicles (police, fire, and ambulance) need the driveway kept cleared at all times in case they need to access our building. There is never an appropriate time to stop and hold up the line coming in from Longsdorf to the west parking lot. Thank you for your cooperation and support it making our parking lot safe.

  
  

• If you are arriving to school to pick-up older students, please do not pull into the pick-up line until after 3:25 which would allow for kindergarten families to pick-up safely and exit the parking lot. Many families have reported that they wait on a nearby side street until after 3:25 before entering the west parking lot and find that this works best for all.

If you would like your child to eat breakfast, please drop them off no earlier than 8:00 and no later than 8:30. They will come in the cafeteria doors (A.K.A the Kindergarten Doors) and go directly to the lunchroom. Chartwells staff will be able to supervise and assist your child in getting (and eating at the tables in the cafeteria) breakfast. Kindergarten students report to class at 8:25 AM and 1st through 5th grade students report to class at 8:30 AM. Students may NOT report to their classroom, go back outside, or go to their lockers before 8:36!

A couple of important reminders:

• Students must report DIRECTLY to the lunchroom. They may NOT go into their classroom or locker to drop their backpack off prior to the warning bell. If this is a repeat issue, you will receive a call and free breakfast program is no longer an option for your child.
• Children must be well-behaved for Chartwells staff in the lunchroom. If this is an issue, you will be called, and breakfast will no longer be an option for your child(ren).
• You may NOT drop your child off UNLESS they are eating breakfast. Chartwells staff are not able to supervise children that are dropped off and not eating breakfast. If you need childcare for your child(ren), please contact Champions before and after school care (see parent newsletter or call the office for contact information).
• You may not drop your child off to the breakfast program earlier than 8:00 am for any reason.
• When the warning bell rings at 8:30, your child must clean up and head to class. If your child reports to class at 8:35 or after, they will be marked tardy.
• Your child does not need to order breakfast ahead of time, or on certain days. This is a drop-in service that you can utilize up to 5 days per week.
• If a student comes to school a few minutes late, a bagged breakfast can be provided if students need one, until 8:50 a.m.