Little Eagles
Columbia Elementary School (PK-2)
May 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
Friday, May 1st
Smencil Sale 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Mileage Club!
Lunch Lady Appreciation Day!
School Principals Day!
Monday, May 4th
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Tuesday, May 5th
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Wednesday, May 6th
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Comfy Cozy Day!
Credit Union
School Nurse Appreciation Day!
Student of the Month 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 7th
Teacher Appreciation Week!
PTO Meeting @ CUES Library 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 8th
Teacher Appreciation Week!
Hope Run!
Sunday, May 10th
Happy Mother's Day!
Monday, May 11th
School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13th
Half Day AM 7:55-11:20 a.m.
Friday, May 15th
Mileage Club Ends
Monday, May 18th
2nd Grade Ice Cream Day
Smiles on Wheels
Book Fair BOGO
Tuesday, May 19th
Smiles on Wheels
Book Fair BOGO
Field Day!
Wednesday, May 20th
Smiles on Wheels
Book Fair BOGO
Thursday, May 21st
1st Grade Walk to Ice Cream Shop
Smiles on Wheels
Friday, May 22nd
Kindergarten Park Day
Popcorn Friday!
Smiles on Wheels
Monday, May 25th
No School - Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 26th
Elliott/Thacher Stubnitz Nature Center 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
Wednesday, May 27th
Hogle/Sexton Stubnitz Nature Center 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
1st Grade Park Day
Thursday, May 28th
Last Day GSRP and Tuition Preschool
Friday, May 29th
Kindergarten Graduation 9:30 a.m.
2nd Grade Park Day
Smiles for Miles
Does February March?
*No, but April May!
What did the flower say when he found out it was allergy season?
*You've got to pollen my leg!
Friday is Blue and Gold Day!
Show your school spirit and wear your blue and gold Little Eagle spirit wear!
Breakfast and School Arrival Time
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!
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.
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
Spring is Here! What an awesome opportunity to get outside and enjoy this weather! Some wonderful ideas for you and your students include: starting a garden, planting wildflowers, creating a bird feeder with pinecones, going on a nature walk, and more!
We have a Clothing Bin available in our overflow parking lot. If you are planning any Spring Cleaning, consider donating your textile materials there. These clothes are recycled to help eliminate waste in landfills. Also, our school receives a donation per pound!
May is full of celebratory activities for our students who have made amazing achievements in their learning this year! Field Trips and special events have been planned by our wonderful staff members - check in with your student's teacher to find out what's happening!
We will honor and celebrate our outstanding staff during Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8. Consider having your Little Eagle write them a note of thanks during that week! We plan to shower our staff with appreciation all week long!
I cannot believe that we are almost done with another school year! Your Little Eagle will wrap up their iReady testing and complete their final literacy assessments. I am so proud of their hard work this year, and I look forward to supporting their journey for years to come!
Wishing you all a wonderful May! Enjoy the sunshine!
Mr. Jackson
Counseling Corner
Hi Eagle Families!!
We have just over a month left of school! As we all get eager for summer remember we still have some important things to accomplish before June 4th. Along with fun field trips and events planned we have important end of the year testing. Please be sure your students are here everyday so they can complete assessments for report cards and to assist in next years class placements.
*Class placement letters will be mailed the first week of August to your homes.
Character Strong
May's Trait of the month is Creativity.
Student of the month for:
April & May will be on May 6th at 10:30am.
Safer, Smarter Kids *Only those who opted in for lessons*
We completed all lessons. Students did great taking to tools learned.
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. We had a rainy day and had indoor games (See photos below). We will have an end of the year celebration in May.
Vehicle Career Day
Thank you to all the presenters who joined us, we had a great turn out. Students loved this years "vehicle" theme!
Take Ellie the Eagle to work
Wow! This activity turned out so fun and all parents who participated did an amazing job sharing how Ellie did with them at work. A Power Point was created with photos and videos and shared with all classes, this was exciting for students.
*If you did not get the chance to participate this year I will be enlarging the time frame to allow more next year!
*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.
*During the summer (June/July) feel free to email as I will check weekly for urgent support needs.
K-Kids Mentoring Kinders
Student of the Month
March Student of the Month Nominees for Cooperation were celebrated in April!
🩺 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.
The Nurse’s Nook: May Edition
Healthy, Happy, and Ready for Summer!
Important: Medication Pick-Up
If your child has any medication (EpiPens, inhalers, daily medications, or over-the-counter medication) stored in the health office, please note the following:
Deadline: All medications must be picked up by an adult by the last day of school.
Safety First: For safety reasons, we cannot send medication home in a student’s backpack.
Unclaimed Meds: State regulations require us to dispose of any medications left behind after the final day.
Summer Safety ABCs
Elementary students are busy explorers! Keep them safe with these simple tips:
A is for Apply (Sunscreen): Please apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before your child heads out to play. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
B is for Bug Checks: Ticks and mosquitoes are active. After a day of outdoor play, do a "spot check" on your child’s skin and hair.
C is for Cool Down: Little bodies overheat faster than adults. Ensure they are drinking plenty of water, even if they say they aren't thirsty.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
Believe it or not, it’s already time to think about August!
Physicals & Immunizations: If your child is due for a check-up, summer is the perfect time to schedule it.
Health Plans: If your child has a chronic condition (like asthma or a severe allergy), please have your doctor update their Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) over the summer so it’s ready for the first day of school.
New Concerns: If your child receives a new diagnosis or starts a new medication over the break, please feel free to email me so I can update their records.
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
2026-2027 Childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds
We are pleased to announce that enrollment is now open for our 3 and 4-year-old childcare program for the upcoming fall semester. Our program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where our youngest Golden Eagles can soar. We focus on building the social and academic foundations necessary for a smooth transition into elementary school. Through a balance of structured learning and creative play, students develop the confidence and curiosity needed to thrive. Call 517-592-9753 or email Terri.mclaury@myeagles.org to register for fall. Children may start the first day of school in August.
PTO Meeting
The PTO Meeting is the first Thursday of every month.
All parents and staff are invited to attend.