South Maple Elementary
Greetings from Ms. Parker, Principal
Greetings, South Maple Elementary Families!
Welcome back to a brand-new school year! Our hallways are coming alive with excitement, smiles, and the energy of a new year filled with learning and growth. We are so excited to welcome our students back and look forward to partnering with you to make this a positive, joyful, and successful year for every child.
With warmth and enthusiasm,
Diane Parker
Principal
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, August 26........Kindergarten Open House/4:00-5:00PM
Wednesday, August 26........Open House 1st-3rd/4:30-5:30PM
Monday, August 31..............First day of school 1st-3rd
Wednesday, September 2.......Kindergarten first day/12:45PM arrival
Friday, September 4.........................No School
Monday, September 7......................No School
Thursday, September 17 ................Picture Day
Friday, October 30...........................No School Students/Staff PD
Wednesday, November 26..................No School Students/Staff PD
Thank you for partnering with Gpí for your school photography!
ONLINE ORDER CODE - 4900YJLJZMUEYJY
Your online order code/link is below. This link will become active two (2) weeks prior to picture day and will remain available 24 hours after picture day. Please share with your families and students.
https://gpi.portraitpics.co/?key=4900YJLJZMUEYJY
Your Gpí Team
Sarah Dodge, 3rd Grade Teacher
Madi King, 3rd Grade Teacher
Emma Green, 2nd Grade Teacher
Taylor Lindbert, 1st Grade
Kelsey Kirkpatrick, Instructional Assistant
Megan Luke, Instructional Assistant
Chelsea Johnson, Kindergarten Assistant
SME Welcome Letter
The South Maple Elementary welcome letter has been mailed to the primary address on file. This mailing includes homeroom teacher along with information about the new electronic forms including: emergency card, student/parent agreement form, and directory opt out information. Please complete the electronic forms at https://gaylord.powerschool.com prior to Open House. Staff members will be available at Open House if you have difficulties. Please be patient through this new exciting process.
Parent-Student Handbook
Transportation
Bus Riders: Parents will receive confirmation via Text and/or E-mail through Gaylord Schools Messaging System of route number. At that time we will have AM and PM estimated pick-up and drop-off times located on the GCS Webpage. Please allow extra time in these first few weeks as we are establishing routes.
Click on school bus above for new or changes in bus transportation.
SME Car Rider Arrival/Dismissal Information
- The student day will begin at 7:55AM and ends at 2:50PM.
- As many of you are aware morning and afternoon traffic is very congested in our area. Please drive safely and follow traffic laws. The arrival/dismissal attachment below will provide detailed information.
- SME staff will assist all students in locating their classrooms. Please say your goodbye before or when they exit your vehicle, this includes the first day of school.
- Students must be picked up by 3:05PM
Emergency Drills
- FIRE DRILL
Breakfast and Lunch Information
It is extremely important for families to complete the Education Benefits Online application in order for Gaylord Community Schools to receive full access to federal and state funding for education programs that support our students.
Paper copies will be available to fill out at Open House and may be turned in to the South Maple Office or email completed forms to GalaczJ@gaylord.k12.mi.us
Breakfast and Lunch Information
- Lunch Menu Information can be found by clicking on the lunch picture.
- Students will receive 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch daily
- Thank you for sending milk money in a clearly labeled envelope.
Prescription and Over the Counter Medication at School-
In order for school staff to dispense any medications at school the following must be completed:
- Complete the appropriate form(s) linked below.
- Prescription medication must have a doctor's signature and proper dosage/schedule on the form.
- Medication including inhalers must be brought to the office in the pharmacy labeled/issued container.
- Medications will not be accepted without the proper completed medication form(s).
Your Experiences Matters
Every child’s reading journey is different—and so is every parent’s. Some of us may have loved reading from the start, while others may have struggled, needed extra support, or found reading challenging.
Your experiences matter. They can help us understand what your child may experience as they learn to read and remind us all of the importance of patience, encouragement, and celebrating progress along the way. Together, we can help every child discover the joy and confidence that comes with becoming a reader.
Office Hours
989.731.0648
Diane Parker, Principal
650 East Fifth Street
Gaylord, MI 49735
989.731.0648