Vowles Newsletter

Nov. 2nd- 13th- Coins for a Cause Community Support Fundraiser

Nov. 3rd- No School- Election Day; Teacher Professional Development Day

Nov. 13th- Report Cards Sent Home (paper copy and final forms email)

Nov. 16th- Fine Arts Family Engagement Night- more info to come

Nov. 18th- Chipotle PTO Fundraiser 5:00-9:00 pm

Nov. 23rd and 24th- GSRP Preschool Parent Teacher Conferences

Nov. 25-27th- No School- Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 30th- Jonathan Rand Author Visit- MPHS 6:00; FREE for all ages (see flyer below)

Dec. 1-2nd- Dental Bus is at Vowles (see flyer below)

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools District Calendar 2026-2027

Preschool Calendar

What an unforgettable assembly this week! The energy in the gym was electric as students cheered on teachers (and watched them get pied in the face!). It was a hilarious and fun way to celebrate the end of our fundraiser.

A heartfelt thank you to all our parents, families, and loved ones for your support and generous contributions throughout our fundraising effort. Your dedication helps provide opportunities and resources for our students!

🎃 Fall Fun Day Thanks

Our Fall Fun Day was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without you! Whether you contributed donations for class party supplies, sent in festive treats, or provided costumes for others, your generosity brought so many smiles to our school community. Thank you for making the day extra special for our kids!

🌟 Capturing Kids’ Hearts: Self-Directed Learners

Next week, we look forward to wrapping up our month-long Capturing Kids' Hearts theme of being Self-Directed Learners. We will hear from our student ambassadors about what it truly means to be a self-directed learner. In addition, we will be celebrating and recognizing students who were nominated for demonstrating outstanding self-direction skills throughout the month of October. We are so proud of their hard work and initiative!

🚗 Friendly Parking Lot Reminder

To help keep our students safe and our morning/afternoon routines running smoothly, please remember to park only in designated parking spots. When cars park in unmarked or non-parking areas, our school buses are unable to safely navigate the parking lot loop. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in keeping our bus lanes clear!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely, Mrs. Bishop

🌞 Mornings Matter! 💙💛

A strong school day starts with showing up! Regular attendance helps students build confidence, strengthen friendships, and stay focused on learning.

We know mornings can sometimes be challenging. If your family is experiencing barriers to getting to school, reach out to us! We're here to listen, problem-solve, and work together to help your child succeed.

💙💛 Show Your Oiler Pride — Strive for Five! Every day counts!

📌 Need additional support or resources? Visit fewerthan5.com.

November is Homelessness Awareness Month and here at Vowles we want to help bring awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity in our communities. That’s why we’re partnering with United Way to raise money for Isabella County Restoration House through a coin war challenge called Coins for a Cause!

United Way is committed to matching all funds raised (up to $5,000) so now’s your chance to double your donation! Students can bring in their spare change during November 2nd-13th. The classroom that raises the most money will win a special treat from United Way!

Ready to start the school year in style? Order your official back-to-school gear today! From hoodies and tees to accessories, we've got you covered.

Get yours here: mtpleasantschools.itemorder.com

The monthly CKH theme for November is Teamwork. Teamwork is working together in unity towards a common goal.

Have a staff member you would like to recognize? Share it here and we will be sure to recognize them with your Shout Out.
https://forms.gle/pEtaFSpVin7jc14g8

Please view our K-5 Student Handbook at the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rzJ6n5U36XUXvLTf8e8Os2vLIgR1QGFV-9pGmkoBoEI/edit?usp=sharing

Through teaching and reflection , students are learning aspects of our school Matrix "BEST". BEST stands for Be Respectful, show Effort, Safety first, and Take responsibility. We watch videos, listen to examples of model behavior, and use Capturing Kids Hearts to support our BEST matrix.

Our school provides positive recognition in the following ways throughout the year:

• Sharing "Good" Things daily
• Affirmation opportunities
• Viking of the Month Awards
• Capturing Kids Hearts Awards
• BEST tags
• Vending Machine coins for book selections

Along with reinforcing positive behaviors, we are responding to academic and behavior supports for our students in the following ways:

• DI groups (Differentiated Intervention groups)- these start during the first month of school and include meeting academic needs for all students. Groups may be supported by classroom teachers, Title I Interventionists or paraprofessionals.
• School-wide classroom socio-emotional and counseling lessons
• Initial supports from the classroom setting utilizing Capturing Kids Hearts, reflection, redirection, and relationship-building. Universal supports, including breaks, are built into the school day or built into a specific student plan.
• Blue Slip Discipline Referrals: Given to a student if a student has been unresponsive to classroom interventions, is significantly disrupting the learning environment, or requires immediate escalation. Blue Slips always result in communication with a parent or guardian by the behavior interventionist, administrator, or designee.

Through our PBIS and student support framework, supports can usually meet the needs of 80% of our student population. If additional supports are needed to ensure success, teachers or administrators would communicate with the child's family.

We will have an opportunity for parents to sign up for our Nutrition Club. Every other week, students can receive a bag of non-perishable food items for the family. Look for our sign up soon!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4j79nDCCtsGsB91a8

• PEAK (after school): https://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/peak/after_school.php

• SACC (before school)- School Aged Child Care (Before School Program)- 775-2340

If you have moved or are a NEW rider for the 2026-2027 school year, please sign up for transportation by the end of the day on Aug. 9th using the link below.
https://www.mtpleasantschools.net/page/transportation

We use a software program with our transportation dept. Students will be scanning when arriving and departing from the bus. Parents will also be able to track the bus location using a new app. New and exciting things at MPPS! You will receive this information at Open House.

We would like our families to remember the following about Arrival and Dismissal as we know that parents have other school drop offs or places to be in the morning and we are encouraging safe procedures for students as well:

• Please use the circle drive only if your child is ready to go. Children should be able to get out on their own. It is meant to be a quick drop and release.
• Parents should stay in their vehicle if the circle drive is utilized.
• If kids still have things to gather, a parking spot should be utilized.
• For their safety, students should exit their vehicle on the south side (closest to the sidewalk and fence)
• If you are walking students up to the school or picking them up from the teacher at dismissal, for everyone's safety, please use the Crosswalk and do not cross in-between traffic.

Thank you for your support in making Arrival and Dismissal a smoother transition.

Cyberbullying: When we hear the word "Cyberbullying" we tend to think of the worst case scenario. A lot of people may hear cyberbullying and think "oh that doesn't happen around here". Unfortunately, cyerbullying is seen everyday, happening to lots of people, including people in our schools. Studies show that 30% of teens report being cyberbullied at some time in their life. Cyberbullying can lead to several issues including poor self-esteem, emotional/psychological problems, and even self-harm. Cyberbullying can be something as simple as teasing a friend on social media, or including them in a video you found funny, but was actually hurtful. A good rule of thumb is to think "If someone posted this about my brother/sister/parent/me, would I find this to be as funny?". If you answer no to any of those, it would be safer to not post it. Not only can it be hurtful, it can also be criminal. Michigan passed the cyberbullying law in 2018, making it a crime.

All our JrK-2nd grade classrooms as well as our Preschool Program will be using the Remind App for their classroom communications. This is a great way for them to communicate reminders, easy building or district information, and pictures of learning. Please view your teacher's classroom code in their most recent newsletter, welcome letter, or flyer that may have been sent home.

Each Friday we will sell Popcorn for $.50/bag. Students can bring their coins or dollar bills in sandwich baggies or put in the back of their agenda in the clear pocket or a safe zipper. Teachers will collect popcorn in the morning and place the order.