Milwood Elem. Panther Press

Our first week of school has been filled with wonderful moments of genuine engagement and connection. It has been truly heartwarming to witness so many bright smiles and enthusiastic faces as our students have begun this new chapter together. We are grateful for the positive spirit and joy that families and students have brought to our classrooms. We look forward to building upon this strong foundation as we embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth together in the weeks ahead.

School begins at 8:44 a.m., with student drop-off permitted NO EARLIER THAN 8:30 a.m. School dismisses at 3:50 p.m. We recommend that families ensure students remain in school for the complete school day.

Students will not be released earlier than 3:30. If you need to pickup your child early, please notify the office no later than 3:30. The front parking lot will be blocked off at 3:30.

Walkers

Students who walk will be dismissed from the Rear Pickup Area (Parking Lot) under teacher supervision.

Drop Offs and Pickups

• AM Drop Offs are available from 8:30 am - 8:49 am. After 8:50 am, students should be brought to our front, main entrance and enter through the office. Please note that for Drop-offs, Staff are available to supervise AFTER 8:30 am.

• Students are available for pickup in the rear lot until 4:00 pm. If you arrive after that time, your student(s) will need to be picked up at the main, front entrance.

First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes to students at Kalamazoo County Public elementary schools at no cost. If you need shoes for your student, order by clicking on the link below. Online ordering closes September 16th at 6pm.

Your child probably brought home information about playing a stringed instrument in the school orchestra. If your child is committed to learn and would like to participate in orchestra, please check out the information below.

This month we will be discussing having a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset means believing that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed over time through effort. The understanding that challenges are opportunities to grow, not threats to avoid. A person with a growth mindset believes that effort matters and that working hard builds skill and intelligence. Understanding that mistakes are part of learning, not signs of failure, and feedback is useful information, not personal criticism.

We are pleased to announce that Ms. LaQuetta Smith will serve as our afterschool site coordinator. Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their child in our afterschool program at Milwood are encouraged to contact Ms. Smith at smithll@kalamazoopublicschools.net (opens in new tab) or 269-532-8158.

Thank you.

For the visits to the branch libraries, we have already scheduled transportation. First grade students will be picked up around 10:20 a.m. and transported to Washington Square library.

Students will spend approximately an hour visiting the branch, enjoying story time and selecting a library book to read. Teachers will receive a box to take books back to the school. Instructions for returning the books will be clearly listed on the boxes.

If possible, please grab a few pictures to share with our office and Communications. We would like to celebrate this experience they are providing to our students!

Sept. 8th- First Day for ESCE

Sept. 14th-PTSO Meeting 5:15-6:15

Sept. 17th-1st grade library visit

Oct. 7th: Count Day

Sept 16- Ordering closes for First day Shoe Fund

Sept. 17th- Open House 4:30-6:00

Sept. 29th- First day Shoe Fund Shoe Distribution

Oct. 20-PreK-12; no students District PD

Oct. 30-PreK-12 half day; records day 12:00 Dismissal

Nov. 5- K-8 half day 12:00 Dismissal

Nov. 6-K-5 half day 12:00 Dismissal

Nov. 13-PreK-5; no students

Nov. 25-Nov 27 Thanksgiving Break; all buildings closed

Dec. 9 PreK-12; no students

Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 Winter Break