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Little Eagles

Columbia Elementary School (PK-2)

Little EaglesColumbia Elementary School (PK-2)

March 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

Meet Columbia Elementary School Staff
Please Click Here For CES Staff Contact Information
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A Peek Ahead

Tuesday, March 3rd

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Wednesday, March 4th

Half Day AM 7:55-11:20 a.m.

Student of the Month 10:30 a.m.

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Comfy Cozy Day!

Thursday, March 5th

Hearing and Vision Screenings

PTO Meeting @ CUES Library 6:00 p.m.

Friday, March 6th

Bible Release 8:15-9:30 a.m.

Popcorn Friday!

Book Bingo 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Monday, March 9th

School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10th

Spring Pictures

Wednesday, March 11th

Credit Union

Planetarium Assembly

Tuesday, March 17th

Book Blast Books Arrive!

St. Patrick’s Day!

Family Skate Night 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18th

Hearing and Vision Re-Screenings

Thursday, March 19th

Hearing and Vision Re-Screenings

Friday, March 20th

Smencil Sale 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, March 25th

Credit Union

Thursday, March 26th

Half Day AM 7:55-11:20 a.m.

Friday, March 27th

No School Spring Break

Saturday, March 28th-Sunday, April 5th

No School Spring Break




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📚 Book Bingo Night! 📚

Join us Friday, March 6th from 6–8 PM in the CES Cafeteria as we celebrate March is Reading Month!


Bingo boards: 50¢

Concessions available

Doors open at 5:30 PM


Bring the family and let’s have some reading fun!



Volunteers Needed! SIgn up here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A8A72DA6FAC16-62333656-book

PTO
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Mileage Club

It is almost that time!!!! This club will run almost entirely on volunteers! The dates are 4/13-5/22. Sign up using the link below!



https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FA4A72EAAFAC16-62484783-2026

KRoundUp26
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Mother-Son Day at the Ballpark!

Mother-Son Day is Coming Up!

Join us at the Jackson Field (Home to the Lansing Lugnuts) on Sunday, April 19th for an unforgetable time for our Pre-K-6th Grade Columbia boys and their mothers!

Forms and money are due by March 20, 2026!

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Smiles for Miles

Why did the leprechaun turn down a bowl of soup?

*He already had a pot of gold!

Why do leprechauns hate running?

*They'd rather jig than jog!

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COMFY COZY DAY

Comfy Cozy Day is the first Wednesday of the month!
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Friday is Blue and Gold Day!

Show your school spirit and wear your blue and gold Little Eagle spirit wear!

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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!

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Breakfast and School Arrival Time

Breakfast and lunch will be free for all students this year! Students may enter the building at 7:40 a.m. for breakfast and they will eat in the cafeteria. Students not eating breakfast can enter the building at 7:50 a.m. School starts at 7:55 a.m and ends at 2:55 p.m. Half days are 7:55-11:20 a.m.
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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.

My School Menus

launch myschoolmenus.com

Popcorn Fridays are coming back to CES!

We cannot do it without your help! Check out the signup below.


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A8A72DA6FAC16-57740304-20252026

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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

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Click for the CES Behavior Rubric
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Mr. Jackson
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Principal's Corner

Happy March!


We are geared up and ready to go with March is Reading Month! Our theme this year is "Reading is Out of This World!" We encourage families to get involved with their students' reading endeavors: reading menus, road signs, closed-captioning on technology devices, etc. is a great way to engage in literacy fun while exploring our wonderful community!


Our 3rd Trimester is underway. These next few months will be full of outdoor learning opportunities and celebrations of our annual academic gains! Parents and families are more than welcome to join us in our celebrations when available.


Kindergarten Round Up is just around the corner! Please join us on Wednesday, April 8th from 5-7 PM. All Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1st and Young 5's students must be 5 years old by December 1st.


PreK Round Up is ongoing! You can register for FREE 4 year old preschool at www.greatstartjackson.org. Our tuition programs will begin enrollment in April.


Spring Break will start on Thursday, March 26th at 11:20 AM; this is a half day of school for staff and students. We will resume classes on Monday, April 6th.


The spring is an exciting time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! Some low/no-cost activities that you can do with your student(s) include:
*Taking a walk

*Visiting a park

*Planting flowers

*Collecting rocks

*Painting rocks

*A nature scavenger walk

*Playing frisbee

*Riding a bike

*Riding a scooter

*Playing basketball

*Playing soccer


I appreciate your partnership! Please don't hesitate to let me know what support looks like.


Cheers,
Mr. Jackson

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Counseling Corner

Hi Eagle Families!!

Spring is near and so many fun things are coming up!


Character Strong - Purposeful People

This month our Character Trait focus is: Cooperation.

Defined as: Working together to reach shared goals.

Student of the month for:

February is on Wednesday, March 4th at 10:30am.

March will be on Tuesday, April 7th at 10:30am.


Safer, Smarter Kids *Only those who opted in for lessons*

In February, I visited all K, 1st and 2nd classrooms for "Safer, Smarter Kids" class lessons. We learned about safe/unsafe - secrets/touches and how to use our guiding voices to "Think, Feel, Act" in situations that do not feel safe. Students did so well, and really engaged with this months lessons. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions. We will begin final lessons in April, connection letters on topics will continue to come home to further discuss lessons as desired.


K-Kids Peer Mentoring

2nd grade K-Kids have continued mentoring Kindergarten students: role modeling positive play, good choices and conflict resolution strategies. In March we will be supporting Reading Month and doing buddy reading with Kinders.


Take Ellie the Eagle to work

Along with Vehicle Career Day, CES will be doing another fun Career activity in April. Parents will be invited to "check out" Ellie the Eagle to take to work with them (And share pictures of Ellie at their job to share with students at school). This will be a way for those who are not able to participate in Vehicle Career Day but still want to share about their career. ** More info coming home soon



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.

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Columbia District Counseling Smore
Click for Social Emotional information Pk-6

Student of the Month Student of the Month

January Student of the Month Nominees for Perseverance were celebrated in February!

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Y5 & Kindergarten

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1st Grade

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2nd Grade

🩺 News From the Nurse 🩺 🩺 News From the Nurse 🩺

🤧Tips to Stay Healthy This Month

  • Encourage lots of handwashing

  • Pack a water bottle to keep kids hydrated

  • Add tissues and chapstick to backpacks

  • Make sure children are getting plenty of sleep

  • Talk to your child about covering coughs and sneezes



Small habits make a big difference!

When Should a Child be Kept Home?

Public Health Fact Sheets | Jackson County, MI

See a listing of fact sheets on various alphabetically organized public health hazard topics.

launch co.jackson.mi.us

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!
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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

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PTO Meeting

The PTO Meeting is the first Thursday of every month.


All parents and staff are invited to attend.


For further questions or information about PTO, please contact Casey Stein, PTO President at cespto2@gmail.com
Please Click Here to Apply To Be A Substitute
We are looking for substitute teachers and substitute aides
Click to learn more about the Nurtured Heart Approach
Click to see the CES Behavior Rubric
Michigan.gov: Okay2Say
Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.
Columbia Elementary School Facebook Page
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