Little Eagles
Columbia 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
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
📚 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
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
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!
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!
Friday is Blue and Gold Day!
Show your school spirit and wear your blue and gold Little Eagle spirit wear!
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!
Breakfast and School Arrival Time
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.
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
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
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
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.
Student of the Month
January Student of the Month Nominees for Perseverance were celebrated in February!
🩺 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!
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
PTO Meeting
The PTO Meeting is the first Thursday of every month.
All parents and staff are invited to attend.