Panther Press
December 1, 2023 Volume 1, Issue 16
A Note from Ms. Martin
Pierce Families,
Brrrr! This week was a cold one!
As the weather changes and is wetter and colder, here are a few friendly reminders:
- No matter your child's age or grade, include a spare set of clothes in their backpack to keep in their locker. I promise it will come in handy when it's wet or muddy outside!
- Label, label, label! Label every jacket, hat, glove, and mitten! Every bag! We can easily empty out our lost and found if we know who it belongs to.
- We go to play outside unless it is below 10 degrees (including wind chill) so please send your child with cold-weather items suited for the temperature.
- When there is snow on the ground students need boots and snow pants in order to play on the field and playground equipment.
Be sure to read Mr. Seley's December Library Note! He shares some great information about the upcoming Battle of the Books, STEAM School Magazine, Book Fair results, and more!
If you're in the area tomorrow and would like to hear some singing, Pierce Choir is singing at Birmingham Winter Markt tomorrow at 10:25 a.m. They will be on the stage at Shain Park in downtown Birmingham!
Warmly,
Kate Martin
Pierce Principal
Pics of the Week
2nd graders matching story problems and their visual representations
First Grade Chalk Pastel Barn Owls
2nd graders at reading time
Upcoming Dates
December 5: Disney Day
December 6: Birmingham Shopping Night
December 6 - 8: Bold Flow Yoga PTA Fundraiser
December 7: 1/2 day, dismissal at 11:50am
December 7: Hanukkah begins
December 8: Bodhi Day
December 15: Hanukkah ends
December 25: Christmas
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
January 12: 1/2 day, dismissal at 11:50am
January 15: No School - MLK
January 24: Kindergarten Round Up
January 31: STEM Family Night
Coming Soon: STEM Night!
Pierce News
Welcome, new Pierce CSO, Ashley Lovell!
Dear Pierce Community,
My name is Ashley Lovell. I am your new Community School Organizer (CSO). Currently, I am teaching preschool in the district and looking forward to expanding my expertise in my new role as the CSO, starting later this month. I majored in Early Childhood Studies and have been teaching preschool for eight years. I have worked with children for over thirteen years and gained much knowledge working in multiple School Districts.
Over the course of my career, I've learned that effective communication is at the core in being a strong advocate. I volunteer my time as a member of our Strategic Planning for Early Learning, which supports and services young children and families. I am passionate about all aspects of education. I love exploring new ideas and seeking new information to achieve great possibilities.
Some "fun facts" about me are that I have (3) nieces and (2) nephews all under the age of twelve. I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and extended family. In my spare time, I like to cook pasta, listen to live music, and sing karaoke. I cannot wait to collaborate and partner with families, staff, and students as we continue to add to the successful community at Pierce Elementary.
I'm excited to be a part of the Panther family!
Sincerely,
Ashley Lovell
A Note About Shadow
Shadow has been hard at work each day at Pierce visiting classrooms, providing comfort to those in need, and just generally improving the mood of everyone he comes in contact with every day. He loves to greet the students each morning, and say good bye on the playground at the end of the day. When not “working,” Shadow is in Ms. Prindle’s classroom. During his down time, and his time at home, Shadow LOVES toys! During this holiday season, you can support Shadow by either leaving an unwrapped toy for him in his box in the office, by making a financial donation for his care and feeding, or fulfilling something from his Amazon gift list. When shopping, please know that Shadow is an aggressive chewer. He loves stuffed toys, Benebones, and for a big guy, he has a very sensitive tummy 🙂 Premier Pet Supply is an awesome sponsor of all the Canine Comfort Crew dogs, and choosing them for Shadow’s needs is a great way to thank them for their support.
Thank you for thinking of Shadow this holiday season!
Amazon Gift List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Q0EBX5PSN3XJ?ref_=wl_share
Financial support:
Dismissal Changes - Reminders
Car Line Reminders
Parent Education
Each week we will share something new about our curriculum, education pedagogy, Social/Emotional learning best practices, and more! Be sure to check it out each week to learn more!
Transitions from breaks to school are typically difficult. Here's how you can help!
Not New - But Still Important Information
Volunteer Form (iChat)
If you plan to volunteer at Pierce this year, attend field trips, or come for special events, you should complete this volunteer form! Return to the front office.
ABCD Calendar
CSO Corner
Kids Club
After School Classes - Late Fall
Sign up today for:
- Lucky Penny Sewing - Friday, Dec 13th
- Young Rembrandts - Mondays, Nov 20th - Dec 11th
- iCode - Tuesdays, Nov 14th - Dec 12th
Always more to come!!!!
District News
Join us for an evening of learning about the Pierce Kindergarten experience!
Wednesday, January 24th
6:30pm
BEF Annual Fund Campaign
Please help our students to "Shine Brighter...Dream Bigger...Climb Higher" by donating to the BEF Annual Fund Campaign today. Visit https://www.supportbef.org/make-a-gift.html to make your donation or simply use the QR code. We thank you for your support!
BEF Unabashed Bash
Tickets to the 2024 Unabashed Bash are now available! Take advantage of Early Bird pricing now through January 1. You won't want to miss this amazing evening of student performances, dinner, dancing, Live & Silent auctions and more! Visit: https://supportbef.ejoinme.org/Bash2024
For more information, or if you are interested in sponsoring or donating, please contact Kathy Zanolli: (248)203-3030 | BEF@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
It's time for the Annual Season of Giving and SOS needs your help to make the season bright for BPS families in need. Sign up at the link to donate $25 Target and Meijer Gift Cards now through December 8th.
Schools will deliver the gift cards, wrapping paper, and handmade cards in time to allow families to shop for the holidays.
Visit the link for all the details including where to drop off gift cards: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044EAEAB2BA31-45567574-schools#/
Contact Information
Pierce Elementary School
1829 Pierce
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-203-4325
Fax: 248-203-4393
https://pierce.birmingham.k12.mi.us/
Ms. Kate Martin, Principal