Central Stars Circular

Dear Central Families,

What a great start to the school year! We are thrilled to have students and staff back in the building after a summer filled with construction. We are settled into our new office and classrooms and appreciate all of your patience as we navigate that process.

The last few weeks have been full of excitement and new beginnings, and as we begin another school year it is more important than ever to stick to a solid routine. Please make sure your child is getting a good night's sleep and eating breakfast every morning (whether at home or here at school).

We are so lucky to have you all as part of our Central Family. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns and let's work together to make the 2026-2027 school year a great one!

Mrs. Jennifer Perreault
Principal
Central Elementary

Make sure you have filled out all of your forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal! If you have trouble please follow the link to the google form attached and the technology department will reach out.

https://www.petoskeyschools.org/parents/powerschool-help/

If you are looking for a way to get involved and make a little money, this may be for you! We have an opening for a Noon Duty Aide. This person would help in the cafeteria and on the playground daily from 10:50 am-12:50 pm. Please apply via the link.

To help building community and have fun, each Thursday morning during announcements our staff plays Name that Theme Song! We are looking for prize donations (gift cards, snacks, drinks) for our winning teachers! If you have anything you would like to donate please drop them off in the office. Thank you!

Amanda Stanek is our Alcona Behavioral Health Services Therapist located at Central Elementary. She is a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience involving social skills, self esteem, anxiety, depression and family issues, please reach out to her directly at 231-412-6452

Homecoming Spirit Week: September 28-October 2

Homecoming Football Game: Friday October 2

Runathon: Wednesday October 14

Conferences: Tuesday October 13 and Thursday October 15

Book Fair: The week of Conferences

Picture Retakes: October 21

It’s Run-a-Thon time! On October 14, our Central Stars will hit the course to run, walk, and rack up those laps — all while helping raise money for our school!

This year, we’re shooting for a BIG $18,000 school-wide goal! Students can collect flat donations or per-lap pledges from family, friends, neighbors, and more.

Every dollar raised helps PTO bring the fun all year long — field trips, books, recess equipment, student prizes, assemblies, Central Carnival (and carnival upgrades this year), and so much more!

So grab those pledge sheets, share the online donation link, and get ready to cheer on our Central Stars! ️

Run-a-Thon • October 14 • Let’s hit $18,000!

Central artists have been busy creating in the art room since the first day of school. To start the year off all students learned about the glass artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly is a world-famous American glass artist known for his massive, bright, and swirling sculptures that look like giant sea creatures and flowers. Each student has created a faux glass piece of art inspired by Chihuly.

Our 4th and 5th graders’ fall concert is candy themed. Talk about it at home: what are some “sweet” songs that you enjoy? Sing them together the next time you’re on a road trip or doing chores together! All students have been reviewing the Petoskey Fight Song and national anthem in preparation for our annual field trip to see the high school marching band.

What better way to start PE this year with some playground games! Students have been working on routines, sportsmanship, and teamwork, while reviewing the rules for kickball and four square. We also started the year with the healthy habits challenge: washing hands, drinking water, playing outside, stretching, sleeping, and brushing teeth. As we move towards October, keep an eye out for information on Unity month and our October kindness challenge.

STEM class has started the year in the garden! All grades have toured the space and gotten to see all bounty that has grown over the summer. 5th grade had the opportunity to get hands on and harvested carrots, radishes, broccoli, chard, kale, and tomatoes!

The Manna Food Project

Good Afternoon, Central Families,

Central School is teaming up with The Manna Food Project again for the 2025-2026 school year with the "Food 4 Kids" Backpack program.

Manna's "Food 4 Kids" program provides elementary students with a backpack of kid-friendly food. Since students are not able to receive school meals on Saturdays and Sundays, these backpacks provide children with supplemental food items to last them through the weekend.

The bags are distributed into the students' backpacks on Fridays. Each food bag includes various items to supplement breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, and plenty of snacks. The contents rotate frequently, but a sample of what goes into the bags is:

2 cereal packs

1 Belvetia breakfast bar

2 organic applesauce pouches

1 oatmeal bar

2 whole wheat giant grahams

1 chicken ramen

1 mac and cheese

This is a free resource for our interested families. If you would like your child to participate, please email Robin Greene at greene.re.u@northmen.org or call Central School at 231-348-2110. Please include your child's name and teacher in your email.

Below are links to local resources, food pantries, and organizations available to help residents in need.

Showing up every day sets students up for success—academically, socially, and emotionally. Here’s why it matters:

✅ Missed Lessons = Missed Opportunities
Even one day out can mean falling behind on key lessons, activities, and class discussions.

📈 School Today, Success Tomorrow
Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic progress—and opens doors to future opportunities.

💪 Resilience in Action
Being present every day builds habits of responsibility, perseverance, and grit.

👯 Stronger Friendships
Daily attendance helps students form strong social bonds and feel more connected at school.

🧠 Healthier Habits
A consistent routine supports mental and physical wellness—for kids and families.

Let’s make 2026–2027 a year of growth, connection, and daily learning—for every student, every day.

Just a reminder, at the beginning of the school year, parents should have provided the classroom teacher information on how each student normally gets home at the end of the school day. If you have a need to deviate from the normal procedure, please contact the office by phone or email to let us know. You can also notify the teacher if you like, but it's important to always notify the office of changes in dismissal.