A Note from Ms. Martin
Pierce Families,
It sure has been a busy week! I can't wait to cap it off at our annual Pierce Carnival tonight! Please be sure to read all the information in the PTA Post (linked below) so you know the plan.
Thank you to all the families that attended our Curriculum Night this week! It was a great success, and I just loved being able to meet so many of you!
We have some new information in this week's Press, including a note from our Librarian, Mr. Seley, a video about Shadow our service dog, plus a reminder about some upcoming events.
I hope everyone has a restful weekend. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Go Lions!
Kate Martin, Principal
*A message from the Michigan Department of Education:
Dear Parents of current 4th and 5th graders,
Thank you for partnering with your school to provide a positive education for your student. As parents and educators working together, we will ensure our children receive an education that prepares them to thrive in a global economy and civic life.
Michigan’s Academic Standards (www. michigan.gov/academicstandards) set clear and consistent educational expectations for what students should learn and be able to do at each grade level. A student who follows these standards is ready to succeed in college and the workplace by the time they graduate from high school.
The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress assessment (M-STEP) is one way to measure student progress in grade 3-5 based on the academic standards in English language arts and in mathematics. 5th grade also has academic standards in Science and Social Studies which they are tested on. Results from M-STEP are just one source of information about your child’s learning progress. Local tests, classroom work, and report cards can add more insight into how well your child is learning. To learn more, visit the M-STEP web page (www. michigan.gov/mstep).
As you review your child’s results, remember these assessments are a snapshot of your student’s progress. Something as simple as a student not feeling well on the day of the assessment could affect their performance. This is why your child’s school and teachers use a number of tools and strategies— such as projects, classroom activities, and assessments—to identify learning and achievement levels.
We all share the responsibility of helping every child be successful. At home, you can play an important role in setting high expectations and helping your child meet them. If your child needs extra support or wants to learn more, work with their teacher to identify resources and opportunities that are appropriate for them. Talk with your child’s teacher regularly about how your child is doing and how you can support their learning at home. Building a connection between home and school will greatly improve the impact of your child’s learning.
Together as partners, we can ensure success for every child.
*Please note: Students currently in grades JK, K, 1, 2, and 3 will NOT have an M-Step report. If your child is new to BPS this year and in grades 4-5, we will not have their M-Step report unless their previous school has sent it to us.
- Pierce attendance is reported using the google doc found below. If your child will NOT be in school for any reason, please complete the form before 8:49am (the earlier the better) to let us know of their absence or tardy.
- The absences reported are checked against the teacher attendance lists. If a child is not in school and the parent has not communicated the absence, the school will call your home or your place of employment (If we are unable to reach a parent, we will also call others on the emergency form). THIS IS IMPORTANT! Please ensure that you report absences on a timely basis so that follow-up calls from the school office is not necessary.
Board meetings and Study Sessions are held monthly on Tuesdays. Board meetings begin at 7 p.m., while most study sessions are held throughout the year at 6 p.m. Additional details can be discovered here.
Special Meeting
- Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 6 p.m.
Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 7 p.m.
Study Session
- Tuesday, Oct. 3 | 6 p.m.
Regular Meeting
- Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m.
Board Retreat
- Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.
Birmingham Public Schools moved to Family Portal for Online Deposits for Meals.
Are you having issues with our new Online Meal Deposit Platform? Please see here for FAQs.
For help with this software, contact Meal Magic Corporation's Customer Experience Team at 877-383-3100, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern, or send email to support@mealmagic.com
BREAKFAST:
Available for FREE every school day this year, including half days. This will be a "grab and go" model and will be available before the official start to the school day.
If your child will be picking up breakfast, they will line up BEHIND the JK/K students along the front sidewalk. They will follow the Kindergarten line in and turn right into the cafeteria. They will go through the breakfast line, "grab and go" with their breakfast, and then exit out the side cafeteria doors to their grade level area. Students will be allowed to eat in their classrooms. If your child arrives late to school and wants breakfast, it will be available. However, breakfast will end at 10 am on half days.
LUNCH:
Available for FREE every school day this year, except half days when lunch is not served. Students must take a fruit or a vegetable in their lunch, otherwise is will not be counted as "free" and the student must pay.
- Domino's is still the Wednesday pizza provider and one slice will be included in with the free lunch with a fruit or a vegetable.
- Parents/guardians only need to apply for the Summer EBT and Education Benefits if they believe they would qualify based off their income.
- Extra items such as drinks, extra entrees and snacks are not included in this program but will be available for purchase.
Student account balances remaining at the end of the school year will transfer with the student to their next grade (even at a different building) within the District. Account balances can also be transferred to siblings within the Family Portal.
Submit Tips to OK2SAY
OK2SAY, which is housed within the MSP Office of School Safety allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, or schools in this state.
If you receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against your community, please contact your local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted the following ways:
- Dial: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729 )
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
- Email: OK2SAY
- Website: OK2SAY website
- OK2SAY mobile app is available for download for iOS, Google and Android devices.