FUEL School Newsletter

Dear FUEL Families,

Phew! We are definitely back up and running - there is so much going on at FUEL this month that I know it's easy to miss something! I highly recommend double-checking the Important Dates box below each week for that quick glance of what's up and coming!

Last week, we began our celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) by sharing stories, music, art, and contributions through resources shared by our Oakland Schools learning consultants. You can check out resources online here for use at home - I particularly learned a lot from the National Park Service website resources on historic sites highlighting Hispanic & Latino history and culture.

This week, don't forget we have PICTURE DAY on Tuesday, September 23rd - and our 4th grade heads out to our first school field trip of the year with our annual Zoo Trip! Please be sure you have a volunteer form on file if you plan to attend the trip (linked at the bottom of this newsletter each week).

And, don't forget, we have our FUEL Farmer's Market next week on Tuesday - check out this flyer and letter for details - and mark your calendars for September 30th! Students will "shop" during the day and bring home some amazing produce and treats from our incredible local farmers. Please have students BRING THEIR OWN BAG for shopping - one piece of our Green School initiatives!

One last request: Please be on time daily and refrain from signing your child out during the day. When students are signed out, there is a disruption to many schedules. If you have to sign out early for an appointment, it needs to occur before 3:00 pm.The traffic in the office at the end of the day is exceptionally disruptive and can lead to confusion at dismissal. I appreciate your support in this!

Finally, I neglected to send out our Curriculum Night slides two weeks ago! They are linked HERE if you'd like to take a look. I'm also linking the district's Virtual Days Letter that went out on Friday - please read through carefully (this first impacts our 10/17 half day).

See you soon!

- Mrs. Jeffrey

#TheFutureisFerndale

We are dedicated this year to working on our students’ social-emotional growth in addition to their academic growth. This week we continue with Module 1: Building Our School/Class Family. Our focus this week:

Setting Goals & Self-Reflection, Rituals

This is a big one for our upper elementary students. Try this at home: Help your child set one specific, realistic goal with clear steps (for example: “I will improve my multiplication facts by practicing 10 minutes each day Monday through Friday”). Then check in regularly — maybe once a week — to see how they’re doing, adjust if needed, and celebrate progress.

Early Release Wednesday dismissal is 2:38 p.m. Remember, every Wednesday through May!

• Mon. 9/22 - GOTR/PACE begins; YMCA Sportport, 3:45-5:15 pm
• Tues. 9/23 - FALL PICTURE DAY; SE PAC Meeting, 5:30 pm @ FHS Nest
• Wed. 9/24 - FE PTA Advocacy Virtual Meeting (see PTA box below)
• Fri. 9/26 - 4th Grade Zoo Field Trip

Save the Date:

• Tues. 9/30 - Farmer's Market Day (please have students bring their own bag for produce!)
• Wed. 10/1 - Fall COUNT DAY
• Fri. 10/3 - FPS Homecoming!

What is the Elementary Connections Group (ECG)

We are a parent-led elementary group devoted to enhancing our children’s education through outdoor learning opportunities. Our goal is to build connections, foster curiosity, and create enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom.

What We Do

The board helps keep everything organized and running smoothly so students can enjoy the best possible experience. Specifically, we:

• Plan & Coordinate – Centralize the planning of Metropark field trips in the Fall and grade level Camps in the Spring.

• Manage Finances – Collect payments (please pay online!).

• Share Information – Host information meetings to keep families updated.

• Support Volunteers – Recruit camp coordinators and provide them with resources and support.

• Build Partnerships – Seek sponsorship opportunities.

• Raise Funds – Work on sponsorships and fundraising to make even more activities possible and camp available to all who want to participate.

Every Student First Fives - Fifth Grade attends Camp

First Fives through Third grade: Fall Metropark Trip and one Center Day in the Spring
Fourth Grade: Fall Metropark Trip and a 2 day/1night Overnight at Camp Tamarack in the Spring
Fifth Grade: Fall Metropark Trip and a 3 day/2 night Overnight at Camp Copneconic in the Spring

How You Can Help

If you are interested in volunteering to help coordinate spring camps, want more information or have a business that is interested in being a sponsor, please reach out to us at: ferndale.elementaryconnections@gmail.com

Save the Dates

FALL: Classes are split up so activities are more fun and manageable (Teachers will communicate their dedicated dates).

• First Fives and Kindergarten: Fall trip to Stony Creek Metropark on 9/29, 9/30/ 10/1, 10/2, or 10/3

• First Grade: Fall Trip to Stage Nature Center on 10/21, 10/22, 10/23, or 10/24

• Second Grade: Fall Trip to Tollgate Farms on 10/13 or 10/16

• Third Grade and Montessori Classroom: Fall Trip to Lake Saint Clair Metropark on 9/29, 10/1, 10/2 or 10/3

• Fourth Grade: Fall Trip to Stony Creek Metropark: 10/21,10/23, or 10/24

• Fifth Grade: Fall Trip to Lake Erie Metropark on 9/29, 10/2 or 10/3

STAY TUNED FOR SPRING CAMP DATES!!!

Blessings in a Backpack (BIAB) is available for all students in Ferndale Public Schools who attend FECC, FLower, FUEL, or FMS. This program provides a bag of food items every weekend throughout the school year for any child who may benefit.

The program begins in October for all students registered by this coming Monday. Families can sign up at any time, but new registrations will start receiving food the month following sign-up.

Blessings in a Backpack sign up letter

Please check out these informational letters regarding our emotional support dog, Kiddo! Paper copies were sent home in backpacks last week.

FUEL Emotional Support Dog School Letter

FUEL Emotional Support Dog FAQ

CARE of Southeast Michigan is offering a free six-week AP School Age Parenting Class at the Sterling Heights Library beginning October 6 – November 17, 2025 (no class October 13). Classes will be held Mondays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and will provide parents of elementary-age children with ideas, support, and strategies for understanding behavior, building self-esteem, encouraging cooperation, and teaching responsibility. Topics will include school success and alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Books are included at no cost.

Sterling Heights Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Call CARE at 586-541-2273 to arrange book pick-up
Click here to register

Did you know the Ferndale Elementary PTA organizes family and community events, school assemblies, volunteer opportunities, book fairs, and supports our teachers and schools through grants, partnerships and appreciation events? Our events and meetings are open to all our school families!

To learn more about FE PTA:

Website: www.fepta.org

Email: ferndale.elem.pta@gmail.com

Facebook: fb.me/FerndaleElementaryPTA

Instagram: instagram.com/ferndale_elementary_pta

To become a FE PTA member: ferndaleelementarypta.givebacks.com/store

To see volunteer opportunities:forms.gle/QcV4DZhnPM81uxmZ7

Upcoming FE PTA Events - Everyone is welcome!

FE PTA Meetings

Thank you to everyone who attended our first PTA meeting of the year! If you missed the meeting or want to refer back to something covered, here's the slide deck: https://tinyurl.com/FEPTASeptemberMeeting2025

Our next meeting is October 14, 6:30PM at FUEL - we will be hosting district staff who will share updated school safety protocols and initiatives.

FE PTA Advocacy Committee Meetings

September 24, 2025 8PM via Google Meets

Join us to learn more about our advocacy efforts including how you can help collect signatures for Invest in MI Kids.

Field Day and Walk-A-Thon

October 8, 2025

A Ferndale tradition returns! This fun-filled morning brings our two elementary schools together for games, physical fitness challenges, and a picnic lunch.

This is also the FE PTA’s fall fundraiser. Students will participate in our Walk-A-Thon – how many laps can they complete? We have a goal of raising $10,000, which provides every student with a school t-shirt for field trips and spirit days and supports our programming throughout the year. Every student will participate and receive a t-shirt, regardless of the amount pledged.

Flyers and pledge forms were in student folders last week. You can also donate online: https://app.givebacks.gives/feptawalk-a-thon2025. Please share the donation link with family, friends, and local businesses!

Volunteers needed! We need volunteers to make this day a success – from set up, overseeing stations, snack donations, and chaperones – there are so many ways to help! Sign up here to be a part of this fun event: https://tinyurl.com/FEPTAFieldDayVolunteers2025 Volunteer forms must be on file: https://www.ferndaleschools.org/forms/8271

For drop-off in the morning, please be sure to pull ALL the way up in the school driveway in the drop-off line. We will help students walk towards the entrance. This will help us to keep the line moving. Doors do not open until 8:20 am - there is no student supervision until 8:20 am. Also, please note that if students are not eating breakfast, they do not need to arrive at school until 8:28 pm. Students who arrive at 8:28 a.m. can head directly to their lockers and classrooms. Otherwise, students should report to the cafeteria for breakfast or to the gym. Car Line Safety Reminders HERE.

Please remember that the BUS driveway is ONLY for buses. This is a safety issue. Please only use the car line in the front of the building on Rosewood.

For pickup, please be sure to have your yellow identification card with student name and grade available and easy to see.

Please call the attendance line each day your child will be absent from school. Any absence will remain unexcused until the office has been notified. The teachers appreciate an email reminder, but you must still call the office. Please call the attendance line at 248.547.0880, press the #1 option & leave a message with a reason for the absence.

Thank you for helping to keep all of our students SAFE at FUEL by following our safe snack guidelines. This is a reminder that FUEL is a nut-, tree-nut, and sesame-restricted building - please double-check all ingredients before sending in a lunch or snack to school to ensure the safety of all students. Sample safe snack lists can be found ​here​. ​Reminder: NO food birthday treats this year due to our allergy policy.

If your student has a medical need, it is vitally important that our office staff and teachers are aware. Please complete the medical forms available in the main office (or in the link below) and return to school ASAP.

Medical Authorization Form & Medical Treatment Form

All adults interested in volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year must have a Volunteer Form on file. This form should be submitted at a minimum of two weeks prior to the event in order to accommodate processing times. No adult will be allowed to volunteer or chaperone unless they have an approved form on file. Forms are available at the link below. Please note: all volunteer forms must be turned into the main office. In addition, you only need to fill out a volunteer form for one school - it will then cover all FPS campuses.

Volunteer Form

Breakfast and Lunch are free again this year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Please return this form to school ASAP in place of the normal Free and Reduced Lunch application.

Household Information Form