Pembroke Press
February 9, 2026
Hoyne Happenings
Hello Families,
It was great to see so many of you at our 2nd - 5th grade concert last week. I want to again thank Mrs. Mcdonald for an amazing show full of singing, dancing, and so much joy! It is truly a night that embodies the spirit of our Pembroke community. We also appreciate all of your support of Pembroke and our music program, we couldn't do it without you!
As we stepped into February last week, we focused our Respect Circle on using listening to create belonging. We talked about how listening to others makes them feel included and part of the community. Afterwards we practiced listening by guessing sounds of the Olympics!
We are looking forward to a packed week! We hope to see many of you at the PTA meeting this week. Join us for a special eLab presentation and the opportunity to out the amazing tools our students are learning to use. On Friday, we will have the 5th grade spelling bee, kindergarten is celebrating the 100th day of school, and classes will have Valentine's Day parties.
If I don't see you before the break, I hope that you all have a fantastic February break!
Colleen Hoyne
New Clever Touch Boards!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We’re excited to share some great news with our school community! Over the coming days, we will be installing Clever Touch interactive screens in every classroom, bringing new technology and enhanced learning experiences to our students.
To support this installation, two temporary trailers will be placed in our parking lot. As a result, parking will be somewhat limited during this time. We kindly ask for your patience and extra caution during drop-off and pick-up as we work through this short-term inconvenience.
We truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make these improvements. We’re confident that this upgrade will have a positive and lasting impact on teaching and learning across our school.
Thank you for your continued support as we invest in our students’ future!
MENU CHANGE! 2/11/26
Instead of Pizza Crunchers on Wednesday, February 11th - there will be Chicken Tenders.
Important Dates
Mon. February 9 - Fri., February 13 - Vision Screening
Wed., February 11 - Pembroke PTA Meeting 7pm/COUNT DAY!
Fri., February 13 - Valentine's Day Parties
Mon., February 16 - Fri., February 20 - NO SCHOOL - Mid-Winter Break
Fri., February 27 - Pembroke PTA Talent Show 6pm
Wed., March 4 - Literacy Night 6-7:30pm
VW E-Lab - Cardboard Needed!
We’re reaching out with a small request that will make a big impact in our VW E-Lab!
Our students are working on hands-on projects that require clean cardboard snack and cereal boxes, and we would love your help. If you have any empty, clean cereal or snack boxes at home, we kindly ask that you send them in with your child.
These donated boxes will be used for creative building, design, and engineering activities in the E-Lab, giving students the opportunity to explore, innovate, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Important Pick up/Drop Off Reminders
1. Please make sure you pull all the way forward before you merge into traffic during arrival and dismissal. This allows us to keep the line moving and helps ensure the safety of those walking in the parking lot.
2. If you are dropping off, please wait in the line. Do not go around cars to pull further up in the line.
We appreciate your efforts to ensure a safe and efficient drop off and arrival at Pembroke!
Simba's Crew
Spring State Assessment Dates April 6 - May 15
State Assessment Dates will be April 6 - May 15.
More specific dates for grade levels will be shared soon.
Food Deliveries Prohibited
Food delivery, from outside, second party companies or restaurants, are not allowed during the school day for students. To stay aligned with BPS policy, Pembroke students are prohibited from receiving delivery food during the school day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge for all students this year in the Pembroke cafeteria. Please be aware of this policy - we appreciate parents being aware of this policy.
Reminder as well that no glass bottles or soda/pop are permitted at Pembroke.
Vision Screening
A representative from Oakland County Health Division will be at Pembroke February 9-13 to complete vision screenings for Preschool students, Junior Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders.
Attached is information from the Health Department. No further action is required from parents/caregivers.
Yearbook Sales
Kids Heart Challenge
Pembroke Elementary School families,
I am excited to help create a community of lifesavers and am asking you to join me. Sign up tonight to receive a wristband!
This year, we have an important goal to have 100% of our families learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR! It only takes a few minutes to learn, and it can make all the difference in an emergency.
1. Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking HERE.
2. Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.
3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
By signing up and raising funds, you can help us earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.
PLUS! We’ve got some FUN incentives this year:
· When 150 students register Mr. Fulkerson will get PIE’d in the face!
· When we reach our school goal of $10,500 another mystery teacher will be PIE’d in the face!
· The Class that raises the most $ will earn a choice PE Day AND the class with the most students completing Finn’s Mission will earn a PIZZA PARTY!
Let’s work together to create a community of lifesavers. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this incredible goal!
Kindergarten Registration
GSRP Interest Survey
We are already looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year for our youngest learners. With many families expressing interest in our GSRP/Free Pre-K for All program, it’s important for us to gather information about what our community needs for next year.
Please take a moment to complete the interest survey and let us know what your family will be looking for in the GSRP program for the 2026–2027 school year.
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/mt4mEmvJWQxZ3SYk8
"Tuition based programs will enroll Winter 2026"
Climate Survey
Greetings Pembroke families,
One of the top priorities Birmingham Public Schools outlined in its strategic plan is to create a culture of unity and well-being for all students, parents/caregivers, and staff. To accomplish and measure the goals set forth, the district administers an annual climate survey to assess the perceptions students, families, and staff have of the district, schools, and departments.
As an important partner in your child’s education, BPS values input from our community and we believe hearing directly from your student(s) is vital. Students' voices are important as we work to improve our communication, academic programming and overall school experience. To learn more about their experiences at school, we will be asking for feedback from students in grades 3-12 through an annual online survey that will be completed at school. The 2025-26 survey is anonymous and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The testing window begins Monday, February 2 and concludes Friday, February 13. Your student will only need to complete the survey once.
We highly encourage all BPS students to participate in the surveys, as their feedback will provide us invaluable insight into their experiences and how the district can improve/adapt to their needs. If a student does not feel they have enough information to answer a question, they are allowed to skip the item altogether. The survey content will ask students to self-reflect on their general perceptions of the school, preparedness to learn, sense of belonging, cultural awareness, and school engagement.
If you wish to view the survey questions before administration, please contact me to receive a demo link, which allows you to impersonate the student survey-taking experience. You are also welcome to review the survey on our district website. If you have any questions about the BPS Climate Survey, please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email. Additionally, please complete the linked questionnaire by Friday, January 30 at noon, if you do not want your child to participate in the survey:
Thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your child's learning!
Sincerely,
Colleen Hoyne
Principal
Pembroke Elementary
Thursday is Bagel Day! $2 each
With the rising cost of bagels, we will be increasing the price per bagel to $2 per bagel. (Plain or Salt available) - each child is allowed one bagel. Bagels will be sold in the main lobby and at the Witherbee loop entrance. Thanks to all our 4th grade parent volunteers!
ABCD Schedule
Please note there was one update to the ABCD calendar for the remainder of the year. The last day of school will now be an A Day.
Attendance/Sickness/Long term absence
Please contact the Pembroke Attendance Line if your child will be late or absent. You can leave a message at 248-203-3888 Option 2. Or email Tracy Longe at tlonge@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
If your child will be absent for 4 days or more - please complete an extended absence form and submit to the Pembroke Main Office or email to Tracy Longe.
Friendly reminder on the Pembroke Sickness Policy:
- 24 hours Fever & Vomit Free with no medications!
- If your child has cold symptoms and requires cough drops, please send cough drops to the office with a note giving permission to provide them to the student.
- Absences with a doctor/dentist note are excused
Community Ed Updates
📣 Birmingham Public Schools Community Ed – NOW HIRING!
Join our Community Education team and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our state-licensed before- and after-school programs!
✨ Available Positions
- PM Student Programming Coordinator
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- PM Kids Club Director
3:30 – 6:00 PM
- Kids Club Assistants — AM & PM Shifts
7:00–9:00 AM and/or 3:30–6:00 PM
🌟 Position Highlights
- Work directly with children in a state-licensed program
- Build positive, nurturing relationships
- Lead and assist with fun activities: crafts, games, playground time, homework help, and more
- Help maintain a safe, caring, inclusive environment
- Competitive starting pay
- Paid training and professional development
👉 Ready to Apply?
Submit your application here:
https://forms.gle/D3b8xg5BgAGss5kEA
Noon Aides Needed!
Pembroke PTA News
FEBRUARY PTA MEETING
Join us Wednesday, February 11 th at 7:00pm in the Media Center — with a behind-the-
scenes look at something your kids have definitely been talking about at home.
We’ll have a special presentation on the new eLab from Mrs. Hoyne and Mrs. Green!
Parents will get to experience some of the tools hands-on (yes, you finally get to see
what all the excitement is about) in addition to some fun activities.
Come see what your kids are buzzing about, test-drive some cool tech, and get more
information about all of the exciting events we have planned for the rest of the school
year!
PEMBROKE TALENT SHOW
Calling all Pembroke Students to showcase their talents on Friday, February 27 from 6-7:30pm.
This year’s theme is ROAR: Where Pride Takes the Stage
Please sign up here and make sure to include the names of ALL participants, name of your act to be included in the program, type of act (vocal performance, dance, etc.), props you will bring (drum kit, etc.) and any special requests (microphones, chairs, mats, music stands, etc.). Individual acts must be 2.5 minutes or less and group acts 3.5 minutes or less.
All music must be cut to the exact time with the correct in/out points and provided as a digital file via email or on USB. USBs will be returned if labeled. All music and lyrics are subject to approval, and all performers must attend a mandatory rehearsal on Wednesday, February 25 in the Pembroke Gym between the hours of 5-6:30pm. Slots will be assigned, and performers do not need to attend for the entire time.
Deadline for entries is February 20.
Questions? Please email or text Marci Hensley at 773-744-0214 / marcihensley@hotmail.com
2026-2027 PTA Board
Whether you’ve thought, “I could totally help with that,” or “wow what a terrible idea,”
this is your moment. Joining the PTA board is a great way to support our school, help
plan fun events, and have a real say in what happens at Pembroke.
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already planning for the 2026–27 school year. No
experience required, no special skills needed, and yes—normal parents with busy
schedules are encouraged to apply. If you like being in the loop and making a difference
without taking on too much, this might be for you. �� Email Monica at
monica.brinkman@gmail.com if you have any questions or you are interested in a
position.
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting can be found here.
Save the Date!
Friday, February 27, 2026 - Talent Show
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - PTA MEETING 7pm (Media Center)
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - PTA MEETING 7pm (Media Center)
Wednesday May 13, 2026 -PTA MEETING 7pm (Media Center) - (tentative)
📱 STAY IN THE LOOP! 🎉
Don’t miss out on the latest PTA updates, events, and behind-the-scenes fun — follow us on social media!
👉 Check us out and give us a follow — your like might just make our day!
PTA Instagram
@pembroke_elementary_pta
PTA Facebook
Pembroke Elementary Family and Friends (Private Group)