Comets Corner
October 25, 2026
Information from the office...
Mr. Keith Tonn, Principal
Important Contact Information:
Main Office Phone: (586) 439-6900
Fax: (586) 439-6901
Absentee Line: (586) 439-6990
This is a 24-hour recorded line, please leave your child's name, reason for absence, and length of time out. Absences reported to this line ensure the most timely and accurate record.
School Administrative Assistant:
Mrs. Dawn Vezzetti
Email: dawn.vezzetti@fraserk12.org
Building Hours - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
School Hours: 8:35 am – 3:30 pm
First Bell: 8:30 am
Instructional Bell: 8:35 am
Students must be in class by 8:35 am or they are marked tardy.
Mission Statement:
Guiding our Comets to be compassionate, curious, creative citizens who will positively impact the world.
Email: Keith.Tonn@Fraserk12.org
Website: https://www.fraser.k12.mi.us/Page/21
Location: 30601 Calahan Rd, Roseville, MI 48066, USA
Phone: (586) 439-6900
Twitter: @Keith_Tonn
What Makes a Great Heart?
Our 4th graders in Mrs. Albrecht and Mrs. Thuss’ classes have began an exciting journey with our new Wit & Wisdom curriculum! Together, we are tackling a big and inspiring essential question: "What does it mean to have a great heart, literally and figuratively?"
To explore the literal side, students have been diving deep into science and reading with The Circulatory Story, discovering how our amazing hearts pump life throughout our bodies. On the figurative side, we're reading, Love That Dog, exploring character traits like courage, empathy, perseverance, and vulnerability to see what makes a heart truly "great."
Our students aren't just reading, they are actively analyzing and discussing! They’ve been putting critical thinking into practice through:
- Notice & Wonder Charts: Jotting down deep observations and asking inspiring questions.
- Gallery Walks: Collaborating around the room to examine text, artwork, and ideas.
- Socratic Seminars: Engaging in student-led, respectful dialogues where every voice is heard.
It has been fun to watch our 4th graders growing into curious readers, thoughtful writers, and empathetic classmates!
What do you think makes a great heart?
Behavior Reflection Forms vs. SWIS Referrals
Our district-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program in Fraser is designed to reduce undesirable behavior by reinforcing positive choices and rewarding good conduct. Occasionally, students may be asked to reflect on their actions. When reflection is needed, students will complete a Behavior Reflection Form, which helps them consider their choices and how to improve their decisions moving forward. These forms are sent home and kept by classroom teachers to reference as needed.
If repeated behaviors persist despite Behavior Reflections, or if a more serious offense occurs, a SWIS form will be completed by a staff member. This form is then logged into our Behavior Management System for documentation and follow-up by either the classroom teacher (minor) or building principal (major). In both cases, a form will be followed up with a call home.
By documenting and communicating these behaviors, our goal is that together Twain will be a safe place for everyone. Thanks for your continued support!
Student-Led Conferences
Canvas Parent & Guardian Accounts
Morning Arrival Safety & Supervision
To keep our mornings calm, safe, and organized, we want to clarify our arrival procedures:
The first bell rings at 8:30 a.m. There is no outdoor supervision before 8:30 a.m. Please avoid dropping students off before 8:20 or leaving them unattended.
Line-up expectations: Students should go directly to their assigned entrance/door and wait calmly in line.
No play before school: The playground is closed before the first bell. Students should not be running around, playing tag or ball games, or using playground equipment during this time.
Early grades: In the early grades, parents/guardians are encouraged to wait with their childuntil the child enters the building.
Recently, we have noticed an increase in early drop offs and unsupervised play before 8:30 a.m. We appreciate your help in correcting this so that no one gets hurt and everyone starts the day ready to learn.
Thank you for your support and partnership. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Parking Lot Reminders
- The North lot is NOT a drop-off/pick-up zone. It is for parking only. We MUST keep the loop open for busses and emergency vehicles. This rule applies to everyone, so please be cooperative and follow it.
- The large, central lot has two lanes: a drop-off/ pick-up lane on the outside of the loop and a driving lane on the inside.
- Please note: Drivers MAY NOT get out of their cars while in the outside drop-off/pick-up lane. Students must exit to the outside of the loop, and drivers must not exit the car to walk students up or pick them up. If you have younger children who need to be walked up or picked up at the door, you MUST park your car in one of the lots or on the street.
- Smoking and pets are not permitted on school grounds. Please leave your pets at home for the safety and comfort of all of our students and families.
Restorative Practices for Parents
Celebrating Red Ribbon Week All Month Long
Red Ribbon Week: October 23–31
2026 Theme: “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™”
Red Ribbon Week is a time for schools and families to encourage healthy, positive choices. At Mark Twain, our celebration will begin Monday, September 28 and continue throughout October, leading up to a week of activities from October 26–30.
Wear Red Mondays: Students are encouraged to wear red on September 28 and October 5, 12, 19, and 26. We’ll also share Red Ribbon announcements on those days.
Learning and activities: In HEART classes, students will discuss healthy habits and positive choices and make a pledge to live drug free. Students in grades 1–6 will complete the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs unit during October. All students and staff will receive red awareness bracelets to wear during Red Ribbon Week. Each school day from October 26–30, five students wearing their bracelets will be randomly selected to win a prize—25 winners in all!
Spirit days, October 26–30. -SEE BELOW...
Thank you for helping our Comets make healthy choices and celebrate Red Ribbon Week!
Red Ribbon Mondays
Red Ribbon Spirit Week
Adult Marijuana Use: What Every Parent Should Know
Parents, join us virtually on October 27 at 5:30 p.m.!
Learn what families should know about adult marijuana use, including reducing children’s exposure, secondhand smoke, driving safety, and school policies.
Presented by CARE of Southeast Michigan and the Fraser Community Action Team.
Register: https://bit.ly/FraserOct27
(The link to join will be sent after the complete the RSVP form)
Family Game Night (Sponsored by Title I)
Turkey in Disguise Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Twain Student Council
Attached please find a turkey. Help this turkey make it safely past Thanksgiving this year by disguising it. You may disguise your turkey using any supplies that you have at home.
Please have FUN and be creative! This is an optional school-wide activity.
Please follow these directions:
1. Decide how you will disguise your turkey and have fun!
2. Put your name and teacher’s name on the back of your turkey.
3. Return to school by, Monday November 9th.
Thank you!
Mark Twain Student Council
Picture Retake Day is November 6th
Halloween Around Twain
- Parade: A short "Halloween Parade" will take place beginning at 10:00AM on Friday, October 30th. Weather permitting, we will parade out the main doors and around the building. Our Y5s & kindergarten students will lead the parade around each classroom and then out around the building. All are welcome to come and watch our costume parade outdoors!
- Classroom Activities: Classrooms/grade levels will be planning for Halloween activities and celebrations individually, either before or after the parade. If teachers request parent volunteers to help facilitate the classroom activities, all volunteers will have to submit a Background Check.
- Costumes: Students may come to school in costume on Friday, October 30th. They can stay in costume for the duration of the day. Costumes need to be school appropriate and cannot depict violence or excess blood/gore. No fake weapons are allowed in school (i.e. toy guns, swords, blades, etc). Costume masks can be worn for the parade, but not throughout the day. For costumes that have short skirts/shorts, leggings or pants need to be worn underneath.
The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
Oct. 26th – 30th
Recorder Concert
Minutes Matter Too!
The bell to start the school day rings at 8:30 a.m. We have had a problem with many students arriving late to school. This not only affects the student who is tardy, but also has an impact on the rest of the classroom. Many important events take place at the beginning of the school day. When a student arrives late, they are missing out on important classroom assignments as well as important announcements. They also interrupt the learning environment for the rest of the students. Please make every effort to assure your student starts the day off in positive way by getting them to school on time.
We have also have an increasing number of students leaving early daily. We dismiss at 3:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Students withdrawn early also miss on daily instruction and interventions. They also disrupt the learning environment. Please make every effort to schedule appointments outside the school day. We want to make sure all of our students are learning. Once we reach 3:15 we may not be able to dismiss your student early. With the many moving parts at the end of the school day, it is not always possible to redirect a student to the office at that time.
Health Guidance for Going to School
We want to partner with our families to make our school a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for your students.
Make sure to send your child to school if they are generally healthy and able to participate in their usual day-to-day activities. Avoid keeping children at home unless they are too sick to participate.
We have put together this helpful chart of when to keep your child home and when they can return to school for common illnesses
Mark Twain Parent Club
As a parent of a Mark Twain Elementary student, you are a valued member of the Mark Twain Parent Club. Our official Facebook group is here: Mark Twain Parent Club. Please help us build the group by sharing with other Twain families and adding them to the group.
We welcome the 26-27 MTPC Executive Board:
President: Bethany Haley
Vice President: Mandy Jean McDunnah
Secretary: Crystal Michelle
Treasurer: Megan Arnone
Parent Advisor: Samantha Stengel
As a parent of a Mark Twain Elementary student, you are a valued member of the Mark Twain Parent Club. Our official Facebook group is here: Mark Twain Parent Club. Please help us build the group by sharing with other Twain families and adding them to the group.
Contact MTPC: mtparentclub@gmail.com
Save the Date
- 10/26-10/30 - Red Ribbon Spirit Week
- 10/26-10/30 - BooK Fair
- 10/29 - Elementary Half Day (12:00 Dismissal)
- 10/29 - Student-Led Conferences 1:00 to 3:30 & 4:30 to 7:30
- 10/30 - Early Release Day (1:30 Dismissal)
- 10/30 - Halloween Parade
- 11/3 - No School (Election Day)
- 11/4. - ROCKStar Pizza Party
- 11/5 - Family Game Night (Title I)
- 11/6 - Picture Retake Day
- 11/9 - MTPC: Texas Roadhouse Gift Card Sal Begins
- 11/9 - StuCo: Turkey in Disguise Entries Due
- 11/10 - MTPC Meeting
- 11/12 - MTPC: Walk-A-Thon Top 10 Lunch
- 11/14 - MTPC: VIP & Me Bowling
- 11/18 - Early Release Day (1:30 Dismissal)
Access the full District Calendar HERE at any time!
Breakfast & Lunch Program
A LA Carte items are also available to students for an additional fee (see below).