Northeastern Parent Newsletter
JANUARY 2026
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Our Mission Statement
The aim of Northeastern Elementary School is to build lifelong learners by nurturing our students’ creativity, knowledge and character. We believe in high expectations, a commitment to community and PRIDE!
Our Vision Statement
Our goal is to work in a partnership with our parents and community to create an environment where students are empowered to discover their strengths and to achieve their maximum potential.
If you didn't complete the survey during Parent Teacher Conferences, please complete it. Thanks!
JANUARY DATES TO REMEMBER
*January 5- Welcome back from Winter Break
*January 7- PTO meeting @4pm
*January 23- NO SCHOOL (Records Day)
*January 26- Beginning of Second (2nd) Semester
*REMINDER: THE BGC and CIS after school programs are NOT open on Fridays! All students must be picked up at dismissal. CIS will have one Fun Friday per month. Please reach out to Ms. Gordon for additional information.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Our district attendance policy continues. When your student has the following number of unexcused absences in a trimester, you should expect to receive the following notifications and support.
3 days of unexcused absences in a trimester
Letter or email to parent/guardian
Robo text or phone call
5 days of unexcused absences in a trimester
Letter or email to parent/guardian
In person, virtual or phone conference
10 days of unexcused absences in a trimester
Letter or email to parent/guardian
School attendance committee creates an individualized plan of support
15 days of unexcused absences in a trimester
Letter or email to parent/guardian
Referral to central office. The central office attendance team will make further recommendations that may include:
wrap around services
referrals to truancy officer
academic interventions
summer school attendance
possible recommendations for grade level retention
Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ Responsibility:
It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to notify the student’s school as early as possible on the day of an absence and explain the reasons for the absence.
Written or email verification of a student’s absence by a parent/guardian is required (unless otherwise indicated by the appropriate administrator) and should be provided to the school the day after an absence.
Student absences are considered unexcused if documentation supporting an excused absence is not provided.
After 3 consecutive absences, a medical note from a physician may be required.
It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to make arrangements with the teacher to obtain missed assignments due to absences.
What is an excused absence?
Student illness and/or appointment verified by the parent/guardian or medical professional
Medically verified extended illness or hospitalization
Attending a funeral
Religious holiday
Absence due to a subpoenaed court appearance
Any time missed due to KPS school transportation issues
Chronic Absences
Thank you for calling in to excuse your child's absences. However, ALL ABSENCES will fall under chronic absences. Once your child has at least ten absences, parents will receive a chronic absence letter. This letter will include excused/unexcused absences Please make every effort to make sure that your child is at school everyday and on time.
TEACHERS
Teachers are not able to take phone calls during the day, while they are teaching. You are more than welcome to contact them via email.
Kindergarten teachers
Mrs. Barkman, barkmanc@kalamazoopublicschools.net
1st grade teacher
Mrs. Cotter, takacsam@kalamazoopublicschools.net
1st and 2nd grade teacher
Ms. Ells, ellsmc@kalamazoopublicschools.net
2nd grade teacher
Mrs. Hall, hallrs@kalamazoopublicschools.net
3rd grade teachers
Mrs. Holmes, bellcl@kalamazoopublicschools.net (Math/Science)
Mr. Hunter, hunterek@kalamazoopublicschools.net (Reading/Social Studies)
4th grade home room teacher
Ms. Costa, costasb@kalamazoopublicschools.net (Math/Science)
5th grade home room teacher
Mrs. Dumont-Phillips, dumontphillipsdm@kalamazoopublicschools.net (ELA/Social Studies)
Resource Room Teacher
Mr. Hopewell, hopewellpw@kalamazoopublicschools.net
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I hope that everyone had a relaxing winter break! Please make sure that students have a regular bedtime and routine so that they are well rested and ready to learn. We appreciate all you do to make sure your children come to school reading to learn. We appreciate you for partnering with us!
Our students go outside for recess with a temperature of 30 degrees and above. Please check the weather and make sure your child is wearing a coat, hat, gloves and boots when needed. We have a few spares through CIS and from donations but we don't have enough to give multiple items or sets of items. During indoor recess the students will have access to play games in the gym on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.
Flu and cold season are here! We want to make sure everyone remains healthy, if your child is sick, please notify the office and keep the student at home until they are well. Those absences will be excused. However, they will still appear on the chronic absence report.
We are looking to welcoming all of our students back!
Northeastern
Ms. Sylvia Washington, Principal
washingtonsm@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Please call the office or send me an emails as soon as possible for all absences.
Website: kalamazoopublicschools.org
Location: 2433 Gertrude Street, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Phone: (269)337-0690
