Pembroke Press

Happy Monday,

It was fantastic to see so many students and families supporting our Eton Street Singers and the Birmingham Winter Markt on Saturday. Not only was it an amazing concert, but they displayed Pembroke PRIDE throughout the day. We are so proud of all the singers! This week you can see the Eton Street Singers again at Seaholm High School on Thursday night at 6:30 pm for a combined choir performance.

On Thursday, this week, I am excited to be a chef and serve pizza to students during lunch, for meeting our Fun Run goals. I can’t wait to serve our students. On Friday, we have another opportunity to build connections with our PRIDE packs. Students will continue to talk about empathy and ways empathy helps us build belonging. I encourage you to talk with your child about empathy and how they can show empathy to others.

Have a great week!

Colleen Hoyne

We are excited to welcome 3 new staff members this week.

Mrs. Carol Montgomery will be joining us as a paraprofessional. She comes to us from Derby Middle School and will be working in our ASD classroom. Additionally, Mr. Brody Longe, who was been a subsitute and student teacher at Pembroke will also be joining our paraprofessional team in the ASD classroom.

We would also like to welcome Mrs. Holly Tavi, as a long term subsitute, for Mrs. Hladki, who teaches two sections of 5th grade Spanish at Pembroke!

Please join me in giving them a warm Pembroke welcome!

This week, every 5th grader across the district had an opportunity to experience Nez Perce storyteller, J.R Spencer. Spencer is featured in the 5th grade Arts & Letters first module where they focus on how communities sustain their culture. J.R Spencer shared traditional stories as they were meant to be heard, sang the Nez Perce's traditional song, played instruments, and wore the clothing of his culture. The students loved being able to meet him in real life as they had become so familiar with his storytelling through videos and text. We are incredibly thankful for a BEF grant that funded this opportunity. Spencer came all the way from Lapwai, Idaho to meet with our brilliant students.

Not sure what to get your favorite teacher? Another mug? A candle? A seventh “#1 Teacher” keychain? Skip the guesswork and use our Gift Crowd page instead! It’s fast, easy, and 100% clutter-free.

The Pembroke PTA has created a GiftCrowd web page where families can make a contribution toward a group gift card for their homeroom and/or specials teachers. Families can click on a teacher’s name, make a contribution via debit/credit card, and write a personal greeting to the teacher.

This gift crowd link will end on Friday, December 19th at 8:30am. At that time, teachers will receive a notification about their gift and will be able to read the greetings. Each teacher will be able to choose how they want to use their gift by redeeming the collected amount into more than 130 types of gift cards, including an option for a Visa gift card.

December 11 - Mrs. Hoyne serves Fun Run Pizza Lunch, ESS performs at Seaholm

December 19 - Fun Run Movie Day/PJ Day

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 5, 2026 - Return to School

January 14, 2026 - International Night (PTA)

January 21, 2026 - Pembroke PTA Meeting

January 28, 2026 - Kindergarten Round Up at Pembroke 6:30pm

February 4, 2026 - Grade 2-5 Music Concert at Seaholm

Attention 2nd - 5th Grade Families: Our music concert is coming up on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM. The students are practicing and getting ready for another fantastic performance for you! Since all of the students have a special part in the show (instruments, speaking parts, dancing, etc.), it's important to know that you'll be able to attend. Please fill out the Concert Contract that came home with your student last week. If you need an extra copy, please use the attachment in the e-news. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the concert!

Thanks,

Mrs. McDonald

Do you have an incoming kindergartener or junior kindergartener? Are you interested in learning more about kindergarten or junior kindergarten at Pembroke? Please join us for Kindergarten Round Up, Wednesday, January 28th. We will be offering tours at 6:30 pm with presentations beginning at 7:00 pm. RSVP below.

Kindergarten Round-Up

If you are interested in Junior Kindergarten for next school year (26/27), please complete the JK Interest Survey found on the BPS website. This is not an official registration, but will help gauge interest for resource planning. The survey results will also help identify which schools may be subject to a lottery.

***Look under the Next Steps tab on the site***

https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/enrollment-services/junior-kindergarten

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"

Breakfast:
To qualify for a free breakfast, students must select at least 3 items, and one of those items must be a fruit. If these requirements aren’t met, items will be charged à la carte. A la carte items range from $0.50 - $1.50 per item.

Lunch:
To receive a free lunch, students must select at least 3 components and take at least one fruit or vegetable with their meal. If these requirements aren't met, an ala carte lunch is $3.00. Seconds cost $2.00.

Please note if a child purchases a milk, bottled water or fresh fruit/veggie it will be $0.50

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!

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

Michigan winter weather has officially arrived, and we want to make sure all of our students are prepared. Pembroke students will go outside if the “feels like” temperature is 10 degrees or higher. Please remember to send your child(ren) to school with their hats, boots, snow pants, and gloves as we try to go outside whenever possible. Coming to school prepared will not only keep them warm, but also dry!

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

We are looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in being an even bigger part of the Pembroke community! Our incredible team of Noon Aides is looking for more staff to join their team at lunch and recess. We are also always looking for great guest teachers. If you are interested in learning more about either position, please reach out to Mrs. Hoyne choyne@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

Not sure what to get your favorite teacher? Another mug? A candle? A seventh “#1 Teacher” keychain? Skip the guesswork and use our Gift Crowd page instead! It’s fast, easy, and 100% clutter-free.

Congratulations to our Pembroke students that won at a district level! Their entries will now be moving on for state judging! Good luck!

Natalie B. - Visual Arts

Gabrielle R. - Photography

Reid R. - Photography

Hudson S. - Visual Arts

Order Pembroke Pride gear any time and have it delivered to your door! Pembroke Pride spirit wear makes great holiday gifts!

We will be hosting our second annual International Night on Wednesday January 14th. Last year’s event was a huge success and we expect a bigger turn out this year.

Don’t miss out on the latest PTA updates, events, and behind-the-scenes fun — follow us on social media! See what’s brewing for our students, get sneak peeks of upcoming activities, and maybe even spot your favorite teacher in costume. 😉

👉 Check us out and give us a follow — your like might just make our day!

Date: December 12, 2025

Location: Seaholm High School- Main Gym

Time: check in at 6:45pm, Varsity game (Seaholm vs Southfield Lyon East) kicks off at 7pm.

- Elementary and Middle School students receive: FREE admission to the game, slice of pizza and a drink.

- First 50 students receive a FREE t-shirt!

- Half time events: 8 graders visit the locker room with Varsity team; all other students enjoy half time contest!

Early Bird Tickets for this year's Bash event are NOW ON SALE through December 20th!

You won't want to miss this fun night of "Greek Island Magic" with our "MAMMA MIA!" theme. The gala will take place on Saturday, January 31 @ Daxton Hotel, Birmingham and will feature dinner, dancing, live & silent auctions and student performances including a few numbers from the Seaholm musical, MAMMA MIA!

To purchase your tickets today visit: https://supportbef.ejoinme.org/Bash2026Tickets

For questions, contact Kathy Zanolli, Executive Director: BEF@Birmingham.k12.mi.us.