Sheiko's Family Update

Hello Sheiko Families,

This week's "Big Announcement" is about important forms:

1) Back to School Central

For all returning families, new families do not need to complete this, you must go into PowerSchool with a parent account and complete the back to school process. Please click here to go to the WBSD Back to School page. Click on "forms" and "general forms" to get to the right place.

2) Transportation

Please let us know how your student is getting home in the p.m. by filling out this form by Monday, August 18th. If you are utilizing car line, you will be able to pick up your "car line signs" at our Popsicle with the Principal event. The Spirit of Grace shuttle is now confirmed. Please be sure to sign up here: Out of District Shuttle Request The dismissal form is NOT the sign up.

3) Ichat Volunteer Form

Do you love to volunteer in the classroom, for parties, PTO events, and field trips? Please be sure to fill out this iChat form and a copy of the front of your driver's license. You can turn this in any time to heather.ritter@wbsd.org or the main office, and we will get it turned in for you. Please allow 5 days for approval.

4) First Day of School Printable Signs here

5) To ensure your child’s access to meals is not interrupted and to help West Bloomfield School District secure critical state and federal funding, we need ALL families to complete the Education & Nutrition Benefits Application (formerly known as the Free & Reduced Meals Application).

Complete the application today at: https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/

• If you need assistance or have questions about completing the form, please contact Andrea Grobe at andrea.grobe@wbsd.org.

Thank you for all of your support! Goooooooooooooooo Lakers!

Blaine McDowell, Principal

Every so often, I will be including new information that I am learning about attendance. Attendance is closely monitored, and we want to do everything we can do to support your family in getting your student(s) to school. Here are a few things to know:

1) By law, there are only two instances that DON'T count towards truancy - a doctor's appointment with documentation and bereavement. Vacations and trips DO count towards truancy.

2) Missing just 10% or more of school days—often defined as chronic absenteeism, roughly 18 days per year—has serious, long-lasting consequences for academic and life outcomes. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) reports that missing that much instructional time (10% or more) "creates significant learning challenges and adversely affects student wellbeing"

• Doors open at 7:55
• Students exit car line on the driver's side of the car.
• All students enter the building on the "playground side" of the building from the bus or car line.
• Students may eat their free breakfast when they come in.
• They eat in the cafeteria until 8:10 and then it is "grab and go", and students take the breakfast to their classroom.
• Car line closes at 8:18.
• Students must be brought to the front of the building and signed in after 8:18. They are marked tardy at this point.
• School starts at 8:20 - Students must be in their seat ready to learn at this time.
• Dismissal is at 3:12
• Check out my "car line" video!

Why Being On Time Matters

1. Academic Performance & Learning Momentum
   Arriving on time allows students to participate fully in lessons, engage with discussions, and avoid missing crucial instruction—factors closely tied to stronger academic success.

2. Reduced Stress & Anxiety
   Tardiness can cause students to enter class feeling rushed, anxious, or embarrassed. Starting the day punctually fosters a sense of calm and belonging.
   

3. Better Social and Emotional Start
   Students who arrive on time benefit from morning social interactions—small but meaningful routines that help build peer and teacher relationships.
   

4. Long-Term Habit Formation
   Punctuality cultivates discipline, reliability, and respect—career-ready traits that serve students well beyond the classroom.
   

• Friday, August 15th - Check your email for your child's "Welcome Letter" from their teacher.
• Monday, August 18th - You can see your child's teacher on Power School.
• August 20th, 4-6 pm. - Popsicles with the Principal & stay for our Parent University at 6:00 in the cafeteria! You will hear from three of our teachers - Jennifer Graham, Allison Pargoff, and Tricia Bairski. You will also hear from our school mentor, Jonathan Jackson!
• August 24th from 1-3 - Chalk the Walk (come to school and create "back to school" messages with us!)
• August 24th from 7:30-8:00 on Zoom - Storytime with Mrs. McDowell - https://wbsd-org.zoom.us/j/81362118364
• August 25th - First day of school!
• August 28th, 5 p.m. - Family Fun Night, WBHS
• September 26th - PTO FunD Run - Schedule to Come, Parents/Guardians Invited!

Do you love helping kids at school? Then we need you! We need one more lunch and recess monitor, Monday through Friday, from 10:30-1:30. You can apply here. Be sure to click on the link for Sheiko.

Mrs. Beck's Supply List

Kindergarten Supply List

First Grade Supply List

Second Grade Supply List

Third Grade Supply List

Fourth Grade Supply List

Fifth Grade Supply List

If you shop at Busch’s, make sure to add Sheiko Elementary School PTO to your MyWay account. It’s a free, no-hassle way to support our school just by doing your normal shopping! No scanning of receipts required!

Website: https://www.buschs.com/MyWay

Signup is simple!

1. Log in to your MyWay account at Buschs.com/MyWay
2. If you don’t have an account, select “Sign Up Today”
3. Once logged in, click the dropdown for “My Way” and select “My Way Account”
4. Click on “Cash for Education”
5. Link your account to an organization
6. From the dropdown, search and select “Sheiko Elementary School PTO”
7. Click the box for “Add to Future Quarters” and click Add+

Thank you for supporting Sheiko!

Mabel’s Labels Fundraiser!

Don’t forget to order your labels! Each year, so many items end up in the Lost and Found—and sadly, most of them go unclaimed and get donated. Help us keep your child’s belongings out of the pile by labeling everything!

Right now, Mabel’s Labels is offering 25% off school label bundles, or you can use promo code SHEIKO10 to save 10% on other items.

Be sure to select Sheiko Elementary PTO so a portion of your purchase supports our school!

Start shopping here: https://mabelslabels.com/fundraising/support

Thanks for your support!

We would love for our students to design a logo on a 8 1/2" X 11 piece of computer paper with these requirements:

1 - Use the words "Let's Grow Together" on the logo.

2 - Outline the drawing part of the design with a black marker.

3 - The theme colors are hot pink, neon blue, neon green, and yellow.

4 - We are focusing on a growth mindset and resiliency.

5 - Turn in your entry to Mrs. McDowell's office by Friday, September 5th.

6 - Every entry wins a prize from Mrs. McDowell's "Basket of Happiness"!

7 - The design winner will have their logo printed on our banners, flyers, and newsletters!

Thank you to our very own West Bloomfield Coalition and LaFontaine for sponsoring this anti-bullying assembly for our students on September 9th. Mr. Peace is a tradition at Sheiko, and we can't wait to hear his message again this year!