Greenwood Elementary School

2025-2026 School Year

Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!

As we embark on this new school year, I am filled with excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, through our partnership, we are prepared to make this an amazing year for our students and families.

This letter serves as a guide for your child's return or entry to Greenwood Elementary as we prepare for a year rich in fun and learning. Please remember that we are here to support you and are available to answer any questions you may have. Your involvement is crucial, and we look forward to collaborating with you to create a nurturing and enriching environment for all.

At Greenwood Elementary, we are scheduled to have the following classes for 2025-2026.

We also have shared support with our School Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Speech Therapists, Teacher Consultant, and Instructional Coaches for Reading and Math.

At the elementary level, there is a comprehensive math curriculum called Eureka Math. Students connect to real-world skills that build math confidence, learn to be fluent in mathematics, learn to visualize math, and develop reasoning skills. Classroom also include Wonders for English Language Arts. "Wonders is an evidence-based K–5 ELA program that empowers students to take an active role in learning and exploration. Your students will enjoy unparalleled opportunities to express and assess themselves through reading, writing, and speaking." The district has adopted Amplify Science to promote hands on learning. This curriculum promotes literacy through exploration.

We have an experienced and dedicated group of Teachers and Support Staff who utilize a variety of methods and approaches to working with our Students.

Among them are:

• Whole Group Instruction -

• Teaching delivered to an entire class

• Small Group Instruction - (One of our Focus-Areas for this school year)

• Teaching delivered to a specifically identified smaller group of Students

• Interventions -

• Delivered in Small Groups (Most often in Reading) by Title 1 Tutors

• Reading Recovery -

• Delivered to identified 1st Graders by our Reading Recovery Teacher

• Students are assessed 3 times each year using:

Fastbridge Assessment (K-2nd)

• (Fall/Winter/Spring)

• 3rd Graders also take the statewide MStep Test each Spring

Our Greenwood Students will have three (3) focused “Specials” Classes each week plus Library Time. The Scheduled time usually works as follows for each class:

• Art Class = 1x per week / 50 minutes

• Physical Education Class = 2x per week / 30 minutes each

• Music Class = 2x per week / 30 minutes each

Library = 1 x per week / 30 minutes

We focus on SEL with our students as a way of both connecting with them, and helping them to cope with all that comes with being a healthy and successful young person.

Restorative Justice

Restorative Practices look to help Students and Staff seek to repair (or restore) any harm which may result from a conflict. Both Students and Staff will engage in a “Restorative Conversation” when necessary which revolves around five (5) specific questions:

1. What happened?

2. What were you thinking at the time?

3. What have you thought about since?

4. Who was impacted by what happened?

5. What is needed to repair the harm?

The goal of these conversations is to help Students see and understand how their words or actions can affect others which helps develop “empathy.” In the majority of our situations, we are able to reach a positive outcome.

To support academic progress, we encourage families to ensure students stay in school for the entire day consistently. In case of any absences, please notify the office. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping students achieve remarkable growth. Please refer to the KPS Attendance Procedures.

Half Day School Ends at 12:06 pm (NO PEEP or ECSE)

Students are not supervised until 8:44 am. Students are expected to line up with their peers until directed by staff to enter the building.

K-3 Students who are walkers/car riders will go with their Teacher(s) and are dismissed when given a signal at a designated area. PEEP and Kindergarten meet at the basketball court, while First-Third grades meet at the main entrance.

Upon arrival K-3 Bus Riders will arrive in the parking lot and line up at their grade level line. Upon dismissal Bus Riders will wait at the south parking lot door and be dismissed by staff.

KPS Parent Portal is used for the completion of forms. The contact information submitted here is used to communicate with families. From the parent portal you are able to select your preferred way of communication for school-wide communication from Mrs. Sikaundi.

Directions for Parent Portal https://www.smore.com/awpcs

Family Communication

We use a variety of methods to communicate daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly important events. Among them are:

• School Messenger - Usually sent by your principal with reminders about important upcoming activities and events. It is vital that you keep KPS Parent Portal and our office updated with your contact information including phone and email.

• Classroom Newsletters - Teachers send information home specific to their Students and Parents.

• Greenwood Home Page - This platform is used to communicate school-wide events, celebrations, and activities. Mrs. Sikaundi’s newsletter will be posted here. (KPS- Greenwood Homepage)

• Google Classroom - Used by teachers to post/share assignments and other specific classroom information. Parents find it helpful to stay aware of their Student’s activities.

Address: 3501 Moreland Street Kalamazoo, MI

Phone: 269-337-0560

Website: https://greenwood.kalamazoopublicschools.com/