Panther Pamphlet
January 6th, 2025
Welcome Back!
Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
Dear Parkwood Upjohn Families,
I hope each of you had a restful and meaningful time with your family and friends during the winter break. As we step into the new year, I want to acknowledge that getting back into the routine after a two-week break can be challenging for both adults and children alike.
Remember to give yourself and your family time and grace to ease back into the swing of things. It can be helpful to review morning and after-school routines, and to plan for some extra time this week when getting ready for school. At school, we will be revisiting our expectations and values. Please join us in reminding our students that Parkwood Upjohn is Respectful, Responsible, and Safe!
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Winter Weather Reminder
As winter is upon us, please remember that we will go outside for recess if the windchill is 15°F and above. It’s important for your child to pack all of their winter gear for recess. Labeling their items can also help, as students often mix up their gear or drop winter accessories in the hall.
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Attendance Matters
Here are some tips to help your student transition back from winter break and there are more resources below!
- Talk About It / Role Play / Read a Book: Start conversations about the importance of showing up for success in school and life, and for building relationships with teachers and friends. Role play scenarios about getting up and going back to school, or read a book about returning to school.
- Set Expectations and Boundaries: Family Discussion Starters-
- The rule for everyone is school unless we are too sick or have an appointment that comes up.
- Sometimes, we might not want to come to school. We might feel a little nervous or tired. If someone feels this way, they can talk to a family member or their teacher to help!
- What are some strategies we can use at school if we are-- upset, nervous, have a stomach ache?
- Be Prepared: Brainstorm ways to prepare for school with your child. Such as setting clothes out the night before or creating a checklist with school prep routines.
- Make a Backup Plan: If possible have a list of back up emergency contacts if something comes up and support is needed to help get you child to school. Feel free to work with Parkwood staff if you need help with a backup plan or problem solving to help your child get to school.
- Schedule Carefully: Try to plan medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session. Check the KPS calendar when setting dates. We understand this isn’t always possible, but it helps limit absences to illnesses whenever possible.
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Thank you for your collaboration and for being such a supportive community! We had a great first day back and look forward to another amazing trimester!
Warm regards,
Principal Rosecrans
rosecransje@kalamazoopublicschools.net
269-337-0720
There's still time to sign up!
Practice is scheduled to start tomorrow right after school. Feel free to go online and sign up to start tomorrow or you can still join on Thursday. Please let you child's teacher know if they are signed up for basket ball so they know their updated dismissal plan. All 4th and 5th grade students welcome to sign up!
Save the Date:
Jan 6th- School resumes
Jan 7th- 4th and 5th Grade Basketball Start Date
Jan 15th- K-5th half day, PEEP no school
Jan 24th- Popcorn Friday
Feb 12th- Winter Count Day
Feb 19th- K-5th half day, PEEP no school
Feb 21st- Popcorn Friday
Feb 26th- Literacy Night More info coming soon
Mar 5th- Tentative PEEP/Kindergarten Orientation More Info coming soon
Mar 7th- No School for students, Records Day
Mar 12th- K-5th half day, PEEP no school
Mar 21st- Popcorn Friday
Mar 24th- Monday Spring Conferences 4:00-8:00
Mar 25th- Tuesday Spring Conferences 4:00-8:00
Mar 27th- Thursday Spring Conferences 12:00-4:00, Half Day for Students
Mar 28th- No School for all
Mar 31st- Apr 4th- Spring Break