Vowles Newsletter

Sept. 16th- PTO Meeting; 4:15 Library

Sept. 22nd- School Picture Day

Sept. 23rd- Raising Resilient Kids Parent Engagement Event; 6-7pm at Fancher Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/1uEbRKqjoPdYPZAG6

Sept. 30th- Breakfast and Books- Annual Title 1 Event; 8:30-9:15

Oct. 5th- No School

Oct. 12th-16th- Scholastic Book Fair

Oct. 15th- Parent Teacher Conferences 5-8 p.m.

Oct. 16th- Parent Teacher Conferences 9 am-12 pm & 1 pm-4 pm

Oct. 19th- No School

Oct. 30th- Fall Fun Day

Mt. Pleasant Public Schools District Calendar 2026-2027

Preschool Calendar

This week, our students showed incredible grit and determination while completing their NWEA MAP Growth assessments. Because MAP testing is adaptive—meaning questions become more challenging as students answer correctly—it requires focus and resilience. We are so proud of the way our learners tackled tough problems, stayed patient through tricky concepts, and kept trying their absolute best.

While these tests help us measure academic growth, the true victory lies in the perseverance our students demonstrated along the way. Learning to push through moments of frustration is a vital life skill that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether solving a complex math problem, trying a new sport, or navigating everyday obstacles, perseverance is what transforms challenges into lifelong achievements. Thank you for continuing to encourage this growth mindset at home as we celebrate every student’s hard work!

Have a great weekend! ~Mrs. Bishop

Ready to start the school year in style? Order your official back-to-school gear today! From hoodies and tees to accessories, we've got you covered.

Get yours here: mtpleasantschools.itemorder.com

The monthly CKH theme for September is Empathy. Empathy is connecting with and understanding other's feelings.

Have a staff member you would like to recognize? Share it here and we will be sure to recognize them with your Shout Out.
https://forms.gle/pEtaFSpVin7jc14g8

Please view our K-5 Student Handbook at the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rzJ6n5U36XUXvLTf8e8Os2vLIgR1QGFV-9pGmkoBoEI/edit?usp=sharing

Through teaching and reflection , students are learning aspects of our school Matrix "BEST". BEST stands for Be Respectful, show Effort, Safety first, and Take responsibility. We watch videos, listen to examples of model behavior, and use Capturing Kids Hearts to support our BEST matrix.

Our school provides positive recognition in the following ways throughout the year:

• Sharing "Good" Things daily
• Affirmation opportunities
• Viking of the Month Awards
• Capturing Kids Hearts Awards
• BEST tags
• Vending Machine coins for book selections

Along with reinforcing positive behaviors, we are responding to academic and behavior supports for our students in the following ways:

• DI groups (Differentiated Intervention groups)- these start during the first month of school and include meeting academic needs for all students. Groups may be supported by classroom teachers, Title I Interventionists or paraprofessionals.
• School-wide classroom socio-emotional and counseling lessons
• Initial supports from the classroom setting utilizing Capturing Kids Hearts, reflection, redirection, and relationship-building. Universal supports, including breaks, are built into the school day or built into a specific student plan.
• Blue Slip Discipline Referrals: Given to a student if a student has been unresponsive to classroom interventions, is significantly disrupting the learning environment, or requires immediate escalation. Blue Slips always result in communication with a parent or guardian by the behavior interventionist, administrator, or designee.

Through our PBIS and student support framework, supports can usually meet the needs of 80% of our student population. If additional supports are needed to ensure success, teachers or administrators would communicate with the child's family.

We will have an opportunity for parents to sign up for our Nutrition Club. Every other week, students can receive a bag of non-perishable food items for the family. Look for our sign up soon!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4j79nDCCtsGsB91a8

• PEAK (after school): https://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/peak/after_school.php

• SACC (before school)- School Aged Child Care (Before School Program)- 775-2340

If you have moved or are a NEW rider for the 2026-2027 school year, please sign up for transportation by the end of the day on Aug. 9th using the link below.
https://www.mtpleasantschools.net/page/transportation

We use a software program with our transportation dept. Students will be scanning when arriving and departing from the bus. Parents will also be able to track the bus location using a new app. New and exciting things at MPPS! You will receive this information at Open House.

We would like our families to remember the following about Arrival and Dismissal as we know that parents have other school drop offs or places to be in the morning and we are encouraging safe procedures for students as well:

• Please use the circle drive only if your child is ready to go. Children should be able to get out on their own. It is meant to be a quick drop and release.
• Parents should stay in their vehicle if the circle drive is utilized.
• If kids still have things to gather, a parking spot should be utilized.
• For their safety, students should exit their vehicle on the south side (closest to the sidewalk and fence)
• If you are walking students up to the school or picking them up from the teacher at dismissal, for everyone's safety, please use the Crosswalk and do not cross in-between traffic.

Thank you for your support in making Arrival and Dismissal a smoother transition.

Vaping and Smoking: Vapes might seem popular or fun with all their bright colors and sweet flavors, but there is a lot more going on inside them you may not have thought about. Here is what you really need to know:

High-Powered Nicotine: One disposable vape can carry as much nicotine as an entire carton of 200 cigarettes.

The Stress Trap: While a vape might feel like it chills you out for a few minutes, that quick rush fades fast, and it usually leaves behind more anxiety, mood swings, and physical stress than you started with.

Not Just "Harmless Vapor": Vaping is often promoted as a safer pick than smoking, but it still pulls addictive chemicals, heavy metals, and artificial flavorings directly into your lungs.

The Good News: Your Body Heals

If you’ve already tried vaping or smoking, you aren't stuck. Your body starts fixing itself the moment you stop.

You don't have to figure it out on your own, either. Talk to a trusted adult, a counselor, or a doctor who can help you make a plan to quit. My door is always open if you ever want talk about quitting. No judgment, just support. - Officer Cole McGregor

All our JrK-2nd grade classrooms as well as our Preschool Program will be using the Remind App for their classroom communications. This is a great way for them to communicate reminders, easy building or district information, and pictures of learning. Please view your teacher's classroom code in their most recent newsletter, welcome letter, or flyer that may have been sent home.

Each Friday we will sell Popcorn for $.50/bag. Students can bring their coins or dollar bills in sandwich baggies or put in the back of their agenda in the clear pocket or a safe zipper. Teachers will collect popcorn in the morning and place the order.