Pembroke Press

Hello Families,

Happy December! This is always an exciting time of year. This week in Respect Circle students will learn about how belonging can be built through empathy. Throughout the month in Respect Circle and at PRIDE Packs we will build on this theme.

This year all of our students are taking a part in our new Arts and Letters curriculum. Over the last few weeks classes have been taking this learning outside their classroom walls. In first grade, students partnered with the other classes to share their final writing. 2nd graders made 3D versions of their characters in the eLab and this week 5th graders will have a special visit from J.R. Spencer who is known for his storytelling of Coyote and Monster, a part of their first module. It’s amazing to see the incredible learning our students are doing!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Hoyne

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 4 - Derby Open House 5:30-7pm

December 5 - 10 - Preschool, JK, K, 2, 4 Hearing Screening

December 6 - Eton Street Performs at Birmingham Winter Market

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

December 19 - Winter Parties & Fun Run Movie Day

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 5, 2026 - Return to School

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

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"

• Proactively building relationships

• Fostering classroom and school communities where all individuals are seen and valued

• Centering the humanity of every individual

• One misconception is that students do not have consequences for their actions because we use restorative practices. This is not true, restorative practices pairs with consequences.

When a conflict occurs or harm is done, utilizing affective questions help students to take ownership and accountability for what happened. It allows space for students to all have a voice and share the ways they may have been affected. Additionally, provides an opportunity for students to problem solve how to make the situation right.

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.

Click here to view meeting minutes from our 11/19/25 meeting.

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

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!

Fun Choir Opportunity: The Groves choir students are putting on a workshop event for all 2nd-5th graders. Check out the flyer and sign up if you're interested in some fun holiday singing!

Sign-up Link: Groves Choir Holiday Workshop

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!

As we head into the holiday season, Schools Offer Support (SOS) is once again asking our BPS community to help support its annual Season of Giving. This district-wide initiative helps families in our BPS schools who need assistance for the holidays. Last year, our generous community helped SOS provide $29,600 in Target and Meijer gift cards to 76 families (296 people) from 12 BPS schools to assist with their holiday shopping. With many BPS families experiencing financial and food insecurity, SOS expects the need to be just as great this year.

You can help by making a monetary or gift card donation through December 5. Get all the details on how to make a tax-deductible donation via Venmo or Zelle here: tinyurl.com/Donate-SeasonofGiving25. Or drop off $25 Meijer and Target gift cards labeled “SOS Season of Giving” to the front office at any BPS school by December 5. (Please note: we are accepting $25 Meijer and Target physical gift cards only; no e-Cards.)

SOS will distribute gift cards in time for families to shop for their holiday gifts. Families will also receive non-perishable food bags for the December break and greeting cards made by Groves and Seaholm students.

If you or a family you know could use assistance for the holidays, contact a staff member at your BPS school.

Sincerely,

The Schools Offer Support Executive Board

Early Bird Tickets for this year's Bash event go on sale December 1st! 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!

More details on how to purchase your tickets coming soon! For questions, contact Kathy Zanolli, Executive Director: BEF@Birmingham.k12.mi.us.