The Dragon Journal

Dragon Community,

We are now several weeks into the school year, and it’s wonderful to see our students settling into their routines with confidence and enthusiasm. Classrooms are buzzing with learning, and our school community continues to grow stronger each day.

One of our key focus areas this fall is building independence in our students—academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether it’s unpacking their own backpacks, solving problems with peers, or taking responsibility for their learning, we’re encouraging students to take age-appropriate ownership in their day-to-day routines.

Learning to be independent is an essential part of growing up. It helps children build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. As a school, we are intentionally guiding students through these learning moments, and we encourage families to continue this support at home.

Here are a few simple ways you can help foster independence at home:

Give your child responsibilities – Have them pack their backpack, choose their outfit for school, or help prepare simple meals or snacks.

Create routines – Morning and bedtime routines that children can follow on their own promote responsibility and structure.

Allow for problem-solving – When your child encounters a challenge, try asking guiding questions rather than solving it for them right away.

Celebrate effort, not just success – Encouraging persistence helps build a growth mindset and the confidence to keep trying.

Working together, we can help our students grow into capable, confident, and independent learners. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we guide our children to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Lindsay Keegan

Proud Principal of Schroeder Elementary

• October 28: Buddy's Pizza Night
• October 31: 2nd-5th Grade iPad Insurance Due
• October 31: Half Day / Dismissal at 12:59pm
• October 31: Halloween Parade (9:30am) & Parties (Times determined by individual teachers)
• November 5: PTO meeting at 6pm in Media Center
• November 7: Bagel Day
• November 8: 5th Grade Fitness Run
• November 10: STEAM Night
• November 12: Picture Retake Day
• November 12: Deadline for Schroeder Gear Orders
• November 20: Schroeder Skate World Night
• November 21: Bagel Day
• November 26 - 28: No School/Thanksgiving Break
• December 1: Classes resume

Halloween Parade – The parade begins around 9:30am. Please follow the information below. Please remember to send your child to school in their costume, since the parade begins soon after school starts.

• Parents should observe the parade from their child’s exterior classroom door/morning line-up location. This will help create a long line of parents for an audience. If you have more than one child, please choose either door.
• Parents observe from outside the parade route. Students will walk on the cement near the school. Parents should observe from the playground areas or bus loop depending on your child’s line-up location.
• The parade will begin at the exterior door near the art room/media center.
• The parade will end at the exterior doors near the back parking lot near kindergarten classrooms.
• For parents attending the Halloween parties, you must enter the school through the main entrance and sign in.

Students should arrive at school already dressed in their costume. Also, please remember to send your child to school with an elementary school appropriate costume. Students may not bring toy guns, knives, or other weapons. Also, please refrain on having your child dress in a violent, gruesome, or gory costume. We ask that you do not put your child in the position where a teacher must ask them to remove their costume.

Thank you for your support.

Halloween Parties -

• Kdg, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will start their parties directly after the parade and last about an hour.
• 2nd grade will hold their party from 11:00am-12:00pm.

All students will be receiving a doughnut and cider from Yates Cider Mill! Thank you Schroeder PTO! Parents of students with allergies were sent communication for possible alternate snack. Please contact your child's teacher if your child has a food allergy and did NOT receive a survey.

Picture packages and proofs will be sent home with your child next week (or mailed to your home, if you chose that option).

Kaiser Studios will return to Schroeder on Wednesday, November 12th to photograph students who were absent on Picture Day or students who wish to have their pictures re-taken.

Anyone who will be having their pictures retaken must bring their complete package and a note with reason for re-take.

Our school clinic is in need of extra clothes for students who may have spills or accidents during the day. We are especially looking for elastic-waist pants in all children’s sizes (both boys and girls).

If you have gently used or new items to donate, please send them to the school clinic. Your donations help our students stay comfortable and confident throughout the school day.

Thank you for your kindness and support!

Our Spirit Wear Store through The Varsity Shop is officially open!

🛍 Shop Now:

https://schroeder2025.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

🗓 Order Deadline: November 12
📍 Pickup Options: Choose Schroeder pick-up or Varsity Shop pick-up when placing your order.
🎁 Estimated Arrival: Around December 10 — just in time for the holidays! (These make perfect gifts!)

A small portion of each spirit wear purchase helps support school initiatives and teacher appreciation. Don’t wait—order your spirit wear today and show off your Schroeder pride!

Students in Mrs. Malavolti's class recently celebrated the conclusion of their first book club with creativity. After several weeks of reading, discussing, and exploring new stories together, students had the opportunity to share what they learned and loved most about their books.

To mark the occasion, each group created colorful posters that highlighted key themes, memorable characters, and favorite moments from their stories. The celebration served as a joyful reminder that reading can be both fun and meaningful.

Mrs. Carmichael’s students recently filled up their Dragon Flag poster and were recognized for their outstanding teamwork and positive behavior! Dragon Flags are earned when classes are seen showing our core values (Perseverance, Kindness, Respect, and Integrity) in common areas—like the hallways, lunchroom, or specials! Their well-deserved reward? A fun Stuffy Day celebration!

Lekha had the exciting opportunity to be Principal for the Day! Under the guidance of Principal Keegan, she quickly discovered just how busy a principal’s schedule can be. Lekha helped with morning arrival, attended a principals’ lunch meeting with another school, visited the central office, and even assisted with bus dismissal at the end of the day. Congratulations, Lekha!

Each student in grades 2-12 who wishes to participate in the Troy School District 1:1 Device Insurance Program will be required to pay an annual insurance premium of $25 per student, not to exceed $100 per family. This insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Kindergarten and 1st grade students have classroom sets of iPads that are shared in the classroom and not brought home, thus, no personal insurance is needed. Please click the button below for more information and to purchase the insurance.

We’re excited to share the TSD Inclusive Quarterly Newsletter! This year, we’re doing something a little different – as new updates, highlights, and celebrations arise, we’ll be adding them into this evolving publication throughout the year.

TSD Inclusive

We hope you’ll take a few moments to explore, reflect, and share within your school communities and teams.

Did you know that TSD offers gluten free, sesame free, egg free and Halal meals too? All menus and information on ordering these meals can be found on the Troy School District website (https://www.troy.k12.mi.us/departments/food-nutrition).

Did you know that TSD offers gluten free, sesame free, egg free and Halal meals too? All menus and information on ordering these meals can be found on the Troy School District website (https://www.troy.k12.mi.us/departments/food-nutrition).