Panther Pamphlet
January 18th, 2026
Looking Ahead
Hello Parkwood-Upjohn Families!
We hope you are well. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and school community. We are grateful for your partnership and care.
Celebrations from the Week — Special Education Appreciation
We love and appreciate our Special Education team! KRESA’s Excellence in Special Education Award recognizes educators who inspire and empower students with disabilities. Families, guardians, and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding special educators.
- If you’d like to nominate a Parkwood staff member, please use this nomination link: https://www.kresa.org/special-education/technical-assistance/ex-in-sped-award
- Nomination deadline: February 27, 2026
We are grateful for our special education staff’s dedication and for families who take time to recognize their efforts.
Important Announcements & Upcoming Dates
Mon, Jan 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Each classroom will engage in learning activities to honor Dr. King and his legacy.Thu, Jan 22 — First Day Shoe Fund: Spring shoe ordering opens & Parkwood Upjohn Students recognized at the Board Meeting around 7.
Fri, Jan 23 — No school for students (Records Day)
Staff will be closing out first semester records. Progress reports will be emailed to parent/guardian email addresses after we have completed all record updates. We will send a follow-up message once progress reports have been sent so you can be on the lookout.Mon, Jan 26 — Start of second semester
Wed, Jan 28 — Building Spelling Bee (eligible 4th & 5th graders) @ 2:30 PM
Action: Teachers will send information to families of eligible students with details about participation.Fri, Jan 30 — Popcorn Friday: Students may purchase popcorn for $0.50 per bag.
Mon, Feb 2 — No school (Professional Development Day)
❤️ Presume Positive Intent — We’re each other’s support system
- Be kind and calm: little eyes and ears are always watching during arrival, dismissal, in the front office, and on the playground. It's important that we are positive role models for the behavior we want to see in our young learners.
- Presume positive intent: misunderstandings happen, we are all human — approach conflicts assuming everyone cares about students first.
- Respect office staff: our secretaries juggle phones, the door buzzer, student needs, budgets, and attendance and so much more—please be patient. Swearing or aggressive verbal/physical behavior in the office, on the phone, or in emails may result in restricted access. It is imperative that we all work together to support students, staff, families, and community members safety- both physical and mental well being.
- Safety first: outside visitors must have a background check and prearranged approval before entering main areas of the building. We love having our families work and volunteer at our school! Currently we have about 18 staff members that are also Parkwood parents, as well as many family members that volunteer on a consistent basis. We just need to do it in a structured way to uphold safety and minimize disruption to learning.
- Advocate respectfully: please speak up for your child when needed. Many Parkwood staff are also parents, we understand and support strong parent involvement because we know that's what research shows is best for our students. We just ask that you do so courteously — together (parents, staff, and volunteers) we create the loving, structured community our children deserve. We are our children's village. Let's make it a village of high expectations, but also high respect and kindness. Parkwood's culture and climate shows this is the norm for our building. These are just friendly reminders as we all sometimes forget during high stress times. We commit to also extending the same respect and support to our families. We appreciate all of you and we have some of the best family-school collaborations around!
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our school thrive. We appreciate your partnership in learning, celebrations, and care for our students.
Warmly,
Principal Rosecrans
269-337-0720
rosecransje@kalamazoopublicschools.netrosecransje@kalamazoopublicschools.net
🌟Board Recognition and January Parkwood Star Students 🌟
🌟 Student Spotlight — January
Please join us in celebrating our January Star Students and those that will be honored at the Kalamazoo Public Schools Board Meeting on Thursday, January 22.
- Six Parkwood‑Upjohn students will receive the Excelsior awards from the Board for their growth in academics, attendance, and outstanding character:
- Ayden Black
- Jasmine Adams
- Lorelei Kelly
- Jaelynn Brown
- Teniko Langston
- Braxton Richards
We also want to congratulate our January Star Students for excellent attendance, academic growth, and modeling our PURRS expectations. PURRS = Parkwood‑Upjohn is Responsible, Respectful, and Safe. Please see the below picture and help us congratulate our January Star Students!
5th Grade Orchestra, Winter Chenery Concert!
When: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM - Students please arrive at 5:45 PM
Where: Chenery Auditorium: 714 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Dress: Dress to impress 🙂 (no pajamas)
Note: This performance is FREE to the public, so invite everybody you know! The 5th Grade orchestra students will be sharing the stage with students from Parkwood Upjohn, Woods Lake, Lincoln, Edison, and Prairie Ridge in what is sure to be an exciting evening of music making together. Audience members can also look forward to hearing the Maple Street 6th grade orchestra. Please note there will be no transportation provided for students. Cellos and Basses will be transported by the district unless otherwise arranged. We are looking forward to playing for you!
David Cicha
Orchestra Teacher
cichadj@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Community In Schools Connection
🏥 Mobile Health Unit Visits (Parkwood‑Upjohn — April)
We’re pleased to share that the Family Health Center will bring mobile dental and health unit visits to all KPS schools this year. Parkwood‑Upjohn’s visit is scheduled for April — more details will be shared as the date approaches. If you’d like your child to participate, please sign up!
What the mobile unit will provide:
- Medical services: Annual well‑child visits, immunizations, and care for chronic conditions (e.g., asthma).
- Dental preventive care: Twice‑yearly cleanings, exams, and sealants.
Register electronically (English & Spanish):
https://form.jotform.com/231327122384146
🍽️ Weekend Food Packs
Through our partnership with Loaves & Fishes and Communities in Schools, we provide Weekend Food Packs that include snack items and easy‑to‑prepare foods. Many families are already enrolled. If your family is new and needs to be added, please contact Ms. Lownds (CIS coordinator).
👟 First Day Shoe Fund — Spring Ordering & Fitting
We’re hosting an additional spring shoe ordering and fitting session. Ordering opens this Thursday — the ordering link will be shared when it opens and paper reminder flyers will be sent home. Ordering will be primarily electronic; if you need help ordering, contact Ms. Lownds.
📧 Contact
Questions or need to enroll? Email Ms. Lownds, Communities in Schools: lowndske@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Order Your Yearbook!
This is the link that will take parents to the online yearbook pay site: https://shop.memorybook.com
School Code: 263484M
All users will have to Register the first time they access the site. You would enter your child's name in and click on their teacher's name.
Our goal this year is to hopefully end up getting enough yearbooks for 100% of our students. If you are so moved and have the ability, consider "donating" a yearbook to a student in need when you purchase a yearbook. We will keep an eye on how many yearbooks we get ordered and try to fund-raise throughout the semester for any students who might not be able to afford a yearbook that isn't covered.
Job Opportunity- Join the Parkwood Crew!
lso, we are on the lookout for an additional PEEP hourly assistant. If you or anyone you know is interested and available, please email Principal Rosecrans to learn more about next steps. Below are the basic information about this position:
- Schedule: 8:44-3:50 Monday-Friday
- Pay: around $16.30 an hour
- Requirements: At least 60 college credit hours in any subject or a Paraprofessional work keys assessment.
- Classroom: about 18, 4-5 year olds with 3 adults in the classroom.
- Supports students as they learn preschool academic and social skills. Such as reading to students, helping monitor them at recess, singing songs together, supporting as they eat breakfast or lunch, and helping them as they work through their hands on learning activities.
- Email Principal Rosecrans @ rosecransje@kalamazoopublicschools.net if you are interested and available to be considered for this position.
Save the Date:
Jan 22nd Parkwood Students Board Recognition
Jan 23rd No School
Jan 28th 4th & 5th grade Spelling Bee for qualifying students
Jan 30th Popcorn Friday
Feb 2nd No School Professional Development Day
Feb 13th PTO Sponsored Valentine's Dance 6-7:30
Feb 19th 5th Grade Orchestra @ Chenery 6:30
Feb 20th Popcorn Friday & 2nd Grade Wax Museum @ 3:05
Feb 24th Spring First Day Shoe Fund Distribution
Feb 25th Literacy Night & 3rd Grade Performance
Feb 27th No School Mid-Winter Break
Mar 4th PEEP & Kindergarten Orientation for next year
Mar 13th Popcorn Friday
Mar 19th No School Professional Development Day
Mar 20th No School Records Day
Mar 23rd-Mar 26th Scholastic Book Fair More info coming soon
Mar 23rd 1st and 2nd Grade Musical & Conferences 4:00-8:00
Mar 24th Spring Conferences 4:00-8:00
Mar 26th Spring Conferences 12:00-4:00
Mar 27th No School
Mar 30th-Apr 3rd Spring Break
Apr 17th Last Popcorn Friday
Apr 20th 4th & 5th Grade Performance
May 21st Orchestra & Drum Choir Performance
