BROWNING BEARS BEST NEWS

Issue #26: February 27th, 2026
BROWNING MISSION: Together, with our community, the Browning staff will welcome, honor, and empower all students to achieve significant growth by striving to reach their potential, and to be,
BROWNING, THE BEST!
BROWNING VISION: In partnership with families and the community, Browning Elementary will provide a high-quality education that empowers students to positively transform their future and the world.
SCHOOL HOURS: 9:05-3:55 DAILY
HALF-DAY HOURS: 9:05-12:09
BREAKFAST OPENS @ 8:45-9:05
email: mailto:officebrowning@uticak12.org
website: https://browning.uticak12.org
Location: 12400 19 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: 586-797-4000
Attendance Line: 586-797-4099 (24 hours)
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES: FYI
FEBRUARY DATES:
27: Daddy Daughter Dance 6-8pm
MARCH DATES:
2: March is Reading Month BEGINS!
20: End of Quarter 3 Marking Period
20: HALF DAY DISMISSAL @ 12:09PM
27: HALF DAY DISMISSAL @ 12:09PM
MARCH 30-APRIL 3: SPRING BREAK
MSTEP STATE OF MICHIGAN TESTING WINDOW GRADES 3-6: April 6-May 15th.
MEMORIAL BREAK: May 22-25 NO SCHOOL
June 9th STUDENT HALF DAY-DISMISSAL @ 12:09
JUNE 10th STUDNET HALF DAY-DISMISSAL @ 12:09 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!:
March 2-6th UPDATES
Browning Families-
Welcome back from the break! It was wonderful welcoming all students back this week. As we begin the month of March, we have a very fun-filled March is Reading Month planned for our entire building. A very special thank you to our March is Reading month committee for planning a month filled with reading events and activities. Please see the calendar and medal below as well as look forward to the paper packet coming home to families next week.
FUTURE DATES:
- 27: Daddy Daughter Dance 6-8pm
- March 2: March is Reading Month Begins.
- March 20: HALF DAY DISMISSAL @ 12:09
- March 26th: March is Reading Month Calendar due
- March 27th: HALF DAY DISMISSAL @ 12:09
Warmest regards,
Principal Ciacchella
MARCH IS READING MONTH March 2-27th
We are excited to announce our MARCH IS READING MONTH calendar! Please see below for more information. We encourage each student to read daily, and this calendar is just an additional way to encourage the reading throughout this month.
As we have our new CKLA ELA Curriculum units, please see below for some additional reading tips from CKLA on how to continue to work to support your child at home with reading. Additionally, please see the "Caregiver Hub" to access as well.
From CKLA CAREGIVER HUB:
"How you can support your student at home:
- Read with your student daily. Even 15 minutes of reading together each day can have a huge impact.
- Read sections of the text aloud together. If your student struggles, you might try reading the text to them with expression, then having them read it aloud back to you. For additional practice, watch the recorded Read-Alouds with your K–2 student or have your student in grades 3–5 use the Vocab App.
- Find moments to discuss what they’re reading and learning. Examples of questions you could ask: What stood out to you from what you read today? What did you learn that you didn’t know before? Were any sentences or words confusing? What do you think the writer was trying to say? Do you agree with the writer’s ideas or descriptions? What connections can you make between what you’re reading and your own life?
- Ask your student to read their written responses. You could also have them share with a friend over video chat.
- Review this Protecting Kids Online article by the Federal Trade Commission, which addresses digital safety."
*REMINDER*: Sixth Grade Scheduling for Bemis 2026-2027
Dear families of sixth graders soon to be 7th graders,
A very important note regarding scheduling was emailed home yesterday. If you have not had the opportunity to review the note, please see it attached below.
*REMINDER*: STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISER BEGINS FEB. 2-MAR. 2
*REMINDER* WIDA TESTING
Dear Parents and Guardian,
The U.S. Department of Education requires all students, identified as English language learners by the Home Language Survey, to take the WIDA Access assessment. This includes students who are not actively enrolled in the district’s English Language Learner Program.
This letter is to inform you about the WIDA Access assessment that your child will be taking this year. The WIDA Access measures your child’s progress in acquiring academic English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that the district is meeting its obligation to provide appropriate instruction in English language development.
Michigan’s statewide test administration of WIDA Access will be from January 26, 2026, through April 3, 2026. Most students will be taking the WIDA online with a computer provided by the school. The state requires districts to develop practices that promote a good testing environment for all students. Prior to the start of testing, please review the UCS Electronic Device Use Protocol for Statewide Testing with your child.
As parents and guardians, you play an important role in your child’s academic success. I am requesting your help to ensure your child is prepared. Below are a few ways you can support you child.
· Make sure your child gets plenty of rest each night and has a good breakfast.
· Make sure your child attends school every day and arrives on time.
· Encourage your child to do their best to build their confidence and a positive
attitude.
Your child’s test results will be available next fall and will be shared with you. For more information about the WIDA Access go to www.wida.us. If you have any further questions, please contact the school.
STATE TESTING and DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY POLICY
School Board Appreciation-THANK YOU!!!
PTA UPDATES
PTA MEETING DATES: ALL MEETINGS are at 6pm in the MEDIA Center or the ZOOM LINK
- March 16th
- April 13th
- May 4th
*OLD BUSINESS ITEMS-SEE BELOW*
*REMINDER* FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
TITLE ONE FEEDBACK-Click HERE to provide Feedback
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
WELLNESS
UTICA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS INFORMATION
PREVIOUS BROWNING BEARS NEWS
Browning Elementary School
Principal of Browning Elementary School
Email: browningquestions@uticak12.org
Website: https://www.uticak12.org/Browning
Location: 12400 19 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48313 USA
Phone: (586)797-4000
