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2026-2027
Friday, September 18th
Cardinal Power Ticket Winners...
Look at these proud Cardinals! These students are showing the Cardinal Traits of respect, responsibility, perseverance and integrity. They are leaders for their peers and we want to celebrate them contributing to a positive environment at Costello. Way to go!
Ana, Lucas, Blake, Nandika, Nicholas
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Taylor, Priya, Jodelle, Cecelia, Jasmine, Grayson
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Reinforcing the Cardinal Traits at Home...
Each day please take a few minutes each day to talk with your child about the Cardinal Trait they demonstrated that day; Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Integrity. Ask them to share an example of how they showed that trait and which trait they feel they could work to improve.
These small, meaningful conversations help children reflect on their choices, recognize positive behaviors, and build strong habits that will serve them throughout their lives. Thank you for partnering with us and reinforcing these important life traits at home!
What Cardinal Trait did you show today?
Can you tell me about a time you showed that trait?
Who did you help or encourage today?
What was a kind, respectful, or responsible choice you made?
Which Cardinal Trait do you think you could work on improving?
What could you do tomorrow to practice that trait?
Did you see someone else showing a Cardinal Trait today? What did they do?
How did you use one of our Cardinal Traits at school today?
How do you think we could use that trait at home?
Can you think of a time when I used one of our Cardinal Traits?
How could we use one of these traits to help someone in our community?
What is one thing you are proud of from today?
Consider sharing and example of how you use one of the Cardinal Traits in your life...😀
"Today at work, I had to be patient when something didn't go as planned. I practiced perseverance by staying calm and finding another way to solve the problem."
"Did you have a time today when you practiced perseverance?"
A few minutes of conversation each day DOES make a difference!
Reporting to Duty....
- 5th Grade Safeties are ON DUTY! We love seeing these student leaders, they make such a difference helping with arrival and dismissal. Thank you to Mr. McKinney and Mrs. Wonsowicz for facilitating our Safety Squad.
Constitution Day Celebrations...
3rd Graders Celebrated Constitution Day, by signing their own Classroom Constitution! Just like our country’s Constitution establishes important principles for our nation, their classroom constitutions represent the promises they are making to one another to help create a safe, respectful, and successful learning community.
Costello Fun Run!
𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀! Haven’t registered yet?
Register your student and share their fundraising page with family and friends. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, and every contribution brings us closer to our school-wide goal!
Funds raised through the Fun Run support PTO programs, classroom supplies, and educational experiences for Costello students.
Already registered? Thank you for getting us off to a great start!
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: getmovinfundhub.com
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗜𝗗: 5d35ce6112f78
Check This Out...👇👇👇
SOME OF OUR FUN RUN WINNERS FOR THIS WEEK...
BE SURE TO REGISTER SO YOUR CHILD HAS A CHANCE TO WIN THIS WEEK!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED TO SUPPORT COSTELLO!
OCTOBER
🍎 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Half Days for Students
🏃 Friday, October 9 — Costello Fun Run!
📖 Monday, October 12
Parent Connections Meeting - 6:15
PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
👻 Thursday, October 29 — Halloween Parade & Class Parties
🎃Trunk or Treat
🚫 Friday, October 30 — No School
NOVEMBER
🗳️ Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
📖 Monday, November 9 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🎖️ Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans' Day
🌎 Thursday, November 12 — International Night
🛼 Wednesday, November 18 - Skate World Skating Party
🦃 Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 — No School – Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
📚 December 3 — Book Fair Evening Hours
❄️ Friday, December 18 — Winter Wonderland Class Parties
🎄 Monday, December 21 – Sunday, January 3 — Winter Break
JANUARY
🏫 Monday, January 4 — School Resumes
📖 Monday, January 11 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🇺🇸 Monday, January 18 — No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
💃 Thursday, February 4 - Ball for All
📖 Monday, February 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
💙 February 22-26 - Kindness Week!
💙 February 26 - Principal Appreciation Day
❄️ Monday, February 15 & Tuesday, February 16 — No School – Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
📚 Monday, March 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (announce PTO Board openings)
🗣️ Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
🎉 Saturday, March 20 - Costello Auction
🌸 Friday, March 26 - Good Friday - NO School
🌷 Monday, March 29 — No School – Spring Break Begins
APRIL
🏫 Monday, April 5 — School Resumes
📚 Monday, April 12 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (Nominations PTO Board)
🎪 Saturday, April 15 (tentative) — Costello Fair
MAY
💙 May 3–7 — Staff Appreciation Week
📖 Monday, May 10 — PTO Meeting (New PTO Board confirmed or voted upon for 26-27)
7:00 PM
🚫 Monday, May 17 — No School – Staff Professional Development
🇺🇸 Monday, May 31 — No School – Memorial Day
JUNE
🎓 Wednesday, June 3 — 5th Grade Celebration
10:00 AM
🌟 Wednesday, June 3 — Last Day of School!
Half Day for Students
Please note: Dates marked TBD will be updated as plans are finalized. Be sure to watch future Cardinal Connections for additional event details, times, and reminders.
Friday, September 4th
Cardinal Power Ticket Winners...
Keep up the great work Cardinals, Cameron, Zoe, Jonathan, Reya, Kristian
❤️ THANK YOU, COSTELLO! ❤️
What an end to the week! A huge thank you to our incredible Costello team for your patience, flexibility, and teamwork today when the weather delay happened at exactly the time we were preparing for dismissal!
Watching our staff immediately jump in, work together, stay calm, and even have a little fun while doing it was such a terrific example for our kids to see. Keeping everyone safe was our top priority, and I continue to be in awe of this team and the way everyone pitches in.
Parents, WOW! We know the unexpected delay was likely unsettling and worrisome, especially when you were waiting to get your children. You were incredibly kind, cooperative, and understanding, what a great way for our student to see us handing unexpected events. Thank you for trusting us to put safety first. We truly appreciate you!
Have a wonderful and safe 4-day weekend, Cardinals!
M-STEP Scores...
Parents,
If your child attended Costello last year he/she brought home their M-STEP scores in their red folder yesterday. Please review this information with your child and use it to celebrate and set goals for this year. See details in letter below from Michigan Department of Education.
5th Grade TSD Fitness Run...
Lunch Fun...
Download to read the September Parents Issue...
📅 Save the Dates!
OCTOBER
🍎 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Half Days for Students
🏃 Friday, October 9 — Costello Fun Run!
📖 Monday, October 12 - PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
👻 Thursday, October 29 — Halloween Parade & Class Parties
🎃Trunk or Treat
🚫 Friday, October 30 — No School
NOVEMBER
🗳️ Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
📖 Monday, November 9 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🎖️ Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans' Day
🌎 Thursday, November 12 — International Night
🛼 Wednesday, November 18 - Skate World Skating Party
🦃 Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 — No School – Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
📚 December 3 — Book Fair Evening Hours
❄️ Friday, December 18 — Winter Wonderland Class Parties
🎄 Monday, December 21 – Sunday, January 3 — Winter Break
JANUARY
🏫 Monday, January 4 — School Resumes
📖 Monday, January 11 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🇺🇸 Monday, January 18 — No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
💃 Thursday, February 4 - Ball for All
📖 Monday, February 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
💙 February 22-26 - Kindness Week!
💙 February 26 - Principal Appreciation Day
❄️ Monday, February 15 & Tuesday, February 16 — No School – Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
📚 Monday, March 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (announce PTO Board openings)
🗣️ Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
🎉 Saturday, March 20 - Costello Auction
🌸 Friday, March 26 - Good Friday - NO School
🌷 Monday, March 29 — No School – Spring Break Begins
APRIL
🏫 Monday, April 5 — School Resumes
📚 Monday, April 12 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (Nominations PTO Board)
🎪 Saturday, April 15 (tentative) — Costello Fair
MAY
💙 May 3–7 — Staff Appreciation Week
📖 Monday, May 10 — PTO Meeting (New PTO Board confirmed or voted upon for 26-27)
7:00 PM
🚫 Monday, May 17 — No School – Staff Professional Development
🇺🇸 Monday, May 31 — No School – Memorial Day
JUNE
🎓 Wednesday, June 3 — 5th Grade Celebration
10:00 AM
🌟 Wednesday, June 3 — Last Day of School!
Half Day for Students
Please note: Dates marked TBD will be updated as plans are finalized. Be sure to watch future Cardinal Connections for additional event details, times, and reminders.
We can't wait for another fantastic year together, Cardinals! ❤️💙
Friday, August 28
Strong starts begin with strong routines, procedures, and expectations, our Cardinals are off to an AMAZING start!
Our students have done such a wonderful job settling back into the rhythm of school. The energy in the building has been fantastic! You can tell how much they missed their friends, their teachers, and being together. There are lots of smiles, it is so good to have everyone back at Costello!
Parents, we have something to celebrate, too! 🎉
For TWO DAYS IN A ROW, we had 100% ON-TIME ARRIVALS! That is incredible! Thank you for prioritizing getting your children to school on time and ready to learn. A smooth, on-time start makes such a difference in helping students begin their day feeling calm, connected, and prepared for learning.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us start the year strong. Let’s keep it going, Cardinals! ❤️
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Curriculum Night on Wednesday!
Cardinal Power Ticket Winners!
What a way to start the year!!
Royal, Madigan, Mason & Carter! Keep up the great work!!
Sessions will repeat, attend either session.
Parking will be tight, please walk if possible.
Friday, September 11 is...
Thank You Team...
Your Cardinals are in good hands; Mr. Frank and our noon aide team (not all pictured) do a great job getting to know each student, from their favorite sports team to allergy and health needs. Thank you for your service and for returning this year!
These ladies make feeding 375 meals a day look easy! Thank you to our Kitchen Staff for a smooth start in the cafeteria. The lunches look terrific and you run an efficient operation! Well done!
Download PDF to read the September Parent Issue...
📅 Save the Dates!
More details, updates and reminders will be shared throughout the school year.
AUGUST
🏫 Monday, August 31 — Full Day of School for Kindergartners - 5th Grade
🍳 School Breakfast STARTS
SEPTEMBER
📚 Wednesday, September 2 — Curriculum Night
6:00–7:00 PM | Two Sessions
🇺🇸 Friday, September 4 — No School
🇺🇸 Monday, September 7 — No School – Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9 - PTO Restaurant Night - Tropical Smoothie
📸 September 11 - Picture Day
📖 Monday, September 14 — Book Club & PTO Meeting
6:30 PM Book Club (stay tuned for details) | 7:00 PM PTO Meeting
🎉 September 16 - Room Parent Meeting 6:30
OCTOBER
🍎 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Half Days for Students
🏃 Friday, October 9 — Costello Fun Run!
📖 Monday, October 12 - PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
👻 Thursday, October 29 — Halloween Parade & Class Parties
🎃Trunk or Treat
🚫 Friday, October 30 — No School
NOVEMBER
🗳️ Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
📖 Monday, November 9 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🎖️ Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans' Day
🌎 Thursday, November 12 — International Night
🛼 Wednesday, November 18 - Skate World Skating Party
🦃 Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 — No School – Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
📚 December 3 — Book Fair Evening Hours
❄️ Friday, December 18 — Winter Wonderland Class Parties
🎄 Monday, December 21 – Sunday, January 3 — Winter Break
JANUARY
🏫 Monday, January 4 — School Resumes
📖 Monday, January 11 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🇺🇸 Monday, January 18 — No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
💃 Thursday, February 4 - Ball for All
📖 Monday, February 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
💙 February 22-26 - Kindness Week!
💙 February 26 - Principal Appreciation Day
❄️ Monday, February 15 & Tuesday, February 16 — No School – Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
📚 Monday, March 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (announce PTO Board openings)
🗣️ Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
🎉 Saturday, March 20 - Costello Auction
🌸 Friday, March 26 - Good Friday - NO School
🌷 Monday, March 29 — No School – Spring Break Begins
APRIL
🏫 Monday, April 5 — School Resumes
📚 Monday, April 12 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (Nominations PTO Board)
🎪 Saturday, April 15 (tentative) — Costello Fair
MAY
💙 May 3–7 — Staff Appreciation Week
📖 Monday, May 10 — PTO Meeting (New PTO Board confirmed or voted upon for 26-27)
7:00 PM
🚫 Monday, May 17 — No School – Staff Professional Development
🇺🇸 Monday, May 31 — No School – Memorial Day
JUNE
🎓 Wednesday, June 3 — 5th Grade Celebration
10:00 AM
🌟 Wednesday, June 3 — Last Day of School!
Half Day for Students
Please note: Dates marked TBD will be updated as plans are finalized. Be sure to watch future Cardinal Connections for additional event details, times, and reminders.
We can't wait for another fantastic year together, Cardinals! ❤️💙
Costello was buzzing this week as our teachers returned, preparing for an exciting year ahead! We loved welcoming our kindergarten families on Tuesday, a special thank you to our PTO Board for hosting. Our Meet & Greet was also a wonderful success. Thank you to our teachers and staff for all of the efforts to get the buildng and classrooms ready. The special attention you give to ensure our students are warmly welcomed is so evident in your smiles and inviting classrooms.
Back to school is a busy time with lots of information coming at you. Please be sure to review the recent editions of the Cardinal Connection located at the bottom of this edition (keep scrolling!). The Back to School Hub is particularly useful and can answer many of your questions.
It was so great seeing so many of you this week. We are going to have a wonderful year together!
Meet our 2026-2027 PTO Board
Our PTO is truly the heart of our Costello community! ❤️ Month after month, they create events and experiences that bring our students and families together. We encourage you to get involved, meet other Cardinal families, and be part of the fun. This is your school community, jump in, connect, and help make Costello an even more special place! Thank you, in advance, for supporting our school.
Vice President - Jamie Kaniarz
President - Amanda Haverty-Harris
Secretary - Kali Schmitz
Treasurer - Krystle Dennison
🚌 Transportation just let us know that bus information will not be available in PowerSchool until later this weekend. The district will provide more updates when this becomes accessible.
What's for Lunch?
📅 Save the Dates!
More details, updates and reminders will be shared throughout the school year.
AUGUST
🎒 Tuesday, August 25 — First Day of School!
Half Day for Students - No Lunch Served
🍎 Wednesday, August 26 – Friday, August 28 — Half Days for Kindergarten
🏫 Monday, August 31 — Full Day of School
🍳 School Breakfast STARTS
SEPTEMBER
📚 Wednesday, September 2 — Curriculum Night
6:00–7:00 PM | Two Sessions
🇺🇸 Friday, September 4 — No School
🇺🇸 Monday, September 7 — No School – Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9 - PTO Restaurant Night - Tropical Smoothie
📸 September 11 - Picture Day
📖 Monday, September 14 — Book Club & PTO Meeting
6:30 PM Book Club (stay tuned for details) | 7:00 PM PTO Meeting
🎉 September 16 - Room Parent Meeting 6:30
OCTOBER
🍎 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Half Days for Students
🏃 Friday, October 9 — Costello Fun Run!
📖 Monday, October 12 - PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
👻 Thursday, October 29 — Halloween Parade & Class Parties
🎃Trunk or Treat
🚫 Friday, October 30 — No School
NOVEMBER
🗳️ Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
📖 Monday, November 9 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🎖️ Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans' Day
🌎 Thursday, November 12 — International Night
🛼 Wednesday, November 18 - Skate World Skating Party
🦃 Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 — No School – Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
📚 December 3 — Book Fair Evening Hours
❄️ Friday, December 18 — Winter Wonderland Class Parties
🎄 Monday, December 21 – Sunday, January 3 — Winter Break
JANUARY
🏫 Monday, January 4 — School Resumes
📖 Monday, January 11 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🇺🇸 Monday, January 18 — No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
💃 Thursday, February 4 - Ball for All
📖 Monday, February 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
💙 February 22-26 - Kindness Week!
💙 February 26 - Principal Appreciation Day
❄️ Monday, February 15 & Tuesday, February 16 — No School – Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
📚 Monday, March 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (announce PTO Board openings)
🗣️ Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
🎉 Saturday, March 20 - Costello Auction
🌸 Friday, March 26 - Good Friday - NO School
🌷 Monday, March 29 — No School – Spring Break Begins
APRIL
🏫 Monday, April 5 — School Resumes
📚 Monday, April 12 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (Nominations PTO Board)
MAY
💙 May 3–7 — Staff Appreciation Week
📖 Monday, May 10 — PTO Meeting (New PTO Board confirmed or voted upon for 26-27)
7:00 PM
🎪 Saturday, May 15 — Costello Fair
🚫 Monday, May 17 — No School – Staff Professional Development
🇺🇸 Monday, May 31 — No School – Memorial Day
JUNE
🎓 Wednesday, June 3 — 5th Grade Celebration
10:00 AM
🌟 Wednesday, June 3 — Last Day of School!
Half Day for Students
Please note: Dates marked TBD will be updated as plans are finalized. Be sure to watch future Cardinal Connections for additional event details, times, and reminders.
We can't wait for another fantastic year together, Cardinals! ❤️💙
In case you missed this last week, just a few additions...see everyone on Thursday!
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August 14, 2026
Hello Cardinals & Cardinal Families!
Nothing says "welcome back to school" quite like a toothless elementary kid riding a bike! As I'm leaving school in the evening or driving through the neighborhood, I often run into Costello students playing outside, riding their bikes, or spending time with their families. When I ask, "Are you ready to come back to school?" their faces light up with excitement. That genuine enthusiasm is contagious, and it serves as a wonderful reminder of the joy and excitement that each new school year brings. It's one of the many reasons every school year seems even better than the last.
We want every child to feel comfort from the moment they walk through our doors. At Costello, we have worked hard to create, and will continue to strengthen, a culture where every student feels connected and a sense of belonging. This is the foundation that sets children up for success.
This year we will continue to prioritize student belonging while holding ourselves to our Cardinal Traits each and every day. By showing respect, responsibility, perseverance, and integrity we create a school where everyone feels safe, supported, and proud to be a Cardinal.
Many of you have seen the parking lot and bus loop facelift, wait until you see our much need restroom upgrades!. Lots of behind the scenes work preparing for the new year. Getting ready to host over 400 guests is a lot of work! We are eager to see our students return; hear their laughter and catch their smiles as they high 5 Mr. Frank on the way down the hall! Looking forward to beginning another incredible year of learning together.
Please take a few moments to review the information in this newsletter and mark your calendars with important dates.
Enjoy these last days of summer—we'll see you for Meet & Greet on August 20th!
Tammy DiPonio, Ed.D.
Principal, Costello Elementary
Click Back to School HUB below for Lunch Menus, Bus Information, Calendars...
Who is My Child's Teacher?
- Class/Teacher Assignments will be available for families to view by 4pm on Monday, August 17th in PowerSchool. This will be available after families have completed their Emergency Contact Updates in PowerSchool.
- If you need help with PowerSchool you can email questions and comments to PowerSchool Answer Center at pssupport@troy.k12.mi.us.
- More information about updating Contact Information will be sent out soon.
- Our teams put a great deal of thought into assigning class placements, we consider academic needs, social dynamics, and each student’s unique strengths. Our goal is to create the best possible learning environment for everyone.
Kindergarten through 5th Grade Meet the Teacher Night
Thursday, August 20
4:00-5:00
- Meet your child's teacher
- Drop off supplies, less to carry on 1st day
- Find arrival door for first day
- Communicate transportation plans
Classrooms will be "in progress" and not "first day ready." The focus of this visit is to welcome everyone back, ease any worries, see friends and of course, meet your teacher!
**This is a casual visit, feel free to come anytime between 4:00 & 5:00. This is not a sit down meeting or conference**
Daily Entrance Doors...
Help your child locate the entrance door using the map below. Plan to enter for Meet the Teacher through the same doors that your child will use upon arrival on the first day.
Important Dates...
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
August 26, 27, 28
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Kindergarten ONLY
Dismissal begins a few minutes before 12:59
Wednesday, September 2
6:00 - 7:00
Friday, September 4
NO SCHOOL
Monday, September 7
NO SCHOOL
Before & After School Childcare...
New Families, iPad Pick Up...
New families you can pick up iPads at Services Building (4420 Livernois Rd) in the TRC office August 17-18th between 9am and 3pm.
After August 18th, students will be issued at the Costello during the first week of school.
Picture Day is Friday, September 11th!
TSD Food Services
NO BREAKFAST UNTIL AUGUST 31
For additional menus, go to the HUB
TSD Food Service Department at 248-823-5089
Are Lunch & Breakfast Free for ALL? YES!
Curriculum Night - Wednesday, September 2nd
Staffing Updates...New Faces, New Places...
Mrs. Johnson - Speech Language Pathologist
Mrs. Wonsowicz - 5th Grade
Mrs. Waak - Resource Room
Mrs. Oudsema - Teacher Consultant
School Hours...
Arrival 9:00 a.m.
Adult supervision is available shortly after 9:00 AM, the bell rings at 9:04 for entry into the school. Unless students are enrolled in CARE, have approved safety duties, or other permission, students will remain outside the building (see locations above) until the bell rings at 9:04. Students are tardy after 9:09, if your child arrives after 9:09, please report to the vestibule to sign in your child.
Half Day Dismissals start a few minutes before 12:59
Please review... dismissal, visitor check in, school expectations and much more
Troy School District Personal Device Policy
As we begin the school year, we'd like to remind our TSD families of the district cell phone and personal technology device policy.
Personal and Wearable Devices:
We recognize that many of our students will be traveling to school with personal technology devices. Therefore, cell phones, AirPods, and other electronic devices are permitted in the building, but students must follow the guidelines for each grade level.
Elementary Guidelines
The elementary guidelines apply during the school day, on school buses, and at all co-curricular, school-sponsored activities.
Cell phones and personal devices must remain on silent with all notifications disabled and stored in backpacks or lockers during school hours. No one-way or two-way communication is allowed during the school day; all communication must go through the main office unless approved by a TSD staff member.
Wearable technology (e.g., Apple Watches, Fitbits) is permitted, but all notifications must be turned off and communication features must be disabled.
Earbuds/headphones and interactive glasses may only be used with permission from a TSD staff member.
Recording devices are strictly prohibited, in accordance with TSD Board Policy 2006.
Middle School Guidelines
Cell phones and personal technology may not be used during the school day and must remain out of sight until the end of the school day; this includes passing time and lunch. Students should store their technology in their lockers.
Personal cell phones may be used in the main office.
High School Guidelines
Cell phones and personal technology must be stored in a student’s locker or in their backpack during instructional time.
The school district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal technology. Consequences for not following these expectations are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Students will utilize district-provided iPads during instruction at the direction of their teacher. If families need to reach their student(s) during the day, please contact the main office. Students are always welcome to use the telephones in the main office.
We believe that excellence is best achieved in an environment free from the distractions of personal technology. Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we work to create the most effective learning environment possible for our students.
2026-2027 Costello Elementary Calendar of Events
📅 Save the Dates!
More details, updates and reminders will be shared throughout the school year.
AUGUST
🎒 Tuesday, August 25 — First Day of School!
Half Day for Students - No Lunch Served
🍎 Wednesday, August 26 – Friday, August 28 — Half Days for Kindergarten
🏫 Monday, August 31 — Full Day of School
🍳 School Breakfast STARTS
SEPTEMBER
📚 Wednesday, September 2 — Curriculum Night
6:00–7:00 PM | Two Sessions
🇺🇸 Friday, September 4 — No School
🇺🇸 Monday, September 7 — No School – Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9 - PTO Restaurant Night - Tropical Smoothie
📸 September 11 - Picture Day
📖 Monday, September 14 — Book Club & PTO Meeting
6:30 PM Book Club (stay tuned for details) | 7:00 PM PTO Meeting
🎉 September 16 - Room Parent Meeting 6:30
OCTOBER
🍎 Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Half Days for Students
🏃 Friday, October 9 — Costello Fun Run!
📖 Monday, October 12 - PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
👻 Thursday, October 29 — Halloween Parade & Class Parties
🎃Trunk or Treat
🚫 Friday, October 30 — No School
NOVEMBER
🗳️ Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day
📖 Monday, November 9 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🎖️ Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans' Day
🌎 Thursday, November 12 — International Night
🛼 Wednesday, November 18 - Skate World Skating Party
🦃 Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 — No School – Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER
📚 December 3 — Book Fair Evening Hours
❄️ Friday, December 18 — Winter Wonderland Class Parties
🎄 Monday, December 21 – Sunday, January 3 — Winter Break
JANUARY
🏫 Monday, January 4 — School Resumes
📖 Monday, January 11 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
🇺🇸 Monday, January 18 — No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
💃 Thursday, February 4 - Ball for All
📖 Monday, February 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
💙 February 22-26 - Kindness Week!
💙 February 26 - Principal Appreciation Day
❄️ Monday, February 15 & Tuesday, February 16 — No School – Mid-Winter Recess
MARCH
📚 Monday, March 8 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (announce PTO Board openings)
🗣️ Thursday, March 11 & Friday, March 12 — Parent-Teacher Conferences
🎉 Saturday, March 20 - Costello Auction
🌸 Friday, March 26 - Good Friday - NO School
🌷 Monday, March 29 — No School – Spring Break Begins
APRIL
🏫 Monday, April 5 — School Resumes
📚 Monday, April 12 — PTO Meeting 7:00 PM (Nominations PTO Board)
🎪 Saturday, April 15 (tentative) — Costello Fair
MAY
💙 May 3–7 — Staff Appreciation Week
📖 Monday, May 10 — PTO Meeting (New PTO Board confirmed or voted upon for 26-27)
7:00 PM
🚫 Monday, May 17 — No School – Staff Professional Development
🇺🇸 Monday, May 31 — No School – Memorial Day
JUNE
🎓 Wednesday, June 3 — 5th Grade Celebration
10:00 AM
🌟 Wednesday, June 3 — Last Day of School!
Half Day for Students
Please note: Dates marked TBD will be updated as plans are finalized. Be sure to watch future Cardinal Connections for additional event details, times, and reminders.
We can't wait for another fantastic year together, Cardinals! ❤️💙
