Panther Press
October 6, 2023 Volume 1, Issue 9
A Note from Ms. Martin
Pierce Families,
We had another successful week here at Pierce!
Our staff and students have been hard at work with our new inquiry-based math curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics. They are also working hard with reading, Social Studies, writing, and getting hands-on with our science curriculum. When I walk through the halls I hear laughter, discussion, lessons, and excitement: we are finding the joy in our learning every day!
Check out our NEW logos! This is part of a district-wide rebrand of our legacy logos. Our Pierce Panther is looking amazing!
Just as a friendly reminder, our teachers prefer written notes for any changes in transportation. Be sure to send that in at the start of the day so that they can ensure that each child is safe. Thank you so much!
If you have not had a chance to read through this week's PTA Post, please do so! There is A LOT of new information about the these upcoming events: Trunk or Treat, Scholastic Book Fair, Capri Pizza Restaurant Fundraiser, Volunteer Opportunities, and more! It is linked below for your reference.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I will be happy to help you and your family! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Kate Martin, Principal
Upcoming Dates
October 25th: Trunk or Treat
October 31st: Classroom Parties and Parade. Half Day - Dismissal is at 11:50 AM
November 7th: No School
November 8th: Half Day - Dismissal is at 11:50 AM - Conferences
November 9th: Half Day - Dismissal is at 11:50 AM - Conferences
November 22nd - 24th: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break
Pierce News
Custodian Appreciation
October 2nd was Custodian Appreciation Day! We took time to celebrate our custodians: Russ, Sylvester, Jasmine, and Bobby.
Open CSO Position
Our beloved CSO, Carey Shields, will be joining the Pierce LRC team as a Paraprofessional. This means we are in need of a CSO! You can view the job description here. If you or someone you know are interested, please reach out to me via email. (kmartin@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Halloween Information: October 31st
Halloween Agenda
Monday, October 31 is a Half Day of School with dismissal at 11:50am.
Students come to school dressed in costume and drop off supplies on the tables outside before 9:15am. Be sure to include the donation with the teacher name.
9:15-10:00: 3rd grade Halloween party (all other grades' parties immediately follow the parade)
EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE 10: 20am PARADE!
10:20 Parade begins and students will exit through the Pierce street door, proceed to the sidewalk and walk north on the Pierce St. sidewalk around the perimeter of the school grounds and will enter back in through the main entrance.
Immediately following the parade the party will begin for grades K, 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Halloween Dress Code and Celebrations
All Pierce students will be allowed (and encouraged) to wear their school appropriate Halloween costume to school. There will not be an opportunity for students to put on their costumes at school. Please make sure your child's costume falls within our costume guidelines. The don'ts of Halloween costumes for the Pierce Parade and Party are as follows:
- No masks
- No blood or gore
- No weapons (real or fake)
*Students who have purchased a costume that does not fit the appropriate school costume guidelines often wear a dressed down version of the costume to fit into the Pierce Halloween Parade and Party guidelines or wear something different to school (eg. sports uniform).
Parent Party Volunteers: All volunteers need to sign in on your way to the classroom
Decorations and Set up: Please report to the classroom at 10:00. (9:00 for 3rd grade)
Party workers: Volunteers need to stay in the classroom for the duration of the party and should plan on assisting with clean up as well.
Kindergarten- 5-6 volunteers
1st- 5th- 2 volunteers
October Notes from the Pierce Library!
Counselor's Corner
Small groups will be starting at JK, K and 1st grades. Teachers will be recommending students who need extra support for the groups, and they last for 20 minutes for 6-8 weeks. If you child is invited to this group there will be an invitation sent home.
Questions? Concerns? Contact me at ageisler@birmingham.k12.mi.us
-Mrs. Geisler
Pierce Street Water Main Project Update
- Phase 1 of the Pierce Street Water Main project, between 14 Mile Road and East Southlawn, will soon open to northbound traffic only. Please note that the final 2-inch layer of the road will not be placed until the very end of the entire project.
- The Phase 2 portion of Pierce Street from East Southlawn to Lincoln is now completely closed to all traffic. This closure may last up to five weeks, depending on the weather. The contractor is currently making the final water main connections to the existing water system and connecting the individual houses to the new water main.
- In order to complete the last connection of the new water main with the existing water system on Lincoln Street, the intersection of Lincoln Street and Pierce Street is closed. This closure is expected to take up to 10 days in order to complete the water main connection and restore the impacted pavement. Edgewood Road, just south of Lincoln, will also be closed for a few days beginning Monday for work by the Department of Public Services.
- Eastbound and westbound traffic on Lincoln Street will be unable to pass Pierce Street and should take alternate routes. Follow this link to view a detour map showing recommended routes.
- The City appreciates your continued patience. If you have any questions regarding this project, contact the Engineering Department at 248-530-1840.
Parent Education
**NEW**! Each week we will share something new about our curriculum, education pedagogy, Social/Emotional learning best practices, and more! Be sure to check it out each week to learn more!
"Wait Until 8th" Resource & More
We care about our student's social-emotional wellbeing and teaching about digital citizenship! Many of Pierce's families are starting to learn about the research behind holding off on giving their children smartphones to help with their social-emotional well-being. The "Wait Until 8th" pledge encourages parents to delay giving their child a smartphone until the end of 8th grade. This is of course not mandatory, but if you're interested in learning more, please do your research and visit waituntil8th.org.
For more information about how to chat with your children about SEL in their Digital Life, more information can be found here: https://www.commonsense.org/education/family-resources.
Not New - But Still Important Information
No Dogs on School Property
We love our fur babies, but ask that you kindly keep your pets off of school property. Our therapy dog, Shadow, will sometimes be out at arrival and dismissal and if there are other pets it can cause a distraction. Thank you!
ABCD Calendar
CSO Corner
NEW CLASSES AVAILABLE!
Register your student for after school classes today!
These classes will fill up! New classes are always being added!
Kids Club
Scheduling Update
I am excited to announce that with the hiring of a new PM Kids Club Director, we have opened up our Friday PM Kids Club! If you had previously been scheduled, you will need to sign your child up again.
Additionally, I am equally as thrilled to share that half day PM Kids Club is now open! Our next Half Day is October 31st. If you had previously been scheduled for this date, you will need to sign your child up again.
Thank you for your patience.
WE ARE IN NEED OF ASSISTANTS!
Reminder, we are currently capped at 36 for the AM and PM. Spots fill up quickly.
If you know of anyone who is interested in working in our PM Kids Club as an assistant, please email Carey Shields Larson at clarson@birmingham.k12.mi.us. We have an immediate need to fill these positions. As soon as we can hire more assistants, the sooner we can increase the caps on our programs.
Birmingham Community Ed
Birmingham Community Education offers a wide array of enrichment, recreation classes and programs for adults and youth. Register for programs today as the 2023 fall guide is available online for you to review.
Youth:
- Self-Defense for Children ages 6-11 is on October 30.
Adults:
- Yoga Fitness with Lynn Dowe begins Oct. 17
- Self-Defense for Women on Oct. 30
- “Back on Course” Zoom Computer Workshops
- Hospice Volunteer Training on Oct. 19
- Introduction to Professional Voice Over on Oct. 10
District News
Board of Education
Finance Committee
Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m.
Board Retreat
Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.
Coffee & Conversation
You’re invited! Please drop in for coffee and casual conversation with BPS Superintendent Dr. Embekka Roberson. This informal gathering is open to everyone. Whether you have a specific question or idea, or simply want to hear more about the district’s biggest priorities, challenges and successes, please consider joining us at an upcoming coffee chat.
“Coffee & Conversation" is held at various times and locations around the district to accommodate differing schedules during the academic year.
Tuesday, Oct 17 | 8:30-10 a.m.
Whistle Stop Restaurant
501 S. Eton, Birmingham
Thursday, Feb. 8 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Honey Tree Grille
3633 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Twp.
Wednesday, April 10 | 8:30-10 a.m.
Michigan Coffee & Creamery
31225 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills
Seaholm Tailgate
Please join the BEF at the Seaholm Homecoming Tailgate event Friday, October 6th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm just inside the Maple Field entrance. Free cider & donuts from Franklin Cider Mill will be provided as well as free spirit giveaways.
Veterans Brunch
Thursday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.
31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills
BPS extends a warm invitation to all veterans to join us at the EAC for a special event commemorating Veterans Day. If you have served in the military, or if you know someone who has, we kindly ask that you share this invitation. If you would like to attend and pay tribute to our brave veterans for their dedicated service to our nation, please RSVP by emailing Joan Crampton at jcrampton@birmingham.k12.mi.us. The occasion will have a patriotic theme, so we encourage everyone to dress in red, white, and blue attire.
Lunch Menu
OK2SAY
OK2SAY, which is housed within the MSP Office of School Safety allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, or schools in this state.
If you receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against your community, please contact your local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted the following ways:
- Dial: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729 )
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
- Email: OK2SAY
- Website: OK2SAY website
- OK2SAY mobile app is available for download for iOS, Google and Android devices.
Contact Information
Pierce Elementary School
1829 Pierce
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: 248-203-4325
Fax: 248-203-4393
https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/pierce
Ms. Kate Martin, Principal