Pembroke Press
March 23, 2026
Hoyne Happenings
Happy Monday Pembroke Families,
We had another great week of March is Reading month, including teacher swaps and the start of the book fair. This Friday, March 27th we will have a special PRIDE Pack featuring all students in a character parade. All students will participate in the character parade, students who donβt have costumes will be able to make a costume during PRIDE Packs. We hope to see you at conferences on Tuesday or Wednesday. We value your partnership and look forward to seeing you in person this week. The book fair will be open during conferences as well.
If I donβt have the opportunity to see you in person, I hope you enjoy a relaxing and joyful break.
Colleen Hoyne
Michigan Green School
We are proud to announce once again that Pembroke is a Green School! π±
This year, we have achieved Evergreen status, the highest designation level. To earn this recognition, schools must demonstrate participation in at least 20 environmental activities that support sustainability and stewardship.
The Michigan Green Schools program celebrates PreKβ12 schools that are committed to protecting our air, land, water, and ecosystems through environmental education and action.
Our PRIDE is honored to be part of this important work, and we are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their continued dedication to making a positive impact! π
Spring Assessment Letter
HALF DAY 3/25 - DISMISSAL AT 11:50am!
VW eLab Excitement
Over the last several weeks students have been busy utilizing our amazing eLab. 4th grade students participated in a market economy developing a business plan, creating items to sell, marketing, and selling items in a market. Many students utilized the eLab to create their projects. Some 5th grade classes used the eLab to make 3D models of the respiratory system. Our 1st grade students have been hard at work sharing their learning from Arts and Letters in the 1st grade zoo. Students used chompsaws from our eLab to help make their animals.
Important Dates
Tues., March 24 - Pembroke Conferences 5-7pm (BOOK FAIR)
Wed., March 25 - Half Day! Dismissal at 11:50 - Conferences 1-7pm (BOOK FAIR)
Thurs., March 26 - Spirit Day - Tigers Day
Fri., March 27 - Spirit Day - Dress like a Book Character Day ****Character Parade
Mon., March 30 - Fri., April 3 - SPRING BREAK
Wed., April 8 - PTA International Night 6-7:30pm, 4th grade Instrument Night @ Groves
Fri., April 10 - Half Day - Dismissal at 11:50
Tues., April 14 - Kaiser - Fun Day Pictures
Wed., April 15 - Art/STEAM Night 5:30-7pm
Thurs., April 16 - 4th grade Instrument Fitting
Fri., April 17 - Girls Scouts - My Guy and Me Dance 7-9pm
Wed. April 22 - Pembroke PTA Meeting 7pm, 4/5 grade field trip to DSO
Wed., April 29 - March is Reading Month Skating Party @ SkateWorld
BOOK FAIR
The Literati Book Fair is here!
The Book Fair will be open for visitors during the following hours:
Friday, March 20 - 11:50-1pm
Tuesday, March 24 - 4-7:30pm
Wednesday, March 25 - 12-7:30pm
Or you can visit the Book Fair online at: literati.com/store
Parent Survey - Technology in School
The District Curriculum Council is currently reviewing district practices related to student technology use, screen time, and digital tools used for learning. Technology use in classrooms may include writing, research, assessments, digital textbooks, simulations, collaboration, and other instructional activities.
This survey is not related to student cell phone or personal device use. The recent law passed by the State of Michigan regarding personal digital device use during the school day is being reviewed by a separate district committee, and opportunities for input on that topic will be shared with families at a later time.
For this survey, we are gathering input from families to inform potential recommendations on screen time, instructional technology, and digital learning tools used in classrooms.
Your responses will help us better understand community perspectives as we review current practices. If you have children in multiple grade bands, please complete a separate survey for each child.
This survey should take 2β3 minutes to complete.
March is Reading Month
Spirit Days
3/26 - Detroit Tigers Day!
3/27 - Character Parade!!
Message from Mrs. McDonald
Eton Street Singers Performing at UWM Field on Saturday, June 6th
You are invited to join the Eton Street Singers for our annual baseball game at UWM (formerly Jimmy John's) field. The students will be singing the National Anthem to begin the game! We would love to have our Pembroke families join us for a fun evening at the baseball field. We'll sing around 5:15 PM and the game begins at 5:30 PM. Click on the link to purchase tickets and see the flyer for more details. Hope to see you there!
Ticket Purchase Link: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/GroupPortalPEC.asp?HoldID=1529&SponsorID=19324&EventID=357101
Fun Day Photos! Tuesday, April 14
Kaiser Studio will be back on Tuesday, April 14th for Fun Day Pictures! Order forms went home with students last week. NOTE: Only students that order Fun Day pictures ahead of time will have their picture taken - not every student.
STEAM and Art Innovation Night - Wednesday, April 15
Collecting Clear Plastic Bottles
Mrs. Saldana would love any clear plastic bottles for a future art project! Feel free to drop off your plastic bottles into the Main Office. Thanks so much!
M-Step Testing Dates
**Updated dates!**
5th
April 7, 13, 14, 21, 24, 27
May 5, 6, 7, 11
4th
April 16, 17, 20
May 5, 6, 7
3rd
April 14, 15, 17
April 28, 29, 30
VW E-Lab - Cardboard Needed!
Weβre reaching out with a small request that will make a big impact in our VW E-Lab!
Our students are working on hands-on projects that require clean cardboard snack and cereal boxes, and we would love your help. If you have any empty, clean cereal or snack boxes at home, we kindly ask that you send them in with your child.
These donated boxes will be used for creative building, design, and engineering activities in the E-Lab, giving students the opportunity to explore, innovate, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Important Pick up/Drop Off Reminders
1. Please make sure you pull all the way forward before you merge into traffic during arrival and dismissal. This allows us to keep the line moving and helps ensure the safety of those walking in the parking lot.
2. If you are dropping off, please wait in the line. Do not go around cars to pull further up in the line.
We appreciate your efforts to ensure a safe and efficient drop off and arrival at Pembroke!
4th Grade Instrument Night
Dear 4th Grade families,
One of the wonderfully unique opportunities that students have in 5th grade is the chance to play an instrument in either the band or the orchestra. Please join us on Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. in Seaholm Auditorium for performances from our high school students, as well as information about the Elementary Instrumental Music program.
Please contact Mr. Smith with any questions you may have.
Mr. Smith, Band & Orchestra (ssmith2@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
Marshall Music Instrument Fitting - April 16th at Pembroke.
Yearbook Sales
Kindergarten Registration
Thursday is Bagel Day! $2 each
With the rising cost of bagels, we will be increasing the price per bagel to $2 per bagel. (Plain or Salt available) - each child is allowed one bagel. Bagels will be sold in the main lobby and at the Witherbee loop entrance. Thanks to all our 4th grade parent volunteers!
ABCD Schedule
Link to Pembroke Menu
Attendance/Sickness/Long term absence
Please contact the Pembroke Attendance Line if your child will be late or absent. You can leave a message at 248-203-3888 Option 2. Or email Tracy Longe at tlonge@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
If your child will be absent for 4 days or more - please complete an extended absence form and submit to the Pembroke Main Office or email to Tracy Longe.
Friendly reminder on the Pembroke Sickness Policy:
- 24 hours Fever & Vomit Free with no medications!
- If your child has cold symptoms and requires cough drops, please send cough drops to the office with a note giving permission to provide them to the student.
- Absences with a doctor/dentist note are excused
Community Ed Updates
π¨ New After-School Classes Just Added!
Weβve added fun one day classes that focus on art and edible creationsβperfect for kids who love to get creative and hands-on.
βοΈ Plus, a new session of Chess Wizards begins right after Spring Break! Students can learn the basics or improve their chess skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Visit www.communityed.net to sign up today! Spots are limitedβsign up soon!
Spring Break Camps
Pembroke PTA News
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT β April 8th
International Night is back!
Help bring the world to Pembroke by hosting a table at International Night! Families are invited to share a country, culture, or tradition that is meaningful to them. Your table can include food samples, music, photos, decorations, traditional clothing, or a simple activity for kids. It doesnβt have to be fancy β the goal is to celebrate and learn from each other. Hosting a table is a fun way to share your story and help create an exciting βtrip around the worldβ for our students and families! β¨βοΈ
We cannot make this event a success without your help! Sign up here to host a table!
STAFF DINNER - DONATIONS NEEDED!
The Pembroke PTA will be providing the staff dinner on Tuesday, March 24th during parent/teacher conferences.
Sign up here if you would like to donate items for the Spring Conference Dinner! Thank you!
2026-2027 PTA Board Slate
We will vote on the slate at the April 22nd PTA meeting. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest and who has volunteered for a position!
President: Tracey Savcic
VP: Brad McDonald
Treasurer: Britt-Marie Fleury
Secretary: Felicia Campbell
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINATION
We want to celebrate the amazing PTA members who help make Pembroke great! If you know someone who has gone above and beyond this year, please submit your nomination for PTA Volunteer of the Year. Help us recognize the hard work and heart our volunteers pour into our community by submitting your nomination to Monica at monica.brinkman@gmail.com by April 8th. Please include your name and 100 words of less on why you nominated them. The Volunteer of the Year will be honored at the District Reflections Banquet on May 18th.
Save the Date!
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 β INTERNATIONAL NIGHT 6-7:30 PM
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - PTA MEETING 7pm (Media Center)
Wednesday May 13, 2026 -PTA MEETING 7pm (Media Center) - (tentative)
π± STAY IN THE LOOP! π
Donβt miss out on the latest PTA updates, events, and behind-the-scenes fun β follow us on social media!
π Check us out and give us a follow β your like might just make our day!
PTA Instagram
@pembroke_elementary_pta
PTA Facebook
Pembroke Elementary Family and Friends (Private Group)
United F.C. Michigan Soccer
SNAPtivities
π£ BPS Parent Night β For Families of ALL Ages!
From backpacks to busy schedules β executive functioning skills matter at every stage. Join us for an engaging and practical parent session: From Chaos to Competence: Teaching Executive Functioning Skills That Stick: March 26 π‘ 6:30 PM
π BCS Media Center π» Or join us virtually!
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xjHpnr5yRSOoJw1l0PaoWA
Learn strategies to help your child build organization, time management, planning, and self-regulation skills that last β from elementary through high school and beyond. We look forward to seeing you there! Flyer
Girl Scout Troop - My Guy & Me Dance 4/17/26
Birmingham Education Foundation
New Spring Fundraiser for the BEF!
Join us for a fun afternoon at Paddle & Par Sunday, April 19th 4-7 pm. (31535 Southfield Rd., Beverly Hills). Equipment provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Adults only.
Never played pickleball before? No worries! This casual open-play event will feature optional instruction from a Club Pro (and BPS teacher!) during the first hour and fun pro challenges for prizes following
Full Swing golf & sports simulators also available with optional competitions/games for prizes
$75 ticket includes 3 hours of pickleball & golf simulator, pizza & salad bar, plus 1 drink ticket
Get your ticket TODAY! https://supportbef.ejoinme.org/PaddleParFundraiser
For further assistance please contact Kathy Zanolli, Executive Director: BEF@birmingham.k12.mi.us | (248)203-3030.