The Spencer Scoop

Important Bus Drop-Off Reminder

For the safety of our youngest Roadrunners, the Board of Education has approved a new bus drop-off procedure for Brighton Area Schools:

• A parent or parent designee (with written permission) must be present at the drop-off location for all Junior-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students.

• For grades 2–4, a parent at drop-off is not required but strongly recommended.

This change helps ensure our students get home safely and prevents delays for buses and families. If you’d like to assign a designee (such as an older sibling or another trusted adult), please provide written permission.

Thank you for supporting this important safety measure!

Usually by the end of the second week of school, the issues we see at dismissal resolve as students get used to a new routine. This year, dismissal time still seems to be a chaotic time of day. Here are some things you can do to ensure a smooth dismissal at the end of the day...

1) Make sure your student and/or their teacher knows their plan after school (Bus? Pick Up? Friendship Center? Soccer?)

2) Make sure you bring your ID with you when you pick up your student

3) Make sure your student's emergency contact list is up to date with anyone who will be picking up your student and ensure that they bring their ID with them to pick up your student

4) Make sure Friendship Center knows of any changes that have been made to their schedule (ie: your child went home ill and will not be attending, or your student will be at soccer and not be attending)

5) Please do not bring any pets with you when you pick up (or drop off) your student. Pets are not allowed on school grounds when children are present unless they are a service animal.

Thank you for your cooperation as we all work to get your student home safely and in a timely manner.

Do you love to explore, discover, and get your hands a little dirty? Our new Research-Based Gardening Club is the perfect mix of science, creativity, and outdoor fun! Students will become “garden scientists,” researching which plants will thrive right here at Spencer based on our unique site conditions. Along the way, they’ll practice reading, writing, and problem-solving skills—then put their research into action by planting and caring for seeds that will grow into our future Spring Garden Club.

This is a hands-on opportunity for curious minds to dig deeper into nature, teamwork, and discovery—all while helping design and prepare the garden space that our whole school will enjoy in the spring.

Tuesdays, Sept 23 – Nov 18 (No class Nov 4)
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Cost: $25

Spots are limited—don’t miss out on this chance to grow your gardening skills and leave a lasting mark at Spencer!

Registration opens soon and a link will be provided in next week's Scoop as well as on the Spencer PTO Facebook page.

Hello Readers:

* We are off to a great start in the Media Center this year! Students will be taking books home for the first time next week. Please be sure to have a designated space in your home for library books, and be sure to send them back each week. You can find your child's library day on the schedule below.

* Spencer's Fall Book Fair will be on Thursday, Sept. 25th from 5:00-7:30pm in the Media Center. The PTO Family Picnic is that night from 6:00-7:30pm. NEW THIS YEAR: this will be a card only event!!! Teacher Wish Baskets will be on display, so please peruse the baskets and support our amazing teachers by buying a book for the class. Volunteers will be needed, so please look for a sign-up from the PTO: we cannot do it without you. If you are unable to attend in person, you can visit the Book Fair virtually from 9-26-25 to 10-3-25 via this link: Scholastic Book Fair Online 9-26 to 10-3

Happy Reading,

Mrs. McBride

We are continuing our efforts to maximize security and minimize traffic in our lobby where students frequently pass through at any given time during the course of a school day, and will again use the QR code system for parents/guardians when either 1) signing in your student tardy or 2) picking up your student early. The QR codes will be affixed outside Door #1 (the main entrance door) and you will simply use the camera on your phone to scan the QR codes (NOTE: one code is for signing IN a student and one code is for signing OUT a student). After you scan the code, it will direct you to either the Student Sign In or Sign Out Google Form. The office and/or safety officer will then locate your student and send them out to you where you will show your ID. **NOTE** This year you will have to wait outside for your student to come down for an early pick up so be mindful of the weather conditions (ie: bring an umbrella if it's raining). To expedite this process, it will be helpful to you to send in a note with your student in the morning to give to the teacher if you will be picking up your student early.

Here are the QR Links. You can always save these to your phone for quick reference.

GOOGLE FORM FOR STUDENT SIGN IN

GOOGLE FORM FOR STUDENT SIGN OUT

Picture Day is Tuesday, September 23rd! There will be a Picture Retake Day on October 29th in the event your student is absent on Picture Day. Ordering instructions are below. I have also attached the order form for you to see the picture package information.

Picture Day ID: 29XM9BTVE

Dear Parents,

We’d like to share some important information about Free & Reduced-Price Meal eligibility.

While all students currently receive meals at no cost through the Michigan School Meals Program, qualifying for Free or Reduced-Price Meals can provide additional benefits for your child and family—including reduced fees for school activities, athletics, and testing.

In past years, most students’ eligibility was determined through a process called Direct Certification. This automatically qualifies students without the need for families to apply. However, this year Direct Certification has not identified as many eligible students as in the past.

If your child has qualified for Free or Reduced-Price Meals in previous years but you have not received a notification this year, you may need to complete a short application. Also, if you feel that you may now qualify, you should fill out this application as well (Link to Qualification Standards). The good news—it’s quick and simple to do!

• Paper applications are available in all schools.

• Applications can also be printed from the district website.

• An online Application is available on Parent Connect

If you are unsure of your eligibility status or have any questions, please call the Food Service Office at 810-299-4175 and we’ll be happy to help.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to ensure your child receives all the benefits they are entitled to.

Sincerely,

The Brighton Area Schools Student Nutrition Department

Please look over the following information. For the first week of school teachers will be greeting their students on the sidewalk at the front of the school. You may help your child find their teacher and return to your car. The second week of school students can be dropped off in the Student Drop-Off Zone. The Student Drop-Off Zone is the best option to keep traffic flowing and students arriving to school on time. Also, we won't have adults outside until 8:55. Please do not drop off your child before then.

Click here for the procedures

DROP OFF (8:55 AM)

1. Do not drop off your child before 8:55 AM. We do not have adults outside to supervise until 8:55 AM and the classrooms will not be opened before this time.

2. When entering the Student Drop-Off Zone, have your child ready with their belongings to exit the vehicle. Remain in your vehicle and have your child exit from the passenger side. Children and adults should never get out of the driver’s side while in the Student Drop-Off Zone.

3. Please pull all the way forward and then stop to let your child out.

4. After dropping off your child, wait for the cars in front of you to exit. Do not try to pass, as it puts students in danger.

5. After 9:05 AM the Student Drop-Off Zone will be closed and you must park and walk your child up to Door #1 at the main entrance to sign them in tardy from the QR Code on the door.

PICK UP (3:58 PM)

1. To ensure that your child is in the correct location, please make sure your child’s teacher knows your child is a pick-up. You will need to contact the office if there has been a change in your student's transportation at the end of the day. We ask that you do not email the teachers as they are teaching and aren’t always able to check their emails during the day.

2. All students who are being picked up at dismissal will wait inside the classroom. You will go to your child’s designated door (see the list below for door numbers) and at 3:58 PM your child will be dismissed.

3. When picking up your child, make sure you have your photo ID. If a grandparent or other adult will be picking up your student, please be sure they are listed as an emergency contact in Parent Connect and they will need to show a photo ID.

Important Reminders and Updates:

• Please access the crosswalk at the main entrance only

• Do not park in the crosswalk areas.

• Do not pull in handicap spaces to drop off/pick up. These spaces are for our students who need wheelchair access or for adults who are handicapped and need to walk in.

• Students of any age are not allowed to walk in the parking lot without an adult.

• The bus lot is not available for student drop off/pick up.

We will monitor this process and will make adjustments to the procedures to increase efficiency and safety. School traffic is challenging, and we appreciate and thank you for your patience as we work to make our parking lot safe and efficient. We anticipate long lines during the first week of school. Please do not pass cars to bypass these lines to access the parking lot. Again, I know that these changes may cause a slight inconvenience, however, they will allow us to better ensure the safety of our students.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Boyd, Principal

Click Here for Drop-off Directions

PTO News

2025/2026 PTO Board

Colleen Gaiefsky - Co- President
Amber Gaines - Co- President
Mandy Oswalt - Vice-President
Amanda Dennis - Co-Secretary
Lindsey Kovacs - Co-Secretary
Michele Lewis- Co-Treasurer
Brandy Solanick- Co-Treasurer

Katelyn Bill - Member-at-Large

Kendra Cupp - Member-at-Large

Amber Czajka - Member at Large

Stephanie Day -Member-at-Large
Ashley Kasmierczak- Member-at-Large
Angela Kissel - Member-at-Large
Melissa Rife- Member-at-Large

STUDENT T-SHIRT ORDERS – LAST CHANCE!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/spencer-elementary-2025-t-shirt-order

If a shirt order is not placed, we will be left to guess the shirt size of your student based upon average size for grade level.

**Please Note** All students will receive a shirt regardless of ability to pay, so please submit a size for all students.

SAVE THE DATE

Family Picnic, which will be held from 6pm-7:30pm on Thursday, September 25th. This is the perfect time to connect with other Spencer families while you enjoy hotdogs and more! Sign up here to volunteer - Picnic Sign Up Genius

It's a really fun night, and we hope you'll join us.

The 13th Annual Roadrunner Run Fundraiser has launched!

Our 13th Annual Roadrunner Run, which will be held in the afternoon on Friday, October 10th. It's one of our biggest school fundraisers of the year, and it is a lot of fun for the kids! (Volunteer opportunities for set up and for cheer stations will be made available soon! Fundraising paperwork was sent home with students on September 5th.

ADULT AND SIBLING SHIRTS

Families, if you would like to purchase this year's special Roadrunner shirt for yourself or for siblings, KVV has created a special shopping link just for you! They have also added a long sleeved option for you to choose from AND have added an additional Spencer design as well! https://kensingtonvalleyvarsity.com/spencerelementary25/shop/home

Popcorn Friday Sign Up

The PTO is excited to announce that they are funding Popcorn Fridays this year! Below is the sign up to volunteer (must have background check completed).

Popcorn Friday Volunteer Signup

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

For the most up-to-date happenings with Spencer Elementary PTO, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/402232026502881 or visit our page online at https://spencerroadpto.weebly.com/

Determination - Optimism - Generosity - Solidarity

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! As we begin, it’s the perfect time to focus not only on academic goals but also on overall wellness. Wellness means caring for our mind, body, and emotions so we can do our best in school, at home, and in the community. As we start the new year, remember there will be highs and lows, successes and failures, but staying the course is what is important.

The Summit Video (Elementary) The 1% Rule (Secondary)

Consider some of these tips to start your year off strong:

Start with Small Goals
Pick one healthy habit to focus on this month—like drinking more water, taking movement breaks, or writing down something good each day. Small steps build big change!

You can also use our Brighton Area Schools App to submit a SMART Goal (click on Your Best, Your Growth, Your Future)

Protect Your Sleep
Your brain learns best when it’s rested. Try to keep a regular bedtime and avoid screens right before bed.

Talk It Out
Feeling stressed or worried? Share it with a friend, teacher, or counselor. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Stay Organized
Use a planner or phone reminders to keep track of homework, activities, and important dates. Staying organized reduces stress and gives you more free time.

Move Your Body
Stretch, walk, or play outside every day. Movement boosts your mood and energy.

Be Kind to Yourself
The beginning of the year can feel overwhelming. Remember—it’s okay to make mistakes and learn as you go.

Additional information and resources can be found on our Mental Health & Wellness website or the BAS app.

McKinney-Vento Act Support

Brighton Area Schools supports students experiencing temporary housing through the McKinney-Vento Act. Assistance is available for school needs, housing referrals, clothing, and more. If you know a student in need, please contact your building principal or district liaison Starr Acromite at 810-299-4040.

Our Mission:

Fueling Kids' Futures (formerly known as Blessings in a Backpack) mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry.

Our Vision:

Every school-aged child in America has the nourishment needed to learn and grow. As a leader in the movement to end childhood hunger, Fueling Kids' Futures strives to ensure children do not go hungry on the weekends by empowering individuals and communities to take action.

Why Do We Do It:

Did you know that 13 MILLION CHILDREN are experiencing food insecurity? That’s one in six American children who may be struggling with access to food.

The consequences of hunger are much more than a growling stomach. Poor nutrition can result in a weaker immune system, increased hospitalization, lower IQ, shorter attention spans, and lower academic achievement. Children are fed during the school week by federal government programs. We want to make sure they’re getting nutritional meals over the weekend, too.

Brighton has a local chapter and we would love to help. If you are in need or interested in your family receiving food for the weekend, please let the office know. Click on the button below, fill out the form and turn it in to the office. All of the information will be kept confidential.

You will find the Drop Off Cabinet near the main entrance to the school. Here you will put those forgotten items that your student may need. Simply fill out the small slip of paper with the student's name and teacher, and a staff member will deliver the item to your student.

Spencer has a Food Pantry that was gifted to us by our Spencer Class of 2024 students and PTO. It is located outside in the front of the school behind the Teacher's Retreat near Door #3. Feel free to visit if you need some assistance with food. We are also accepting donations to stock up the Food Pantry. If you are so inclined to help with that, it would be greatly appreciated.

We have a brand new Lost & Found in a brand new location this year. It is now located at the front of the building near Door #3 next to the Food Pantry.

Parents - Please make sure you pack a change of clothes (that are weather appropriate) in your child's backpack EVERY DAY. This is for ALL students, grades JK-4th, you never know when your student may have a nosebleed, or loose a tooth, or spill food/milk on their shirt, or find a mud puddle outside, or have a bathroom accident. If your student keeps a change of clothing in their backpack, then we can take care of it here, otherwise we need you to bring up a change of clothes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please remember to send your child to school each day with a refillable water bottle with their name on it. Spencer has water refilling stations throughout the building and we encourage students to drink water throughout the day.

Please remember to bring your ID with you EVERY day you come to pick up your student! We frequently have substitute teachers that will not recognize you and will send you back to your vehicle to get your ID before releasing your child to you. This is for the safety and security of your student.

September

11 - Curriculum Night from 5:30-6:45 PM

22-26 - Pink Week (more information to come...)

23 - Picture Day (more information to come...)

25 - Family Picnic from 6-7:30 PM

October

10 - Annual Roadrunner Run (more information to come...)

This Spencer Parent Resource Guide is filled with important information and answers to most (if not all) the questions you may have.

If you are planning to volunteer in classrooms or on field trips this year, you must fill out a background check. This needs to be done each year and if you have students in other buildings around the district, you only have to fill out the form one time and indicate which buildings you would like to volunteer in. Here are the steps to get to the form...

Go to www.brightonk12.com

Click on District

Click on Donate & Volunteer

Click on Volunteers & Student Teachers

Click on ONLINE Volunteer/Student Teacher Form

Student Drop Off: 8:55 AM

First Bell: 9:01 AM

Second Bell: 9:05 AM

Starting Time In Class: 9:05 AM

Dismissal Time: 3:58 PM

Students eating Breakfast may enter the cafeteria at 8:45 AM

Attendance Line: 810-299-4354

*Please remember to call your child's absence in as early as possible.

Email: boydc@brightonk12.com
Website: https://www.brightonk12.com/Domain/238
Location: 10639 Spencer Road, Brighton, MI, United States
Phone: 810-299-4350
Twitter: @SpencerElem