Hoopla Excitement!

Parkwood-Upjohn’s biggest fundraiser of the year is set!  Join us Friday, November 7 for Hoopla!  The fun starts at 6:00 pm at Milwood Middle School with the auction of hundreds of items donated by various businesses, families, and classrooms.  Food will be available as part of the 5th grade’s efforts to raise funds for 5th grade camp at Sherman Lake.   At 7:00 pm, the annual basketball game between Parkwood staff and the staffs of Milwood Middle and Maple Street takes place with lots of laughs.  Word on the street that some special guests may be making an appearance for the event!

Important Dates:

T-Shirt Order Forms Due October 10
Hoopla Donations Due by November 3

The donation form and t-shirt order forms were sent home this week to the students.  Forms are also available online at http://www.parkwoodpto.com.

We would love everyone’s help in making Hoopla a success!  Let us know how you would like to get involved!

Full Swing Ahead!

Here is a list of upcoming events happening at Parkwood-Upjohn:

Parkwood Upjohn Open House – Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm 
Principal Greymountain and staff will introduce themselves and the goals for the school starting at 5:30 on Tuesday, September 16.  After a brief introduction, the open house will begin.  Be sure to stop by the PTO table to fill out a volunteer form.  This form needs to be updated yearly and helps us contact those interested in helping in specific areas (Hoopla, classroom volunteer, vegetable garden, etc.)

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting – Tuesday, September 16 at 7:00 pm
The PTO meeting will be held in the gym starting at 7:00 pm.  We will be introducing the new board members as well as highlighting upcoming events and how parents can get involved.  There is an extensive list of activities and programs the PTO funds, including field trips, teacher grants, and the Valentine’s Dance.  Child care will be provided by the Loy Norrix National Honor Society.

Picture Day – Thursday, September 18
This will happen throughout the school day.  Forms have been sent home or can be picked up at school.

Be sure to check out http://www.parkwoodpto.com and Facebook for updates on other events and to help answer questions.

First Day of School Success!

Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year at Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary!  Today was full of wonderful weather and excited kids, eager to learn!  It was great seeing many new families as well.  In order to help out the new families and to remind those who have been around, here are a few things about the school day:

• Parking:  No parking is allowed on Park Street across from the buses during posted times and along the east side of Tremont Street.  Parking in these areas causes traffic issues for buses and other vehicles.  These areas will be ticketed by Kalamazoo Public Safety.  There is ample parking on the surrounding streets.  Please allow time to safely park or drop off your child at the start of the school day.  At the end of the day, the back parking area is open to traffic.  Be mindful of foot traffic and school crossing guards.  When parking in the back lot, pull forward in order to allow other cars to enter the lot and prevent traffic backed up on Park Street.
• Walking to School:  Remind your students to use the crosswalks.  Crossing mid-block can be dangerous, especially when cars may not be anticipating a child in the area.  Teach them to listen to the crossing guards as well.
• If you arrive late with your student, you must sign them in at the office.  The staff also appreciates knowing when a student will be leaving early in order to minimize disruptions in the classrooms.