Friday Notes, 10/30/2020

Dear Panther Familes,

It was great to talk with many of you this week through Principal’s Listening Sessions as we prepare for the second trimester of the 2020-2021 school year. Our staff is taking note of what has worked well so far during remote learning and making needed changes so that we can facilitate student learning to the best of our current ability. Thank you for being a part of this process and keep the good ideas coming!

When you get a chance:

1. Fill out the PTO Survey! if you have not already done so. Our next PTO meeting will be @6 PM on November 10th. We hope you can join us to review the results and plan for future engagement activities.

2. Check out the SEL Review from Ms. Collins

Also, please note that the Parkwood-Upjohn Office will be closed on election day – Tuesday, November 3rd. Parkwood is a voting site, and the precinct will be open for in-person voting. If you vote at Parkwood-Upjohn, please enter through the exterior gym entrance in the rear of the building.

Have a great Halloween Weekend!

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 10/23/2020

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you to everyone who has donated books for our ongoing Book Share on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30-12:30 at Parkwood-Upjohn. We have given away over 300 books to students and look forward to providing many more students with reading opportunities in the weeks to come!

Also, thank you for helping your child participate in afternoon small group instruction with teachers and tutors. Small group settings allow us to personalize our teaching to meet the unique needs of each student.

With the decision having been made to remain in a remote learning setting for Trimester II in KPS, next week’s Parkwood Principal’s Listening Sessions will be focused on continuing to facilitate the best possible learning experience for students – which means looking for areas of possible improvement. If you are able to attend, please bring your ideas and questions. The sessions will be held on:

– Monday, October 26th from 1:30-2:30 PM

– Wednesday, October 28th from 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Don’t forget to check out this week’s SEL Review with Ms. Collins and have a great weekend!

Kind regards,

Mr. Murray

KPS Option 1 to Remain Virtual in Trimester 2

Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri announced at the Oct. 22 Board of Education meeting that KPS students will remain learning remotely for the second trimester. 

ALSO: Students in Option 2A will receive a survey on Friday, Oct. 23, asking if they would like to remain in 2A or transfer to Option 1. The Smart and Safe Start Plan allowed 2A students to transfer to Option 1 at the end of the first trimester — if the district moved to hybrid instruction. 

Although that is not happening, Raichoudhuri said, “We are committed to being flexible to support our students. Even though we are remaining remote, there are some potential opportunities for students to move to Option 1 if there is room in Option 1 classes, as defined by contractual class-size limits. We will prioritize movement for students with special needs and English language learners.”  

The final day of school for Trimester 1 is Monday, Nov. 23. There is no school Nov. 24-27 (Thanksgiving break). Trimester 2 begins on Monday, Nov. 30. Depending on the state of the pandemic, the Option 1/three-tiered plan allows for the possibility of students returning to school full-time, five days a week for the third trimester, which begins March 15. Raichoudhuri has pledged to seek stakeholder input about the third trimester — just as she has done throughout the planning process for the 2020-21 school year. 

Friday Notes, 10/9/2020

Dear Panther Families,

I am looking forward to teachers being able to connect with parents through Fall Conferences next week. Please note the following changes due to these important conversations between staff and parents;

– Thursday, October 15th will be a half-day of school.

– Friday, October 16th will also be a half-day of school for students.

Also, don’t forget to check out the SEL Review from Ms. Collins and to feel free to take advantage of our Book Share opportunities during meal distribution times on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Finally, please note that Dr. Raichoudhuri will be hosting multiple October Stakeholder Town Hall sessions next week.  The topic will be the Option 1 learning plan for the second trimester.  This page has more information on these events.

Thanks for working together for the benefit of every Parkwood-Upjohn student.

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 10/2/2020

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you all for the team effort this week as we finished up the NWEA MAP Math and Reading tests for Fall, 2020. Since the Spring, 2020 NWEA and M-Step assessments were cancelled due to school closures the tests your child just completed gives us needed information to help us plan for academic growth.

A great opportunity to review your child’s academic growth and current and future needs will be at Parkwood-Upjohn’s Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences which will be held on October 13th, 14th and 15th. In order for teachers to successfully plan for and meet with parents during this week your child will have half-days of school on Friday, October 9th and Friday, October 16th. Your child’s teacher will be in touch with more details.

Also, if you have questions about Specials and need to talk to a grade level teacher about Art, Music or P.E., please feel free to utilize the Specials Website while logged in to a KPS account.

Thank you for helping our students stay engaged in distance learning and, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, comments and ideas. 

Thanks for being part of the Panther Team,

Mr. Murray