Friday Notes, 11/20/2020

Dear Panther Families,

We have just one more day of classes for the first trimester of the 2020-2021 school year. This will be a full day of morning and afternoon classes on Monday, November 23rd. Thank you for partnering with Parkwood-Upjohn like never before in order for your child to be educated! Enjoy the Thanksgiving Break and we look forward to returning to formal teaching and learning on Monday, November 30th.

When you have a free moment next week take some time to check out;

A. This week’s Panther Project Idea  – which, this week is really a collection of kids cooking ideas. When students help create a Thanksgiving meal they not only get to enjoy what they make, they also have the opportunity to review and learn important math, science and reading comprehension skills.

B. Talk to your child about this past week’s Social-Emotional classes and fill out a survey from the Kalamazoo Public Schools Behavior Specialist Association regarding an upcoming Parent Roundtable focused on student and family mental health.

Have a great weekend and we will see you on Monday for the last day of student classes for the first trimester.

Kind regards,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 11/13/2020

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you to all of our parents who joined us for the monthly Parkwood-Upjohn PTO meeting. I’m looking forward to our PTO Family Virtual Game Night on December 8th at 6 PM! Look for more information soon about this upcoming event.

Speaking of giving thanks, check out this week’s Panther Project Idea – A Banner Thanksgiving. Now is a great time to reach out and say thanks to everyone that is important to you.

I am thankful to all of the community members that have donated to the Parkwood-Upjohn Book Share. In addition to this popular program, next week marks the beginning of the Curbside Library at Parkwood-Upjohn. The Curbside Library is a way for students to check-out Parkwood library books online and pick them up in the office. Here’s how it works;

1st – Use this video or these written directions to reserve books.

2nd – Our Librarian, Ms. Yerden-Ferguson, then will pull and hold the book(s) for your child.

3rd – Come up to the school on Tuesday from 9 AM – 3 PM to pick up your child’s books

4th – When you’re child is done reading, please return the books at the main entrance of the school any weekday between 8 AM and 4 PM. There will be a return bin in the main entrance foyer.

Finally, make sure to check out this week’s Social Emotional Lesson Review from Parkwood’s Behavior Specialist – Ms. Collins. This week’s family wrap-up is focused on student organizational skills. 

Have a fantastic weekend Panthers,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 11/6/2020

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you to all of the parents that have been able to complete the 2020 Parkwood-Upjohn PTO Survey. If you have not had a chance to do so, complete the survey right away because it closes at 5 PM today! We hope you all can join us to discuss the survey results and upcoming PTO events at our next virtual PTO Meeting next Tuesday, November 10th @6 PM. Please look for an email from me early next week or to the PTO Facebook page for the Zoom meeting link.

Are you looking for a fun fall learning extension to do as a family? Try this week’s Panther Project Idea – it’s a fun way for the whole family to figure out why leaves lose their green color in the fall. My 4th grade daughter loved it! 

Also, don’t forget to check out the Social Emotional Learning Review from our Behavior Specialist, Ms. Collins. The Social-Emotional Learning Review is a vehicle to help families discuss what students have learned about holistic health in their classes this week. This week’s topics are Stress Management and Goal Setting.

Thank you for continuing to help your student make both Morning Google Meets and Afternoon Small-Group classes learning priorities!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Murray