Friday Notes, 1/29/2021

Dear Panther Families,

Next week, Dr. Raichoudhuri will be be hosting three virtual town halls to discuss the district’s potential plans for the final trimester of the school year. Attached here are more details from the Superintendent including links to sign up for the virtual town halls. I hope many of you will be able to attend!

At Parkwood-Upjohn we are still working hard to facilitate the success of every child during the current trimester. Make sure to check out the important information below.

– So far, we have recognized over 200 students who have had phenomenal afternoon small group attendance during the second trimester! Thank you for emphasizing the importance of afternoon Meet times with your child. The small group settings allow us to individualize learning for each student!

– The Parkwood PTO will be holding its next virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 9th from 6-7 PM.
KPS Climate and Culture Coach Heather Misner will join us as a guest presenter to discuss the mental and emotional health of children who are in a remote learning setting. Be on the lookout for the Zoom link from the PTO via email and Facebook.

– Mark your calendars for Literacy Night on March 3rd! Panther Staff will be hosting both a drive-thru style literacy parade as well as virtual events to celebrate! More information will be coming your way soon.

– Don’t forget to check out this week’s Valentine’s Day themed Panther Project Challenges and the Social-Emotional Weekly Review by our Behavior Specialist, Ms. Collins.

Have a fantastic weekend Panthers,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 1/22/2021

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you for continuing to work together to help each Parkwood-Upjohn student grow as we approach the midpoint of the second trimester. On February 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Dr. Raichoudhuri will be hosting virtual town hall meetings in order to help share and gather information regarding decision-making for the third trimester of the school year. Decisions regarding virtual and in-person learning will be announced at the February 11th KPS Board Meeting. Stay tuned for more specific details regarding town halls and the process for making learning decisions for the third trimester.

Also, don’t forget to check out these resources;

– The Amazing Expanding Snowman: this week’s Panther Project Idea.

– Essential Connections: a video series focused on mental health and wellness and presented by the Kalamazoo Behavior Specialists Association.

– Becoming a Good Friend: this week’s Social-Emotional Review presented by Ms. Collins.

Have a great weekend, Panthers,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 1/15/2021

Dear Panther Families,

Thank you for continuing to work with your child’s teacher to help students maximize afternoon small-group learning time. Student attendance and participation in these learning sessions helps us individualize learning for your child.

Don’t forget to check out:

– An exciting Panther Project Geocaching Adventure with Parkwood-Upjohn’s awesome P.E. teacher, Ms. Melvin (as weather permits).

– This week’s Social Emotional Weekly Review by Ms. Collins on the topic of having a “Growth Mindset”.

– Curbside Library directions so that students can continue to borrow books from the Parkwood-Upjohn Library.

Finally, be on the lookout for communications from Ms. Sue Coney and Dr. Raichoudhuri as KPS seeks your input regarding learning choices and plans for Trimester III. Expect the process to look similar to the decision-making process that was used before the start of Trimester II.

Have an excellent weekend, Panthers,

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 1/8/2021

Happy New Year, Panther Families!

I hope you have had an excellent first week back to school. Your child’s teachers and tutors appreciate your continued support as we begin 2021 in a fully remote learning setting. As we set our sights on success for the new year make sure to check out the following events and classroom extensions;

1. This week’s Panther Project Idea encourages students and families to set S.M.A.R.T New Year’s Resolutions.

2. Ms. Collins wraps ups this week’s Social-Emotional classroom lessons (focused on how to set S.M.A.R.T. goals)

3. Parkwood-Upjohn’s Curbside Library is still open and our Library Assistant, Ms. Yerden-Ferguson, is waiting for your child’s requests!

4. The Parkwood PTO will be hosting its 2nd Family Game Night on January 12th at 6 PM. I hope to see you there!

Let’s keep partnering to help all Parkwood-Upjohn students be the very best Panthers they can be!

Kind regards,

Mr. Murray