Friday Notes, 2/26/2021

Dear Panther Families,

We are looking forward to seeing you all for Literacy Night on March 3rd from 4-5:30 either virtually, in-person, or both! Make sure to check out the directions for both celebration options below;

– Virtual

– In-Person Drive Thru

Also, check out the following important notes and reminders:

1. This week’s Panther Project Idea is a great way to cap off Black History Month: consider taking a short trip to Battle Creek to visit the Sojourner Truth Monument. My 4th grade daughter just finished up a biography of this iconic Michigander and we were able to visit the site last weekend. It’s worth the short drive!

2. This week’s Social and Emotional Review by our Behavior Specialist, Ms. Collins, which is focused on having a “Growth Mindset”.

3. There is no school next Friday, March 5th.

4. March 12th is the last day of the Second Trimester.

Enjoy the weekend, Panthers!

Mr. Murray

Friday Notes, 2/19/2021

Dear Panther Families,

I enjoyed learning about all of KPS’ amazing middle school programs during our 5th Grade Virtual Middle School Orientations today. Thank you to Ms. Fields, Ms. Strand, Ms. Schultheiss, Ms. Vankirk and Ms. McNulty for helping our oldest Panther students navigate the course selection process! If any Panther families have questions about learning options for next year, please do not hesitate to respond to me via email or call the Parkwood-Upjohn office at 269-337-0720 between 8 AM and 4 PM. The office is also a great place to drop off your Letter of Intent if you have not already.

We are looking forward to Literacy Night on March 3rd from 4:00 to 5:30 PM and hope you will be able to join us! This year, families have two options for being a part of the fun. We hope you can participate in one or both:

• The Parkwood-Upjohn Literacy Night Car Parade – An in-person, drive-thru event for teachers, students, families and staff. Come drive by and say “hi” to Parkwood teachers and support staff while picking up food, books and other awesome items! Make sure to follow MDHHS guidelines as well as the traffic route outlined in this document.

• A Virtual Literacy Night with Parkwood-Upjohn Staff. Click here to see a preview of fun, family events we can all be a part of.

Thank you for being Panthers and partnering with us for student success.

Best wishes,

Matt Murray

Friday Notes, 2/5/2021

Dear Panther Families,

I hope everyone is learning safely from home today! Due to the inclement weather, Parkwood-Upjohn office will remain closed for the remainder of today but will reopen on Monday morning at 8 AM.

Thank you to all of the families that have participated in helping to make learning decisions for KPS students as we prepare for the third trimester of the school year. The district’s decision will be announced on February 11th at the KPS Board Meeting.

Thank you also to the Parkwood-Upjohn PTO for lending a very big hand with this week’s Panther Project Idea –  feel free to stop by the school next week, Feb. 8-12, and pick up a special make-and-take Valentine’s Day craft for your student. Thank you PTO!

Finally, make sure to check out this week’s Social-Emotional Learning Review from Parkwood’s Behavior Specialist, Ms. Collins. The topic is “Optimistic Thinking”.

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Murray