Bur's Banter: September 2009

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Looking forward to another GREAT year!!

Welcome Back!

September is such an exciting time..... filled with new beginnings in which every student and staff make a fresh start and build upon the lessons learned in previous years. There has been much activity over the summer and we are looking forward to a year filled with many successes. We were able to obtain a document camera (purchased through the 'Gaffney demonstration grant" for every classroom. The Kerby library also has new computers, a 'SMART' board and a portable computer lab which allows our students and staff to use these instructional tools to support teaching and learning in every classroom.

We are also adopting PLC Mondays for teacher collaboration. These meetings will be scheduled with late-start and early dismissal on Mondays for elementary students, consistent with Grosse Pointe secondary schools' current practice. The common time will allow teachers at all grade levels the opportunity to examine school improvement initiatives focused on best practice and student achievement.

There are many great things happening at Kerby and we are ready for another great year!!

Kerby WOW's

*We 'kicked off' the holiday season with the annual Thanksgiving Sing on Friday, November 20th! During this wonderful Kerby tradition we recognized and celebrated the character traits of 40 Kerby Cougars.

*Kerby's annual Halloween was a huge success and fun was had by all. We held our 2nd Go Green assembly after the assembly and we were able to recognize 23 Kerby students for their Respectful, Responsible, Honest, and Caring behaviors. Way to go Cougars!

*Kerby's 1st Go Green assembly was held on Wednesday, September 30th! We recognized 48 who accepted the 'let's read the 4 book challenge over the summer. We also recognized 37 5th graders who were nominated for the 'Give Me Ten' program at Bair Lake Camp. Way to go Kerby Cougars!

*A huge thank you to Max Roeske (Kerby class of 2006) and the 5th grade class of 2009 for the GaGa Ball court. This has been a great addition to the playfield and I look forward to all of the laughter and fun kids will have.

*Kerby students performed very well on the Fall 2008 MEAP tests; they were at the top of the district in almost every area! Individual student reports were sent home with students on April 30th.

*Kerby recognized 12 students for their Self-Discipline as part of our Give Me Ten program on March 6th.

* During our annual Jump Rope for Heart the Kerby community raised: $3,543.00 for the American Heart Association!!! As we looked back over the last 15 years of this event, the Kerby Community has raised and donated to the American Heart Association a Grand Total of: $62,048.00 !!!!!!
******This is something we all should be proud of.*****

Thanks to each of you for helping us to fight against heart disease and stroke which has plagued people we know and love.

*Kerby recognized 13 students for their Respectful behavior as part of our 'Give Me Ten' program on February 13th.

*Mrs. Sullivan's 3rd grade class earned $493.65 at their annual bake sale which they donated to help a family in need!!!

* 220 Students recognized as outstanding citizens through the 'Give Me Ten' Character Awards program during the 2007-08 school year.

* 96.5% Average Student Attendance rate during the 2007-08 school year.

* 99% of parents participated in Parent-Teacher conferences in 2007-08.

Booster Seat Law

State law requires that students less than 8 years old or 4’9” (whichever comes first) must use correctly installed booster seats with both a lap and shoulder belt. Booster seats are safest when used in the back seat. The law exempts buses from this requirement. Teachers must make provisions to ensure that the requirements of this law are met for all field trips requiring transportation.

ICHAT forms must be filled out annually by parents/guardians who wish to drive on field trips or chaperone overnight field trips

Ask the Principal?

How can I access the new website?
Please visit: htttp://gpschools.schoolwires.net/gpkerby/site/default.asp#
The old website at www.gpschools.org/kerby/ will no longer be updated.
If you are looking for the Kerby Newsletters once on the new website, do the following:
Click on the NEWS tab (in between the ANNOUNCEMENTS and EVENTS tabs)
Click on KERBY NEWSLETTERS
Click on the date of the KERBY NEWSLETTER you want to read!
What can I do as a parent to help make the Beaupre drop-off/pick-up zone more efficient?
If you use the Beaupre zone when dropping off or picking up your child, please do not pull into the 'zone' until you see your child waiting on the sidewalk. Please do not get out of your car, or wait until your child joins their classmates in line before pulling away. If you'd like to do that, please use one of the suggested locations to park and walk with your child while they wait for the entry bell to ring. Please do NOT make U-turns and if you are walking, cross Beaupre at the light on Kerby.

What time can students enter the building in the morning?
The entry bell for students rings at 8:20 am each morning. Students who are dropped off before the bell will remain outside until 8:20 am. Safety patrol members are @ their posts each morning at 8:10 am.

Can I walk my child to the classroom door when dropping him/her off in the morning, or wait at the classroom door when picking them up in the afternoon?
Now that we are settling into routines of the day, we ask parents and older siblings to wait outside when dropping off and picking up students. The halls tend to be very congested as students are packing or unpacking their backpacks and gathering their belongings. In an effort to keep everyone safe we ask that parents/older siblings refrain from entering the building and adding to the congestion.

Can students ride their bikes or scooters to school?
Students in grades 2 thru 5 may ride their bikes or scooters to school in the fall. We strongly encourage students to wear their bike helmets and lock their bikes at the bike rack. Students should walk their bikes or scooters when they are on the sidewalks adjacent to the school and while they are crossing the street.

What is appropriate warm weather dress code?
During warm weather, shoes must be appropriate and safe. Students can wear sandals if they choose to, but they must wear socks with the sandals (they must have gym shoes on their gym day). A few students have also been wearing “wheelies,” (the shoes with wheels on them) and we have told students that they may wear these shoes to school, but the wheels should not be used at any time during the school day. Shorts or skirts must be an appropriate length; midriff tops and tank tops are not appropriate attire. Hats may be worn on the playground but should be taken off when entering the building.
Where can I find information on the school calendar?
Please visit our website: http://gpschools.schoolwires.net/gpkerby/icalsw/calendar.asp?cal=em

Can my child bring a cell phone to school?

Per Board Policy 5136, electronic paging devices are not permitted on school premises. Students may have cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) in school. A cell phone may not be used in any manner during the school day. When use is not permitted, a cell phone’s power, including ring and vibrate functions must be off, calls may not be made or answered, and electronic communications or exchanges of information may not occur. Cell phone use is allowed in high schools during lunch periods in areas designated by the principal. A teacher may prohibit cell phones and/or PDAs in a classroom in particular circumstances such as exams or presentations. Cell phone use during before-or-after-school activities is at the discretion of the coach, director, or other adult in charge.

Bur's Banter

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Looking forward to another GREAT year!!

Kerby Elementary School

'Carpe Diem'

Kerby WOW's

Booster Seat Law

Ask the Principal?

2008-09 School Supply list

About Me

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