615 Jones St., Grand Ledge, MI 48837 | Phone: 517-925-5480 | Fax: 517-925-5523 | COVID Line: 517-925-5725
School hours are 9am-3:55pm. Please do not drop students off before 8:40am. Students must be picked up by 4:05pm.
HALF DAY today 11/17 ... students dismiss at 12:10pm.
Message from the Principal
November 17, 2023
As we approach the season of gratitude, I can't help but reflect on the incredible support and partnership we share with each and every one of our parents and caregivers. Your dedication to your child's education is truly commendable, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the small yet profound moments that shape our children's growth. Whether it's helping with school work, attending school events, or simply providing a listening ear, your unwavering commitment does not go unnoticed.
Our school community is like a thriving garden, and each family is an essential part of its beauty. Your involvement in your child's education not only enhances their academic experience but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our close-knit community.
This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the trust you place in us as educators. Your collaboration and support create a nurturing environment where every child can flourish and reach their full potential.
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate this season of thanks, let's remember the importance of gratitude and the positive impact it has on our children. Your love and involvement are the cornerstones of their success, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and moments of reflection on all we have to be thankful for.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Bill Albrecht, Principal
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Conner
Wunder App: ADHD Help for Parents
If you are looking for a way to connect with experts and other parents to help your child thrive, check out this free community app specifically designed for parents of kids with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia. Wunder has exercises designed by experts, including psychologists and it offers a vast library of credible resources. Use the app to join topic-based groups and get helpful, personalized information in a safe, judgment-free community. Wunder also has a feature that allows parents to log their child’s behavior to see patterns emerge plus get personalized insights and tips tailored to your family’s needs.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL The Grand Ledge United Methodist Church is providing a free meal the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Rides are available for families as needed. Location: Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church, 411 Harrison Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837. Call June for more information at 517.627.3256. If you family would need a ride to the event please email: sara.holding86@gmail.com
Parent/Guardian Concerns - Guide for Communicating Questions or Concerns
With the rapid rate of change occurring in our society, there are many implications for change in our schools as well. If a question or concern arises, please seek an answer or solution by contacting the teacher first and then the building principal or designee. If the question or concern is not satisfactorily resolved at the building level, the concerned person may appeal to the next highest level of authority.
Please use the following step process to address any concerns that may arise: Step 1 - Contact the teacher or staff member most closely associated with the issue. Step 2 - If unresolved, contact the principal or supervisor. Step 3 - If unresolved, contact the Superintendent’s Office (517-925-5401). Step 4 - If unresolved, contact the Board of Education.
If you have a general matter concern, or you are unsure whom to contact, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 517-925-5401 to be directed to the appropriate personnel.
Academic Services (517-925-5403): for concerns associated with classroom instruction, report cards, and district curriculum. Human Resources (517-925-5406): for concerns associated with staff/personnel. Operations (517-925-5430): for concerns associated with facilities, grounds or transportation. Student Services (517-925-5410): for concerns associated with Special Education.
Paper Gator
Our Paper Gator has moved to the back parking lot. It is still accessible outside of school hours. Thanks for understanding.
Don't trash or even recycle your newpapers, magazines, copy paper, phone books and catalogs. Drop them off at Holbrook's Paper Gator! ANY paper is acceptable and you can see exactly what is accepted and not on the front of the receptacle. Best part is that Holbrook gets paid for people doing their part in recycling!! Such an easy way to earn a few dollars for our school.
A big THANK YOU to everyone that visited the Fall Book Fair in person and online! The book fair is a great fundraiser for the library, and this fall's book fair was a great success. A special thanks to those of you that purchased books from the teacher and library wish lists. With the proceeds from the Book Fair, we look forward to filling the library with the books your children love to read. If you still wish to shop, the online book fair is open until November 19th.
Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk for $0.50 if they choose.
Please note that students do not have access to a microwave for lunch.
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 17 » Half Day (dismissal 12:10)
Nov. 20-24 » Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 5 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Dec. 20 » 2nd Grade Field Trip - Impression 5
Dec. 22-Jan. 5 » Winter Break
Jan. 9 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Jan. 15 » MLK Day - NO School
Feb. 6 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Feb. 16 » Half Day (dismissal 12:10)
Feb. 19 » President's Day - NO School
Mar. 5 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Mar. 12, 13, 15 - Elem. Conferences
Mar. 15 » Half Day (dismissal 12:10)
Mar. 22-29 » Spring Break
Apr. 2 » PTO Meeting (Library)
May 7 » PTO Meeting (Library)
May 20 » Half Day (dismissal 12:10)
May 27 » Memorial Day - NO School
Jun 4 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Jun 14 » Half Day (last day of school)
ERESA Elementary Career Newsletter
Below is the link for the November Elementary Career Newsletter from ERESA; it includes upcoming events for students & their families, as well as educator events and resources! Newsletter link
Lost & Found
The lost and found is bursting at the seams ... three deep on each hook. Feel free to stop by the school anytime between 7:30 am - 4 pm. The lost and found is located in the vestibule between the gym and playground and can also be accessed in the evenings when the building is open to gym schedules.
PTO Postings
Popcorn Friday update: Popcorn will now be $1 per bag effective on December 1st. This price increase is due to costs increasing for supplies. Profits made from Popcorn are used for classroom needs such as snacks.
The Holbrook PTO is asking for snack donations if you are willing and able to donate. Donations can be dropped off at the main office during school hours.
The Holbrook Spirit Wear fundraiser is coming to a close on Sunday, November 19th. Be sure to get those orders in and support our Holbrook PTO!
Holbrook PTO has collaborated with Panera Bread for a fundraiser. Join us on 12/6 from 4-8 pm for dinner. Mention the fundraiser and show them your flyer (attached) for Holbrook PTO to recieve credit. 25% of sales will come back to the Holbrook PTO!
Our next Holbrook PTO meeting is Tuesday, December 5th. Our monthly meetings are always open to the public. These take place at 6pm at the Holbrook Elementary library. We will live stream the meeting so please be on the look out on our Facebook page if you'd like to attend virtually.
2023-24 PTO Meeting Schedule ...12/5, 1/9, 2/6, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, 6/4. All meetings are held in the Holbrook library at 6 pm. Childcare will be provided by National Honors Society students.
Popcorn Fridays - 12/1, 1/12, 2/2, 3/1, 4/5, and 5/3
Please like and follow the HOLBROOK ELEMENTARY PTO page on Facebook for PTO updates and volunteer opportunities.
Important Information from the Office
Student Drop Off/Pick Up When dropping off your child in the drop off line, please make sure your student is able to exit the vehicle themselves with their belongings, otherwise please park and walk them to the crosswalk.
Late Arrivals If your student is going to be late and needs school lunch, you must call the office by 9:15am to order lunch for them.
Medication Drop Off If your student will require medication during the school day, you will need to provide the proper paperwork. All medications must be turned into the office by an adult. This includes over the counter medications, any ointments, and cough drops. Medical paperwork can be found on the district website under Parent Resources Medical Paperwork
Blessings in a Backpack If your student needs additional food at home, the Grand Ledge Blessings in a Backpack program is here. For over a decade, this program has provided bags of food for weekend meals at no cost to hundreds of students in the Grand Ledge area. For students attending school in-person, a bag of nourishing, kid-friendly food will be placed discretely in their backpack or locker at the end of each week during the school year (except during school breaks). Examples of some of the food items distributed are: macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, soup, oatmeal, granola bars, fruit cups, and beef ravioli. If you would like your student to participate in the program, please fill out the permission form that went home or request one from the office. Return the form to the school office by Wednesday, September 13th, for your student to receive the first bag on September 21st.
Lost and Found The lost and found is located near the gym in playground vestibule. If your student is missing something, please have them check the lost and found. Labeling clothing/items will also help us to return things to students.
Need Shoes or Boots? The Old Newsboys Association of Greater Lansing is a nonprofit charitable organization whose sole purpose is to provide footwear to needy school children. This includes well fitting school shoes, warm boots and socks. For, assistance and to obtain a request for footwear form, please contact our office (hirschmana@glcomets.net).
Need Hats or Gloves? Please call the office (517-925-5480) and let us know. We have a supply of donated items that we'd love to get to your child if needed.
End of the Day Changes If you need to change end of the day plans for your student, please contact the office prior to 3pm so proper notes can be delivered to classrooms. Thank you so much!!
Illness Reminders We ask that your child be 24 hours free of fever (without fever reducing medications), vomiting or diarrhea before you send them back to school after they have been out sick. We appreciate your cooperation with this!
Covid Reporting To report a positive Covid case, please complete the Covid Reporting Form.
Change of Clothes Please send in a change of clothing with your student to be left in their locker. Students have spills during lunch or get muddy/wet on the playground. The office supply of clothing is very limited and students are often more comfortable in their own clothing.
Student Birthday Treat Policy Student birthday treat policy will be up to each individual classroom teacher. Communicate clearly and often with your student’s families regarding your specific policy so they know your expectations. Keep in mind that not all students celebrate birthdays, and not all birthdays are positive for students. Also be sure to be mindful of allergies. Food must be store bought & prepackaged. Encourage healthy snacks at all times.
Raptor Visitor Management System Starting Grand Ledge Public Schools will continue using the Raptor Visitor Management System to enhance the safety of our school buildings. The Raptor system will better allow us to screen school visitors, providing a safer environment for our students and staff. School visitors will be screened during the school day before being allowed to leave the main office and enter the school building. School visitors will be asked to present a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), and it will be scanned or manually entered into the Raptor system. Once entry is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of the visit. A visitor’s badge will not be necessary to drop off an item in the main office or to pick up paperwork from there.
Volunteering & Chaperoning Persons wishing to volunteer for Grand Ledge Public Schools are required to complete the Volunteer Registration Form and be approved prior to serving as a volunteer. All volunteers MUST check in at the office to receive a BADGE prior to proceeding to any other area on school property. Please visit District Volunteer Application to complete the process.
District & Community News
Nov. is Nat'l Native American Heritage Month
Nov. is Nat'l Youth Homeless Awareness Month
Nov. 19-25 » National Family Week
Nov. 20 » Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
Nov. 23 » Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 27 » Guru Nanak Dev Sahib’s Birthday Festival
Nov. 28 » Giving Tuesday
Dec. 1 » World AIDS Day
Dec. 7 » Pearl Harbor Day
Dec. 7-15 » Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)
Dec. 8 » Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Dec. 10 » Human Rights Day
Dec. 15 » Bill of Rights Day
Dec. 15 » Bill of Rights Day
Dec. 21 » Winter Solstice, Yule
Dec. 25 » Christmas
Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 » Kwanzaa
Dec. 31 » New Year’s Eve
Is something missing? Please share with John Ellsworth, GLPS Director of Communications, any additional Recognitions & Acknowledgments you think we should include on this list or upcoming lists – email him at EllsworthJ@GLcomets.net.
The Grand Ledge Shopping Tour helps needy elementary children (grades K-4) who live within the Grand Ledge Public Schools district. Children in the program will have volunteers take them shopping for school clothing. The children are also treated to a holiday party where they have dinner and a visit from Santa, with gifts and school supplies for each child.
If this would be helpful for your family, please visit GLcomets.net/ShoppingTour by Nov. 27 and give permission to participate ... the GL Shopping Tour wants to help!
If you know a family with children you think would benefit from the GL Shopping Tour, please encourage them to visit GLcomets.net/ShoppingTour and give permission to participate.