A strong school-home connection makes a big difference to a child’s educational experience and success. During conferences (Nov. 6, Nov. 9, Nov. 10) you will discuss your child’s progress—their strengths and areas to improve, as well as various school expectations for your child. Check out what research says about expectations.
Expectations can be tricky. Research suggests that students generally live up to parent and teacher expectations, whether those expectations are high or low. So, you want to set the bar high for your child. It’s also important to be realistic. Most students are not going to excel at everything. To make sure your expectations are realistic and effective:
*Encourage your child to do their best, *Have unique expectations for each of your children. Do not compare your child to their siblings, friends, or classmates, *Learn about your child’s interests, and *Be a good role model.
Dr. Bill Albrecht, Principal
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.
Nicole Conner's Counselor's Corner
Eaton County Project Resource Connect On November 2nd individuals and families who are experiencing any type of housing issue should attend the FREE event Project Resource Connect (PRC). Project Resource Connect is an annual “one-stop-shop” event for individuals & families of Eaton County to get connected to community organizations and resources. Resources include education and employment, food and nutrition, health and wellness, housing and finance, and more. Free transportation to and from the event will be provided by Eatran. The event will be held at 550 E. Shepherd St, Charlotte, MI from 10am to 4pm.
Costume Donations As we are approaching Halloween, we are looking for children’s costume donations. If you have some old children’s costumes in good condition that you would like to donate, please drop them off in Holbrook’s main office.
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
October 16th is National Dictionary Day. It commemorates the birth of Noah Webster, who published the first dictionary in 1806. On Friday, October 6th, our Grand Ledge Rotary Club presented each of our 4th grade students with their own dictionary to keep. Thank you, Grand Ledge Rotary Club!
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
Oct. 26 » Picture Re-Take Day
Oct. 27 » 1st Grade Field Trip - Abrams Planetarium
Oct. 31 » Costume Parade 2 pm
Nov. 6, 9, 10 » Elem. Conferences
Nov. 7 » PTO Meeting (Library)
Nov. 8 » BK/K-2nd Field Trip to GLHS - The Little Mermaid Musical
Nov. 10 » Half Day (dismissal 12:10)
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)
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
Our next Holbrook PTO meeting is Tuesday, November 7th. 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.
Teachers will be sending home forms for friendship-grams. Your student can send a gram to their friend for .50. All orders placed 10/17 - 10/20 will be delivered on 10/23. Orders placed 10/23 - 10/27 will be delivered on 10/30.
2023-24 PTO Meeting Schedule ...11/7, 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.
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).
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
Oct. is Nat'l Bullying Prevention Month
Oct. is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October is Nat'l Principals Month
October is Crime Prevention Month
Oct. 21 » Sweetest Day
Oct. 23-31 » Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 28 » Make a Difference Day
Oct. 31 » Halloween
Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 » Day of the Dead
Nov. is Nat'l Native American Heritage Month
Nov. is Nat'l Youth Homeless Awareness Month
Nov. 1 » All Saints’ Day
Nov. 1 » Samhain
Nov. 5 » Standard Time begins; change clocks
Nov. 7 » Election Day
Nov. 11 » Veterans Day
Nov. 12 » Diwali
Nov. 13-17 » American Education Week
Nov. 13-17 » Geography Awareness Week
Nov. 13 » World Kindness Day
Nov. 15 » America Recycles Day
Nov. 15 » Education Support Professionals Day
Nov. 16 » National Parental Involvement Day
Nov. 17 » Substitute Educators Day
Nov. 19-25 » National Family Week
Nov. 20 » Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
Nov. 23 » Thanksgiving Day
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 Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP) is currently taking applications for its annual Christmas Food Basket program for families who live in the Grand Ledge School District. Donors in the community (individuals & groups) have volunteered to provide a food basket during the Christmas season for families in need. If this would be helpful for your family, please submit an application by October 28 – pick up a paper application in the school's main office or complete an online application at GLcomets.net/ChristmasFoodBasket. You will be contacted by a donor sometime early in December. This will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis.