PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS September 2016

In case you haven’t heard, this summer, the Smithsonian came to Pickford --in the form of a traveling exhibition called “Hometown Teams.” The Pickford Community Library is one of five Michigan organizations selected to host this national traveling exhibition through a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council. When you visit the exhibition, you will also see displays showcasing some of our own hometown Pickford sports teams. Hometown Teams has been advertised as an exhibit that explores the critical roles that sports have played in our home towns and in our lives as Americans. There is no doubt that sports and local teams receive a great deal of support in our area. All one has to do is come by the school on any given evening from September to June and see cars lining the curb and filling the parking lot in order to know that there are fans lining our field or filling our stands to cheer on our various teams as they compete.

The key concept in regard to “teams” is “together.” Teams work together in pursuit of achieving a goal or accomplishing a common mission. The strength of a team is directly related to the strength of the relationships between the individual members. For the most part, successful team members put off opportunities for individual acclaim in favor of team recognition. Teamwork, simply stated, is less ME and more WE. After all, we all know that there is no “I” in “TEAM.” While they don’t draw a crowd of spectators on a regular basis and don’t perform on the field or the court, there are several other teams in our district. These teams are essential in order for us to do what we do for students, but don’t often get the cheers and accolades that they should. Obviously the instructional team, consisting of our fine teaching staff is a primary one. This 21 member team works to provide the best in evidence based instructional strategies, combined with social-emotional learning, self-advocacy, and study/organizational skills to our students every day. The support staff team -- our bus drivers, kitchen workers, playground and paraprofessional aides, and maintenance staff -- get our children safely to and from school every day, provide healthy breakfast and lunch options, and ensure that the school is clean, safe, and well supervised. Our technology team ensures that our network systems as well as our staff and student devices are in good working order so our students can access online learning options and our teachers can access additional resources to complement classroom instruction. The office management team handles communication both within the building and from the district to the community, makes sure that the necessary supplies are available to students and staff, manages people and resources, and is usually the first line of customer service to represent our district. Our Board of Education is the team that sets the vision for the district and oversees our educational programming, finances, and district policy. Educating our students every day requires a great deal of teamwork!

There are also some specialty teams operating within the district that keep us advancing toward providing great outcomes for students and realizing continuously higher levels of student achievement. Membership on these teams is voluntary, and we appreciate the extra time and effort that these team members put forth:

School Improvement/District Leadership Team –Amy Bell, Renae Leese, Caitlin Mortinsen, Eric Kleymeer, Jessica

Kietzman, Joyce Smith, and parent representative Amy Brzuchalski

Positive Behavior Intervention Support Team – Kateri Ormsbee, Ashley Bishop, Renae Leese, Caitlin Mortinsen,

Jessica Kietzman, and Briana Otten

Technology Planning Team – Janet Haske, Darcy Schreiber, Eric Kleymeer, Ashley Bishop, and Caitlin Mortinsen

Regional Curriculum Review Team Members – Andy Heyboer, Jessica Rudd, Jason Firack, Matt Johnson, Lori

Nixon, Briana Otten, Garde Kangas, Jessie Metrish, Marci Guild, and Jessica Kietzman

District support teams, including Pickford PTA, CAT (Class Act Trust – formerly PTO), and Pickford Sports Boosters

contribute time, resources, and finances to help our district provide the very best for our students.

What all great teams have in common is commitment to a shared vision, the desire to work hard to achieve team goals, a collective accountability for results, and mutual respect and trust for fellow teammates. Great teams spend time preparing and practicing so they are ready when it is time to perform. Our team here at Pickford Public Schools is a great team and has been working all summer in order to be prepared to welcome our students back to a super successful year of learning. We

look forward to partnering with parents and the community in our pursuit of student success. Go Team! Mrs. Nettleton

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. ~Henry Ford

PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2016-2017

September

5 Labor Day

6 First Day of School

9 Stalwart Fair ½ Day

12-16 PTO Book Fair

14 Back to School Open House 6:00pm – 8:00pm

21 Teacher PLC ½ Day

October

19 PSAT Date

19 Teacher PLC ½ Day

November

4 End of 1st Quarter

17 Parent/Teacher

Conferences 1:00-4:00/5:00-8:00

½ Day

23 Thanksgiving Break Starts ½ Day

24-25 Thanksgiving Break

December

7 Teacher PLC ½ Day

5th-12th Grade Winter Concert

K-4 Winter Concert

22-31 Christmas Break

January

1-2 Christmas Break

3 School Resumes

20 End of First Semester ½ Day

February

Pre-Festival HS/MS Program

15 Teacher PLC ½ Day

March

15 Teacher PLC ½ Day

23 End of Third Quarter

24-31 Spring Break

April

1-2 Spring Break

3 School Resumes

11-12th SAT/WorkKeys

14 Good Friday

19 Teacher PLC ½ Day

May

10 Teacher PLC ½ Day

16

Evening with the Arts

17 Honor’s Banquet

27 Graduation

29 Memorial Day

June

Elementary Spring Concert

8 Last Day of School ½ Day

Farewell to Staff We would like say farewell to Mr. Brian Nettleton, Mrs. Amy

Gustafson and Mrs. Christina Gillett as they leave Pickford School.

We appreciate the service that these teachers have devoted to Pickford

Public Schools. We will miss you!

HIGH SCHOOL & ELEMENTARY

OFFICE HOURS: 8:00 AM TO 3:30 PM

School Phone: (906) 647-6285

Elementary Office, ext. 1

High/Middle School Office, ext. 2

Administrative Office, ext. 3

Business Manager, ext. 4

Chuck Bennin, Athletic Director, ext. 5

Sherry Miller, C.C.S.S., ext. 6

When dialing specific extension numbers, please

remember to dial slowly to ensure the system has time

to recognize the desired extension. If you dial too

quickly, the automated system may place you back into

the main menu.

In an effort to keep the flow of education within the

classroom please be advised that all incoming calls to

teachers will be sent to voicemail. Return calls will be

made during the teachers’ prep time or after school.

Messages to students will only be given during lunch

time and after school. Only in the case of an

emergency, will a class be interrupted. It is important

to us that your child is placed on the right bus at the end

of the day. Any changes in daily bus routines should

be sent in writing to the teacher. If a change is

necessary AFTER your child has been sent to school,

please call the office prior to 2:00 p.m. so that every

effort can be made to give the teacher and child the

message.

STUDENT ABSENCES When your child is absent from school, late , or needs

to leave early, you must contact the school by phone,

send a note, or email Mrs. Fehner, @

jfehner@eupschools.org (grades 6-12) or Mrs. Bush,@

cbush@eupschools.org (K-5), no later than 10:00 a.m.

the day they return or the absence will be considered

unexcused.

When students are absent or not completing work, they

are missing key components with their lessons which

have an impact on their grades and testing. Please make

an effort to see that your child attends school regularly.

The high school and middle school time blocks have changed

this year to allow for a 15 minute advisory period during

which students have the opportunity for additional help from

their assigned mentor teacher. This will also change the

lunch period and all 6-12 students will have the same lunch

period.

The new times are as follows:

1st Hour 08:20 - 09:10

2nd Hour 09:13 - 10:03

3rd Hour 10:06 - 10:56

LUNCH 10:57 - 11:28

4th Hour 11:29 - 12:19

5th Hour 12:22 - 01:12

6th Hour 01:15 - 02:05

7th Hour 02:08 - 02:58

Advisory 03:00 - 03:15

Regular meetings of the Pickford Board of Education will take place the 3rd Monday of each month, September through May at

7:00 p.m. June, July and August meetings are at 8:00 p.m. Most meetings are held in the library, but may be moved if larger

numbers of people are anticipated than the library can accommodate.

This is a meeting in public of the Board of Education for the purpose of conducting the School District’s business and is not to be

considered a public community meeting. There is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the agenda.

Any person with a disability who needs assistance, please contact the Administrative Office at 906-647-6285 at least three days

prior to the meeting.

Any person or group wishing to place an item on the agenda shall register their intent with the Superintendent no later than four

(4) days prior to the meeting. Please refer to Pickford Public Schools Bylaws & Policies 0167.3

2016 – 2017 Teaching Staff

Kateri Ormsbee - 2124 Kindergarten

Marci Guild -2128 1st Grade

Jessie Metrish - 2123 2nd Grade

Renae Leese - 2113 3rd Grade

Sharon Bawks - 2115 4th Grade

Ashley Bishop – 2116 5th Grade

Joyce Smith - 2109 Title I Intervention Support

Amy Bell - 2122 Reading Recovery and Intervention

Lori Nixon - 2133 Special Education/Resource Room (K-12)

Kim Badenski – 2210 MS Social Studies

Olivia Carte - 2229 HS/MS Math

Pat Feldhake - 2200 Mentoring/K-12 Counseling

Jason Firack - 2215 MS Science

Andrew Heyboer - 2228 HS/MS Math

Matt Johnson - 2211 HS/MS Social Sciences

Garde Kangas - 2148 Physical Education – K-12

Jessica Kietzman - 2223 Band/Music K-12

Eric Kleymeer - 2130 HS Science/MS Computers

Caitlin Mortinsen -2213 MS English

Briana Otten – 2193 Family Science

Jessica Rudd - 2214 HS English

Darcy Schreiber - 2138 Art K-12/Digital Media

SCHOOL CALENDAR NOTES

Log on to our website at http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us. If you click

on Calendar on the homepage, it will allow you to review our school

calendar, including half days, school breaks, athletic events, meeting

dates, etc. We continue to update the calendar as events are set. Note

that if you click on the event, additional information may appear,

such as the time a bus will leave for an away game, where the event

will be held, what time the child needs to be here for a musical

program or other information pertaining to the event. Bus schedules

for athletic events are usually scheduled Friday for the following

week. Last minute changes are sometimes unavoidable. Hopefully

this calendar will be advantageous for those of you who like to plan

ahead.

WHO DO I CONTACT?

Our administrators will be dividing their responsibilities

for students into two groups to better handle all student

and parent needs. If you have any questions or concerns

about students in grades K-5, please contact Mrs.

Nettleton at ext. 2108 or 2204.

If you have questions or concerns

for students in grades 6-12, please contact

Mr. Leveille at ext. 2199.

Thank you!

Grade 9-12 Schedules Students in grades 9-12 can pick up schedules and/or make changes on August 31 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please see Mrs. Feldhake and Mrs. Haske in the High School Office.

Lorri Brown, President

Tom Portice, Vice President

Dennis Skinner, Secretary

Erik Taylor, Treasurer

Melanie Greenfield, Trustee

Brooke Beacom, Trustee

David Firack, Trustee

Elementary Anyone visiting the elementary for any reason will need to stop in the office to sign in and get a visitor

pass. Visitors in the hallway without a visitor pass will be asked to get one from the office.

There is now a designated drop off area for elementary students. Inside the elementary doors there will

be an information table that will have current handouts available. Only students and staff will be

permitted to go beyond the information table. If a student needs help with carrying items, please stop

in the office for assistance. If you need to pick up your child early, please send a note with them or call

ahead so that they can be ready in the pick-up area.

Middle/High School For the safety of the building, students in grades 6-12 must keep backpacks in lockers during the school day. No backpacks will be

allowed in the classroom or hallway.

Thank you for your cooperation with these policies. Keeping our students safe is our top priority and these steps will help to ensure

a safe and successful school year.

Remember to watch out for students

waiting to get on the bus…safety first!

Please remind your children to be

respectful, responsible, and safe on the bus.

Bus expectations are available on the

school website.

During the first week of school, changes may occur in bus routes. Please make sure that you are watching for the bus, or your

child to get off the bus, at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. Through-out the year, the drop-off times may vary depending on

the events at school. When students stay after for various activities, it can mean your child may return home 5, 10, or even 15

minutes sooner, simply because the bus has to make fewer stops, or potentially to skip certain roads. Drivers will do their best

not to vary more than 15 minutes. Note that School Messenger will be activated for bus runs that will run more than 15 minutes

off schedule once all riders have been placed on the routes. This can change up to two weeks after school. In the case of a bus

break down or other problem, you may phone the bus hotline for a pre-recorded message by calling the school at 647-6285 and

pressing extension 8. Bus routes are monitored both before and after school, and a notification protocol is followed for any

unexpected incidents or breakdowns.

ARRIVAL The area on the school side of Pleasant Street is designated as a loading and unloading zone during school

hours. Parking on this side of the street during school hours is prohibited. Parents dropping students at

the elementary end of the building are encouraged to do so by coming from M-129 down Francis or Pleasant

St. and dropping students off on the curbside. Parents are strongly encouraged to drop students off and

continue to move to prevent traffic build-up.

All doors to entrances will be locked after 8:20a.m. and students will need to go to the north or south

entrance to gain access to the building via the remote entry system

DISMISSAL The buses load on Pleasant St.in front of the school starting in front of the gym doors. Parents wishing to pick up students need to come

down Pleasant St. by the track and pull up curbside behind the buses to wait for children. As the buses pull away, parents can pull

forward. The "pick up" students will be dismissed AFTER bus student and staff will watch to see that students get to their parents'

vehicles. Parents should not arrive prior to 3:15 pm so that the buses can pull up as intended and parents will be behind them. Parents

without babies or other young children who still wish to walk and meet their school aged children at the elementary door can park in the

parking lot or along Frances St. No parents will be allowed down the hallways during dismissal time. This allows us to better supervise

our students at dismissal time.

To help us keep students safe, please send notes with students on days that they won’t be following their normal dismissal routine. It is

very helpful if students, parents, and staff know at the beginning of the day where to go upon dismissal. Last minute phone calls are for

emergencies only.

PTO – CAT To avoid confusion with PTA, PTO will begin operating under the name Class Act Trust (CAT) in September 2016. Class Act

stands for classroom and activities. The focus of the group is to provide funds requested by teachers for classroom materials and

funds requested by teachers and administration for school-organized activities.

CAT will hold the Believe Fundraiser in the fall to raise the money to fill the requests. CAT will also continue to sponsor the

Scholastic Book Fairs and provide books to the school library and to teachers for themselves and for their classroom libraries.

During the 2015-2016 school year, $2,544.09 worth of books were provided for teachers, classrooms, and the library.

Also during the 2015-2016 school year, the following requests were filled:

Music curriculum – $1,270.00

Classroom materials for teachers new to the school system – $376.77

Robotics team – $600.00

Middle School Quiz Bowl – $280.00

Middle School calculators – $108.25

Elementary Reading Month - books from Scholastic – $200.00

History Day registration – $85.00

Prom DJ – $400.00

Kindergarten Graduation caps/gowns – $50.00

6th Grade Camp – $507.00

Scholarship Banquet –$410.00

Pre-school rug – $50.01

FCCLA National Meeting – $250.00

The officers for the 2016-2017 school year are the following: Laura Tinker, president; Shelby Hagen, vice-president; Lori

Nixon, treasurer; Linda Crawford, secretary/assistant treasurer; and Michele Green, communications/fundraiser coordinator.

All parents, school personnel, and other interested community members are welcome to participate in the group. Meeting dates

and times are posted on the school calendar.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS Parent involvement is one of the greatest indicators of a child’s school success. We appreciate all

that our parents do to support the students at Pickford Schools. Parent volunteers are always

welcome to assist in maximizing the impact of our educational program. If you are interested in

volunteering, please contact your child’s teacher.

Pickford Public Schools would like to invite you to attend a “Welcome Back to School” Open House for grades K-

12 on Wednesday, September 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can meet school staff, visit classrooms, win prizes

and more! There will also be information on college opportunities, senior portraits and after school tutoring

opportunities. Local businesses and organizations have been invited to be part of this exciting event, in the hope to

share available resources in the local community with parents and students.

Come to the OPEN HOUSE for your chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Focus Groups In order to ensure that we are providing the best educational program and being responsive to community needs, our district will be

running a series of focus groups late in the fall, mid-winter and in the spring. Input gathered from these parent/community focus groups

will help to inform the development of our District Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plan. Dates are yet to be determined based

on feedback from those interested in participating. If you would like to be a part of a focus group, please contact Mrs. Nettleton

angelan@eupschools.org. We want your input!

Prescribed Medication or Treatment: All forms are available on the school website.

The administration of prescribed medication and/or medically-prescribed treatments to a student during school hours will be permitted only when failure to do so would jeopardize the health of the student, the student would not be able to attend school if the medication or treatment were not made available during school hours, or the child is disabled and requires medication to benefit from his/her educational program.

Before any prescribed medication or treatment may be administered to any student during school hours, the school shall require the written prescription from the child's physician accompanied by the written authorization of the parent. In order for the student to self-medicate, both the parent and the physician must

authorize. Example of self-medicate: Diabetic student giving their own injection.

1. Grades K-12 Parent must fill out the online Parent Authorization form. Physical Statement to be completed by the physician and either brought with Parent Form, or faxed to 906-647-3706.

2. Parent must bring in prescribed medication with proper labeling; student’s name, date, and exact dosage. 3. Note: If student is to self-administer, both parent and physician must indicate that on their forms.

Possession and Use of Asthma Inhaler, Epi-Pen, or Prescribed Emergency Medication:

Students with a need for emergency medication may also be allowed to self-possess and self-administer such medication, provided that they meet the same conditions established above.

1. Parent must fill out the online Parent Authorization form. Physical Statement to be completed by the physician and either brought with Parent Form, or faxed to 906-647-3706.

2. Parent must send in prescribed medication with proper labeling; student’s name, date, and exact dosage. May write this on inhalers.

3. Note: If student is to self-administer, both parent and physician must indicate that on their forms. 4. Student may keep inhaler or Epi-Pen on their person/backpack, locker, bus route.

STUDENT INSURANCE

The school district does not provide any type of health or accident insurance for injuries incurred by

your child at school. As a service to students and their families, our school has available a student

accident insurance plan for your child at a very nominal cost. The district offers this program because

of trends in rising family health and dental insurance costs, increased deductibles, co-payments, or lack

of health or dental insurance coverage.

This plan will provide benefits for medical expenses incurred because of an accident. If you have other insurance, benefits can be

applied to your deductible or co-pays. If you have no other insurance this will become your primary accident plan.

PURCHASE COVERAGE ON-LINE at www.1stagency.com. You can find complete information on the district website.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------

SchoolMessenger Pickford Public School uses the telephone broadcasting system, SchoolMessenger, which enables school personnel to notify all

households and parents by phone within minutes of an emergency or unplanned event that causes a school delay, cancellation or

an early dismissal. The service is also used from time-to-time to communicate general announcements or reminders. We will

continue to report school closings due to snow or weather via radio and television and will use this system as an overlay to the

public announcements.

We will use this system to notify you of:

Delays

School Closure

Early Release

Delayed Bus Run

Cancelled Sporting Event (Only on day of event)

Calendar Events (i.e. reminder for half days)

School Lunch Charges

With this system in place, it is important that parents/guardians refrain from calling the school to ask if and when the students will be

released or if a game is cancelled. We would ask that the phone lines be kept open in the event parents need to make other

arrangements for K-5 students to be taken to a different location other than their regular drop off point.

Please contact the school if your address or phone number has recently changed to make sure all your

contact information is up to date!

Illuminate Pickford Public Schools continues the use of Illuminate Student Information System. In this system, you are able to view all of

your children’s schedules, attendance, and grades through the Illuminate Home Connection Parent Portal. You will also have the

ability to receive progress reports and other important documents sent to your email address.

NEW THIS YEAR, you can also message your child’s teacher inside the portal. To learn more about how to use this new feature,

please visit http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us/Page/1203

If you are having trouble registering for an account, please email Janet Haske (jhaske@eupschools.org), call extension 2202, or

stop in the Administrative Office and she can assist you.

Northern Michigan- 9&10 News and Fox 32 announce the launch of MISportsNow. MISportsNow is your place for high school sport information and gives you the ability to search for your school or sport, check out the latest highlights and

scores, customize your page to show the teams you are interested in, and even allows you to show your school pride by sending in videos and pictures that could air on 9&10 News Sports Overtime or Fox 32 Sports Blitz!

http://www.misportsnow.com/ You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Mrs. Ormsbee - Kindergarten

Regular sized backpack (without wheels, please)-

clearly labeled on the tag with student’s name

Tennis shoes to leave at school for gym class (these do

not need to be new)

1 complete change of clothing clearly labeled in a

gallon sized zip lock bag (socks, underwear, pants,

shirt). Kindergarten can sometimes get messy and we

like to be prepared.

1 box of pencils

We will be sharing our supplies so pencil boxes,

bags and containers are not necessary.

1 box of crayons (small box is super)

1 box of kleenex or 1 roll of paper towel

1 dry erase marker-- dark color

1 Red Folder with Pockets

Headphones for computer class

1 blue folder with pockets—any shade

1 inch, 3 ring binder to be used in the classroom (no

“Trapper Keepers”)—any color, inexpensive will

work well—they have many choices at the Dollar

Tree.

As chilly weather approaches, your child will need warm

winter wear including snow pants, boots,

warm coat, hat and mittens.

Mrs. Guild

Crayons

Colored Pencils

Markers

Scissors

Pencil top erasers

Glue Sticks (just a couple to start the year and then

save some for later in the year when they run out)

Several #2 Pencils (please no mechanical pencils or

pencils with wrappers or special coatings as they clog

our sharpener)

Some type of container to hold all the above supplies

that fit in their desks

Headphones for our classroom iPads and computer

class

1st Grade (continued)

**Optional: a notepad to doodle or write in at free time

I keep a supply of the above items in our classroom if your

child runs out they are always welcome to help themselves. If

they run out I will typically send a note in the planner telling

you what you may want to replenish as far as supplies.

The school will supply each student with a folder to use daily

for homework and special notes as well as a daily planner. Both

these pieces are a huge component in our communication

system.

HEADPHONES/EARBUDS ARE

RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN LAB

DURING TECHNOLOGY CLASS FOR

ALL STUDENTS

Mrs. Metrish

Student Supplies

One box of

Kleenex

One container of disinfecting wipes

Pencils, erasers, pencil box

Crayons or colored pencils (twistables work the best)

Scissors

Glue sticks

One notebook

A couple of folders

12 inch ruler

Headphones for computer class

Look for our parent and community input

surveys on the district website this Fall.

We would love to hear your ideas as we strive

to continue making Pickford Public Schools

a great place to learn!

Mrs. Leese

#2 Pencils and extra erasers

Glue sticks

Dry Erase Markers

Supply box or pencil case

1” Three ring binder (with pockets)

2 Wide ruled composition notebooks (one w/colored

cover, one w/black and white cover

Index tabs/page dividers (for binder)

4 Heavy duty pocket folders (plastic with holes)

Scissors

Index Cards

Post-it Notes (3x3 or an assortment)

Highlighters

Headphones

Spiral Notebook or binder with wide ruled paper

Clipboard

3rd Grade (continued)

Additional supplies that are helpful to our classroom

community:

Scotch Tape

Tissues

Hand Sanitizer

Antibacterial Wipes

Gallon and Quart zip lock bags

Staples

Paper clips

Mrs. Bawks

Student Supplies:

Ruler with inches and centimeters

Pencils

Glue

Scissors

2 folders

Crayons or markers

Highlighter

Headphones for computer class

Classroom Supplies:

Tissues

Lysol Wipes

Expo Markers

Zip lock Bags

Ms. Bishop

Pencils- please just the standard ones without

wrappers, the wrappers ruin the sharpener

Erasers

Scissors

Crayons, color pencils or markers - you do not need

all

Pencil Case

Glue sticks

Headphones for computer class

2 – 1 ½ 3 ring binder- please no trapper keepers

2-3 ink pens- blue ink

6 folders - Different colors. These should be able to be

kept in the 3 ring binder, they do not need to be

anything fancy. The cheaper folders will be just fine.

Extra supplies needed for the class

Kleenex

Erasers

Glue

Dry erase markers

Clorox wipes

Zip lock bags – gallon size and quart size

Laptop Handbook and Insurance

This summer, all computer devices were upgraded to Windows 10 as part of the regional project to streamline student

learning and achievement. Every child in grades 6-12 is assigned a device at the beginning of the year along with

the charger. This device is a tool for their educational development. Your child will be given a Computer Handbook

on the first day of school. This handbook contains information on the proper care of devices and also the cost of repair should their

device become damaged. We are asking that parents purchase insurance at a cost of $25 per device. In the event of theft or unintentional

damage, this insurance will cover replacement or repairs, BUT, there will be a $50 deductible that parents will be responsible for. Please

be sure to sign and return the insurance option page so that your child may receive their device as soon as possible. If their device

becomes damaged, students need to complete a trouble ticket and turn it in immediately for service.

Students have access to Office 3654 and Google docs; this allows them to do work that teachers may assign in these platforms –

anywhere, anytime, any device, including cell phones!

ATTENDANCE Attending school is both necessary and the law. State law requires school attendance until the age of eighteen. Students, who do not

maintain good attendance may fail, lose certain privileges, and/or have truancy procedures implemented against their parents. A

parent or other person in parental relation who fails to comply with the Michigan Compulsory School Law is guilty of a misdemeanor,

punishable by fines and imprisonment. Our attendance policy aligns with the guidelines that have been recently established in the

Chippewa County Truancy protocol. A conference will be held with the student after the fourth absence. Parent contact and

conference will be made after 6 absences. A certified letter will be sent home after eight absences. After the ninth absence, a truancy

complaint will be forwarded to the County Prosecutor’s office for further review and action.

ABSENCES

There are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: illness, observance of a religious holiday, death

in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the student, circumstances that cause reasonable concern

to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health, or other reason as approved by the principal. All other absences are

considered unexcused. Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the principal.

The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent or guardian is required to send a note, call, or email the school to explain the reason

for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day following a student’s absence, a school official will

call the home to inquire why the student was not at school. If the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required

to submit a signed note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. When no excuse is provided, the absence

will be unexcused and the student will be considered truant.

SIGN IN/SIGN OUT

If a student arrives late or must leave early for anything other than a school trip, they MUST sign in or sign out at the high school

office. Signing in or out does NOT count as an excuse. All students who sign out must follow the prearranged absence procedure by

providing prior notice or by having expressed consent from the Principal. Any student leaving the building must report to the office

and obtain a blue slip (pass to leave the building).

STUDENT PARKING

If you wish to drive to school, you MUST register your vehicle by Friday, September 9. Registration forms

are available on the school website and should be turned into Mrs. Fehner in the High School Office.

Vehicle registration is free and allows us to better monitor and secure student vehicles in our parking lot.

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS

To protect the health and well-being of all students, employees, and visitors, the Pickford Public Schools campus will continue to be

entirely tobacco free at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use of tobacco products is also prohibited at all school-sponsored

events, including all sporting events. We thank all of you for respecting this policy and for keeping our buildings and grounds tobacco

free at all times for the health and safety of our students, staff and community.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN ECONOMICS

Mr. Johson’s Economics class had a sales competition at the end of the last school

year. Each group had to sell lemonade or Kool-Aid and the group earning the most

profit would get to choose which school related organization would receive all of the

profits. The winning team of Derrick Edington, Jenna Depeel, and Tim Ross selected the

Booster Club as their organization. The Booster Club received over $260.00.

Summer is winding down, and it is time to gear up for a great school year. I am happy to be returning to Pickford for my sixth year as I assist students with career preparation, testing, academic choices, and personal decision making skills. Parents and community members partner with us at school to help create a learning environment where students can be given the tools to become lifelong learners. That sounds lofty, but really is true! We are all learning every day of our lives, and it is exciting to assist one another in this process. As parents, you know your student(s) best, and I certainly welcome parental involvement at all levels (elementary, middle, and high school). Please don’t ever feel as though there is any question or concern that is too small to voice. Often parents pick up on the stresses or joys that their children may experience before we do at school, so please keep the lines of communication open. Don’t ever hesitate to call me at school, or e-mail me at: feldhake@eupschools.org I will generally have office hours in Pickford from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays You are most welcome to stop in any of those days, but it would be wise to call or e-mail ahead if you need time with me to discuss your student(s) needs. I look forward to partnering with you!

Counseling Tips for the Senior Class of 2017

SENIORS and parents, please note the following information, which you might want to clip and save for future reference. Whether your son/daughter plans to work after high school, enter the military or attend a college or technical school, help is available to gather information about these options. Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved in the process as well. The job market has changed dramatically over the last ten years, and there are new jobs/careers that did not even exist a decade ago! The possibilities are limitless; and while this can be overwhelming to your student, it is also exciting. During September or early October, I will meet with each senior individually to discuss his/her future plans. Parents are most welcome to join us for this meeting. I am also willing to meet before or after school if this works better for you.

I will provide each senior with information and where to get applications or how to contact military recruiters. It is then up to him/her to follow through with the application process.

Please stop by to see me as often as needed; I know that plans often change, and so students need to shift gears and get additional or new information.

Please check the school website often since important scholarship and news for seniors will be posted there.

Seniors who want to take the ACT can sign up at: www.actstudent.org (test is given at LSSU in Sault Ste. Marie). There is a test on October 22(register by September 16) and December 10 (register by November 4). The fee is about $40 (it costs about $60 to take the Plus Writing version, but I recommend just the basic test). See me if you think you might qualify for a fee waiver (based on your income level).

Seniors wanting to retake the SAT (which they took last April), can sign up at www.sat.org/register. There are tests given on Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. There is a $45 fee (with fee waivers available based on income).

I strongly recommend that all college applications are sent in by December. Although many colleges accept them into March and April, it is wise to apply early. Some colleges have early decision/admission, and these are generally due by mid-October. Most colleges prefer that you apply online, but some still have paper applications if desired. Whether you apply online or on paper, you MUST be sure to have me fill out the counselor sections of the application and send your high school transcript.

Financial Aid (FAFSA) forms will be available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and should be completed no sooner than Jan.1, 2017 and no later than March 1, 2017.

In late March, Local Scholarship forms will be handed out to each senior who qualifies and will be due back in late April.

Please try to visit colleges this fall. Get a tour, and if possible, stay overnight on campus. Admission offices are more than happy to make arrangements for you to visit. See me if you need any help setting these visits up.

If you hope to participate in NCCA college sports, check out the requirements and necessary forms at: www.eligibilitycenter.org.

If you are a Native American student, be sure that you have your tribal card when applying to schools. There are some marvelous scholarship opportunities available to for you, but you do need a current membership card.

Hopefully this information will get you started in preparing for your future after high school. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of summer and gear up to be SENIORS! Here to Help, Mrs. Pat Feldhake

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION

The following is a list of breakfast and lunch prices for the

2016-2017 school year. Payment can be made in the

elementary classrooms or the High School Office before

school begins or at lunch time. Please log on to your

child’s Meal Magic account to check account balances. It

allows the parent/guardian to see when the child is eating

and the balance on the account.

LUNCH BREAKFAST

Elementary (Grades K-5) $2.10 per day FREE

High/Middle School (Grades 6-12) $2.60 per day $0.80

K-12 Reduced $0.40 per day FREE

Adults $3.35 per day $1.30

Milk $0.35 each $0.35 each

FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS Attached are a Free & Reduced Price Meal Application and Parent Letter. Please look over the information regarding free and

reduced priced meals. If you have any doubt as to whether or not you qualify or would like help filling out the form, please call Cheri

Bush at 647-6285 ext. 2105. If you don’t qualify at this time, but you do at any other time throughout the school year, please call for a

form and one will be mailed to you. Keep in mind that there are no cut-off dates for applying; but if you qualify, the application is

effective the date it is received in the school office. If you have Meal Magic access you may apply online.

http://pickford.eup.k12.mi.us/Page/774

Please be advised that it is a state law that we offer breakfast and lunch to all students. If you do not want your child to participate or

charge, either breakfast or lunch, please advise the main office in writing each school year.

If your child has a food allergy, please send a note to Tracy Rye advising her of the allergy, to ensure that

an alternative item can be provided.

Our kitchen staff is gearing up for a great year and the addition of a healthy snacks vending

machine. The machine will be stocked with items such as fruit roll-ups, flavored water, Sun Chips, Gatorade, and cereal bars, which range in price from $.50 - $1. The snack machine will be available

before, during and after school hours and is located near the library. See new lunch prices listed in this newsletter.

FERPA Directory Information Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Pickford Public School, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from

your child's education records. However, Pickford Public School may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised us to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Pickford Public School to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Some examples are: honor roll or other recognition lists; sports activity sheets; annual yearbook; graduation programs, etc.| Directory information, which normally is not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be

disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories -- names, addresses, and telephone listings -- unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.

If you do not want the Pickford Public School to disclose the directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District Office in writing on or before September 30, 2016. Pickford Public School has designated the following information as directory information:

Student's name; address; telephone listing; photograph; date and place of birth; major field of study; dates of attendance; grade level; participation in activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; most recent educational agency or institution attended; degrees, honors, and awards received.

CCSS NEWS

Wee Wisdom Pre-School

Wee Wisdom will be operating a 4 day a week all day program Monday-Thursday. Our preschool program is a blended program that combines a state funded education program with a tuition based program. Four year old, pre-kindergarten students who meet the specific eligibility criteria are able to attend as a grant recipient, meaning, they do not pay tuition. Four year old, pre-kindergarten students who do not meet the criteria also attend the program on a sliding scale tuition paid agreement that is set by the EUPISD and the state.

Fall enrollments for Pickford GSRP/CCSS are being accepted at this time. We are waiting for final confirmation on the number of openings that will be available this year. You will find the enrollment form on the EUPISD website under EUPKIDS.

GED

If you, or someone you know, needs their GED please contact Mrs. Miller. All classes are free and meet once a week in Pickford. Classes also meet in Cedarville and other locations.

Hunter Safety Education

If you are interested in Hunter Safety, there is a signup sheet on the CCSS office door. Once there are enough participants, the class will be scheduled, which is normally in April.

Baseball and Swimming

Mrs. Miller would like to thank all the parents, coaches and umpires for a job well done. Without these volunteers, these programs would not exist. The older group of players who played on another league also made time for our CCSS country ball program so that all our youth had a baseball experience. Thanks so much to everyone who performed double duty.

Swimming lessons were very popular as usual. A huge thank you goes out to our three different bus drivers.

Please contact Sherry Miller with questions about any CCSS program at 647-8423 (home) or 647-6285 ext. 2103 (school) or email smiller@eupschools.org

Jr. High Quiz Bowl Seventh or eighth grade students that would like to sign up for the Jr. High Quiz Bowl team can do so by placing their name on the sign-up outside the central office door or see Mrs. Haske. The first competition is coming soon. Practices are generally held during lunch a couple of times each week.

Be sure to see our calendar on the district website. All school events including athletic

schedules (and bus departure times), concerts, in-service days, holidays, Board of Education

meetings, Parent –Teacher Organization meetings and more can be found listed there. If you

know of an event that is not listed on the calendar, please let us know and we will add it!

4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Football practice will start on Wednesday, September 7th after school until 4:45 p.m. Permission slips can be picked up at the school or will be sent home the first day of school. Three coaches are still needed to help. Please contact Chuck Bennin if you are interested.

News from the Pickford Sports Boosters The Sports Boosters have had another great year supporting our student athletics. During the last school

year, the boosters sponsored a fall, winter, and spring athletic banquet and contributed more than

$14,000 to the Athletic Department.

Booster purchases in 2015/2016 included: meals for the cross country, football, golf, and track teams;

track repainting, stain for the bleachers and new goal post pads, football capes, HUDL for basketball,

new weight room equipment, and resurfacing the gym floor.

Pickford Sports boosters held their annual raffle this summer, with the winners being drawn during the Hay Days festivities at the

township park. The $1000 1st Prize went to Ashley Bishop, 2nd prize went to Veronica Gough ($500), 3rd Prize went to Vince

Leveille ($500), 4th Prize went to Heather Black ($500), 5th Prize went to Bruce Glasor (filled propane tank from Ferrellgas).

Thank you to everyone who participated!!

Current members include: Denice Portice, Leo Coullard, DeeDee Firack, Cindy Dodds, Rachel Rambo, Missy Cottle, Cheri Bush,

Susan Edington, Vince Leveille, Dorie France-Wingard, and James Winegard.

If you are looking to become involved in a great team that supports our school athletics, mark your

calendar for the next booster club meeting scheduled for September 14th at 7:10pm in the school

library. Monthly booster club meetings are posted on the school calendar and new members or just

those interested in what the booster club does are always welcome.

Athletic Tickets/Passes Rates are as follows:

Rates ae as follows:

Family Pass/Full Year $200.00 Ticket Prices at the door: JV/Varsity Games Adult - $5

Student - $4

Sr. Citizen - $4

Family Pass/Seasonal $125.00

Adult Pass/Full Year $125.00

Adult Pass/Seasonal $75.00

Student Pass/ Full Year $35.00 Jr. High Games Adult - $3

Student - $2

Sr. Citizen - $2

Student Pass/Seasonal $25.00

Sr. Citizen (60+)/Full Year $60.00

Sr. Citizen (60+)/Seasonal $35.00

Pickford Public Schools Online Newsletter

The District newsletter is also

available on our website. As each

newsletter is available it will be

posted at a link on the District

homepage. You can also pick up a

copy in the Elementary or High

School offices, the Superintendent’s

Office, or at one of our local businesses or banks.

F L E X I B L E S E A T I N G Looking at classrooms over the past 70 years, we are seeing the same

type of learning environments, year after year. The world is changing,

yet our classrooms are remaining much the same. Revitalizing space

is a straightforward way to let students exercise choice in the learning

environment and find academic success on their own terms.

Studies have shown immediate benefits of flexible seating include

burning more calories, using up excess energy, improving

metabolism, increased motivation and engagement, creating a better

oxygen flow to the brain, and improving core strength and overall

posture. Physical activity has also been linked to higher academic performance, better health, and improved

behavior.

Ms. Mortinsen has researched flexible classroom seating and has decided that this will be a great idea for

her middle school students. Each student assigned to her can look forward to this innovative classroom idea

for 21st century learning!

September 6, 2016

_______________________________________________

S E P T E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

_______________________________________________

Please note the following ½ days of school:

September 9 and 21, October 19, November

17 and 23, December 7, January 20,

February 15, March 15, April 19, May 10

and June 8. School will dismiss at

12:00p.m.

on these days.