Hello Norse Families!
August has begun, which means my mind has started transitioning to “school mode”! The end of summer can be bittersweet, but no matter what the calendar says, we are always ready to support, love, and encourage our kids to learn and grow - and I am very excited for that!
Some new things to share:
- Our Open House will be the first day of school in the evening (kids will be able to show their adults around!) from 5:45-6:45 PM. The format will be a little different from years past, with each teacher giving a presentation to everyone at a set time, as opposed to only having a look around.
- Kids do not need to bring school materials (backpack, notebook, etc) on the first half day! They can set up their lockers, etc at the open house. Remember: DK & K have a different schedule.
- We have some new and awesome professional staff this year: Ms. Rose and Mrs. Bosse (4th grade) and Mrs. Gannon (Social Worker). They are great additions to the NME Team!
- While you can continue to look forward to “Math Night” this school year to learn about how we teach math, we will also have a “Reading Night” for the same reason! Dates are TBD.
- Our school community is amazing. To keep it that way, and even enhance what we already do, we are going to enhance our Parent/Teacher Association partnership by striving to have at least one representative from each classroom this year. Please take some time to consider if that might be you!
Reminders for families:
- Paperwork: please make sure your online Final Forms are updated as soon as possible, which includes an activity fee to help our school continue to offer field trips and other “extras”. This would include the “bus transportation form” if you live in-district.
- Class placements are being finalized right now. You can expect to see who your kid(s) will be with within the next week or two. As always, we try to meet parents’ requests, but with 100 variables, sometimes we cannot.
- We always strive to make pickup and drop-off safe and positive… although I recognize it can take a while! Thank you for your patience and support. Below is the map of the area around the school for you to review. When in doubt: park at the Methodist Church!
- Please plan to remain outside the building during arrival and departure as we strive to keep things orderly and safe for our children. This even goes for the lower elementary!
- Please continue making every effort to get your child to school on time! We hit the ground running every morning with a routine that students are familiar with and comfortable with. While sometimes “stuff” happens, missing those first few minutes of school typically does throw off a kid’s morning and can interrupt class for others. Thank you for your support!
- We do not permit wireless communication devices, including phones and smartwatches, during school!
- Don’t forget to download the North Muskegon Public Schools App! It is free for both Apple & Android.
- For reference, the rest of our calendar can be found on our website (https://www.nmps.net/elementary/)
- DK and Kindergarten parents: Please schedule a time for your child to come in for a visit (per a separate email)! Their start-of-the-year schedule IS DIFFERENT than the other grades!
Thank you again for all you do for your children and for our community! I look forward to being in contact with you soon. If there is ever anything that you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about, please feel free to contact me.
In Peace,
Jonathan Allen
Elementary Principal
231.719.4208
Pickup and Dropoff:
Regardless of drop-off and parking locations, please ensure that you and your children use the crosswalks and don’t just cross the road at any random spot. Thank you for driving slowly as well. We are doing everything we can to help keep kids safe and appreciate your support!
