|
Note from Dr. Cannon
November 14, 2022
Dear Breton Downs Families,
Last Friday our school recognized Veterans Day and honored those who have served in the armed forces during our all school assembly. We had over fifty veterans join us on this special day. It was important for the Breton Downs staff, students, and PTO to recognize the sacrifices these veterans have made for our country. To view the presentation from our assembly, please click here to download the PowerPoint file
A big thank you to the PTO for sponsoring the reception and to Mrs. Kline and our 4th and 5th grade choir for providing a private concert to our veterans. The pictures below show our assembly and reception.
 
 
Scholastic Book Fair November 14-18
The Scholastic Book Fair is this week! Please join us in the Learning Commons to purchase the newest books for your child(ren). We have arranged several opportunities for friends and family to visit the fair:
- Monday, November 14 from 8:00 – 9:00am and 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 15 from 8:00 – 9:00am and 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 16 from 8:00 – 9:00 am AND GRAND EVENT at 4:30 - 7:00 pm (Multiple food trucks onsite!)
- Thursday, November 17 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm
- Friday, November 18 from 8:00 – 10:00 am – Last Chance Shopping
All monies raised at the Book Fair are donated back to Breton Downs and our classrooms. Please see this letter regarding the Scholastic Book Fair.
PTO Family Movie Night on November 18
This Friday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. is the PTO sponsored Family Movie Night! Admission and popcorn are free! Please join us in your pajamas, bring a blanket, a bowl for the free popcorn, a water bottle, and make yourself comfortable on the gymnasium floor as we watch the live action Minions: The Rise of Gru. This movie was chosen by our students during the November election run by our Student Leadership Team. To learn more about the movie and developmental level of the content, please click here.
Movie night is an event for the whole family and children must be supervised by an adult to attend. I hope to see you on Friday at 6:00 p.m. for the movie! School doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Break
Just a friendly reminder next week is a shortened week at Breton Downs - no school on Wednesday (11/23), Thursday (11/24), or Friday (11/25). Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Winter Festivities and Upcoming Events
- Wednesday, December 7 from 1-3 pm- EGRHS Holiday Concert. All Breton Downs students will travel to East Grand Rapids High School by bus to hear the high school orchestra perform and choir sing.
- Tuesday, December 13 from 9:15- 10:15 am- Winter Showcase. This event is an assembly performance for students, teachers, and families, demonstrating all that has been learned in Specials courses (Art, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish) throughout the first semester. Please see this informational letter from Mrs. Kline.
- Wednesday, December 14 - Community Kindness Day. More information to follow.
Recess Items and Weather Reminders
As we head into these colder and wetter months, please help your child enjoy outdoor recess by ensuring he/she is dressed appropriately for the weather. We go outside for recess two times per day, weather permitting. If the wind chill drops below zero degrees, students will remain inside for recess. Snow pants and boots are required for students who want to leave the paved areas of the playground when there is snow. Certain areas of the playground may be “closed” when it is extremely wet and muddy. Thank you for preparing your child to enjoy outdoor recess!
Calendar
Please click here to view upcoming events on the Breton Downs School calendar.
As always, my door is always open. Please reach out anytime with questions, concerns, or to say hello.
Warm Regards,
Caroline
 @PrincipalCannon
|
|
Volunteer Consent Form
In order to volunteer in our school buildings or school-sponsored events, EGRPS has a process that requires volunteers to complete a background check. If you have not completed the Volunteer Consent Form via registration through Skyward, click here to do so. This form is not available in the office and must be completed online. It is recommended that volunteers complete this form as far in advance as possible to ensure the background check process can be completed prior to the date of volunteering. The completion of this fillable form online ensures that a badge will be in the office for you to wear when you check in as a school volunteer. It is required that this form is filled out each year. To best support the students and staff as a volunteer, refrain from bringing younger siblings with you when serving in a volunteer role.
Volunteers: Driving Students on Field Trips
In order for any parent/guardian/volunteer to drive students on a field trip, they must have an approved volunteer consent form on file that includes submission of a driver’s license and an unrestricted driving record.
Please note: Regardless of when an incident occurred, if a driving record includes any of the following citations or violations, the volunteer will be restricted from driving: alcohol or drug-related charges, points, excessive speeding, reckless driving, etc. If a driving record contains any of the above listed citations, you will receive an email notifying you that you are restricted from driving students other than your own.
Additionally, individuals with an out-of-state driver’s license are unable to be approved for transporting any students other than their own as we are not able to complete a full background check without a Michigan driver’s license.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we review, consider, and ensure the safety of our students
|
|
Choir Information
Please find information here from Mrs. Kline regarding choir t-shirts.
Reminder: There will be NO choir on Tuesday, November 22.
|
|
Available Supports for Families
It is important that all children have access to the various opportunities offered at school including field trips, evening PTO-sponsored events, book fairs, etc. As a staff, we never want money to be a barrier to participation for a child. If your family is experiencing monetary challenges, please reach out to the classroom teacher or building principal. All information is confidential and we have options to support you and your child(ren).
|
|
Huffer's Highlights
Please click here for a note from our School Social Worker, Mrs. Erin Huffer, on staying in touch. |
|
|
Elementary paraeducators. An elementary learning commons coordinator. Early literacy interventionists. Mental health support. March Book Madness. More books. Even more books.
Those are just a few of the classroom enhancements the Foundation–thanks to our generous donors–have been able to fund for our elementary schools. Our teachers continue to think big. More bold, innovative programs are on the way. And we can’t wait to see what’s next!
But we can’t do it without you. Check your mailbox–and email– this week for a special mailing from the Foundation. Join your friends and neighbors in providing outstanding opportunities for all our students. Be part of what’s next!
Can’t wait for the mail? You can donate right now, quickly and easily, at How to help - Donate or scan this QR code to make it even simpler:
|
|
Lunch Info
Elementary Menu
Lunch this year is $3.50. If your student only wants milk, the cost is $0.50. If your student plans to eat lunch, please set up a My Payments Plus account using your students EGR ID number plus two 0's in front of it. Questions, call the office at 616-235-7552
Updated Free and Reduced Meal Application
There is a new website to complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application. If you have not yet completed, please do so here. Thank you!
|
|
Additional Information
School News Network
Our district is a proud partner of School News Network, visit their site for news items about EGR and other local schools!
Arts and Crafts Show
Community Action Council
Santa Claus Girls
Santa Claus Girls (SCG) is a non-profit organization that provides both toys and clothing items to children ages 12 and under in time for the holidays. Their mission is to ensure that children ages 12 and under do not go without gifts during this time of celebration. Presents are gift-wrapped and delivered to the children’s residence on Saturday, December 10 by volunteer drivers to be received by a parent or caregiver. Online registration is currently available at http://www.santaclausgirls.org Several languages can be selected on the website for ease of registration. Ongoing updates are posted to the Santa Claus Girls Facebook page. If you have any questions regarding the program or gift distribution, please visit santaclausgirls.org. More details are available on their flyer linked here.
|
|
|
|
|
