Color Run--Fun Run, Friday, September 30
The Brooks Fun Run is Friday, September 30. Running times for each grade level are as follows:
o Kindergarten 10:00-10:20 am
o First Grade 2:30-2:50 pm
o Second Grade 10:30-10:50 am
o Third Grade 11:00-11:20 am
o Fourth Grade 3:00-3:20 pm
o Fifth Grade 1:30-1:50 pm
Volunteers are still needed to assist with the event, so please check the Sign Up Genius if you are available to help on Friday:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d49aaac2ea6fe3-2016
Here is the link directly to Fun Run donation page:
https://parent.payschools.com/cat.asp?id=6CC019ADE98C47F4BC211A22C432E067
Parents can also go through, HVS.org, PaySchools, Brooks Elementary and get to the same page.
Rain date is Wednesday, October 5. We will make a decision on Thursday, September 29, if the weather does not look good for this Friday.
o Kindergarten 10:00-10:20 am
o First Grade 2:30-2:50 pm
o Second Grade 10:30-10:50 am
o Third Grade 11:00-11:20 am
o Fourth Grade 3:00-3:20 pm
o Fifth Grade 1:30-1:50 pm
Volunteers are still needed to assist with the event, so please check the Sign Up Genius if you are available to help on Friday:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d49aaac2ea6fe3-2016
Here is the link directly to Fun Run donation page:
https://parent.payschools.com/cat.asp?id=6CC019ADE98C47F4BC211A22C432E067
Parents can also go through, HVS.org, PaySchools, Brooks Elementary and get to the same page.
Rain date is Wednesday, October 5. We will make a decision on Thursday, September 29, if the weather does not look good for this Friday.
Curriculum Night
Thanks for joining us last week for Curricululm Night! To access curriculum guides on the HVS website, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.
Watch Dog Kick Off
We had a wonderful kick-off pizza event tonight to welcome our Watch DOGS back. Our first Watch DOG will join us this Friday. If you were not able to attend the event, but would still like to sign up, please contact the office for more information. Thanks so much to our dad, step-dads, grandfathers, uncles, and male role models for helping out at Brooks. We love having you.
Title I Schoolwide
Brooks Elementary is proud to be a Schoolwide Title I school. Schoolwide programs address the educational needs of children living in low-income areas with comprehensive strategies for improving the whole school so every student achieves high levels of academic success. Schoolwide programs have freedom to determine how to organize their operations and allocate the multiple funding sources available to them. Title I Schoolwide programs can use all allocated funds to increase the amount and quality of learning time.
Spotlight on Specials
Mrs. Tyra Fortson--Art
Hi, My name is Mrs. Fortson. I teach art at Brooks and Heritage Elementary Schools. I have worked in Huron valley since 2003. I also grew up in the community and attended Huron Valley Schools. I am happy to be a part of the staff at Brooks. I come over on Mondays to teach a couple of classes. I enjoy working with these young artists and seeing their growth year after year. We have some very talented kids in the Valley. When I'm not at work I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, gardening, decorating, and being with my family. I'm looking forward to a great school year!
Hi, My name is Mrs. Fortson. I teach art at Brooks and Heritage Elementary Schools. I have worked in Huron valley since 2003. I also grew up in the community and attended Huron Valley Schools. I am happy to be a part of the staff at Brooks. I come over on Mondays to teach a couple of classes. I enjoy working with these young artists and seeing their growth year after year. We have some very talented kids in the Valley. When I'm not at work I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, gardening, decorating, and being with my family. I'm looking forward to a great school year!
Mrs. Turner--Art
My name is Colleen Turner and I have been teaching art for ten years, seven of which have been with HVS. I've been at multiple building in the district, but I'm happy to call Brooks and Lakewood my home. I earned my degree in Art Education from Michigan State (Go Green!) and I received my Masters in Art Education from Eastern Michigan. I have a four year old daughter and my husband teaches at Oak Valley. I look forward to working with your students this year.
My name is Colleen Turner and I have been teaching art for ten years, seven of which have been with HVS. I've been at multiple building in the district, but I'm happy to call Brooks and Lakewood my home. I earned my degree in Art Education from Michigan State (Go Green!) and I received my Masters in Art Education from Eastern Michigan. I have a four year old daughter and my husband teaches at Oak Valley. I look forward to working with your students this year.
Carly Jakrzewski--Music
My name is Carly Jakrzewski and I am thrilled to teach music at Brooks and Lakewood Elementary Schools! This will be my first year teaching music and I could not be more excited! I received my degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. I studied the clarinet and a number of other instruments while at MSU. I was also a member of the Spartan Marching Band playing the alto saxophone. I like to play Eastern European world music with my band, Slavistar. I look forward to a great year of music making with your students!
My name is Carly Jakrzewski and I am thrilled to teach music at Brooks and Lakewood Elementary Schools! This will be my first year teaching music and I could not be more excited! I received my degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. I studied the clarinet and a number of other instruments while at MSU. I was also a member of the Spartan Marching Band playing the alto saxophone. I like to play Eastern European world music with my band, Slavistar. I look forward to a great year of music making with your students!
Mrs. LaPratt--Music
My name is Sylvia LaPratt. This is my 11th year teaching in the US, and my 6th at Brooks Elementary. I live in White Lake together with my husband, soon-to-be three girls, and dog. I grew up in Switzerland and received my Bachelor of Music Education and Harp Performance from the University in Zurich. After moving to the United States, I completed my Masters in Vocal Performance at Wayne State University. I love to teach music to elementary students! I love the variety that my job brings - being able to sing and dance, play Orff instruments or the recorder, teach music theory through games, use bean bags or parachutes, lead my students in their concert. I love to open doors for students to experience different kinds of music and hope to instill a lifelong love for music.
Check out my website at www.laprattmusic.weebly.com!
My name is Sylvia LaPratt. This is my 11th year teaching in the US, and my 6th at Brooks Elementary. I live in White Lake together with my husband, soon-to-be three girls, and dog. I grew up in Switzerland and received my Bachelor of Music Education and Harp Performance from the University in Zurich. After moving to the United States, I completed my Masters in Vocal Performance at Wayne State University. I love to teach music to elementary students! I love the variety that my job brings - being able to sing and dance, play Orff instruments or the recorder, teach music theory through games, use bean bags or parachutes, lead my students in their concert. I love to open doors for students to experience different kinds of music and hope to instill a lifelong love for music.
Check out my website at www.laprattmusic.weebly.com!
Mr. Rehnlund--Technology Integrator
I’m excited to be back at Brooks Elementary this school year as a Technology Integrator. I look forward to seeing the accomplishments of our students everyday as we prepare them for the 21st Century. Also, I can’t wait to continue supporting teachers with the enhancement of their students' learning, as we continue to integrate technology throughout the curriculum within their classrooms. It always amazes me when I see great learning taken to new levels when students create and present their knowledge through the use of computers, digital cameras, Chromebooks, I-Pads, and other digital devices. Prior to being a Technology Integrator I taught at Oxbow Elementary since 2004. I began my career teaching with 1st and 2nd grade and then moved to upper elementary where I taught 4th and 5th grade for nine years. I graduated from Grand Valley State University's School of Educaiton with an Elementary Certification, as well as a Group Science Major in Biology. I also attained a Masters in Teaching degree from Marygrove College. My goal as a teacher is to create lessons with an element of fun so my students enter the classroom with an excited smile everyday ready to learn. In our free time my wife and I have traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. I strive to include these multicultural experiences as enhancements in the lessons I teach throughout the school year.
I’m excited to be back at Brooks Elementary this school year as a Technology Integrator. I look forward to seeing the accomplishments of our students everyday as we prepare them for the 21st Century. Also, I can’t wait to continue supporting teachers with the enhancement of their students' learning, as we continue to integrate technology throughout the curriculum within their classrooms. It always amazes me when I see great learning taken to new levels when students create and present their knowledge through the use of computers, digital cameras, Chromebooks, I-Pads, and other digital devices. Prior to being a Technology Integrator I taught at Oxbow Elementary since 2004. I began my career teaching with 1st and 2nd grade and then moved to upper elementary where I taught 4th and 5th grade for nine years. I graduated from Grand Valley State University's School of Educaiton with an Elementary Certification, as well as a Group Science Major in Biology. I also attained a Masters in Teaching degree from Marygrove College. My goal as a teacher is to create lessons with an element of fun so my students enter the classroom with an excited smile everyday ready to learn. In our free time my wife and I have traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. I strive to include these multicultural experiences as enhancements in the lessons I teach throughout the school year.
Mr. Wank is our Physial Education and Wellness teacher. He enjoys cool Friday nights at the football field. He can't stop talking about his wonderful almost two year old son and beautiful wife. His journey has taken him many places around the world from Toledo to Europe. He achieved his Bachelors at Western Michigan University and a Masters from Marygrove College. His teaching experience began many moons ago in Chicago Public Schools (ten years ago) with a jaunt through Detroit Public and finally he landed here at Huron Valley Schools. Mr. Wank is an energetic lovable teddy bear with a great beard. He strives to make sure his students are engaged in every activity. It his goal within the curriculum to allow students to gain the skills, knowledge and personal-social attributes needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
Costume Closet
Please consider donating costumes by Friday, September 30. Shopping will be during the Fun Run.
BPTO Meeting
Our next BPTO meeting is Wednesday, October 12 at 5:00 pm. Please join us!
Shop with Amazon and Help Brooks
Time flies by so fast that before we know it the holiday season will be upon us. The BPTO has signed up our school to receive funds solely based on online purchases that parents may make throughout the holidays and year round. Please use the following link to do your online shopping at Amazon. Amazon Smile gives back (0.5%) of your Amazon purchases to the school.
Link: AmazonSmile: You shop. Amazon gives.
Likewise, during the holidays we may be likely to order photo gifts, prints, or holiday cards through the Shutterfly site, and several of our Brooks teachers use this site to posts pictures of students during their learning at school/classroom sites. Shutterfly also will give back 13% of your purchase to our school if purchased through our Shutterfly Store Front. The web address for our share site is: Brooks PTO
The BPTO will also provide these links on our social media platforms, so they can be easily accessible and bookmarked at your convenience. Thank you for supporting our students and teachers, especially with retailers that we may use on a regular basis, a win-win in our eyes.
Link: AmazonSmile: You shop. Amazon gives.
Likewise, during the holidays we may be likely to order photo gifts, prints, or holiday cards through the Shutterfly site, and several of our Brooks teachers use this site to posts pictures of students during their learning at school/classroom sites. Shutterfly also will give back 13% of your purchase to our school if purchased through our Shutterfly Store Front. The web address for our share site is: Brooks PTO
The BPTO will also provide these links on our social media platforms, so they can be easily accessible and bookmarked at your convenience. Thank you for supporting our students and teachers, especially with retailers that we may use on a regular basis, a win-win in our eyes.
Upcoming Events
9-30-16 Brooks Fun Run (Rain Date October 10/5)
10-12-16 BPTO Meeting at 5:00 pm
10-21-16 Monster Mash 6-8 pm
10-28-16 Half Day/Early Dismissal for Students
10-27-16 Picture Retake Day
11-3-16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-7:45 pm
11-8-16 No School—Election Day
11-9-16 BPTO Meeting at 9:15 am
11-10-16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-7:45 pm
11-11-16 Brooks Veteran’s Day Assembly
11-11-16 Brooks 5th Grade Music Concert
11-23—11-25 Thanksgiving Break
10-12-16 BPTO Meeting at 5:00 pm
10-21-16 Monster Mash 6-8 pm
10-28-16 Half Day/Early Dismissal for Students
10-27-16 Picture Retake Day
11-3-16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-7:45 pm
11-8-16 No School—Election Day
11-9-16 BPTO Meeting at 9:15 am
11-10-16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15-7:45 pm
11-11-16 Brooks Veteran’s Day Assembly
11-11-16 Brooks 5th Grade Music Concert
11-23—11-25 Thanksgiving Break