
The Buzz
Concord Community Schools Newsletter
CONCORD BUCKET BAND
Jackson Community Foundation Grant Supports Creation of Concord Bucket Band
Concord Community Schools recently received a $1,850 grant from the Teachers Endowment Fund of the Jackson Community Foundation to purchase a set of 30 drums to be used by students across the district. The grant will help further Concord Music Program’s mission of providing students access to safe, fun, and educationally rigorous musical experiences that will benefit all of our students’ cognitive, physical, emotional, and social learning.
Band Director and Elementary Music Teacher, Kevin Specht says: “Last spring when I was looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year, I wanted to be prepared for in-person learning with face masks. And since I teach students from kindergarten to high school, I wanted to make sure that whatever I got would be accessible enough for my youngest students and still something that my older students can use to experience high-quality musical growth. When I found these drumheads that snap onto 5-gallon buckets, I knew my students would be in for something special. I think the Concord Bucket Band will become a permanent fixture of the music program of Concord Community Schools along with our handbells, ukuleles, and band offerings”.
Since these drums make a lot of sound, some of the funds have provided noise reducing earmuffs for our sound sensitive learners. The drums, drumsticks, and earmuffs are disinfected between each student to help control the spread of germs.
“The Jackson Community Foundation is dedicated to our mission: We connect people and resources to causes that strengthen and build our community. For Jackson. For good. For ever. To learn more about the Foundation or how to establish an endowment in your name, go to www.jacksoncf.org "
HIGH SCHOOL SHOUT OUTS
Mrs. Hutchinson:
On Monday, while I was walking in the halls, I heard Mrs. Couling make the announcement calling for our seniors to stop in the office to check the spelling of their name for their high school diploma, so I am shouting out our SENIORS!! This year has been far from what you imagined, but you have been incredible!! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND ALL OF THE GOALS YOU WILL SHATTER!! Keep grinding it out; the countdown to graduation has begun.
Elementary and Middle School SEL Corner
Tune in to today's announcements to see our awesome list of Selfless & Collaborative YellowJackets of the Week! Over the past two weeks, our Elementary and Middle School students have worked on brainstorming positive changes for our school...and we have been absolutely blown away by their inventive and creative ideas. We can't wait to share them with you in the future!
Next week our K-8 students will continue to focus on building their Social Awareness skills. In the Elementary School, we will start off the month of February learning about and practicing compassion, while our Middle School students will focus on, "I respect and value everyone."
REPEATED UPDATES AND REMINDERS SECTION
CHANGE IN SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2021
February 11, 2021, our staff is scheduled to receive the second dose of the vaccine. As such, that week we will again switch our virtual learning days, so we do not lose a face to face learning day. The schedule for that week is listed below. Please reach out to your building if you have questions.
Monday, February 8 - Face to Face students K-8 and 9-12 Hybrid Cohort A
Tuesday, February 9 -Face to Face students K-8 and 9-12 Hybrid Cohort A
Wednesday, February 10 (Count Day)- Face to Face K-8 and Hybrid Learning for HS B Group
Thursday, February 11 - Virtual Learning for ALL STUDENTS - The career center bus will transport students
Friday, February 12- NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF OR STUDENTS - PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY
Monday, February 15- NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF OR STUDENTS - PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY
LITERACY SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS- OUT OF DISTRICT LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
We recognize during these unprecedented times parents and caregivers are working as hard as they can to support their child’s literacy learning. Lucy Calkins who has developed many state of the art teaching methods founded the Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University and created a bank of excellent tools for parents and caregivers to use. These short videos draw on a combination of research, classroom experience, and educator knowledge to help parents and caregivers support their students. Some of the videos show you games to play, others help you support phonics, the importance of reading, creative writing, study skills, vocabulary, and abstract thinking.
There is also a Free Workshop for Parents and Caregivers presented by the Teachers College of Reading and Writing Project on Thursday, January 28th at 1:00pm. If interested here is the link to register
STAYING HEALTHY
Recently, we have seen a rising number of COVID-19 cases across the state We can all do our part by avoiding large gatherings, washing our hands, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing whenever possible. Additionally, if your child is sick, please keep them home. They can access all of their learning virtually.
We know these are frustrating times, but if we pull together, we will be successful. We appreciate your support!! #ONEHIVE
WIFI PARKING LOTS ARE ACTIVE!!
The installation of WiFi antennas on the outside of both the ES/MS and HS buildings has been completed. We now have WIFI PARKING LOTS!!!! Families can access free WiFi 24 - 7 in almost every spot in both parking lots and the ES/MS drive and drop loop. We are beyond excited about the completion of the project. We will continue to look for ways to support our families and this is a big step to making digital more accessible for everyone.
Additionally, the Jackson District Library offers access to WiFi and computers. The WiFi is available outside the library 24-7. Computers and the internet can be accessed anytime during open hours
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday 10-6
Tuesday and Friday 1-6
Saturday 10-2
Elementary and Middle School Facebook Page
Have you liked the Elementary/Middle School Facebook Page?
If you have not yet, this week is a great time to start. The Elementary and Middle School use the Facebook page to post many updates and announcements. This Friday was the first-ever Facebook live-streamed morning announcements. Don't miss the news - like the page today.
https://www.facebook.com/Concord-ElementaryMiddle-School-593772624020990/
Upcoming Events
2/1 Sophmore Complete Google Enrollment Form for Jackson Area Career Center
2/1-2/5 Juniors Complete Intent to Return Form with Jackson Area Career Center
Wednesday, February 10 (Count Day)- Face to Face K-8 and Hybrid Learning for HS B Group
Thursday, February 11 - Virtual Learning for ALL STUDENTS - The career center bus will transport students
2/12 - 2/15 President's Weekend - No School for Students and Staff
3/3 Parent-Teacher Conferences
3/8 Professional Development - No School for Students
3/12 End of the 3rd Quarter
3/24 Local Scholarships Due to Mrs. Otto
3/26- 4/2 Spring Break - No School for Students and Staff
Concord Community School
Email: rebecca.hutchinson@concordschools.net
Website: www.concordschools.net
Location: 405 South Main Street, Concord, MI, USA
Phone: (517)524-8850