PTA

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! This week, I want to give a shout out to some very special people. Everyone knows that the PTA does a lot for the school as far as organizing spectacular events and fundraising for the school. But they also do a lot of behind the scenes work that nobody sees. Before the big events, they plan, they round up volunteers, and they set up. After fundraising events, they actually communicate with our staff to see what our needs are and then purchase supplemental items for each classroom and for the entire building. I think of our PTA as an iceberg...everyone sees the top part during the schoolwide events, but they may not see the much larger portion under the water which includes the planning, organizing, budgeting, and all the hours they spend volunteering for our school. This week alone, the PTA held two events on Monday evening (Roller Skating and Dave & Buster's), planned for next week's VIP Dance, held a meeting Thursday night, AND gave a updates to the teacher's lounge after the evening meeting! All schools have volunteers, but Buchanan has a very special group with our PTA and our amazing volunteers. Great things are happening at Buchanan, BECAUSE of our PTA!!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

Thursday, February 1: Kindergarten Registration Begins!! 
Friday, February 2: VIP Dance at Riley Upper Elementary 6:30-8:30 PM

Monday, February 19: No School for President's Day!
Wednesday, February 21: PTSA Founder's Day Celebration at Schoolcraft College
Thursday, February 22: PTA Meeting in Buchanan Library 7:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28: Students dismissed at 12:10 PM / Teacher training in the afternoon

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF

Mrs. Benson - 2nd Grade Teacher

Hello Buchanan Families! My name is Sandi Benson and I feel so incredibly fortunate to have been a LPS teacher for the last 23 years. Prior to my adventure request to move to Buchanan this year, I spent the entire time teaching at what was originally Johnson Elementary School but was later renamed Rosedale Elementary School.  Out of those 23 years, I spent 15 years teaching 1st grade and the remainder of the time I have taught 2nd grade. I was a super excited, but a little nervous, to start a new adventure at a new school with new colleagues and leave all my friends behind. However, I now realize I had nothing at all to worry about. This is such a warm and friendly staff! I am so excited to be working with such an amazing group of educators and the families have been so incredible! Thanks for welcoming me into this fabulous community. 

My husband and I were both born and raised in Livonia so our roots run deep. We were happy to buy a home and settle in this community. Together, we are raising our three amazing daughters that range in ages from 10-16.  Our girls are very active leaders within their schools and within the community. When I am not working, you will often find me at a cross country meet, track meet, or at the dance studio. As a family, we love to travel and go camping. Taking pictures has always been a hobby of mine and as a result I enjoy making photo projects or creating basic movies when the needs arises. 

One of my goals for this year is to start learning more about digital student portfolios. I love the idea of the concept and I want to take the time to investigate them a little further. 

The five words I would use to describe Buchanan are: inviting, inspiring, exciting, lively, and cheerful.

PTA POINTS

• Our VIP dance will be Friday February 2 at Riley Upper Elementary, 6:30-8:30pm. Riley has more space and we can accommodate our families better by hosting the event there. Please look for a flyer coming home next week with more information. Pre-sale tickets only, tickets will not be sold at the door. 

• Keep sending in Box Tops labeled with student and teacher name. The class that brings in the most will win a pizza party from the PTA!! Every top is worth $.10 and they add up quickly!      
• PTA Executive board nominations for the 2018-19 school year will be coming out in early February- all positions are open. We are in need of a treasurer, if anyone is interested, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com for more information. We would like someone to start "shadowing" our current treasurer as soon as possible. 

Did you know that we had a "Positive Post It Day" last week? With our theme of "Confidence" we talk a lot about believing in ourselves, but we also talk about how confident people lift up those around them. This was a simple way to do that through positive messages. My hope is that idea of leaving positive notes and motivational messages for one another will be something that will stick with our students throughout their time at Buchanan and far beyond. Great things are happening at Buchanan!

Reflections

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! This week we had several students recognized for their projects that they submitted for the district "Reflections" contest. It's designed to let students submit projects in a variety of art forms from drawing, to story writing and much more. I'm so impressed with the level of talent and hard work displayed by our Buchanan students and I applaud their courage for submitting their work for others to see. I've said before that I'm a firm believer in helping kids shine in any way they can, whether in academics, the arts, athletics, or in just being great kids! Thank you to the Buchanan staff for encouraging our students to be their best and thank you to our Buchanan families for supporting and partnering with the school. Together, we can help each child succeed!

REFLECTIONS WINNERS!

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

Monday, January 22: Skate Night at Riverside Arena 6:00-8:00 PM & Dine out at Dave & Busters 5:00-8:00 PM

Thursday, January 25: PTA Meeting 7:00 PM

Friday, February 2: VIP Dance at Riley Upper Elementary 6:30-8:30 PM

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF

Mrs. Hurula - First Grade Teacher

Hello Buchanan families! My name is Becky Hurula, and I have the awesome privilege of teaching first grade here at Buchanan. I can hardly believe that this is my 12th year teaching first grade at this wonderful school. Before that I was at Roosevelt for 10 years, where I taught first, fourth and fifth grades. I love being part of this wonderful school community and I look forward to teaching and learning with my students every day.  

I live in Northville with my husband and two beautiful daughters Annika and Katelyn. We love to spend time together, and especially love travelling and taking vacations as a family. In my spare time I enjoy music, reading, cooking, and shopping. I also like to be crafty and do scrapbooking projects when I have the time. 

Some goals l I have for this school year are that all students would enjoy coming to school and that they would be excited about learning new things. I believe every student is capable of learning, improving, and being successful with the right amount of guidance. 

Five words I would use to describe Buchanan are welcoming, caring, fun, helpful and awesome!

PTA POINTS

• Planning a trip to Disney? One of our Buchanan parents can help! Please see attached flyer or click on Facebook link for more information. Buchanan PTA will receive a portion of the profit for trips booked.

 We are the Plan Behind the Magic Buchanan Eleme...

​

https://www.facebook.com/KPAffiliateEarsOfExperienceLLC/

• Looking for something to do? Monday January 22 we have a Riverside skate night from 6:00-8:00pm or join us at Dave & Busters from 5:00-8:00pm for an evening of fun and games. Attached is the flyer for Dave & Busters- you will need the flyer for us to receive any profits. You can present it to your server if you are eating or to the front desk member if you are just playing games.

 Buchanan Elementary School Spirit Night Flyer.pdf

• Our VIP dance will be Friday February 2 at Riley Upper Elementary, 6:30-8:30pm. Riley has more space and we can accommodate our families better by hosting the event there. Please look for a flyer coming home next week with more information. Pre-sale tickets only, tickets will not be sold at the door. 

• Keep sending in Box Tops labeled with student and teacher name. The class that brings in the most will win a pizza party from the PTA!! Every top is worth $.10 and they add up quickly!

• PTA Executive board nominations for the 2018-19 school year will be coming out in early February- all positions are open. We are in need of a treasurer, if anyone is interested, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com for more information. We would like someone to start "shadowing" our current treasurer as soon as possible. 

Did you know that our second grade students celebrated our 80th day of school with an 80's theme? Having gone to high school in the 80's I thought that was pretty RAD!! I'm looking forward to seeing what fun events happen in the school when we celebrate our 100th day of school.  I've even got some fun things planned for the office:)  We are always looking for ways to make learning fun for our students. Great things are happening at Buchanan! 

One Word

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! Like many of you, I often make resolutions for the new year for self-improvement. Taking the lead of many educators from across the country, I have given up resolutions and instead chosen one word that will be my focus for 2018. My word for this year is "Patience". I struggle with being patient (especially with myself) and often want to get things done in a hurry and fix problems efficiently. This year, I want to focus on giving the time to be present with myself and others and to empower those around me to resolve issues rather than handing out quick fixes. I know that this will be a challenge for me as I'm used to going a mile a minute, but by focusing on my one word, I will strive to show more patience with myself and others. What resolutions or One Word do YOU have for this year?

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BUCHANAN

Monday, January 15: No School for MLK Jr. Day!

Tuesday, January 16: Battle of the Books Permission Slips due for participating 3rd & 4th grade students. 

Thursday, January 18: Reflections Ceremony at Stevenson High School for those students that participated 6:30 PM

Monday, January 22: PTA Skate Night at Riverside Arena 6:00-8:00 PM

Thursday, January 25: PTA General Meeting 7:00 PM

Friday, February 2: VIP Dance held at Riley Upper Elementary 6:30-8:30 PM

MEET THE BUCHANAN STAFF

Mrs. Mcguigan - Kindergarten Teacher

Hello Buchanan Families! My name is Mrs. McGuigan and I am a Kindergarten teacher here at Buchanan. This is my 3rd year teaching Kindergarten at Buchanan, and Kindergarten is definitely where my heart is! I absolutely love having the ability to experience new things with my Kinder friends every day. It is a year of tremendous growth, both socially and academically, and I feel extremely lucky to be part of it. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our adorable daughter, Stella. Stella will be one in March, and each day is an amazing adventure watching her learn and develop her sweet little personality. 

My goal for this year is to create an environment that my students feel safe and comfortable in. I want my students to look forward to coming to a positive classroom every day.

The 5 words I would use to describe Buchanan are: Welcoming, Fun, Dedicated, Supportive, and Positive!

PTA POINTS

We hope you enjoyed your holidays and winter break!! Thank you to those who shopped at our 5 Below fundraiser.

• Planning a trip to Disney? One of our Buchanan parents can help! Please see attached flyer or click on Facebook link for more information. Buchanan PTA will receive a portion of the profit for trips booked.

 We are the Plan Behind the Magic Buchanan Eleme...

​

https://www.facebook.com/KPAffiliateEarsOfExperienceLLC/

• Looking for something to do? Monday January 22 we have a Riverside skate night from 6:00-8:00pm or join us at Dave & Busters from 5:00-8:00pm for an evening of fun and games. Attached is the flyer for Dave & Busters- you will need the flyer for us to receive any profits. You can present it to your server if you are eating or to the front desk member if you are just playing games.

 Buchanan Elementary School Spirit Night Flyer.pdf

• Our VIP dance will be Friday February 2 at Riley Upper Elementary, 6:30-8:30pm. Riley has more space and we can accommodate our families better by hosting the event there. Please look for a flyer coming home next week with more information. Pre-sale tickets only, tickets will not be sold at the door. 

• A flyer will be going home soon about Youth Making a Difference, a great PTA sponsored program promoting volunteerism and helping within your community for our students. Detailed information will be in the flyer if your child is interested in participating. 

• PTA Executive board nominations for the 2018-19 school year will be coming out in early February- all positions are open. We are in need of a treasurer, if anyone is interested, please contact Nikki Watson at nalquiza@twmi.rr.com for more information. We would like someone to start "shadowing" our current treasurer as soon as possible. 

Did you know that we have a list of guidelines for when students should stay home from school due to illness? I have attached the guideline list to this e-blast to assist families when deciding whether or not to send a child. It's important for students to be at school as often as possible for high achievement, but we also want students to be healthy and happy while here. Thank you for your continued support. Great things are happening at Buchanan!