Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! We certainly had a fun day today with the students in costume. This year does look different, but we are trying our best to keep things fun and engaging for our students! I want to thank everyone again for all your work and support as we navigate this year.  Our teachers are doing an incredible job of keeping students safe, our support staff is working tirelessly to make sure the days run smoothly, and families have supported and encouraged our school community. Please remember to practice safety protocols by wearing your masks during drop off and pick up times (especially when it gets crowded by classroom exit doors). We are going to make it through this together and come out stronger than ever!

HALLOWEEN FUN!! 

Please remember there is NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, November 3 for Election Day! 

Please use the link below to find Lifetouch picture packages and payment information

Lifetouch Website: mylifetouch.com

Picture Day ID: EVTJN8QQM

• On Friday, November 6 all Face to Face students will have their picture taken during the day. We will begin the morning with Kindergarten and move up to through the older grades. 

• Livonia Virtual families please use this link to sign up for a time slot after school the same day from 3:45-6:15 PM  AND to pick up curriculum materials  SIGN UP GENIUS

PTA POINTS

• Last Call for the Virtual Book Fair! Our annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair has moved online this year. It will be open through Sunday, November 1. Click here to shop!

• PTA Membership: PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential education and curriculum needs, advocating on behalf of children and educators, and building an inclusive school community for all families. Please become a member today at our MemberHub store: https://buchanan.new.memberhub.store/store

• Calling all Creative Bears! Reflections is an annual art competition held by the National PTA. Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. This year, all entries will be submitted virtually. Entries are due to ValerieRJackson@gmail.comby Friday, November 13. Please see the flyer attached to Mr. Wennstrom's email for details.

• Spirit Wear: To purchase Buchanan-branded items, please visit our spirit wear store here: https://buchananspiritwear.com 

• Follow the PTA on Facebook: @BuchananElementarySchoolPTA

• Contact the PTA via Email: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

• Next Meeting: Thursday, November 19, 7:00pm

TRANSPORTATION REMINDER

Due to COVID restrictions, students are NOT allowed to ride home on different buses to friend's houses this year. They may get off at a different stop (with a parent note), but cannot go home on a different bus.  Thank you for your support! 

I would like to recognize our STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! 

RESPECT                                                                RESPONSIBILITY

Mrs. Stromberg - Paxton                                            Mrs. Stromberg - Morgan

Miss Haapala - Nina                                                   Miss Haapala - Jamel

Mrs. Pillai - Alex                                                        Mrs. Pillai - Clara

Mrs. Sosnowski - Abigail                                           Mrs. Sosnowski - Markus

Mrs. Sparrow - Jack                                                    Mrs. Sparrow - Olivia 

Mrs. Hurula - Josalyn                                                 Mrs. Hurula - Daniel 

Mrs. Kamin - Ayden                                                   Mrs. Kamin - Reese

Mrs. Hochkins -  Logan                                              Mrs. Hochkins - Teddy

Mrs. Jones - Peighton                                                 Mrs. Jones - Mackenzie

Ms. Adams - Rosey                                                     Ms. Adams - Juliet

Mrs. Tanner - Brayden                                                Mrs. Tanner - Avery

Mrs. Benson - Nazir                                                    Mrs. Benson - Natalie

Mrs. Gruenewald - Liam                                             Mrs. Gruenewald - Peyton

Mrs. Drolet - Nathan                                                    Mrs. Drolet - Eva 

Mrs. Edwards - Zoe                                                     Mrs. Edwards - Colton

Mrs. Allmayer - Duncan                                              Mrs. Allmayer - Emersyn

Mrs. Duff - Anna                                                         Mrs. Duff - Kate 

Ms. Yost - Kerris                                                          Ms. Yost - Mason

Mrs. Trantham - Ayana                                                 Mrs. Trantham - Cole

Mrs. Banter - Ronin                                                      Mrs. Banter - Audrijana

Miss Brown - Sofia                                                       Miss Brown - Owen

Ms. Medellin - Sophie                                                   Ms. Medellin - Zain

Mrs. Ringler - Sage                                                       Mrs. Ringler - Ava

Ms. Kaufman - Emmalyn                                              Ms. Kaufman - Kendall

MEET THE STAFF!! 

Hello Buchanan Community!  My name is Angela Drolet and I am very excited to join the wonderful second grade team here.  I have had the honor of teaching second grade for ten of my fourteen years in education.  My husband and I are proud Livonia residents and we love walking through all of the friendly neighborhoods.  My goal is to grow a loving classroom family with my Buchanan Bears.

Hello Buchanan Families! My name is Sarah Sparrow and I am the new Livonia Virtual first grade teacher. As a first year teacher, I am overjoyed to end up here at Buchanan. We have a great community of staff and family and I’m proud to be a part of it. In December of 2019, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and earned my degree in integrated sciences and elementary education. My favorite things to do are spending time with my family, especially my niece and four nephews. I also love to travel to, and explore national parks. My main goals for this year are to grow strong relationships with Buchanan staff and families, as well as, provide my students with the best virtual learning experience!

Play Time!

 Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! One of the hardest parts of past several months has been the lack of social interactions. It is wonderful to see the students interacting with one another (while following our safety protocols). Just as every year, one of the favorite times for students is the chance to enjoy the fresh air and play with their friends. Our beautiful playground gives our students the opportunity to do that while staying safe as we go out in small groups. Sometimes, even I get to go out and enjoy the outdoors with them. Whatever your age, make sure you make some time to play each day as well! 

Please click on the link below to see a calendar of events

DISTRICT CALENDAR of EVENTS

PTA POINTS

• Virtual Book Fair: Our annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair has moved online this year. Our fair will be open from October 19 through November 1. Click here to shop!
• Membership Raffle: Everyone who signs up for a PTA membership on or before Friday, October 30 will be entered into a raffle to win one of two baskets full of Scholastic books! (This includes those who have already signed up for the 2020-2021 school year). Two prizes will be awarded. To become a member and earn an entry into the raffle, please visit our MemberHub store at the following link: https://buchanan.new.memberhub.store/store

• Calling all Creative Bears! Reflections is an annual art competition held by the National PTA. Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. This year, all entries will be submitted virtually. Entries are due to ValerieRJackson@gmail.com by Friday, November 13. Please see the flyer attached to Mr. Wennstrom's email for details.

• Spirit Wear: To purchase Buchanan-branded items, please visit our spirit wear store here: https://buchananspiritwear.com 

• Follow the PTA on Facebook: @BuchananElementarySchoolPTA

• Contact the PTA via Email: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

• Next Meeting: Thursday, November 19, 7:00pm

On October 30, students MAY wear their costumes to school. We will not have classroom parties, however our PTA has generously donated cider and doughnuts for each class to enjoy in the afternoon. If your child has an allergy, please contact the classroom teacher to make other arrangements from Cider and Doughnuts. We won't have a schoolwide parade as we have done in the past, but I will be posting pictures of our Buchanan students in costume. 

While we encourage costumes, please no Halloween masks, make up, or paraphernalia.  We are keeping it fun yet simple this year as we have no volunteers and as always, no violent or gory costumes.  

Please use the link below to find Lifetouch picture packages and payment information

Lifetouch Website: mylifetouch.com

Picture Day ID: EVTJN8QQM

On Friday, November 6 all Face to Face students will have their picture taken during the day. We will begin the morning with Kindergarten and move up to through the older grades. Livonia Virtual students will be sent a link to sign up for a time slot after school the same day from 3:45-6:15 PM

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT BUCHANAN! 

Buchanan Pride

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! Thanks to the generosity of our PTA, we were able to purchase Buchanan Masks for all of our staff members. The masks look great and it gives us a chance to show off our Buchanan Pride! If we need to wear masks each day, we may as well have fun and look good while we do it:)  I same the same thing to our students. Let's make it a fun activity each day and not just something we have to do. Thanks again PTA for making our team look so good!

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 for our first ever VIRTUAL Curriculum Night! 

6:00-6:30 PM Kindergarten, First & Second Grade Classrooms

6:30-7:00 PM Third & Fourth Grade Classrooms

This event is for ALL students (Virtual and Face to Face)

Your child's teacher will send out a link for your classroom meeting. 

PTA POINTS

• PTA Meeting: Join us on Zoom for our October PTA Meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00pm. Link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89910821113

Meeting ID: 899 1082 1113

Passcode: 0JgcSW

• Virtual Book Fair: Our annual Fall Scholastic Book Fair has moved online this year. Our fair will be open from October 19 through November 1. Click here to shop!

• Membership Raffle: Everyone who signs up for a PTA membership on or before Friday, October 30 will be entered into a raffle to win one of two baskets full of Scholastic books! (This includes those who have already signed up for the 2020-2021 school year). Two prizes will be awarded. The cost of a PTA membership is only $7.00 and supports the PTA's efforts on the local, state, and national levels. To become a member and earn an entry into the raffle, please visit our MemberHub store at the following link: https://buchanan.new.memberhub.store/store

• Calling all Creative Bears! Reflections is an annual art competition held by the National PTA. Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. This year, all entries will be submitted virtually. Entries are due Friday, November 13. Please see the flyer attached to Mr. Wennstrom's email for details.

• Spirit Wear: To purchase Buchanan-branded items, please visit our spirit wear store here: https://buchananspiritwear.com 

• Follow the PTA on Facebook: @BuchananElementarySchoolPTA

• Contact the PTA via Email: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

• Please see the link for information about Goodfellows: GOODFELLOWS LINK

LUNCH MENU

Lifetouch PICTURE DAY will be Friday, November 6. We will be following our protocols for social distancing during the event. We will have a time after the school day for all our Virtual Students as well. Livonia Virtual families will have the opportunity to do their monthly materials pick up at picture time. 

We are still finalizing our plans for Halloween, but we will have some fun (and socially distanced) activities for our students on Friday, October 30. More information to come next week! 

Together Again!

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! I am so glad to have many of our students back for face to face instruction! I'm also very proud of our Livonia Virtual team as well who continue to provide distance learning for many students. Whether your child is in the building or online, I'm glad you are part of the Buchanan community. It's great to be together again!

Thank you so much for your cooperation with our new arrival & dismissal procedures! Just some reminders:

ARRIVAL: Parents using curbside pick up should proceed in a single file line and drop off students in front of the gym (where the supervisors are). Please do not drop off at different locations. You may also park your car and walk your child up to the school (but not inside). All K/1 students enter the main doors, all 2nd grade students (and Miss Brown's 4th grade) enter the east door (SACC door), and 3/4 students enter the west door (Door 37). Students arriving on the bus will be assisted by staff members to the appropriate entrance.

DISMISSAL: Parents picking up children need to wait outside the classroom exterior doors and then walk students to their parked cars. Students riding the bus will be assisted by staff members to the appropriate bus. 

Buchanan will be hosting a VIRTUAL curriculum night the evening of Wednesday, October 21 for ALL classrooms (Face to Face and Livonia Virtual). Grades K-2 will be held from 6:00-6:30 PM and Grades 3/4 will be held from 6:30-7:00 PM. More information will be coming out next week from the school and from classroom teachers. 

CHROMEBOOKS

Grades 2-4: Students who borrowed a school chromebook MUST bring their device back and forth to school each day starting Monday, October 12. Students who have a home chromebooks MAY bring it back and forth to school each day. Students who do not have a device will be provided one at school as needed. Chromebooks should be placed in a large 2.5 gallon Ziploc back to prevent damage or moisture and should be charged at home each evening.  (If you borrowed a school chromebook and do not feel comfortable sending it back & forth, you may return it to the school and your child will be provided one during the day as needed). 

Grades K&1: Students who borrowed a school chromebook should keep the device at home for asynchronous lessons and in the event of a return to remote learning. K/1 students should NOT be bringing devices to and from school.

PTA POINTS

• Membership Raffle: Everyone who signs up for a PTA membership on or before Friday, October 30 will be entered into a raffle to win one of two baskets of Scholastic books! (This includes those who have already signed up for the 2020-2021 school year). Two prizes will be awarded. The cost of a PTA membership is only $7.00 and supports the PTA's efforts on the local, state, and national levels. To become a member and earn an entry into the raffle, please visit our MemberHub store at the following link: https://buchanan.new.memberhub.store/store

• Spirit Wear: To purchase Buchanan-branded items, please visit our spirit wear store here: https://buchananspiritwear.com LAST CALL FOR FREE SHIPPING!  Our free shipping period ends on Monday, October 12.

• Reflections: Reflections is an annual art competition held by the National PTA. Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. This year, all entries will be submitted virtually. Entries are due Friday, November 13. Please see the flyer attached to Mr. Wennstrom's email for details.

• Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00pm (via Zoom)

• Follow the PTA on Facebook: @BuchananElementarySchoolPTA

• Contact the PTA via Email: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

We will having school pictures on Friday, November 6. We will also have designated times on that day for our Livonia Virtual students. More information will be coming soon regarding picture day! 

• Please see this presentation from our PE Teacher Mrs. Berg-Grant: Physical Education

• Mr. McMillan is asking that all students please bring their pencil boxes into the Art Room on their designated days and if possible include colored pencils/markers/crayons to use for individual projects. 

Many people have asked about Halloween. We are working on some ideas to allow for some fun for the students, while still following our Covid Protocols. I will share more information in the next update! 

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT BUCHANAN!! 

Return to Learn

Hi folks, Jon Wennstrom here! As you know, the Board of Education approved the Return to Learn plan for students wanting Face to Face instruction. On Monday, October 5 we start bringing back students one grade level a day, starting with Kindergarten. By Friday, October 9 all our students who chose face to face instruction will be in the building. Our students enrolled in Livonia Virtual will continue with their regular daily schedule. I know there have been many changes for our students, but I also know how resilient our Buchanan students are and I'm confident they will do well! I will share out many details of our return to learn plan, but please keep in mind that this is a work in progress and we may make changes and tweaks along the way to better serve our students and our community. Thank you for your continued support!

Calendar of Events

• Monday, October 5: Kindergarten Students return for face to face instruction
• Tuesday, October 6: Kindergarten & First Grade students return
• Wednesday, October 7: Kindergarten, First & Second Grade students return 
• Thursday, October 8: Kindergarten through Third Grade students return
• Friday, October 9: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade student return

Students will continue their remote learning schedule until the day of their grade level return and Livonia Virtual students will continue with their regular daily schedule. 

Parents may utilize the curbside drop off in front of the gym, beginning at 8:55 AM. Staff members will help students into the building and to their classroom. Staff members will also assist students off the bus into their classrooms. Parents may not enter the building with their child. Parents picking up their child at dismissal will park their car and pick up at classroom exterior doors at 3:25. If you have multiple children, always pick up the youngest child first. Please see the notes at the bottom of the post for more details on the Face to Face instructional protocols.

PTA POINTS

• Spirit Wear: To purchase Buchanan-branded items, please visit our spirit wear store here: https://buchananspiritwear.com They are offering FREE SHIPPING on orders placed now through Monday, October 12.

• Reflections: Reflections is an annual art competition held by the National PTA. Artwork is accepted in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Entries are due Friday, November 13. Please see the flyer attached to Mr. Wennstrom's email for details.

• Membership: The cost of a PTA membership is only $7.00 and supports the PTA's efforts on the local, state, and national levels. To become a member and start showing your support for the Buchanan Elementary PTA today, please visit our MemberHub store at the following link: https://buchanan.new.memberhub.store/store

• Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00pm (via Zoom)

• Follow the PTA on Facebook: @BuchananElementarySchoolPTA

• Contact the PTA via Email: pta.buchanan1@gmail.com

Notes from Mrs. Pepple's Desk

Helpful Numbers, Emails & Links

First Day Packets & Emergency Contacts

Please click HERE to register for Blessings in a Backpack if you are interested! 

Here are some Face to Face Informational Items

• School Day: The school day will begin at 9:10 AM and students will be dismissed at 3:25 PM (students will not be allowed in the building before 8:55 AM and supervision will not begin before that time)

• Masks: Mask wearing will be strictly enforced for all staff and students. 

  Allowable face coverings include: Homemade facial coverings (must be washed daily), Disposable masks (must be disposed of daily) and Gaiters (one-piece neck and face sleeve). 

• Lunch & Snack: Lunch for K,2&4 will be from 12:00-12:35 PM and lunch for 1st & 3rd will be from 12:35-1:10 PM. Kindergarten will eat in the cafeteria & all other grades will eat at individual desks in the their classrooms. Lunch supervision will be provided by staff members. Morning snacks will be the same as in the past and water bottles are encouraged as the drinking fountains are closed. Click HERE for the hot lunch menu. 

• Recess: Each class will have a 15 minute recess supervised by their teacher and will have periodic "mask breaks" and movement breaks throughout the day.

• Arrival: Curbside drop off will still take place in front of the gym. As students exit the car or their school bus, staff supervisors will assist them in entering the building and going straight to their classroom. (Those getting breakfast can stop in the cafeteria first to pick up their food) Third and Fourth grade students may enter and the west door, K and First grade students will enter the main doors, and Second grade student will enter the east door (SACC door). It will look similar to last year with the exception of no outdoor lines. 

• Dismissal: Parents picking up students after school are asked to go to the classroom exterior door. Teachers will share their room number for pick up and then they will dismiss students to parents at 3:25. Bus riders will be called out of the building when their bus arrives and supervisors will assist with getting all students (especially our youngest riders) safely onto the appropriate bus.

• Visitors/Drop Off: Visitors and Volunteers will not be allowed in the building this year. If a parent or guardian is dropping off an item (lunch, book, etc) they will enter the secure vestibule and leave the item there and sign where the item is going to. If a parent or guardian is picking up a student early, they will communicate with the secretary through the intercom, sign them out and wait in the vestibule until the child comes down.  

• Health Screenings: All students will be required to conduct the health and safety self assessment at home prior to coming to school. At-home screening includes taking temperature prior to attending school and answering a health checklist. If the student cannot answer “NO” to the questions on the checklist, or has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, he or she may not attend school and must call the school attendance line.

• Covid Protocols: Students who exhibit Covid Symptoms during the school day will be sent to a designated wellness room and will be supervised by a staff member until they are picked up by a parent or guardian. The Wayne County guidelines will be followed for all Covid cases and can be found in the Return to Learn presentation on the district website.

• Chromebooks: We will not be using Chromebooks in school the week of October 5. I will send out a plan/protocols for our chromebook use in my next update and how we will proceed starting the week of October 12.

• Livonia Virtual supply pick up will be Friday, October 9 from 1:30-3:30 in the cafeteria. The Livonia Virtual teachers will be sending out specific information to their families.

Great things are happening at Buchanan!