3201 Noble Rd.
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
(517)841-8400
Fax: (517)841-8804
Mission Statement: "Reaching all students one mind at a time"
Michael Ykimoff, Principal Office Hours: 8AM-4PM
WELCOME TO BEAN!
Early Release Wednesdays - Dismissal at 2:35 pm
February 8, 2012 - Student Count Day
February 20, 2012 - No School - Presidents' Day March 12, 2012 - 1/2 DAY FOR STUDENTS
District Announcements
Western School District Calendar 2011-2012
Attached is a REVISED SCHOOL CALENDAR for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year. Please note the changes (3) denoted with *** beginning with the students return to school following the holiday break on Tuesday, January 3. You can view the entire 2011-2012 Revised Calendar by clicking here.
Parent Portal Sign Up
Please visit the Parent Portal page located under "Parent Links" on the left side navigation. This page provides answers to popular questions and helpful step-by-step guides for setting up parent accounts in PowerSchool and SchoolFusion.
Bean Refrigerator Notes
Celebrate Americana!
Our Bean students in grades K, 2, 4 will be celebrating America with their Winter Music Program on Thursday February 2, 2012! Click here to see the flyer sent home with students on Friday that has details about times, locations, and what to wear.
POP Into Reading
POP into Reading upcoming Fridays: January 27, 2012, February 3, February 17! Students are able to purchase a bag of popcorn for 25¢ to enjoy during silent reading. POP into Reading takes place every other Friday except no-school days. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the popcorn between 8:30 am and 12:00 pm. If you are available to help, contact Mrs. Plate at 392-0100.
5th Grade Graduation DVD
Attention fifth grade parents! Planning is underway for Fifth Grade Graduation. If you'd like to be a part of the planning, join other parents at the next planning meeting on Tuesday February 7 at 6:30 pm in the Bean Lounge. For now, start looking through your photo albums because we need pictures of all fifth graders! We need one baby picture and one recent picture and we're asking for a $5 donation to the Graduation Fund from each student. Click here for details on what is needed and how to submit it.
Tennis Mini-Clinic
The Western Tennis staff and high school players are offering a Tennis Mini-Clinic for students in grades 3-8. The indoor clinic will provide participants with assistance in all levels of skill. Students are asked to bring their own water, tennis racquet, and dress in loose comfortable clothing. The Mini-Clinic will take place on Saturday March 10, 2012 and costs $15 per student. Click here to review the flyer for more details.
Understanding the New Michigan Cut Scores
The Michigan State Board of Education recently adopted new, higher cut scores for the MEAP (grades 3-9) and MME (11th grade) state assessments. The new cut scores represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement in an attempt to "raise the bar" and be a better measure of student progress toward career and college readiness. This action will result in fewer students being deemed "proficient" on state tests and fewer schools making AYP. Most likely, Western will see a reduction in student performance this year.
The District maintains high standards for its students, and their test scores are consistently among the highest in the state. We anticipate this trend will continue even with the new cut scores. Click here to watch video which provides an explanation of the changes.
Sanchin-Ryu Session Beginning
There will be another session of Sanchin-Ryu beginning this month and lasting until March. Flyers were sent home with students and may be viewed here.
JCFCU Family Night
Jackson Community Federal Credit Union is hosting a Family Night on Saturday February 4, 2012. Students received bright pink Free Family Passes which will admit them to the Michigan Theatre for a showing of "Swan Princess." Doors open at 6:00 pm with the movie starting at 7:00 pm. Call the Michigan Theatre events hotline at 783-0811 for more information.
Tennis Anyone?
Western School Tennis is hosting a few Winter Play Days for students aged 10 and under. The Play Days are on Saturdays (Jan. 25, Feb. 18, & Mar. 3) and cost $5 per day. Pre-registration is not necessary. Click here for more information; flyers are available upon request at the school.
Box Tops Classroom Contest
The race is on! Bean students are facing off in a Box Tops for Education competition through Friday February 17, 2012. The classroom with the most Box Tops will win a pizza party. The top five individuals will also win prizes. Click here to see the flyer sent home with students on January 10, 2012.
Extra Innings Clinics and Leagues
Extra Innings of Jackson is offering up various clinics and a T-Ball League this winter. Flyers went home with students before Christmas break and can be accessed here for more information.
**Calandar Change**
Western School District has made a few changes to the district calendar. January 2, 2012 will be a "NO SCHOOL" day. Friday January 27, 2012, which was scheduled to be a half day for students, will now be a FULL DAY for students. Finally, Monday March 12, 2012, had been scheduled as a day off for students will now be a HALF DAY for all students with elementary release at 12:05 pm. Updated calendars were sent home with students and can be accessed here for an additional copy.
The Student Handbook is Available!
The Western Elementary Student Handbook is available for viewing online. Please click here to view the handbook.
- Chess Club
