Cardinal Connection 2023-2024

Monday, November 13th - Kindness Day! Wear something with a positive/kind message

PTO Meeting - Monday, November 13th 7:00. Dr. Machesky will be presenting the TSD Fall Update

Picture Retake Day November 17th

Thanksgiving Break - No School November 22, 23, 24

Teacher Workday - No School December 1

Cardinal Power Ticket Winners!!!!

November 3, 2023

THANK YOU to all of our party planners, volunteers and staff for making the Halloween events so much fun! No shortage of smiles at Costello!

Restaurant Night - Wednesday, November 8th...

International Night - Thursday, November 9th...

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Costello this Thursday. This is a night you won't want to miss.

All School Field Trip...

Thanks to your generous donations our PTO funds are paying for a trip to Athens High School on Monday, November 20th. We will be attending the Wizard of Oz play. Permission slips will be going home next week.

Food Waste...

Many students who are choosing to participate in the breakfast program are not drinking the milk and are only eating a few bites of the pre-packaged breakfasts. Just wanted you to be aware in case you want to talk to your child.

EARLY RELEASE - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH STUDENTS ARE DISMISSED AT 2:37. LUNCH WILL BE SERVED AT SCHOOL.

PTO Meeting - Monday, November 13th 7:00. Dr. Machesky will be presenting the TSD Fall Update

Picture Retake Day November 17th

October 27, 2023

FUN RUN GLOW LUNCH CELEBRATION

The cafeteria was transformed into a glow room today! Ingrid Peeples and her team came together and made this happen. Jaws dropped as students entered the lunchroom, it was so fun to see their faces. The students were in AWE and so very appreciative. We have such good hearted and grateful students. Thank you families for raising such responsible and kind children.

Michele Yoo took some terrific photos that she will be sure to share!

THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL OF OUR FAMILIES WHO HELPED US TO REACH OUR GOALS.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VKw3HQHpo2VXWCgF9

WELCOME TO THE CHRISTIAN GREENWALT CAFETERIA!! CHRISTIAN WAS THE FUN RUN TOP EARNER!! THANK YOU Christian for your hard work raising this money, sounds like you really took the initiative to do this on your own!! WOW! Click link above to hear the announcement!

Writing Celebration!

Ms. Eldridge's 5th graders took advantage of the terrific weather and did their writing celebration in the outdoor classroom today!

First Grade Fall Extravaganza!

The writing kickoff event was a success. The first graders are excited to get started next week on their "HOW TO" narrative writing unit! Thank you to our parent volunteers!

Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31st

PARADE will be at 3:00 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31st in the bus loop, all are welcome to the parade.

Students should plan to bring their costumes to school in a bag. Children will be given time and help to change into their costumes at school just before the parade.

As you guide your child in choosing a costume, please be aware that costumes that are morbid, offensive, or extremely scary are NOT ALLOWED. Toy guns, knives, or other weapons may NOT be worn or brought to school.

• If the weather isn’t conducive to an outdoor parade, parents will not be able to watch the parade.

• Weather permitting, the Halloween parade will take place in Costello’s bus loop at 3:00. If it is raining the event will be held indoors and will be for students only. We will take plenty of pictures for you to enjoy.

• If you are able to attend the parade, please go directly to the bus loop, (not into the building). This is a very short event and is designed for all of the students to get to see each other in their costumes.

• Parking is limited. Walking or carpooling is greatly appreciated.

• No Pets. Please, leave your pets at home, no pets for the Halloween parade or Trunk or Treat.

• AFTER THE PARADE, students will enter the building. If you are a classroom volunteer or room parent the office will have your name and you may enter the building after receiving your name tag. Due to heightened security, visitors and guests that are not on the volunteer/room parent list will not be able to join the party. Your patience and support are appreciated.

(1st Grade will work with families for an alternative time for their party due to specials at 3:00)

• We recognize that party planners and volunteers may need to drop things off and set up prior to the 3:00 parade. Please check in through the office.

Krispy Kreme glazed donuts and apple cider/apple juice will be served at the party, if your child has allergies to these items, please plan to provide an alternative treat for the party.

• Special thank you to all of our party planners and parent volunteers for organizing the refreshments and party entertainment.

Thank you Lindsey Miller and to all of the volunteers that made Trunk or Treat a success, what a fun night for all!

Thank you families for participating in Parent Teacher Conferences this week! Our teachers enjoyed having this time to meet with you and we value your partnership.

Have a wonderful weekend!

October 17, 2023

Costello Fun Run, WHAT A DAY it was!!!

On behalf of the entire Costello team we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donations and unwavering support of our Fun Run! Your contributions make an impact in SO many ways. With your donations we can supplement resources, materials, and trips that would not be possible with school funds alone. Please know how much we appreciate your generosity!

Additionally, we would like to extend a special thank you to Ingrid Peeples for her outstanding dedication and tireless efforts in organizing the Fun Run event. Her hard work was instrumental in making the Fun Run a success, and we are immensely grateful for her commitment, enthusiasm and energy!

We must also acknowledge the the volunteers who lent their time and energy. Whether you handed out bracelets, donated water, or helped with shout outs, your selfless contributions were pivotal in ensuring the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all participants.

Also, thank you to Mike Frazier who donated his time and his awesome sound system so that we could stay motivated with cool jams around every lap!

Together, we have achieved something truly remarkable, and your collective efforts have not gone unnoticed. Your support strengthens our Costello community and empowers us to continue providing enriching experiences for all of our students.

Fun Run Posters...going, going, gone... All posters that are not picked up will be recycled on Thursday morning.

Costello Elementary PTO Community Facebook Page...

Have you joined yet?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/764126304704451/

This is a great way to stay updated, post and see pictures and meet more Costello families! In order to keep this group exclusive to Costello and eliminate advertisements, when joining you will be asked a few questions. THANK YOU Lindsey Miller for managing this page for our school.

There are TONS of terrific Fun Run pictures on the PTO Facebook page, be sure to check them out!!

Friday, October 20th Costello Trunk or Treat...

The event is free, but we are asking each family planning to attend to donate a bag of candy prior to the event. We will have a collection bin in the vestibule for bags of individually wrapped candy donations.

Important notes for Trunk or Treat!

• No need to sign up your Trick or Treaters in advance this year.

• Parking at the school is restricted to decorated cars only. Walking is encouraged or as there maybe limited parking on adjoining neighborhood streets.

•The school will not be open during this event so bathrooms will not be available.

•There will be a food truck present this year which was arranged by the surrounding neighborhoods

More details on the PTO Facebook page.

Parent Teacher Conferences are next week...

Have you signed up yet? Please see communication from your child's teacher(s).

Wednesday, October 25th - In-person Conferences

Thursday, October 26th - Virtual Conferences

Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31st

PARADE will be at 3:00 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31st in the bus loop, all are welcome to the parade.

Students should plan to bring their costumes to school in a bag. Children will be given time and help to change into their costumes at school just before the parade.

As you guide your child in choosing a costume, please be aware that costumes that are morbid, offensive, or extremely scary are NOT ALLOWED. Toy guns, knives, or other weapons may NOT be worn or brought to school.

• If the weather isn’t conducive to an outdoor parade, parents will not be able to watch the parade.

• Weather permitting, the Halloween parade will take place in Costello’s bus loop at 3:00. If it is raining the event will be held indoors and will be for students only. We will take plenty of pictures for you to enjoy.

• If you are able to attend the parade, please go directly to the bus loop, (not into the building). This is a very short event and is designed for all of the students to get to see each other in their costumes.

• Parking is limited. Walking or carpooling is greatly appreciated.

• No Pets. Please, leave your pets at home, no pets for the Halloween parade or Trunk or Treat.

• AFTER THE PARADE, students will enter the building. If you are a classroom volunteer or room parent the office will have your name and you may enter the building after receiving your name tag. Due to heightened security, visitors and guests that are not on the volunteer/room parent list will not be able to join the party. Your patience and support are appreciated.

(1st Grade will work with families for an alternative time for their party due to specials at 3:00)

• We recognize that party planners and volunteers may need to drop things off and set up prior to the 3:00 parade. Please check in through the office.

Krispy Kreme glazed donuts and apple cider/apple juice will be served at the party, if your child has allergies to these items, please plan to provide an alternative treat for the party.

• Special thank you to all of our party planners and parent volunteers for organizing the refreshments and party entertainment.

International Night is Thursday, November 9, 2023

6:30 - 8:30 at Costello

Come and travel the world without leaving Troy! This special night is one you don't want to miss. Chris Tallman, Wendi Abdel-Hameed, and Lillian Stier are the directors of this fabulous event!! Hope to see you there!

SPIRIT DAY October 30th - Let's celebrate the Lions! Students and staff wear your Lions gear or Lions colors! This spirit day was chosen by Mrs. Martus, she won the staff Cardinal Ticket Drawing and chose this fun spirit day!

October 13, 2023

WHAT A FANTASTIC FUN RUN DAY!!!! THANK YOU Costello families for your generous donations and for participating in our Fun Run! Everyone had a terrific time and the students were so excited to count their bracelets. Mrs. Peeples, we are so grateful for all of your hard work and organization. We recognize that many hours of planning and coordination went into this event. Thanks to all who volunteered to make today a success. There are likely to be a lot of tired cardinals this evening...but if not, just bring them back to the loop for a few more laps!

THANK YOU to Michelle Yoo for taking these amazing pre-run photos today...click the link below to check them out. Password: costello

https://yoomphotography.pixieset.com/funrun2023/

If you did not pick up your poster on the way out you can pick posters up from the bus loop this weekend.

Wishing everyone a terrific weekend!

Lunch Balances...

In case you missed this in the Back-to-School District Communication...all school lunch balances that were previously on School Pay have automatically been transferred to My School Bucks. If you wish to review your child’s lunch account, you may set up an account with My School Bucks at www.myschoolbucks.com. You may also reach out to the Food Service Office at 248-823-5089 to review your balance. If you wish to obtain a refund for your balance, please contact the Food Service Office by phone or email ngervais@troy.k12.mi.us. Refunds are issued in the form of a check and mailed to your home, so please provide us with a home address.

October 6, 2023

WOW...THANK YOU families for joining us for our 1st Cardinal Nesting Night! Ms. Eldridge, Mrs. Dabrowski, Mr. McKinney and Mrs. Tessoff led the Parent Partnership Team. Thank you to this team for all of their ideas, communication and coordination to make this night happen! Seeing the students shine was priceless!

If you attended last night, please take a moment to click on the link and complete a quick survey. Results will help us plan future events and plan for the beginning of next year. ☺️

https://forms.gle/4EpCsbNnc9dTmh3X9

Thank you stepping into your Cardinal’s and playing our math workplaces. 👟 ➕➖🔢

Thank you for just being there as we tried out something new. 👏🏻

Parent Teacher Conferences...

are coming up on October 25 & 26th - Teachers will be sending sign up links out next week!

Dismissal on conference days will be at 12:59 - no lunch served

Fun Run Sprit Week Next Week!

Monday, October 9 - Hat Day picked by Callen Acord

Tuesday, October 10 - Pajama Day picked by Kenzie Newcomb

Wednesday, October 11 - Pink Out Day picked by Reygan Johnson

Thursday, October 12 - Soccer Gear Day picked by Everett Puccini

FUN RUN Friday, October 13 - Wear Fun Run T-Shirts (these will be going home sometime before Friday!)

Click Link to Access Volunteer Sign Up Link

https://troyk12mi-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/jcavellier_troy_k12_mi_us/ESz3_m4isF5Gm6YxnW7_IYcBJKRlQ4n03dcHF_rrXfr_VA?e=4%3AqTs612&fromShare=true&at=9

Have a terrific weekend! See you next Friday at the Fun Run!

October 3, 2023

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday for Cardinal Nesting Night. Please scroll for important details.

Click LINK BELOW for a Message from Dr. DiPonio (click play button on left to)

https://vimeo.com/869445622/2d33f4dc65

CLICK BUTTONS BELOW FOR TEACHER PRESENTATIONS

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5TH!

Playground Usage After School...

While we want to encourage families to use our school grounds after school please know that our after school CARE program cannot accommodate non-CARE students on the same playground areas while CARE is in session. Fortunately we have a large playground. If your children play on the grounds after school please use the structures and areas away from CARE students and ensure that they are not intermingling with CARE students. Just as our school grounds are not open to the public during school hours, the grounds are not open for all until CARE is over at 6:00 PM. Thank you for your cooperation

September 22, 2023

It's been a busy week at Costello! The students were disappointed when the lights came back on after the power outage. We might have to have a "lights out" day! We are fortunate to have so much natural light in the building to keep us going. Huge shout out to our kitchen staff for packing lunches with flashlights!

Costello PTO is AMAZING!!!

All K-5 students Fun Run t-shirts will be completely paid for through our PTO! WOW!! And...our office staff worked to ensure the correct size for students. Parents, all you have to do is make sure your child wears their Fun Run t-shirt on Fun Run Day, Friday, October 13!!!

Thanks to those of you have already registered for the Fun Run! We had some winners to celebrate today. These students won a prize for registering. More drawings next week!

Cell Phones & Smart Watches at School...

Devices can cause distractions to the learning environment for the student using them as well as classmates. The following guidelines should be followed:

• Unless necessary for medical use, cell phones must be silenced or powered off and kept in the child's backpack. Elementary students are not permitted to use cell phones at any point during the school day.
• Smart watches and devices with data series and message/calling capabilities (this includes GPS watches and Apple Watches) must be in "airplane" mode during the school day.
• Devices can be kept in a child's backpack. Students should not be receiving and/or sending communication via smart watches during the school day.
• Students may be required to remove smart devices during assessments.
• The school is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.

Please communicate through the main office with changes in transportation. We will be sure to let your child/teacher know. For your child's safety, the adults need to ensure that the information is appropriately followed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Go Athens Redhawks!! Have fun at the Homecoming Parade and Game tonight!

September 15, 2023

We had a terrific Cardinal Pep Assembly this week! Shout out to our 5th Grade Leaders who taught everyone about our Cardinal Traits: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity and Responsibility! Enjoy this video that Mr. Rondot put together!

Click button below for more details about Cardinal Nesting Night on October 5th

Costello Fun Run is coming up...October 13th...

September 7, 2023

When is Curriculum Night?

Our team is excited to share our enhanced curriculum experience with you!

We will be sending out an eblast the last week of September containing virtual links from your child’s Costello teachers (classroom teachers, specials’ teachers, support teachers, etc.). Essential information will be shared in this video so that you know what you can expect this year at Costello. Similar to an “in person” curriculum night, your child’s teacher will share details about the curriculum, what instruction might look like, classroom procedures, ways you can be involved, and other crucial details.

Our Costello team is continuously looking to improve parent involvement. We know parent partnership is crucial to your child’s success at school. Last year we noticed a decrease in Curriculum Night attendance compared to pre-COVID Curriculum Nights; this led us to shift our thinking and reevaluate our approach.

So essentially there is not a Curriculum Night, but rather a Curriculum video link that will cover the important content.

But wait, that’s not all…on October 5th from 6:00-7:30 we invite you and your Costello student(s) to join us at Costello for Cardinal Nesting Night!

What is Cardinal Nesting Night?

Think of it as a unique evening event designed to strengthen the bond between you and your child(ren), as well as celebrate their school journey.

During this event, you will have the opportunity to step into your child's world, where they will be your guide, showcasing their school and sharing some of their learning experiences. As attentive listeners, you will witness the pride and excitement as they show you around and introduce you to their teachers.

Throughout the building there will be different sessions for you and your Cardinal to participate in. There will be sessions for math, reading, technology, robotics, art, media, and so much more!

This evening is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between you and your child's educational environment. It's a time for your child to shine, and for them to have your full attention 😊

It is our hope that by “remaking” this event we will accomplish the following:

Create an Early Opportunity for ALL Families to Feel a Sense of Belonging:

Transitioning to a new format provides us with an early opportunity to foster a strong sense of belonging among our families. By creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, we hope to establish a supportive community that encourages active engagement.

Including Students to Increase Parent Participation:

Involving students in parent meetings not only enhances their ownership of their education but also serves as a powerful motivator for parents to attend. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper connection between home and school, leading to more fruitful discussions and a greater understanding of their child's progress.

In conclusion, these compelling reasons underscore the necessity of changing our format. By incorporating these strategies, we are confident that we will create a stronger sense of community, and ultimately enrich the educational experience for both our students and families.

Q&A…

What if I have multiple children that go to Costello?

No problem, you can all stay together and attend the same sessions.

You will also have an opportunity to “drop in” to see your child’s classroom and teacher.

This is sure to be a crowded event, we ask that only K-5 Costello students attend WITH their parents.

On behalf of our Costello Team we look forward to seeing you on October 5th!

August 30, 2023

We are off to a terrific start! The hard work that the teachers and staff put into preparing is paying off. Check out these smiles....

BREAKFAST PROGRAM STARTS ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th (for families who signed up).

I want to sign my child up for breakfast, is it too late? NO, scan the code below to sign up!

Students participating in the free breakfast program will have a bagged breakfast delivered to their classroom. Teachers will provide time for students to eat breakfast.

BREAKFAST MENU

LUNCH MENU

August 28, 2023

Once again, I want to welcome all returning and new Costello families. It was great seeing so many of you at Meet the Teacher last week. This year we hope you make new connections and find ways to be involved. Your participation makes our school family stronger. Looking forward to collaborating with you and supporting your children this year!

If you have not had a chance to read the Back to School publication, see below. You will find school supply lists, breakfast details, arrival and dismissal details as well as a link to the Costello Handbook. Many of your answers can be found here, just click the button below: