School hours are 8:55am-3:55pm. Please do not drop students off before 8:40am. Students must be picked up by 4pm.
Message from Principal Farr
November 21, 2025
Pineapple Snack Tasting & Easy Recipe to Try at Home Chef Jillian prepared a simple pineapple recipe this week for students to sample in the cafeteria. Many students enjoyed trying this fresh fall fruit snack, and we wanted to share the recipe in case your family would like to try it at home. It’s an easy, safe way for children to explore cooking and healthy eating. We appreciate your involvement and hope your child enjoyed the tasting.
Reminders for a Safe Drop Off & Pick Up When dropping off your child, families have two preferred and safe options; use the loop or park in the lot and walk up via the crosswalk. If using the loop, please make sure your student is able to exit/enter the vehicle themselves with their belongings. Students should exit/enter the vehicle on the right, closest to the sidewalk. Once your child has exited/entered the vehicle, use the left lane in the loop to exit the line. This will keep traffic moving, keep students safe, and reduce delays and long lines. If your child requires assistance, please park and walk them to the crosswalk where our crossing guard will assist them in safely making it to the building. Lastly, when turning out of our parking lot, we require all vehicles to make a right hand turn out of the driveway during both pick up and drop off. This ensures the safety of all our staff, students and families dropping off and picking up their student(s).
Kat Farr, Principal
Conner's Counselor Corner
Michigan State University Online Parenting Classes Michigan State University Extension is providing free online parenting courses. Participants in the programming have the option to attend and actively participate via computer, or an app on a tablet or smartphone. Attendees can also listen to the presentation via phone (by calling in). These classes are free and certificates of completion are provided upon completion of the class.
Upcoming events include: November 25th: Potty Training 101 Participants will leave this training with concrete strategies and practices to help ease the stress of this important time of learning and independence.
December 2nd: Internet Safety from Protect MI Child Screens are everywhere, and children are spending more and more time in front of them. Discussion topics will include the following: *What steps can I take at home to keep my kids safe while they are online? *What popular apps are kids using, and are they safe? *What apps are traffickers or other predators using to contact children and what are their tactics? *What is the Michigan Child Protection Registry and how does it work? *How can I assist in getting this important information out to more people?
December 9th: Introduction to the HOPE framework Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) drive healthy child development and lessen the lifelong effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). PCEs help children build resilience and grow into thriving, healthy adults. The HOPE framework centers on those key types of PCEs to help everyone – parents and caregivers, professionals, organizations, and agencies – promote health and well-being for children and families.
For more information and additional future programming, visit the events page here.
The next PTO meeting of this school year will be held, Thursday, December 4, 2025. All meetings are held in the Holbrook Library at 6pm. There is a virtual option to attend posted on the PTO Facebook page the day of the meeting. Any staff member, parent, guardian, caregiver or grandparent of a student at Holbrook is automatically a member of the PTO at no cost or obligation. Even if you do not have a lot of time to volunteer, there are many ways to help contribute to the PTO.
PTO meetings will be on the first Thursday each month, unless otherwise scheduled ... 12/4, 1/8, 2/5, 3/12, 4/9, 5/7, 6/4.
Survey We’d love your input, Holbrook families! Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on our PTO fundraising efforts — your feedback helps us plan events and initiatives that truly support our students, teachers, and community. Together, we make Holbrook stronger!
Stay Connected with Holbrook PTO! Please like and follow the Holbrook Elementary PTO Facebook page for PTO updates and volunteer opportunities.
Holbrook Spirit Shop The Holbrook Spirit Shop is OPEN! Show your school pride in style! From cozy hoodies to sporty tees, the Holbrook Elementary Spirit Shop has everything you need to rep our school with pride. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, volunteering at events, or just want to spread that Holbrook joy, there’s something for everyone—students, staff, and families alike! Want to make it extra special? Personalize it with Proud Parent, Proud Grandparent, or Proud Student on the back! Click here. Shop now through Sunday November 30th. Orders picked up at Sports Stop. Every purchase supports our school community! Let’s spread Holbrook Pride
Fall Conferences A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated snacks, drinks, and utensils for our Fall Conference! Your generosity helped us fuel and appreciate our amazing staff during this busy time. The PTO is so grateful for your continued support and for making Holbrook such a wonderful school community!
Help Fuel Our Students! We’ve updated our Holbrook Elementary Snack Wish List and could really use your support! Every donation helps keep our students energized, focused, and ready to learn. Let’s come together to make sure every child has access to nutritious snacks! Your generosity truly makes a difference! https://a.co/4Hv8Pq4
Mrs. Morgan's Library Message
Couldn’t make it to the in-person Book Fair? No problem! You can still shop online at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/holbrookelementary. Online shopping is available from 11/10 - 11/23. Thank you for your support!
Lunch Menu
Daily Choice » Soft Pretzel with Yogurt and String Cheese Mon., Nov. 24 » Chicken Tenders Tue., Nov. 25 » French Bread Pizza Wed., Nov. 26 » NO SCHOOL Thu., Nov. 27 » NO SCHOOL Fri., Nov. 28 » NO SCHOOL
Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk for $0.50 if they choose.
Please note that students do not have access to a microwave for lunch.
Upcoming 2025-26 Dates
Nov 21 » 1st Grade Field Trip to Abrams Planetarium
Nov 21 » Popcorn Friday
Nov 26-28 » NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1 » NO SCHOOL - Staff PD
Dec 4 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Dec 18 » 2nd Grade Field Trip to Impression 5
Dec 19 » Popcorn Friday
Dec 22-Jan 5 » NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
Jan 8 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Jan 16 » Popcorn Friday
Jan 19 » NO SCHOOL - MLK Day
Feb 5 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Feb 13 » NO SCHOOL - Staff PD
Feb 16 » NO SCHOOL - President's Day
Feb 17 » 4th Grade Field Trip (TA4/KA4) to IQ Hub
Feb 18 » 4th Grade Field Trip (B4/D4) to IQ Hub
Feb 20 » Popcorn Friday
Mar 3 » In-Person Conferences 5-8
Mar 5 » In-Person Conferences 5-8
Mar 6 » HALF DAY - Virtual Conferences 1-3
Mar 12 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Mar 20 » Popcorn Friday
Mar 27-Apr 3 » NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Apr 6 » NO SCHOOL - Staff PD
Apr 9 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Apr 17 » Popcorn Friday
May 7 » PTO Meeting 6pm
May 15 » Popcorn Friday
May 22 » NO SCHOOL - Staff PD
May 25 » NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Jun 4 » PTO Meeting 6pm
Jun 5 » HALF DAY - LAST DAY!
Christmas Toy Donations
Christmas time is right around the corner and the Grand Ledge Shopping Tour committee is looking for our help! The Shopping Tour is an organization here in the GL area that helps provide clothes and a toy for needy children in grades K-4 at Christmas time. Each child is assigned a chaperone for an evening in December and the child and chaperone shop together for clothes for the student. After shopping they go to dinner at a local church and visit with Santa. The dinner food is donated by lots of local restaurants. The toys are donated by school families.
That is where they need our help! If your family would like to donate some toys please send the unwrapped toys to Holbrook on or before Tuesday, December 9. If you would like more information please call the school at 517-925-5480. Thank you!
Important Information from the Office
Attendance Reporting There are several ways to report an absence at Holbrook. When using any of the options below please include the following information; Child's full name, teacher and the reason for their absences. We keep track of all illness for the Barry-Eaton Health Department. If your child is going to be tardy please let us know what their choice for lunch is before 9:15 am. Thank you! 1. The fastest way is using the online portal atps.glcomets.net. Once you have logged in, select “Attendance Monitor” from the left navigation menu. Then, click “Report New Attendance.” After you have entered the date, reason, and explanation, click Submit. Please note: online attendance reporting is not available in the app; it is only available on the website. 2. Email hirschmana@glcomets.net or edgettt@glcomets.net. 3. Call the main office at 517-925-5480. Feel free to call anytime day or night and if you need to leave a voicemail message, please include your student's full name, teacher and the reason for the absence.
Update Contact Information Do you need to update contact information (email, address, name, emergency contacts, etc. for you, your child, or people associated with your child? Please visit www.glcomets.net/ourschools/holbrook-elementary.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up When dropping off your child in the drop off line, please make sure your student is able to exit the vehicle themselves with their belongings, otherwise please park and walk them to the crosswalk.
Late Arrivals If your student is going to be late and needs school lunch, you must call the office by 9:15am to order lunch for them.
Medication Drop Off If your student will require medication during the school day, you will need to provide the proper paperwork. All medications must be turned into the office by an adult. This includes over the counter medications, any ointments, and cough drops. Medical paperwork can be found on the district website under Parent Resources Medical Paperwork
Blessings in a Backpack If your student needs additional food at home, the Grand LedgeBlessings in a Backpack program is here. For over a decade, this program has provided bags of food for weekend meals at no cost to hundreds of students in the Grand Ledge area. For students attending school in-person, a bag of nourishing, kid-friendly food will be placed discretely in their backpack or locker at the end of each week during the school year (except during school breaks.) Examples of some of the food items distributed are: macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, soup, oatmeal, granola bars, fruit cups, and beef ravioli. If you would like your student to participate in the program, please fill out the permission form that went home or request one from the office. Return the form to the school office by Wednesday, September 11th, for your student to receive the first bag on September 19th.
Lost and Found The lost and found is located near the gym in playground vestibule. If your student is missing something, please have them check the lost and found. Labeling clothing/items will also help us to return things to students.
Need Hats or Gloves? Please call the office (517-925-5480) and let us know. We have a supply of donated items that we'd love to get to your child if needed.
End of the Day Changes If you need to change end of the day plans for your student, please contact the office prior to 3pm so proper notes can be delivered to classrooms. Thank you so much!!
Illness Reminders We ask that your child be 24 hours free of fever (without fever reducing medications), vomiting or diarrhea before you send them back to school after they have been out sick. We appreciate your cooperation with this!
Covid Reporting To report a positive Covid case, please complete the Covid Reporting Form.
Need Shoes or Boots? The Old Newsboys Association of Greater Lansing is a nonprofit charitable organization whose sole purpose is to provide footwear to needy school children. This includes well fitting school shoes, warm boots and socks. For, assistance and to obtain a request for footwear form, please contact our office (hirschmana@glcomets.net).
Change of Clothes Please send in a change of clothing with your student to be left in their locker. Students have spills during lunch or get muddy/wet on the playground. The office supply of clothing is very limited and students are often more comfortable in their own clothing.
Student Birthday Treat Policy Student birthday treat policy will be up to each individual classroom teacher. Communicate clearly and often with your student’s families regarding your specific policy so they know your expectations. Keep in mind that not all students celebrate birthdays, and not all birthdays are positive for students. Also be sure to be mindful of allergies. Food must be store bought & prepackaged. Encourage healthy snacks at all times.
Raptor Visitor Management System Starting Grand Ledge Public Schools will continue using the Raptor Visitor Management System to enhance the safety of our school buildings. The Raptor system will better allow us to screen school visitors, providing a safer environment for our students and staff. School visitors will be screened during the school day before being allowed to leave the main office and enter the school building. School visitors will be asked to present a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), and it will be scanned or manually entered into the Raptor system. Once entry is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of the visit. A visitor’s badge will not be necessary to drop off an item in the main office or to pick up paperwork from there.
Volunteering & Chaperoning Persons wishing to volunteer for Grand Ledge Public Schools are required to complete the Volunteer Registration Form and be approved prior to serving as a volunteer. All volunteers MUST check in at the office to receive a BADGE prior to proceeding to any other area on school property. Please visit District Volunteer Application to complete the process. If your student will be moving to a different school next year, be sure to select both their current school and the school they’ll be attending. For example: If your child is currently in 4th grade at Holbrook and will attend Hayes next year, select Holbrook and Hayes on the application. This ensures you’ll be cleared to volunteer at both locations when needed. Applications are valid for one calendar year.
Is something missing? Please share with John Ellsworth, GLPS Director of Communications, any additional Recognitions & Acknowledgments you think we should include on this list or upcoming lists – email him at EllsworthJ@GLcomets.net.
Community Feedback Survey Form
This survey is a chance for families and community members to share your thoughts about our school. Your feedback will help us understand what we’re doing well and where we can grow. Your voice matters — the information you share will guide us in making our school a place where every student and family feels welcome, respected, and supported. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and help us strengthen our school community.
GLPS Supervisor of Student Safety Chris Chester is sharing information from the Michigan State Police regarding the recent updates to Michigan’s child passenger safety laws.
Grand Ledge Education Foundation » Trivia Night & Sponsorships
The Grand Ledge Education Foundation (GLEF) is a 501(c)3 organization that provides extra funding for special projects within Grand Ledge Public Schools classrooms, and they are doing a TRIVIA NIGHT fundraiser.
BE A BUS DRIVER – join the GLPS transportation team! Probationary pay begins at $21.50 per hour, then regular driver pay starts at $25.50/hour. GLPS bus drivers have access to SET-SEG Plum Health Center, and many health services are provided at no cost (or minimal cost if you have an HSA). $500 signing bonus distributed as follows: $250 disbursement once all hiring and training has been completed, then the remaining $250 disbursement 6 months from the date of hire or end of school year, whichever comes first. Paid Training is provided to obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements. Must have a 10-year clean driving record. Apply today or contact Pete Bucholtz, Transportation Supervisor, and Nicole Freels, Assistant Transportation Supervisor / Dispatcher. Call them at 517-925-5300 or email them at bucholtzp@glcomets.net and freelsn@glcomets.net.