615 Jones St., Grand Ledge, MI  48837  |  Phone: 517-925-5480  |  Fax: 517-925-5483
Holbrook Website

September 18, 2026

Dear Holbrook Families,

Holbrook PRIDE
At Holbrook Elementary we believe that in order for every child to achieve their highest potential, they need to develop strong social - emotional skills. The behavior expectations we teach at Holbrook fall under the agreement that we are:

Positive
Respectful
Inclusive
Determined
Empathetic 

Otherwise referred to as Holbrook PRIDE! Our teachers and staff have been busy engaging our students this week by teaching many procedures, routines, and behavior expectations for all areas of our school including: the classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground. One of many ways we recognize, acknowledge, and affirm positive behaviors is by giving students a “Comet Catcher.” Comet Catchers are special notes given to students when they are noticed demonstrating positive behaviors throughout the school. You can participate at home by talking with your child about positive behaviors, being kind, and earning Comet Catchers at school. 

Emergency Drills at Holbrook
Safety is also a top priority at Holbrook Elementary, and to ensure the well-being of all our students and staff, we will be conducting regular safety drills throughout the year. These drills are designed to ensure swift, coordinated responses in the event of an emergency. We may also have the support of local emergency responders during these drills to provide expert guidance and enhance our preparedness. During these drills, we pause early release of students in order to practice all safety protocols. This week, Holbrook conducted their first lockdown drill. Discussing and practicing drills such as fire drills, severe weather drills and emergency response at home is a great way to help your child understand these procedures.

Kat Farr, Principal

Small Group Counseling
I am including information on Small group counseling again this week for any parents that may have missed it last week. Small-group school counseling sessions for the first trimester will begin in the coming weeks. These groups provide students with an opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with peers who may be working on similar areas of growth.

Groups will meet once a week for approximately 30 minutes during the school day. Depending on the topic and needs of the group, sessions will typically run for 6–12 weeks.

Parents/guardians, teachers, and students are welcome to make referrals for small-group counseling. Please keep in mind that submitting a referral does not guarantee placement in a group. Student needs, group availability, and the number of referrals received will be considered when determining group placement.

Small-Group Counseling Topics
*Building Resilience – Identifying stressors, developing coping skills, building social support, and practicing positive thinking
*Changing Families – Coping with divorce, separation, and changes within the family
*Executive Functioning Skills – Developing skills for planning, organization, self-control, and focus
*Emotional Intelligence – Identifying, understanding, and managing emotions
*Friendship & Relationship Skills – Problem-solving, using “I” messages, establishing healthy boundaries, and encouraging others
*Healing Hearts – Coping with grief and loss
*Social Skills – Developing social skills based on the needs of the group
*Worry – Understanding the emotional and physical signs of anxiety, developing coping skills, and practicing ways to reframe unhelpful thoughts

Interested in a Small Group for Your Child?
If you feel your child may benefit from participating in one of these small groups, please complete the Small-Group Counseling Referral Form at your earliest convenience:

Small-Group Counseling Referral Form

Parent/Guardian Needs Assessment
If you have not already completed the Holbrook Parent/Guardian Needs Assessment, we encourage you to do so. Your feedback helps us better understand the needs of our students and families and plan appropriate counseling supports.

Holbrook Parent/Guardian Needs Assessment

Thank you for partnering with us to support the social-emotional growth and well-being of our students!

HOLBROOK — YOU DID IT! RECORD. BREAKING. YEAR.
Our schoolwide fundraiser has officially come to an end, and we are absolutely blown away by the support of our Holbrook community. This was a RECORD-BREAKING fundraising year!

To every family who registered, donated, sent messages to friends and family, shared fundraising pages, encouraged our students, and helped spread the word — THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

We truly cannot say it enough. Your generosity and support directly help PTO provide the activities, events, programs, and special experiences that make Holbrook such an amazing place for our students.

Our Comet community showed up in a HUGE way, and we are incredibly grateful to every single person who helped make this fundraiser such an incredible success. We could not have done this without YOU!

NOW… GET READY FOR THE BEST DAY EVER!
The fundraising may be over, but the FUN is definitely not!

Wednesday, October 7 - THE BEST DAY EVER!

Our students have earned an unforgettable celebration during the school day filled with GIANT INFLATABLES, FUN, LAUGHS, and special time dedicated to celebrating their hard work!

We’ve been working toward this moment, and now it’s time to make Best Day Ever live up to its name!

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
An event this big takes a village, and we need parent and family volunteers to help us give our students the celebration they deserve!

If you’re available to help on Wednesday, October 7, please consider signing up for a volunteer shift. Even a little bit of your time can make a BIG difference! Make sure you get a clearance through the school if you are volunteering! 

BEST DAY EVER VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0F4AAEAB2FA3FCCE9-65643723-best?useFullSite=false 

Let’s fill those volunteer spots and make this a day our Comets will be talking about all year!

OUR FIRST POPCORN FRIDAY IS THIS WEEK!
The wait is over — Popcorn Fridays officially begin THIS WEEK!

There’s just something about the smell of popcorn filling the halls that makes Friday even better. We’re excited to kick off another year of this Holbrook favorite!  Families can purchase popcorn for the school year here:

Pay for Popcorn:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/popcorn-fridays-2026–27 

POPCORN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Popcorn Fridays don’t happen without our awesome volunteers! If you have some time to help pop, bag, and distribute popcorn, we’d love to have you.

Sign up to volunteer:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0F4AAEAB2FA3FCCE9-64605668-popcorn?useFullSite=false 

NEXT PTO MEETING
Want to know what PTO is working on, share your ideas, or find ways to get involved? Come join us!

Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 6:00 PM - Holbrook Library

Everyone is welcome! You don’t have to be a PTO member or commit to volunteering to attend. Come when you can, participate however works for your family, and help us continue making great things happen for our Comets.

STAY CONNECTED WITH HOLBROOK PTO!
Make sure you’re following the Holbrook Elementary School PTO Facebook page so you don’t miss upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, reminders, photos, and everything happening with PTO throughout the year!

Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLvg34vEc/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Whether you volunteer, attend a meeting, donate, share our posts, or simply help spread the word — every bit of involvement matters.

After a record-breaking fundraiser, we think it’s pretty clear what happens when our Holbrook community comes together.

LET’S KEEP THAT COMET MOMENTUM GOING!

Picture day is Tuesday, September 22.  Personalized picture forms went home last week.

Orders can be placed online with a credit card.  You may also send cash or check with the order form. 

Please send the order form to school with your child on picture day - Tuesday, September 22!

Daily Choice » Build Your Own Pizza! Flatbread, Marinara and Mozzarella Cheese
Mon., Sep 21 » Bosco Sticks & Marinara
Tue., Sep 22 » Confetti Pancakes & Sausage
Wed., Sep 23 » Chicken Tenders
Thu., Sep 24 » Cheeseburger
Fri., Sep 25 » Beef Hot Dog

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.

Please remind your children that EVERY book that they check out from the library has to come back EVERY week!  This means that even if they aren't finished reading their book and/or want to read it again, they must bring it back on their library day to renew it!  There is also a library collection basket in each classroom where students can put their library books as soon as they finish with them - even before their library day! 

During library time, we talk about the best place to keep a library book when it is taken home and not being read - that place is in the student's backpack.  That way, it is safe from pets, younger siblings and food/water, and it also will not be left at home on library day!

Almcrantz
Arbour 
Barnhill
Houdek
Browning
Cano
Carver
Davis
Diaz
Diller - does not have one
Fender
Ford
Griffin
Haney
Harvey
Herington
Kowalesky
Kruse
Long - TBD
Mena
Miller
O’Neill
Priese
Sherman
Stevens
Vanderlaan
Warren
Werner

*compiled by the PTO

Our district-wide Culture & Community Picnic is just 2 weeks away! We hope you’ll join us for an evening of food, fun, and community!

This will be a potluck-style picnic, so if you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share with other community members. We’d love for everyone to have an opportunity to share a favorite dish, family recipe, or something that represents their culture.

A few details about the event:
*Potluck-style meal — please bring a dish to share.
*Covered pavilion — we’ll be gathering under a permanent pavilion, so no blankets are needed.
*Drinks, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils will be provided.
*Limited electrical outlets are available, so please plan accordingly if your dish needs electricity.
*All-accessible playground — kids can enjoy the playground throughout the event.

Everyone is welcome! This is a district-wide event and a great opportunity to connect with other members of our community.

No sign-up is required to attend, but registering is appreciated and helps us plan for the event. If you plan to join us, please take a moment to complete the sign-up form.

We hope to see you there! Come share a meal, meet members of our community, and celebrate the cultures that make our district special.

Thank you, and we hope you can join us!

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 at ps.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 Ledge Blessings 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 9th, for your student to receive the first bag on September 17th.

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 3:30 pm 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!

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 Policy
To ensure every child can participate safely, please do not send edible items for birthdays due to allergies and dietary restrictions. We will celebrate students with songs, books, and other classroom activities. If you would like to send a celebration item, please choose a non-edible item such as stickers, pencils, or small fidgets that can be shared and sent home. This is optional — we will happily celebrate every student who wishes to be recognized on their special day.

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.