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

School hours are 8:55am-3:55pm.  Please do not drop students off before 8:40am.   Students must be picked up by 4pm.

April 18, 2025

Throughout the second half of the year, our staff has dedicated significant effort to focusing on social-emotional learning for our students. We have provided direct instruction on following Holbrook PRIDE and adhering to safety rules. However, despite our efforts, incidents still arise from time to time. During these events, our staff utilizes a behavior matrix to distinguish between major and minor incidents. While many minor situations can be resolved swiftly with the assistance of our staff, others may necessitate administrative involvement.

We do encourage our students to develop their independence and problem-solving skills when it comes to resolving minor issues they may encounter throughout the school day. These skills are directly taught through the use of our ReThink Ed and Second Step curriculums. We also utilize restorative justice practices to support conflict resolution and address student behavior. For other incidents that may arise, teachers will communicate with parents in a timely manner, typically within one school day. In the case of a major incident that requires the support of administration, parents will be notified. We appreciate your support in fostering a growth mindset among our students as they navigate challenges. 

If ever a situation arises regarding any concerns, please communicate this through the teacher, and if needed, follow up with the dean or principal. Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

Please see the guidelines below from the GLPS Elementary Handbook regarding guidance for communicating questions and/or concerns as well as restorative practices.  

Parent/Guardian Concerns – Guide for Communicating Questions and/or Concerns 
With the rapid rate of change occurring in our society, there are many implications for change in our schools as well. If a question or concern arises, please seek an answer or solution by contacting the teacher first and then the building principal or designee. If the question or concern is not satisfactorily resolved at the building level, the concerned person may appeal to the next highest level of authority

Please use the following step process to address any concerns that may arise: 
Step 1 - Contact the teacher or staff member most closely associated with the issue.
Step 2 - If unresolved, contact the principal or supervisor. 
Step 3 - If unresolved, contact the Superintendent’s Office (517-925-5401). 
Step 4 - If unresolved, contact the Board of Education. 

If you have a general matter concern, or you are unsure whom to contact, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 517-925-5401 to be directed to the appropriate personnel. 

Academic Services (517-925-5403): for concerns associated with classroom instruction, report cards, and district curriculum. 

Human Resources (517- 925-5406): for concerns associated with staff/personnel. 

Operations (517-925-5430): for concerns associated with facilities, grounds or transportation. Student Services (517- 925- 5410): for concerns associated with Special Education.

Restorative Practice - Grand Ledge Public Schools believes that restorative practices and restorative justice represent a fair and appropriate framework for addressing student behavior and code of conduct/rule violations whenever possible. This philosophy creates opportunities for students to heal the harm their actions cause and encourages alternatives to exclusionary practices whenever it is possible and safe to do so. Administrators, teachers, deans of students, and other support staff have the latitude to use restorative practices as an alternative to traditional consequences, and will consider this philosophy when working with students before, during, and after a code of conduct violation.

Warm regards,

Kat Farr, Principal

Parent’s Guide to Test Day Success
Simple strategies to help your child feel calm, confident, and prepared for testing.

Before Test Day
*Set a Routine: To create stability, establish consistent bedtime, mealtime, and study habits. For example, Ensure your child gets at least 8-10 hours of sleep the night before and eats a balanced dinner.
*Practice Relaxation: Teach your child calming strategies, like “balloon breathing.” For example, Inhale deeply as if blowing up a balloon, and slowly exhale as the balloon floats away.
*Normalize Nervousness: Let your child know it’s okay to feel a little nervous—it’s a sign they care! For example, you can say, “Feeling a bit nervous is your body getting ready to focus and do its best.”

Day of the Test
*Start with a Healthy Breakfast: Include a mix of protein, whole grains, and fruit to sustain energy.
*Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Help your child focus on effort and preparation, not perfection. For example, you can say, “You’ve worked hard, and you’re ready to show what you know!”
*Keep the Mood Light: Avoid last-minute cramming, which can increase stress. Share a fun or calming activity instead, like listening to a favorite song.
*Remind Your Child to Use Their Tools: Encourage them to take deep breaths if they start to feel overwhelmed and to approach questions one at a time. For example, you can say, “If you feel stuck, take a deep breath and move on to the next question. You can always come back later.”

After the Test
*Celebrate Effort: Focus on your child’s hard work, not their score. For example, you can say, “I’m so proud of how hard you worked to prepare. That’s what matters most!”
*Reflect Together: Talk about what went well and what they might do differently next time. For example, you can ask, “What part felt easiest? What could help you feel even more prepared next time?”

Quick Tips
*Avoid Overemphasizing the Test: Instead of saying, “This is really important,” try, “This is one way to show what you’ve learned.”
*Stay Calm Yourself: Children take their cues from adults. Model calmness and confidence.
*Provide Reassurance: Let your child know that one test doesn’t define their abilities or worth.

Daily Choice » Build Your Own Pizza!  Flatbread, Marinara and Mozzarella Cheese
Mon., Apr 21 » French Toast Sticks & Sausage
Tue., Apr 22 » Personal Cheese Pizza
Wed., Apr 23 » Mac & Cheese
Thu., Apr 24 » Breaded Chicken Sandwich
Fri., Apr 25 » Corn Dog on a Stick

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.

April 12th marks the birthdate of Beverly Cleary, beloved author of the Ramona and Ralph S. Mouse books. The concept of D.E.A.R. ("Drop Everything and Read") was first introduced in Cleary's book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.  D.E.A.R. is a time for everyone to stop whatever they are doing and just enjoy reading a book.  National D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated specifically on April 12th in honor of its originator, but it is often extended throughout the entire month of April to encourage making reading a priority.

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.

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 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 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).

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.

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.

Updating Student Contact Information
Click this link to update your address, name, phone number, email, emergency contacts, medical updates.  To change an address we need one proof of residency. These are the only forms that we can accept.
*Property Tax Statement (the taxes you pay on your home twice a year)
*Lease/Rental Agreement (with your name, the address, and the signature pages sign by both the lessee and lessor)
*Utility Bill
*Mortgage/Home Closing Documents
*Cable/Internet Bill
*Home/Renter's Insurance

Driver's licenses and voter registration cards are NOT acceptable for this purpose.

You can email the documents to hirschmana@glcomets.net or edgettt@glcomets.net.  If you have questions please contact our office at 517-925-5480.