Briarwood Bulletin

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with joyful moments and memory-making experiences that only summer can bring. At Briarwood, our hallways were buzzing with activity as construction crews worked hard to refresh our building—installing new flooring, drinking fountains, HVAC units, secure interior and exterior doors, and a fresh coat of paint. The result is a bright, welcoming space that’s ready for learning!

At Briarwood, the beginning of the school year is a truly magical time—a season filled with fresh starts, joyful energy, and endless possibility. As students walk through the doors with bright eyes, new supplies, and hearts full of excitement, our classrooms come alive with curiosity and laughter. For our teachers, it’s a moment of renewed purpose—a chance to build strong classroom communities, spark a love of learning, and guide each child’s growth with care and intention. And for parents, this time is filled with pride and hope as they watch their children step into new experiences, friendships, and challenges. Together, we share in the joy of this new beginning and the promise of a remarkable year ahead.

• Normal: 8:35 AM – 3:30 PM
• Early Release: 8:35 AM – 2:00 PM
• Half Day: 8:35 AM – 11:47 PM
• Tardy bell rings at 8:40 AM

Each day we welcome and dismiss over 300 students. Their safety is top priority, and we must all work together to keep our school zone safe. As such, please follow these rules during drop-off and pick-up.

• Please DO NOT park in the parking lot in the morning between 7:00 AM-8:45 AM and in the afternoon between 2:30 PM-3:45 PM.
• Parking is allowed on Flanders and Steele Street.
• The number of parking spaces available in the Briarwood lot is very limited and only accommodates Briarwood staff members.
• You are welcome to park in the lot between the times of 8:45 AM and 2:30 PM for scheduled appointments or to pick up your child.
• In the afternoon, please establish a pick-up area to meet your child or park on Flanders or Steele Street and meet your child at their classroom door.
• It only takes one or two members of the community not following these guidelines to disrupt the entire drop off or pick up procedures. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and efficient environment for our students and staff and helps everyone get to where they need to be on time.
• In the morning the circular driveway in the front of the school is open for drop off only. Do not park or get out of your car in the circular driveway. Your child must exit from the passenger side of the car. Staff members will be there to help your child get to their designated spot.
• Buses use our side driveway in the morning. Please do not enter this area.
• In the afternoon the parking lot is closed from 3:00 – 3:40 PM.

We are fortunate to offer the students the materials they need in the classroom. This means that we offer pencil boxes, notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, and glue sticks for every student. Your child's teacher might ask for additional supplies. Tissue is always appreciated.

Free breakfast and lunch will be available to every Briarwood student this year. To ensure this benefit continues, ALL families, regardless of need, will be required to fill out the Education Benefit Form. The forms can be filled out online at Food Services. Click "Apply for Benefits" and then Click on "Education Benefit Form." Parents/guardians will need to fill out one per household and include all their students.

Please use this link to check out the menu options. Briarwood Menu

If your child will be absent from school, please report the absence using the Briarwood Attendance Line. When prompted, leave the following information:

• Your child’s first and last name
• Teacher’s name
• Grade level
• Date(s) and expected duration of the absence
• Reason for the absence
• Your name and a contact phone number

Please do not call the main office or your child’s teacher to report an absence.

To ensure we can reach you quickly in case of emergencies, important updates, or school communications, please make sure your contact information is current. If you’ve recently changed your phone number, email address, or home address, please update your information through the school office.

Warren Woods School district has established the following guidelines pertaining to cell phones in the elementary schools:

• All cell phones are OFF once on school property
• Cell phones will not be turned on until the student is off school property
• Cell phones are stored in the students’ book bag, not in his/her desk (elementary guidelines)
• Cell phones cannot be checked during school hours
• Cell phones will be turned into the front office, if the above guidelines are not followed

This year, we are proud to introduce two new programs that will enrich our students’ learning and growth: the CKLA Amplify literacy curriculum and the Character Strong social-emotional learning program. CKLA Amplify is grounded in the science of reading—a body of research that emphasizes systematic, evidence-based instruction in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension to build strong, confident readers. Character Strong will support our students in developing empathy, resilience, and positive relationships, helping us nurture not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Stay tuned for updates on these two exciting initiatives!

Thank you for being a valued part of the Briarwood community. We’re excited for a great year ahead and look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s growth and success. Let’s make 2025–2026 a fantastic school year!

Best regards,

Beth Mager

Proud Principal - Briarwood Elementary