November 26, 2024 | Volume 43, Issue 13

ENJOY YOUR

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Wed. - Fri., Nov. 27th - 29th

Just a reminder that we will be closed for Thanksgiving break starting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 27th through Friday, November 29th.

VISIT OUR TREE

at Kellogg Park’s

“Walk of Trees”

This week, Steppingstone students took a break from their usual recess routine for something truly special: decorating our school’s tree for the annual "Walk of Trees" at Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth!

Earlier in the month, students worked hard in class to design unique ornaments, showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit. Each ornament reflects their artistic talent, with different designs on each side that capture the joy of the season. Today, they proudly hung their ornaments on our tree, adding their personal touch to this beloved community tradition.

📅 When to Visit

The "Walk of Trees" will be on display from Friday, November 29 through Friday, January 3, giving you plenty of time to stop by and admire the festive creations of our talented students.

📍 Where

Kellogg Park, Downtown Plymouth

🎄 Why You Should Visit

Take a stroll through the park, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and celebrate the creativity of our students alongside dozens of other beautifully decorated trees. This is a wonderful way to support our school and engage with the Plymouth community!

📸 Don’t Forget!

Snap a picture of our tree when you visit and share it with us on social media. We’d love to see your favorite ornaments and hear what you think!

Let’s spread the word and holiday cheer—invite your family, friends, and neighbors to visit our tree. We’re so proud of what our students have created, and we know you’ll love it too.

Happy Holidays from Steppingstone School!

GET READY for

DECEMBER SPIRIT DAY

Thu., Dec. 5

Mark your calendars for our third Spirit Day coming up on Thursday, December 5th! Students, be sure to wear your Spirit Wear to celebrate and show your school pride.

Parents and special guests are invited to join us for lunch. If you'd like to attend, please let us know in advance so we can arrange seating.

Let’s make this Spirit Day another memorable one!

FINAL PUSH TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS

Winterfest Pre-Auction Raffle

Time is running out! Our final announcement for the student winner selling the most pre-auction raffle tickets will take place on Spirit Day, Thursday, December 5th. Don’t forget, there’s still another week before Winterfest to aim for the overall ticket-selling champion!

✨ Prizes for this raffle include:

1. Family Fun Pack ($500 value) - Admission to the Detroit Zoo & Oakland County Parks
2. Wine-Tasting Party ($500 value) - Host up to 16 guests for an unforgettable evening
3. Auction Tickets ($170 value)- 2 tickets to our Annual Benefit Auction: A Western Hoedown

How to Get Tickets:

🎟️ Connect with Steppingstone families, faculty, or trustees

📞 Call the school directly at 248-957-8200

Remember, you need not be present at Winterfest to claim your prize. Only two weeks left—let’s make these last days count! ⏳

DIVE INTO CONSERVATION:

Adopt-a-Salmon and

Join the Journey!

Exciting things are happening in Steppingstone’s Salmon-in-the-Classroom project! Our salmon eggs have hatched into alevin/sac fry, and our students are learning about the fascinating salmon life cycle as they nurture these tiny creatures. This spring, the students will release the salmon into the Detroit River, contributing to local conservation efforts and experiencing the thrill of hands-on environmental education.

🎉 A Special Thank You to Our First Adopter!

We’re thrilled to announce our very first salmon adopter: Fran Eldis! Following tradition, Fran has chosen a Greek theme for her salmon names: Sophia Orthee, Athena, Demetrios, Petros, Plato, Socrates, Euripedes, Zorba, Xenia, and Demetra.

Thank you, Fran, for supporting our students and inspiring others to get involved!

🌟 Adopt-a-Salmon Today!

For just $10, you can adopt your own salmon and receive a personalized certificate with your fish’s name. All funds raised help support the maintenance of our school’s tanks, which house salmon, a saltwater ecosystem, and even our tortoises.

🛟 Follow Us to Stay Updated

Keep up with the journey of our alevin/sac fry as they grow and prepare for their big release into the Detroit River.

👉 Don’t miss your chance to make a splash in education and conservation. Contact us today at 248-957-8200 or info@steppingstoneschool.org to adopt your salmon and be part of this amazing project!

DON'T MISS OUT -

Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon!

Fri., Dec. 13, 2024

Our 32nd Annual Benefit Auction: “A Western Hoedown” is coming up, and we’re excited to share an evening of fun, community, and support for our gifted students. But don’t wait too long to get your tickets—early bird pricing ends in just over TWO WEEKS!

Early Bird Pricing (Ends December 13, 2024):

• Individual Tickets: $80
• Table for 10: $750

After December 13, prices increase to $85 per ticket and $800 for a table, so now’s the time to saddle up and secure your spot!

🌟 Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

📍 Location: St. Mary’s Cultural Center, 18100 Merriman Rd., Livonia, MI

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM to Midnight

This unforgettable night includes:

🎉 A delicious dinner

🎶 Live entertainment

🎁 Exciting auction items to bid on

💃 Plenty of community fun!

Get Your Tickets Today!

Don’t miss out on early bird savings—reserve your spot now at www.steppingstoneschool.org/steppingstone-auction-2025/.

Your participation and support help us continue to provide a world-class education for our gifted students. Let’s make this event a rootin’ tootin’ success together!

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we can’t wait to see you at “A Western Hoedown”!

Act Now – Early Bird Pricing Ends December 13!

Secure your spot and join us for an evening of fun and philanthropy. Yeehaw!

Volunteers

Auction Chair

Chris Isberg

Auction Acquisitions

Michelle Belt, Chair

Anthony Bonanni

Dena Nehme

Brad Styke

SMART Center Chair

Robert Schiff

SPARC Chair

Michelle Tan

Marketing

Jorge Contreras

Yearbook & Keepsake Editor

Barbara Malnar-Styke