Rocky Beach

Is this a clue?

Cold Rock Clue

Not sure what this means but it was emailed this weekend:

This doesn't change anything for me. I'll be revealing my solution to this mystery (with supporting evidence) on Tuesday.

Rock Update: More Clues

Here are the most recent rock clues:

From Sunday, October 22: My team was in a very close battle this week but you got the wrong game. Think Orange.

From Friday, October 27: Some students have seen the rock but they know how to keep a secret. They have even participated in the great caper.

BREAKING NEWS: Based on the clues, I believe I have figured out who has my rock. I will reveal my case on Tuesday, October 31. Any sleuths who believe they also know the perpetrator of this dastardly crime, should turn the following into the school office no later than 9 AM on Tuesday, October 31:

• Name of detective
• Teacher of detective
  
• A list of clues they used to solve the crime
• Explanation of what the clues mean (optional for K, 1, and 2)
• Perpetrator of crime

King Blood Drive on 10/26

The King Blood Drive sponsored by the King PTO will take place on Thursday, October 27.

To remind parents of this important PTO-sponsored event, the PTO will send students home with crowns today that advertise the blood drive.

If you haven't signed up yet, there is still time! You can sing up at givelife.org. You'll be asked to enter kes13 as our school ID.

Hope to see you there!

Rock Update - A Clue!

I received a clue as to the whereabouts of my rock. It came in the form of a poem, another genre of writing. Here is the clue:

I have your rock, I took it for fun,
Now it's a mystery, the game has begun.

You had to go out and involve the whole school,
My clues will be educational, it's really quite cool.

My first clue is this, it's really quite plain,
The man they call Seuss, has taken over my brain.

Find the one person who likes to rhyme,
And you'll get your rock in the nick of time.

For your precious little game, I do hope they win,
OSU the national championship . . . that is a sin.

You asked for a clue, I have given you many,
if you look close you'll find, ten maybe twenty.

I took your rock, it's as plain as can be,
And I still have it, 'cause I'm smarter than thee.

I'm not sure yet what this clue tells us. If you've got any ideas, you should write it down and give it to your teacher to take to the office.

Parts Of A Mystery

Because my special rock is missing, we are in the middle of a mystery at MLK School. It is also an opportunity for us to learn about mysteries as a genre that we can read--or even write!

When talking about mysteries with our children, we should try to identify the typical parts of a mystery. The following from http://library.thinkquest.org might be helpful:

A mystery story has a certain outline that it needs to follow. It has specifics that relate to the characters, setting, plot, problem and solutions. First, characters should have a good physical description. The main character is the one who should get to the bottom of the mystery and solve the mystery. The main character(s) may make a mistake and get tangled into the plot. Other characters involved in the story assist or deter the main character in each of the mysteries stories. Next, the setting should be a familiar place where you can close your eyes and picture where the story is taking place. The setting creates interest and excitement. Next, your mystery should be filled with action and suspense. Something exciting should occur in the beginning to get the reader interested in the story. The mystery has a problem to solve, like who committed a crime or where something is hidden. Clues are embedded in the story and should be analyzed to solve the story. Finally, the solution should be believable. The clues must be included in the story with no surprises available for the reader to uncover. If you are interested in writing a mystery keep these key mystery elements in mind. As you read the individual pages about the selected mystery series you can see how the authors of famous mystery series use these elements too!

Last Known Picture Of Rock With Family

Here is a clear picture of my rock--when he was still at home with the family!

Great Winter Warm Up Starts

The King PTO annually sponsors several community action events including the "Great Winter Warm Up" which began today.

The purpose of the event is to help needy families in our area who may need warm clothing during the coming cold months. Those who would like to help can donate new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, boots and/or snow pants by placing them in boxes located outside classrooms and the school office.

For more information, contact your PTO Community Action Co-Chairs, Sassa Akervall (sassa.akervall@comcast.net) and Lynne Schwank (lynneschwank@comcast.net).

Rock Update #2

There were some interesting rock developments today. Before I give you the update, remember we are in the middle of a mystery. We have some clues. Maybe we can use the clues to solve the mystery.

Boys and girls--If you have any ideas on solving the mystery or if see any more clues, please let me know. Bring a note to the office.

THE UPDATE

Part 1: The rock below was on my desk today. It is definitely a clue but I don't know what it means.


Part 2: I received the following email from rockbegone@hotmail.com:

Mr. Karr,
Wearing green and white today does not comply with our demands. This is unacceptable. Your defiance has upset us. You will be given new demands that must be followed by Friday or your rock will be painted scarlet and gray.

Hmmmm . . . very interesting. I see some more clues. Do you? Keep your eyes peeled. I need some help if we are going to solve this one. Thanks for your help!

Rock Update #1

I've received the picture below of my rock apparently on a playground. It is another clue!
Do you think it is the King playground?

The Case of the Missing Rock

Shortly after the Michigan-Michigan St. football game, Mr. Karr’s Michigan rock disappeared from the school office. Just to be clear, the rock is special because it has a special Michigan "M" painted on the front of it. It also has a painting of a Michigan State Spartan on the bottom of it. The Spartan looks like he has been flattened by the rock.

At first, it was unclear exactly what happened to the rock. Maybe it was accidentally thrown away OR was it stolen by a disgruntled Michigan State fan OR maybe someone liked it and “borrowed” it? I just didn’t know where my rock was. However, last week several clues emerged making it clear we have a mystery on our hands.

The first clue was a note from someone saying they had my rock and they would give it back if I did all of the following:
1. Wear green and white;
2. Bring chocolate to school;
3. Play “Who Let The Dogs Out” at the end of the school day.
These clues are peculiar indeed. They all give me some information about what might happen next and who might be behind this dastardly deed.

One thing is for sure: we've got a mystery on our hands at King School. I'll share more information as it is known.

First Snow: October 12, 2006

Our official first snow of the school year occurred this morning as students were entering MLK. To the left is the snowy scene shortly after students entered. Can you believe that yesterday it was sixty degrees? Welcome to Michigan!

If you have watched the weather the past few days, you already knew the temperature was going to drop and that snow was a possibility. Unfortunately, I counted at least six students who were caught off-guard and were not dressed appropriately--they were wearing t-shirts. From the looks on their faces, I could tell they were surprised and uncomfortable!

Please let our snowy morning serve as a reminder to watch carefully what students wear as they leave home. It is wise to help students be prepared for a variety of weather. The essentials right now include a coat, hat, and gloves. When larger amounts of snow occur, snow pants and boots are required if students want to play anywhere off the playground asphalt.

MEAPs Begin

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests began today at King School. The tests involve our third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Third and fourth grade students take reading, writing and math tests. Fifth graders take a science test in addition to the three others.

Parents are reminded to help their children get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast each morning before coming to school.

Personal Best Our Focus This Week

This week at school we are focusing on the Lifelong Guideline of Personal Best, which is defined to be the 18 Lifeskills below. Over time, we'll discuss the Lifeskills in more depth at school--and we hope you'll do the same at home.

Caring Common Sense Cooperation Courage Curiosity Effort

Flexibility Friendship Initiative Integrity Organization Patience

Perseverance Pride Problem Solving Resourcefulness Responsibility Sense of Humor

Good Luck, Atulya!

MLK student, Atulya Shetty, will be competing in the World Youth Chess Championship in the country of Georgia from October 17 until 28. Track his progress at http://www.gcf.org.ge/ Good luck, Atulya! We're rooting for you!

Fridays Are Spirit Days At MLK

Every Friday is Spirit Day at MLK, and students are invited to wear something to show their spirit. For some this means they wear their favorite colors while others wear their MLK school t-shirts. I've also noticed quite a bit of maize and blue on Fridays this fall . . . . which is my preference for Spirit Day!

A friend of mine, who also works in an elementary school, recently sent the picture above. It doesn't look like this school would appreciate those who prefer maize and blue on Spirit Day. Whatever colors your child prefers, I do hope they'll look forward to Spirit Days at MLK.

Safety Review Letter

October 4, 2006

Dear Parents,

I am sure almost all of you are aware of the recent rash of violence in schools across our nation. I want to assure you that King School, with the support of the Ann Arbor district administration, is taking these recent incidents seriously.

We have reviewed our school safety plans and will continue to lock all non-essential doors, directing all parents and visitors through the side-door entrance. Please remember parents must enter the side door (closest to the parking lot and school office) during school hours. The front doors are locked except during drop-off and pick-up times.

Upon entering school during the school day, everyone is required to come to the office, sign in, and wear a visitor’s pass. If this does not happen, staff will approach visitors they do not recognize and ask them to report to the office.

While we see many of you daily, we need everyone to cooperate with this process.

I’d like to emphasize that we have not had any threats to our school or our district. We just want to remind everyone that we must remain alert and vigilant in implementing safety procedures at our schools. Working together we can maintain a safe environment for our children to learn and grow.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr
Principal

Drop Off Update

This morning I watched the drop off procedures at King closely. Here is what I saw:

• Five buses dropped off approximately 200+ students safely;
• Approximately 200 students waked OR got dropped off at school;
  
• Cars entered the front circle in an orderly way;
  
• No cars dropped off in the areas where orange cones exist;
  
• One car was standing at the curb for an extended period;
  
• TWO cars dropped off students in unsafe ways. One car dropped off a child six feet from the curb and another car pulled up to the curb at an angle. Both of these situations resulted in traffic flow being impeded by having cars stopped in the lane of traffic--as well as greater likelihood of an accident that could have resulted in student injury.
  

As always, we need to be cognizant about safety during drop off times. Please do your part and follow the drop off procedures: Drop off only in the front drive between 8:40 and 9:10; no standing or parking." Thank you!