Friday, December 19, 2008
School Closed - 12/19/08
The Ann Arbor Public Schools are closed today, 12/19/08, due to the weather. Please have a restful and safe break.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
MLK Building Renovations Update
As part of the 2004 bond approved by Ann Arbor voters, King School is being renovated. The plans for renovation were presented to the MLK Community on October 14, 2008 at the PTO meeting.
Some of the renovations have taken place already including installing the infrastructure for updated electrical service and wireless Internet. In addition, over the winter break, six classrooms will have new floors installed and corridor ceiling tiles will be replaced (which are original from 1969 I believe). I am hopeful that new carpet will be installed in the music room as well.
I continue to take suggestions for "wish list" items which may be purchased if there is"extra" bond money. Here is the complete "wish list" as of today:
Some of the renovations have taken place already including installing the infrastructure for updated electrical service and wireless Internet. In addition, over the winter break, six classrooms will have new floors installed and corridor ceiling tiles will be replaced (which are original from 1969 I believe). I am hopeful that new carpet will be installed in the music room as well.
I continue to take suggestions for "wish list" items which may be purchased if there is"extra" bond money. Here is the complete "wish list" as of today:
- Resurface asphalt areas in front of school and parking lot
- Ident-A-Kid visitor check-in system technology package (computer, printer, webcam) – building techs do not support this direction.
- Ceiling mount existing projectors in art room, computer lab, in media center and in office conference room—NOT in music room
- Update signage around building - parking lot entrance?
- Signage at entrance of front drive making it clear where drop off occurs
- Interior signage
- Update cosmetics of parking lot entrance to make it look like an entrance (sign, planter)
- Can a schematic be provided?
- Is there a way to make it look more organic, less industrial
- New classroom furniture – tables, chairs
- Elmo projectors for all classrooms
- Sink in MP room for handwashing
- Smart/Active boards in each classrooom
- Replace hallway flooring, add pattern
- Replace flooring in classroom storage areas
- Carpet in the media center
- Carpet in teacher’s lounge
- Wireless or data jack in MP Room
- Ceiling tile replacement in media center.
- Upgrade sink and sink cabinet in the staff lounge
- Don’t replace white boards in rooms where they already exist
- Upgrade sink and sink cabinet in the staff lounge
- Interior signage
- Move classroom sinks closer to the middle of the counter space
- New toilet if office bathroom
- Update older drinking fountain across from office
- Cabinet in office for medication
- Stools for the computer lab
- spring/winter rodent problem
- install PA system in RI and resource room
- new door from gym to MP room
- Paint inside and outside of school
- Push-plate on entry door
- Handicapped push plate for main entrance door(s)
- Clean outlet pipe for catch basin in back playground
- Control over our own heat
- Bump out our cubbies to make our rooms larger and then doors leading from each classroom straight outside.
- Ceiling tiles in music room
- Remove old TV in music room
Weather and SNOWMAN HOLIDAY GIVING UPDATE
Given the weather forecast for tonight and its potential impact on school being open tomorrow, it is my hope that snowman gifts will be turned in to the school office today (Thursday) by 4:30 PM.
If this is not possible, we'll work it out one way or another . . . email me or call school today and I will make a plan with you about what to do. :-)
On behalf of the King PTO and the King staff, I am deeply thankful for the generosity our community shows in helping others. The snowman gifts are an excellent example of how King School has been a community leader in this area. I personally know our example is recognized by the Ann Arbor Educational Foundation and members of other area PTOs have discussed how to follow our example. Nice job!
As for the weather and school closings, any decisions about school cancellations will be posted on the school website. I'll do my best to send a community email quickly also. In addition, the information I've shared previously about school closings should still be helpful.
Sincerely,
Kevin
If this is not possible, we'll work it out one way or another . . . email me or call school today and I will make a plan with you about what to do. :-)
On behalf of the King PTO and the King staff, I am deeply thankful for the generosity our community shows in helping others. The snowman gifts are an excellent example of how King School has been a community leader in this area. I personally know our example is recognized by the Ann Arbor Educational Foundation and members of other area PTOs have discussed how to follow our example. Nice job!
As for the weather and school closings, any decisions about school cancellations will be posted on the school website. I'll do my best to send a community email quickly also. In addition, the information I've shared previously about school closings should still be helpful.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
MLK Teachers Read at Borders Fundraiser
You're going to LOVE these photos of the King School staff reading at Borders last weekend for the PTO fundraiser. Thanks to the staff for volunteering their time, and thanks to our great community for supporting your PTO!
Mrs. Gatonez brought her twins to this year's reading!
The fifth grade team shares a book together. Miss Harris, one of the newest teachers to King enjoys reading to the kids.
Ms. Shah reads a picture book to the kids.
Ms. Lake and Miss Guttman
The kids loved the books!
Mrs. Rutila was the media specialist at MLK School for 34 years before retiring just two years ago. It was great to see her again.
Mrs. Gracey and daughter: reading and having fun together
Mrs. O'Keefe, our new media specialist at King. We're glad she is with us.
Mrs. Jones, who retired from King just last year after teaching here for 36 years. She still draws a big crowd!
Look at those great kids enjoying being read to!
Bingo Night Is Coming!!!
BINGO NIGHT IS COMING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 6:30-8:00
If you would like to help out with this event, please contact Melanie Snook at mssnook61@yahoo.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 6:30-8:00
If you would like to help out with this event, please contact Melanie Snook at mssnook61@yahoo.com
Attention Online Shoppers!
If you enjoy shopping online at sites like Lands End, Eddie Bauer, The Gap, etc., check out www.boxtops4education.com and click on "Marketplace." Our school will earn a percentage of everything you purchase. The amount varies by vendor. What a simple and easy way for our school to earn money!!! Contact Teri Henning (734)332-0503 or tghenning@comcast.net with any questions. Happy shopping!!
Disability Awareness Workshop Volunteers Needed
On Wednesday, January 21st, 2009, all King fourth grade students will participate in the Disability Awareness Workshop. This is the third year that King Elementary has held this hands-on, activity-based workshop whose main purpose is to help students understand how difficult and complex daily living can be for individuals with a variety of disabilities. The program includes activities centered on an empathetic understanding of physical, speech, hearing, vision and learning impairments. The students participate in a wheelchair obstacle course, wear glasses that give them momentary vision impairments, experience speaking with an electric larynx and complete exercises that simulate several reading disabilities. The goal is for the students to learn -- through this hands-on experience -- that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.
This workshop was developed by parents in the Rochester Community Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Committee in 1998. It has now expanded to many schools in Oakland County. In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the workshop was first held at Logan Elementary School in 2005. In subsequent years, this increased to 4 buildings (2006), 7 (2007, when King was added), 11 (2008) and again 11 elementary schools for 2009, the workshop's fifth year in Ann Arbor.
Please consider volunteering to help with the workshop. We need 20 volunteers in the morning from approximately 8:30 am until 11:50 am, when the students have their lunch break. You are welcome to remain for the rest of the program (12:45 pm to dismissal). Past experience proves that this is a fun and meaningful experience for all of our children as well as the volunteers.
Volunteers will be trained to oversee students as they rotate through nine different stations, including:
Physical Impairment Centers: Wheelchairs; Walkers; and Fine Motor Activities
Vision, Hearing and Speech Stations: Hearing & Speech; Vision; and Learning Disabilities
Accessibility Checklist (students work in teams to complete a checklist that requires some measuring and math computations)
Thank you for contributing to the success of the workshop. Please contact me with any questions.
Kathy Grijalva, 332-3396, kathy.grijalva@gmail.com
King Parent Coordinating the Workshop
This workshop was developed by parents in the Rochester Community Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Committee in 1998. It has now expanded to many schools in Oakland County. In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the workshop was first held at Logan Elementary School in 2005. In subsequent years, this increased to 4 buildings (2006), 7 (2007, when King was added), 11 (2008) and again 11 elementary schools for 2009, the workshop's fifth year in Ann Arbor.
Please consider volunteering to help with the workshop. We need 20 volunteers in the morning from approximately 8:30 am until 11:50 am, when the students have their lunch break. You are welcome to remain for the rest of the program (12:45 pm to dismissal). Past experience proves that this is a fun and meaningful experience for all of our children as well as the volunteers.
Volunteers will be trained to oversee students as they rotate through nine different stations, including:
Physical Impairment Centers: Wheelchairs; Walkers; and Fine Motor Activities
Vision, Hearing and Speech Stations: Hearing & Speech; Vision; and Learning Disabilities
Accessibility Checklist (students work in teams to complete a checklist that requires some measuring and math computations)
Thank you for contributing to the success of the workshop. Please contact me with any questions.
Kathy Grijalva, 332-3396, kathy.grijalva@gmail.com
King Parent Coordinating the Workshop
Indian Group Performance And Practice Schedule
All King students are welcome to participate in the Indian group performance for International Night. We will practice on Wednesdays and Fridays in the King multi-purpose room. (See schedule below.) In the past, we have extended practice times and/or added a few more practices in the last week or two before the event. If your child is interested, please come to the first practice on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7:00 p.m. If you have questions, contact Sujata Shetty at sshetty@aol.com or 998-0523.
Practice Schedule (all practices in the King multi-purpose room)
Wednesday, Dec - 17th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Dec - 19th 6:00 -7:30 pm
MONDAY Jan - 5th 7:00 - 8:30pm (Wed not available)
Friday Jan - 9th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 14th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 16th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 14th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 16th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 20 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 23 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan 28 -? 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 30th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Practice Schedule (all practices in the King multi-purpose room)
Wednesday, Dec - 17th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Dec - 19th 6:00 -7:30 pm
MONDAY Jan - 5th 7:00 - 8:30pm (Wed not available)
Friday Jan - 9th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 14th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 16th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 14th 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 16th 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan - 20 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 23 6:00 -7:30 pm
Wednesday Jan 28 -? 7:00 - 8:30pm
Friday Jan - 30th 6:00 -7:30 pm
King International Night Preparations Underway
Hope that everyone who wants to participate in International Night has started rehearsals! It's time! Please let me know asap about your performances. We have a great swath of performances lined up.
International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!) such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We also try to help with International Crafts during lunchtime enrichment that week. We are also always open to new innovative ideas!
We need a Queen of the Feast (or two) to organize the potluck, and a tech crew for the simulcast.
Due to a conflict with Clague's 7th grade band concert, which affects many of our families, King's International Night will be moved one week to Thursday, February 5, same time 6:30-8:30pm. Mark it on your calendars now and tell your friends!
We also need 300 red envelopes in case anyone is headed for Taiwan or China over break.
For more information, email fkwang@aol.com .
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King International Night Chair
International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!) such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We also try to help with International Crafts during lunchtime enrichment that week. We are also always open to new innovative ideas!
We need a Queen of the Feast (or two) to organize the potluck, and a tech crew for the simulcast.
Due to a conflict with Clague's 7th grade band concert, which affects many of our families, King's International Night will be moved one week to Thursday, February 5, same time 6:30-8:30pm. Mark it on your calendars now and tell your friends!
We also need 300 red envelopes in case anyone is headed for Taiwan or China over break.
For more information, email fkwang@aol.com .
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King International Night Chair
Teacher Appreciation
Last year to celebrate the holidays, the teacher appreciation committee filled over 75 bins of cookies for the teachers and staff of King. That's a lot of cookies!!
We need your help to accomplish this once again. As you're baking cookies for your family, consider baking an extra dozen (or two). We'll be meeting on the morning of December 18th at the home of Mylinda Balint (1436 Green Rd) to fill the bins. All are welcome!! If you can't come by that morning, but want to contribute some cookies, please contact me at 623-8173 or jrb-myn@comcast.net and I'll make arrangements to get them from you.
We need your help to accomplish this once again. As you're baking cookies for your family, consider baking an extra dozen (or two). We'll be meeting on the morning of December 18th at the home of Mylinda Balint (1436 Green Rd) to fill the bins. All are welcome!! If you can't come by that morning, but want to contribute some cookies, please contact me at 623-8173 or jrb-myn@comcast.net and I'll make arrangements to get them from you.
Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad
Attached is some information about the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad. If you are interested in learning more about this great program, please complete the following form and turn into the office by Dec 19th.
Information about WESO:
Who: Children in grades 2-5
What: Opportunity for your children to learn about science through participating in enrichment activities. All participating students receive recognition at a special Science Night ceremony. 20 students from each grade will be selected to represent King during a competition between 18 other elementary schools on May 16, 2009.
Why: To promote science enrichment in a fun way!
For additional information, go to the website at: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/wesowizards.home/home
Timeline:
· Now-Dec 19: Recruit Coaches & Volunteers!
· Dec 19-Jan 15: Coaches assigned to events, assistant coaches selected, practice times determined
· January 15: Children can register for events
· February: Practices begin
· TBD: Science Night Celebration
· May 16, 2009: WESO Competition
This is a great program, and has been very popular and successful in the past. To continue this, we need your help! Please complete the volunteer sign-up form and return to the office or bring to an informational meeting. (In the past, more kids have wanted to attend the competitive event than spots have been available. Children of volunteers that help with coaching and planning will receive priority for the available slots.) All parents of children selected are required to volunteer in some capacity, either coaching, planning or helping during the day of the event.
Child's/children's name:____________________________
Child's/children's grade:____________________________
Parent volunteer's name:___________________________
Email address (please write very clearly)_______________________
Volunteer Opportunities (please check off all that are of interest)
_______ Event coach (this would require approximately 1 hour of prep work, and 1 hour of instruction per week in Feb-May)
_______ Day of event coordinator - This position recruits/coordinates 18 volunteers who are required by WESO to help out on the day of the event.
_______ Science Celebration team - Group of people who plan and execute Science Celebration event, which is coordinated with the Silent Auction team.
_______ Fundraiser - WESO requires us to provide a few items to a silent auction on the day of WESO.
_______ Program coordinator - This person gets photos and submits a summary of the King team to the WESO organizer.
_______ Database manager - This person maintains the listing of children participating in WESO.
_______ Banner coordinator - This person gathers the materials, plans the overall strategy for the banner, and works with the students to create the banner.
_______ WESO event supervisor - Each school is required to submit an event supervisor to oversee an activity on the day or the event. This person would also be involved in setting up rules and coordinating with the overall WESO event.
Information about WESO:
Who: Children in grades 2-5
What: Opportunity for your children to learn about science through participating in enrichment activities. All participating students receive recognition at a special Science Night ceremony. 20 students from each grade will be selected to represent King during a competition between 18 other elementary schools on May 16, 2009.
Why: To promote science enrichment in a fun way!
For additional information, go to the website at: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/wesowizards.home/home
Timeline:
· Now-Dec 19: Recruit Coaches & Volunteers!
· Dec 19-Jan 15: Coaches assigned to events, assistant coaches selected, practice times determined
· January 15: Children can register for events
· February: Practices begin
· TBD: Science Night Celebration
· May 16, 2009: WESO Competition
This is a great program, and has been very popular and successful in the past. To continue this, we need your help! Please complete the volunteer sign-up form and return to the office or bring to an informational meeting. (In the past, more kids have wanted to attend the competitive event than spots have been available. Children of volunteers that help with coaching and planning will receive priority for the available slots.) All parents of children selected are required to volunteer in some capacity, either coaching, planning or helping during the day of the event.
Child's/children's name:____________________________
Child's/children's grade:____________________________
Parent volunteer's name:___________________________
Email address (please write very clearly)_______________________
Volunteer Opportunities (please check off all that are of interest)
_______ Event coach (this would require approximately 1 hour of prep work, and 1 hour of instruction per week in Feb-May)
_______ Day of event coordinator - This position recruits/coordinates 18 volunteers who are required by WESO to help out on the day of the event.
_______ Science Celebration team - Group of people who plan and execute Science Celebration event, which is coordinated with the Silent Auction team.
_______ Fundraiser - WESO requires us to provide a few items to a silent auction on the day of WESO.
_______ Program coordinator - This person gets photos and submits a summary of the King team to the WESO organizer.
_______ Database manager - This person maintains the listing of children participating in WESO.
_______ Banner coordinator - This person gathers the materials, plans the overall strategy for the banner, and works with the students to create the banner.
_______ WESO event supervisor - Each school is required to submit an event supervisor to oversee an activity on the day or the event. This person would also be involved in setting up rules and coordinating with the overall WESO event.
Book Fair Thank You
A huge thank you to all of the King School family & friends who shopped at the Arborland Borders this weekend. We saw many King families stop by for stories and shopping during the King School Borders Book Fair.
A special thank you to the following King School Staff who took time to stop by Borders to read a story (or two, or more!) aloud: Dr. Michalik, Mrs. Haddas, Ms. Harris, Ms. Shah, Mr. Karr, Ms. Lake, Ms. Guttman, Mrs. Rutilla, Mrs. Gracey, Mrs. O'Keefe, Mrs. Jones, & Mrs. Gatonez. We loved your stories and can't wait to hear more! We would also like to thank Mrs. Griffiths for helping us wrap gifts on Friday afternoon.
Additionally, we would like to thank the following King School parents for volunteering to help make the King School Borders Book Fair so successful: Sandy Aldrich, Hong Kaleta, Reates Curry, Rachel Sabb, Laura Boudette, Kathy Grijalva, Diane Alson, Devi Chiravuri, George Schumacher, Chin-Yin Hsu, Brenda Pontillo, Yafei Jin, Leah Xu, Christina Nedeltchev (& daughter Monica), Anna Lu, & Karen Schumacher.
Thank you all for supporting the King School PTO.
-Susan Gechter
Borders Book Fair Chair
A special thank you to the following King School Staff who took time to stop by Borders to read a story (or two, or more!) aloud: Dr. Michalik, Mrs. Haddas, Ms. Harris, Ms. Shah, Mr. Karr, Ms. Lake, Ms. Guttman, Mrs. Rutilla, Mrs. Gracey, Mrs. O'Keefe, Mrs. Jones, & Mrs. Gatonez. We loved your stories and can't wait to hear more! We would also like to thank Mrs. Griffiths for helping us wrap gifts on Friday afternoon.
Additionally, we would like to thank the following King School parents for volunteering to help make the King School Borders Book Fair so successful: Sandy Aldrich, Hong Kaleta, Reates Curry, Rachel Sabb, Laura Boudette, Kathy Grijalva, Diane Alson, Devi Chiravuri, George Schumacher, Chin-Yin Hsu, Brenda Pontillo, Yafei Jin, Leah Xu, Christina Nedeltchev (& daughter Monica), Anna Lu, & Karen Schumacher.
Thank you all for supporting the King School PTO.
-Susan Gechter
Borders Book Fair Chair
Thursday, December 11, 2008
SNOWMAN UPDATE: *** * 41 Snowmen left * * **
SNOWMAN HOLIDAY GIVING UPDATE
*** * ** 41 Snowmen left * * * **
*** * ** 41 Snowmen left * * * **
This is an annual event to help children in our community enjoy the holiday season with a donated gifts from King families.
What you do to help:
1. Take a snowman (or more) located on the bulletin board between the school office and the parking lot entrance doors
2. Purchase the gift written on the back of the tag
3. Return the gift and the snowman to the King School office UNWRAPPED before December 19. If appropriate, please attach the gift receipts.
RETURN GIFTS TO THE KING OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 19 (sooner is better :-).
If you are unable to pick up a snowman at school this week, please contact Susan Aaronson susaaaro@umich.edu Susan will pull a snowman from the bulletin board and inform you, via phone or email, the details of the gift. Thank you for your support in making this program a success!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
SNOWMAN UPDATE * * ** 86 Snowmen left * * **
This is an annual event to help children in our community enjoy the holiday season with a donated gifts from King families.
What you do to help:
1. Take a snowman (or more) located on the bulletin board between the school office and the parking lot entrance doors
2. Purchase the gift written on the back of the tag
3. Return the gift and the snowman to the King School office UNWRAPPED before December 19. If appropriate, please attach the gift receipts.
RETURN GIFTS TO THE KING OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 19 (sooner is better :-).
For questions contact Susan Aaronson
susaaaro@umich.edu
"No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another."
-Author Unknown
What you do to help:
1. Take a snowman (or more) located on the bulletin board between the school office and the parking lot entrance doors
2. Purchase the gift written on the back of the tag
3. Return the gift and the snowman to the King School office UNWRAPPED before December 19. If appropriate, please attach the gift receipts.
RETURN GIFTS TO THE KING OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 19 (sooner is better :-).
For questions contact Susan Aaronson
susaaaro@umich.edu
"No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another."
-Author Unknown
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
King School Borders Book Fair - Begins Friday
The King School Borders Book Fair is Friday & Saturday (12/12 - 12/13) at the ARBORLAND BORDERS! Come shop for books, games, movies, music, & more! Stop by the King School table for assistance, some teacher recommendations & wish list items, or an extra voucher. Please remember to present your voucher to the cashier when you pay for your purchases.
We will have special guests reading aloud a story &/or poems:
Friday, 12/12
4:15 p.m. Dr. Michalik, Mrs. Haddas, & Ms. Harris
4:30 p.m. Ms. Shah
4:45 p.m. Mr. Karr
6:30 p.m. Mrs. Rutilla (King School's long-time librarian!)
7:00 p.m. Mrs. Gracey
Saturday, 12/13
10:30 a.m. Mrs. O'Keefe
11:00 a.m. Mrs. Jones (She's returning to see her former students!)
7:30 p.m. Ms. Gatonez
See you there! Contact kingpto@gmail.com with any questions.
Read Aloud Time Change at Borders Book Fair
Please note that Ms. Gatonez will now be reading at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 12/13 at the Arborland Borders.
We will have special guests reading aloud a story &/or poems:
Friday, 12/12
4:15 p.m. Dr. Michalik, Mrs. Haddas, & Ms. Harris
4:30 p.m. Ms. Shah
4:45 p.m. Mr. Karr
6:30 p.m. Mrs. Rutilla (King School's long-time librarian!)
7:00 p.m. Mrs. Gracey
Saturday, 12/13
10:30 a.m. Mrs. O'Keefe
11:00 a.m. Mrs. Jones (She's returning to see her former students!)
7:30 p.m. Ms. Gatonez
See you there! Contact kingpto@gmail.com with any questions.
Read Aloud Time Change at Borders Book Fair
Please note that Ms. Gatonez will now be reading at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 12/13 at the Arborland Borders.
Teacher Appreciation!
Last year to celebrate the holidays, the teacher appreciation committee filled over 75 bins of cookies for the teachers and staff of King. That's a lot of cookies!!
We need your help to accomplish this once again. As you're baking cookies for your family, consider baking an extra dozen (or two). We'll be meeting on the morning of December 18th at the home of Mylinda Balint (1436 Green Rd) to fill the bins. All are welcome!! If you can't come by that morning, but want to contribute some cookies, please contact me at 623-8173 or jrb-myn@comcast.net and I'll make arrangements to get them from you.
We need your help to accomplish this once again. As you're baking cookies for your family, consider baking an extra dozen (or two). We'll be meeting on the morning of December 18th at the home of Mylinda Balint (1436 Green Rd) to fill the bins. All are welcome!! If you can't come by that morning, but want to contribute some cookies, please contact me at 623-8173 or jrb-myn@comcast.net and I'll make arrangements to get them from you.
Disability Awareness Workshop Volunteers Needed
On Wednesday, January 21st, 2009, all King fourth grade students will participate in the Disability Awareness Workshop. This is the third year that King Elementary has held this hands-on, activity-based workshop whose main purpose is to help students understand how difficult and complex daily living can be for individuals with a variety of disabilities. The program includes activities centered on an empathetic understanding of physical, speech, hearing, vision and learning impairments. The students participate in a wheelchair obstacle course, wear glasses that give them momentary vision impairments, experience speaking with an electric larynx and complete exercises that simulate several reading disabilities. The goal is for the students to learn -- through this hands-on experience -- that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.
This workshop was developed by parents in the Rochester Community Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Committee in 1998. It has now expanded to many schools in Oakland County. In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the workshop was first held at Logan Elementary School in 2005. In subsequent years, this increased to 4 buildings (2006), 7 (2007, when King was added), 11 (2008) and again 11 elementary schools for 2009, the workshop's fifth year in Ann Arbor.
Please consider volunteering to help with the workshop. We need 20 volunteers in the morning from approximately 8:30 am until 11:50 am, when the students have their lunch break. You are welcome to remain for the rest of the program (12:45 pm to dismissal). Past experience proves that this is a fun and meaningful experience for all of our children as well as the volunteers.
Volunteers will be trained to oversee students as they rotate through nine different stations, including:
Physical Impairment Centers: Wheelchairs; Walkers; and Fine Motor Activities
Vision, Hearing and Speech Stations: Hearing & Speech; Vision; and Learning Disabilities
Accessibility Checklist (students work in teams to complete a checklist that requires some measuring and math computations)
Thank you for contributing to the success of the workshop. Please contact me with any questions.
Kathy Grijalva, 332-3396, kathy.grijalva@gmail.com
King Parent Coordinating the Workshop
This workshop was developed by parents in the Rochester Community Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Committee in 1998. It has now expanded to many schools in Oakland County. In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the workshop was first held at Logan Elementary School in 2005. In subsequent years, this increased to 4 buildings (2006), 7 (2007, when King was added), 11 (2008) and again 11 elementary schools for 2009, the workshop's fifth year in Ann Arbor.
Please consider volunteering to help with the workshop. We need 20 volunteers in the morning from approximately 8:30 am until 11:50 am, when the students have their lunch break. You are welcome to remain for the rest of the program (12:45 pm to dismissal). Past experience proves that this is a fun and meaningful experience for all of our children as well as the volunteers.
Volunteers will be trained to oversee students as they rotate through nine different stations, including:
Physical Impairment Centers: Wheelchairs; Walkers; and Fine Motor Activities
Vision, Hearing and Speech Stations: Hearing & Speech; Vision; and Learning Disabilities
Accessibility Checklist (students work in teams to complete a checklist that requires some measuring and math computations)
Thank you for contributing to the success of the workshop. Please contact me with any questions.
Kathy Grijalva, 332-3396, kathy.grijalva@gmail.com
King Parent Coordinating the Workshop
Bagels and Buns - 12/12 @ 8:15
Bagels & Buns
FREE Starbucks coffee! All are welcome; children and parents, teachers and staff.
Please join us for breakfast and conversation:
Friday, 12 December 2008, 8:15am until school starts
Bagels $1 (cream cheese included)
Buns $2
Orange Juice 50 cents.
Thank you,
Christina Nedeltchev, Angela Johnson, Line vN
FREE Starbucks coffee! All are welcome; children and parents, teachers and staff.
Please join us for breakfast and conversation:
Friday, 12 December 2008, 8:15am until school starts
Bagels $1 (cream cheese included)
Buns $2
Orange Juice 50 cents.
Thank you,
Christina Nedeltchev, Angela Johnson, Line vN
Homework Help
The Ann Arbor District Library now has available live online homework help for students grades 3 and up. It is available 7 days a week from 2pm-11pm at any library location (during open hours) or from home with your library card. Chat online with live tutors who will help students: understand homework problems, build skills and critique your writing. Help is available in Spanish and English. Homework Help is powered by Brainfuse and is available with tutoring in these elementary, middle school and high school subjects, including Advanced Placement:
· English/Language Arts
· Writing lab (submit your paper or resume for critique)
· Math (including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus)
· Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science)
· Social Studies
Live online at AADL.ORG/HOMEWORK
The Downtown Library is also hosting onsite tutoring by the University of Michigan's Circle K on Wednesdays f rom 4-8pm for school aged children in the story center. For more information contact the youth desk at 327-8301.
· English/Language Arts
· Writing lab (submit your paper or resume for critique)
· Math (including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus)
· Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science)
· Social Studies
Live online at AADL.ORG/HOMEWORK
The Downtown Library is also hosting onsite tutoring by the University of Michigan's Circle K on Wednesdays f rom 4-8pm for school aged children in the story center. For more information contact the youth desk at 327-8301.
Cheap Gift Idea - a King School Water Bottle.
Looking for a little something extra to give your child this holiday season? How about a King School Water Bottle?! They are only $3 each. Fill it with treats for the holidays...then send it to school with your son or daughter to use during the school day. The King School Water Bottles are reusable, recyclable, & BPA free.
Order forms can be found at: http://king.a2schools.org/king.pto/files/water_bottle_form.pdf
Questions? Contact Karen Schumacher at kschu58@hotmail.com .
Order forms can be found at: http://king.a2schools.org/king.pto/files/water_bottle_form.pdf
Questions? Contact Karen Schumacher at kschu58@hotmail.com .
Friday, December 05, 2008
School Improvement Team Update
The MLK School Improvement Team (SIT), which includes both teachers, parents and the building principal (me :-) has been working this fall to examine our achievement data and identify the most important areas in which to impprove. After the identification process, the areas of improvement were used to write goals. This process is part of the State of Michigan's School Improvement Framework and has involved the SIT team and the entire MLK staff.
For your information and reference, here are the goals we've identified:
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
For your information and reference, here are the goals we've identified:
- MLK students will write paragraphs as measured by grade level report card outcomes and Grade Level Content Expectations.
- MLK students will revise their writing as measured by the grade level report cards and Grade Level Content Exectations.
- Achievement target list students will read at or above grade level targets as measured by the grade level report card outcomes and Grade Level Content Expectations.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
PTO Bylaws Update - PLEASE READ
There have been some new requirements for nonprofit corporations, thus, we need to update the King PTO bylaws.
To paraphrase the changes, non-profits are now required to have a minimum of 3 DIRECTORS. "Michigan nonprofit corporations are required in existence on July 16, 2008, must have a board existing of three or more directors by January 16, 2009." "...If the corporation's bylaws fix the size of the board at less than three directors, the bylaws will need to be amended." Wording in the bylaws like President and VP don't count. They must be classified as Directors.
Additionally, the King PTO Exec Board wanted to make a change to the bylaws that allows the President to appoint a signee for a back-up role to the Treasurer.
The link to the new bylaws is below. We will be voting on their acceptance at the next PTO General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the King School Library.
http://king.a2schools.org/king.pto/files/kingbylawsrevised.pdf
Please contact kingpto@gmail.com with any questions.
To paraphrase the changes, non-profits are now required to have a minimum of 3 DIRECTORS. "Michigan nonprofit corporations are required in existence on July 16, 2008, must have a board existing of three or more directors by January 16, 2009." "...If the corporation's bylaws fix the size of the board at less than three directors, the bylaws will need to be amended." Wording in the bylaws like President and VP don't count. They must be classified as Directors.
Additionally, the King PTO Exec Board wanted to make a change to the bylaws that allows the President to appoint a signee for a back-up role to the Treasurer.
The link to the new bylaws is below. We will be voting on their acceptance at the next PTO General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the King School Library.
http://king.a2schools.org/king.pto/files/kingbylawsrevised.pdf
Please contact kingpto@gmail.com with any questions.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Gift Card Orders Due 12/9 @ 8 PM
If you are now in the holiday shopping mode and are planning to get gift cards for family members, caregivers, service providers or co-workers, you can order holiday gift cards through the King PTO. Place your order directly with Alena Stocking at alena.stocking@gmail.com no later than 8 pm on Tuesday, December 9 - and you can get in on the last order!
Our most popular items from the first order might give you some ideas (denominations are in parenthesis): Borders ($10 or $25), Gap ($25), Baskin Robbins ($2), iTunes ($15), Panera ($10), Macy's ($25) and of course..... Starbucks ($10 or $25).
But that's not all. Look at the original order form (on the King website under PTO forms) or go to www.glscrip.org to see what is offered. Or..... punt and ask - and Alena can tell you if it is available. Almost everything is available....and on average 9% of your order will make it to King.
So make your shopping easy and support the King School PTO!
Our most popular items from the first order might give you some ideas (denominations are in parenthesis): Borders ($10 or $25), Gap ($25), Baskin Robbins ($2), iTunes ($15), Panera ($10), Macy's ($25) and of course..... Starbucks ($10 or $25).
But that's not all. Look at the original order form (on the King website under PTO forms) or go to www.glscrip.org to see what is offered. Or..... punt and ask - and Alena can tell you if it is available. Almost everything is available....and on average 9% of your order will make it to King.
So make your shopping easy and support the King School PTO!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Writing Skills Are Life Skills
Over the past two years, over 125 King families participated in parent education workshops that shared ideas on how to write with your child. You might remember these were sponsored by the King School Improvement Team. The text below comes from a National Council of Teachers of English publication and talks about some of the same ideas. The article even quotes one of the King workshop presenters, Cathy Fleishcer. Check it out by clicking the link!
When we encourage our children to do all sorts of writing, they learn to write for life. NCTE members Cathy Fleischer and Dara Mosher are quoted in this OC Family, November 2008 article.
When we encourage our children to do all sorts of writing, they learn to write for life. NCTE members Cathy Fleischer and Dara Mosher are quoted in this OC Family, November 2008 article.
Volunteer at PTO Thrift Shop
PTO Thrift Shop is looking for volunteers to provide gift-wrapping to shoppers in the store on the weekends of Dec 13- 14 and Dec 20-21. The same two-hour time slots as for regular store work are available. No orientation is necessary to work gift-wrapping, but work permits are still required for students. The ability to wrap a package would be preferable. You can sign up by going to the store or calling the store at 734-996-9155 and speaking to Susan or Leslie.
Holiday sales have started at the Shop. Many good toys and gently used items are available for the Holiday season. Great deals!
If you have any questions about volunteering at the Thrift Shop or gift-wrapping at the Thrift Shop, feel free to contact the store at 996-9155 or visit the website: www.a2ptothriftshop.org
Holiday sales have started at the Shop. Many good toys and gently used items are available for the Holiday season. Great deals!
If you have any questions about volunteering at the Thrift Shop or gift-wrapping at the Thrift Shop, feel free to contact the store at 996-9155 or visit the website: www.a2ptothriftshop.org
King International Night Preparations Underway
Hope that everyone who wants to participate in International Night has started rehearsals! It's time! Please let me know asap about your performances.
International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!) such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We also try to help with International Crafts during lunchtime enrichment that week. We are also always open to new innovative ideas!
Performers should start organizing and rehearsing now.
We need a Queen of the Feast (or two) to organize the potluck, and a tech crew for the simulcast.
Due to a conflict with Clague's 7th grade band concert, which affects many of our families, King's International Night will be moved one week to Thursday, February 5, same time 6:30-8:30pm. Mark it on your calendars now and tell your friends!
For more information, email fkwang@aol.com .
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King International Night Chair
International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!) such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We also try to help with International Crafts during lunchtime enrichment that week. We are also always open to new innovative ideas!
Performers should start organizing and rehearsing now.
We need a Queen of the Feast (or two) to organize the potluck, and a tech crew for the simulcast.
Due to a conflict with Clague's 7th grade band concert, which affects many of our families, King's International Night will be moved one week to Thursday, February 5, same time 6:30-8:30pm. Mark it on your calendars now and tell your friends!
For more information, email fkwang@aol.com .
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King International Night Chair
Book Fair - 12/12 and 12/13 at Arborland Borders
The King School Borders Book Fair is next week! Plan on stopping by to shop and listen to stories read by King School teachers (Ms. Shah, Mrs. Gatonez, Dr. Michalik, Mrs. O'Keefe & more!) at the Arborland Borders on Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
The King School PTO will receive 20% of your pre-tax purchases (when a voucher is given to the cashier) during the event! Vouchers will be sent home in this week's Friday Folders.
King School will have a table in the Arborland Borders during the King School Borders Book Fair. Stop by the table for teacher recommendations & wish lists. We can't wait to see you there!
The King School PTO will receive 20% of your pre-tax purchases (when a voucher is given to the cashier) during the event! Vouchers will be sent home in this week's Friday Folders.
King School will have a table in the Arborland Borders during the King School Borders Book Fair. Stop by the table for teacher recommendations & wish lists. We can't wait to see you there!
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