Swine Flu Update

This update regarding the swine flu went home today with all students.

What is swine influenza?
It is a respiratory illness that occurs in pigs and is caused by Type A influenza swine virus. Swine flu virus does not normally affect humans but in rare cases it can be passed from pigs to humans. The current strain is a new swine influenza virus that is passing from human to human.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human influenza and usually appear within 1 to 7 days after being infected and may include:
• Fever (usually greater than100 F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Most cases seen in the United States to date are mild but symptoms can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Flu-related complications can occur at any age; however, the elderly, people with chronic health problems, pregnant women and young children are much more likely to develop serious
complications after influenza infection.

How is it spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to happen in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-
to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. You can not become infected by eating pork or pork products.

What is the treatment?
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (i.e., water, juice, and tea).
• Take non-aspirin medication for fever and body aches. Aspirin should not be used in children with viral illnesses since there have been casesassociated with the development of Reye’s Syndrome.
• Swine flu is susceptible to antivirals. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if treatment with antiviral drugs is needed.

How is it prevented?
Prevention measures include:
• Stay home from work or school if you have a respiratory illness.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your sleeve/elbow.
Dispose of the tissue promptly and carefully.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol based hand gels are also effective.
• Contact your physician or health care provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, body aches possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting.
• According to the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the swine flu.


This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self -diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. For more information call your health care provider or call Washtenaw County Public Health at 734-544-6700.

Lost and Found To Be Emptied

The Lost and Found will be emptied on Tuesday, May 5 in the afternoon.

King School Is Certified Green!

Over spring break, Ms. Shah attended the Michigan Green Schools Award Ceremony at which King School was recognized for the efforts of the student council including the following:

• Being the first elementary school in Ann Arbor to begin composting

• Our Earth Day Festival

• Our adoption of the Saw Whet Owl housed at the Leslie Science and Nature Center.

Thank you Ms. Shah and to everyone for their hard work around becoming a certified green school!

Thank you also to our student council advisors: Dr. Michalik, Ms. Shah, Mrs. Gracey.

Box Tops Contest

This is the final week of our boxtops contest. We are only about half-way to our goal of raising $998. So keep sending in those boxtops and remember the classroom that brings in the most boxtops will receive a Smoothie Party.

Boxtops look like the above picture and can be found on the tops of General Mills Cereal Boxes and many other products. Check out www.boxtops4education.com for a complete list. Thanks! Contact Teri Henning tghenning@comcast.net with any questions.

One More Week to Sign Up For Math Club

Parents of 3rd and 4th graders please remember that math club sign-up is due next Monday, May 4th. If you can't locate the sign-up form anymore, you can go to King School's website to download it:
http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/king.pto/forms&config=aYtYrExbRAqlGruNWrHu5M

For those of you who have missed previous announcements, starting from the fall of 2009, King school will have a Math Olympiad Team for 4th and 5th graders. Details can be found at the above web address.

To give students a chance to try out the activity, we will run a "trial" math club. The club is open to all 3rd and 4th graders (who will be eligible for MOEMS in the fall). The math club will meet from 3:45 to 5pm in the MP room at King School on May 21st, 28th, June 4th and 11th.

Please also consider volunteering for this event. The more coaches we have, the better guidance the kids will get.

If you have questions, please email jingliu01@gmail.com or ljing@umich.edu

Thank You King Community for a Terrific Silent Auction!

It was a fun, festive evening and there are many, many people to thank...so let's get to it.

Thursday night table set up:
Lisa Joseph, Diana Wang, Diane Alson, Michael Morag, Ray Stocking, Shu-Chen Hug, Julie Hollenshead

Friday Display set up & basket arrangement or if we move these bid sheets one more time!:
Rachel Saab, Kim Lyon, Suman Shankar, Than Than Win, Christine Kuckuka, Kathy Grijalva and Susan Gechter

Registration or (does anyone have a pen?):
Heather Schweitzer, Susan Henken, Kea Berry

Table Monitors :
Camille Ziolek, Francine MacBride, Shirin Naaseh

Food Line and Popsicles:
Cheryl Baker, Linda Ryan, Laurie Galia, Susan Gechter

Raffle Table:
Roya Najafi, Raphaella Moeller, Ellen Grosh

Check Out:
Sarah Helmich, Maneesha Gulati, Cecilia Sauter, Lily Au, Kea Berry, Line VanNieuwstadt

File Room or Here come the bid sheets!:
Alena Stocking, Suman Shankar, Kea Berry, Cecelia Sauter

Clean Up--you ordered how many tables?:
Brian Storey, Khalil Najafi, Brian Abadi, Shirin Naaseh, Roya Najafi, Laurie Galia

Thanks to all these volunteers who helped to make Silent Auction a success.

Lisa Kohn

Kindergarten Open House/Music Night

We're looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful Kinderagarten families for the annual Open House and Music Night at MLK this Tuesday, April 28 beginning at 6:30 PM.

2009-10 Kindergarten families are invited to tour classrooms following the 7 PM concert with your future student!

Hope to see you there!

Fourth Grade Open House/Music Night

We're looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful 4th grade families for the annual Open House and Music Night at MLK this Thursday, April 30 beginning at 6:30 PM.

Hope to see you there!

Enrollment Time!

Reminder to all families who live in the King School attendance area:

Any children who are not currently enrolled at King School but will be coming to King in the fall should come to school and fill out enrollment papers now.

If you have any questions, please call us at 994-1940.

This may be available at the silent auction IF I take it off on Twitpic

This may be available at the silent auction IF I take it off on Twitpic

Silent Auction Countdown--1 More Day!

Time to Make Your List

So many items and so little time...Here are some auction tips to get you through the next 36 hours.

Make an excel sheet of your favorite items. Sort by numbers. The 100's will go in the first closing at 7:15, 200's at 7:30 and 300 and 400;s 7:45; then sort by "nice to have" and "must have".

No Hovering, but maybe bring some binoculars to see what bids are placed on your favorites.

Clean out your trunk. These classroom baskets are terrific and you'll want to make some room in the car for when you take them home.

Proxy Bid Update
I221 Zingerman's gift card $50
D341 Hummus for a Year $50

Things to Ponder
I223 "Let's have lunch (or brunch) Part 2. $25 Cafe' Marie, 2 Cottage Inn Lunch Buffets--both nice options for treating someone to lunch...AND 4 Large Pizzas from Papa John's---well that's a power lunch for 2 and then some.

Combined Items
The catalog crew has to sort through many donations and combine items to make attractive packages...some "almost" combinations that didn't make the catalog...

Stucci's 3 free Sundaes + Nutritional Counseling
Running Fit + Tortoise and Hare (too exhausting)
Zoom Teeth Whitening + Zingerman's Coffee
Case of Wine + Prepared Tax Return
Ukulele + String Instrument Lessons

Raffle Table
There are some great items available for a $1 raffle. My children shared their intended strategy for these items: "Drop your ticket in late, mom, so it's right on top." Lily Au has created a wonderful, creative King photo album that would delight any student now and even more so in the future.

Lisa Kohn
Silent Auction Chair
lkohn@umich.edu

Silent Auction Procedures

Dear MLK Families,

The PTO's Annual Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 on Friday, April 24! This is our PTO's biggest annual fundraiser and supports programming for EVERY student at MLK. I hope to see you there! Because this event is typically attended by over 800 people, it is important to review the following information:

1. Evening activities at King are family events. Parents and guardians are responsible for the close supervision of their children. Children cannot attend without a supervising adult.
2. Be aware of the evening safety procedures at MLK--including NO PARKING IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING.


Parking
Due to the limited availability of parking at King, parents should plan to park in the neighborhood during all evening events at King.
There is NO PARKING in front of the school, by the fire hydrant, or on the left-hand side of the front circular drive.

Reason: The front drive is a fire lane and must be kept accessible for emergency vehicles. The fire hydrant area must also be kept clear.

Drop Off/Pick Up
The front entrance will be available for drop off and pick up ONLY. AT NO TIME SHOULD PARKING OCCUR IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL.

Emergency Exits

Below is a map of the school with the arrows indicating emergency exits. Before you come to an evening event at King, please consider designating a place outside the building for your family to meet in the event that the building needs to be evacuated.

Front Entrance

If you have any questions, please call the school office. We'll be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
Principal
MLK School

Silent Auction Catalog - Download It Now!

GREAT items in this year's silent auction catalog: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/king.pto/files/sa_catalog_v5.doc

Lice Check Videos

These might be helpful . . .

From Ann Arbor PTOC:

These two video links are helpful and good reminders for Lice Checks and Treatments:
http://headliceinfo.com/freemovies/flash/hltdlmovie.html
and
http://www.headliceinfo.com/freemovies/flash/nitcheck_demo.html

Math Club Sign-Up Begins

Dear parents,

As you may have already known, King school will start the Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) program. MOEMS has been a major math contest for school children for 30 years. In the 2007-2008 year, 150,000 students participated in the program, representing all 50 US states and 25 countries. Its stated goals are:
To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics
To introduce important Mathematical concepts
To teach major strategies for problem solving
To develop Mathematical flexibility in solving problems
To strengthen Mathematical intuition
To foster Mathematical creativity and ingenuity
To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges
Starting from the fall of 2009, King school will have a Math Olympiad Team for 4th and 5th graders. Everyone who wants the challenge is welcome, regardless of the level of math proficiency. We will hold after-school training sessions, where we will introduce problem-solving strategies, and work in small groups on word problems. All students on the team are strongly encouraged to participate in the contests, but they have the option to participate in the training only.

The contests will be held at King school once every month from November to March. In each contest, students will have 30 minutes to solve 5 word problems. All participants will receive Participation Certificates, high scorers will also receive gold, silver or bronze plaques and trophies. Nationwide, about half of the participants receive plaques or trophies.

In September, we will hold an informational meeting for all interested parents.

The training and contests will run from October to March, roughly 3 times a month. The long time-span helps make math enrichment a continuous process. But it also requires commitment from students and parents. To give students a chance to try out the activity, we will run a "trial" math club. The club is open to all 3rd and 4th graders (who will be eligible for MOEMS in the fall). This will be a good math enrichment opportunity; however, anyone who does not sign up for the club can still sign up for the Math Team in the fall. The math club will meet from 3:45 to 5pm in the MP room at King School on May 21st, 28th, June 4th and 11th.

Sign-up forms went to home today for 3rd and 4th graders and should be turned in by May 4th. We welcome all kinds of help from parents. The more parent volunteers we have, the better we can run the small groups. If you have questions, please email jingliu01@gmail.com or ljing@umich.edu .

Sincerely,
Jing Liu, PICO (Person In Charge of the Olympiad)

Auction Food and Proxy Bidding

Don't forget to pre-order your dinner for the auction: Chinese, Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern will be featured at the International Buffet. Whole pizzas are $10.

As you scan the catalog, look for some familiar favorites such as Purple Rose Theater tickets and some new features like UM Hockey tickets and complimentary Zamboni ride. So many choices, so little time! Schedule conflict and you can't make it? There's always proxy bidding. Send your bids to the office by 5pm Friday to see if you'll be the winner of that coveted item.

Cut off the coupon at the bottom and submit to Silent Auction mailbox in office by Wednesday, April 22nd OR even easier: Email order to: Alena Stocking; alena.stocking@gmail.com

Silent Auction: Friday April 24, 2009 - 3 Day Countdown!

Thank you to the following King Families for your donations to the
Silent Auction:

Oded and Cynthia Gur-arie; Amy Cell; Lisa and Dave Kohn; Melanie Snook; Dr. Randall and Sonia Kaufman; Roya Najafi; the Stegemann family and the Endres family

Take a look at these generous and interesting donations:

A European facial and eyebrow wax;3 gift baskets from Cherry Republic; 4 Nights in Vail at a condo that's 5 min from downtown; King Community party; Euchre party; Hommus for a year; 2 tickets to the Ann Arbor premier of "The Champagne Spy", May 5th at the Michigan Theater--a highly acclaimed documentary and winner of many international awards.

Dive into the catalog when it comes home in backpacks on Monday April 20th. Vacations, kids camps, theater, restaurants, and some first-time, unique expereinces with UM's Women's and Men's Soccer Teams.

Think about how you can volunteer and consider donating an hour to help out with this event. For perspective--I ordered 17 -8 foot tables for International Night. This event takes 66 tables. No need to take 2 cars if you stay for clean up: we'll have mini-van car pools for the late work.

Please click to this link and sign up to assist:

http://www.doodle.com/aiq7rv4h4eqymrpa

For questions or information,contact

Lisa Kohn
lkohn@umich.edu
734-417-7129

School Renovations Update

The lockers have been installed and the sinks and cabinets have been replaced!

You can see photos at the King School twitter: http://twitter.com/King_School

Kindergarten Readiness Meeting - 4/23 @ 6:30 PM

There will be a kindergarten readiness meeting for families who would like to attend at the Preschool & Family Center
2775 Boardwalk Drive
North of Eisenhower Parkway

The meeting will address the following topics:

• What is the kindergarten curriculum like?
• What skills will help your child succeed as she enters kindergaten?
• What does literacy mean for a kindergarten student?
• Are the schools ready for your child? Yes! Find out how you can play with your child while building skills that will help him in school.

To register for the evening, please call 994-2300 extension 53186.

Child care is available for $3 per child in the First Steps classroom; however, space is limited to 12 children. Please call 994-2300 x53186 to reserve your spot.

MLK School Renovations Update

Back in October and December of this school year, I shared some continuing information about renovations at King School associated with the 2004 bond passed by Ann Arbor voters. Click here to view what was shared.

Since then, quite a bit has happened at school in the way of renovations including:
- electrical upgrades;
- installation of a new security system;
- replacement of some classroom flooring in some rooms;
- updating of all bathrooms in the building;
- repaving of front drive;
- replacing the heating system;
- installation of wireless infrastructure;
- installation of new "white" boards in all classrooms.

During the upcoming spring break, we've got more work that will be completed including:
- replacement of more classroom flooring;
- installation of lockers in hallways;
- replace cabinetry and sinks in classrooms;
- painting doors and hallways.

WOW! It is going to be very exciting to come back from spring break to see the new improvements--especially the lockers! I know the kids are excited about the lockers!

King Composting Information

KING COMPOSTERS!
We are launching a new and exciting composting initiative at King School! All kids and staff will be composting!! This program was developed through Student Council’s Green Team and designed to reduce our school’s environmental impact by cutting down the use of landfill space. This not only helps us to become responsible citizens for our planet, but it enables us to support our community as well. By turning uncooked vegetative waste into municipal composting, a beneficial end product is made and can be used to improve our community.
Compostable materials will be placed in designated composting bins in our school lunchroom, teacher’s lounge, classrooms, and kitchen. The compostable materials will be picked up by the city one day a week through the months of April, May, June, September, October, and November.
Things that CAN be composted are raw food items such as: Fruit /Vegetable Scraps, Salad trimmings, Vegetable Peelings, Onion Skins, Egg Shells, Coffee Grounds, Coffee Filters, Tea Bags, and Flowers. Things that CAN NOT be composted are: Meat, Cheese, Poultry, Cooked Food, Fish liquids, Plate Scrapings, Sauces, Oils, Fats, Butters, Yogurt, Plastic Wrap, Utensils, Rubber Bands, Foil, Polystyrene Foam Gloves, and Wrappers of any kind. If you have any questions, you can contact Ms. Shah at shahn@aaps.k12.mi.us . Have fun and remember to compost!

Silent Auction Countdown - Two Weeks To Go!

Science Olympiad and Silent Auction night are just around the corner and look at the outstanding evening we have planned for the King Community! Dine with an international buffet of foods. See Dr. Zeemo give 2 shows on "The Science Of Spinning"--a funny, former physics teacher, turned comic. Smile with "Ziggy the Clown" while you ooh, aah and,of course, bid on some fabulous donations. Stop by Lynne Schwank's face painting station.

Hear what previous winning bidders have to say about some of the items up for auction:

Antigua Time Share-Donated by Mike and Darla Dubin
"What we really loved about the place, besides the 5 minute walk to the Caribbean, was that this was a REAL island with REAL people and no hint of commercialization. The kids loved the golf cart (drivers, maybe?) the warm waters and collecting shells." -Lona Mody

Bird Tour in the Arb with Washtenaw Audubon Society -Donated by Ray Stocking
"We had a wonderful morning and Ray was a great tour guide filled with so much information about the arboretum and the birds, of course. Not sure how he did hit, but Ray even managed to grant my wish and find a bluebird. I don't want to give too glowing of a review for fear that someone will outbid me this year!" -Susan and Eden Henkin

Aspen Time Share-Donated by Tim and Robin Damschroder
"The Silver Glow unit was newly remodeled and comfortable for all of us. We were 4 blocks from downtown, however, their bus was always available to take you wherever you wanted to go in Aspen. We never waited more than 5 minutes for the bus, no matter where we were. The snow was great and I'm sending my wife (Marie) back to bid again!" -Dick Steele

Cancun Time Share-Donated by Juanita Merchant
"This was the most relaxing vacation my family has ever taken! The villa faces the Caribbean so there were many opportunities for walks along the beach. Royal Resorts has plenty of activities to keep kids and grown ups busy or you can bask in the sun. The modern hotel conveniences along with the high-class entertainment made for a very relaxing and fun vacation. -Maneesha Gulatim

Thank you to the following King Families and former teachers for your donations:
Nejat Seyhun, Sujata Guduri, Sandra Wong, Samantha Chan, Mrs. Cheryl Jones, Carol Teener, Neal Boudette, Bruce Miller

Check out these Generous and Interesting Donations: Famous chocolate orbit cake or other luscious cake of your choosing; a day in the life of an automotive reporter--test drive cars, prep for an interview on CNN, whatever the day's agenda may have; 3 dozen cupcakes intricately decorated for your party theme; a Saturday of fun activites, lunch and of course, ice cream with Cheryl Jones; vegetarian Indian dinner for 5 delivered to your home; an authentic UM hockey jersey; 2 UM vs. EMU football tickets on the 40 yd line; custom portrait-oil on canvas-9"x9" -single subject.

Please link to the attached calendar to see where you can offer an hour of volunteer time for the auction. Setting up and taking down 68 tables can go quickly with many hands! See set-up and clean-up---we need help.

http://www.doodle.com/aiq7rv4h4eqymrpa

If you would like to offer an auction testimonial or have questions or need information:

Lisa Kohn
lkohn@umich.edu
734-417-7129

King School PTO for the 2009-2010 school year

Here is a wonderful opportunity to get involved at King School & with the PTO. Become a member of the 2009-2010 Executive Board of Directors or be the Chairperson of an event or committee. There is something for everyone!

Do you have a busy daytime schedule? There are many events & committees that are needed outside of school hours! Some of these events are...Bagels & Buns, Bingo Night, Borders Book Fair, E-mail List Coordinator, Green Baxter Court PTO Liaison, Ice Cream Social, International Night, King of Hearts Family 5K, King Spirit Wear, Newcomers Network, Newsletter Editor, Outdoor Sign, Silent Auction, Volunteer Recruitment, Webmaster, & more!

Do you want to volunteer during the school day? Check out these committees...Community Action, Bulletin Boards, First Day Packets, Friday Folder Stuffing, Healthy Students, Lunchtime Enrichment, Safety Chair, Scholastic Book Fair, Teacher Appreciation, Turkey Trot, & more!

Go to the website below for the nomination form & detailed descriptions of every single position. There are more than 50 positions available & need to be filled!
http://king.a2schools.org/king.pto/files/file.pdf

Nominate yourself today! Nomination forms are due to the King School office (PTO mailbox) by Thursday, April 9. OR, nominate yourself by sending the information on the nomination form to kingpto@gmail.com. Please let us know if you are a current Chairperson & would like to continue chairing the same event/committee.

Thank you for volunteering...and here's to a fantastic 2009-2010 year!

No School - Monday, April 6

Monday, April 6, 2009:
Ann Arbor Public Schools is closed today due to the weather.

King School Twitter

I've recently set up a King School Twitter. If you are a twitter user, you might find it interesting to follow at http://twitter.com/King_School.

If you don't use Twitter, you can also access the same information on the front page of the MLK website at http://king.a2schools.org.

Green School/Earth Day Update

Thanks to Dr. M. for sharing the info below about upcoming Green School and Earth Week activities AND thanks to the 5th grade and student council for all of their work on these initiatives!

Earth Posters
Students are creating posters in art to be displayed during Earth Week.

Voting on a King School RAPTOR
Students are learning about the eight raptors found at the Leslie Science Center. They will vote on April 9th to see which raptor we will adopt. Students will then be asked to earn $.25-$.50 by doing jobs at home or with neighbors. All money will be collected during Earth Week.

Hunters of the Sky
We are gearing up for a wonderful week after spring break. April 20th (9-9:50 a.m. for K-2; 10- 10:50 a.m. for 3-5) we have a presentation by Leslie Science Center- Hunters of the Sky, to kick off our week. The poster winner will have a special part in the performance. We will also get to meet the raptor that we are adopting!


Earth Day Festival
The entire 5th grade is responsible (with teacher help of course J ) for setting up our Earth Day Festival at King. The festival is April 22nd and is going to be tons of fun! (12:40- 1:40 p.m. K-2, 2:15-3:30 for 3rd, 2- 3:30 for 4th graders) Our class is responsible for ladder ball trivia about macro-invertebrates and a great magnetic fishing game, fishing for macro-invertebrates. The macro-invertebrates we are studying are those found in the Huron River. This is shaping up to be a wonderful leadership opportunity for our 5th graders and an incredible learning opportunity for the entire school about environmental issues that are literally right in our backyard.

THE ELEMENTARY SUMMER LEARNING INSTITUTE RETURNS…AND EXPANDS!

The Elementary Summer Learning Institute will run from Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 31 and bussing will be available. The kindergarten, 2nd grade and 3rd grade program will be conducted at Ann Arbor Open at Mack Elementary School (920 Miller) and the 5th grade program will be at Forsythe Middle School (1655 Newport). Students who have not yet reached grade level reading targets or have not yet reached a secure target on selected math outcomes are eligible.

Bussing will be available for all four programs.

In order to attend, students must be referred by their classroom teacher. Teachers and principals are just now receiving applications for the program. If your child has been referred and you have further questions, please contact your child’s teacher. With further questions, feel free to contact the Summer Learning Institute principal, Ché Carter at carterc@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Thanks PTO For Our UMS Field Trips This Year

Thank you to the King PTO for again sponsoring a University Musical Society youth performance for every child at our school. The kindergarteners had a great time at the Dan Zanes concert this Monday. They told me they got to dance like a train and then proceeded to demonstrate their newly found conga skills. The first graders got to experience the highly acclaimed Sweet Honey in the Rock in February and the second graders were wowed by The Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa in October. They said it sounded like music from “The Lion King,” only better. Grades 3-5 got a lesson in swing from the incomparable Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He is an amazing teacher and the kids learned so much. The most often heard comment from them was “I wish they would have played more.”

We are so lucky to live in a city that is regularly visited by some of the world’s most talented artists, and even more lucky to have a PTO that recognizes the value and meaning these cultural experiences bring to kids. Thank you.

Mrs. Vanek