Friday, May 29, 2009

Duck Evacuation Radio Interview

In case you missed the Michigan Radio duck interview, you can hear it by clicking below.

MICHIGAN: Duck Evacuation (2009-05-29)

Shared via AddThis

Fwd: Ducks at King

Below is a forward of an email from a King mother.  It was really nice to read.

Begin forwarded message:

I'm so happy we have our own personal version of "Make Way For Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey.  It shows our King Pride too.  I'll have to re-read the book to my kids tonight. 

Blimpy Burger Visits King School

Thanks to Mr. Rich Magner, owner of Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor, for bringing lunch to Mr. Clarkson's class today. The free lunch was in response to a letter written by one of the students.

I was lucky to get one of the tasty burgers myself. It was a treat. I think I'll be making the trek to Blimpy Burger sometime soon. You might want to also. Check out their website at http://www.blimpyburger.com/

Duck Update

We're happy to report that mother duck and her ducklings have exited the courtyard and have made their way to a pond close to King.

We didn't get a picture of the exit but it was witnessed by two 3rd grade girls.

Duck Evacuation Plan

As reported yesterday, we've got ducks in the courtyard at King School!

Thanks to Mrs. Lake and Mrs. Schaffer for trying to evacuate them last evening. Their attempt to help was not successful, however.

At this point, we've opened the door to the courtyard and have set up boxes on either side to guide our mother duck and her ducklings out to the larger world including water and appropriate food. We'll update the King School website throughout the day if we experience any success.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Younger sibs watch tonight's concert from an interesting perspective

Our 5th Grade Teachers

Thank you to all of our teachers but to our 5th grade teachers in particular tonight. Their hard work and dedication this year has been outstanding whether we're talking about day to day classroom activities or their planning of Space Camp. I appreciate them and their professionalism. On behalf of the entire MLK community, thank you!

5th Grade Open House/Music Night

Tonight's rendition of The Tree Song was beautiful.

Indoor noon hour fun

Some of our fantastic 5th graders pay tribute to Dr. King during indoor noon hour today.

DUCKS!

We found ducks in the King courtyard yesterday! There are about a dozen newly hatched ducklings....WOW!

Plans are being made about how to march the ducklings out of the courtyard and to the back pond.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Using KidPix as part of the Plants unit in 1st grade

Countdown to Summer in the Media Center!

Can't believe it, but we're getting ready for the end of year in our library.

King students may check out up to three books all of this week, but then not anymore after this Friday, the 29th.

Then ALL library books are due on Friday, June 5.  

Please watch for reminder notices and help your kids find "lost" books or pay for "truly lost" books.  Together we'll help our children support the library, value its contents, and keep it a positive, happy place.

Feel free to email me with questions or concerns-okeefea@aaps.k12.mi.us .
 
Thanks!  Mrs. O'Keefe

Friday, May 22, 2009

Fifth graders return from Space Camp

Thank you to our wonderful 5th grade teachers for making the Space Camp experience happen again this year. Kids and parent chaperones alike said it was an amazing experience.

Drop-off Zone Reminder: NO BACKING UP

I wrote my last post of drop off praise too soon . . . moments after posting the GREAT drop off picture, a car began backing up in the drop off zone.

Of course, it is not OK to back up while in the drop-off zone. Cars are only allowed to move in the forward direction.

You can review the entire drop-off and pick-up policy by clicking here. Thank you for your attention to this serious and important matter.

Thanks for another great drop off today!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Space Camp Update

The King 5th grade teachers posted an update about space camp. You
can view it by clicking on the "Space Camp" logo on the front page of
the King website. http://king.a2schools.org

Ice Cream Social - June 5th from 6 - 8 PM

I scream, you scream, we all scream for the Ice Cream Social! This is a great party to say thank you to the students, King facility and the families for all their hard work :) As always, the party will be located behind the school on the   blacktop area. Bracelets for the kids will be sold for $5 which includes one ice cream, access to the games with prizes, cakewalk, and the moonwalks. Additional tickets for ice cream will be sold for $2 and the 4th grade parents will be selling pizza (by the whole or slice), drinks and popcorn.

Of course, we couldn't have this wonderful event w/o the help of our parent volunteers. Your grade level representative should be in contact with you soon about volunteering to help out. Please consider donating a little of your time as there is a lot that goes into making this a successful event. We'd love to see you especially if  you haven't been able to volunteer throughout the school year.

You can sign up to volunteer on this Doodle website:http://doodle.com/ieki54tv2hztw947
Please note that the games are listed by grade level and the ice cream, pizza/drinks and popcorn stands will be run by the 4th grade parents.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.
 
Thanks so much!! 
Lisa Joseph
Ice Cream Social Chair
dljoseph@comcast.net 
734-663-4607

Student Art Update

If you have not seen The Ann Arbor Public Schools Elementary Art Exhibit at The Ann Arbor District Library you have 2 weeks left!  The show ends on May 29th, 2009. So go and support the visual arts, our students and our children.

The winners of King's Earth Day Poster Contest are: Daniel Huang Kindergarten, Greta Schorer-1st Grade, Irusha Hewagama-2nd Grade, Katy Formicola -3rd Grade, Eric Chen-4th Grade and  Siani Woods- 5th Grade.
 
As a cross-curricular Language Arts and Art lesson, the students in Mr. Clarkson's 2nd grade class wrote letters to local Ann Arbor businesses. One business, Blimpy Burger, wrote Nikhil Mandalr back and asked if our students could design advertising posters for the restaurant. Ms. Wayne taught the students in Mr. Clarkson's class how to use the combination of type and graphics to create the posters. The posters are on exhibit at the restaurant until June. The students have also created a comic strip about Blimpy Burger and will be on exhibit this summer at Blimpy Burger. Go see our students' work!
 
Parents, if you work at or own a business who will exhibit our student's Artwork for The 2009 -2010 school year. Please contact Ms. Wayne. I am looking for more opportunities to showcase the students artwork; not enough of our students' work get seen. My goal is to have every King School students' artwork seen in a public place. 
 
If you have any extra paper or plastic bags lying around at home have your kids bring them to Ms. Wayne. It is time for them to bring their artwork home.
 
Thank You, Ms.Wayne

Monday, May 18, 2009

2009 AAPS Summer Music Program JUNE 22 - JULY 30

THE ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 
2009 SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM
JUNE 22 - JULY 30

HAVING FUN WITH INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 
Open to all of 
WASHTENAW COUNTY!!

June 22 - July 30, 2009  Mon. - Thurs. 
One hour classes starting 8:30a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  
For: Students going to 6th - 12th grade. 
See course descriptions: By music teacher or on-line.
Locations: Forsythe, Scarlett and Tappan Middle Schools
Registration:  Anytime, early discounts by June 12th! 
Cost: Early Reg.  $199 includes a T-SHIRT.  $215 Reg.

For More Information/Registration Forms: Call Rec & Ed. at 994-2300 x53219 or 487-8925.
 Also: On the web registration at, www.aareced.com or the Ann Arbor Public School Home page click "Parents"!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

King School Space Camp

Our 5th graders left Michigan and have not arrived in Alabama for their Space Camp experience. You can follow all of their adventures at the King School Space Camp website.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

*FREE* School & Sports Physicals

FREE*
School & Sports Physicals
at
Hope Medical Clinic
103 Arnet
Ypsilanti, MI
1.5 blocks south & 1 block east of Michigan Ave and Prospect

Saturday, July 18, 2009
(no appointment needed)
Sign in: 1:15-3:15 pm

For children without insurance coverage for a summer physical

Wear: shorts & tanks or athletic T-shirts

Bring:
• forms from your school, Head Start of program
• prior immunization records if any (note: immunizations will NOT be provided)
• parent/guardian (required)

* A $5 donation will be gratefully accepted
Necessary lab work will be ordered from SJMHS ONLY
This event is for well-child physicals only. Please call to make an appointment to address illnesses or medical concerns.

Hope Medical Clinic
for the uninsured
734-481-0111

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Ice Cream Social FYI

I scream, you scream, we all scream for the Ice Cream Social! This is a great party to say thank you to the students, King facility and the families for all their hard work :) As always, the party will be located behind the school on the blacktop area. Bracelets for the kids will be sold for $5 which includes one ice cream, access to the games with prizes, cakewalk, and the moonwalks. Additional tickets for ice cream will be sold for $2 and the 4th grade parents will be selling pizza (by the whole or slice), drinks and popcorn.

Of course, we couldn't have this wonderful event w/o the help of our parent volunteers. Your grade level representative should be in contact with you soon about volunteering to help out.Please consider donating a little of your time as there is a lot that goes into making this a successful event. We'd love to see you especially if you haven't been able to volunteer throughout the school year.

You can sign up to volunteer on this Doodle website: http://doodle.com/ieki54tv2hztw947
Please note that the games are listed by grade level and the ice cream, pizza/drinks and popcorn stands will be run by the 4th grade parents.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.

Thanks so much!!
Lisa Joseph
Ice Cream Social Chair
dljoseph@comcast.net

Bagels & Buns - May 15 @ 8:15 AM

FREE Starbucks coffee!

All are welcome: children and parents, teachers and staff

Please join us for breakfast and conversation:

Friday, April 15, 2009, 8:15am until school starts

Bagels $1 (cream cheese included)
Buns $2
Orange Juice 50 cents.

Thank you,
Christina Nedeltchev, Angela Johnson, Line vN

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Space Camp Website

The fifth grade Space Camp developments can be followed at:
http://kingschoolspacecamp.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

It's Hot Outside... Need a Water Bottle?

Now that the warm weather is FINALLY here, how about using a King School Water Bottle to help you stay hydrated?  They are reusable, recylable (#2), and BPA free!  
 
Fill out the form at the bottom of this e-mail to order water bottles for each member of your family.   Water bottles will be sent home with your child.
 
Contact Karen Schumacher at kschu58@hotmail.com  with any questions.

King Student Art on Exhibit

Submitted by:  Mrs. Wayne
 
The following student's Artwork has been selected for The Annual Ann Arbor Public School's Elementary Student Art Exhibit at The Ann Arbor District Library. 343 South Fifth Ave. You are invited to  come and celebrate the Visual Arts. April 23rd - May 29th, 2009. The Opening reception is May 7th, 2009.

Claire Lyons -K
Kristin Thorsdottir  - K
Victoria Nweze - K
Cindy Lui -K
Candance Jung - K
Nadia Hansen -1
Ariel Smith-1st
Julia Yehi -2
Garret Martin -2
Sampath Eaty -2
Claire Boudette -2
Bertrand Chu -2
Pete Ghormley -2
Allison Sabb -2
Alex Joseph -2
Julianna Caton -2
Joy Li -2
Tristian Ramos -2
Lexi Ripley -2
Vallan Roan -2
Jonathan Jiang -2
Khai Johnson -2
Sam Renken -2
Megan Sabb -2
Joy Chen -3
Morgan Gallimore -3
Vidhya Rajaprabhakaran-3
Kailynn Barton-3
Peter Kalemkerian-3
Darius Johnson-3
Bill McRoy -4
Meila Foster -4
Shyaoman Zhang -4
Olivia Boudette -4
Sophia Iamone -4
Alex Cucos -4
Sami Ghazzi -4
Alexa Mikhal -4
Anya Bothner -4
Christopher Jing -4
Yuqing Wei  -4
Grace LI -4
Hannah Niemi - 4
Laura Grosh -4
Jessica Chen - 4
Aylin Gunal -4
Katia Kukucka -4
Niu Niu -4
Akane Kawamoto -4
Alice Xu -4
Keyen Yockey -4
Katy Stegemann -4
Evan Wright -5
Dan Geng -5
Alex Alajbegovic -5
Melissa Newman -5
Tara Nieuwstadt -5
Quentin Millette -5
Luca Angelino -5
Maria M. -5
Alice Deng -5
 
The winning Art work for the cover of the 2008/2009 yearbook belongs to Celeste Pan 3rd grade. Congratulations Celeste. The winners for the back cover/autograph page are Kazuma Kwait 3rd grade, Scott ., 4th grade and Megan Sabb 2nd grade. Congratulations to all the winners. Order your 2008/2009 Year Book Today!

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Educational Forum

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Educational Forum
Tuesday, May 12 from 7:00-8:15 pm
Huron High School "New Theater"
2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor

Transient fears and anxieties can be a part of normal childhood development, but if the anxiety causes excessive distress and/or interferes with school performance, activities, or relationships with family or friends, it could be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be disabling and are surprisingly common, affecting up to 30% of all youth. The good news is that effective treatments are available.

To learn more about anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, including the latest research advances and treatment options, we hope you will join us for this educational forum on Tuesday, May 12 from 7:00-8:15 pm at Huron High School. Kate Fitzgerald, MD, a clinical lecturer in the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Program and member of the Depression Center at the University of Michigan, will discuss the presentation and treatment of anxiety disorders in youth. This will be followed by questions from the audience and discussion with expert panelists.

This event is free and open to the public, and is appropriate for parents of students at any grade level. This forum is presented as part of an ongoing educational partnership between the University of Michigan Depression Center and the Ann Arbor Public Schools. AAPS staff members are also encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Trish Meyer at the U-M Depression Center: meyerpa@umich.edu

Friday, May 01, 2009

Swine Flu Update: Letter from Dr. Roberts

This letter from Dr. Roberts will come home via backpack mail today as well . . .

May 1, 2009
Dear Ann Arbor Public School Parent and/or Guardian,

As the H1N1 Virus (known also as the Swine Flu) continues to be diagnosed throughout the United States there have been some concerns raised about students who may have recently traveled to Mexico.

We would like to emphasize that the Ann Arbor Public School district is working closely with the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health as well as advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Education. The district’s professional nurses are tracking and monitoring closely in the schools any students or staff with flu-like symptoms. As well, local medical professionals are following the protocols issued by the CDC and Public Health in reporting and examining people who come to them for their care.

The Washtenaw County Department of Public Health Department, the CDC or the Department of Education do not recommend that people who have traveled from Mexico be excluded from school unless they show symptoms of the flu. We are following the recommendation of the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health regarding the H1N1 virus.

We understand that enhanced media attention as well as the real medical concerns that have come with some of the confirmed cases in Mexico that there is a heightened alert about this flu. The Washtenaw County Department of Public Health has advised us that the most important steps to take are related to prevention.

• 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 when used according to manufacturers’ instructions.
• Contact your physician if you are experiencing severe symptoms including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, body aches possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting.

We will continue to update district families on any new information or updates we receive from the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health.

If you have concerns please contact your school principal or me.
Sincerely,

Todd Roberts
Superintendent