Literacy Night On AnnArbor.com

The Literacy Night events last week at King School were reported in annarbor.com. Click the link below to see the article.

King Elementary School educates parents about reading, writing - AnnArbor.com

News From The School Nurse

DEAR PARENT(S) /GUARDIAN(S),

THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS I WILL LIST IN THIS LETTER AS FRIENDLY
REMINDERS. THEY ARE ALL INTENED TO HELP PROMOTE THE OPTIMAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND STAFF, AND, ULTIMATELY THE
COMMUNITY.

IN ORDER TO HELP PREVENT FROSTBITE, STUDENTS SHOULD BE DRESSED
ACCORDINGLY IN LAYERS OF WINTER OUTWEAR, INCLUDING, HATS, COATS,
GLOVES/ MITTENS AND BOOTS. ALSO, TYING A SCRAF AROUND THE NOSE AND
MOUTH FACILITATES THE INTAKE OF WARM, INSTEAD OF COLD AIR.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INFORM THE SCHOOL OFFICE WHEN YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN
HAS/ HAVE A REPORTABLE COMMUNICABLE CONDITION SUCH AS STRETOCCOCAL
SORE THROAT, RING WORM (OF THE BODY AND/ OR SCALP), OR HEAD LICE.
ANNONYMOUS LETTERS ARE SENT HOME TO SHARE GENERIC INFORMATION RE: THE
SPECIFIC CONDITION TO ALL FAMILIES.

FINALLY, IN ORDER TO HELP PROTECT OUR FOOD ALLERGIC STUDENTS, PLEASE
REMIND YOUR CHILD/ CHILDREN NOT TO SHARE AND/ OR EXCHANGE FOOD.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

SINCERELY,
MAZIE HAMILTON, R.N.
SCHOOL NURSE

King International Night - 2/4 from 6:30 - 8:30

King School International Night
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, 6:30-8:30 pm
Sharing Cultures. Creating Bridges.

Enjoy an international potluck of amazing foods from around the world and Ann Arbor! Take a tour around the world by strolling through King School's hallways. Watch our King School students come together to celebrate our diversity by performing Israeli Folkdance, Palestinian debka dance, Chinese Kung Fu, Japanese dance, Bolivian dance, African American Gospel Music, Tibetan dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, American Hip-Hop, Irish dance, Indian classical Bharatha Natyam dance, Irish songs, Virginia Reel, more!

Schedule:
6:30-7:30 International Potluck (don't be late!)
7:00-8:30 Student Performances (Performances will be simulcast into the gym.)

Please bring a dish to pass (enough to feed 18 people!)
With serving utensil
Without nuts or peanuts please!
Label with name of dish, country of origin, and ingredients

Please dress in heritage clothing

If you would like to volunteer to help with the feast, contact Lisa Kohn NOW at lkohn@umich.edu. All hands needed for set up, clean up, serving, security--commitment is for the day of the event only.

If you have a country poster you would like to post, contact Padma Anupindi at p_anupindi@hotmail.com. This is a great family project. Make a country poster to teach about a special country or culture that you like! Posters must be flat and able to be taped to the wall. Photos are great! Creativity encouraged! No flags or politics please. 

Parents must be responsible for and with their children at ALL times. No running wild through the hallways, and NO PARKING on either side of the circular drive. Sponsored by the King PTO.

Up to the minute information at www.kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com. Thanks! See you there!

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
International Night Chair

Grocery Cards Available During Literacy Nights

PTO will have grocery cards available on Tuesday and Thursday  evenings during Literacy Night.  Hillers, Buschs and Whole Foods  cards will be there and if you haven't done so already, your Krogers  Plus card can be assigned to King School that night.  Please consider  trying the grocery programs--it's easy to use and helps out school.

One Week Left to Register for Science Olympiad!

Science Olympiad is a great science enrichment program with more than 13,500 participating schools nationwide. The 18 different Science Olympiad events utilize different skill sets, so all children can find something that they enjoy. More information about Science Olympiad can be found at the website http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/wesowizards.home/home. 
Practices for the June 5th tournament will start in February or early March at King School. Please go tohttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY to register your child(ren) by January 31st.

International Night Feast

Check list for the feast:  800 paper plates, 1000 napkins, 400 chop sticks and your delicious dish.  Join King School in an International Pot Luck celebrating cuisines from around the world.   Bring a dish (e.g appetizer, entree, dessert) that serves 15 people.  Food line opens at 6:30 and most folks are through the line by 7:10, IF, big IF we have enough volunteers to assist with the buffet.  Thanks to those volunteers who have signed up.  Help is especially needed in the 30 minute blocks from 6:15 to 7:15 pm. 

The link to volunteer:

http://www.doodle.com/trvnxu4cp69msh94 

For any questions:   Lisa Kohn, lkohn@umich.edu .

Rec and Ed is Moving!!!

Community Education & Recreation (Rec&Ed) will be moving to Pioneer
High effective February 2, 2010. The department will be located in
the "E" Wing of the building, which is accessible off of S. Seventh
St. Visitors will use the new separate entrance near the tennis
courts, which will be well marked with a large rooftop sign. There
will be a drop box available 24/7 by the entrance, for those dropping
off registrations. In preparation for the move, Rec&Ed will be closed
beginning Thursday, January 28 and will re-open in the new facilities
at Pioneer on Tuesday, February 2.

PHOTO: Some Great Feature Articles Posted Outside Room 105!

SIGN UP NOW FOR LITERACY NIGHT - 1/26 or 1/28

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Dear King Parents,

You are invited to Literacy Night on January 26 or 28, sponsored by the King School Improvement Team. At Literacy Night, parents will learn from King teachers about how they teach reading and writing.

The schedule for the night will be as follows:
6:20 – 6:30 Childcare drop-off in gymnasium with KingCare—school aged children only for those who sign up ahead of time

6:30 Introduction in the Multipurpose Room

6:40 - 8:30 Parents will choose and attend two sessions focusing on reading and writing:
* K-2 Reading
* 3-5 Reading
* Kindergarten writing
* 1st grade writing
* 2nd grade writing
* 3rd grade writing
* 4th grade writing
* 5th grade writing

Our goal is to have at least one parent from every family participate in Literacy Night either on 1/26 or 1/28.

If you have questions, please call the school office at 994-1940.

Sincerely,
King School Improvement Team

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

King School International Night

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm

Country Posters: Everyone is invited to make a country poster to teach
about a special country or culture that you like! This is a great
family project and an easy way to be a part of International Night.
Maps are cool, but no flags please. Posters must be able to hang flat
against the wall. Posters will be hung starting Jan. 22. Contact Padma
Anupindi p_anupindi@hotmail.com.

Thank you everyone for being a part! For more information: http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, King Intl Night Chair (fkwang@aol.com)

Pierogi, Sushi, Be Bim Bop, Kibbee... Volunteers Needed!

Thursday, Feb. 4th is King School's International Night and our multi-
ethnic food buffet is a fabulous part of the evening. Families are
asked to bring an ethnic dish that serves 15 to the pot luck. Your
help is needed to assist over 400 people through our food lines in 90
min (or less)!

Please use the Doodle Calendar to sign up. Your 30 minutes will go a
long way in helping.

http://www.doodle.com/trvnxu4cp69msh94p7symwec/admin

Questions or more info: Lisa Kohn lkohn@umich.edu

Silent Auction Gearing Up

It's January - but we are already in planning mode for the King School
PTO Silent Auction, which will take place April 23, 2010. In early
February information will be coming home with more details about how
you can help. We really need everyone in the school to participate -
in whatever way you can - by donating, volunteering, attending - or
all three. The silent Auction contributes to 50% of the PTO budget
and supports teachers in the classroom, International Night, Literacy
Night, Field Trips and much, much, more. In order to minimize our
costs for the auction and insure as much revenue can to to the school
- below are a list of items needed to help us run the auction. Every
little thing helps - so if you have these items stashed somewhere at
home - we'll take them off your hands!

LABELS - that can used in printers
PLASTIC WEAR
PLATES
NAPKINS
NICER PAPER (for certificates - must be printer capable)

Also, if anyone knows of budding entertainers (ie. magicians, balloon
makers, clowns, face painters) - that would be willing to donate their
time and provide entertainment - we'd really appreciate any names!!

Please contact the King Silent Auction crew by using our new e-mail
address: king.silent.auction@gmail.com .

Thanks so much.... here we go!!

Alena Stocking, Auction Chair

Science Olympiad Still Needs Coaches

PLEASE VOLUNTEER to coach In Bloom, Mystery Architecture, Puff
Mobiles, or Straw Towers! No experience necessary, WESO will provide
training; and practices are just 1 hour per week. If you are willing
to coach, please email Vivian Lin at vhl@med.umich.edu or volunteer
via the student registration website https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY
.

Science Olympiad Registration Open

Only two weeks left to register for Science Olympiad practices! WESO
is a great science enrichment program for 2nd through 5th graders.
Practices will be held during the spring at King School, and the
tournament will occur at Skyline on June 5th. Please go to the website https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY
to register your child(ren) by January 31st.

Winter Coat And Boot Drive - January 19 - 29

Please donate your used coats, boots, snow pants and mittens. All
sizes are accepted including baby, toddler, kids, and adults. Please
only donate clean and gently used items with working zippers, snaps
and buttons and without tears. Boots and mittens need to be in
pairs. A large box will be near the main school entrance where
donations can be placed from January 19-29.

Donations will go to House by the Side of the Road.

Submitted by Rachel Sabb

Thurston Chess Tournament

King chess players are invited to play in the 7th Annual Thurston
School Chess Tournament on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Open to chess
players in grades K-8 and directed by Ray Garrison, who teaches at
King and other local schools. This nearby tournament is an excellent
opportunity for families to experience their first kids chess
tournament, as well as to practice for the statewide team tournaments
in February (where King has won several state championships in recent
years). There are four sections based on age and chess level, with
afternoon sessions for newer players and all-day sessions for more
experienced players. All players receive a participation certificate.
Fees range from $6-15, with all profits to the Thurston PTO. Space is
limited and pre-registration is required. Visit www.ThurstonChess.com
for more information and registration options. Contact King parent
Jeff Alson at jeffalson@sbcglobal.net or 663-6326 with any questions.

King International Night Update

Performances: Signups for King School International Night (Thurs Feb.
4) performances are underway! Please email Frances Wang at fkwang@aol.com
if you would like to participate. Reminders: all performances must
be under 3 minutes! Music must be prerecorded on CD. Colorful costumes
a plus! Practice practice practice over break!

Country Posters: Everyone is invited to make a country poster to teach
about a special country or culture that you like! This is a great
family project for the holidays. Maps are cool, but no flags please.
Contact Padma Anupindi p_anupindi@hotmail.com.

Thank you everyone for being a part! For more information: http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, King Intl Night Chair (fkwang@aol.com )

Bingo Night - Thursday, 1/14 - See You There!!!

BINGO NIGHT IS A FAMILY ACTIVITY.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILDREN OFF.
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!

Thursday, January 14, 6:30-8:00, multi-purpose room

K & 1st grade families play from 6:40-7:00 p.m.
2nd and 3rd grade families play from 7:10-7:30 p.m.
4th and 5th grade families play from 7:40-8:00 p.m.
Small prizes will be given to every child.

*There will be no food sold this year. Water will be available.*

Bring your King School water bottle to fill up!

If you would like to help with this PTO funded social event, please
click on the Doodle link:

http://www.doodle.com/knk6pp9mbeytcr3c

For questions, contact Melanie Snook at 730-8663 or
mssnook61@yahoo.com .

Science Olympiad Coaches Needed

PLEASE VOLUNTEER to coach a Science Olympiad event! We won't be able
to offer some of these great events for the kids if no one volunteers
to coach them. We still need coaches for Barge Building, Chopper
Challenge, Estimania, In Bloom, Mystery Architecture, Potions, Puff
Mobiles, Straw Towers, and Write It/Build It. No experience necessary.
If you are willing to coach, please email Vivian Lin at vhl@med.umich.edu
or volunteer via the student registration website https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY
. THANKS!!!

Science Olympiad Registration Open!

WESO is a great science enrichment program for 2nd through 5th
graders. Practices will be held from February through May at King
School, and the tournament will occur at Skyline on June 5th. Please
go to the website https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY to register
your child(ren) by January 31st.

PHOTO: Mrs. G in the media center is a student favorite

826michigan: Workshops

Students and families who are interested in some dynamite writing workshops should check out the offerings from 826michigan.org. This fantastic group has worked with our students at King in the past, and they were highly regarded.

826michigan's current classes sound pretty interesting and include:
Drop-in Writing Time!
Winter Woof-erland
Poetry off the Page: Turning Objects into Poetry
Choose Your Own Adventure
Writing Funny Short Stories
PJ Day!
AND MORE!!!

For a complete list of current 826michigan workshops, click below:
826michigan: Workshops

Budget Information Session Tonight @ Huron, 6:30 PM

Ann Arbor school officials will host information sessions in January,
where proposed budget cuts will be discussed and suggestions from the
public will be encouraged.

Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be at the following dates and
locations:
* Thursday, Jan. 7 at Huron High School
* Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Skyline High School
* Thursday, Jan. 14 at Scarlett Middle School
* Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Pioneer High School

How To Find Out If School Is Closed

As winter weather sets in, we would like to remind you of our school closing notification procedures and formats in the event that the schools are closed due to weather.

Internet:
Information about school closing will be posted on the home page of our website: http://www.a2schools.org. Any school closing notice will also appear on each school's homepage.

Telephone
The School Closing Hotline number is (734) 994-8684

Television Stations
WDIV Channel 4
WXYZ Channel 7

Radio Stations
WAAM 1600 AM
WTKA 1050 AM
WQKL 107.1 FM
WUOM 91.7 FM
WEMU 89.1 FM
WJR 760AM
WWJ 950 AM

King Newsletter - January 2010

Dear King Families, 

Happy New Year!  I hope you all had wonderful breaks and find yourself rested and ready for all what the next twelve months brings to us.

The first day back at school in 2010 went smoothly, especially because kids clearly understood our winter snow motto:  "Snow stays on the ground."  Of course, it is fine to play and build with the snow.  We're trying to avoid the throwing of snow, which can obviously be dangerous. 

As a reminder, we will have outdoor recess each day at MLK unless it is raining or the wind chill/actual temperature is below 0 °F.  Please send you child to school with all of the appropriate gear necessary to participate in outdoor recess each day including boots, snow pants, hats, and gloves.

As 2010 gets rolling, I am inviting you to two important events in January.  I hope every King family will be represented at each of these events.

The first is one of the budget information sessions being hosted by Dr. Roberts this month.  As the school district endeavors to cut close to $20 million from the budget between now and when the 2010-11 budget in set, it is important for families to understand and give input.  I invite you to attend a budget information session with me on Tuesday, January 19 Pioneer High School at 6:30 PM.  If you are not able to attend with me, please go to one of the other sessions either on Tuesday, January 12 at Skyline High School or Thursday, January 14 at Scarlett Middle School.  Both of these sessions also begin at 6:30 PM. 

The second event is the King Literacy Night on either January 26 or January 28 beginning at 6:30 promptly.  You probably have heard about this already or received an email from me it.  At this point, 130 families have signed up to attend Literacy Night, which is GREAT!  However, it represents less than half of all King families.  I am hoping that we will have at least 75% of all King families.  This means we need at least 210 families to sign up.  Please visit the King website (http://king.a2schools.org/) or call the King School office to sign up.  Thank you.

Kindergarten Round Up—February 16, 6:30 – 7:30PM

I am excited to announce that Kindergarten Round Up at King School will be on February 16 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.  Children who turn five on or before December 1, 2010 are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year. 

 

At the round up presentation, we'll share important information about the kindergarten year including registration information and information about the kindergarten curriculum.  The presentation is intended for parents, however, you can register for free school aged child care, provided by the King Care staff.  If you anticipate needing the child care option, please note that when you call.

 

If your child falls into the eligible age range, please do two things now:

1. Call the King School office at 994-1940 to give your child's information.  This will let us know to expect you for the Round Up presentation.  When you call, please also indicate if you'll need childcare on the night of round up.
2. Put Kindergarten Round Up on your calendar.  It will be held in the multipurpose room at King.

Also, if you know of a family who will have a kindergarten aged child for next year (and the family lives in the King School area), please share this information with them.  If you have any questions, please call the King School office.  J

If you have questions, please call the school office at 994-1940. 

Sincerely,

Kevin

 

P.S. If you drop-off at school in the morning, please pull forward as far as possible in the drop-off zone.  And please remember, parents are not allowed to get out of cars in the drop-off zone.  If you need to get out of your car, please do so on Waldenwood Dr.

Happy New Year!

Dear King Families,

I hope you all had restful and wonderful breaks and are ready for a very happy new year!  

The first day back at school in 2010 went smoothly.  Kids transitioned back to school day routines  well, and they did a great job of playing with snow but NOT throwing snow.  Our snow motto at school is "Snow stays on the ground."

Also regarding our upcoming Literacy Night, 126 King families are signed up for Literacy Night so far.  I am encouraging each family to be a part of this event either on January 26 or 28.  If you need more information, please CLICK HERE. 


If you have questions, please let me know.  Thank you!

Kevin

P.S. If you drop off at school in the morning, please pull up as far as possible in the drop-off zone.  And remember, parents are not allowed to get out of cars in the drop-off zone.  More drop-off and pick-up information by CLICKING HERE.

Private / Religious School Recommendation Forms

From time to time, families will ask to have recommendation forms filled out for other schools that are religious or private schools. This most often happens at King when families move out of Ann Arbor or when they are looking at private middle school options for their child.

When recommendations for private or religious schools are needed, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Bring the private/relgious school's request for records form to the King School office. Please do not take any forms to your child's teacher. Parents should make sure they have a mailing address to where the forms should be sent.
2. Once the request has been received at the school office, we will copy the child's records and ask the classroom teacher to fill out the AAPS Elementary Recommendation Form. The reason the AAPS form is used and not the private or religious school form is because it produces a single procedure that addresses a child's academic performance and not their personal qualities (like leadership ability, sense of humor, emotional stability), which are often part of the recommendation forms.

King staff are required to use this procedure for all recommendation forms for other schools. Parents should not ask teachers to do otherwise.