The Disability Awareness Workshop will be held on Friday, March 25, 2011.

Dear King School Parents,

On Friday, March 25th, 2011, all King fourth grade students will participate in the Disability Awareness Workshop. This is the fifth 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 personal experience -- that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.

Please consider volunteering on this day, even if you don’t have a 4th grade student. Think of it as a preview if your child is younger or an opportunity to see what you missed last year if your student is in 5th grade. We need 20-25 adult volunteers to help in the morning from 8:30 am until around noon 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.  If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to print and fill out the volunteer form.

Darla Dubin, 904-5536, darladubin@aol.com

King Parent coordinating the Disability Awareness Workshop

King School International Night coming Thursday, February 10, 6:30 - 8:30

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, Israeli folk 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 are also always open to new innovative ideas! 

Country Posters: For those who would like to be a part, 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. Posters will be displayed for two weeks before and after International Night. Posters must be flat and able to be taped to the wall. Photos are great! Creativity encouraged! Celebrations of achievements of Americans of that ethnic heritage appreciated by the kids! Maps are cool, but no flags please. Contact Padma at p_anupindi@hotmail.com for information about country posters.

More information at http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com

Family Writing Workshop - 5 Family Spots Left - SIGN UP!

Family Writing Workshop – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

You are invited to sign up for a two-night Family Writing Workshop sponsored by the King School Improvement Team.

The first night will be January 31 from 6:30 - 7:30 and is for parents only (but childcare is available). The focus of this 90-minute workshop is for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about how to encourage their student writers in grades K – 12 at home. We’ll explore family activities that promote writing as well as effective ways to respond to children about their writing. The Parent Workshop highlights best practices in the teaching of writing as well as family writing activities.

The second night is February 2, from 6:30 - 8 and is for families. The focus of this 90-minute workshop is to bring family members together to experience the joy of sharing and writing stories about growing up. Children, young people, and their parents will learn ways to call up significant memories, methods for getting writing started, and easy and practical techniques for helping each other as writers. We’ll also discuss some ideas for sharing this writing and continuing family writing at home.

Some King families have attended these workshops in the past. It is the hope of the School Improvement Team that each family attends these workshops at least once during their time at King.

PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED to 25 families. Sign up early! If you aren't able to make it this time around, the workshops will be offered again in March. A separate sign up will be offered for that series at a later date

Crazy Clothes Day - 1/28/11

On January 28, the student council is calling for "Wear Crazy Clothes To School Day!"

It should be a crazy day to say the least.  Of course, we'll still be teaching and learning that day . . .

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call the school office or contact our wonderful student council sponsors, Becky Gracey and Neha Shah.

NEW DATE: Clague Parent Information Meeting - 5th Grade Parents

Dear King 5th Grade Parents,

I was recently made aware of a conflict between King School's International Night festivities and the Clague School Parent Information Night for current fifth grade parents. 

After problem solving the situation with Mrs. Leaman and Mrs. Hayes, the Clague School principal and assistant principal, I am happy report the following: 

- A second meeting has been scheduled exclusively for King parents on February 17 from 5 - 6 PM in the Clague School media center 

- Handouts will be made available for King families from the presentation

I want to thank Mrs. Leaman and Mrs. Hayes for their assistance in problem solving this situation.  I've updated the King School calendar with this new date.

Sincerely,

Kevin

Pen Collection for Children in Afghanistan

 Please consider donating any unwanted pens to a good cause.  Now is your chance to de-clutter your desk, kitchen drawer or office space of any surplus pens.  There are collection boxes set up near the main front door and lost and found.  The pens will be distributed directly to children in rural villages in Afghanistan by U.S Marines who take part in security operations for supply convoys.  Please help support this effort.  The goal is to collect about 400 pens, or one pen per child.  Collection ends Friday, January 28th.  Pens only please, no crayons, pencils or markers.  Any questions can be directed to LauraBoudette@yahoo.com

Sponsored by the King School Student Council

PHOTO: Voices At Different Volumes For Different Activities

 

An example of a chart teacher's use to help teach students how to self-monitor their behavior during school.  Different activities require different "voices."  

King Instrumental Music News

An  "informance"  will be presented by our fifth grade instrumental students  on 

Thursday, January 27th  at 1:30PM in the multipurpose room.

The purpose of this presentation is to allow students to hear each other and to display their skills after just a few months of instruction, 

and give an opportunity for a first  performance in an informal setting.   We will also give parents some tips on what to watch for when your child practices at home.

Parents of our instrumentalists are welcome and encouraged to attend.  If you cannot join us on Thursday during the day, there will be another opportunity to hear

 a performance in the evening at our spring concert on Thursday, June 2nd at 7:00PM. 

Please mark it on your calendar.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dunning

Ms. Fitzgerald

Typing Program Available for Home Use

King students in grades 3, 4 and 5 have FREE access to our typing software, Type to Learn, at home!

Naturally the secret to becoming a good typist is PRACTICE.  We work to add keyboarding practice into our school days, but with so much else to learn we know that practice at home would really help our kids become successful. 

If you're interested having this OPTIONAL activity on your home computer, please read the attached flyer carefully, paying special attention to the district account code and the fact that this is a huge download that may take lots of time to load.  Your child should know his or her own user name and password, or you can email me for that info (okeefea@aaps.k12.mi.us) or with other questions. 

King School eNotes 1/14/11

King School eNotes

January 14, 2011

Calendar

Sunday, January 16, 2011

·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Monday, January 17, 2011

·    Today: NO SCHOOL – MLK, Jr. Day. - MLK Day Events Listing

Friday, January 21, 2011

·    8:15 – 9 Bagels and Buns community breakfast in the multipurpose room – Hope to see you there!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Friday, January 21, 2011

·    Today: Wear Crazy Clothes To School Day

News and Information

Parent/Family Education Events - SIGN UP!

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

Drop-off and Pick-up Policy – Please know it and follow it.  Questions?  Please contact Mr. Karr.

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

We still need coaches for Anatomy grades 2-3 and Potions (a chemistry event) grades 4-5 to join our award-winning King Science Olympiad team! Please contact Vivian at vhl@umich.edu or Erika at emlevin@umich.edu if you can step up to coach any of these events.

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

We still need coaches for Anatomy grades 2-3 and Potions (a chemistry event) grades 4-5 to join our award-winning King Science Olympiad team! Please contact Vivian at vhl@umich.edu or Erika at emlevin@umich.edu if you can step up to coach any of these events.

Parent/Family Education Events - SIGN UP!

Dear King Families,

I am writing to share two parent/family education events for your consideration.  Both are, at this point, space limited as noted.  If you are interested in taking advantage of these opportunities, you must sign up using the links below.

The events are as follows:

1. Family Writing Workshop – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

You are invited to sign up for a two-night Family Writing Workshop sponsored by the King School Improvement Team.

The first night will be January 31 from 6:30 - 7:30 and is for parents only (but childcare is available). The focus of this 90-minute workshop is for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about how to encourage their student writers in grades K – 12 at home. We’ll explore family activities that promote writing as well as effective ways to respond to children about their writing. The Parent Workshop highlights best practices in the teaching of writing as well as family writing activities.

The second night is February 2, from 6:30 - 8 and is for families. The focus of this 90-minute workshop is to bring family members together to experience the joy of sharing and writing stories about growing up. Children, young people, and their parents will learn ways to call up significant memories, methods for getting writing started, and easy and practical techniques for helping each other as writers. We’ll also discuss some ideas for sharing this writing and continuing family writing at home.

Some King families have attended these workshops in the past. It is the hope of the School Improvement Team that each family attends these workshops at least once during their time at King.

PLEASE NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED to 25 families. Sign up early! If you aren't able to make it this time around, the workshops will be offered again in March. A separate sign up will be offered for that series at a later date

2. Let’s Read Math Workshop – This workshop is now filled to capacity as of 1/14/11. If there is a possibility to offer it again, Mr. Karr will email the details to the King community.

Your child has the opportunity to participate in Let's Read Math (LRM), an innovative program that:

·    Makes mathematics concepts interesting and fun;

·    Is FREE for children and parent/guardians who accompany them to each of the lessons;

·    Is interactive and involves math and books.

Details on when the program is being offered:

Where: Ann Arbor District Library, Traverwood Branch

When: Saturdays, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12 from 10 - 11:30 AM

Who: King Students, K-4

How: Sign up by clicking the link above.  First come, first served! This program is available for 12 families at this time and is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Branch of University Women (AAUW) and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) who provide all books and related materials. There is no cost of any kind to the participants.

Questions?  Please send me an email. 

Sincerely,

Kevin

Bingo Night Reminders

Dear MLK Families,

Tonight is the PTO's BINGO NIGHT at King School - from 6:30 - 8 PM.  This event is a lot of fun and is about playing bingo, socializing and having fun.  The schedule of Bingo playing is as follows:
6:40 - 7:00 - Kindergarten and 1st grade families play
7:10 - 7:30 - 2nd and 3rd grade families play
7:40 - 8:00 - 4th and 5th grade families play

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

If you would like to help out with this PTO funded social event, please contact Melanie Snook at 730-8663 or mssnook61@yahoo.com or go to the Doodle link below to sign up: 

http://doodle.com/bzcs3hdauttgx8sf

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

Drop Off Safety Concerns 2

Dear King Families,

You will receive more than one email from me today.  I hope you'll find the time to read them all.

Thank you for your attention to safety during drop off today at King School.  From what I saw standing on the corner, all indications were that drivers were moving slowly and safely in and around King School.  Almost everyone followed the King School Drop-off and Pick-Up policy as intended.  Here are the problems that still exist from what I saw today:

Problem 1:  After dropping off in the front drive, a family began to back up their car.  What should happen:  Do NOT back cars up in the front drive.  Be patient, wait until cars pull forward and exit slowly.

Problem 2:  A mother was using a cell phone while pulling into the front drive.  What should happen:  Cell phone use is not allowed while driving during drop-off (or pick-up).  Don't use them.

After yesterday's email to the community and yesterday's letter from Officer Clock, I have received 23+ emails to share other issues we are having with parent driving behavior.  Here are the relevant parts of those communications:

1. "Two cars (yes 2) drove the wrong way in the exit to the parking lot and turned around to get in line on the straightaway pick up spot by the bike racks.  Really. :0"  Mr. Karr's response:  "You've got to be kidding?  This is flat out wrong and represents bad behavior.  No reminder should even be necessary."
2. "I am seeing cell phone issues.... this is an ongoing problem."  Mr. Karr's response:  See above.  NO cell phones in the front drive.
3. "It is nice to wave as the children leave the car but please urge drivers to remember to look left before driving from the curb because other cars are in the drive away lane.   I have avoided two accidents this week because I was driving  slow enough and anticipated a need to stop.  Sadly, the mother never realized she would have driven into the side of my car had I not stopped."  Mr. Karr's response:  "Excellent point.  When pulling out from the drop off zone, we must look to the left and slowly accelerate when it is clear."

I also appreciated this: "On the positive side, the gentleman teacher who helps in the mornings, in the drop off circle, really does a fantastic job.  He helps parents and children, always with a smile, and keeps traffic moving orderly.  He deserves praise and a lot of thanks."  Mr. Karr's response:  This man's name is Mr. Brian Wierzgak.  I, too, thank him for his assistance and excellence.

Again, I am happy to receive parent feedback around these safety issues.  In addition, I am appreciative of the parent assistance I've received over the last three years with safety matters at King School.  It is my hope that the recent reminders are all that is needed to heighten everyone's awareness and adherence to being the safest we can possibly be at King.

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr

Silent Auction Kick-off Gathering - January 29

Are you interested in learning about the King School Silent Auction and becoming a volunteer for this fundraiser?  Willing to roll up your sleeves and put on your big idea brain?  We will be having an informational gathering (but mostly fun) at the home of Alena Stocking on 1/29 at 7pm.  Light appetizers and beverages (of the grape variety) will be served.    Please contact Alena at alena.stocking@gmail.com , or 973-3155, if you are interested.  Come solo, bring a friend, bring all your friends, all are welcome, and the more the merrier.

Drop Off Safety Concerns

Good morning King parents,
I am writing this morning becuase, as a community, I believe we need to continue doing a better job of being safe during drop off . . . even when it is a winter mess and traffic is moving slowly.  CLICK HERE for the King School Drop Off Policy.
The reported problems:
Problem 1.  Some vehicles move too fast in and around the front drive.  What should happen:  SLOW DOWN!  If you use the front drive at King School during drop off, it is going to take time.  Our guiding principles:  Drive slowly.  Pull up to the curb and drop off your child.  Go slowly.
Problem 2.  A fifth grader needed to access the trunk of the car to get a backpack.  What should happen:  The child should have all of their gear in the car with them when they step out of the car.  If this is not possible, please drop off on Waldenwood or in the drop off zone close to the school parking lot.
Problem 3:  A  minivan did not stop at the intersection of Penberton and Waldenwood.  What should happen:  STOP where there is a stop sign.  This is a matter of basic safe driving practices and being aware of and following traffic signs.  So everyone is aware, the Ann Arbor Police Department was called about today's situation.  They have said they will patrol this area more closely beginning immediately.
These were the major drop off infractions today, but there may have been other issues as well.  If needed, please let me know your experience during this morning's drop off.
If you have questions, please let me know as well.  I'm happy to help.
Sincerely,
Kevin

PTO Meeting Cancelled

The PTO Meeting scheduled for tonight from 7 - 8 PM has been canceled due to the weather.

NOTE:  This is the recommendation from the King School PTO Board.  At the time of this writing, other district activities have not been cancelled.

PHOTO: Students in Mr. Huyck's Class Working On Word Work (i.e. Spelling)

BINGO NIGHT is coming Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00.

K& 1ST GRADE FAMILIES PLAY IN THE MULTI–PURPOSE

ROOM FROM 6:40-7:00 PM.

2ND AND 3RD GR. FAMILIES PLAY FROM 7:10-7:30

4TH AND 5TH GR. FAMILIES PLAY FROM 7:40-8:00

Small prizes will be given to every child.

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

If you would like to help out with this PTO funded social event, please contact Melanie Snook at 730-8663 or mssnook61@yahoo.com or go to the Doodle link below to sign up:

http://doodle.com/bzcs3hdauttgx8sf

It’s Time to Sign Up Your Kid(s) For Science Olympiad!

The 9th Annual Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Skyline High School. Practices will be held at King School throughout the spring, where children learn about science through hands on activities. There are 18 different fun and exciting events! Event descriptions can be found at http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/wesowizards.home/events_2011 . Look for information coming home in your Friday folders!

To sign up your child(ren) for Science Olympiad practices, please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQLMWBY  

Vivian Lin and Erika Levin, King Elementary Science Olympiad co-head coaches,

vhl@umich.edu and emlevin@umich.edu.

Science Olympiad Coaches still needed!

Only 3 more events are in need of a coach: A is for Anatomy (grades 2 & 3), Sink or Float and Potions! Please contact Erika at emlevin@umich.edu if you can coach any of these events.

Donate your used coats, hats, gloves, boots!

The King School Winter Clothes Drive is approaching right after winter break!!

Save your unwanted household items for our donation drive in January 2011!

Save your unwanted household items (blankets, desks, TVs, small appliances, furniture, etc) for our donation drive for the PTO Thrift Shop. If you replaced any household items this holiday season, please consider saving your old items for our donation drive. Our donation drive is happening in January 2011. It can earn our school up to $1500!

King School International Night Performance Signups NOW

Performances: Signups for King School International Night (Thurs Feb. 10) performances are underway! Please email Frances fkwang AT aol DOT 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! Dance, music, poetry, song, more (be creative!) encouraged. Parents and siblings and friends welcome to perform together. With Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays looming, practices must begin ASAP! There are video recordings of previous years' performances in the library if you need ideas of what to expect. Remind fifth graders that this is their last chance!

Coins and Red Envelopes: For anyone traveling abroad over the holidays: Please bring back small coins for us to include in the children's red envelopes! The more countries' coins we have the better! (and any other sort of small flat knick-knacks like stickers) We also need 300 red envelopes if anyone is going to China or Taiwan at Christmas time.

Country Posters: For those who would like to be a part but do not have time to participate in a performance, 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, especially over the holidays when you have some free time. Posters will be displayed for two weeks before and after International Night. Posters must be flat and able to be taped to the wall. Photos are great! Creativity encouraged! Celebrations of achievements of Americans of that ethnic heritage appreciated by the kids! Maps are cool, but no flags please. Contact Padma p_anupindi AT hotmail DOT com for information.

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, Israeli folk 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 are also always open to new innovative ideas!

More information at http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com

Thanks,
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang (Nico's mom)