Silent Auction Today!

Silent Auction Today! (and more memories)

Behind the scenes Memories: This will be the 1st auction in 3 years that we haven't changed the date! -Lisa Kohn Auction 2008, my first year chairing, and there was lots of tabouli left over. It's my absolute, drop dead, most favorite food in the world. Sleep deprived, frayed, I put the tabouli aside, while I cleaned up. The cleaning crew threw it out. Ugly melt down ensued--through away the hummus, but NOT the tabouli . --Lisa Kohn Sitting in the King parking lot, 3 hours before the auction begins, waiting for a guy I've never met to deliver the hot, buzz-worthy raffle item of the year (a DSi) that I had "guaranteed" I could get. Man, was that close! He finally showed up and handed me a box though his car window-nothing shady about that, huh? -Camille Ziolek Favorite business to Solicit: Washtenaw Dairy. Per Dave at the Dairy: "Yep, just make up the certificate, that's fine." --Lisa Kohn When I e-mailed Terri Brodkey and said "what do we do if we don't have addendum items??" And she very wisely said "you will...." --Alena Stocking Wrestling pencils away from bidders after an auction closes-you'd be surprised how many people try to hide those pencils! -Anonymous table monitor Trying to decide if the Jesse James reference was too much for a "Date Night" description in the catalog . . . then deciding it was all good! -Amy Cell Knowing that the longer the catalog writing goes on, and the more wine Amy and I consume, the more risque the jokes get. -Camille Ziolek (see above) Checklist...Science Olympiad shirt if participating; catalog with your notes; watch to keep track of 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45; an appetite for the scrumptious buffett; $1 or $2 for popsicles; address labels to fill out your raffle tickets faster; comfortable shoes to walk from you car (no parking in the driveway); and of course....CHECKBOOK. Making Memories and Feeling Connected There are so many King experiences to bid on that provide wonderful memories for your family to share: Teacher offerings, delivered dinners, Henna lessons, Lego parties, Moms' Night Out, King Community Partini, Bayou dinner party...it's these things that bring us together and allow to get to know other families outside of drop off & pick up. Proxy Bidders--where are you? You might not be able to make it to the auction, but bring home a prize with a proxy bid. Bids accepted until 5 pm on your proxy sheet in the King office.

2010 Silent Auction Catalog Available On-line

The annual MLK School Silent Auction will be held on Friday, April 23!

You can view the auction catalog including auction items and the rules of engagement by CLICKING HERE!

Can't wait to see you there!

Mr. Karr's Silent Auction Plea

Dear Maize and Blue Supporters,

The annual King School Silent Auction is just over 24 hours away . . . and we have a problem on our hands.

CLICK HERE if you don't know know about the problem.

CLICK HERE to show your Maize and Blue support!

Silent Auction Reminders:

• No parking in front of the school
• Registration begins at 5:30 and the fun begins at 6:00
• Don't forget to wear your Maize and Blue!

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Kevin

Very, very bad news --> OSU Update: The checks (plural) in the mail...

This is very, very bad news . . . we need to do our best thinking and
strategizing ASAP. Oh my . . .

Kevin

On Apr 22, 2010, at 1:12 PM, OSU Parent wrote:

Mr. Karr

Unfortunately, you under-estimate the loyalty of the OSU fan base.
The King-OSU contingent has been steadily organizing over the past two
weeks and has gotten in contact with Mr. Jeffrey Scott, principal of
an elementary school in Columbus, Ohio (I cannot divulge which school
on conditions of anonymity) who agreed to help us with our efforts.
This unnamed school went viral with our plea - sending out numerous
emails, and has helped collect quite a few checks. Of course, this
does not surprise me.

In Mr. Scott's email to me, he indicated that he mailed off the
envelope containing these checks on Tuesday, so this should arrive in
today's mail. I have promised him we will forward a picture of you,
donning the lovely scarlet and gray jersey with smile intact, so that
he can share this with his elementary school. I think you will find
the colors suit you much better than maize and blue.

Sincerely,

The King - OSU Contingent

New Silent Auction Items Announced

New Auction Items--Take Note Proxy Bidders

Just like past years, more items come in after the catalog is completed, OR the catalog has some mistakes.

252 Date Night Package # 4. Now includes Tickets to DSO and $50 gift cert to Main Street Ventures Value $122 252.5 West End Grill Gift Certificate $100. Donated by Beth Kimball and Tom Wright 184 King Wear & Water Bottle--Size YL; Sapphire Peace, Love, Smile Logo $13 185 King Wear--Adult M Sweatshirt; Block letters; Navy/Gold $22 186 Hiller's Gift Cert--Donated by Hiller's Value $50 189 Detroit Red Wings--Thomas Holdstrom Signed Photo Value $40 277 Binder Park Zoo-- 4 passes-2 Adult/2 Children--Donated by the zoo $46 278 1-800-Junk--1/4 truckload of junk removal; OR 1/2 truckload of yard waste, rocks, concrete Value: $262 280 Sweetwaters Travel Mug and Coffee Beans--Donated by Sweetwaters $30 281 Jade Plant and basket items--Donated by Marie Steele Value $25 282 Water Proof MP3 player--Donated by the Stegemann Family Value $200 282 Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router--Donated by Suman and Ravi Shankar Value $50 284 & 284.5 Ceramics by Mylinda Balint--Value $30 each 354 Private Gyrotonics/Pilates Lesson--Donated by The Movement Center $70 374 Eco-Friendly Basket --Donated by Ms.Shah's Class 377 Family Fun Basket--Donated by Ms. Schroeder's Class 378 Lights, Camera, Action Basket--Donated by Mr. Hyuck's Class 379 Hand Decorated Tote Bag--Space--Donated by Dr. M. Students--value Priceless 380 Hand Decorated Tote Bag--Sports--Donated by Dr. M. Students--value Priceless 381 Hand Decorated Tote Bag--Planet Earth--Donated by Dr. M. Students--value Priceless

King School UM Fans Unite! - at the Silent Auction

Just wanted to make sure everyone saw this . . .

Thank you.

Kevin

New Procedure for Dressing Mr. Karr in your "Color of Choice"

On auction night, there will be a dedicated "pledge" table whereby you fill out your : Name, "color choice" and how much you pledge. Final tally will be at 7:45 and winning color will be the one with the most dollars pledged. Announcement of winner is at 8:15pm. If your color wins---You pay. If your color doesn't win--Pay nothing.

HELP: An OSU Threat

Dear OSU Parent,

I think they messed your jersey up. You should ask for a refund! The colors are off because I only wear blue and yellow jerseys like that . . . and my peeps will represent on Friday.

Sincerely,

Mr. K

Begin forwarded message:

From: An OSU Parent

Date: April 21, 2010 3:02:28 PM GMT-04:00

To: Kevin Karr <karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us>

Subject: I had it dry cleaned yesterday

You're going down ... (in style)

PHOTO: OSU Fan at MLK - This is what I'm talking about!

Mr. K's Silent Auction Update

Dear MLK Families,

If you are a University of Michigan fan, graduate, or supporter, I want to make you aware of something disturbing that is happening at King School. CLICK HERE.

This is obviously unacceptable, so we need to get organized before the Silent Auction this Friday at 6 PM. CLICK HERE to show your support!

Sincerely,
Kevin

Silent Auction Countdown - 3 Days!

Martin Luther King School

Silent Auction Countdown- 3 Days (read about some auction memories)

Favorite Items:  We have annual favorite items -According to our kids, we always aim for the world's best hummus in monthly installments from Lisa K.; Mom parties and soccer cakes from Amy C.; parties from King parents; and flowers from Mrs. Vanek's garden.  We feel we get a little more connected through food and flowers with the King Community!  Yummm! -- Diana Wong   There was Mrs. Jarjoura's  Webkinz basket three years ago ( when Webkinz were a really hot ticket among the grade school crowd).  Every little girl was ooogling over it.  I would love to know what that went for. -- Laura Boudette   Our first Zap Zone auction ended up with all of the King students and teachers working together to defend ourselves against a group of students from another school.   It was SO much fun! --Sandra Michalik   My favorite auction memories are:  bidding with another couple on a fabulous Indian dinner!  My husband would say, going in with a couple of other guys on the  Red Wings tickets. --Lisa Joseph   My favorite auction memory is the time I tried very hard to win "Limousine lunch with Mr. Karr" for my son. I hovered around the table till the last second. I won it. A few minutes later, I was told "Your son won the raffle---Lunch with Mr. Karr" My son won the same item!!??"  --Lily Au   Taking eight kids each year on the Limo Lunch with Mr. Karr! --Mr Karr   The awesome Indian Cuisine we enjoyed based on a winning bid. --Reates Curry   I remember bidding on a beautiful bag from India.  I was amazed I got it, and treasure it to this day. --Sandra Michalik   In 2009  Kevin Karr was coveting the authentic UM hockey jersey... but Joel Gechter won it...everyone wondered WWKD?  Turns out Joel was the "beard" for Kevin and Mr. Karr was one happy man that night.--Lisa Kohn   Knowing Joel Gechter was bidding on the UM Hockey Jersey on my behalf in 2009 . . . and winning it. --Mr Karr   My favorite memory is the first Mom's night out party.  Kim Markey was such a great host (and her house so beautiful!)  I met lots of Moms whose kids are in different grades that I never would have met otherwise.  Lots of laughs that night! --Sarah Hemlich I don't have one time that stands out over the other.  (I've done a baseball card bid where I went to visit another child at his home and go over baseball cards and give him some at the end.  I've also done lunches with the kids.)  The only thing I can say is it's fun to interact with the kids every year who win an item without the stresses of trying to educate them and get them focused on their school work.  So, I guess the best part is just being with the kids and doing something "fun" with them.  --Mr Clarkson Silent Auction Tip #3 We'd love to see every penny of your dollars go towards student enrichment activities and not line the pockets of the banks.  So, we would prefer if you paid by cash or check to avoid bailing out the banks even more but we'll accept whatever works the best for you.  There are some amazing vacations available such as condos at Boyne Mountain, Antigua and Aspen so credit cards may be unavoidable!   Picnic with Mrs. Gatonez Who cares if there's ants?...it's Mrs. G.! Container Garden with Mrs. Vanek  Might be some humming while you work. Zap Zone with the 5th grade teachers Realistic fiction story...ZAP...Patriots and Loyalists...ZAP...Improper Fractions...ZAP

Silent Auction Countdown - 4 Days!

Martin Luther King School

Silent Auction Countdown--4 Days (read about some auction memories)

Favorite Auction Memories   First Auctions:  I just remember the warmth and companionship I felt as a new parent to King School being welcomed and appreciated by the whole team. --Alena Stocking   I remember my first year at King, I had no clear idea what a silent auction actually was. I had several items I wanted to bid on, but didn't realize some things closed first-I arrived so late I missed the entire first close and didn't even get to bid! --Camille Ziolek   My 1st auction...I was quite the novice.. .I thought "for sure" we won the Holiday Inn night and I was even a table monitor that night . . .went to check out only to find we won nothing.  What a rookie. --Lisa Kohn Bidding & Winning . . .or not "Not winning a DARN thing..... but enjoying myself a WHOLE LOT - I didn't even win the Franklin books.... but had a great time."-- Alena Stocking   The craziness of trying to remember what I bid on and the pleasant surprises at the end when I won things I didn't remember bidding on. --Sandy Aldrich   Getting every-five-minute frantic updates from my child hovering over the auction sheet to make sure we put in the last bid on the item she wanted. --Reates Curry    I like watching people trying hard to look like they're not hovering over a bid sheet, even though that's exactly what they're doing.  --Camille Ziolek   I love watching the students try to convince their parents what is the best deal and what to bid on. --Sandra Michalik   Watching parents trying to block other parents from bidding on auction items . . . and me suggesting that some slide tackling might be considered. --Mr Karr More memories tomorrow.... Silent Auction Tip #2 Remember the raffle.  For just $1, you have a chance to win an iTouch, a Limo ride with Mr. Karr, King Wear, baskets and more! Give your kids a few dollars and let them experience the thrill of trying to win something for themselves, because....CHILDREN are not permitted to bid on table items---Not even a GOBS OF GUM basket, or 200 SQUISHES, or 500 BOX TOPS,or the case of wine! (Parents must be aware of their children's whereabouts at all times)    Ice Skating with Mr. Clarkson Is checking allowed? Hiking with Mrs. Jarjoura GPS included? Pizza with Ms. Harris anchovies anyone? Painting with Ms. Wayne a stroke of luck if you win

Silent Auction Countdown - 5 Days!

King School Silent Auction Countdown--5 Days Silent Auction Tip #1 Study, study study! Study the catalog and make a list of your MUST HAVE items. There are over 250 items to bid on and not even a Jedi Knight could win all of them! Hovering not permitted, but stay close by with your light saber to take action as the bidding ends. Remember that there is no parking in the driveway--that would surely cause a disturbance in the force.

Basketball with Mr. Petty Dunking allowed? Bowling with Mrs. Gracey and Mrs. Knorr Can you spare a moment for a good time?

Wondering About Those Horizon Travel Packages? To clarify about the packages, see this link on Mr. Karr's Blog http://karrskingblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/information-on-cruises-and-vacation.html

Information on 'Cruises' and 'Vacation Condo Option' Items in the Catalog

King Community:

We have had a few questions regarding clarification of the Horizon travel options listed in the catalog. Let me see if I can clarify. If this still does not help – please contact Alena Stocking with specific questions, alena.stocking@gmail.com.

Vacation Condo Options (Page 14; item numbers 201, 202, 203, 204)

· 4 packages – Southeast, Southwest, Florida and Midwest

· Packages are for 8 days and 7 nights for studio or one-bedroom accommodations

o Upgrades are available for a cost to Horizon for more bedrooms

· These packages feature resorts such as Westin, Radisson, and Wyndam – in addition to many other independent options. I think of these as similar to a timeshare you might visit or accommodations you might find while looking for extended stay options. They are like a mini-apartment where you would stay for a week.

· Options are found online by looking at www.rci.com. Click on the resort directory to look around. There are 1,637 options around the country – and many in each of the item categories.

· If you win a particular package – you would go online – look at options and then call to check availability.

· You must book 90 days in advance and these must be used within a year.

· I think these are a GREAT option if you like to be out of a hotel, in your own space with a kitchen, pool, etc. – for a vacation.

Cruises (Page 13; item numbers 102 & 103)

· One is Royal Carribean – one is Carnival – Royal Carribean also leaves from California – this is a catalog correction.

· These are 5-day, 4-night cruises, basic cabin rooms, upgrades available for a price.

· If you are the winner of this item you will call Horizon to see about availability.

· Must book 90 days in advance.

· Must get yourself to the port of call.

· Expires in one year.

Why are these in the auction? Horizon offers these at a discounted rate to non-profits for auctions. PTO only pays if someone bids and wins the item. This is a way for the organization to fill spaces that might otherwise not be used – and a good way to advertise at a local level.

Free e-Waste Recycling Event

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Saturday, April 24

Location:  Pioneer High School Parking Lot

601 W Stadium Blvd at Main St   (Map it.)

Recycle your e-waste: it's quick, easy, and earth-friendly!
   * computer systems
   * monitors
   * telephones/cell phones
   * televisions
   * speakers
   * printers
   * wires/cables
   * modems
   * PLUS MUCH MORE! 

 

Drive Through, Drop Off, and We'll Take Care of the Rest

   * All e-Waste will be destroyed and 100% recycled in the

United States in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility.
   * Security precautions are made throughout the recycling process to ensure all data is destroyed.

Everyone Is Invited

   * Tell your friends and neighbors in southeast Michigan.
   * Small businesses and non-profits with large quantities of equipment are invited to participate in the Institutional eWaste Event on April 22-23. Click here for more information on the institution event.

 

Save Our Land and Water Systems and Responsibly Recycle Your e-Waste

   * Protect the environment. Keep hazardous electronic equipment out of landfills.
   * Conserve natural resources. Materials in your electronics are highly reusable.

 

Events co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Office of Campus Sustainability and local partners.

 

For tips on recycling your e-Waste at other times, see the article from Planet Green.

 

Recycling services provided by Apple.

What part of PTO will you play in 2010-2011?

Please consider chairing or co-chairing a PTO function in the 2010-2011 school year. Our PTO will need Board representation including, President, Vice President and Secretary. You will have the support of previous chairs and other PTO members who are familiar with events to help you navigate a position. Positions to consider: Newsletter (monthly), PTOC rep (learn what is going on throughout the district), Grocery cards, Teacher Appreciation, AA Parent Advisory (AAPAC)--represents King at district meeting for children with IEP's or 504 plans, Disability Awareness workshop Chair, Grade Level Reps and many other positions that support our children and our strong school. 

Questions or information? email kingpto@gmail.com. You may also contact Lisa Kohn, lkohn@umich.edu.

Type To Learn Software Available At Home

Parents and guardians of students in grades 3-5, please check your child's backpack for a green letter that details the instructions for using Type to Learn at home.  This online version can be downloaded at no cost onto most home computers, and with your child's login information it will provide customized lessons paced just right for his/her progress and ability.

This can only be accomplished by using the instructions and passwords provided on the green letter titled "Important News." If you cannot locate this letter, please email me and I will send another copy home.

Unfortunately, the school and district cannot supply technical support should you encounter problems with this process, but it has been tested in many homes and it seems to work well.  Keyboarding skills are so very important to this generation of children, and we're happy that we can provide you with a way to support their progress at home. And the bonus is: the kids love it!
 
Thanks, Ann O'Keefe
okeefea@aaps.k12.mi.us

Bagels And Bun - 4/16 @ 8:20

Bagels and Buns is this Friday, April 16th starting at 8:20 A.M. - 8:48A.M.

Join us for Starbucks coffee and a conversation.

Please come enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel in the company of other King school parents.

Bagel and cream cheese - $1
Bun - $2
Orange juice - 50c

 

Thank you,
Christina Nedeltchev

An Auction Update from the Ohio State - King Elementary School Contingent

Support is pouring in from formerly unknown OSU fans at King School. Momentum is strong and we are confident that Mr. Karr will look particularly rosie in a scarlet and gray jersey. Contact TBrodkey@gmail.com for more information about pooling funds to win this silent auction item.

Auction Chair Note - "As promised - I am honoring the requests of the Ohio State fans at GREAT personal angst. In the name of fund raising - we appreciate the OSU efforts and will accept their donation willingly - but COME ON UM people - we do LIVE in Ann Arbor - won't this be an embarrassment to see Mr. Karr in "scarlett" and grey? Ugh... This is painful!!"

- Alena Stocking

Eat At The Silent Auction

Pre-order your buffet dinner for the King Silent Auction now.  Cost is $8 per person for one trip down the buffet line ($10 at the door).  Menu includes a delicious array of food from local restaurants:  Tios, Temptations, Evergreen, & Jerusalem Garden.  You'll get a chance to sample all four cuisines.  Whole pizzas (cheese or pepperoni) may be pre-ordered too.  Pizzas are $10 or $1.50/slice.  Pre-order today...pay at the auction!  
 

Cut off the coupon at the bottom and submit to Silent Auction mailbox in office by Tuesday, April 20th OR even easier, e-mail your order to:  kingpto@gmail.com .

Volunteer @ Silent Auction

Silent Auction is on April 23! Volunteers are still
needed to make the event run smoothly. Please
consider helping that evening.  Help is really 
needed with selling food at the food table and 
also in the file room. Please use the doodle link to
sign up!
 
http://www.doodle.com/4wdcser83m6nap6w 
 
Submitted by Rachel Sabb

UPDATE: Extended Day Option for 2010-11

King School will house two Extended Day Option kindergarten classes for the 2010-11 school year. All families who have signed up for EDO at this point will have a spot in EDO. There will be no lottery. Again, all families who applied for EDO will have a spot for next school year.

In addition there are approximately 9 spots left for EDO. Those spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Families who are interested should fill out EDO paperwork and turn it into Rec and Ed as soon as possible.

For more information, click here.

ALERT: 2nd grade open house date correction

ALERT

The 2nd grade open house/music night date was incorrectly written in Mr. Karr's section of the April 1 newsletter.

The correct date for the event is Thursday, April 29, NOT May 29

PHOTOS related to covert operation occurring . . .

s

Covert Operation Occurring . . .

NOTE FROM MR. KARR - The piece below showed up in the eNotes recently. My thought: It says a lot when you have to pay to have someone wear you team's colors!

_____________________________________

As some of you may know, Mr. Karr has offered to "Wear the School Colors of your Choice" to 2 winning bidders as an item at the Silent Auction. As a neutral party (but not really) - I must share information that has been passed on to me. The Ohio State contingent is rallying their resources to ENSURE they see Mr. Karr is scarlet and grey. If you would like information on contributing to the OSU effort - please contact Terri Brodkey (tbrodkey@gmail.com). Are there MSU fans out there that would enjoy the same fate for Mr. Karr? Even Notre Dame? OR - are there Michigan folks that can pool resources to ensure BOTH winning bidder spots are guaranteed to keep Mr. Karr safe.

As chairperson of the auction, I cannot rally the fans - but I am sure there are some competitive people out there that can lead the charge. If you pull something together - we'll have one heck of a time on April 23 at the Auction - wondering where this will end up. If you want to lead a team.... contact me and I will ensure fair and equitable communication of your cause.

Alena Stocking, Auction Chair, alena.stocking@gmail.com

Silent Auction - April 23

Donations for the Silent Auction are in and the creative work now begins on the catalog, which is guaranteed to give you a giggle.  Donations will still be accepted and added as an addendum to be available the night of the auction. 

 

Mark your calendars - and join us on April 23.  There will be a magician, face painting - and great food.  If you can't make it - proxy bidding is encouraged so you can take home that special item.  You will be WOWed by what our community has put together this year...  Korean Dinner, Bayou Party, 200 Squishies, autographed photos of silver medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White, and so much more.  Let the anticipation start...  we're in for a great ride in April. 

 

Enjoy spring break and look for your catalog shortly after.  Any questions?   Contact Alena Stocking, Auction Chair, alena.stocking@gmail.com

Eat At The Silent Auction

Pre-order your buffet dinner for the King Silent Auction now.  Cost is $8 per person for one trip in the buffet line ($10 if you don't pre-order).  Menu includes a delicious array of food...Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, & Mexican.  You'll get a chance to sample all four cuisines.  Whole pizzas (cheese or pepperoni) may be pre-ordered too.  Pizzas are $10.  Slices will be sold the night of the auction.  Pre-order today...pay at the auction!  
 
To pre-order, please send an e-mail to kingpto@gmail.comwith the following information:
* Your name & e-mail
* Number of buffet dinners ordering (to help us order appropriately, please indicate which cuisine you prefer for each dinner ordered)
* Number of whole cheese pizzas
* Number of whole pepperoni pizzas
 
We can't wait to see you at the King Silent Auction on April 23!

Silent Auction Volunteers Needed

Please consider volunteering your time on Friday, April 23, during the Silent Auction.  Positions need to be filled in order for the auction to run smoothly.  Here is the doodle link:   http://www.doodle.com/4wdcser83m6nap6w

Successful Disability Awareness Workshop

On Friday, March 26th, King School had its Disability Awareness Workshop for all 4th grade students.  This is the fourth year for the workshop at King and it was another great success.  Without all the help from school staff, parent volunteers and community members, it would not be possible to hold this event.
 
Sincere thanks go to the many volunteers who made it possible for students to experience this interactive day.
 
Kathy Grijalva
King parent & workshop coordinator
 
King parents
Dawn Baker              Didi Massell
Darla Dubin               Tia McPike-McDyess
Susan Gechter           Amy Meltzer
Jia-Huey Jow             Wayne Millette
Beth Kimball               Eileen Rich
Lisa Kohn                  Ingrid Sheldon
Anamika Laddha          Line Van Nieuwstadt
Francine MacBride       Diana Wong
 
King staff
Kevin Karr
4th grade teachers Judy Knorr, Rabia Shafie (Ms. Jakubowski substituting), & Seth Petty
Nicole Melendez (student teacher for Mrs. Jarjoura)
Keeli O'Keefe (student teacher for Dr. Michalik)
Ami Ottoni (student teacher for Ms. Lake)
Mary Greene
Julie Arbour
Greg Harris
 
Community Members
Anirban Sahu & Claire Northway, UM medical students
Barb Byers, Dicken Elementary School parent
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living volunteers, especially Carolyn Grawi, Director of Advocacy and Education
Steve Schwartz

UPDATED: Summer Learning Institute (aka Summer School) Information

March 25, 2010

Dear Elementary School Parents,

As you know, our district is facing severe budget decisions. The district is looking at every possible source for revenue to address the reductions. We initially shared with you the decision to charge tuition for elementary summer school. We have reconsidered this decision. The Summer School (SLI) will be at NO COST to students this year. We will work to cover these expenses in a different manner. The rest of this letter contains the same information we sent to you earlier. If your child is recommended to attend SLI, we hope you take advantage of this powerful learning opportunity.

We are very pleased to share that the district will continue our popular elementary summer school program—better known as the Summer Learning Institute.

We will continue to meet the needs of students entering first and third grades who have not yet secured skills reflected in the “end of year” report card outcomes.

The Summer Learning Institute (SLI) for in-coming first graders will be 4 weeks long, from July 6 to July 30. The Summer Learning Institute will be located at Ann Arbor Open at Mack School. Because we want this learning experience to be both developmentally appropriate and academically successful, the classroom instruction will be an integration of explicit literacy and math strategies, enriched with kinesthetic movement through music. The summer school teachers are some of the best, most effective teachers in our district. Teachers will rotate between literacy instruction and mathematics for every 15 first grade students. Parents will be invited to join the class on Friday of each week for ongoing parent involvement activities in addition to the parent orientation and evening open house.

We will continue to offer a robust 4-week SLI experience in a 1:15 teacher/student ratio setting from July 6 to July 30 for incoming third grade students who are transitioning to the next grade but have not yet mastered essential end-of-year outcomes in reading and mathematics. All students will receive focused literacy and mathematics instruction. Curricula will concentrate on number sense skills along with reading informational and narrative text. Additionally, students will be appropriately matched with 3 powerful technology supported literacy programs: Read 180, Systems 44 and/or Read About.


Your student’s principal and/or classroom teacher will notify you later this spring if your child is eligible to attend the Summer Learning Institute. We urge you to take advantage of this highly successful summer experience. It is very important that all our children begin the next school year confidently and comfortably ready to succeed. Your child’s academic success is very important to us.

Do not hesitate to ask your student’s teacher about this exceptional opportunity. More information regarding summer school events and afternoon camp opportunities will be coming. If you have further questions, please contact your child’s principal.

Respectfully,

Lee Ann Dickinson-Kelley
Administrator for Elementary Education
Ann Arbor Public Schools

AAPSNews Budget Edition

A special budget edition of the AAPSNews is now available online. This edition is published to share information with the community about the proposed 2010-11 budget which was presented to the Board of Education on Wednesday night. Visit  http://news.a2schools.org 

In this edition:

• A letter from Superintendent Todd Roberts explaining the proposed budget and the district's approach moving forward. Two community budget meetings are scheduled in April to discuss the proposal with the public. Community members are also encouraged to participate in Action Teams this spring, looking at short- and long-term needs for the district.

• Detailed budget numbers as proposed by the district's administrative team.

• Questions and Answers about frequently asked questions surrounding the budget.

• Schools of Choice program for Washtenaw County students is approved by board.

A PDF print edition is also available at the site. You may also click on "subscribe" at the site for an e-mail or RSS feed subscriptions.

School board approves limited Schools of Choice plan for in-county residents

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education has approved a limited
Schools of Choice policy that would allow families from throughout
Washtenaw County to consider attending school here.

Enrollment will be limited to selected elementary schools with 60
seats in kindergarten and 60 in first grade; 50 seats also will open
at the sixth-grade level in any of the district's middle schools. The
board approved the measure at a second reading on March 25.

Applications for the Schools of Choice seats will be accepted from
April 1-30 and must be postmarked during that time period. Applicants
will be notified of their status by May 15 via the U.S. mail. Student
acceptance is conditional until the Ann Arbor Public Schools receives
and reviews all school records, according to information from the
district's application process.

The addition of 170 out-of-district students would bring new revenue
to the district, as state funding is based on per-pupil head counts.
Section 105 of the State School Aid Act allows local school districts
to enroll students who reside in the same intermediate school
district. Schools of Choice students would bring the dollars normally
allocated to their district of residence, according to the provision.

Ann Arbor elementary schools that have openings include: Abbot,
Bryant, Carpenter, Dicken, Eberwhite, Lakewood, Logan, Northside,
Pittsfield and Wines. Middle schools include: Clague, Forsythe,
Scarlett, Slauson and Tappan.

Once a student has been accepted, they can stay within the Ann Arbor
Public Schools for the remainder of their K-12 education, even if the
district decides not to continue to enroll new students through
Schools of Choice in the future, school officials said.

If the number of qualified non-resident applications eligible for
acceptance exceeds the number of seats available, a random draw system
will be used to make a selection. A waiting list will be maintained
for the remaining applications and prioritized through random draw.

Residents of Washtenaw County public school districts are eligible to
apply. These include: Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan,
Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti.

For information or to register for Schools of Choice in Ann Arbor,
call the Department of Student Enrollment at 734-994-2249.

King PTO 2010-11 - We Need You!

Coming home in backpacks this week is the nominating/volunteering form for PTO positions for 2010-2011.  Included with this is a job description list with a summary of responsibilities.  Please give some serious consideration to volunteering for one of the positions for our next school year.   Take pride in the fact that King School has a long tradition of active parent participation and especially with PTO functions.   Wondering what's involved in chairing a function?  Send your questions tokingpto@gmail.com or contact any PTO board member.  

Submitted by Lisa Kohn
Chair for Nominating Committee
lkohn@umich.edu  

Bagels and Buns - Friday, March 19 @ 8:15

Bagels and Buns is this Friday, March 19th starting at 8:00 A.M. -
8:48A.M during Book Fair.

Join us for Starbucks coffee and a conversations.

Please come enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel in the company of other
King school parents.

Bagel and cream cheese - $1
Bun - $2
Orange juice - 50c.

It's Book Fair Week!!!

The King School Scholastic & Used Book Fairs are here!  Students will have the opportunity to purchase both new & used books when they visit the book fairs with their class on Thursday.  If you send money with your child to purchase books from the fairs, please make sure the money is in a sealed envelope or ziploc bag with your child's first & last name on it. 

 

Shopping times are:

 

Thursday, 3/18

 

8:45 am - 3:45 pm     (STUDENT SHOPPING ONLY)

 

3:45 pm - 8:30 pm     (Open to the Public)

 

**Join us at 6:30 pm for a grand event...50's music while you shop the book fairs!

 

Friday, 3/19

 

8:00 am - 9:30 am     (Open to the Public)

 

**Shop when you come to school for Bagels & Buns.

 

There will be many terrific books & deals offered by Scholastic Books.  The Scholastic Book Fair will be on the stage.  The Used Book Fair will be in the multipurpose room.  You will find wonderful books for both adults & children.  Prices for the used book fair range from $.50 - $2.00.

Donations for the Used Book Fair are being collected through Wednesday.  We look forward to seeing you at the book fairs!

King Silent Auction Donations Being Accepted!!

There still time to donate to the Silent Auction!  In years past some of the most popular items have been workshops or parties put together you King Families.   Maybe you enjoy gardening - considering donating a couple of hours of your time to help help someone prepare their garden for spring planting.  Or maybe you're interested in meeting new families?  Why not host a cocktail party or other social event in your home?  
Have an idea but aren't sure how to put it together?  Call or email me - or any other members of the Silent Auction Committee and we'll get you started!

Thank you in advance for your support!

Francine MacBride

romac686@comcast.net

AAPSNews - March 15 Edition

The March 15 edition of the AAPSNews district newsletter is available online. In this edition:
• Burns Park Elementary recognized as a hub for the arts
• PTO Council launches advocacy effort to educate about school funding
• Geologist-teacher from Bach continues lessons from life on the ice
• Teen team certified in safety following Huron readiness event
• Local librarians show Skyline students the research ropes
• School news in brief: Pioneer administrator honored, 2 Community teams
head for state mock trial competition, Board names Stead as new trustee,
plus more.

Visit http://news.a2schools.org to view new stories and photos. (The site may also be accessed through a link on the main school district Web page.)

Used Book Fair Collection Starts This Week!

Our collection will begin today on Tuesday March 9th.  We thank you for your donations of books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, computer games, puzzles and board games.  They can be dropped off in your child's classrooms or in the boxes by the school office or front entrance.  Look for the giant ice cream cone (Thanks to Susie Lum!) by the front entrance to see how many items we've collected.  Our goal is over 4,000!  

A big thank you to all the students who made posters and wrote book reviews.  We have over 60 submissions so far!  The deadline for your poster has past but you can still turn in your book review by Friday March 12th. 

Please also consider donating an hour of your time to help us prepare for the Used Book Fair.  To volunteer, go to:  http://doodle.com/2xemax4x278dd6vb .  If you have any questions, please email me at syaldrich@gmail.com .

Thank you!

Sandy Aldrich

Additional Volunteers Needed At Book Fairs

The King School Scholastic & Used Book Fairs are next week.  Check out our website about the fairs at: 

 

http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/kingschoolpto.  

 

Look for additional information about the Book Fairs in your child's Friday Folder this week!
 
We need additional volunteers to help at the Book Fairs on Thursday, 3/18 between 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and on Friday, 3/19 between 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.  Volunteer for as little as an hour or two, or all day!
 
To volunteer, go to: http://www.doodle.com/37k43ggfv8zyvpq9 
 
In advance, thank you for your help!

-Sandy Aldrich, Diane Alson, & Susan Gechter

King Silent Auction Donations Being Accepted!!

We are in full gear for the silent auction - held April 23.  Volunteers are canvassing our business supporters - and our community is at it again with creative donations from our families and King teachers and Staff!  Mr. Clarkson is donating an experience at his homemade ice rink for next winter... how fun!  The airplane ride is back....  as are Mom's Night out.... plus tubing on Whitmore Lake, Japanese Language Lessons, Cheesemaking class, and more!  Help us add to these unique King experiences by donating today!  Get creative - it can be a lot of fun!  Pick up a pink sheet in the office, or e-mail king.silent.auction@gmail.com and include:

Contact Information (name, address, phone, e-mail)
Item for Donation
Description of the Item
Value of the Item
Any Restrictions or Expirations
Program Credit Information

Donations need to be in by March 31 to make it into the Auction book.  Any donations beyond this point are accepted (very willingly) but will be put into an addendum!

Thank you so much!!   -Alena Stocking, Auction Chair

Silent Auction Catalog Cover Contest

One of the highlights of the Silent Auction is the catalog filled with all of the incredible and generous donations by King families and community members.  It also features a cover with an original work of art!  Here is an opportunity for your child to have their artwork featured and reproduced hundreds of times!  To be considered, the artwork should meet the following specifications:

- Artwork should include color.
- Artwork should be on a white piece of paper.  The dimensions of the art should be 3 inches wide and 4 inches tall.
- Artwork that fits the theme "Spring for King" will have priority.

 

Please drop off the artwork in the King Silent Auction box in the office by April 1.

Feel free to contact Amy Cell with any questions,AmyECell@yahoo.com . 

Box Tops Competition

Just a reminder that the Box Tops competition is coming!  Between April 26th and May 21st, classrooms will compete to see who can bring in the most Box Tops.  The winning classroom will be treated to a party and year of bragging rights! 

 

Box Tops appear on all sorts of items you use every day - Cheerios cereal, Ziploc bag boxes and Kleenex boxes.  Box Tops are an easy way to support King School.  They bring in around $800 annually, all for little exta effort.  Thanks for your support!

 

Submitted by: Sarah Helmich, Box Top Chair

Hungry? Eat At Quiznos

Go to the Quiznos Sub on Plymouth Road (in the PlymouthGreenShopping Center - around the corner from Busch's) any weekend in March & Quiznos will donate 15% of your purchase to the King PTO!
 
Just tell the staff that you are making a purchase on behalf of KingElementary School when you place your order.  No voucher is needed.  
 
Contact kingpto@gmail.com  with any questions.

Extended Day Option Kindergarten Update for 2010-11

For incoming kindergarten families, I want to let you know I am exploring the possibility of opening up more than one Extended Day Option  (EDO) Kindergarten program for the 2010-11 school year.  

What is EDO Kindergarten?  It is a program that combines the traditional half-day kindergarten program with a half-day of fee-based day care.  This program has always been successful and highly sought after for King families who need to have a full-day program for their children.  It is also appealing because children stay with their teacher all day, even during the day care portion of the day.

How will the determination be made as to whether there will be one or two programs at King in 2010-11?  I am confident we will have one EDO at King in the fall.  If there is enough interest from families, we will open a second program as well.

If you'd like to know more about EDO, please click the link below:

http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/reced.childcare/extended_day_option

If you have any questions, please email or call us at school (994-1940).

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr

Lost And Found Will Be Emptied - April 1

The King School Lost and Found will be emptied at the end of the day
on April 1. Teachers will give students opportunities to pick their
things up, but parents may also want to stop by to look for their
child's belongings.

Silent Auction Catalog Cover Art Contest

One of the highlights of the Silent Auction is the catalog filled with all of the incredible and generous donations by King families and community members.  It also features a cover with an original work of art!  Here is an opportunity for your child to have their artwork featured and reproduced hundreds of times!  To be considered, the artwork should meet the following specifications:

- Artwork should include color.
- Artwork should be on a white piece of paper.  The dimensions of the art should be 3 inches wide and 4 inches tall.
- Artwork that fits the theme "Spring for King" will have priority.

 

Please drop off the artwork in the King Silent Auction box in the office by April 1.

Feel free to contact Amy Cell with any questions,AmyECell@yahoo.com . 

PTO Council Advocacy Committee

Hello,

I am excited to announce the kick-off of the PTO Council's new advocacy committee.  We will be holding our first meeting on Thursday, March 5 at 9 am in the Main Conference room at BALAS, 2555 S State St, 48108.

The purpose of the committee is to voice the concerns of Ann Arbor Public School Parents on state level school financing issues.

An action plan will be defined by the Advocacy Committee but will likely include:

o    Developing talking points for approval by PTO Council 
o    Joining rally efforts by other Parent Advocacy Groups with similar objectives (SOS, MPFS, or MiPTSA)
o    Attending legislative coffees of announced candidates for fall election
o    Joining parents in Ypsilanti, Dexter and other Washtenaw County School Districts to bolster efforts 

 

Our proposed timetable is:

Mar.     Inaugural meeting - Advocacy training and action

           plan drafted

April     Talking points and action plan approved by PTO

           Council
May     Active advocacy begins

What the committee needs to be successful is MEMBERS!   Please join us and let's find out how powerful our voices as parents can be.

RSVP

Donna Lasinski

734-997-7265

lasinski@mac.com

 

Submitted by Gitanjli McRoy, King PTOC Representative

King Silent Auction Donations Being Accepted!!

We are in full gear for the silent auction - held April 23.  Volunteers are canvassing our business supporters - and our community is at it again with creative donations from our families and King teachers and Staff!  Mr. Clarkson is donating an experience at his homemade ice rink for next winter... how fun!  The airplane ride is back....  as are Mom's Night out.... plus tubing on Whitmore Lake, Japanese Language Lessons, Cheesemaking class, and more!  Help us add to these unique King experiences by donating today!  Get creative - it can be a lot of fun!  Pick up a pink sheet in the office, or e-mail king.silent.auction@gmail.com and include:

Contact Information (name, address, phone, e-mail)
Item for Donation
Description of the Item
Value of the Item
Any Restrictions or Expirations
Program Credit Information

Donations need to be in by March 31 to make it into the Auction book.  Any donations beyond this point are accepted (very willingly) but will be put into an addendum!

Thank you so much!!   -Alena Stocking, Auction Chair

Volunteers Needed at Book Fairs!

We need volunteers to help at the King School Scholastic & Used Book Fairs on Thursday, 3/18 and Friday, 3/19.  Help us run the fairs throughout the day (including restocking, organizing, assisting students, cashier, and more) and/or taking it apart/clean-up.   Volunteer for as little as an hour or two, or all day!
 
To volunteer, go to:
http://www.doodle.com/37k43ggfv8zyvpq9 

Please contact Susan Gechter at susbg@comcast.net with any questions you might have.  In advance, thank you for your help! 
 
-Sandy Aldrich, Diane Alson, & Susan Gechter

Used Book Fair Collection

We will begin collecting items for the Used Book Fair on Tuesday March 9th.  This is a great opportunity to clean house and donate books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, video games, computer games, puzzles and board games.  They can be dropped off in your child's classrooms or in the boxes by the school office or front entrance. Let's make this an amazing event for our King students!  

Please also consider donating an hour of your time to help us prepare for the Used Book Fair.  To volunteer, go to:  http://doodle.com/2xemax4x278dd6vb .  

If you have any questions, please email me atsyaldrich@gmail.com .

Thank you!

Sandy Aldrich

No School For Students - March 8, 2010

As a reminder there is no school for elementary students on March 8,
2010. Teachers will be writing report cards for students.

Book Fair Diner ... All You Can Read!

The King School Book Fairs (Scholastic & Used) are coming...March 18 & March 19. But before we can serve up our scrumptious menu to our amazing kids at King, we need lots of prep help!

Please donate all those books, DVDs, CDs, Video and Computer games collecting dust on your shelves and drawers. Book and media collection will begin Tuesday, March 9th and go through Wednesday, March 17th. They can be dropped off in your child's classrooms or in the boxes by the school office or front entrance. If you have large quantities to donate, please email me (syaldrich@gmail.com) and we can make arrangements for pick up.

Each student will receive 2 coupons to allow them to select 2 paperback children's books at the used book fair. Students can make "All You Can Read!" posters or write book reviews to earn additional coupons. A flyer with additional details will be sent home on February 19 in the Friday Folders. Posters will be due by March 5th and Book Reviews by March 12th.

The Used Book Fair team is also looking for volunteers to help build boxes (3/5 3 - 4:30pm), collect and sort used books (3/9 - 3/17 9-10:30am) and set up (3/17 1-3pm). Please click here to sign up.

Thank you for your support!

Used Book Fair Team

No School - 2/10/2010

There will be no school on 2/10/2010 due to the weather.

Stay warm!

King Students Win State Chess Title

On February 6, King's K-5 chess team of Shangbo Liao, Ryan Li, Joy
Chen, and Andrew Alson won the state title with a perfect 5-0 score.
Our K-3 team of Aayush Unadkat, Jonathan Zou, Vallan Roan, and Anthony
Liao scored 4-1 and was the state co-champion (with Logan) despite
being the ninth ranked team at the start of the tournament. A second
K-5 team of Christopher Zou, Taka Fetters, Kobie Mueller, and Gavin
McGuckin also did well. Eight of the players also won individual
medals. Over the last three years, King has been the top chess
elementary school in the state, winning the K-5 title outright all
three years, and being K-3 co-champions twice, and finishing in second
the third time. Ray Garrison, long-time chess teacher at King and
other local schools, has coached all of these teams. Please
congratulate all of these kids on their hard work!

After-School Activities Cancelled - 2/9/10

All AAPS after-school activities including athletics, K Round Ups, PTO meetings, and Rec & Ed activities are cancelled for this afternoon and evening.

No decision has been made yet about tomorrow. If the district is closed we will be sending a message to parents via the SchoolMessenger system as well as all the usual media outlets.