King Chronicle - from Mr. Karr

November 2010

Dear King School Families,

So far the fall at King has been wonderful.  Our students are hard working, kind, productive, and energetic.  Our parents have been thoughtful, supportive and so helpful.  Our teachers . . . what can I say . . . they are doing a great job!  I appreciate the privilege of working in this wonderful community. Thank you for your continued support in making King School the best it can be.

 

Today I'm writing to share updates of which I think all King families will want to be aware.  

Report Cards
All students will receive their fall report cards on Wednesday, November 17.  It is my hope that the contact you've had with your child's teacher during Curriculum Night and at the fall parent-teacher conference has given you a useful understanding of the report card.  It is intended to be a "snapshot in time" to report your child's current achievement. Of course, if you have questions about the report card, please contact your child's teacher. 

 

You also might be interested in knowing about a presentation I made at a PTO meeting last year about report cards.  The slides from the presentation can be viewed online at: http://tiny.cc/reportcards.

 

PTO = Wow!!!  . . . Budget, Field Trips, Turkey Trot, Planning Meetings: 

I want to thank the PTO Executive Board for their hard work so far this year.  The budget they've set is supportive to each child at King, and it supports programming that continues to make King School one of the most unique and successful schools in the state.  The budget includes support for:

·    Every child to attend a University Musical Society (or similar) production this school year;

·    A grade level field trip for each grade;

·    Needy students at King;

·    Academic Games;

·    Science Olympiad;

·    Math Olympiad;

·    Teachers to purchase classroom materials;

·    International Night;

·    And more! 

 

Last, for all families who were able to support the PTO's request for dues this year . . . on behalf of the King staff, Thank You!

 

 

International Night Planning

Thank you to everyone who attended the International Night planning meeting on November 9.  I'm always so grateful to Frances Wang and all the parents and teachers who assist in making the event King School's most exciting and meaningful tradition. For more information, please watch Frances' website about the King International Night at http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com/.

 
School Improvement Plan

The latest updates about school improvement at King can always be viewed at
The King School Improvement Team (SIT) and the King staff have identified four achievement foci for the school. In a nutshell, the goals are:
1. King students will write paragraphs
2. King students will revise their writing
3. King students will read at            grade level

4. King student will achieve math outcomes related to algebra
To address these goals, we track which students are not achieving their corresponding grade level outcomes and teachers use this information to help address difficulties a student may be having.

In addition to what happens in the classroom, the SIT works to help parents become involved in understanding and addressing the goals.  As part of the SIT meetings this fall, we've been in discussion about the best ways to do this.  Please look for more information as the year progresses.  If you have suggestions or questions, please feel free to email me at karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us or the SIT co-chair Camille Ziolek  (acziolek at oaklandcc.edu)

Sincerely,
Kevin

 P.S. Thank You for ALWAYS following the Drop-off and Pick-up Policy. We're getting better at following this, but we still have a ways to go.  Thank you for your support!

What should I do if I'm not receiving eNotes?

If you are not receiving eNotes from King School and would like to, please call or stop by the school office to update your email address in PowerSchool.

There are two other situations (I can think of) that may prevent a you from receiving a school email:
1.  You've previously indicated they did not want to receive the messages from King School in which case you'd want to call the school office to indicate you'd like to begin receiving them again;
OR
2.  The email was classified as spam for some reason on your email system or program. 

Bicyclists - Please Walk To Glazier - SAFETY FIRST

Many students enjoy riding their bikes to King School.  Of course there are walkers as well.  From time to time the bicyclists and walkers interact . . . and it's not so positive.

To help with this, Mr. Karr asks that all students riding bicycles WALK their bicycles until congestion is reduced.  This may mean students need to walk their bicycles as far as Glazier Way.  Either way, let's instruct our young cyclists to share the sidewalk and to be safe which means walking for a short time is necessary.

Composting Help Requested For Winter

Are you willing to help in continuing our composting program at King school during the winter months?  If so, we need your help!  

The King Composting Team (which is part of the student council) is in need of parent volunteers willing to take our winter compost to the local city drop off site.  The City of Ann Arbor does not come and pick up compost during the months of December through March.  We are looking for parents to come Tuesdays and Fridays for pick up and drop off.  Our goal is to have winterized composting onsite sometime in the future, but until then we need to take it to our local center.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Ms. Shah at shahn@aaps.k12.mi.us or give her a call at (734) 994-1940.  Thank you for your support.

King School International Night Organizational Meeting - 11/9 @ 6 PM

Tuesday, November 9, 6-7pm, King School Library

 

Now that soccer season is over, it is time to start organizing and rehearsing for King School's International Night! Please come to our one and only organizational meeting to learn more about International Night, sign up for committees, meet others, organize groups, look at photos, and learn the behind-the-scenes secrets for King School's most spectacular event of the year. A lot of key people graduated last year, so everyone welcome!

 

More updates coming soon to http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com/

 

If you can, stay a little longer for the PTO meeting immediately following, too!

 

Thanks, Frances Wang (Wang Kai-Hwa) (contact: fkwang@aol.com)

King Student Council Food Drive - 11/1 - 11/19

The King School Student Council Canned Food Drive is back!  We are collecting non-perishable foods from November 1 - November 19.  Our goal is to collect over 4000 food items!  

Everything collected will be donated to Food Gatherers.  Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community by reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food, coordinating with other hunger relief providers, educating the public about hunger, and developing new food resources.

Here are some suggestions of canned and dry goods recommended that are nutritious and easy to donate:

Tuna Fish or other canned fish or meat
Beef Stew, Meat Soups
Hearty Soups
Canned Spaghetti or Pasta
Chili
Beans (kidney, pinto, green, yellow, refried or black beans)
Baby Food or Formula
Ensure or other nutritional supplement drinks

Rice
Dry Beans
Dry Pasta
Powdered Milk
Pancake or Baking Mixes
Cereal/Oatmeal
Granola Bars
Peanut Butter
Jelly (in plastic jars)

NOTE: Food Gatherers does not accept opened containers and expired products, and asks that you avoid items in glass as they sometimes break in transit. Thank You!

*Please consider donating items with "pop tops" that don't require a can opener.

Turkey Trot is Friday, November 12-PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Turkey Trot is a fun fall tradition at King school where the kids run/walk around the path by the playground and then enjoy donuts and cider in the gym!  Parents are needed to help distribute the donuts and cider in 30 minute intervals between 9 am -11:30 am and 1:10 - 2:10pm.  If you are interested helping in during your child's scheduled turkey trot time,  please send an email to rsabb@hotmail.com.

PHOTO: Mileage Club Is Popular At King!

Students can choose to participate in the King School Mileage Club during lunch recess.  During this time, students walk or jog around the track and get a punch on their mileage club card (as seen below) for each lap completed.  When they fill up their card, Mrs. Arbour awards them with a mileage club token for their mileage club necklace.  Thank you to the King PTO for their support for this program!

Please Return Sally Foster Brochures and Coupon Booklets

PLEASE RETURN PACKETS TO YOUR HOME ROOM TEACHERS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE MADE ANY SALES BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2010.

Space Camp fund raising campaign ended Oct 22, 2010. Thanks to all who participated. Several packets (Sally Foster brochures + coupon booklets) have not yet been returned. We need to collect these back.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

QUESTIONS: Email king.spacecamp2011@gmail.com or call 734.769.5928 (ask for Ravi Anupindi)

King Of Hearts 5K T-shirt Order - Due Monday, November 1

If you wanted but did not order a King of Hearts 5K T-shirt, there is still time! Please click the link below to view the order form. Please print it, fill it out, and send it back to school with payment by Monday, November 1.

ShirtOrderForm.pdf - Google Docs

If you have questions, please contact Kevin Behmer at behmer@aaps.k12.mi.us

Superintendent Input Forum

Several community forums are scheduled this month to offer input to the Ann Arbor Public Schools about what qualities are desired in a leader as the district begins the search  for a new superintendent.

A survey has also been developed asking members of the public to select their top 10 qualities in a superintendent; there also is space for listing additional  feedback. It will be available online until 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31 and can be found by clicking here.

The survey will also be available to the public during the scheduled Superintendent Search Community Forums.

The forums are open to anyone in the community. 

Tuesday, Oct. 26
•    7 p.m. Ann Arbor Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC) forum at Scarlett Middle School Media Center, 3300 Lorraine St., Ann Arbor

All PTO members, interested, parents, teachers and their friends are welcome!

Trick Or Treat For UNICEF

Please watch for the collection boxes for Trick or Treat for UNICEF coming home in this Friday's folders.
Trick or Treat for UNICEF"s goal is to raise money to help the children who suffer daily because of
lack of access to clean water, basic medical attention, sufficient nutrition or immunizations.  Last year
King school raised $438.  Participation is voluntary.  Please return collection boxes by November 5.

If you have questions, please contact Rachel Sabb at rsabb at hotmail.com

PHOTO: King 5K Fun!!!

Halloween Hullabaloo the Whole Family Can Enjoy!

From the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop:

Halloween Costume Fashion Show and Crafting Event - at the Ann Arbor
PTO Thrift Shop.
Sunday, October 24th.

Costumes!  Come join the fun and get inspired at the A2 PTO Thrift
Shop when Skyline's Crew Team gets creative with a Halloween Fashion
Show on Sunday, October 24th from 1-2 pm.  All costumes in the show
will be made from stuff in the shop.  Go green this Halloween at the
A2 PTO Thrift Shop.

Crafts!  Decorate an old-fashioned treat sac from 2-5 pm with another
group of Skyline High School students.  Paint a pillowcase for all
your Halloween candy.  Spaces are limited for this craft so call the
shop to reserve your spot:  734-996-9155.

Face-painting!  The same Skyline crafty students will also be painting
faces.  Come and try on a new "mask" before Halloween.

Treats!  Refreshments will be provided at this event by Scarlett
Middle School PTSO.

Come to the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, 2280 South Industrial Hwy. Ann
Arbor, MI 48104.

http://a2ptothriftshop.org/ 

Suspicious Incident Bulletin from AA Police Department - NOT AT SCHOOL - But in King Area

I am sharing the information below so the King community is aware of what has been reported.  To be clear, this has NOT happened or been reported at King School.

- Kevin

Neighborhood Watch - Suspicious Incident Bulletin

 

 

The Ann Arbor Police Department is issuing a Suspicious Incident Bulletin.

 

 The Ann Arbor Police Department has received three suspicious incidents reports in which several female joggers were approached by a suspicious white male in a vehicle.

 

Incident #1: 10/6/2010 btw 5:30 - 6:30

Reportee was walking on Earhart when a male in a white mini-van had stopped and asked her to get into his van. 

SUSPECT: white male, really tan, dark hair, possibly in his 40's and was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.

 

Incident #2:  10/14/2010 @ 12:20 pm

Reportee was jogging on Glazier Way and noticed a small, bright yellow subcompact car that seemed to have followed her.  He followed her down several streets and then into her driveway.  Subject stated that he was lost and his GPS system was malfunctioning.  He made some additional comments to her and then backed his vehicle from the driveway and from the cul-du-sac.

SUSPECT: white male, mid 30's, brown curly hair

 

Incident #3: 10/16/2010 7:30 am

Reportee stated that she was jogging on Lakeshore Drive when the subject pulled up next to her and rolled down his window, he asked for directions to Fuller road and asked her to get into the vehicle to show him how to get there.  Reportee gave him directions and he continued to follow her.  He continued to follow her until she reached a trail.  When she turned around to get the license plate, she noticed that the plate was covered.

SUSPECT: white male, mid 30's, wearing a green hat that covered his head and ears, large dark sunglasses, black jacket, and black gloves.

 

VEHICLE: silver Ford minivan with the license plate covered.

 

 

While the activity is not illegal, it is suspicious.  The Ann Arbor Police Department advising residents to report any suspicious incidents to the police department at 911.

 

Prevention Tips:

 

·      Look assertive and be aware of your surroundings.

·      Walk or jog with a trusted friend or co-worker when possible.

·      Trust your intuition, if a particular situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose and alternate.

·      Have your keys in hand before you reach your vehicle or residence

·      Be aware that your risk increases in secluded and isolated areas.

·      If someone stops to ask for directions, never get close enough to the vehicle to be grabbed.

·      Carry your cell phone with you at all times.

·      Do not jog or walk with headphones, remember you need to use all your instincts.

 

What Information to get:

 

If possible try to get the license plate of any suspicious vehicle and report it to 911 immediately.

 

·      Description of subject and any unusual behavior or clothing.

·      Description of vehicle with any identifying marks or stickers.

·      Direction of travel. 

 

 Residents need to be the eyes and ears of their neighborhood.  They need to be aware of their surroundings and if there are suspicious people in the area call 911.  In Ann Arbor, 911 is to be used anytime police response is requested whether it is a life-threatening emergency or a suspicious situation.  The dispatcher will determine the urgency of the call and dispatch the officers accordingly.

 

King Care Available on November 2

KingCare will offer child care on the no school day November 2, 2010 from 7:15 am-6:15 pm. You do not need to be enrolled in KingCare to attend. For information, contact Heather Brescol at KingChildSupervision@yahoo.com or by phone at 734-994-4485.  

Support PTO: Register Your Kroger Card!

How to Register Your Kroger Plus Card and Link It to the King PTO

These instructions are for Kroger shoppers who have a Kroger Plus Card. (It is not a gift card, and it does not carry a balance.) If you do not have one, then you can get one at the Kroger Customer Service desk if you wish. To activate it immediately, you will need to use it at least once.

1. In your web browser, go to www.kroger.com

2. Click on "Create an account" near the upper right-hand corner.

3. Fill in your e-mail address and create a password, then click "save and continue."

4. Fill in a zip code, such as 48105, and click "find stores."

5. Choose a store from the dropdown list and click "save and continue."

6. Select the little round "button" in front of the words "Yes, I have a Kroger Plus Card." This will cause the screen to change so that you can complete step 7.

7. Fill in your Kroger Plus Card Number--it's the string of digits under the barcode on the back of your Kroger Plus Card. Please do not include any spaces. Also fill in your last name and zip code and click "save and continue."

8. Select any boxes you wish for receiving e-mails (or not), and click "save and continue."

9. Select the box in front of "*I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions" and click "complete registration."

10. The next screen asks you to check your e-mail.

11. When you log in to your e-mail account and look in your inbox, there should be an e-mail from Kroger. When you open it, click on the link after the phrase "Please confirm your e-mail address and selected preferences by clicking the following link:"

12. Now you have been redirected to the Kroger website. Click on "Log in to your account."

13. Type in your e-mail address and password and click "sign in."

14. Click on the last line under the Account Settings tab, which is "Community Rewards." This will cause the Community Rewards section to expand so that you can complete step 15.

15. Now click on "Edit Community Rewards Program Information."

16. In the box under "Find Your Organization" type the following: king pto then click "search."

17. You should now see M. L. KING PTO under "Select Your Organization." Here's the important part: Select the little round "button" in front of M. L. KING PTO. Then click "save changes." Hooray! That was a lot of hoops to jump through. Thank you so much! Now, every time your Kroger Plus Card is swiped at checkout, 5% of the purchase amount will go to the King PTO.

18. After saving, the screen should have returned to the Account Settings tab. To verify that M. L. KING PTO has been selected, click on "Community Rewards" again.

19. If you see it there, you're done! If you don't see it, please try repeating the steps starting with step 15. Thanks again!

Bagels And Buns This Friday, October 15

PTO Dues Update - 36% Participation

The King PTO requests each family donate $50 for dues each school year.  This money supports King School all PTO functions including: field trips, grants for teachers to purchase supplies, International Night, Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, and Academic Games.

At tonight's PTO meeting, it was reported that 36% of families have contributed PTO dues so far this year.  It is the hope of the PTO that this percentage will increase before the November PTO meeting.

King of Hearts 5K Sign Up

The King of Hearts Family Fun Run/Walk 5K early registration deadline has been extended until TUESDAY, Oct. 12!

CLICK HERE to download the registration form.

Get your family signed up for this wonderful community event to celebrate fitness and great company! Early registration guarantees a shirt with a new design for this year!

Any registration forms received after Tuesday will be considered late!

For more information/questions, contact Kevin Behmer ( kevinbehmer@sbcglobal.net )

Support King School and the PTO Thrift Shop!

Please come show your support for King school at the Ann Arbor PTO
Thrift Shop located on Industrial Parkway. Our King School poster will
be on display the week of 10/10/10 through 10/17/10. For every 5
dollars spent at the PTO thrift shop you receive a token to vote for
our poster. The winning school poster earns 500 dollars, second place
350 dollars and 3rd place 250 dollars. Buy great items at low costs
and vote for our school poster. Thanks.

King School - Eletrical Issue

Good morning King families,
I am writing to share that things at school are running smoothly; however, we do not have full electrical power.  It was discovered early this morning that two of the three electrical "legs" King accesses for electricity had been damaged overnight, but one of the "legs" is operational. We have most of our lights.  Because we have lights, a decision was made not to cancel school.
Again, school has not been cancelled, BUT our procedures at the end of the school day will be different as follows:

1. Electricity - All electricity at King School will be shut down shortly after the end of the school day today.
2. Telephones - We are using our emergency telephone only at school.  It is a single phone; all other phones are not working.  Parents can call the regular school phone number; however, since we only have one phone, please use discretion when deciding to call.
3. Rec and Ed classes cancelled - All Rec and Ed classes are cancelled this afternoon at King School (including Girls On The Run).  Since there will be no power, the school will be completely closed down and locked.  Parents should pick up their children today at 3:42 PM.  If necessary, call the school office at 994-1940.
4. King Care cancelled - King Care is cancelled this afternoon.  Parents should pick up their children today at 3:42 PM.  If necessary, call King Care at 994-4485.  
5. Parents pick-up at 3:42 - I am asking parents to be especially timely today during pick-up.  If possible, please get to school a few minutes early.  This is help to make sure every child arrives home safely this afternoon. 

Please email me if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Kevin

MLK State Of The School Presentation From Curriculum Night

If you weren't able to see Mr. Karr's State Of The School address during Curriculum Night 2010, please enjoy it now. If you have questions, feel free to email me at karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us

For your reference, the State Of The School presentation from Curriculum Night 2009, shows below as well.

PHOTO: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders Are Studying And Writing Personal Narratives

Wellness and Healthy Choices at King School

We are now beyond the time period when Mr. Karr has asked the community to send only fruit and vegetables for snacks.   At this point, all health plans have been updated with our nurse, Kate Soderberg.  Thank you to Kate and all families for their cooperation in helping this process go as smoothly as possible.  

Even though we are beyond the time period for fruit and vegetables only for snacks, Mr. Karr asks that King families consider and support the Ann Arbor Public Schools Wellness Policy when making choices for birthday parties or other treats at school:

AAPS Wellness Policy 

The AAPS Board of Education has adopted a school wellness policy that promotes a healthy school environment for students. The policy addresses nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity opportunities, and other school-based activities to support wellness. In keeping with the intent of the policy, the district is reviewing nutrient density of food and beverages served to students. Parents and staff are asked to choose healthy alternatives to food sold for fundraisers or served as birthday or school party treats. The district is pleased to be able to better address the nutritional needs of the students through the implementation of this policy. 

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Karr via email or by calling the school office.

Spirit Day Orders - Extended One Day

SPIRIT WEAR DATE EXTENDED BY ONE DAY.

All King Spirit Wear order forms are due Thursday, October 7th
Please support the King PTO and to benefit your students by purchasing Spirit Wear.

If you have any questions please email Belinda Pinto at belindapinto@msn.com

Clague Middle School Parent University

Clague Middle School Parent University Dates and Topics

Learning, Sharing, Social Networking

Classes begin at 7pm 

OCT. 12, 2010           

Cyber Caution- What you should know about the internet, Facebook, My Space, Etc.

Jason Gold, AAPS and Ritchie Coleman, Pittsfield Township Public Safety

JAN. 11, 2011                  

Bullying: Victim, Bystander, and Instigator- Help your child negotiate adolescence and be part of the solution

Kevin Epling, Co-Founder Bully-Police

March 29, 2011

Autism in the Mainstream Classroom- Learn about autism and how you can help your child appreciate the differences and eliminate the teasing and bullying.

Dr. Mark Bower

Dates are subject to change if speaker schedules change. Check website before attending a session.

Needed: Popcorn Friday Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help with monthly Popcorn Fridays at King School.  Help isneeded from 9 am - 11 am. Please email Rachel Sabb at  rsabb@hotmail.com if you are available. 

Picture Day @ King - Friday, 10/1

REMINDER:  Picture Day at King School will happen this Friday, October 1.


ORDER PICTURES:  Families can order picture packages using the previously sent home schoolpictures.com envelope or can order online at http://schoolpictures.com/


VOLUNTEER:  We would like four parent volunteers to help during picture day.  This would be a great way to help in your child's school and have fun at the same time!  :-)
If you can volunteer, please reply to this email or call Mrs. Greene in the King School office.  Thank you!

Spirit Wear Reminder

Don't forget...all King School Spirit Wear ORDERS ARE DUE — WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6th!

Show your school spirit while supporting the PTO!

Come see the designs at school in the cases by the front door. 

Extra order forms are in the main office.

If you have questions please email Belinda at belindapinto@msn.com

Lifelong Guidelines Quote Of The Week

Be Yourself.
An original is always worth more than a copy.

How Does Space Camp Connect To The Curriculum?

At last night’s Space Camp parent information meeting, an excellent question was asked, “How does Space Camp connect to 5th grade curriculum?”

Parents were given a general answer but we wanted to provide more specifics. Listed below are the 5th Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs) for science that 5th graders are taught or use while participating in Space Camp activities.  Michigan’s GLCEs (K-8) provide schools, teachers, and parents with information they need to understand what students are expected to know and be able to do at the end of each grade.  You can find this information at: http://www.michigan.gov/mde


5th Grade Science GLCEs that relate to Space Camp:

Science Processes – Inquiry Processes
- S.IP.05.11 Generates scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and research.
- S.IP.05.12 Design and conduct scientific investigations.
- S.IP.05.13 Use tools and equipment appropriate to scientific investigations.
- S.IP.05.14 Use metric measurement devices in investigations.
- S.IP.05.16 Identify pattern in data.


Science Processes – Inquiry Analysis and Communication
- S.IA.05.11 Analyze information from data tables and graphs to answer scientific questions.
- S.IA.05.12 Evaluate data, claims, and personal knowledge through collaborative science discourse.
- S.IA.05.13 Communicate and defend findings of observations and investigations using evidence.
- S.IA.05.14 Draw conclusions from sets of data from multiple trails of scientific investigations.
- S.IA.05.15 Uses multiple sources of information to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, or data.


Science Processes – Reflection and Social Implications
- S.RS.05.11 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and data.
- S.RS.05.12 Describe limitations in personal and scientific knowledge.
- S.RS.05.13 Identify the need for evidence in making scientific decisions.
- S.RS.05.15 Demonstrate scientific concepts through various illustrations, performances, models, exhibits, and activities.
- S.RS.05.16 Describe how science and technology have advanced because of the contributions of many people throughout history and across cultures.


Physical Science - Forces and Motion
- P.FM.05.21 Distinguish between contact forces and non-contact forces.
- P.FM.05.22 Demonstrate contact and non-contact forces to change the motion of an object.
- P.FM.05.31 Describe what happens when two forces act on an object in the same or opposing directions.
- P.FM.05.32 Describe how constant motion is the result of balanced (zero net) forces.
- P.FM.05.33 Describe how changes in the motion of objects are caused by a non-zero (unbalanced) force.
- P.FM.05.42 Describe the motion of an object in terms of distance, time and direction, as the object move, and in relationship to another object.


Earth Science – Earth in Space and Time
- E.ST.05.21 Describe the motion of planets and moons in terms of rotation on axis and orbits due to gravity.

Physical Science – Energy
- P.EN.06.41 Explain how different forms of energy can be transferred from one place to another by radiation, conduction, and convection.

Our Hallways Are Named After The Lifelong Guidelines

Academic Games Starts Up - 4th and 5th Graders

Dear Parents of 4^th and 5^th Graders,

 

            King School Academic Games will begin Tuesday, September 21^st.  For this first session, parents are required to attend briefly to sign up your student and be sure we have your correct phone number and email address.

            Practice times have been set for Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, and Fridays, also from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, and will be held in the King School Music Room.  Practices will begin for interested students in either 4^th or 5^th grade on Tuesday, September 21^st from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the King School Music Room. 

            King Academic Games will be coached by Vivian Lin and Mike Vanek, and is sponsored by the King School PTO.  Students who wish to compete in tournaments can participate in the Michigan League of Academic Games (MLAG) Saturday Tournaments, held once per month from September through February at various schools in southeastern Michigan.  The league requires any student who wishes to participate in the MLAG State Tournament, at Grand Rapids on March 9-11, 2011, to have participated in at least 3 Saturday Tournaments.  Tournament dates are at the bottom of this note, and more information on tournament locations will be available in a handout at our first practice meeting.

We look forward to meeting with you and your student on Tuesday the 21^st.

 Sincerely,

Mike Vanek

 

What is Academic Games?

 

Academic Games (AG) is a group of games designed to test and improve a student's knowledge in several different subject areas. There are games that cover math, English, social studies, and logic. The primary purpose of AG is to make learning fun for students.  All too often it seems, students turn off to Math, English, or Social Studies because they are bored or not challenged by the material.  AG helps to solve that problem by making learning about the subjects more interesting and fun.  There is also the added motivation to do well in order to succeed in competition.

 

Which games do elementary students play in AG?

 

The first game students learn is Equations, a mathematics game created by University of Michigan Law Professor Layman Allen in the mid 1960's.  Players use numerals and mathematical symbols on special dice to create a goal, and then try to come up with a solution before their opponents.

 

Similar to the popular card game, "Set", On-Sets is a game that involves Set Theory, where students must find groups of colors using set operations.

 

On-Words is a word game involving spelling, counting, grammar, phonetics, word roots, inflectional endings, prefixes and suffixes

 

Presidents is an American History game that tests students' knowledge of the American Presidents, and the events that happened during their presidencies.

 

In Propaganda, students learn to recognize and understand different techniques of persuasion.

 

 

 (These brief game descriptions came from the Michigan League of Academic Games website: mlagonline.com, where more information on games and rules can be found.)

 

 

Saturday Tournaments are set for Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5. The State Tournament is March 9-11, 2011.

 

 

Contact us at: KingAG.Coaches@gmail.com

Dessert Night Is On!

If it is raining this evening, the King School Welcome Back Dessert Night will be held in the Multipurpose Room beginning at 7 PM. 

I will be appreciated if families closely supervise children.  In particular please instruct them to stay off of the stage.

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Math Olympiad Sign-Up Begins

The Math Olympiad team at King School offers an enrichment opportunity for 4^th and 5^th graders.  We participate in the Math Olympiad for Elementary and Middle Schools program (MOEMS, www.moems.org), which has been a major math contest for school children for 30 years with hundreds of thousands of participants each year from more than 30 countries.  The King School team welcomes all 4^th and 5^th graders who want to meet challenges, there is no minimum requirement of math proficiency.  A detailed description and sign-up form went home with the children earlier this week.  The sign-up deadline is Sept. 24^th.   If you have any questions, please email jingliu01@gmail.com or ljing@umich.edu.

SLOW DOWN! Thank you.

Several parents have recently called the Ann Arbor Police Department
regarding speeders on Glazier and Waldenwood close to the time school
begins.

I anticipate increased police presence during these times. Please be
aware at all times. Safety first.

What Is Elementary Humanities Class?

This fall, for the first time ever in the AAPS, elementary students will be taking a Humanities class.  

These classes will focus on fine arts literacy—including physical education and information literacy technology-- with an interdisciplinary connection to the core curriculum, most specifically outcomes identified in science and social studies. Arts Integration is commonly recognized by the Kennedy Center and other educational referent groups, as an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form.  Students engage in a creative process, which connects an art form and another subject area that meets evolving objectives in both. For purposes of the proposed plan in Ann Arbor Public Schools, this would also include integrating understanding through participation in physical education and media class.

The arts platform will allow teachers to make learning more relevant by integrating science and social studies outcomes through special area class instruction. For instance, vocal music GLCE's (Grade Level Content Expectations) focuses on sound generation; so does the 2nd grade science unit on sound. The Humanities course will focus on the interdisciplinary connection between the two disciplines. Similarly, vocal and instrumental music speak to the importance of composition; extending the attributes of music composition to prose and poetry as a natural link.  Another example, Art education stresses observation and descriptors. Art journaling can be extended to include science writing and illustrations. Physical education can naturally address force, motion (3rd grade science) and some aspect of the human body skeletal/muscular systems (5th grade science) within contextual learning.  Media specialists will teach the media curriculum with a focused lens on reinforcing social studies and science outcomes through interdisciplinary literacy and technology integration.

The interdisciplinary outcomes connecting science and social studies in the humanities strand are often time assessed (by the Michigan Education Assessment Program--MEAP) in third, forth and fifth grades but the units are sometimes introduced as early as first grade. Repetition of concepts and academic vocabulary during the Humanities classes and throughout the elementary grades will increase relevancy and proficiency. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the science and/or social studies concept through interdisciplinary applications of the outcome (s) through Humanities classes.

 

Humanities instruction is a collaborative teaching opportunity. Classroom and special area teachers will come together to reflect the best in effective instructional practice: an understanding of multiple learning and teaching styles, the importance of hands on learning, conceptual learning grounded in real life demonstrations, repetition and extended learning, cooperative and inquiry based learning, and technology integration.

 

We are very excited about the new Ann Arbor Elementary Humanities Program.

King School's Welcome Desert - September 16th at 7 PM

Hello everyone and welcome back to King School!

The King School Welcome Dessert will be held on Thursday, 9/16/10 from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm on the King School playground.

Bring your family and your favorite desert to share. Enjoy the company of others in the King School community!
Feel free to drop off your desert in the King School office any time on Thursday, 9/16/10.

We need some volunteers to help with set up, clean up etc.. Please sign up at this link: http://www.doodle.com/mfrr7vzix8va2efs

Please contact Sujata Guduri at sguduri@gmail.com with any questions.

Food Allergy Planning In The AAPS

When working with students who have severe food allergies, the Ann Arbor Public Schools has established a set of guidelines to keep all students safe through a collaboration between the student, parents, physician and the school.

Highlights of the food allergy planning process:

· Safe lunch practices:

o A “No Nut” hot lunch program from Chartwells food service;

o Determining if a food-allergic child needs to sit at a “No Nut Table” in the lunchroom or if they can be safe at a general lunch table

o Allowing students who buy hot lunch to sit at the “No Nut Table” but NOT allowing students who bring lunch from home to sit at that table

· Safe classroom practices

o Determining if the child’s classroom should be designated as a “No Nut Classroom”;

o Requiring “safe” treats from home be stored in the classroom so there is always a treat for a food allergic student when there is special classroom occasion like a birthday party

· Safe school practices

o Requiring families to only send fruits and vegetables in the first 4 weeks of school while food allergy plans are being updated;

o Keeping potentially life-saving medication for each student in the school office;

o Requiring that parents of food allergic children send “safe” treats to be used whenever there is a special classroom occasion like a birthday celebration.

Parents can download the entire food allergy planning guidelines on the AAPS website from the following address:

http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/aaps.forparents/files/foodallergyhandbook.pdf

5th Space Camp Parent Information Meeting - 9/20 @ 6 PM

All 5th grade parents are invited to attend an information meeting
about Space Camp on Monday, September 20 from 6-7 PM. Details about
the trip will be provided by the 5th grade staff. Parents will also
have the
opportunity to ask questions. It is important for all parents to
attend.

PTO Volunteer Opportunities 2010-11

SIGN UP NOW to volunteer for the King PTO by CLICKING HERE.

Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills Video

Today at the beginning of the year assembly we reviewed the Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills as ideas we focus on at King School. I then showed the first half of the video below and asked students which Guidelines and Lifeskills the monkeys show.

You might watch it again with your son or daughter and ask them what Guidelines and Lifeskills they see.

5th Grade @ King: A Learning Community

Information about the 5th Grade Team at King for 2010-11:

http://king2.aaps.k12.mi.us/haddas/

Bravo for the AAPS!

http://www.clickondetroit.com/community/24825988/detail.html

Fruit And Vegetable Snacks Only For First 4 Weeks, Please

Please send ONLY fruit and vegetable snacks to school for the first 4 weeks until all food allergy plans can be evaluated and implemented.  If it is possible to reduce this amount of time, we will send a note and post the information on the school website.  This is necessary to be responsive to the increasing number of medically sensitive situations with which we are faced.

Beyond that, I also want to note the AAPS Wellness Policy covers both nutrition education and nutrition standards.  In particular, the policy states that foods of minimal nutritional value will not be served during the instructional day, including the meal service period.  The effect of this policy will be seen in the food service program with healthy food choices.  In addition, I strongly encourage families to consider healthy choices, such as non-food items, as part of birthday and classroom celebrations.

Updated Medical Response Plans and Taking Medication At School

As a reminder to parents/guardians whose children are medically sensitive, please turn in updated medical response plans from your child's physician to the school office before school begins.  An updated plan is required each year and/or any time there is a change in your child's health. 

Also, as a reminder to all parents, children may not take medication at school unless we have written instructions from their physician.  This includes over the counter (non-prescription) medication.  For families with medically sensitive children, please turn in medication on or before the first day of school.

Welcome Night For New King Families

The King PTO and Mr. Karr would like to invite all families new to King School for a welcome night on Wednesday, September 1 at 7 PM.

Families will be introduced to the school, to Mr. Karr and to the King PTO.

Student led tours of the school will also be conducted. Hope to see you there!

School Calendar Updated for 2010-11

The online school calendar has been updated to reflect district, school and PTO dates.

You can view the online calendar by clicking below.  

http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/king.home/calendar

Picture Day at King - 10/1/2010

Students will have pictures taken on October 1 this year.  

An order form for pictures can be downloaded here.