King Students’ Artwork on display at Palio and the Ann Arbor District Library during March

Congratulations! The following students’ artwork was chosen for exhibit at Palio and at the Ann Arbor District Library for the month of March.

Palio

Kenneth Jiang - K, Batik Watercolor

Caitlyn Fong - K, Batik Watercolor

Tim Balayar – K, Batik Watercolor

Yujin Huh – 1^st grade, Collage Still Life

Hyun Jung  - 1st grade, Batik Watercolor Letters

Kaitlyn Sabb – 2^nd grade, Still Life Pastel

Candace Jung – 2^nd grade, Still Life Pastel

Vincent Tremonti – 2^nd grade, Still Life Pastel

Avani Guduri - 2^nd grade, Graphic Design Name

Yaseen Daoud - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Youngseo Lee - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Max Brodkey - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Gretchen Parrish - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Siena Smith - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Emily Kim - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Jadyn Smith - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Shannon Stocking - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Johannes Kretzler - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Sophie Wolf - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Anastasia Papageorgiou - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Jonathan Zou - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Varsha Subramanyam – 3^rd grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Rhea Cong – 3^rd grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Anton Pereklita – 3^rd grade, Still Life Chalk

Brandon Geng – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Afua Nkansah – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Ayaka Asada - 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Julianna Caton - 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Saulius Galvanauskas – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Clara Boudette – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

William Chung – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Madison Downer – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Beatrice Chen – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Taka Fetters – 4^th grade, Still Life Chalk

Kailyn Barton - 5^th grade, Color Lino-Cut

Dong Joo Lee – 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Soham Naik - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Peter Kalemkerian – 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Joey Hollenshead – 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Claire Deng – 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Laura Deng – 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Mairead Erhardt - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Iris Campbell - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Luke Renken - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Saskia VanNieuwstadt - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Zoe Schumacher - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Christopher Zou - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

District Library

Henry Zocher – 1^st grade, Water Color Batik

Sebastian Berofsky – 2^nd grade, Serape

Avani Guduri – 2^nd grade, Serape

Candace Jung - 2^nd grade, Serape

Derek Hwang - 2^nd grade, Serape

Brayden MacBride - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Samantha Chan - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Priyanka Naik - 2^nd grade, Serape

Kosuke Nakamura - 2^nd grade, Serape

Christian Wright - 2^nd grade, Serape

Alex Kukucka - 2^nd grade, Serape

Timothy Hamill - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Benjamin Pollitz - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Dimash Umirbayev - 2^nd grade, Serape

Angie Zhou - 2^nd grade, Serape

Mike Shi - 2^nd grade, Serape

Koen VanNieuwstadt - 2^nd grade, Serape

Bridgett Jung - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Sophia Schuster - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Elizabeth Kolias - 2^nd grade, Ceramic Bowl

Ji Yoon Shin – 2^nd grade, Graphic Design Name

Maddie Bower - 3^rd grade, Graphic Design Name

Varsha Subramanyam – 3^rd grade, Yarn Painting

Joy Li – 4^th grade, Amate Bark Painting

Clara Boudette – 4^th grade, Still Life Pastel

Hannah Parrish - 5^th grade, Still Life Color Pencil

Shivani Jayendraprasad – 5^th grade, Basketry

Carina Wilson – 5^th grade, Basketry

Joy Chen – 5^th grade, Basketry

Jennifer Zhu – 5^th grade, Basketry

Maya Millette – 5^th grade, Basketry

Carmen Giger – 5^th grade, Basketry

Amiritha Anupindi – 5^th grade, Basketry

Charles Berofsky – 5^th grade, Printmaking

Yuto Asada – 5^th grade, Printmaking

Zoe Schumacher – 5^th grade, Printmaking

Katarina Kretzler - 5^th grade, Printmaking

Matthew Dubin - 5^th grade, Animated House

James Riddell - 5^th grade, Animated House

Amritha Anupindi - 5^th grade, Animated House

Mariana Lopez - 5^th grade, Animated House

Carmen Giger - 5^th grade, Animated House

These students and their families are cordially invited to a Youth Art and Music Month reception on Sunday, March 13, 2011.  The following events will be held:

2-4 pm Art Walk. View Ann Arbor Public School students’ artwork in merchant windows and at the Ann Arbor District Library while en route to the Michigan Theater for the concert and awards ceremony.

2-3 pm Refreshments at Palio Restaurant, 347 S. Main.  Pick up your Art Walk map and enjoy meeting the other participants.

4-5 pm Sea to Shining Sea, a Benard L. Maas Family Concert presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. This special concert features music about water and earth while showcasing the themed artwork of AAPS students.

5 pm Awards Ceremony. Following the A2SO Concert, students will be presented with an award on the Michigan Theater stage.

Congratulations!

We ARE proud of our students’ achievements.

Ms.Wayne

Art Educator

King Elementary

PHOTO: First graders at lunch

Remembering Mrs. Mazie Hamilton, King School Nurse

Many of our families at King School knew and worked with the long-time King School nurse, Mrs. Mazie Hamilton, who passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.  I personally appreciated Mrs. Hamilton for many reasons when I worked at both Northside School and King School over the last 20 years.  I hope others will remember her and all the good she did in her work as a school nurse.

Mazie E. Hamilton, School Nurse

Ann Arbor Public Schools

Mazie E. Hamilton, age 65, died peacefully Monday, February 28, 2011 with family by her side.  Mazie was born February 18, 1946 in Houston, TX and later moved to Ann Arbor where she has lived for nearly 43 years.  In addition to her loving husband of 43 years, Lionel, Mazie is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Dale) Harrison and Pamela Hamilton; son, Jeffrey Hamilton; and grandsons, Anthony Hamilton and Dale Harrison Jr.


Mrs. Mazie Hamilton served the last 27 years of her life as a nurse for the Ann Arbor Public Schools with many of those years spent at Northside Elementary.


Please join the King School family in extending our heartfelt condolences to the family.  Personal condolences can be forwarded to the family at 2981 Bluett Road, Ann Arbor, MI  48105.


Please sign her guest book at www.starkfuneral.com.

Extended Day Option Kindergarten for 2011-12

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 2011-12 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 2011-12?  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.

Please note the deadline for applying for EDO is March 21, 2011. Paperwork should be turned into the Rec and Ed department.

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

Silent Auction Family Donations

Welcome back from Winter Break.  The Silent Auction preparation is in full gear and we need your support.  Please consider donating to the auction.  Consider an experience (cook a meal, host a party, host a craft day), an item (tickets to a game, frequent flier miles, vacation spot) or your expertise (refinishing furniture, yard clean-up).  The King School community is so creative and diverse - and our auction represents that diversity with your donations!  Donations are due March 25, 2011.  E-mail king.silent.auction@gmail.com or fill out the form that came home before the break. 

Thank you for your support!  - Alena Stocking, Silent Auction Chair

Book Fair Carnival...Your Ticket to Read! Coming March 17 – 18!

You are invited to the King PTO Used and Scholastic Book Fair (http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/kingschoolpto), a reading event packed with excitement for students and families.  Our theme – Book Fair Carnival – will make reading as entertaining as a carnival midway. The entire school community will delight in an exciting atmosphere of great books, thrilling stories, and fun. Readers of all ages will walk away from the Book Fair with the grandest prize of all: a lifelong love of reading. 

This year we will join thousands of schools across the country by participating in the One for Books Coin Drive.  Scholastic will match the monetary donations we generate with a donation of one book for every dollar we collect to three national non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families in need: Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the Kids In Need Foundation, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. We are asking King families to help us reach the goal of $1 per King student to raise $409 for the school library and to donate 409 books to these charities.  Coin collection boxes will be located near the school office and in the media center. 

As noted in the flyer that went home before mid-winter break, posters and book reviews to promote the fair will be due to the school office by Monday March 7th.  Since there is no school on that Monday, we will accept posters until end of day Tuesday March 8th. 

Fair Dates:

March 17th - Student shopping throughout the school day.  Open to family and friends  

                      3:45pm - 8:30pm.

March 18th - 8:00am - 9:30am during Bagels and Buns

Volunteers needed:

We need lots of help to collect/sort used books and to run the book fair.  Please visit our doodle board (http://doodle.com/w8teuychuraafkan) and sign up today.

Flyers with more information about the book fair will be sent home in the Friday Folders.  Please join us to make this Book Fair the BEST our school has ever seen.  

Thank you!

Sandy Aldrich, Christine Kukucka and Kim Lyon

Used and Scholastic Book Fair Co-Chairs

May 2 – 27 BOX TOPS CONTEST

Save those box tops!!  In May, we will have our annual contest to see which classroom brings in the most box tops.  The winning classroom gets a smoothie party and bragging rights for the next year!

Kindergarten and First Grade families (including siblings) are invited to....

FAMILY READING NIGHT!
Put on your p.j.’s and come to the school Media Center on
Thursday, March 24
from 7-8pm.

Cuddle up with your grownup(s) and read read read--all over the library.  Pillows and teddy bears are welcome! We’ll have a brief group story time at 7:30, and a snack-to-go. 
You can even check out EXTRA books!

Not required:  but if you can, please send this back to your child’s teacher to help us plan:
____________________________________________________

We are planning on coming!            Family name:

# of adults                # of kids

A pair of poems for our children at King School International Night - AnnArbor.com

A worthwhile read from Frances Kai-Wang, the King School International Night chairperson.

A pair of poems for our children at King School International Night - AnnArbor.com

Mid-Winter Break - 2/19 through 2/27

I want to wish the King Community a safe and restful mid-winter break. 

Classes will not be in session from February 19 - 27.  Classes will resume on Monday, February 28.

'Let's Read Math' Saturday Workshops Featured on annarbor.com

Twenty MLK School families signed up to be a part of the Let's Read Math workshops recently shared on annarbor.com

'Let's Read Math' series aims to dispel 'math-phobia' in children - AnnArbor.com

Kindergarten Round Up Presentation

Share your King International Night Photos

Thanks to the Moellers, we have photos from King International Night! Please upload and share yours with the King community! The site is password protected for our children's safety.

http://gallery.me.com/moellerluzio#100724

Username: kingschool
Password: king


Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King Intl Night Chair

King School International Night Thank Yous

THANKS SO MUCH to all the performers, teachers, parents, friends, families for all your hard work putting together such a wonderful program! We had 29 performances and 350 students performing,  representing over 25 countries and cultures, about 1000 people for dinner, and an amazingly fun time.  This was our biggest and best (and smoothest) king intl night yet! The quality and creativity of the performances continue to amaze me. AND almost every group it seemed had one or two tiny cute little brother or sister who was just unbearably adorable and irresistible. We could not do this every year without so much commitment and support and hard work of all the parents and families and teachers. Thanks all around.

Special thanks to Queen of the Feast Lisa Kohn; Music Maestro Mrs. Vanek; Music Tech Mr. Vanek; Tech Team Leader Wulue Zhao; Security and Parking Czar Carl and Linda Ryan; Stage Managers, Wayne Millette, Kirti Karia, Line VanNiewstadt; Stage Runners: Maya, Catherine, Morgan; Display Divas: Padma Anupindi; Stage Decorations Yunyao Chen, Kirti Karia, Meghna Chauhan  Red Envelope Team: Daphne Lin, Huijuan Tang, Bianca Zhao, Diana Wong, Donna Chen, Linda Ryan, Becky, Catherine, Hao Hao, Niu Niu, Nico, Clague and Huron and Greenhills Alumni esp Chinese Yo-Yo Team and APEX Glowsticking Team; Photographers Mauricio Moeller, Dug Song; Bagels and Bananas Laura Boudette; Principal Karr, Mrs. Greene, Ms. Basta, Mrs. Jarjoura, Mrs. Arbor, Ms. Shah, Jeff Kelly, Cliff Williams, King Care, Rec and Ed, King PTO, and YOU!!

Thanks also to all our alumni now at Clague, Huron and Greenhills who came back to help and perform and watch--they really help contribute to the family nature of this event. And wasn't the Chinese Yo-Yo and Glowsticking amazing?!!

We will be setting up a password protected site for King families to share photos of the event. Anyone who wants to share photos and videos, please do! i have no photos otherwise. :(

Please bookmark or RSS feed http://kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com/ for continued updates and information. You may also enjoy my column, Adventures in Multicultural Living, at http://www.annarbor.com/passions-pursuits/ every Sunday if you want to keep this conversation going year-round.

Think of us during your travels and business trips this coming year--bring us back small coins and stickers.

Thanks again for everything, and thank your children, too! See you all next year!

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang
King International Night Chair

King eNotes - 2/11/11

King School eNotes
February 11, 2011


Calendar
Sunday, February 13, 2011
·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Monday, February 14, 2011
·    Today:  NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day) – All parents invited to King School today.
·    2 – 3 PM, Jazzistry Assembly:  More at http://www.jazzistry.org/ - Thank you to the PTO for their support of this program.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
·    NO SCHOOL For Students – Teacher professional development day

Friday, February 18, 2011
·    Today:  Mid-winter break begins at the end of the day.  School resumes on Monday, February 28.

February 19 – 27
NO SCHOOL: Mid-Winter Break

Sunday, February 27, 2011
·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Monday, February 28, 2011
·    School resumes

Friday, March 4, 2011
·    Today:  Popcorn Friday!  Thank you PTO!
·    7:30 – 8:30 AM – School Improvement Team meets


News and Information - for more information on the news items below, please look for links to the right of this post.
NAAPID Parent Invovement Day - 2/14 - All Day - All Parents Invited

Jazzistry Performs At King School - 2/14 @ 2 PM

Kindergarten Round Up - 2/15 @ 6 PM

Grant Received: Stand Up Desks

Continued Chess Success!

International Night Photos?

If you have one or two really great International Night photos and you are willing to share, please forward a digital copy to karrk at aaps.k12.mi.us.

Thank you.

International Night - WOW!

Good morning,
While I'm sure the buzz our International Night will continue for quite some time, I needed to share that last night's event stands out for me as the best International Night ever at King.  Everything seemed to come together last night in a perfect way - perfect performances, families being together, a rich sharing of culture.  There was happiness in the air last night!
The list of thank yous to pull off an event of last night's magnitude is long.  I'm sure I can't  tell you everyone who was involved, but I can tell you there is one person who makes this event happen more than anyone:  Frances Kai-Wang.

Frances - your energy and commitment to King's International Night is inspriing.  On behalf of the King School community, thank you for your continued dedication to organizing and running International Night.  You've made this "best night at King School" happen for seven years running and after talking to you last night I'm already looking forward to next year's "main event!"
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr

Crossing Guard Update - Waldenwood Drive

Dear King School Families, 

I have been informed that starting February 28, 2011, the Ann Arbor Traffic Safety Committee will place a crossing guard on Waldenwood Drive close to the entrance of the King School front drive.

At this point, I do not know the new crossing guard's name, but I do hope you will join me in welcoming them to our community.

The crossing guard at Tremont and Glazier Way will continue as in the past.

If you have questions, please let me know.  I'll do my best to help.

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr

Invitation: King School International Night

The Families of King School are cordially invited to attend:

King School International Night is here!
Thursday February 10 6:30-8:30
Bringing us together. Celebrating our diversity.

International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!)—such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Israeli folk dance, Korean fan dance, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Greek folkdance, American Hip-Hop, Indian Bollywood dance, Beijing opera, Chinese martial arts, Taiwanese ribbon dance, Japanese Okinawan dance, Gospel music, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour.

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

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

Please dress in heritage clothing

Carpool and be prepared for parking difficulties (one year the Superintendent had to park over a mile away on Erhardt Road!)
We still need volunteers! Sign up at http://doodle.com/5w449wxuctnnxebb to be a part of this most wonderful event!

Up to the minute information at www.kinginternationalnight.blogspot.com.
Sponsored by the King PTO

See you soon!
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang (Margot, Hao Hao, Niu Niu, and Nico's mom)
King School International Night Chair

International Night Safety Procedures

Dear MLK Families,

The PTO's Annual International Night will begin at 6:30 on February 10! This is one of the premier events each year at MLK. I hope to see you there! Because this event is typically attended by over 800 people, it is important to review the following information:

1. Evening activities at King are family events. Parents and guardians are responsible for the close supervision of their children. Children cannot attend without a supervising adult.
2. Be aware of the evening safety procedures at MLK--including NO PARKING IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING.


Parking
Due to the limited availability of parking at King, parents should plan to park in the neighborhood during all evening events at King.
There is NO PARKING in front of the school, by the fire hydrant, or on the left-hand side of the front circular drive.

Reason: The front drive is a fire lane and must be kept accessible for emergency vehicles. The fire hydrant area must also be kept clear.
Drop Off/Pick Up
The front entrance will be available for drop off and pick up ONLY. AT NO TIME SHOULD PARKING OCCUR IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL.

Emergency Exits

Below is a map of the school with the arrows indicating emergency exits. Before you come to an evening event at King, please consider designating a place outside the building for your family to meet in the event that the building needs to be evacuated.

Front Entrance

If you have any questions, please call the school office. We'll be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
Principal
MLK School

Grant Received: Stand Up Desks

With grant funding from the Ann Arbor Educational Foundation (AAEF), King School recently purchased four stand up desks!  Here is what they look like:


These are obviously not the typical kind of desk used in classrooms.  There is no chair and it is adjusted to be the height of a typical counter.  This type of desk allows a student to stand and do their classwork.

This type of tool makes sense in a classroom setting where students are afforded flexibility in experimenting with their best learning position all while keeping focused on learning and the task at hand.  In practice the use of the stand up desk is entirely similar to the ways in which adults complete work--sometimes adults sit to work, other times they might stand or something in between sitting and standing.  It is our hope that the effective use of the desks in accommodating student learning needs will help to increase student achievement.

If teachers at King think the stand up desks might be useful in their classroom, they can "check them out" using what we call our Achievement Team process.

Congratulations (and thanks) to the AAEF grant receipients:  Connie Ehlke, occupational therapist; Dr. Mary Spence, school psychologist; Kevin Karr, King School principal.

Jazzistry Performs At King School - 2/14 @ 2 PM

I’m excited to announce that with support from the King School PTO and grants from Ann Arbor Band & Trust and the Mardi Gras Foundation, Vincent York’s Jazzistry program will visit King School on the second Monday in February – 2/14 – at 2 PM!  This will certainly be an exciting day at school since it is also Valentine’s Day and the date of NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day), a day when parents are invited to come to school and be a part of the day’s activities. 

In case you didn’t know . . .

Jazzistry is an educational program that uses live performance to teach children and adults the story of jazz and its role in American History in order to:

·    Expand how we view our society;

·    Cultivate a personal relationship with our history;

·    Demonstrate the benefit and beauty of our multi-cultural heritage; and

·    Create a new generation of jazz lovers.

In other words, Jazzistry is a history lesson, a music lesson and a geography lesson combined!  It will be an exciting and educational performance.  Parents who are coming to school for NAAPID are also invited to attend the Jazzistry performance.

 

NAAPID Parent Invovement Day - 2/14 - All Day - All Parents Invited

Dear MLK School Parents,

All parents are invited to be a part of King’s plans as we observe National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) on Monday, February 14, 2011. 

What is NAAPID?

NAAPID - "Take Your Child to School/Visit Your Child in School" Day

NAAPID is a national call to action to get all parents, but particularly those of African American children, more involved in the education of their children. It is expected that this national observation will open up dialogue among teachers, parents, and students, which will lead to a more conducive learning environment for all students.

What happens during NAAPID?

Parents are invited to be a part of the school day at King.  This includes being a part of your child’s classes—even the noon hour.  You might want to bring a sack lunch and be a part of the excitement!  Also, the King staff will set up a hospitality table with refreshments.  Please stop by and enjoy the treats!

Also, at 2:00 PM, there will be an all-school assembly called Jazzistry with Ann Arbor’s own Vincent York, who happens to be the father of King fourth grade teacher Cedric York!  It is going to be an exciting and educational presentation.   

We hope to see many, many families at King School on February 14.

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr and the King School NAAPID Committee

Kindergarten Round Up - 2/15 @ 6:00 PM

Kindergarten Round Up—February 15, 6:00 – 7:00PM

I am excited to announce that Kindergarten Round Up at King School will be on February 15 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.  Children who turn five on or before December 1, 2011 are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year. 

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely, 

Kevin Karr

Principal

Continued Chess Success!

Sixteen King kids were among the 500 participants at the 2011 Michigan
Elementary Team Chess Championship on Saturday, Feb. 5 at Michigan
State University. One of our K-5 teams (Joy Chen, Andrew Alson, Ryan
Li, and Aayush Unadkat) won the state championship, the fourth year in
a row that King has won the K-5 state title, which we believe to be a
record. A second K-5 team (Christopher Zou, Connor Wright, Soham
Naik, and Jack Santinga) also did well. One our our K-3 teams
(Anthony Liao, Jonathan Zou, Aarnav Unadkat, and Christian Wright)
finished 5th in the state, and a second K-3 team of mostly beginners
(Timothy Hamill, Harrison Baker, Haru Iizuka, and Eva Erhardt)
finished 3rd in a reserve section. Several King players won
individual medals.

King also had approximately 20 players at the local Thurston Kids
Chess Tournament on Jan. 22, organized by Thurston and King parents,
and King kids placed first in three of the four sections.

The King chess program continues to thrive under the leadership of
local chess teacher Ray Garrison.

Submitted by Jeff Alson

King School eNotes - February 4, 2011

Calendar
Sunday, February 6, 2011
·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
·    7 – 8 PM, PTO Meets

Wednesday, February 9, 2011
·    Student Count Day – this is the day Michigan school districts count students.  Twenty percent of school funding from the state comes from this number. The other 80% is derived from the number of students counted in the fall of each school year.
·    RESCHEDULED – 6:30 – 8 PM, Family Writing Workshop – Family NIGHT to be held in the music room.

Thursday, February 10, 2011
·    6:30 – 8:30 PM, International Night at King School

Friday, February 11, 2011
·    Today:  Jump Rope For Heart
·    Today:  Wear International Clothes To School

Sunday, February 13, 2011
·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Monday, February 14, 2011
·    Today:  NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day) – All parents invited to King School today.
·    2 – 3 PM, Jazzistry Assembly:  More at http://www.jazzistry.org/ - Thank you to the PTO for their support of this program.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
·    No School For Students – Teacher professional development day

Friday, February 18, 2011
·    Today:  Mid-winter break begins at the end of the day.  School resumes on Monday, February 28.


News and Information
King School International Night coming Thursday February 10 6:30-8:30

Food and volunteers needed for International Night Potluck!

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



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

Bringing us together. Celebrating our diversity.

International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!)—such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Israeli folk dance, Korean fan dance, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Greek folkdance, American Hip-Hop, Indian Bollywood dance, Beijing opera, Chinese martial arts, Taiwanese ribbon dance, Japanese Okinawan dance, Gospel music, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour.

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

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

Please dress in heritage clothing

DVDs of performance will be available for order that night

Everyone, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD TO AVOID GRUMPINESS.

FEAST: We still need volunteers for the feast: contact lisa kohn LKohn@umich.edu

Country Posters: For those who would like to be a part, everyone is invited to make a country poster to teach about a special country or culture that you like! This is a great family project. Posters will be displayed for two weeks before and after International Night. Posters must be flat and able to be taped to the wall. Photos are great! Creativity encouraged! Celebrations of achievements of Americans of that ethnic heritage appreciated by the kids! Maps are cool, but no flags please. Contact Padma p_anupindi AT hotmail DOT com for information about country posters.

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

Thanks,
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang (Nico, Niu Niu, Hao Hao, Margot's mom) fkwang@aol.com

Food and volunteers needed for International Night Potluck!

Thursday, February 10th is International Night; a celebration of our diverse cultures.  The evening kicks off with an International Pot Luck at 6:30 pm.  Latkes, hummus, Be Bim Bop, Sushi, Dumplings, Chana, Macaroni & cheese--it's all delicious and your contributions are what make it special.  Please bring a LARGE quantity of your favorite ethnic food; enough for 15 people.

Also, please check out the DOODLE calendar as we will need volunteers to help make the pot luck run smoothly.

http://doodle.com/5w449wxuctnnxebb

Lisa Kohn

lkohn@umich.edu

734-417-7129

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

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

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

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

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

NO SCHOOL - Wednesday, February 2

The Ann Arbor Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, February 2 due to the weather. 

PHOTO: Snow Soccer!

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

Dear King School Parents,

On Friday, March 25th, 2011, all King fourth grade students will participate in the Disability Awareness Workshop. This is the fifth year that King Elementary has held this hands-on, activity-based workshop whose main purpose is to help students understand how difficult and complex daily living can be for individuals with a variety of disabilities. The program includes activities centered on an empathetic understanding of physical, speech, hearing, vision and learning impairments. The students participate in a wheelchair obstacle course, wear glasses that give them momentary vision impairments, experience speaking with an electric larynx and complete exercises that simulate several reading disabilities. The goal is for the students to learn -- through this personal experience -- that people should be respected no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.

Please consider volunteering on this day, even if you don’t have a 4th grade student. Think of it as a preview if your child is younger or an opportunity to see what you missed last year if your student is in 5th grade. We need 20-25 adult volunteers to help in the morning from 8:30 am until around noon when the students have their lunch break. You are welcome to remain for the rest of the program (12:45 pm to dismissal). Past experience proves that this is a fun and meaningful experience for all of our children as well as the volunteers.

Volunteers will be trained to oversee students as they rotate through nine different stations, including:

Physical Impairment Centers: Wheelchairs; Walkers; and Fine Motor Activities

Vision, Hearing and Speech Stations: Hearing & Speech; Vision; and Learning Disabilities

Accessibility Checklist (students work in teams to complete a checklist that requires some measuring and math computations)

Thank you for contributing to the success of the workshop. Please contact me with any questions.  If you are interested in volunteering, please click here to print and fill out the volunteer form.

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

King Parent coordinating the Disability Awareness Workshop

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

International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!)—such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Israeli folk dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We are also always open to new innovative ideas! 

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

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

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

Family Writing Workshop – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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

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

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

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

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

Crazy Clothes Day - 1/28/11

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

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

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

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

Dear King 5th Grade Parents,

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Kevin

Pen Collection for Children in Afghanistan

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

Sponsored by the King School Student Council

PHOTO: Voices At Different Volumes For Different Activities

 

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

King Instrumental Music News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please mark it on your calendar.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dunning

Ms. Fitzgerald

Typing Program Available for Home Use

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

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

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

King School eNotes 1/14/11

King School eNotes

January 14, 2011

Calendar

Sunday, January 16, 2011

·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Monday, January 17, 2011

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

Friday, January 21, 2011

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

Sunday, January 23, 2011

·    eNotes submissions due to kingschoolpto@gmail.com

Friday, January 21, 2011

·    Today: Wear Crazy Clothes To School Day

News and Information

Parent/Family Education Events - SIGN UP!

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

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

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

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

Enthusiastic Anatomy and Potions Science Olympiad Coaches needed!

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

Parent/Family Education Events - SIGN UP!

Dear King Families,

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

The events are as follows:

1. Family Writing Workshop – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·    Makes mathematics concepts interesting and fun;

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

·    Is interactive and involves math and books.

Details on when the program is being offered:

Where: Ann Arbor District Library, Traverwood Branch

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

Who: King Students, K-4

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

Questions?  Please send me an email. 

Sincerely,

Kevin

Bingo Night Reminders

Dear MLK Families,

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

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

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

http://doodle.com/bzcs3hdauttgx8sf

1. Evening activities at King are family events. Parents and guardians are responsible for the close supervision of their children. Children cannot attend without a supervising adult.
2. Be aware of the evening safety procedures at MLK--including NO PARKING IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING.


Parking
Due to the limited availability of parking at King, parents should plan to park in the neighborhood during all evening events at King.
There is NO PARKING in front of the school, by the fire hydrant, or on the left-hand side of the front circular drive.

Reason: The front drive is a fire lane and must be kept accessible for emergency vehicles. The fire hydrant area must also be kept clear.
Drop Off/Pick Up
The front entrance will be available for drop off and pick up ONLY. AT NO TIME SHOULD PARKING OCCUR IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL.

Emergency Exits

Below is a map of the school with the arrows indicating emergency exits. Before you come to an evening event at King, please consider designating a place outside the building for your family to meet in the event that the building needs to be evacuated.

Front Entrance

If you have any questions, please call the school office. We'll be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
Principal
MLK School

Drop Off Safety Concerns 2

Dear King Families,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr

Silent Auction Kick-off Gathering - January 29

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

Drop Off Safety Concerns

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

PTO Meeting Cancelled

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

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

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

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

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

ROOM FROM 6:40-7:00 PM.

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

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

Small prizes will be given to every child.

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

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

http://doodle.com/bzcs3hdauttgx8sf

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

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

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

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

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

Science Olympiad Coaches still needed!

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

Donate your used coats, hats, gloves, boots!

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

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

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

King School International Night Performance Signups NOW

Performances: Signups for King School International Night (Thurs Feb. 10) performances are underway! Please email Frances fkwang AT aol DOT com if you would like to participate. Reminders: all performances must be under 3 minutes! Music must be prerecorded on CD. Colorful costumes a plus! Dance, music, poetry, song, more (be creative!) encouraged. Parents and siblings and friends welcome to perform together. With Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays looming, practices must begin ASAP! There are video recordings of previous years' performances in the library if you need ideas of what to expect. Remind fifth graders that this is their last chance!

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

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

International Night is an incredible evening of pride and celebration for the King School Community. We begin with an International Potluck of delectable dishes from around the world. Then we have a Showcase of Student Performances (325 students last year!)—such as Arabic Debkeh Dance, Israeli folk dance, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Bolivian Dance, Dutch song, Thai dulcimer, American Hip-Hop, Indian bhangra dance, Chinese fan dance, and more! We also decorate the hallways with informational Country Displays and art projects for a World Tour. We are also always open to new innovative ideas!

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

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

PHOTOS: Pajama Day 2010!!!

Please click below to enjoy some wonderful photos from Pajama Day 2010 at King School!

http://gallery.me.com/kevinkarr#100021&bgcolor=black&view=grid

December 17th-Wear Pajamas to School Day

The King student council has designated December 17th as Wear Pajamas to School Day.  To celebrate the upcoming vacation of relaxation, wear your most comfortable pajamas to school!  Have fun with slippers and a robe!!!

Academic Games - 3rd Place in November Tournament

Congrats to the King Academic Games team, which picked up another 3rd
place (out of 15 schools) team average trophy this weekend for their
performance at the November Academic Games Tournament at Amerman
School in Northville, MI!

Sign up for King School International Night!

Performances: Signups for King School International Night (Thurs Feb. 10) performances are underway! Please email Frances fkwang AT aol DOT com if you would like to participate. Reminders: all performances must be under 3 minutes! Music must be prerecorded on CD. Colorful costumes a plus! Fifth graders encouraged to perform!

Country Posters: For those who would like to be a part but do not have time to participate in a performance, everyone is invited to make a country poster to teach about a special country or culture that you like! This is a great family project, especially over the holidays when you have some free time. Posters must be flat and able to be taped to the wall. Photos are great! Maps are cool, but no flags please.

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

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

 

Thanks,

Frances Kai-Hwa Wang (Nico's mom)

School Cancelled - 12/13/2010

There will be no school on December 13, 2010 due to the weather.

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

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

SNOWMAN GIVING GIFTS ARE DUE DECEMBER 10TH!!

All gifts purchased for Snowman giving are due on December 10!!
Please attach the blue snowman to your gift and turn it in to the
school office.
Thank you for your support of King School's holiday giving program!!

Support King School - Shop at the PTO Thrift Shop the week of December 5 through December 12 and vote for the King poster.

For every $5 spent, you receive a token to vote for our poster. Our
poster is supporting the Community Action Committee. Voting for our
poster can win our school PTO $500, $350 or $250. Shopping at the PTO
Thrift Shop supports our school and the community.

Borders Book Fair benefiting King PTO December 10, 11 and 12!

The Borders at Arborland (527 Washtenaw Ave) will be hosting a benefits day for the King School community on Friday 12/10 through Sunday 12/12.  The King School PTO will receive up to 25% of your net sales.  You can either shop at the Arborland Borders and give the cashier the voucher (click here for voucher) or shop online at Borders.com and use this promo code:  MLKE1210C. 

 

This is a great opportunity for your friends and family all over the country to support the King School PTO!  Spread the word by posting on your FB page, tweeting or emailing, "Support the King PTO by shopping on Borders.com on 12/10 - 12/12 and using promo code:  MLKE1210C.  Up to 25% of net sales will be donated back to the King School PTO."   

 

Make sure you come to Story Time with Mr. Karr and Ms. Gatonez on Friday 12/10 at 4:30.  Come listen to them read their favorite stories and enjoy some laughs and conversation with your King school community. 

 

Vouchers will be sent home on Friday 12/3 in the Friday Folders and passed out with library books during the week of the Book Fair.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sign Up to be a Science Olympiad Coach!

Enthusiastic coaches are needed to help prepare our kids for the 9th Annual Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad.  There are 18 different events that test different skills.  Coaches for the following events are needed:   A is for Anatomy (grades 2 & 3), Potions, and Straw Tower.  Event descriptions can be found at http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/wesowizards.home/events_2010 .  Get a friend and coach an event together!

 

Coaches are responsible for holding practices (usually starting in February), staying with kids until they are all picked up, ranking the kids in your event so a team can be put together, putting together a display for science night (possibly interactive in some events), guiding our kids to and from your event on Tournament Day. 

 

If you are interested in coaching, please contact Vivian Lin and Erika Levin, this year's King Elementary Science Olympiad co-head coaches, at vhl@umich.edu and emlevin@umich.edu .