MEADOWLARK NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Families,
The district is excited about our new reading curriculum adoption that will be in full swing for the 2017-2018 school year. The reading curriculum is called Journeys and it will be implemented in our Kindergarten through Fifth Grade classrooms. Teachers will have year long professional learning around the curriculum and the impacts for students is going to be great! The website states that "Journeys is a K–6 comprehensive, research-based English Language Arts program built on the foundation of the proven Journeys instructional design that provides all students with a path to achieving rigorous standards with print and state-of-the-art digital components. Students are empowered by skill mastery, inspired by authentic, award-winning text, and are confident—confident in their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, confident in their ability to analyze complex text, and confident that they are building the skills they need for college and careers"
We, as Meadowlark Staff, look forward to taking this JOURNEY with your child!
Dana Matheny
Principal
APRIL CALENDAR
April 3 - 14
- Roller Skating During P.E.
April 3
- 2:30 pm - Ned Show - All School Assembly
- 3:35 pm - STUCO Meeting
- 3:35 pm - Monart Drawing Class
April 4
- 10:40 - 11:40 pm - 5th Grade ELA State Assessment
April 5
- "American Answers Challenge" practice during 5th grade ELP time
- All Day Kindergarten Application Due
- 10:40 - 11:40 am - 5th Grade ELA State Assessment
- 2:00 pm - 2nd Grade Animal Skype
April 6
- 9:00 - 10:00 am - 1st Grade Skype "Amazing Animal Adaptations
- 1:00 - 2:00 pm - 3rd Grade Math State Assessment
- 2:10 pm - ACMS Counselor visit with 5th Graders
April 7
- 5th Grade Field Trip to Topeka
- 1:00 - 2:00 pm - 3rd Grade Math State Assessment
April 10
- 1:15 - 2:15 pm - 4th Grade Math State Assessment
- 3:35 pm - Monart Drawing Class
- 6:30 pm - Board of Education Meeting @ District Office
April 11
- 9:00 am - 2nd Grade Animal Skype
- 9:00 am - 1st Grade Peep STEM Challenge
- 1:15 - 2:15 pm - 4th Grade Math State Assessment
- 5:00 - 9:00 pm - Freddy's Family Night
- 6:30 pm - PTO Meeting
April 12
- 10:40 - 11:40 am - 5th Grade Math State Assessment
- 1:30 pm - "American Answers Challenge" practice during 5th grade ELP Time
April 13
- 10:40 - 11:40 am - 5th Grade Math State Assessment
- 2:00 pm - 2nd Grade Animal Skype
April 14
- 11:30 - 1:00 pm - William Allen White Luncheon
- 1:15 pm - 5th Grade Visit to ACMS
April 16
- Easter Sunday
April 17
- NO SCHOOL - Teachers on Duty
April 18
- 4:00 - 6:30 pm - Variety Show Auditions
April 19
- Papa John's Pizza Fundraiser (20% of your sale goes to Meadowlark)
- 7:30 - 8:30 am - Variety Show Auditions
- 9:30 am - Resource YMCA Swim Day
- 9:30 am - 1st Grade "Pfaff Weather Breakout"
- 10:45 am - "American Answers Challenge" Contest
- 1:00 pm - District Wide 4th Grade Skype with NASA
- 4:00 - 6:00 pm - Variety Show Auditions
April 20
- 9:00 am - 1st Grade "Thompson Weather Breakout"
- 10:00 am - 1st Grade "Zarich Weather Breakout"
- 4:00 pm - Site Council Meeting
April 21
- Fitness 4 Fund$ at District Stadium
- 9:30 am - 5th Grade Stem/Carousel Field Trip
- 10:00 am - Miss August's Class Gingerbread Skype
- 2:00 pm - 4th Grade Skype California State Parks
- 2:45 pm - Circle of Friends - A Group (craft)
- 6:00 - 9:00 pm - PTO All-Star Sports Night
April 24
- 3:35 pm - Monart Drawing Class
April 25
- 9:15 - 2:15 pm - 3rd - 5th Grade Field ELP Trip to Andover Public Library
- 6:00 pm - 6th Grade Orientation Meeting at ACMS
April 26
- 9:00 - 10:30 am - 3rd & 4th Grade Music Rehearsal
April 27
- 9:00 - 10:30 am - 3rd & 4th Grade Music Rehearsal
- 7:00 - 8:00 pm - 3rd & 4th Grade Music Program at ACHS
April 28
- 1:30 - 2:20 pm - Benjamin Franklin Assembly - 3rd-5th Grades
- 2:30 - 3:15 pm - Benjamin Franklin Assembly - K-2nd Grades
April 29
- 9:00 - 1:45 pm - Bicycle Safety Academy (see information below)
WE WISH OUR STAFF A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
- 6 - April Wadsworth (Paraprofessional)
- 7 - Kaylene Allison (Kindergarten Teacher)
- 9 - Shelley Vanderhoofven (Paraprofessional)
- 21 - Sheree Segraves (3rd Grade Teacher)
- 25 - Kourtney Thompson (1st Grade Teacher)
- 27 - Alex McMahon (Band Teacher)
- 29 - Alicia Moss (5th Grade Teacher)
5TH GRADE ACMS ENROLLMENT
Parent Orientation Meeting
ACMS Counselor, KayLynn Smith, will be conducting her annual middle school enrollment visit with our 5th graders on Thursday, April 6th from 2:10-2:45 pm to talk about 6th grade, pass out enrollment forms, and answer questions.
- Friday, April 14th - 5th graders travel to Andover Central Middle School for a tour and meet the teachers. The tour will be from 1:15-2:30 pm.
- Tuesday, April 25th - 6th Grade Parent Orientation Meeting, 6 pm at Andover Central Middle school
Mrs. Clarkson
School Counselor
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
You're Invited: Bond Informational Meetings April 11 & 17
Andover Public Schools will hold a bond election on May 9. The district, in partnership with our community, has studied its facilities for the past year. We have an opportunity to reinvest in our schools and provide opportunities for our students to successfully learn and grow.
Join us April 11 at Andover Central High School and April 17 at Andover High School, both at 7 p.m., to learn more about the 2017 ANDOVER BOND ISSUE. At the informational meetings, you will learn:
- What is included in the 2017 Bond Issue
- How the district will enhance safety & security with storm shelters and secure entrances
- What the necessary facility improvements are, including roof repairs and HVAC systems
- How the district can enhance academic choice and provide equitable opportunities
- How we can maintain the current school district bond mill rate
GO VOTE in Andover Public Schools’ bond election on May 9. For more information about the 2017 Bond Issue, please visit USD385.ORG/BOND.
THE MUSIC ROOM
3rd & 4th Grade Music Program
WHEN: Thursday, April 27
WHERE: Andover Central High School
TIME: 7:00 PM
Information about this program will go home with your student.
FUNDRAISERS
Fitness For Funds Update
The letters we sent out are rolling back in with love for Meadowlark. We are more than halfway towards our $20,000 goal, which means half way to the school wide DJ Dance Party. There is still time to send in donations before the deadline and that every donation goes directly to Meadowlark. We will be starting to hand out prizes, and we will continue through the end of April.
Donation can be made online. Go to www.fitnessforfunds.com. All donations are fully tax deductible and some companies will match donations for their employees!
Students will go to the Andover District Stadium for one hour on Friday, April 21. During this hour, your children will walk/jog around the track, participate in other fun physical activities and enjoy a light snack.
Freddy's Spirit Night
WHEN: TUESDAY, APRIL 11
TIME: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Freddy's will donate a percentage of your purchase back to Meadowlark!
ANDOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Bicycle Safety Academy
The Andover Police Department School Resource Officers will be hosting a “Bicycle Safety Academy” on Saturday, April 29th, 2017 at Meadowlark Elementary School.
Where: Meadowlark Elementary
When: Saturday, April 29th
1st Graders: 9:00 - 9:45 am
2nd Graders: 10:00 - 10:45 am
3rd Graders: 11:00 - 11:45 am
4th Graders: 12:00 - 12:45 pm
5th Graders: 1:00 - 1:45 pm
Siblings can rider together!
ALL Meadowlark Students are encouraged to participate.
WHAT TO BRING: Your child’s bicycle, helmet, tennis shoes, and appropriate clothing.
If your child does not have a helmet please contact Officer Tiah Smith at
316-733-5177 ext. 244
We will have a bicycle obstacle course set up for the students. Each student will get fitted for their helmet, learn hand signals, learn how to cross roads safely, attend street signs education, and they will earn a
PERSONALIZED BICYCLE DRIVER LICENSE!!!
ALL-STAR SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Reading, Writing & Math
The reading specialist and resource teachers of Meadowlark Elementary will be offering instruction in the areas of:
*Reading: phonics, fluency, and comprehension
*Math: fact fluency, operations & algebra, numbers & operations, measurement, and geometry
*Writing: writing process and grammar
$100 per week, $175 for two weeks, $225 for three weeks
DATES:
June 5-8 (grades K-2 - 8:30-10:00) (grades 3-5 - 10:15-11:45)
June 12-15 (grades K-2 - 8:30-10:00) (grades 3-5 - 10:15-11:45)
June 19-22 (grades K-2 - 8:30-10:00) (grades 3-5 - 10:15-11:45)
Click on the link below for registration form.
Summer P.E. Camp
Camp will be held at the Meadowlark Gym. I will meet your child at the middle entrance (by trash dumpsters) at the start of each session. Sessions will include indoor and outdoor fitness games, activities, team building challenges, as well as fun “Camp Style” activities. Last day of camp will have a Fun Finale Activity!!! Sessions will promote fitness, but also good sportsmanship and teamwork! The cost of one session is $45 and will run Monday – Thursday. If signing up for more than one session you will receive $5 off. Per child. Session 1 and Session 2 will be the same format but will have different activities. Students are encouraged to bring a light snack. We have a water fountain in the gym, however, it is fine if your child would prefer to bring a water bottle. A cold treat will be provided the last day of camp. Sessions will fill up fast so be sure to get registered early!
Session 1: June 12-15 - 9:30-11:30
Session 2: June 19-22 - 9:30-11:30
Click on the link below for registration form!
Summer Art Camp
Join us for a summer Art Camp led by Meadowlark Art teacher, Mrs. Russo! Sessions will be Monday-Thursday from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. The fee is $50 a session which covers art supplies and 8 hours of instruction. All grades are welcome. If you have any questions, email Mrs. Russo at russol@usd385.org
Session 1: May 29 - June 1 9:30 - 11:30 am
Landscapes: We will be studying different types of landscapes and learning how to use different values to create an outdoor scene.
Session 2: June 5 - June 9 9:30 - 11:30 am
Under the Sea: This class will be filled with bright, saturated colors! We will be painting different textures and colors of ocean life.
Session 3: June 12- June 15 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Jungle: We will be looking at the famous artist, Henri Rousseau for inspiration for this wild painting adventure.
Click on the link below for registration form!
NOW UNTIL APRIL 25TH!
The ACHS Booster Club will be selling prepackaged school supplies again for the 2017-2018 school year. For each kit sold, $1.00 will go towards your school’s PTO. The remaining proceeds will benefit activities at ACHS.
How does the Booster Club know what my child needs? The District Office provides us with the list of school supplies needed for the following school year.
Are these quality supplies? Each school supply package will be filled with teacher requested brand names such as Crayola, Fiskars, and Elmer’s. Quality is guaranteed.
How do I order a school supply package for my child?
Option 1: For your convenience, orders may be placed online no later than April 25th at www.shopttkits.com. Use ID number 27372. If you order online, you will still need to pick up the supplies at ACHS on Thursday, August 10th. Links are on the District and your school’s websites.
Option 2: Order forms for the supplies will be distributed through school offices, Peachjar, and on the District website. The orders are due in your child’s school office with payment of cash or check made out to ACBC no later than April 25.
As in the past, required items including ear buds, flash drives, and calculators are available for purchase as optional items.
When will my child receive their school supply package? School supplies will be available for pick up at Andover Central High School, 603 E Central from 11am-2pm and 4-7pm on THURSDAY, August 10th. Online orders will also need to be picked up then as well.
Can I buy these prepackaged supplies in August? Unfortunately, NO. To provide the lowest possible price, we can only offer this opportunity until April 25th.
How do I help a child in need of school supplies? Simply add the amount you would like to donate on the order form or online form where “DONATION” is indicated. These funds will help purchase supplies for students in our district.
For questions, please contact the ACHS Booster Club School Supply Committee:
Tracy Sitz - 316-304-5009
tripsitz@sbcglobal.net
Desiree Shellenberger - 316-706-5729
shellend@usd385.org
Click on the link below for order form.
AMERICAN ANSWERS COMPETITION
5th/6th Grade Academic Competition
Selected Meadowlark fifth grade students will be competing on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 in the America Answers 5th/6th Grade academic competition. The competition is designed to be a scholastic team competition that is a self-scoring, computer contest of 100 multiple-choice questions, with the point totals being compared across the state. Areas that will be covered include math, geography, government, sports, spelling, science, literature, English, history, general information and just plain fun trivia. The students will gather to answer the computer generated questions. The quiz offers the participants two chances to answer correctly. The points will be awarded based on how fast the answer the questions as a group, as well as how accurately they answer. No adult assistance will be given, however team practices will be run prior to the competition.
The 2017 America Answers Challenge team members include: Trevor S., Ellie B. Landon C., Kendall D., Hayden S., Ethan F., Jaxon C., and Addison M.
KINDERGARTEN NEWS
Donuts With Daddy
The kindergartners were so excited to celebrate Donuts with Daddy. Students sang some special songs in honor of their daddy. Working together, they made paper airplanes that they tested on several different flight paths including distance and flying through hoops. Of course, everyone enjoyed the yummy donuts.
LIBRARY NEWS
The William Allen White Club and Luncheon
There is still plenty of time to finish William Allen White reading to earn a spot in the “Hall of Fame” and to participate in the luncheon. All tests or summaries will be due by April 7. Luncheon will be on April 14. So many students are super close to completing the requirements. Please encourage your student!!!!
Find us on Facebook
Spring Book Fair
THANKS to all that made the book fair a HUGE success! The library was able to immediately add a little less than 100 new books to the collection! Student donations to All for Books totaled $270.00. Scholastic donates one book for every dollar collected! WAY TO GO ALLSTARS!
The money will be used to further add more titles to the library for all students to enjoy!
According to Scholastic over 900 books were sold! Amazing!
ANDOVER ADVANTAGE FOUNDATION
2017 Grant Recipients
The Andover Advantage Foundation awarded 6 grants to Meadowlark Elementary School this year. These grants will benefit all students at Meadowlark. Thank you so much for your support. Your donations provide the resources to ensure excellence in the educational experiences of ALL Andover students.
CONGRATULATIONS TO.....
Kaylene Allison - Kindergarten Teacher
Bev Finney - Kindergarten Teacher
Michaila Pfaff - 1st Grade Teacher
Jennifer Taylor - 2nd Grade Teacher
Connolly August - 2nd Grade Teacher
Rachael Hoopes - 5th Grade Teacher
Alicia Moss - 5th Grade Teacher
Troy Smith - 5th Grade Teacher
CJ Bextel - 4th Grade Teacher
Alexis Kamman - Resource Teacher
Meadowlark Elementary School
Email: harveyr@usd385.org
Website: http://meadowlark.usd385.org/
Location: 1411 N Main St, Andover, KS, United States
Phone: 316-218-4630
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowlarkelementary