Alto All Star Gazette
November 6, 2020
SCHOOL BEGINS 8:45 A.M.
Inclement Weather drop-off time 8:39
HALF-DAY DISMISSAL 11:35-11:55 a.m.
DISMISSAL TIME 3:18 -3:38 p.m.
24-Hour Attendance Line- 616-987-2625
NEWS FROM MR. PAPES
Alto Families,
Coming off of Halloween weekend, we’ve had another fantastic week here! Our classroom communities continue to thrive, and I am so impressed by the outstanding teaching and learning that takes place each and every day at our school. The positive energy and enthusiasm from staff and students is incredible. We continue to reinforce to our students that they are Safe, Thoughtful, Accountable, and Respectful as Alto Alto Stars. They continue to do a great job as citizens of our school community in all settings. We have amazing kids! Thank you for all that you do to prepare them for success each day.
Students Returning to Face-to-Face Instruction
We have approximately 20 students returning to school for face-to-face instruction for the 2nd trimester starting November 30th. Overall, this will not significantly impact class sizes. For most classes, we may be adding one face-to-face student to the rosters. If more significant changes are necessary, parents of these classes will be notified. We are grateful that we are able to continue to provide excellent options for both virtual and face-to-face learning.
Construction Update
The new wing is very close to completion! It’s going to be a great addition to our school. Once we are able to occupy the space, our kindergarten classrooms will be planning their move down to the new classrooms. Additionally, music education will be occupying one of the classrooms for the remainder of this school year. This will be an exciting way for all students to experience this new addition.
1st Trimester End November 24th
We only have two more weeks left in the first trimester. This a great time to acknowledge your child’s efforts so far this school year and to encourage a strong finish to this trimester before setting new goals for the 2nd trimester.
The following article offers some quick tips on ways to motivate your child to learn:
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/10-ways-to-motivate-your-child-to-learn.html
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
Updated Kent County Health Department School Toolkit:
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/SchoolChildcareToolkit.pdf
Please note this important information in the FAQ section on page 39:
32. What should siblings do when they have someone in their home that is symptomatic, has been tested, but the test results have not come back yet? When there are students awaiting test results of their siblings, they should not attend school. If the test comes back negative, they can come back to school. If the test result for the sibling comes back positive, they have already started their required 14-day quarantine.
33. If a person in quarantine begins to show symptoms that are concerning for COVID-19 should the other household members be quarantined while awaiting the sibling to be tested and receive test results? Yes, since the person qualifies as a close contact and is now showing symptoms, they would be considered a probable positive. Therefore, the other siblings should quarantine. If test results are not positive, the siblings can return to school.
37. How far back must you look when identifying close contacts to a positive case? A close contact is anyone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting from 48 hours (or 2 days) prior to getting tested or showing symptoms.
Thank you for your continued support! As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Enjoy the weekend!
Sincerely,
Paul Papes
Wellness Check-In Survey
In addition to meeting students' academic needs, we are invested in supporting their social/emotional needs. We all know how unpredictable and unprecedented this pandemic has been. While our social work and support staff have been able to see students (either in-person or virtually!) and provide supports as needed, we would like to complete a more thorough wellness check-in for all students. This optional survey will help us determine building, grade and/or individual student social-emotional needs.
Parents, please complete the wellness check-in through the google form below for each of your children. If you have children that attend a different elementary, you will receive a building-specific survey from that principal. We thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Class with the WWC!
Beautiful day with the WWC!
Outside class is the best!
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENU WEEK OF 11/09-11/13
11/09: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar OR Mini Cinnis
11/10: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar OR Mini Cinnis
11/11: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
11/12: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
11/13: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
**each breakfast served w/ fresh fruit and choice of milk**
Lunch:
11/09: Chicken nuggets w/ mashed potatoes OR Muffin & Goldfish fun lunch
11/10: Cheeseburger w/ fries OR PB&J fun lunch
11/11: Macaroni and cheese w/ broccoli OR Cereal fun lunch
11/12: Personal cheese pizza w/ baked apple slices OR Muffin & Goldfish fun lunch
11/13: Beef hot dog w/ baked beans OR PB&J fun lunch
**each lunch served w/ choice of milk, veggies and fruit**
P.E. News!
This week was an amazing week of outdoor physical education. The weather was better than what I could’ve ever imagined for the first full week of November. On Monday, I had a student complain about the weather being too cold to be outside. By Wednesday, I had a student from that same class complain about it being too hot. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. These kids never cease to amaze me.
One of the most satisfying moments for me as a teacher is when I see my students utilizing skills and engaging in games they learned in class. Over the past couple of weeks, we have completed our disc golf and underhand striking units. On multiple occasions, I have witnessed students playing frisbee, gaga ball, and four square on the playground. Many of the activities we do in school can be played at home, so I encourage you to ask your child what they are learning and doing in physical education. We will be starting our underhand throwing unit next week, which will be followed by overhand throwing and bowling.
A big thank you goes out to the Lowell Education Foundation. LEF approved our application for an educational grant that will enable us to purchase pickleball nets, paddles, and balls. I am beyond excited to add pickleball to our already great PE curriculum. Stay healthy and keep active!
Support Our School and Shop Our ONLINE BOOK FAIR!!!
Lowell Area Schools Community Activities Link
Alto Elementary
Website: lowellareaschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary