Alto All Star Gazette
November 24, 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,
There has been great energy in the building these last few weeks. Your kids are awesome! We couldn’t be more pleased with the success we’ve had this first trimester. As a reminder, the first trimester ends today, November 24th. The 2nd trimester begins Monday, November 30th, when we return to school from the Thanksgiving Break. We are also excited to welcome students back who are returning to face-to-face instruction from the virtual option.
Construction Update
We are excited to move into the new wing when we return on November 30th. Music class will be held in one of the new classrooms for the remainder of this school year. This will be a great opportunity for all students to visit the new wing two times each week. Mrs. Fox’s kindergarten class will be moving into their new classroom starting November 30th and our new first grade classroom with Mrs. Tourison will also be moving into a new classroom. Mrs. Conlin and Mrs. Happie will start in their new kindergarten classrooms after the Winter Holiday Break on Monday, January 4th. As you can see in the pictures, we will have small group areas in the oversized hallway. There will be tables, small stools, and chairs added to the bench areas. Also, the carpeted area at the end of the hallway will have flexible seating options that will be utilized for small group learning. Another nice feature is the bathrooms in the vestibule that will be utilized during recesses, as well as the addition of several storage areas that will be very beneficial. We’re very pleased with the way the new wing has come together. They will be great lower el. learning environments, and the added space will help us utilize more suitable learning spaces throughout the school. Thanks again for your support with this project!
Lowell Wellness Camp
Last week, we wrapped up our virtual Lowell Wellness Camp led by Jodie Seese and several GVSU public health graduate students. Nineteen Alto students (3rd-5th) participated in the four week after school program. Students learned about food groups, yoga and mindfulness, the effects of sugar on their bodies, stress management techniques, expressing their feelings and emotions, ways to stay active, and the effects of screen time. The program is typically in person, but was offered virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. The camp was a great experience for those involved, and we are thankful for the experience that was provided. We are fortunate to have community members like Jodie who bring programs like this to our Lowell students.
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
Thank you for all of your efforts to help keep our kids in school. Keeping your children home when they are exhibiting symptoms is extremely important. Additionally, keeping household members home when waiting on the healthcare evaluation or COVID-19 test results for another household member is a critical step.
A healthcare evaluation (clear alternative diagnosis or COVID-19 testing) is indicated if a student/staff has any two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, body aches, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea
OR
One of the following: new cough, loss of taste or smell, or shortness of breath
We hope you enjoy the holiday break with your children and have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. On behalf of our entire staff, we wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for our amazing school community.
With Gratitude,
Paul Papes
Mark Your Calendars!
11/30: Trimester 2 Begins
Breakfast and Lunch Menu Week of 11/30-12/04
11/30: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar or Mini Cinnis
12/01: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar or Mini Cinnis
12/02: Skewered Sausage Pancake or Banana Muffin
12/03: Skewered Sausage Pancake or Banana Muffin
12/04: Cherry Frudel or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
Lunch:
11/30: Chicken Nuggets w/ Mashed Potatoes or Muffin & Goldfish Fun Lunch
12/01: Cheeseburger and French Fries or PB&J Fun Lunch
12/02: Macaroni and Cheese or Cereal Fun Lunch
12/03: Personal Cheese Pizza or Muffin & Goldfish Fun Lunch
12/04: Beef Hot Dog or PB&J Fun Lunch
Art
Thankfulness from the Art room!
I want to express my deep feelings of gratitude that I have for the privilege and the joy of teaching Art to your children. There is not another job in the world that I would rather do! To help your children learn to create and communicate their ideas trough Art is one of my life’s goals, a dream come true, and one of the best reasons I get up in the morning.
Thank you for sharing your children with me!
Sincerely Yours,
Anna Marie Carabellese
Office Notes
- Please have your student pack an extra mask, or two, in their backpack. With the colder weather coming masks are more apt to get wet!
- Another great thing to pack is extra clothing. Unfortunately we are unable to provide extra clothing if clothes become wet, muddy, etc...
- Thank you so much for calling in absences! We appreciate it! The attendance line is available 24 hours a day at 616-987-2625. Please be sure to include the reason why your student will be out.
Enjoy your long weekend!
Free Flu Shot Clinic
Where: Cherry Creek Elementary (12675 Foreman St, SE)
Who: Any person 5 years old or older (No ID required)
Last Call for Secret Santa Shop!
We know that so much about this school year looks different, but we're so excited that our school will be participating in The Penguin Patch® Holiday Shop Online Experience to spread holiday cheer!
Penguin Patch® Holiday Shop is a fun way for students to shop for family members and experience the spirit of giving while learning to budget and save! Our online shop will be open until NOVEMBER 30th!
Students can log into the secure shopping platform by visiting: shop.penguinpatch.com.
Thank you for supporting our school!
Ski and Snowboard Club
Lowell Area Schools Community Activities Link
Alto Elementary
Website: www.lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altoelementary