Flint Lake News
Work hard at all you do. Be kind to others.
IMPORTANT DATES:
APRIL:
4-8th -- Riley Week - Sponsored by Student Council
13th -- PTO Meeting @ 6:00 PM
14th -- Kindergarten Roundup
15-May 13th -- mCLASS Reading EOY Testing Window
18-May 6th -- ISTEP Online - Part II Testing Window
19th -- 1st and 2nd Grade Music Program @ 6:30
21st -- School Board Meeting @ Northview Elementary
22nd -- IN SESSION - SNOW MAKE UP DAY
29th -- Harlem Wizards Game @ VHS
MAY:
9th-27th -- NWEA Testing Window
10th -- 3rd Grade Music Program @ 6:30 PM
11th -- PTO Meeting @ 4:00 in Flint Lake Media Center
12th -- Flint Lake Maker's Fair - 5:30-7:00 PM
13th -- No School -- Snow Makeup Day
17th -- 4th and 5th Grade Music Program @ 6:30 PM
19th -- School Board Meeting @ Cooks Corners
24th -- 5th Grade Visit to Middle School
25th -- Variety Show @ 6:30
27th -- Field Day
30th -- No School - Snow Makeup Day
31st -- Field Day Rain Makeup Day
A note from the Principal
Greetings, Flint Lake Families,
As you may already know, this year, Flint Lake Elementary started a new club for 5th graders. It is entitled, “STEAM Club,” and it originated from the “Maker Movement” that is growing throughout the world. The idea behind the club is to instill an interest for innovation, invention, creativity and engineering in our students. The ideals we’ve established for the group are:
-to create something that makes our world an even better place, and
-to openly share our ideas and creations with others, affording other Makers the opportunity to improve them further.
So far, the Flint Lake STEAM Club participants have done some computer programming, circuitry projects, chemistry and videography. We have also partnered with the School of Engineering at Valparaiso University for sessions in structural engineering and chemistry. A site visit to VU is planned for this spring, and a trip to the Porter County Career Center is also in the works.
That being said, our Flint Lake STEAM students are excited to announce that they will be hosting a Makers Faire this spring. The Makers Faire replaces a traditional science fair in that students are to develop an idea that is NEW, rather than repeat an age-old experiment. All students are invited to invent something and display their projects at the Faire, and projects can be in any form -- sketch, model, prototype or final stages. The only requirement is that the invention must somehow make the world an even better place. Whether it makes it easier to get ready in the morning or solves the global problem of safe drinking water, all positive-thinking projects are welcome! Art, music, design or other innovative endeavors are also encouraged. Students in all grade levels are invited to participate.
So, be on the lookout for information about the Flint Lake Makers Faire coming this May. Start working on your creative inventions. Come share your ideas. Come see the ideas of others. Let’s all make the world an even better place!
I’ll see you at the Makers Faire!
Erin Hawkins
Kindergarten Roundup
For Parents of Kindergartners for the 2016-2017 School Year:
We will offer two identical meetings for roundup. Please choose the one that best fits your schedule. Children who are entering kindergarten in the fall of 2016 and their parents must make arrangements to attend. During the meeting, all students will be given an assessment.
The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, April 14, 2016 ● 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. OR 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Prior to Roundup
Please complete and submit registration information for your child's home school by clicking on the following link: http://www.valpo.k12.in.us//site/Default.aspx?PageID=1889
We look forward to seeing you there!
Spring into the Arts
Valparaiso Community Schools, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and the community, is proud to announce Spring Into the Arts, a month-long celebration of the arts and creativity in our schools.
Organized as a month-long festival, Spring Into the Arts will showcase the intersections of art, technology, education, history, and feature local businesses. Artists of all ages and artist styles will be provided with a platform to showcase how art has transformed them and their community.
The Festival will include:
- K-5 Grade Art Exhibit in 6 downtown buildings
- 6-12 Grade Arts Exhibit featured at White Key Gallery
- 2D/3D Art
- Performance Art
- Architectural/Historical Art
- Hands-on Workshops
- Technological and Robotic Art
- Interactive Art
- Live Performances
Visit the Spring Into the Arts website to view the schedule and learn more.
Flint Lake Spring Music Programs
- 1st/2nd Grade - April 19th
- 3rd Grade - May 10th
- 4th/5th Grade - May 17th
All performances will be held in the Flint Lake Gymnasium and will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. If you are planning to attend, please fill out and return the bottom portion of the informational letter Mrs. Sager sent home with your child. This will ensure we have enough seating to accommodate all in attendance.
Our students have been hard at work practicing for their program and are looking forward to performing for you!
Nurse News
Attention all 5th grade parents/guardians:
Indiana students entering 6th grade require additional shots/ vaccines to protect against
Meningitis, Varicella (chicken pox), and Pertussis (whooping cough).
Shot / vaccine requirements for children 11 years of age and older are as follows:
Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap): 1 dose
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): 1 dose
Varicella vaccine (chicken pox): 2 doses of varicella vaccine (most already have 2 doses)
Porter County Health Departments: Portage and Valparaiso offices have many openings through May and will be pleased to make appointments, and assist parents with these needs.
Valparaiso Office
155 Indiana Ave. Ste. 104
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 465-3525
M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Portage Office
3610 Willowcreek Rd. Ste 2
Portage, IN 46368
(219) 759-8239
M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Yearbooks
PTO CORNER
PTO Office Elections
Do you enjoy volunteering and helping others? If so, the Flint Lake PTO is the group for you! We are seeking individuals to serve as officers for the upcoming 2016-17 school year. Time commitments are minimal (monthly meetings) with the majority of time allocated by activity.
If you are interested, or would like to learn more about this wonderful opportunity, please contact Michelle Iliff at miliff@valpo.k12.in.us or Jennifer at jennifershelhart@gmail.com.
Book Swap Night
What:
- Exchange your books for new-to-you books
- Make a book mark to take home
- Opportunities to listen to teachers read their favorite books
- Learn about the Valparaiso Public Library’s summer reading program
When:
- Thursday, April 28th from 6:00-7:00 PM
How it Works:
- Drop off bags of books to be swapped in office or pods.
- Clearly label bags with student’s name and teacher if dropping off in office
- For every 2 books donated, students will be able to take home 1 book (up to five) on the Book Swap Night.
Teacher Appreciation Week
If you are interested in being a part of this week-long celebration, please contact Sharon Castellanos at sharonlkramer@hotmail.com. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for additional information.
Book Fair
Flint Lake Elementary
Mrs. Calli Dado, Dean of Students
Website: http://www.valpo.k12.in.us/Domain/302
Location: 4106 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN, United States
Phone: (219)531-3160