Alto All Star Gazette
February 3, 2023
SCHOOL BEGINS AT 8:50 A.M.
Dismissal time: 3:43 PM
1/2 Day Dismissal: 12:00 PM
24-hour attendance line: 616-987-2625
From the desk of Principal Papes
Dear Alto Families,
It has been a great start to 2023, and it is hard to believe that we are into February already! We have certainly experienced some winter weather recently. Thank you for preparing your children for the elements with appropriate winter gear. Please let us know if your child is in need of anything (boots, gloves, hat, coat, etc.). We have some extras on hand! Our district cold weather policy is that we do not have our students go outside for recess if the windchill is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. We’re looking forward to a great February!
Attention families with incoming kindergarteners!
Kindergarten enrollment for next fall will be open on Monday, February 6th. If you have a student who will turn 5 by September 1st, 2023, they can start their school journey. You may also sign a waiver for your child to start school if they turn 5 by December 1st, 2023. Required paperwork for enrollment includes proof of residency, original birth certificate, up to date immunizations and a health appraisal. Information can be found on our school website:
https://www.lowellschools.com/our-district/enrollment/
Free Project Kidsight Vision Screening Provided by the Local Lions
The Lions of Michigan Foundation funds a free vision screening program called Project KIDSIGHT aimed primarily for children. Identifying kids at this age with vision issues gives them a chance to have remedial action to correct the problem and maybe by doing so at this early age, they might not need further correction when they are older. Presently, the Kent County Health Department conducts sight and hearing evaluations for children in the first, third and fifth grades. The local Lions group would like to offer vision screening for kindergarten, second and fourth grades to augment the Health Department’s vision checks. The vision screening will occur on February 15th and 16th. Please see the attached information. If you would like your student(s) to participate in this free screening, please complete the Vision Screening Consent Form (attached) and return it to school at your earliest convenience. For your convenience, a paper copy will also be sent home with all kindergarten, second, and fourth grade students. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this free vision screening.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. We appreciate your continued trust and support as we work together to provide your children with an outstanding educational experience.
With Gratitude,
Paul Papes, Principal
It's time for GYM!
Happy February! As a winter fanatic, the month of January was a rough month of mild temperature weather that stalled my plans of cross-country skiing. However, this past week of cold, snowy and beautiful weather has allowed me to head out for a ski every morning before work. I hope you all were as lucky as I and able to take advantage of this winter weather.
We have been on a roll in the gym since the start of the new year. We have completed both our jumping/leaping and lacrosse units. During our jumping unit, students practiced individual jump rope, long jump rope, running long jump, stationary high jump, and hurdling. I always start this unit with the disclaimer that jumping rope is difficult to start, but gets easier as you go. Jumping rope is good exercise with great versatility, which enables students to keep challenging themselves to learn new things. My biggest takeaway from this unit is that we have so many rock stars at Alto. I was blown away at some of the physical feats our students accomplished.
Last week we finished up our lacrosse unit. Students continued to work on and perfect their cradling, scooping, passing, shooting, and catching skills. I tried to reinforce to students that catching is one of the more difficult skills, but gets easier with practice. Students put their skills to the test with modified lacrosse games at the end of the unit. It is my sincere hope that this unit encouraged some students to sign up for Lowell Lacrosse because there was most definitely some talent on display in the gym.
We are currently in the middle of our bowling unit. Our lower elementary students are aiming to get the basics down with a single step bowling approach. Upper elementary students are learning both the four and five step approach. We may throw in a little fowling this upcoming week to mix it up a bit. Our next few units in physical education will be gymnastics, pickleball, floor hockey, and rock climbing.
Please make sure to send your student with appropriate athletic shoes on physical education days. Stay healthy, keep active, and go blue!
Logan McLeod
Physical Education Teacher
Alto Elementary
Countdown to Kindergarten!
Field Day Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for volunteers to help with this year's Field Day. It is always a fun day and we'd love to see you!
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Mark Your Calendar!
2/16: 5W to WWC
2/16: Popcorn Day!
2/17: 1/2 day- dismissal at NOON
2/20: NO SCHOOL
2/22: 2nd and 3rd grade music concert
2/23-2/24- 5th to Forest Hills Aquatic Center
Office Notes!
Please continue to have your child check the lost and found as there are many unclaimed coats, snow pants, gloves and hats! Any items left at the end of the month will be donated to FROM in Lowell.
Wittenbach Wege Center
Alto Elementary School
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary