Tiger Times
February 2019
Acton Elementary
Phone: 862-6108
FAX: 317-862-7251
ATTENDANCE: 317-803-5105
TRANSPORTATION: 317-862-2314
Website: http://www.ftcsc.k12.in.us/acton
Location: 8010 Acton Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-862-6108
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acton-Elementary-School-1522775218039522/
Drop off/pick up
Pick up MUST be done from the car rider line as well. Car rider numbers are available at the front office.
Your cooperation helps keep our students safe.
Attendance Line
School Times
8:50am-3:50pm
Wednesday
8:50am-3:20pm
Car Rider Doors Open at 8:35am
E-LEARNING DAY - February 18th
E- Learning Day coming on February 18th. Our district website ftcsc.org has tons of information for you including: FAQ, how to videos for both secondary and elementary E-Learning Day navigation, district E-Learning Day letter, and so much more. Check it out!
Elementary How to video: https://youtu.be/TokdVDzHQNA
Parent letter: https://ftcsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Parent-Letter-on-eLearning-Days.pdf
EXISTING STUDENT ONLINE REGISTRATION
Parents - please be sure to fill out the online registration for existing students. This needs to be completed for each student for Infinite Campus. Log in to your parent portal (not your students portal) and click on the the "online registration" link at the bottom of the left hand column. Follow the prompts to electronically verify/update the information in Infinite Campus.
To request your Infinite Campus parent portal information:
Only a student's Parent/Legal Guardian may request the portal information for their student. The email must be sent from the email address on file with the school district. Send the request to ichelp@ftcsc.org.
oin us on February 5th at 6:30pm to hear from Kevin Adams, our school counselor. He will discuss counseling services in school and our PBIS program and answer any questions. Our February PTO meeting will follow! Childcare is provided by our awesome YMCA staff and snacks will be provided. See you there!
WAYS TO HELP ACTON WHILE DOING YOUR REGULAR ACTIVITIES
Student Council
FCHS student council spent time helping our Acton students create Kindness Rocks! We had a blast!
The Kindness Adventure
NED was afraid of all the new things he would experience, but soon learned how connected we are to each other and how to banish those negative thoughts.
Some of the themes students learned about were:
1. Caring is cool
2. Include others
3. I can make friends anywhere
4. Each person matters a lot
5. Different can be good
We had many students purchase Kenyan treasures which support the Kenyan artisans and help provide clean drinking water to people in Kenya.
Thanks Tigers for all of your Kindness!
It’s that time of year for Camp Care-A-Lot. This is a Lunch Bunch that covers all social areas and is available to all students. The group’s participants will each lunch with the counselor one day a week for ten weeks. Children will learn coping skills such as identifying feelings, learning what they can and cannot change, and how to instill positive self-talk into their daily lives.
This group can benefit all kids, especially kids going through any challenges in life or just might need some encouragement to feel successful. Camp Care-A-Lot is also great for kids dealing with teasing and bullying.
If you would like your child involved in this 10 week lunch bunch, please contact your child's teacher or Mr. Adams.
January Students of the Month for KINDNESS
In January our teachers were looking for students who were showing KINDNESS.
Kindness is showing concern about the well-being and feelings of others.
These students were selected and will be on our bulletin board outside the lunchroom, receive a certificate, and special gift card. Congratulations!
Kindergarten
Emerine---Jimmy Rickey and Addilynn Little
Froning--- Rosalyn Duffner and Maddox Bongen
McMaster--- Christian Ross and Jayla Wisdom
First Grade
Miller--- Rayanna McCrary and Alexis Schultz
Gilkerson--- Spencer Griffith and Taylor McKeller
Elliott--- Mason Jones and Olive PIttman
Second Grade
Brooks--- Kirstynn Mails and Cash Dukate
Krug--- Ally Koons and ZAchary Leal
Parsons--- Erica McMullin and Caden Young
Third Grade
Simmons--- Sophia Cleary and Andrew Whitmire
Milholland--- Ean VanGordon and Michael Thomas
Jewell---Chelsy Guerrero and Hannah-Lynn Burns
Fourth Grade
Beechler--- Jenna Chappell and Lucas Stiens
Rigsby--- Sophia Mellentine and Zack Wallen
Reynolds--- Weston Smith and Zoe Czap
Fifth Grade
Neifert---Quentin Mackey and Cheyenne Cole
Leal--- Gray Russell and Anneliese Armstead
Scott--- Zeke Miyesa and Lexi Carr
Related Arts
J. Adams--Gym---- Elijah McCrary and Alisia Bails
Stevenson-Music---- Hugo Cumpean and Carley Stevens
McConaha-Library---- Megan Stevenson and Kaylynn Mails
Ryan--Art-----Lily Gann and Katelynn Shirey
Below is the link to pre-register. Thank you for helping us keep our kids safe.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/Safe/Visitor/franklin000012
GETTING TO KNOW OUR ACTON OHANA
Meet our Related Arts team
Getting to Know Your Related Arts Team
Ms. Melani Ryan
Ms. Ryan has been an Art teacher in Franklin Township for 28 years. Ms. Ryan taught at Acton before going over to Kitley several years ago. When Acton reopened, she knew she wanted to rejoin the tiger team. She loves being back at Acton! She loves working with her students and watching them become artists. Growing up she admired many of her teachers and the special things they would do for their students. She knew she wanted to be that kind of a teacher.
Did you know that Ms. Ryan loves watching Hallmark Christmas movies (who doesn’t ?) She has a dog and a cat and loves spoiling them with treats and toys. She also has two grown sons, whom both live out of state. Her phone conversations and occasional visits with them are precious moments to Ms. Ryan.
Mrs. Stevenson
Mrs. Stevenson has been teaching Music in Franklin Township for 16 years. She taught at Acton Elementary and then transferred to Kitley when Acton was closed. Three years ago she came back to Acton to help re-open the building and teach music to our Acton Tigers. She is a natural leader and an invaluable team player. She loves teaching music and says, “I love to help children discover the fun and joy of making music!” Students love music because she makes it fun and interactive. Staff members love to work with her because she has an infectious laugh and an irresistible smile. She is a proud Acton Tiger!
Mrs. Stevenson has an amazing family. She and her husband have three amazing children. The Stevenson family loves Star Wars. Whenever they play around and assign family members Star Wars characters, Mrs. Stevenson is always assigned to be Chewbacca!
Ms. Alayna Pierce
Ms. Pierce joined our Acton tiger family earlier this school year as our Media Specialist. She is at Acton every three weeks because we share her with South Creek and Thompson Crossing. While this is her first year as a media specialist, it is her sixth year teaching. She has taught second through fifth grade previously. She says she loves being a Media Specialist because, “I love watching students become independent learners in the media center and the excitement that happens when they discover something new. Nothing makes my day more than talking with a student about a book we have both read and enjoyed!” She also loves this new role because the media centers are evolving. Library work is so much more than books! She loves working with computers and has a soft spot for science and the arts in the media center, too.
Fun Fact about Ms. Pierce: She’s a circus aerialist just for fun!
Mrs. Kelly McConaha
Mrs. McConaha started out as an English as a New Language (ENL) Instructional Assistant at Kitley Elementary School before she transferred to Acton. She came to us three years ago as our ENL IA and served in that role until mid-year last school year. When the Media Clerk position opened up, she eagerly transitioned into her new role. She says, “Kids are my joy. I enjoy knowing that I may have just the slightest impact on their day/lives.”
Mrs. McConaha grew up in Franklin Township and feels blessed to work and live in the same place she grew up. Her passions are photography, animals, IU basketball and watching her children in their sporting events.
Mrs. Jayne Adams
Mrs. Adams has had a diverse career during her 21 years in education. She started as a fourth grade teacher and then transitioned to a school counselor. Her dream has always been to become a PE teacher and when Acton Elementary was hiring for this role she knew this was her chance. Mrs. Adams diligently worked on her PE certification and was hired as the Acton Physical Education teacher. When asked what she loves about her job, she responds, “I love working with kids. They make my job interesting and fun! I also love working with the families at Acton Elementary. I love each and every student and want to contribute to their growth as a person.”
Mrs. Adams has a wonderful family that she adores. She is always sharing funny stories about her husband, kids, grandkids and pets. They have two dogs, a bunny and a not-so-friendly hedgehog. Mrs. Adams is not only moving and grooving at school everyday, but she also loves to workout after school, going to movies and just hanging out with her families. She grew up riding horses and would love to get back into riding again.
SPARC CENTER
5th grade Moon presentation
MILLION MINUTE CHALLENGE
MUSIC NEWS
Music Standards Update:
There are now 11 standards and the music standards are divided up into general Music and Performance Ensemble Standards. This month we will focus on Standard 9. The standards in their entirety can always be accessed at the Department of Education website: http://www.doe.in.gov.
10. Creating a varied repertoire of music by representing audiated and aurally perceived music.
*The in class examples listed below are examples of activities/lessons that students will experience throughout the school year. If you have questions about when these lessons will occur, please contact Mrs. Stevenson.
Transform (10): Creating a varied repertoire of music by representing audiated and aurally perceived music.
K-2 - (Transform 10.2.1) Create movement patterns and describe their relationships to audiated and/or aurally perceived songs.
3-5 – (Transform 10.5.1) Demonstrate the rhythm, melody, and form of an audiated and/or aurally perceived song through traditional and/or non-traditional notation.
In Class Examples – Creative movement is a large part of music, particularly in the younger grades. We often describe music through movement or show a change in music through movement. We also use movement to define music terms. (Allegro/Adagio etc…) With the younger grades notation is “non-traditional” at first, usually meaning pictures and then we move into notes and writing music on the music staff as well as using correct music symbols for tempo, dynamics and other musical directions.
Mark Your Calendar....
Music Dates:
February:
February 1st – Sign-ups for band, choir and orchestra due to Mrs. Stevenson from 5th grade students.
February 5th – 5th grade field trip to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
March:
March 7th – Grade 1 Related Arts Night – 6:00 pm
April/May:
April 18th – 4th grade program, 6:00 pm – 5th grade program, 7:15 pm
*All school performance during the day
April 27th – Folk Dance Festival
TBD (May) – International Fair
What to know what is going on in music class? Follow us on Facebook!
Art February News!!!
We are starting off the month of February with stations in Art! We are focusing on the six Elements of Art; Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Space and Form. Each station features an Element of Art and page to complete for that element.
Third,fourth and fifth grade just finished their first "Art of the Sandwich" critique. They look at the work of another student. They answer a series of three questions regarding the students work with emphasis on "positive feedback sandwiched around a constructive feedback comment. They all did a great job offering comments and feedback to their classmates!!
Next, we are going to escape and head over to Eqypt for some Eqyptian artwork!
First Grade Related Arts Night
Ever wonder what really goes on in Library, Music, Art and PE class? Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 6:00 pm. The first grade Related Arts Night is a night designed for you to experience Library, Art, Music and PE with your first grade student!
Schedule for evening;
The program will begin with all in the cafeteria. First grade students will share a few musical selections and Related Arts Teachers will explain the format for the evening. Then we will split into our 3 first grade classes and you will get to spend 10 minutes in each area experiencing Library/art/music/PE with your child!
Students should wear an Acton t-shirt and tennis shoes so they are able to participate fully in the PE activities. All family members planning to participate should come comfortably dressed. Students will report to the cafeteria with their families and the program will begin at 6:00 pm!
We hope to see you there!
Miss Pierce, Mrs. McConaha, Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Adams and Ms. Ryan
5th Grade parents
Dear 5th Grade Parents,
Welcome back! Although we still have a full semester left here at Acton Elementary, it is time for your child to begin thinking about 6th grade! In the next couple of weeks the 5th grade students will have some exciting opportunities to help them make a decision about their fine arts credit for Middle School. Students have the option of joining band, choir, orchestra or attending general music class.
During music class this week, the students have had the opportunity to see and touch many of the band and orchestra instruments that they will be able to learn to play. On Friday, January 11th, all 5th grade students will be traveling to FTMSE to see a concert featuring the middle school band, choir and orchestra. Seeing these performance groups live in person should give your child an idea of what group they may like to join! On Tuesday, January 22nd, the middle school Choir, Orchestra and Band teachers will be coming to Acton to help interested students choose what performance group and which instrument would be best for them. This will happen during the school day. The middle school directors are asking that all sign-up forms be returned to the elementary music teachers by Feb. 1st. There will be informational meetings where you will be able to rent your instrument for the school year. The Middle School Band Directors also ask that you please understand that there is a limit on the number students we can have on percussion and saxophone in order to balance the band. More information on this will be given out by the middle school directors.
Time-line at a glance:
Jan. 3rd - 12th – 5th grade students preview instruments during music class
Jan. 11th - 5th grade attends concert at FTMSE
Jan. 22nd – Middle School Directors come to Acton to help students choose
performance group and instrument
Feb. 1st – all forms due to Mrs. Stevenson
Feb. 4th – Parent meeting at FTMSE – 5:30 & 7:00
Feb. 5th – Parent meeting at FTMSW – 5:30 & 7:00
(Only need to attend one meeting)
This week students are bringing home information about all of their options. Please read this information carefully and talk with your child about what they would like to do next year. There are no try- outs for choir and if your child opts for general music, there is no form to be returned.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Amanda Stevenson
317-803-5151
PE NEWS
Hello, from the Acton gymnasium!! Jump Rope for Heart is coming soon! This year it's just called something different but it's the SAME EXACT PROGRAM! The American Heart Association has renamed it, "KIDS HEART CHALLENGE!" Our fun Jump Rope for Heart Day or our fun Kids Heart Challenge day will be on Friday, February 1st during your child's Related Arts time. MUCH MORE info and details will be coming home soon. I just wanted you to be able to get it on your calendar. Like always, we are trying to raise money to help support the American Heart Association! There will be LOTS of incentives for students to raise money for this much worthy cause!
Also, I want to take a moment to remind students and parents about the importance of wearing PE shoes on their Related Arts PE days. We've had a lot of students forget their PE shoes this school year and they have been unable to do the activities as well as they could if they whad been wearing their PE shoes. It's also a safety measure to have athletic shoes on during PE class. Shoes with heels (they will fall), open toed shoes (toes get hurt), slip-on shoes (they easily slip off), and shoes without enough support can definitely lead to injuries.
If your child forgets their PE shoes, they will bring home a note about it. Being prepared is one of the items that "goes into" their semester PE grade. Below you will find the dates that your child has PE class. Hopefully, this will help ensure that the correct type of shoes will be worn on PE days. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH THIS!
MONDAYS: Neifert, Reynolds, Jewell, Brooks, Miller, and Froning
**Also, on the following Wednesdays: Jan. 9th, Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, April 3, and May 1.
TUESDAYS: Leal, Beechler, Milholland, Krug, Gilkerson, and Emerine
***Also, on the following Wednesdays: Dec. 5, Jan. 16, Feb. 27, April 10, and May 8
FRIDAYS: Jones, Rigsby, Simmons, Parsons, Elliott, and McMaster
***Also, on the following Wednesdays: Feb. 6, March 13, April 24, and May 22
Lice Reminder
Parents it is getting that time of year when lice can be more prevalent. Lice can be spread via the many clothing layers, hats, gloves, scarves that students are wearing for this cold winter weather also the increased traveling.
A couple of ways to prevent the spread of the pesky lice are:
*Once a week throw backpacks, hats, gloves, scarves and jackets in the dryer for 20 minutes.
*Educate children on the importance of NOT sharing hats, hair bows, jackets, and gloves. Educate them about NOT having head to head contact with their friends.
*Check your children frequently (at least once a week) for head lice. It’s easier to get rid of it at an early stage.
*Students share locker/cubbie space with another student, if you would like to send in a plastic grocery bag to put their things in, in their locker/cubbie that will help to keep their things separated some from another student’s things.
Flu Information
- Visit http://ftcsc.nutrislice.com/ for a complete listing of our menu items.
- For more information visit: https://schoolnutrition.org/NSBW2016/
- For more information on student health, visit www.kidshealth.org.
- Online payments through PayPams is convenient way to pay for your child's meals.
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application: https://paypams.com/OnlineApp.aspx
COMING TO EAT LUNCH WITH YOUR STUDENT? PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAFETERIA CAN ONLY ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS. THANK YOU!
Save the Date! Acton's Father Daughter Dance is February 22nd from 6-8pm.
Mark your calendars for Breakfast and Books on March 1st from 7:45-8:30am.
February
1 Kids Heart Challenge
5 PTO Meeting
5 5th grade Symphony trip
6 Robotics
7 Student Council
7 STEM Scouts
8 Mid term grades posted
13 Robotics
14 1st grade field trip
14 Friendship Celebrations
15 All Pro Dads
15 March field trips due
18 President’s Day (make up day if necessary)
20 Robotics
21 Kdg field trip
21 4th grade field trip
21 STEM scouts
22 PBIS Convo
22 Father/Daughter Dance
25 Book Fair Week
25 Read Across America week
26 Children’s Museum outreach night
27 Hot Box Pizza fundraiser
27 Robotics
Please review a few important front office policies.
- We do our best to keep classroom disruptions to a minimum. If your child forgets an item and you bring it in, please do not be offended if the front office asks for you to leave the item with them so it can be delivered at an appropriate time.
- If there is a change in transportation for students at the end of the day, we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 3:00pm.
- If electronics (cell phones, ipods, gaming systems) are brought into school and removed from backpacks, they will be confiscated by the teacher. A parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the electronic at the front desk.
- When having lunch with your student in the cafeteria please remember to only have your child sit with you.
- Morning student drop off must be done in the car rider line. Drop off opens at 8:35 am in the car rider line.
- Students arriving after 8:50 am MUST be signed in at the front office.
- Review the Franklin Township policies and procedures for absences on p. 2-3 in the student handbook. We appreciate your cooperation.
- All visitors must have a photo ID to enter the building.
Remind 101
Visitor Check In
WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS. THEIR SAFETY IS CRUCIAL TO US. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE PREPARED TO STOP AND SHOW ID WHEN VISITING OUR SCHOOL.
WE HAVE RECEIVED A NEW VISITOR SIGN IN SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE ALL VISITORS TO HAVE AN IDENTIFICATION CARD THAT CAN BE SCANNED AT THE FRONT DESK.
Transportation Changes
BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
The following volunteers will need a criminal history check:
1. Any person who will be working with students for extended periods of time – either consecutive hours or on a regular schedule.
2. Any person who will be in a position to supervise students – this includes but not limited to field trips (at all levels, including band and choir trips) or taking a group of students out of a classroom for remediation work.
3. Any person who will be alone with a student.
*NOTE: VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE NO LONGER FREE OF CHARGE. THE FEE IS APPROXIMATELY $16.00 PER VOLUNTEER. If you wish to proceed, please follow the instructions and click on link below.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/…/Vo…/franklin000012
• Please select VOLUNTEER for "Position"
• Make sure your name is spelled correctly
• Please complete the entire form, all fields with *are required
• Please select the school or schools for which you request to volunteer
• Select I Agree and then Submit
All schools have access to the volunteer data base and can verify a clear background check. If there is an issue with the background check that will affect the ability to volunteer, that volunteer will be notified. This comprehensive background check will be active for two years. You will receive an email notification once the background check is clear. You will also be notified when it is about to expire.