Dicken Family Newsletter
12.3.21
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
I know our hearts are heavy with the difficult news we faced this week. I thank you for entrusting us with your children, who we hold dear and always strive to give our very best. Please know that safety and security are always our top priority and that we are committed to supporting our students through these hard times. Below you will find resources for helping to navigate conversations with your children.
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, December 10: Principal's Coffee, 9:00 - 9:30
- Friday, December 17: Winter Break begins at end of school day
- Monday, January 3: School Resumes
Resources for Discussing School Violence with Children
There is no easy or perfect way to talk to your children about the events that took place this week. As a parent, I know there is a delicate balance between wanting to protect your children and make them feel safe without lying to them. I hope you will find some of the resources below helpful. I am happy to talk anytime if I can be of support. We also have incredible experts on staff ~ our school psychologist, Katie Williams; our school social worker, Charlie Nicholas; our behavior intervention specialist, Mr. Nzoma ~ I know they would be happy to be of support in any way possible.
National Association of School Psychologists article: Talking to Children About Violence (link)
American Psychological Association: Talking to your children about school violence (link)
Resources for Responding to Violence and Tragedy > Expert Advice for Teachers (link)
Principal's Coffee
Please feel free to drop in for our next Principal's Coffee on Friday the 10th at 9:00. Zoom link: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/94003537154
Rec & Ed After School Classes
The next session of after school classes is open for registration. Scroll down to page 3 to see the offerings for Dicken. https://tinyurl.com/yckse9yr
Chromebook Care
Please take a moment to review these important Chromebook Maintenance Tips for your child(ren)'s device(s). Thank you!
FROM THE ART ROOM: A Reminder About the Winter Walk!!
The winter walk is an evening of art out in nature! Students create luminaries and on a snowy winter evening in January or February (official date to be determined) you will be invited to walk a path at night lined by the hundreds of glowing art luminaries!
Our 1st-5th grade artists will be creating luminaries for this year’s Winter Walk within the next couple months. If you have a child who is in 1st-5th grade (no young fives or kindergartners), then start to keep your eyes open for clear glass jars or vases when you are out on errands.
You will be asked to bring in one wide-mouth clear glass jar (big enough for an adult hand to fit inside) to the art room by a specific date. Glass jars, or small vases can be found easily around your home, check your recycling bins (pickle jars work well). If you cannot find a jar at home, you can get one at many second-hand stores for a few cents, Michael’s Craft store ($1.00), or many Dollar Stores for also $1.00. The glass jars or vases must not have anything on them (just clear glass). If you still are unable to find a glass jar, please let us know, we will find one for you.
This is just a heads up to let you know to start looking for vases and jars. Your student will bring home a flyer with a more specific date for dropping off the vase or jar within the next few weeks.
Thanks so much! Please email me if you have any questions! (ericksot@aaps.k12.mi.us)
Sincerely, Ms Erickson (The Art Teacher!)
~~~
All the best,
Heather
Adopt a Snowman Program
This year we are pleased to once again offer our families Holiday Support through our ADOPT A SNOWMAN program. Each Snowman represents one Dicken student and a list of three items to be purchased, an article of clothing, a book and a fun item such as a board game, a doll etc. We ask that no single item exceed $25.
In years past, parents were able to come in the building and pick a Snowman off the office Bulletin Board. Obviously, things are a little different this year but if you are able to help a Dicken student please contact Mrs. Dorris by email or by phone and she can bring one to you at the front door or send one home in your child’s backpack.
dorris@aaps.k12.mi.us or 734-994-1928
We ask that all presents be brought to the office unwrapped with the Snowman attached no later than December 15th.
Thank you!
PTO News
Upcoming PTO Event Dates:
Dicken PTO Board Meeting (virtual); December 16
Dicken Lost and Found; New Date!
Anyone missing clothing or other items belonging to their student(s) is welcome to stop by. Alternately, you can email Jen at dickenptopresident@gmail.com to request she look for a specific item.
Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021, 01:00 PM
Dicken School, Runnymede Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
AAPS Support Groups
Did you know there are a variety of parent and student support groups active within AAPS?
Check here in the newsletter each week, where we will highlight one group each week.
AAPAC: Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education
AAPAC is a group of parents and guardians whose focus is on supporting children in AAPS who have IEPs or 504 Plans.
Contact Info: