Alto All Star Gazette
December 11, 2020
SCHOOL BEGINS AT 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,
I hope it’s been a great week for all of you. We’ve had another excellent week of teaching and learning here at Alto Elementary. It may seem redundant, but I can’t express enough how proud our staff is of the efforts of our students. They continue to demonstrate the resilience and positive attitudes you have instilled in them at home. In regards to perseverance, I think it is helpful to view a time like this as a series of short races, one after the other, as opposed to one long race. This week, we feel like we won another short race! Thank you for your continued cooperation and support as we continue to persevere together.
Continue To Play Outside!
Last night, my family took advantage of a great December weather day and took a bike ride together on a trail near our home. We rode to a nearby park and played for a bit before heading home as it got dark. It was a reminder to me of the importance of getting outside for the physical and mental health of all of us. Across all seasons, we prioritize getting outside as much as possible. While it can become more challenging as the days become shorter and temperatures become colder, it is still very important to get outside to play. The benefits of playing outside include physical and mental health, as well as overall happiness. We see these benefits clearly in the school setting as students play outside for recess throughout the school year. I encourage you to continue to get the kids outside during these winter months.
Related Article: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-kids-should-play-outside-winter-science-2018-11
Classrooms Parties
Our classes are excited to have holiday parties next week! Classes will be celebrating on Thursday or Friday with a variety of activities. While plans will be different from past years, it still promises to be a memorable experience for our students. Unfortunately, we will continue with visitor restrictions and parents will not be allowed to attend the events. We miss having our parents in for events like these and look forward to the time when we are able to do this again. We’ll be sure to get many pictures to share with you!
Next week is SPIRIT WEEK!
Monday: Crazy Sock and Bring Your Favorite Stuffed Animal Day
Tuesday: Sports Day - wear your favorite pro or college gear
Wednesday: Crazy Hair Day
Thursday: Hat Day
Friday: Holiday Spirit Day
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
We thank you for your continued efforts to communicate with us and take necessary precautions for the health and safety of all. As a reminder, the Kent County Health Department updates their school toolkit each week. Link: https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/SchoolChildcareToolkit.pdf
A key change is that the CDC changed their guidelines for quarantines last week, reducing the days from 14 to 10. Please see page 23 of the toolkit for an example of this change.
Thank you for your continued partnership. As I tell our students every Friday on the PA, “We can’t wait to see them again on Monday!”
Enjoy the weekend with your families.
Sincerely,
Paul Papes
Music Notes
Music is in the air!
We are having class in the new MUSIC room and it is BEAUTIFUL!
We are BLESSED!
Here is a brief note of our learning!
Our Kinders - Second Graders are playing rhythm instruments with some seasonal songs. They are keeping the beat and learning the names of the instruments.
They are also experiencing musical form of AB and ABA patterns.
The third graders are taking a look at "The 12 Days of Christmas in Michigan" and comparing it to the traditional Christmas song.
Our third - fifth graders have begun playing the Orff instruments (barred percussion instruments). We are hearing the differences in sound between the bass, alto, sopranos and the difference between the xylophones and metallophones.
The fifth graders are studying the carol - Good King Wenceslas.
All the children are singing the traditional carols.
All the children have been listening to selections from Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite"
Many blessings to you and your family this holiday season!
Mrs. Gumina
Next week is SPIRIT WEEK!
Let's have some fun the last week before break!
Monday: Crazy sock and bring stuffed animal day
Tuesday: Sports Day, wear your favorite Pro or college gear
Wednesday: Crazy hair day
Thursday: Hat day
Friday: Holiday Spirit day
Office Happenings
*Our lost and found pile is growing! If your student is missing a sweatshirt or coat, please have them check the rack on the wall in the K/first grade hallway.
*Please have your student pack an extra pair of clothing! We do not have any extra clothes in the office.
*If you need to have your student picked up early or a transportation change, please call the office or leave a message on the voicemail.
We appreciate all of our Alto families!
Mark Your Calendar!
Breakfast and Lunch Menu Week of 12/14-12/18
12/14: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar OR Mini Cinnis
12/15: Apple Cinnamon BeneFIT Bar OR Mini Cinnis
12/16: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
12/17: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
12/18: Apple Frudel OR Fruity Cheerios
*each breakfast served with fresh fruit and choice of milk
Lunch:
12/14: Boneless Chicken Wings OR Cheddar and Grape Cracker Fun Lunch
12/15: Mini Turkey Corn Dogs OR PB&J Fun Lunch
12/16: Tangerine Chicken OR Nachos Fun Lunch
12/17: Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks OR Muffin & Goldfish Fun Lunch
12/18: Cheese Pizza Cruncher OR PB&J Fun Lunch
*each lunch served with fruit, veggie and choice of milk
Alto All Star in Action! Please watch the video of one of our All Stars shining so bright!
Lowell Area Schools Community Activities Link
Alto Elementary School
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary