Alto All Star Gazette
May 14, 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,
We have been so appreciative of the support of our school community as our staff, students, and families have grieved the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Mrs. Greer. We cannot thank you enough for your support during this difficult time. Heidi was a remarkable person and teacher, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. She was a dedicated teacher at Alto Elementary for 23 years, and she has had a profound impact on our school community during that time. She has created many special bonds with students, parents, and staff; she was truly remarkable in her ability to connect with others. Heidi laughed freely, cared deeply, and was devoted to helping others. She embodied what we stand for as educators. She will be greatly missed, and her spirit and legacy will live on in our school and in our hearts.
The following was part of the message shared with students Monday morning as we began to process this significant loss with them.
“Mrs. Greer was one in a million. We will remember her as “that cool teacher with the pink hair, wild shoes, mismatched earrings, and always encouraging her Doodlebugs to do hard things.” So to honor her, we will do that today, and every day. Mrs. Greer loved our school. She loved our students, our families, and our staff. She will be greatly missed by all of us, but she will never be forgotten.”
M-Step, NWEA MAP, and Acadience (Formerly DIBELS) Testing
M-Step (state assessment) testing will begin when we return to school the week of April 10th. Please help your students prepare by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. We never want students to feel extra stress or pressure for these assessments. Our focus with students is that they give their personal best effort, like they do every day, to provide an accurate reflection of the great teaching and learning that happens every day in our school. Thank you for your support with this message!
5th grade students will start with the ELA M-Step on Wednesday, April 12th. They will be taking the ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science M-Step.
4th grade students will start with the ELA M-Step on May 3rd. They will be taking the ELA and Math M-Step.
3rd grade students will start with the ELA M-Step on April 26th. They will be taking the ELA and Math M-Step.
Spring NWEA MAP Assessment - All 1st-5th grade students will be taking the Spring MAP test. The testing window is April 12th-May 19th.
Acadience Reading Test (Formerly DIBELS) - All K-5 students will complete the acadience reading assessment. This is a 1:1 reading test administered by our reading intervention staff. The testing window is May 8th-May 19th
We look forward to receiving meaningful data to reflect the outstanding learning that has occurred this school year!
Student Learning Environment Form
We are beginning our work on the placement of students for next year. Your child’s current teacher works collaboratively with grade level colleagues and me to place students for next year. Please see the attached “Student Learning Environment Form” (completing this form is optional). Please note that the district will no longer be accepting specific teacher requests on these forms. Please email (ahollern@lowellschools.com) or send in the completed form with your student to the school office by Monday, April 24th, 2023.
Attention families with incoming kindergarteners!
The Countdown to Kindergarten orientation for students and parents has been scheduled for Thursday, May 11th. 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/
Schools of Choice Parents
Internal and external schools of choice applications for the 2023-2024 school year will be available from April 10-May 12. For internal choice applications, you must submit your internal choice application to the elementary building of residence. The district will not accept internal choice applications prior to or after these dates. If you previously applied and were approved for your student, it is not necessary to re-apply. Applications and open grade levels are available at the district website. https://www.lowellschools.com/our-district/enrollment/schools-of-choice/
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Paul Papes
Principal
Alto Elementary
Lowell Area Schools
Now is the time to order the 2022-2023 yearbook!
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ORDER BY 4/30! THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TIME TO ORDER A YEARBOOK.
ALL ORDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE.
NOTE THIS IS A LINK FOR ALTO IF YOU HAVE A STUDENT AT BUSHNELL, CHERRY CREEK, OR CURIOSITY CORNER YOU MUST USE A SEPARATE LINK.
There will be no order forms sent home. If you would rather not submit an online order please call the studio 989-227-8441 and we will take your order over the phone.
Directions:
Simply search for your student by name. You can type either their first or last name and you will see student names pop up. If you have multiple students please submit separate orders for each child. If you do not see your students name, choose "New Person" and add their information during check out.
You DO NOT need to send the printed receipt to school. We will already have a record of your payment!
or Copy this web address below and paste into address bar
If you have any questions please call the studio 989-227-8441 or email Andrew@Canfieldjenkins.com
Lowell Youth Summer Camps
April is Math Month!
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Mark your calendar!
4/18: 2S and 2M to WWC
4/18: 1st to Meijer Gardens
4/19: 2W to WWC
4/21: Popcorn Friday!
4/26: Golden Ticket Store
Student Activities
Alto Elementary
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary