We have had a fabulous start to the school year in STEAM. I am loving this new position and getting to know all of the amazing students we have here at Alward.

Pre-K started the year learning how to work collaboratively in teams as they explored the 5 components of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Recently, we jumped into our first official unit of the school year as we explore living and nonliving things. Students are sorting, classifying, and describing objects they encounter every day.

Kindergarten students are learning about structure and function by reading fairytales. First, we read Jack and the Beanstalk and then students worked in groups to construct their own beanstalks using pipe cleaners. Students are now reading The Three Little Pigs, and they will soon get to build houses out of straw, sticks, and bricks to determine how the materials used will impact the houses’ function.

First graders jumped into coding by playing Rosie’s Runtime. They learned very quickly that computers (or robotic dogs) only do what they’re told. Nothing more. Nothing less. They’ll soon be coding their own animated stories using the Scratch Jr. program on the iPads.

Second graders are studying properties of matter. They’re learning that some changes are reversible, like melting and freezing popsicles, while others are irreversible, like baking batter into a cake.

Amanda Hawks

STEAM teacher

ahawks1@hpseagles.net

This year, your child is learning about the RULER approach for social-emotional learning, which is designed to help students recognize, understand, label, express and regulate their emotions in productive ways. Below you will find overview videos from the district PBIS Specialists explaining your child's upcoming RULER Feeling Word Units. Students in grade K-5 will learn eight new feeling words using the RULER curriculum this year. The units of study focus on expanding emotion vocabulary as well as discussing action and thought strategies to proactively handle each emotion. Please reach out to your child’s building principal if you would like more information on their current unit of study. We appreciate your partnership as you engage in at home learning opportunities with your child.

Dear Parents,

I am so excited to announce that our school will be participating in the BOOK IT! program this year! BOOK IT! Is a fun reading incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut that begins in October and runs through March.

Each month, a reading log will be sent home with your child for you to help them track their reading minutes. At the end of the month, your student will return the reading calendar and receive a coupon for a free personal pan pizza to be redeemed at Pizza Hut!

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Fellows

Gary Byker Library of Hudsonville Upcoming Events for Kids
Register at https://www.hudsonvillelibrary.org/news-events (Events > Event Calendar)

NOT Your Normal Book Club (Book: Katie the Catsitter): Tues. Oct 11, 4:30pm: Ages 9-13

Maker Monday- Halloween Terrariums: Mon., Oct 17, 4:30pm; Ages 9-18
D&D at the Lib.: Sat. Oct 15 & 29, 10:00am: Ages 10 & up
Family Story Time: Mondays & Tuesdays in Oct., 10:15am: Ages 5 & under

Stay and Play: Thurs. Oct 13 & 27, 10:15am: Ages 5 & under
Yoga Storytime: Thurs. Nov. 3, 10:15am: Ages 6 & under
Move to the Music: Mondays & Tuesdays in Nov., 10:30am: Ages 5 & under

Due to the number of food allergies in the school, we ask that you please bring in non food items for birthday treats.

• Breakfast will be served starting at 8:35.

• Breakfast consists of cereal, milk, juice, fresh fruit, and a cookie/cracker bar.

• Breakfast is $1.25 per meal unless you qualify for free and reduced.

• Students that eat breakfast at school will eat breakfast in the cafeteria. Once students are done eating, they will be sent back to class.

• If your child will be eating breakfast at school, please contact your classroom teacher so that we know to send them down to the cafeteria the first week of school.

Hot Lunch

Sadly, school meals are NO LONGER FREE for all students. We will return to traditional school lunch and breakfast pricing. There are NO changes to STUDENT meal prices.

New! Family Portal: https://familyportal.cloud

• Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meal benefits! If you are wondering if you would qualify, here are the Income Guidelines. Free and Reduced Meal Benefits are based on household size, income amount (gross), and income frequency. GOOD NEWS: any family that qualifies for Reduced Price Meal benefits will receive breakfast and lunch at NO COST.
• You will need to register a new account to monitor accounts or deposit online; Send Money to School accounts no longer exist. You will need your students ID to create an account. You will receive your students ID on their student profile sheet at the open house. Please make a note of it!
• Regardless of benefits status, Milk-only purchases remain at $0.50 per carton. Milk is included as part of the whole MEAL benefit. If your child(ren) qualify for free or reduced price meals and all they want is a carton of milk, their account will be charged 50 cents.

Our website www.jenhudfood.org is loaded with information. Please click on any of these links for more information:

• Digital Menus by Nutrislice (look for updates in August to Nutrislice)
• How Meal Service Works and Depositing Money
• Meal Charge Policy
• Follow us on Social Media!!

Contact us:

Email: foodservice@hpseagles.net

Phone: (616) 457-2400

Please check out our website for important information on Health Services.

In order for your child to take any medication (prescription and non-prescription) at school, a MEDICATION FORM is required. If your child requires a prescription medication (asthma inhaler, EPI pen, insulin), your physician must complete a portion of the form. The medication forms are available in the school office and will be posted to our website.

Please do not send medications to school with your child. Please come into the office to drop off medications. Thank you!

An At-Home COVID-19 Testing Program for K-12 Settings

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering a program which supplies a limited number of free, at-home COVID antigen tests to students in Michigan's schools in the 2022/23 school year. MI Backpack Home Test is a voluntary program offered by MDHHS for Michigan K-12 students, educators, staff, and their families who want an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. Every individual that is interested will receive one at-home COVID-19 test "kit," which includes 2 at-home tests. MDHHS will provide the kits and educational materials, and schools will distribute the kits to students and staff who are interested. There is no obligation to participate. If you are interested please contact your building secretary and make arrangements to pick up your kit in the office.

All volunteers and visitors are required to have a background check on file. Background Checks must be completed every school year. Please complete the background check now so you are all set for the school year!