Dicken Family Newsletter
5.23.21
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
I hope this finds you well and enjoying this balmy weather! The students have been doing great, especially considering the testing and security drills we've been fitting in these last few weeks! They are working hard at school, so be sure to give them plenty of outside time and downtime at home - they deserve it!
Upcoming Dates
- May 24 - 28 4th Grade M-step Opt in students only (date change)
- Friday, May 28 9:30 - 10:00 Principal's Coffee
- Monday, May 31 No School: Labor Day
Thank you, PTO!
Huge thanks to the PTO for the purchase of twelve new picnic tables! The tables are beautiful and are already being enjoyed by staff and students. Many thanks to Agustina Fragner and Jess Giardini for researching different table options, ordering the tables and coordinating volunteers to assemble the tables. Thank you to the many parents who helped with assembly! Photos of the tables can be found below.
AAPS Community Meeting
If you would like to view the district's Community Meeting about Fall 2021 plans, the recording can be found here: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/95513070297
Principal's Coffee
Please feel free to join me at our last Principal's Coffee for the year, Friday May 28 from 9:30 - 10:00 https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/91000584718
Fifth Grade Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, and String Parents
The Ann Arbor Public Schools is, once again, offering "Summer Band/String" Camp. If you and your child are interested in their continued study of their chosen instrument, please consider signing up at/with this link:
https://www.a2schools.org/summermusic
Security / Lock Down Drill - Cohort 1
Cohort 1 students will be having their first security drill on Tuesday afternoon. This is a drill to prepare for any potential intruders in our building. Teachers will speak to the students in advance of the drill to explain the procedures and reiterate that it is just a drill. It would be helpful for you to talk to your children in advance as well, reminding them that we go to school in a very safe area, but that it's important to practice and be prepared to be on the safe side.
At the time of the drill, I will come over the PA and say: "“This is a security drill. This is just a drill. There is a situation of concern in the 4th and 5th grade hallway. This is a lockdown.” At that point (based on the location of concern), teachers make the determination of evacuating or staying in the classroom room, locking the door, and turning off the lights. After we check all the hallways, I will come back over the PA to let everyone know the drill is complete. Teachers will take a few minutes to address any questions or concerns from students.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kona Ice Truck
Many thanks again to the PTO for funding our end of year Kona treats, and to the Lighthouse Team for organizing and scheduling the visits. The times are as follows:
Tuesday, June 8 (during the school day) - Cohort 1
Tuesday, June 8 2:30 - 4:00 - Cohort 3 (option to purchase additional Konas for extra family members)
Friday, June 11 (during the school day) - Cohort 2
A2VE Parent Information Session
If you are looking for a flexible, virtual option for the fall, A2 Virtual+ Elementary may be a good fit for your child and family. Interested in learning more? Please join us for a Parent Information Session on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm, using the following Zoom link: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/91368895993 In the meantime, additional program information is available on our webpage: a2schools.org/a2ve
Elementary Summer Program
Are you looking for engaging learning opportunities for your student this summer? You can still sign up for our open enrollment summer programs: Remote Learning Expeditions and A2VE Virtual Success Summer Learning Program. To learn more and enroll please visit the AAPS Elementary Summer Programs Website.
https://www.a2schools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=16072
Middle School Summer Challenge
The Middle School Summer Challenge is a three-week, interdisciplinary series of learning challenges, written specifically for Ann Arbor Public School students in grades 5, 6, and 7.
Students will engage in authentic learning experiences that extend their knowledge in literacy and mathematics and develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
The program runs Monday - Thursday, July 12 through July 29. Classes will take place virtually from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
By enrolling, your student will have the opportunity to engage in fun and engaging lessons that focus on math, literacy, and STEM standards. We hope your child will join us. Our staff is looking forward to keeping your student connected and learning over the summer.
Click here to sign up.
If you have questions, you may contact principal Angela Newing at aapsmssummer@aaps.k12.mi.us.
End of the Year Celebrations Mash-Up - Reminder
The Student Lighthouse Team and a committee of teachers are planning a "hybrid" End of Year Celebrations Mash-Up for ALL our Dicken Dolphins that will include Field Day, grade-level Musical Performances, the Talent Show, and some other fun surprises!
We need as many Dicken Dolphins as possible to participate!!
Field Day: Mr. Maier would love obstacle course video submissions sent to him via Google Drive or attachment by a parent at maier@aaps.k12.mi.us by June 1st. Be creative and use lots of obstacles, special talents, and fun music! Any questions can be sent directly to him!
Grade level Musical Performances: Ms. Elbode will be working with each grade during their special times. Make sure you attend Music during the next few weeks so that you are included in the final videos.
Talent Show: Please submit your audition by June 1st to brognoj@aaps.k12.mi.us via Google Drive or an attachment by a parent. You will hear back from Ms. Brogno immediately with either feedback or a thumbs up that the act will be included in the show. Here are the guidelines to participate:
Acts, dancing, and music choices must be school appropriate and kid-friendly. Consider using the Kidz Bop version of a popular song.
Acts should be no longer than 1 minute.
Rehearse your act before recording and submitting it. Also make sure you check your background setting before you film it. The recording that you send in will be played during the final show if there are no changes that need to be made. So, make sure your video is performance ready!
When recording a video, hold your device (phone or tablet) horizontally for the best quality.
Email your video to brognoj@aaps.k12.mi.us by June 1st and make sure to include the student’s name and grade, and the title of the act/song.
As in previous years, students must be in good-standing, meaning they are participating in their learning consistently.
We can't wait to celebrate the end of this crazy year with ALL our Dicken Dolphins!
COVID Testing Available Every Saturday
AAPS will host COVID-19 drive-thru testing every Saturday between now and the end of the year at Huron High School, 12:00pm until 3:00pm. No symptoms needed.
- All ages welcome. Minors must be registered by a parent/guardian.
- This is a saliva PCR test. Please do not eat or drink 30 minutes before testing.
- Results are usually returned in 1-2 days.
- Please enter Huron at the Huron Parkway entrance.
- Please see this flyer for registration information
Student & Family Help Desk Live Hours
The Student & Family Help Desk is available 7:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. As always, families can leave a voicemail after hours as well as send an email to the help desk. 734-997-1222. Ayuda en Español: 734-997-1246
Helpful Links on the AAPS Website
- The AAPS Community Resource page
- Food Distribution Plan
- AAPS 2020-21 Calendar
- COVID-19 Metrics Dashboard
- COVID- 19 Cases Dashboard
All the best,
Heather
PTO News
PTOC Meeting Monday, May 24th from 7-8:30PM
Please join us for our last PTO Council Member Meeting 2020-21!
DATE: Monday May 24
TIME: 7:00-8:30 pm
MEETING TOPICS:
PTOC Reflections, Connection, and Elections
Join us to reflect on the meetings from this year, brainstorm meeting topics for next year and elect the PTOC Executive Board for the 2021-22 School Year.
The proposed slate that will be voted on is as follows. Each school with a representative present at the meeting (does not need to be the PTOC rep) will get one vote to approve or object to the slate as presented. Please note that we are still in need of someone to fill the position of Recording Secretary. To volunteer to serve in this role, please respond to this email.
Chair Nomination: Jill Pritts & Beth Grzelak (Co-Chairs)
Vice Chair Nomination: Jordan Else & Ashley Robinson (Co-Vice Chairs)
Treasurer Nomination: Lisa Querijero
Corresponding Secretary Nomination: Rachel Brichta
Recording Secretary: Vacant
BoE Representative Nomination: Devin Hutchings
Members-At-Large Nomination: Karmen Saran, John Franks, Adriana Rodriguez, Darryl Johnson
Immediate Past Chair: Jill Anthony Stephenson
Open Mic: Any questions your PTO/PTSO would like to ask other schools about?
LOCATION: Virtual Zoom Meeting: May 24 PTOC General Meeting Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 958 6679 2369
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Ways to Help Our Dicken Garden
It's time to get our hands dirty and bring back our garden! How can you help? Here's what we are doing now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0844ABAC2FA0F94-dicken
Have an item for the blast? Email it to dolphinsblast@gmail.com. Blast items kindly requested by 5 p.m. Friday.