December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
- Observations Around Saline Area Schools
- Curriculum Corner
- Family Pulse Survey
- School and Family Partnership Series
- 5th Corner Community Survey
- Upcoming Events
Observations Around Saline Area Schools
There were many great things happening around the District the last two weeks, even with a shorter week as we wrapped up the first trimester.
Harvest
- Bowling at Station 300 as part of a Project Unify event
- Kindergarten artists creating clay turtles by using a scoring tool (AKA “scratcher”)
- 2nd graders learning about traditions in their Scholastic News magazine
- Media students having fun reading and discussing the book Tacky the Penguin
Kindergarten students practicing proper introductions during choice time
1st Graders in iLab accepting the challenge to build the tallest possible tower that will still stand upright, and discussing methods to measure it
Students in Media class learning how to be good digital citizens
The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support team monitoring literacy and math progress of students.
Woodland Meadows
- 1st graders writing and solving number models
- 2nd graders bringing their stories to life with movement of characters, vocabulary, etc.
- Students involved in a “character series” where they think of a pretend character, develop a plan and then write about it
Heritage
Artists creating texture tree paintings with a focus on texture and detail
4th graders using a variety of digital tools to supplement their learning including Khan Academy, Freckle, and SeeSaw
4th graders getting small group differentiated math instruction in a math workshop format
5th graders adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
Saline Middle School
- Language Arts students listening to a Mars Patel podcast and then making story predictions
- Social Studies students comparing and contrasting Sparta vs. Athens considering their claim, evidence, and reasoning.
- Pre-Algebra students exploring reciprocal relationships with multiplying fractions
- Students exploring their own Individualized Educational Plans and the unique supports to assure they can access as much education and learning as possible.
Saline High School
- A tour of Liebherr in Saline to see the many career opportunities our students can have related to gears/automation, aerospace and components
- A fantastic South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) Open House that featured businesses from all around the area to showcase internship and career possibilities and students sharing their skills including:
- Business students managing the logistics of a big event
- SWWC students taking people on tours to showcase the variety of Career Tech Ed courses available.
- Cosmetology students demonstrating pin curl / clip techniques
- Culinary students showcasing their skills with an alfredo bar and a variety of desserts
- Video production students sharing a behind-the scenes look and a chance to try out roles inside the studio where Hornet Nation is produced.
Liberty
- A magic presentation engaging Young Adult Students
- Alternative High School students baking Apple Fritters learning about German culture
- Alternative High School students creating alcohol ink art designs and transferring them to ceramic tiles
Pleasant Ridge
Digital citizenship, digital footprints, and the use of technology
Middle School
High School
SWWC Open House event
Liberty
Young Adult students participating in a magic show
Curriculum Corner
As part of the district's two-year curriculum review cycle, representatives from the K-12 teaching staff convene to collaboratively address curriculum and instructional needs. Following a thorough consideration of feedback from the staff regarding existing science resources, student assessment data, and district-wide objectives, K-5 educators have embarked on the integration of Mystery Science as the primary instructional tool. Thus far, teachers have reported that Mystery Science stands out not only for its user-friendly interface but also for its ability to captivate students' interest - fostering enthusiasm for learning, active participation in activities, and a genuine sense of curiosity to explore and embrace the role of scientists. For a comprehensive overview of Saline's science curriculum continuum, including snapshots of the Y5-8 please follow this link the Y5-8 science curriculum snapshots.
School and Family Partnership Series
The next session in the School and Family Partnership Series focuses on Early Literacy Development and will be held Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Liberty School Board Room. Join SAS team members to discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required to attend.
Please save the date for the next session in the series featuring New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. The session is funded in partnership with the Foundation for Saline Area Schools and is scheduled for Thursday, February 1 at 6 p.m. at the Saline Middle School Auditorium. Interested participants can RSVP here.
Family Pulse Survey
Saline Area Schools is partnering with K-12 Insight to launch the Family Pulse Survey next month. Each month, a small percentage of families will be randomly selected to receive a short, three-question survey. The survey will ask the same questions to a random sample each month to help our district measure feedback and identify trends. We appreciate your willingness to contribute to our ongoing efforts to provide exceptional educational experiences districtwide.
5th Corner Community Survey
The 5th Corner is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides a variety of activities and learning opportunities that promote peer support, teen leadership, and other shared interests. The 5th Corner Teen Center board is seeking feedback from students, families, and community members to help determine the future direction of the center. The Center would appreciate the community’s input through this brief survey. The 5th Corner is a partner with, but not directly affiliated with Saline Area Schools.
Upcoming Events
- December 5: Knots for Mott, 3-5 p.m., Saline Middle School Media Center, Fleece and monetary donations accepted at the Saline Middle School Office.
- December 5: School and Family Partnership Series: Strategies to Support Early Literacy, 6-7:30 p.m., Liberty School Board Room
- December 12: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Liberty School Board Room
- Now through December 20: Student art installation continues at Pittsfield Township Hall
- December 23-January 7: No School
- February 1: School and Family Partnership Series: How to Raise an Adult, 6 p.m., Saline Middle School Auditorium
- March 9: Foundation for Saline Area Schools Blue Jeans and Bling, 6-10 p.m., Sheraton Hotel Ann Arbor
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Stephen D. Laatsch, PhD
Superintendent
Saline Area Schools, The Pursuit of Excellence
7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline, Michigan 48176
734-401-4001
laatschs@salineschools.org