Abrams Elementary School
Make it a Great Day the Abrams Way!
February 2017 Volume 4, Issue 9
Snow Day Make-Up: The Board decided on the following for snow day make up.
- If there are no more snow days, the students will stay a full day on Friday, June 2.
- If there is another snow day, the students will report a full day on Friday, June 2 and full day on Monday, June 5th.
Drop Off and Pick Up: Parents, please do not park in the drop off loading section of the parking lot. If you are walking into school with your son or daughter you will need to park your car in a designated parking area. The drop off area is for a quick stop, drop off student and then move on. Thanks!
Microwave use at lunch: Students have the ability to have a lunch warmed at school provided a permission slip was filled out at the beginning of the school year and a daily note is sent to give the adults an idea of how long to warm it. If you estimate a time length that is too short, the students can ask for some additional time. There are a couple of items to review at this time in addition to being sure you send a daily note. Please try and limit the amount of time needed for microwave use. Under 2 minutes is best. We have many kids needing things warmed and if we have a lot with longer times it creates a long line for waiting and the kids have a limited amount of time to eat. Please also speak with your child about using manners and being patient as some days can take longer to warm things due to the volume of food. If you have questions regarding microwave use, please call the office and we would be happy to assist you.
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Conversation at the dinner table:
Something my family does each night during dinner is to take turns asking one other about our day and something that went well. This allows my kids to have an opportunity to ask questions and be the leader of the conversation. This builds listening skills as well as patience and how to ask a question. Kids can sometimes struggle waiting to speak and knowing how to ask a question. This short activity engages everyone in the family in a conversation while practicing great social skills.
Are you working on Math at home?
A great thing to practice are math facts. Students are working in different grades to commit addition and multiplication facts to memory. You can help with this by working on a couple of facts each night. Many classrooms also have online computer programs that the kids can use to practice facts. Any additional practice is helpful!
I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and getting opportunities to get outside. I know my family and I are really enjoying jumping and splashing in puddles. As always, please be sure to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Enjoy the end of February.
Mrs. Michalski
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ABRAMS?
Notes from the Office
Open Enrollment: This year's Open Enrollment application period will take place between February 1st and April 28th. The Wisconsin Open Enrollment program allows children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they live. Early and late applications will not be accepted. Parents may apply online at http://oe.dpi.wi.gov. If you do not have access to a computer, call or stop in at the district office. If your child is currently attending under Open Enrollment, it is not necessary to complete an application form; your child will remain an active student through 12th grade.
Skyward/Family Access-Login and Password: Skyward is the program our district uses to keep track of student information. Every family has a login and password which will allow them to gain access to their students' general information, attendance, grades, food service information and much more. You may access this website through the district's homepage at www.ocontofalls.k12.wi.us. Click on Family/Student Access, enter your login id and password. If you do not have a login and password please call the school office at 920-826-5819, ext. 0.
Calling all 4K Students! Pre-registration letters will be sent out by the end of February to all the families on our census list who have children eligible to attend 4K next fall. If you know of someone new to the area with a four year old child, please have them call the office at 826-5819, ext.0. Thanks
School Dress Up Days:
2/24/2017 - Grandpa/Grandma Dress up Day
Office Request
Nurses Knowledge
Medication Policy Review
The Oconto Falls School District has a district-wide medication policy. Students requiring medication at school shall be identified by parents/guardians and make this need known to the school nurse, principal or school office. All medication will be dispensed from the school office. Medication consent forms can be picked up at your child's school or found on the district website under the school nurse link.
A parent/guardian Medication Consent form needs to be completed for any over the counter medication or prescription medication.
Prescription medication also requires your physician to sign a prescription medication consent. A copy of the physician medication consent can be found on the school’s website under the school nurse link or can be picked up in the school office.
Medication will not be dispensed from the school office until all forms have been completed.
A parent or guardian is to bring ALL medication in the original, properly labeled bottle to the school office with your health care provider’s instructions regarding dosage, amount and time, Please do not send medication to school with your child in their backpacks. Please DO NOT send medication in envelopes, baggies, or in containers that are not the original containers.
At the end of the year, the parent/guardian must pick up the remaining medication. Medications left at school will be discarded.
An updated medication form is required each school year.
CLASSROOM CHATTER
Pete Petoniak from FOX 11's Good Day, Wisconsin stopped by on Wednesday to give the first graders a weather presentation. They enjoyed hearing about what a meteorologist does and learned new facts about tornadoes and thunderstorms. They even got a behind the scenes look at how the green screen from their studio works and participated in a high and low pressure system experiment!
Pete and the 1st graders
The Fox 11 screen
Learning about a meterologist
What's Happening With the CPTO....
C.P.T.O.: The Community Parent Teacher Organization is a voluntary organization made up of parents and teachers from Abrams Elementary School. There are no dues or fees. The C.P.T.O. works hard to enrich and improve the educational experience for all Abrams students. All parents are members and are encouraged to get involved and attend meetings. If you are interested in getting more involved, wanting to meet some new people, make a few friends, then please attend one of our C.P.T.O. meetings on the 1st Monday of every month.
Movie Night: The CPTO is sponsoring a "Movie Night" on Friday, March 10th. the doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:00 p.m. Parents are expected to attend with their children, no drop offs.
Spring Bookfair: Happy Camper S'more fun with books is Thursday, April 6th. This book fair is the “buy one get one free” book fair. Please contact Ashley McDermid to volunteer at aemcdermid@gmail.com
CPTO Meeting: The next CPTO meeting is Monday, March 6th, @ 6:15 pm in the Library.
Community and District News
Raising a Thinking Child coming to Abrams and Suring Schools
Words adults use with children set the stage for a child to think and independently solve problems. Children need practice thinking of alternatives and developing their problem solving skills. Adults can develop and practice these skills at the "Raising a Thinking Child Workshop".
If you have a 4-7 year old and have experienced any of the following: Temper tantrums, difficulty making or keeping friends, impatience or interrupting, not listening, (all common, everyday problems with children)…“The Raising a Thinking Child” program may be just right for you!
This workshop series will help you guide your children to solve problems through communicating with your child. Shy children become more assertive, and impulsive children learn the ability to cope with frustration with this approach.
Mondays at Suring Elementary School, March 13 thru May 1, (no class 4/17) 5-6:30 pm,
free family dinner, workbook, and childcare for participants each week provided by Suring School, or
Thursdays at Abrams Elementary School, March 16 through May 4, (6-7:30 pm).
$15.00 workbook fee (workbook value is $30.00). Financial Assistance is available and free childcare will be provided for children of participants.
Abrams Run Club: The Abrams running club is back for the 5th year to help students prepare to run the Cellcom 5K LUV2RUN (3.1mile) race, on Saturday, May 20th 2017. 1st and 2nd grade students are welcomed to join if a parent runs with them. We will not be training for the Bellin Run this year. The practice runs will begin Monday, April 5th and thereafter on Monday and Wednesdays after school. New this year, we will also train on Saturday mornings to allow parents and other siblings to come out and join the fun!! We will begin with short distance runs and increase our mileage each week. There is no cost to train and there will be a discounted rate for the kids participating. Parents and staff are welcome to train and run with us. Registration forms will be in the office. If you have questions or for more details please call Shannon Metzler at 826-2323 or email Shannon_metzler@hotmail.com
MARCH IS YOUTH ART MONTH:
In order to celebrate March as Youth Art Month, the kick-off for the annual Library Art Show will take place on Thursday, March 9th. Festivities will run from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the public library, downtown Oconto Falls. The public is invited to view the work of our student artists from kindergarten through high school. It’s a wonderful way to track their growth and development in the field of visual arts. You can also sample cookies and punch as you browse through the presentation.
The student art display will be at the public library throughout the month of March.
Abrams Youth Baseball/Softball:
The AYBA Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 12th at 6:00PM in the Abrams Elementary library. Anyone thinking of playing in Abrams this summer, please consider coming.
AYBA in person registration on Wednesday, February 15th from 5:00-7:00PM at the Abrams Elementary school entrance. On-line registration begins Wednesday, February 15th thru March 22nd. Late fees apply after March 22nd. Visit website at abramsbaseball.org for forms and league info. Any questions, please contact Rob McNichols at 846-8038, email rob.mcnichols@oei-inc.com
Craft Show: OFHS Student Council is holding a craft show on Sunday, March 26th, at the Oconto Falls High School. We are still looking for vendors! Spaces are 10x10 for $15 add $5 if they want a table. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please have them contact Kristin WhiteHorse @ Kristin.WhiteHorse@of-ps.org
Vendors already listed: Tupperware, Pink Zebra, Sentsy, Avon, and Paparazzi
Upcoming Events
March 27 No School in Session
April 14-17 Easter Vacation
May 28 High School Graduation
May 29 No School in Session Memorial Day
Abrams Elementary School
Email: joanne.michalski@of-ps.org
Website: http://www.ocontofalls.k12.wi.us/aes/
Location: 3000 Elm Street, Abrams, WI, United States
Phone: 920-826-5819
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofpsaes