Tiger Times
December 2018
Acton Elementary
Phone: 862-6108
FAX: 317-862-7251
ATTENDANCE: 317-803-5105
TRANSPORTATION: 317-862-2314
Website: http://www.ftcsc.k12.in.us/acton
Location: 8010 Acton Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-862-6108
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acton-Elementary-School-1522775218039522/
Drop off/pick up
Pick up MUST be done from the car rider line as well. Car rider numbers are available at the front office.
Your cooperation helps keep our students safe.
Attendance Line
School Times
8:50am-3:50pm
Wednesday
8:50am-3:20pm
Car Rider Doors Open at 8:35am
EXISTING STUDENT ONLINE REGISTRATION
Parents - please be sure to fill out the online registration for existing students. This needs to be completed for each student for Infinite Campus. Log in to your parent portal (not your students portal) and click on the the "online registration" link at the bottom of the left hand column. Follow the prompts to electronically verify/update the information in Infinite Campus.
To request your Infinite Campus parent portal information:
Only a student's Parent/Legal Guardian may request the portal information for their student. The email must be sent from the email address on file with the school district. Send the request to ichelp@ftcsc.org.
Gratitude for our Acton staff members
Do you have a moment to sent a quick thank you note or e-mail to a staff member?
Expressing gratitude can fill your cup and our staff member's cup. Positive connections between home and school foster mutual respect, in turn creating a rich learning environment. If you are interested in sharing a quick thank you with someone who is having a positive impact on you student, please email me at brook.wessel-burke@ftcsc.org with the subject line: Gratitude for (staff member name).
Join us on December 4th at 6:30pm to hear from Audrey Banich from Star Express Food Services to present a short update on Star Express and answer any questions. Our December PTO meeting will follow! Childcare is provided by our awesome YMCA staff and snacks will be provided. See you there!
COOKIES WITH SANTA - DEC 7TH
JACK'S DONUTS FUNDRAISER - DEC 11th
WAYS TO HELP ACTON WHILE DOING YOUR REGULAR ACTIVITIES
Student of the Month for Gratitude
Emerine
Ryder Hampton & Annabelle Duncan
Froning
Masiyon Priest & Lauren Allen
McMaster
Jayla Wisdom and Alexis Fuhrmann
Miller
Danny Marter & Izzy Faucett
Gilkerson
Ava Bullard Sam Naikelis
Elliott
Melanie Ramsey and Caleb Shilling
Brooks
Rediet Rolfsen and Nathan Dewell
Krug
Nathaniel Fuhrmann and Anna Jaggers
Parsons
Abbie Davis and Hayden Kennedy
Simmons
Marlina Rodriguez and Lane Smith
Milholland
Isabelle Jecker and Addison Lindsay
Jewell
Nikolas VanRoekel and Lizabells Crumpacker
Beechler
Luke Strong and Claire DesJean
Rigsby
Vannah Wills and Dylan Sanders
Reynolds
Carlos Warr and Emma Smith
Neifert
Gage Lyons & Kylee Lawalin
Leal
Kaden Shake & Liz Cox
Scott
Gurneet Kaur & Nolan Burns
J. Adams
Marilyn Smith and Nate Peterson
Stevenson
Masiyon Priest (Froning) & Alisia Bails (Rigsby)
McConaha
Ava Bullard and Wiley Craft
Ryan
Hudson McCardle and Foster McCardle
Below is the link to pre-register. Thank you for helping us keep our kids safe.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/Safe/Visitor/franklin000012
SPARC CENTER
MILLION MINUTE CHALLENGE
MUSIC NEWS
Music Standards Update:
There are now 11 standards and the music standards are divided up into general Music and Performance Ensemble Standards. This month we will focus on Standards 7 & 8. The standards in their entirety can always be accessed at the Department of Education website: http://www.doe.in.gov.
7. Develop and Perform (singing)
8. Develop and Perform (instruments)
*The in class examples listed below are examples of activities/lessons that students will experience throughout the school year. If you have questions about when these lessons will occur, please contact Mrs. Stevenson.
Develop and Perform (7): Performing a varied repertoire of music by singing, alone and with others, from rote memory and written notation.
K-2 – (Develop and Perform P.7.2.1) Sing independently and in groups using head voice and appropriate posture, with accurate pitch and rhythm. (Develop and Perform P.7.2.2) Sing simple songs with expressive qualities, varied tonalities, and meters. (Develop and Perform P.7.2.3) Perform appropriately for a variety of audiences and purposes.
3-5 – (Develop and Perform P. 7.5.1) Sing in groups and independently, while demonstrating appropriate breath control, pitch, diction, tone quality, and posture. (Develop and Perform P.7.5.2) Sing songs from diverse cultures with sensitivity, accurate use of languages, appropriate movement, and/or appropriate use of dynamics, phrasing, and articulation. (Develop and Perform P.7.5.3) Sing unison and two-part songs, partner songs, and rounds, a cappella and with varied accompaniment. (Develop and Perform P.7.5.4) – Perform appropriately for a variety of audiences while following the cues of a conductor.
In Class Examples – Students will learn a wide variety of songs throughout the year. Some of the songs we learn by rote (echo sing) and some songs we learn by reading the music – discovering the melodic and rhythmic patterns. During class we work on appropriate vocal quality and how to produce the correct sounds. Students are given opportunities to perform in class and outside of class. Students in grades 1-5 have a music program and students in Kindergarten are given an opportunity to perform at the end of the year awards program.
Develop and Perform (8): Performing a varied repertoire of music by playing instruments, alone and with others, from rote memory and written notation.
K-2 - (Develop and Perform P.8.2.1) Accurately play a variety of classroom instruments alone and with others using appropriate technique. (Develop and Perform P.8.2.2) Echo and read a variety of rhythmic and/or melodic patterns as well as maintain a consistent steady beat while playing an instrument.
3-5 – (Develop and Perform P.8.5.1) Play pitched and unpitched percussion, keyboard, string and/or wind instruments using correct techniques for producing sound. (Develop and Perform P.8.5.2) Play melodic, rhythmic, and chordal patterns at a consistent tempo. (Develop and Perform P.8.5.3) Play melodies, accompaniments, and ensemble parts of various styles and cultures on instruments expressively with correct rhythms, tempi, and dynamics. (Develop and Perform P.8.5.4) Perform appropriately for a variety of audiences while following the cues of a conductor.
In Class Examples – Students play a variety of instruments beginning in Kindergarten and continuing all the way through the end of 5th grade. While most of the instruments played are from the percussion family (sticks, shakers, xylophones, tambourines etc…), students in 3rd and 4th grades also learn to play the recorder. In 5th grade we also do units on guitar and keyboards. While playing instruments we are working on the fundamentals of reading music as well as how to hold the instrument and correctly produce sound for that instrument. In grades 2-5 we also try to use instruments and instrument techniques in our performances.
Mark Your Calendar....
Music Dates:
December:
December 6th - Choir Concert, 6:00 pm – 3rd Grade Program, 7:15 pm
*All school performance during the day
December 9th – 2:00 pm, Choir sing with FCHS Sounds of the Season
December 18th – All School Sing Along – 2:00 pm
January:
January 11th – 5th grade field trip to FTMSE to hear the Band, Choir and Orchestra.
January 22nd – Middle School Band, Choir and Orchestra teachers visit Acton in the afternoon to help 5th grade students choose their ensemble and instrument.
February:
February 1st – Sign-ups for band, choir and orchestra due to Mrs. Stevenson from 5th grade students.
February 5th – 5th grade field trip to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
March:
March 7th – Grade 1 Related Arts Night – 6:00 pm
April/May:
April 18th – 4th grade program, 6:00 pm – 5th grade program, 7:15 pm
*All school performance during the day
April 27th – Folk Dance Festival
TBD (May) – International Fair
What to know what is going on in music class? Follow us on Facebook!
Facebook: ActonElementaryMusic
CHOIR
Dear Choir Parents,
Next week is a very busy week for our Acton Choir! Please read the information below and let me know if you have any questions!
Mrs. Stevenson
317-803-5151
Facebook: ActonElementaryMusic
Final Rehearsal:
11/30 @ 7:30 in Music Room
Performances:
Choir Concert
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6:00pm in the Acton Gym
Student Arrival Time: Students should meet Mrs. Stevenson in the LGI room at 5:45 pm.
Student Attire: Students should wear holiday dress clothes. It can get warm standing on the risers, so heavy sweaters may not be the best choice.
*This concert is right before the 3rd Grade Program also on 12/6 beginning at 7:15.
Cookies with Santa
When: Friday, December 7, 2018 – 6-8 @ Acton Elementary
Student Arrival Time: Students are welcome to attend the event with their families. Choir will sing in the cafeteria at 7:00pm. Please listen for an announcement to meet in the cafeteria around 6:50 pm.
Student Attire: Students are encouraged to wear holiday PJs or other PJs or festive clothing. Dress up attire not needed for this performance.
Sounds of the Season
When: Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2pm @ FCHS
Student Arrival Time: Students should meet Mrs. Stevenson in the FCHS cafeteria at 1:15. (We will rehearse with the high school students before the show begins) There will be teachers and signs directing the way. Please enter through door 3W (performance entrance)
Student Attire: Students should wear holiday dress clothes. It can get warm standing on the risers, so heavy sweaters may not be the best choice.
*Students will be given a water and a light snack after performing our first set of songs. If there are any allergy concerns, please let me know or send an alternative snack with your child.
*If you are dropping off and not attending the concert students will be ready for pick up at the cafeteria around 4:30 pm.
Sounds of the Season Tickets:
Tickets for the concert at FCHS will be sold online. Tickets go on sale beginning Nov. 7th. Please use the link below to purchase tickets. Tickets for this concert do tend to sell out. If you choose not to attend the concert you will be able to drop your choir student off and then return to pick them up after the concert. We will be singing two song (from our concert) with the Thompson Crossing Choir and then the Finale with the FCHS ensembles.
Acton Elementary 3rd Grade Program
“The World Says Merry Christmas”
On Thursday, December 6, 2018, Acton 3rd grade students will present their program “The World Says Merry Christmas.” We hope you are able to join us! Please read the information carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
What: Grade 3 Program – “The World Says Merry Christmas”
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 – 7:15pm *This performance follows the choir concert that will be held at 6pm on 12/6.
Where: Acton Gymnasium
Student Arrival Time: 3rd grade students should meet Mrs. Stevenson in the LGI room beginning at 6:45 or following the choir concert.
Student Attire: 3rd grade students should wear holiday dress clothes. It does get warm standing on the risers, so heavy sweaters may not be the best choice.
We will be videotaping this performance and you can get a copy by making a $5 donation to the Acton Music Program. Order forms are located on the back of this paper. Guests are always welcome to take their own videos and photos! J
We will also be performing for the Acton Students during the school day on December 6th. The students have been working very hard and we are excited to share what we have learned! We look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs. Stevenson
803-5151
PE NEWS
Hello, from the Acton gymnasium!! Jump Rope for Heart is coming soon! This year it's just called something different but it's the SAME EXACT PROGRAM! The American Heart Association has renamed it, "KIDS HEART CHALLENGE!" Our fun Jump Rope for Heart Day or our fun Kids Heart Challenge day will be on Friday, February 1st during your child's Related Arts time. MUCH MORE info and details will be coming home soon. I just wanted you to be able to get it on your calendar. Like always, we are trying to raise money to help support the American Heart Association! There will be LOTS of incentives for students to raise money for this much worthy cause!
Also, I want to take a moment to remind students and parents about the importance of wearing PE shoes on their Related Arts PE days. We've had a lot of students forget their PE shoes this school year and they have been unable to do the activities as well as they could if they whad been wearing their PE shoes. It's also a safety measure to have athletic shoes on during PE class. Shoes with heels (they will fall), open toed shoes (toes get hurt), slip-on shoes (they easily slip off), and shoes without enough support can definitely lead to injuries.
If your child forgets their PE shoes, they will bring home a note about it. Being prepared is one of the items that "goes into" their semester PE grade. Below you will find the dates that your child has PE class. Hopefully, this will help ensure that the correct type of shoes will be worn on PE days. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT WITH THIS!
MONDAYS: Neifert, Reynolds, Jewell, Brooks, Miller, and Froning
**Also, on the following Wednesdays: Jan. 9th, Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, April 3, and May 1.
TUESDAYS: Leal, Beechler, Milholland, Krug, Gilkerson, and Emerine
***Also, on the following Wednesdays: Dec. 5, Jan. 16, Feb. 27, April 10, and May 8
FRIDAYS: Jones, Rigsby, Simmons, Parsons, Elliott, and McMaster
***Also, on the following Wednesdays: Feb. 6, March 13, April 24, and May 22
Lice Reminder
Parents it is getting that time of year when lice can be more prevalent. Lice can be spread via the many clothing layers, hats, gloves, scarves that students are wearing for this cold winter weather also the increased traveling.
A couple of ways to prevent the spread of the pesky lice are:
*Once a week throw backpacks, hats, gloves, scarves and jackets in the dryer for 20 minutes.
*Educate children on the importance of not sharing hats, hair bows, jackets, and gloves. Educate them about not having head to head contact with their friends.
*Check your children frequently (at least once a week) for head lice. It’s easier to get rid of it at an early stage.
*Students share locker/cubbie space with another student, if you would like to send in a plastic grocery bag to put their things in, in their locker/cubbie that will help to keep their things separated some from another student’s things.
Flu Information
- Visit http://ftcsc.nutrislice.com/ for a complete listing of our menu items.
- For more information visit: https://schoolnutrition.org/NSBW2016/
- For more information on student health, visit www.kidshealth.org.
- Online payments through PayPams is convenient way to pay for your child's meals.
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application: https://paypams.com/OnlineApp.aspx
COMING TO EAT LUNCH WITH YOUR STUDENT? PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAFETERIA CAN ONLY ACCEPT CASH PAYMENTS. THANK YOU!
DEC. 3rd - DINOSAURS LIVE
Dinosaurs Live is an educational, self-guided display of 8 lifelike replica dinosaurs and activities, providing a prehistoric adventure for the whole family during this 2-hour experience.
Your visit with your family to Dinosaurs Live includes:
- FREE Admission for all ages
- FREE Viewing of 8 lifelike dinosaurs
- FREE Dino Read Activity
- FREE Dino Build Activity
- FREE Dino Dig Activity
- FREE Dino Play Activity
Our FREE Dino Read Activity area allows children ages 0-6th grade and their families to embrace the joy of reading with our educational dinosaur fact and dinosaur-themed books.
December:
3-7 Canned food drive
3 Dinosaurs live
4 PTO meeting
6 3rd grade music program
6 choir concert
7 Cookies with Santa
9 Choir @ Sounds of the Season
11 Jacks Donuts fundraiser
17 School Board Meeting
18 End of semester
18 PBIS Convo
18 Winter Celebrations
18 End of period grades posted
18 Last student day
20-1/2/19 Winter Break
Please review a few important front office policies.
- We do our best to keep classroom disruptions to a minimum. If your child forgets an item and you bring it in, please do not be offended if the front office asks for you to leave the item with them so it can be delivered at an appropriate time.
- If there is a change in transportation for students at the end of the day, we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 3:00pm.
- If electronics (cell phones, ipods, gaming systems) are brought into school and removed from backpacks, they will be confiscated by the teacher. A parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the electronic at the front desk.
- When having lunch with your student in the cafeteria please remember to only have your child sit with you.
- Morning student drop off must be done in the car rider line. Drop off opens at 8:35 am in the car rider line.
- Students arriving after 8:50 am MUST be signed in at the front office.
- Review the Franklin Township policies and procedures for absences on p. 2-3 in the student handbook. We appreciate your cooperation.
- All visitors must have a photo ID to enter the building.
Remind 101
Visitor Check In
WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS. THEIR SAFETY IS CRUCIAL TO US. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE PREPARED TO STOP AND SHOW ID WHEN VISITING OUR SCHOOL.
WE HAVE RECEIVED A NEW VISITOR SIGN IN SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE ALL VISITORS TO HAVE AN IDENTIFICATION CARD THAT CAN BE SCANNED AT THE FRONT DESK.
Transportation Changes
BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
The following volunteers will need a criminal history check:
1. Any person who will be working with students for extended periods of time – either consecutive hours or on a regular schedule.
2. Any person who will be in a position to supervise students – this includes but not limited to field trips (at all levels, including band and choir trips) or taking a group of students out of a classroom for remediation work.
3. Any person who will be alone with a student.
*NOTE: VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE NO LONGER FREE OF CHARGE. THE FEE IS APPROXIMATELY $16.00 PER VOLUNTEER. If you wish to proceed, please follow the instructions and click on link below.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/…/Vo…/franklin000012
• Please select VOLUNTEER for "Position"
• Make sure your name is spelled correctly
• Please complete the entire form, all fields with *are required
• Please select the school or schools for which you request to volunteer
• Select I Agree and then Submit
All schools have access to the volunteer data base and can verify a clear background check. If there is an issue with the background check that will affect the ability to volunteer, that volunteer will be notified. This comprehensive background check will be active for two years. You will receive an email notification once the background check is clear. You will also be notified when it is about to expire.
If you have not already signed up for Kroger Rewards or Amazon Smile- please do! We receive a donation from Kroger and Amazon for each shopping trip you make! This helps fund our events throughout the year!