Alto All Star Gazette
December 10, 2021
School Begins At 8:45 A.M.
Dismissal time: 3:38 p.m. Half-day dismissal: 11:55 a.m.
24-hour Attendance Line: 987-2625
News from the desk of Principal Papes
Dear Alto Families,
It is hard to believe that we only have one more week of school left until the holiday break! Next week will be a fun ending to the calendar year at school. Many classrooms have fun events planned for the week. We will also have a school-wide Spirit Week (please see the calendar below). We’re looking forward to spreading some holiday cheer throughout the building!
Acadience (Formerly DIBELS) Reading Assessment
This week and next week, our students began Acadience (formerly known as DIBELS) testing. This is a reading fluency assessment that all students are given three times a year to determine how students are performing on important reading skills. Teachers use this data to inform their instruction. This testing window typically lasts two weeks.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found items are growing! If you notice that your child is missing clothing items (hats, gloves, sweatshirts, etc.), please have them check the lost and found. This is located in the cafeteria.
Coats and Backpacks
We have many new or like new coats and backpacks that have been donated to the school. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me (ppapes@lowellschools.com) if your child would benefit from either of these. Also, please reach out if your child is in need of winter hats and gloves as well.
Trimester 1 Report Cards
Trimester 1 report cards went home Monday, December 6th. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns after reviewing your student’s report card.
Holiday Parties
Many classrooms will be having classroom parties next week. Unfortunately, we are still unable to have parent volunteers help with classroom parties/activities as we are still limiting the number of people in classrooms. Teachers will be communicating their requests for donated treats or other items. All treats need to be store-bought but not necessarily individually wrapped (no homemade treats please). We’re looking forward to these fun celebrations with our students!
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
Important Reminder: If COVID-19 Testing is indicated for symptomatic students/staff, a Negative PCR Test is needed to confirm results. Please see page 6 of 7 in the following document: https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/K-12-COVID19-SYMPTOM-TESTING-PROTOCOL.pdf
As a reminder, any one of the following symptoms is concerning for COVID-19 :
New cough
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Two or more of the following symptoms is concerning for COVID-19:
Fever (measured or subjective)
Chills
Headache
Extreme Tiredness/Fatigue
Sore Throat
New congestion or Runny nose
Body Aches
Nausea/vomiting or Diarrhea
Kent County Health Department COVID-19 Toolkit for Schools and Childcare
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/SchoolChildcareToolkit.pdf
K-12 COVID-19 Symptom and Testing Protocol
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/K-12-COVID19-SYMPTOM-TESTING-PROTOCOL.pdf
Enjoy the weekend!
Sincerely,
Paul Papes
Principal
Alto Elementary
Lowell Area Schools
Early Act "Toys for Tots" Update
We only have a few days left of our Toys for Tots donations. Please consider donating new, unopened toys for local families in need. The last day to drop off toys is Wednesday, December 15th. The classroom with the most toys donated wins a pizza party! So far, Mr. Sargent's class is in the lead with 120 toys!!! Mrs. Bolhuis’ classroom is in second with 57 toys, and Mrs. Wobma’s class is in third place with 18 toys donated. It is not too late to take the lead!
Next week is HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEEK!
T: Grinch Day (wear green)
W: Elf Day (dress w/ stripes, polka dots)
Th: Ugly Sweater Day
F: PJ Day!!!
*note: Kindergarten will have "Grinch" day on Friday and "PJ" day on Tuesday.
Mark your calendar!
12/15- 4th grade to Patterson Ice Arena
12/18-1/02-Holiday Break
Breakfast and Lunch Menu week of 12/13
Winter Book Fair!!!
Alto Elementary School
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary