Hikers' Headlines
Alamo Elementary - April 15, 2024
Important Dates
- 16 - Mileage Club @ lunch recess
- 16 - Destination Imagination
- 17 - Delayed Start, school starts @ 10:00 a.m.
- 8 - Student of the Month Assembly @ 10:15 a.m.
- 18 - Destination Imagination
- 19 - Mileage Club @ lunch recess
- 25 - Inflatable Frenzy Fun Run
Grandparents Day - Save the Date
Grandparents Day is coming up this year! It will be held on Friday, May 10th during the school day. Please feel free to invite your Grandparents to this special day. More information will be available shortly.
Field Day - Save the Date
Alamo Elementary's annual field day at Bulldog Stadium will take place on Friday, June 7th from 10:00-2:00 p.m. More information to come......
How Will You Show Your P.R.I.D.E. Today?
P - Positive Attitude
- Hannah Bronsink
- Aiden Hicks
- Michael VanSparrentak
- Bryer Hatten
- Arvo Hoff
- Adam Gallup
- Kaia McLain
- Remington Weeldreyer
- Nikola Gregor
- Stella VanderWoude
Inflatable Frenzy Fun Run
The Fun Run Fundraiser packet was sent home before spring break. Please consider participating! This is our one and only fundraiser for the year. Students have a chance to earn great prizes: slushies, ice cream sundaes & extra recess, a GLOW Party, a trip to Airbourne and more! The Fun Run will be held on Thursday, April 25th. All donations are due by April 29th to be eligible for prizes.
2024-25 Class Placements
Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year. Placement of children in classes is a part of that planning and a most difficult task. Responsible placement decisions take time and many consultations among staff members. Our goal is to make the best match between student, teacher, and learning environment. Many factors must be considered such as gender ratios, academic ranges, social behavior, personalities, special needs, and learning styles. If you feel you have special insights regarding your child that could assist with our selection, it is certainly welcome. We ask parents to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Provide information about your child’s needs.
• Do NOT request a specific teacher or friendship group. A detailed description of your child’s learning style and individual needs is more helpful.
• Information must be in writing and submitted by May 3rd, please email Mrs. Knight-Lucas at nknight-lucas@otsegops.org
Remember that due to the many factors involved, we are unable to make any guarantees, other than the fact that we will put much thought, consideration, and individual attention into each and every placement. We hope you will rely on our expertise and know that the best possible placement will be made for your child.
Public Forum Notice
Two proposed changes to the 6th grade reproductive unit will be the topic of public forums on April 22, 2024.
The Otsego Public schools Reproductive Health and wellness team is proposing two changes to the 6th grade reproductive health unit. The State of Michigan requires Reproductive Health be taught but allows parents to opt out of that unit of Health class before it happens. Parents can review the unit in its entirety before deciding.
The proposed changes are:
1) to replace a video on puberty, that is over 20 years old, with a newer, more up-to-date video.
2) to add four new definitions to the unit.
Check out the district website for additional info: https://www.otsegops.org/news/~board/district-news/post/public-forum-notice
Big Dawg Sports Camp
Order Your Yearbook Now!
Alamo Career Fair Needs You!
Please come share your career with us!
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 9:00-11:40 a.m. or 1:00-3:40 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to do
15 minute presentations about their
careers. Students will rotate through
different presentations so your total time
commitment would be approximately 3 hours
If you would like to volunteer:
Contact Katherine Busscher
kbusscher@otsegops.org 269-694-7623
Social Work Scoop
Tips for Parents to Use in Motivating a Child
Success is the greatest motivator. Recognize, reinforce, and celebrate the child’s successes and progress – even the small victories.
Speak positively and supportively about the child’s school and teachers. If the child senses a parent’s hostility toward the school, it is unlikely that the child will be motivated to succeed there.
Compliment children for good decisions.
Reinforce the child for small gains in a difficult subject area. Reward direction, not perfection.
When reviewing a test or report card with a child, always comment first on the positive aspects. Then talk about the things that may need improvement.
Take an active (but not intrusive) interest in the child’s hobbies and activities.
Enjoy family activities in which all family members work cooperatively toward a common goal (e.g., gardening, family game nights, community service).
Help children set realistic goals for their academic, social, and athletic performances. Use these goals to monitor and assess their progress.
Do not tell a child that a task “will be easy” in order to enhance her motivation. (“Come on, Beverly, let’s get started on that map homework. It should be a cinch!”) This well-intentioned strategy often backfires. If the child does well on the task, she is not particularly delighted because the assignment was labeled “easy.” Conversely, if she has difficulty with the assignment, she has failed at a “simple task.” Either way, the child’s pride and self-esteem are not enhanced. A more effective approach is to say, “This task is a challenge, but I know you can do it.”
Celebrate risk-taking behavior on the part of children. The willingness to take risks is fundamental to school success and motivation.
Avoid comparing the child to her siblings. This practice merely builds resentment and anger, not motivation.
*This list has been excerpted from p. 283-285 of The Motivation Breakthrough by Richard LaVoie.
CKH Character Trait - Perserverance
What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is the willingness and ability to keep going when things are tough. People who persevere show steadfastness and give the extra effort needed to do something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.
Why focus on Perseverance?
- Perseverance encourages positive self-talk and thinking. When faced with difficult tasks, perseverance helps students reframe with positive thoughts, such as: "I'm not good at this YET!"
- Perseverance develops empathy. Students gain a better understanding of who they are and develop more empathy and compassion for others who may struggle to reach a goal.
- Perseverance sparks personal growth. Pushing through complex tasks builds resilience and helps students discover how capable they are.
Alamo WatchD.O.G.S.
Our WatchD.O.G.S. program is in full swing. “Dads” (or dad-like figures) who are interested in signing up to volunteer for a full or half day should contact Natalie Trumley (ntrumley@otsegops.org) or Nicole Knight-Lucas (nknight-lucas@otsegops.org) via email to schedule a date.
When you volunteer, you will receive a schedule for the day that allows you to help out in different classrooms doing a wide range of activities (reading a story, working with a child 1:1 on work, playing a game with a small group). You will also have scheduled time on the playground and lunchroom to interact with students and be a positive role model for them. We need a current background check on file before you are able to volunteer.
Alamo PTO - Make A Difference
Alamo PTO needs you! The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is a wonderful way to become involved in your child's education and to get to know other parents and teachers. The PTO has many activities throughout the school year that you can help with by volunteering. The PTO meets once a month at 4:00 p.m. in the Alamo Media Center. Listed below are the dates for this year's meetings. We would love for you to attend!
Meeting Dates
May 13th
June 10th
Learn N' Grow Early Childhood Education Center
Is your little one ready to LEARN and GROW?
- Applications will be accepted in the LNG main office
- Returning families will have the opportunity to register early starting on January 22nd
Mileage Club
Here are the recess times for each grade level.
- K @ 11:35 a.m.
- 1st @ 11:45 a.m.
- 2nd @ 12:05 p.m.
- 4th @12:15 p.m.
- 3rd @ 12:35 p.m.
- 5th @ 12:45 p.m.
Attendance Matters
Emergency Contact
It is extremely important to have up-to-date contact information available for each student. When emergencies arise, we need to be able to contact parents/guardians. This is also the contact information that is used for school closures and district updates.
Please log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check that your contact information is current and to make any necessary changes. All families received a letter with parent login information and instructions from the technology department soon. If you need assistance or login information for the Parent Portal, please contact the Alamo Elementary Office. Thank You!
Have you filled out your Free/Reduced Lunch App?
Have you filled out the Free/Reduced Meal Application yet? Another round of PEBT cards will be coming out, you must qualify for free or reduced meals to receive this benefit. Applying is easy! It takes less than 10 minutes and you only need one form per family. Click here to get started: https://www.otsegops.org/departments/food-service
Alamo Elementary
Email: nknight-lucas@otsegops.org
Website: https://alamo.otsegops.org/
Location: 8184 North 6th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
Phone: (269) 694-7600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/415538888654020
Twitter: @otsegoschools