Dicken Family Newsletter
9.24.21
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support and encouragement during this challenging week of needing to move a class to remote learning. A review of health protocols and testing information can be found below. We appreciate all you are doing at home to keep our community safe!
Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, September 30 - Picture Day
Dressing for the Weather
Fall weather is certainly here! As we know, these coming weeks can be rather unpredictable, with varying temperatures and precipitation from one day to the next. Please keep an eye on the forecast and help your child(ren) remember to dress appropriately - including rain boots, jacket, etc. If it is only sprinkling outside, we will still have outdoor recess. Thank you!!
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications - Reminder
We would like to ask that any families who believe they may be eligible for Free and Reduced lunch to please fill out the application, which is due by October 10.
Although breakfast and lunch are free for all students this year, the applications can help us determine if our school is eligible for any other services or funds. It will also allow families to become prequalified for eligible scholarships with Rec & Ed and for the Pandemic EBT Card. (More information can be found here) https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5527_104768---,00.html
If you are not sure if your family falls within the income guidelines, you can view the eligibility guidance here: Eligibility Guidance.png
We want to make sure we have everyone accounted for and are capturing the needs of our community, especially in the midst of the pandemic.
Again, here is the application. When you get to the portal please click "Guest", then "Application".
Thank you!
Safety Protocols and Covid Testing
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe! With the recent cases at Dicken, please review the Daily Student Prescreener.
Please remember that testing is one of the best ways to help prevent community spread. Testing information can be found below:
LynxDx Tests are contactless and saliva-based (no nasal swabs required). This site tests people of all ages. Testing is available with or without insurance or symptoms at the 2/42 Church at 648 S. Wagner Rd. Ann Arbor, 48103. Pre-registration is required lynxdx.health/register. (*Use the link for Community Testing, not AAPS affiliates.) Once you pre-register, you will be directed to schedule a time/date for your test.
If this is not convenient for you, please go to the WCHD website at https://www.washtenaw.org/3158/Testing to search for more testing options.
Teaching Assistant Position
Dicken is looking for a strong candidate to fill a teaching assistant position. Our teaching assistants work closely with students to support their learning throughout the day. If you or someone you know is interested, please consider applying. If you would like to discuss the position in more detail, please reach out to Heather. The application can be found here. Please apply for job ID 12654.
Noon Hour Supervisors
We are still looking for noon hour supervisors. If you or anyone you would recommend would be interested in working as a lunch supervisor, please apply here and contact Mrs. Dorris at dorris@aaps.k12.mi.us The supervisor rate is $16.50. Thank you!
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All the best,
Heather
PTO News
I know I’ve mentioned the family directory a lot. I’m going to bring it up again, and you’ll probably get one more email about it next week. One point that I want to clarify is this:
Your family will not be included in the directory if you don’t fill out this Google form. The school does have information on file for all families, but submitting this form allows you to choose what information to share and is the only way to give permission for the PTO to include your family in the directory.
It looks like the weather will be wonderful for the next several days, so I hope everyone can get outside and enjoy some amazing early fall Michigan days!
—Jenifer Miller, Dicken PTO President
PTO website
Dicken Elementary Parents Facebook Group page
Upcoming PTO Event Dates:
Dicken Dash: October 22 (afternoon/school hours)
Pumpkin Patch: October 29 (evening)
THE DASH IS BACK!
We are excited to announce that the Dicken Dash, our annual run-a-thon fundraiser, is back this year and will be held on Friday, October 22 (typical schedule is 12-3pm). More details will follow over the coming weeks, but please Save-the-Date so you can help volunteer and/or cheer on our “Dashers” as they run laps and raise much needed funds for our school and PTO.
If you own a local business (or know someone who does) that might be interested in sponsoring the Dicken Dash, please reach out to the Dash Committee via email dickendash@gmail.com
DICKEN FARM STAND MONDAY
Stop by the farm stand in front of the school on Monday (9/27) and snag some free produce from the Dicken Garden! We expect to have patty pan squash (similar to zucchini), beets, potatoes, parsley, sage, peppers and cherry tomatoes.