Alto All Star Gazette
January 22, 2021
SCHOOL BEGINS AT 8:45 A.M.
Inclement Weather drop-off time 8:39
HALF-DAY DISMISSAL 11:35-11:55 a.m.
DISMISSAL TIME 3:18 -3:38 p.m.
24-Hour Attendance Line- 616-987-2625
News from Mr. Papes
Alto Families,
It’s been a fantastic week! Examples of outstanding teaching and learning continue to be evident throughout the building. We are proud of the efforts of our students. We are intentional about sharing this message with them regularly with positive reinforcement. It is important that our children know their efforts are recognized, we are proud of them, and we believe in them.
Winter Weather
We have recently experienced a few colder days and some nicer, sunny days as well. This is a good reminder to have layered clothing options for your child so that they are prepared for the diverse winter weather we experience in Michigan. As a reminder, we have children go outside for recess unless the windchill is 0 degree F or below. Please let us know if your child is in need of winter weather clothing, and we’ll try our best to help out.
Valentine’s Day Parties
Our protocols for classroom parties will remain the same as they have been this year for other parties. Your child’s teacher will be in touch regarding specific details. Parties will be held on Friday, February 12th. If your child’s class is doing Valentines or treats, students will be asked to bring them in at least a week in advance. If Valentines are being shared, they will be passed out in advance and then opened on February 12th. Unfortunately, we are still not able to have parents attend classroom parties. We look forward to having parents back in the building for these types of events as soon as we are able to do so!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences are a critical opportunity to meet as partners in supporting your child’s education. Our teachers look forward to meeting with you to share successes and areas of improvement. As communicated last week, our grade levels were able to choose between February and March conference weeks to best align the timing of conferences with the information they will share with parents. The conferences will be held virtually in the same format as fall conferences. Grades K-3 conferences will be held the week of February 8th and grades 4-5 will be held the week of March 15th. Sign up information will be sent out next week.
Free Virtual Parent Workshop
See the link below for some information on a FREE virtual parent workshop on how you can support your child’s literacy education at home. This presentation is based on the current curriculum being taught in your child’s classroom on a daily basis. We use the Teachers College Reading Project to teach reading in the classroom. This is a series of 15 minute small group presentations. Parents can choose what workshop matches their needs. This takes place on Thursday, January 28, 1:00-3:00 pm. I would encourage you to attend if you are interested!
Link - Free Parent Reading Workshop:
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
Updated Kent County Health Department School Toolkit:
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/CommDisease/pdfs/SchoolChildcareToolkit.pdf
Please note this important information in the FAQ section on page 36:
32. What should siblings do when they have someone in their home that is symptomatic, has been tested, but the test results have not come back yet? When there are students awaiting test results of their siblings, they should not attend school. If the test comes back negative, they can come back to school. If the test result for the sibling comes back positive, they have already started their required 10-day quarantine.
33. If a person in quarantine begins to show symptoms that are concerning for COVID-19 should the other household members be quarantined while awaiting the sibling to be tested and receive test results? Yes, since the person qualifies as a close contact and is now showing symptoms, they would be considered a probable positive. Therefore, the other siblings should quarantine. If test results are not positive, the siblings can return to school.
Thank you for your continued support! As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Enjoy the weekend!
Sincerely,
Paul Papes
Principal
Alto Elementary
Lowell Area Schools
Mark your calendar!
Week of 2/08: K-3 Conferences
Week of 3/15: 4th/5th Conferences
Breakfast and Lunch Menu week of 1/25-1/29
1/25: Muffin or Mini Cinnis
1/26: BeneFIT Bar or Frudel
1/27: Cereal or Granola Bar
1/28: Croissant Sandwich or Frudel
1/29: Breakfast Pizza or Waffle
*each breakfast served w/ fresh fruit and milk*
Lunch
1/25: Boneless Chicken Wings or PB&J Fun Lunch
1/26: Bean & Cheese Burrito or Cheddar, Grapes and Cracker Fun Lunch
1/27: Bosco Sticks or Nachos Fun Lunch
1/28: Mini Turkey Corn Dogs or Muffin & Goldfish Fun Lunch
1/29: Cheese Pizza Cruncher or PB&J Fun Lunch
*each lunch served w/ veggie, fruit and choice of milk*
Art
Cold Hands-Warm HeART!
With the passing of Winter break comes Portfolio Day!
Upon our return, students had the time to work on their portfolio and compile some past work. This is a wonderful opportunity for students/artists to reflect on their artwork, see their progress, and revisit the feelings and ideas expressed through their own art.
In the case of students in grades one through five, the work dates back to last school year. So, having these works returned to the rightful artist is a good feeling! I continue to work at the organizing and compiling of all portfolios, and will be sending students home this year, with their complete collection.
For any students who are working virtually, I will also be preparing last year’s portfolios for them, in great hopes that we can arrange a way for parents to receive them.
In the meantime, it is a great time of year to stoke up the kiln and make some pottery! Kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grade are scheduled to begin making ceramic art in the upcoming weeks. We always look forward to getting our hands dirty! I expect your children will be bringing home some treasures that you will really enjoy.
Artfully Yours,
Anna Marie Carabellese
Preschool Information- Curiosity Corner Preschool
Alto Elementary
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary