Union Elementary Weekly Update
March 18, 2016
Upcoming Events
March 18- Spotlight Night
March 19- Dads Club Easter Egg Hunt, 10:00 AM;
Spotlight Night Community Viewing, 10:30-12:00
March 23- 4th Grade Ruth Lilly Presentations
March 24- Kokomo Beach Day
March 25- April 1- Spring Break
April 5- Dads Club Meeting, 7 pm
April 12- Kindy Roundup
April 13- PTO General Meeting, 7 pm
April 20- Dads Club Preschool Breakfast, 8:30 am
April 21- Hot Box Pizza Fundraiser
April 24- Spring Spruce Up, 1-3 pm
New Newsletter Format
SPOTLIGHT NIGHT REMINDERS
- Your child needs to eat a well-balance meal after school on Friday, March 18. Snacks will be served during SPOTLIGHT NIGHT; however, we want to make sure they get a good meal before attending as the excitement may curb their appetite.
- Wear comfortable clothes and please leave your coats in the car.
- There will be lots of traffic, so we recommend CARPOOLING!!
- Please check in at the bus entrance (Door 11). Doors will not be open before this time. Enter and Exit signs will be posted on doors to easy traffic flow.
Kindergarten/1st Grade Check-in: 5-5:20 pm
2nd/3rd/4th Grade Check-in: 5:30-5:50 pm
If you have children in both time periods, please drop off accordingly or all at 5:15pm with the understanding that the older students will have to wait longer in the gym.
- Registration tables will be marked alphabetically. Once your child is checked in/contact info confirmed a volunteer will direct your child to their troop location in the gym.
- Parents should not arrive for pick-up before 8:25pm. Your child will be dismissed upon completion of the last rotation. You will need to initial a check-out form before your child is released to you.
Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Pick-Up: 8:30-8:55 pm
2nd/3rd/4th Grade Pick-Up: 9:00-9:25 pm
- We greatly appreciate your flexibility and patience as we get over 500 students in and out during the event!
- The office will be closed. If you need to get in touch with someone during the event, please call 317-286-6261.
The Week in Review
2 on 2 Basketball
STEM Certified School
Irish Dancers of Indianapolis
PTO and Dads Club News
PTO Budget
Wondering how PTO generously supports our amazing Union Stars?
February 2016 PTO purchased:
· 2nd grade Iditarod subscription-$70
· Kindergarten leveled books for new classroom-$700
· student led grants-$3000
- Osmos for all kindergarten classrooms
- 4 chromebooks
- iPad mini
- student requested books
- indoor recess games & outdoor recess equipment
- cozy, soft chairs (for reading in classroom)
The budget is reviewed at each PTO meeting- join us on April 13 at 7 pm to find out more about the budget if you have questions. We will start posting monthly purchases on our PTO site- look for a link coming soon.
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Looking for ways you can help Union next year?
Nominations are being accepted for the 2016-2017 PTO Executive Board, Officers and Event Chairs. Selections will be made in April, and the transition meeting for new officers will be in May. Look for the nomination sheet on main PTO website. You can also clink the link below:
http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/www.zcs.k12.in.us.uni/files/documents/ptonominationform.pdf
Positions for the 2016/17 school year are listed below:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Fundraising Officer – Jog-a-thon, Soiree, Book Fairs, Flower sale, Brick sales, Spirit Wear, Box tops, Hot Box/DQ
Student Services Officer – Movie Night, Union Express, Field Day, School Supplies, 4th grade gift
Staff Services Officer – Room Parents, Luncheons, Staff Appreciation Week
Hospitality Officer – Welcome Coffee, Ice Cream Social, New to Union Welcome, Socials, Kindy Roundup
Communications Officer – PTO Newsletter, Bulletin Boards, Facebook, Website, Directory
Outdoor Enrichment Officer
Click this link for a list of responsibilities for each office below:
http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/www.zcs.k12.in.us.uni/files/documents/boardresponsibilities.pdf
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Spring Spruce Up
Help Union celebrate Earth Day at the Spring Spruce Up on Sunday April 24th from 1-3pm. We would love for you and your family to join us as we prepare Union's grounds for Spring planting. No green thumb required!!
In preparation for spring planting, we are seeking someone to rototill our garden sometime in the next week or two. If you are interested, please email Jen Raycroft at jraycroft@zcs.k12.in.us
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Union Express
Do you want to send your student words of encouragement or good luck on a test? Or maybe just remind them that you are thinking of them? Remember that our Union Express delivers mail every Wednesday. The students love receiving letters and our 2nd graders enjoy delivering the mail. All you need to do is drop your letter in one of the four blue mailboxes.
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Wanted....BOX TOPS...The race is on! Be the class with the most box tops and your class will win a pizza party at the end of the year! You can send the box tops in a plastic baggie or taped to a box top sheet (found in the front office) ***PLEASE*** be sure to write your teacher’s name so they can get the credit. You can check out the leader boards in the Pre-K wing and in the cafeteria and listed below!
Here are the class leaders:
PreK - Ms. Martin 1,572
Kindergarten- Ms. Williams 3,394
1st Grade - Ms. Michener 1,351
2nd Grade - Ms. Paunwar 846
3rd Grade - Ms. Off 1,494
4th Grade - Ms. Ruthsatz 2,177
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Free Online Union Student Directory is available at https://www.myschoolanywhere.com/login.a5w
Helpful tips and information can be found on Union PTO webpage at http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/uni/index.php?q=node/132
Questions, lost passwords or access help: contact Carey Roberts at Roberts_Carey@yahoo.com
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PTO Meeting Schedule 2015-2016
4/13 7:00 pm
5/13 9:15 am
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“LIKE” us on Facebook to keep up-to-date on all the latest with Union PTO!!
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DAD’S CLUB - Calling all Dads!!! Join us the first Tuesday of every month for our monthly meeting. Check out our calendar on the Dad’s Club webpage and our FaceBook page for Union Elementary Dads Club.
We are seeking volunteers for set-up for the Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday. If you can help, please meet us on the soccer fields at 8:30 AM. Thank you for considering!
High Ability Spring Identification Deadlines
The Indiana Department of Education requires school districts to identify high ability (gifted) students and provide them with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction. In ZCS, we reconsider ability and achievement data of all students each spring to identify any who may need further consideration for high ability identification. While the High Ability designation is a state-required label for students, our school district is committed to continuous progress for all students, regardless of designation. Accelerated content is common in our classrooms as are heightened expectations and instructional levels and high-achieving peers. Instructional methods regularly group and regroup students with differentiated materials and goals. Whether or not a child is identified as High Ability, our teachers are committed to regular assessment of skills and knowledge and matching experiences to challenge each child and help him or her make maximum academic growth. We are proud to be a high-performing school district with high expectations for all students.
For students currently in grades 1st, 2nd or 3rd: If a child is being included in the group of students being further considered for possible high ability identification, then his/her parents will receive an email from the High Ability Office by Saturday, March 12th. If a child is not being further considered for possible identification, (i.e. no email has been received by Saturday, 3/12), parents may also recommend him or her. To do so, the parents simply complete the Parent Observation Form available on the High Ability website under K-4 High Ability Forms - http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/?q=node/172 and submit to the school counselor by not later than Thursday, March 24. Students already identified as high ability learners continue with their current placement and do not need to requalify from year to year. If they are identified in only one area (language arts or math) and are being considered for identification in the other academic area, parents will receive notification by Saturday, 3/12, that they are in the pool for consideration during the spring process. Parents with questions should contact their school counselor.
For students currently in grades 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th: If a child is being included in the group of students being further considered for possible high ability identification, then his/her parents will receive an email from the High Ability Office by Wednesday, March 2nd. If a child is not identified for the next step in the process, (i.e. no email was received by Wed, March 2nd), but parents feel strongly that he/she should have been, parents may also recommend him or her. To do so, the parents simply complete the Parent Nomination Form (available on the district website under Academics/High Ability -Gifted Program) - click here and submit to the address listed on the form by Monday, March 21st. Students already identified as high ability learners continue with their current placement and do not need to requalify from year to year. If they are identified in only one area (language arts or math) and are being considered for identification in the other academic area, parents will receive notification by Wednesday, 3/2, that they are in the pool for consideration during the spring process. Parents with questions should contact their school counselor
Kindergarten Round Up 2016
Do you know a 5 year old who is ready for kindergarten? Union's kindergarten round-up will be held on Tuesday, April 12 from 8:00am- 5:00pm. All incoming kindergarten parents must complete the pre-registration and schedule an appointment prior to our round-up date. Please go to the main ZCS webpage to set up an appointment: www.zcs.k12.in.us
Kokomo Beach Day Announcement
Thursday, March 24th is Kokomo Beach Day at Union! In celebration of Spring Break, the entire school will dress as if traveling to warmer weather. For example, wear shorts, bright colored clothes, flower printed clothes, short sleeve t-shirts, maxi dresses, sandals, etc! Please make sure to dress appropriate (no swim suits) and wears coats, sweat pants, sweatshirts, and tennis shoes over these “spring” like clothes as your child travels to school and heads out to recess. Also, we are asking for quarter donations for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Don’t forget to wear your favorite “Spring” attire and bring your BEACH TOWEL to sit on during lunch!
Zionsville Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month (YAM) is an annual observation each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Established in 1961, Youth Art Month provides a forum for acknowledging skills that are fostered through experience in the visual arts that are not possible in other subjects offered in the curriculum.
THE PURPOSE OF YOUTH ART MONTH:
·To direct attention to the value of art education which develops divergent & critical
thinking; multicultural awareness; as well as technical, communication, and expressive skills.
·To increase community, business, & governmental support for art education.
·To recognize art is a necessity for the full development of a better quality life for all people.
·To expand art programs in schools and stimulate new programming.
·To increase community understanding and interest in art & art education through involvement in art exhibits, workshops, and other creative ventures.
·To provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative learning.
·To encourage commitment to the arts by student, community organizations and individuals everywhere.
·To recognize art education as a viable component in the total education curricula that develops citizens of a global society.
·To reflect & demonstrate the goals of the National Art Education Association that work toward the improvement of art education on all levels.
·To build the recognition and self-esteem of student artists as true artists in their own right.
YOUTH ART MONTH ACTIVITIES AND ART DISPLAYS IN ZIONSVILLE:
Artwork created by students of the Zionsville Fine Arts Department (Grades 1-12) will be on display at the following Zionsville establishments throughout the month of March:
Art IN Hand, Avalon Jewelers, Ballerinas and Bruisers, Bites by Confectioneiress, Black Dog Books, Bub’s Burgers and Ice cream, The Butler Pantry, CCA Gallery, Carpenter Realty, Cheveux Salon, Cobblestone Grill, Corner Vise Gallery & Frame Shop, Ciao, Cripe Photography, Deering Cleaners, Delany’s Shoppe, Endurance Bike Company, Five Thirty Home, Greek’s Pizza, The Grapevine Cottage, Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library, Indiana Realtors Group, Inga’s Popcorn, Jewel Box Jewelers, Lesley Jane, Michele’s On Main, Midwest Jewelry, The Nail Connection, Old National Bank, Patrick’s Kitchen & Drinks, Peace Through Yoga, Robert Goodman Jewelers, Rug Gallery, Rosie’s, Salon G, The Scoop, Serenity, Siro’s Clothing, Sub 16, Sullivan Munce Cultural Center, The Wine Guy, Zionsville Flower Company, Zionsville Pizzeria, ZCS Educational Services Center
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Free Art Classes will be held at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library during the month of March.
Additional information and registration is available at: http://www.zionsville.lib.in.us/hmmpl/page/events
March 19 @ 12 noon – 2pm: Sullivan Munce Cultural Center presents “Cultural Masks” / Grades K-4
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“LIKE” the Zionsville Fine Arts Department /ZFAD/ Facebook Page for updates throughout the Month of March.
ZCS Fine Arts Department would like to thank the community of Zionsville for its support of Art Education.
Eagle Rec Opportunities
Thinking About Scouting?
CALLING ALL BOYS-K thru 4-Come to the PACK 105 PINEWOOD DERBY
Prospective scouts, we have made some extra cars. They will be first come / first serve at the door. These cars will be entered into the race and your son can experience the fun of derby day.
Date -Saturday March 19th
Time- 1:00PM-2:30PM
Location - St Alphonsus Liguori Parish Hall 1870 W. Oak St
Activity - gravity based racing with cars provided at the door.
What to bring - a smile and a positive attitude
Contact John Salewicz Asst. Cub Master for questions 317-508-5303 or email salewicz@gmail.com
WAHOO!
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Minecraft Camp through Eagle Rec
Campers will work together on a secure Minecraft server to build a virtual community within which they will learn about commerce, engineering and design, agriculture, and society building. Campers will learn Minecraft gaming skills and use them to solve individual and group challenges. This camp meets every Tuesday and Thursday at Union Elementary (Green Computer Lab) from 3:45-5:30 p.m. starting on March 22nd and continuing through May 5th for a total of 12 sessions. Pick-up at the Main Front Office Door. For Grades 1-4. Sign up through Eagle Rec using the www.zcs.k12.in.us website.
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Spring Bring a Friend to French Days are Here!
Official Bring a Friend to French Days are Tuesday and Wednesday next week, March 22 and 23. Please ask a friend to join you to see what L’École Française is all about! If they like it, they can still sign up to join the class for the rest of the school year! You don’t have to limit your visitors to students who attend your school - Homeschoolers are also welcome! (And, know that even though these are the “official” days, you can bring a friend any time.)
Upcoming Opportunities
Indiana Resource for Autism Camps
Run 4 Hope
Global STEM Adventure Camp
Union Elementary School
Email: jraycroft@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: cms.zcs.k12.in.us/uni/
Location: 11750 E 300 S, Zionsville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-733-4007
Twitter: @ZCSUnionElem