Lawton Leopard News
Week Ending 11/06/2020
Contact Lawton Elementary
Email: lawton@a2schools.org
Website: https://www.a2schools.org/lawton
Location: 2250 S. Seventh St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 994-1946
Principal's Message
Dear Lawton Families,
It is so hard to write about how different things are from where we want them to be. To express how uncertain things are today, this week, these past months in 2020 is something I don't think I can find the words to describe as well as others have done. I can only share my voice and my perspective.
These past few weeks I have been to every classroom and just want to celebrate and applaud the Lawton Staff. They are so hard-working and caring. Of course we all still recognize that it isn't easy or effortless. I see and hear the concern staff have for students. Their efforts to make the best out of a tough situation are heroic. Lawton families I can not say enough about how much it means when you send a message of care or support in honor of a staff member. We celebrate each message and take a moment to sit and absorb that appreciation. A sentence or two of kindness can more inspiring and rewarding than you know. This is not a plea for those messages. It is a THANK YOU to all those that have been shared.
Recognizing that each of us, each student and family are on their own journey with their own perspective has never been more important than right now. We are all facing some sort of loss, whether it is social connections, time with loved ones, or serious financial impacts. I share this picture on the side just as a way of showing one loss that knocked me harder than I expected.
Usually the end of October/November is a time of celebration and remembrance in my family. We celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos. We would usually all gather, enjoy food, share stories, decorate sugar skulls, and light candles on our Ofrenda as you see in the picture. This weekend we did none of those things and even though I knew that would be the case, the next few days I was so down about losing a year of recognizing this special tradition in my family.
We are all not only facing losses, but are struggling with the addition of new demands and added pressures. In speaking with some family members these past few weeks, I can recount the stories of seemingly endless cooking, organizing activities, supporting schoolwork, job duties, and many more expectations that are being placed on all of you. Our amazing PTO offered a webinar on Managing Parental Guild and Anxiety During COVID-19. If you missed the live event, the recording and slides are available on the PTO website. Click here for the recording. The message of embracing "Good Enough" parenting was very well received.
This week many other events are launching that are meant to be supportive and engaging for students and families. We know you can't do it all and don't expect you to do it all! This is a menu of resources and experiences, chose what works best for you and your family. So while much of this message is about remembering that each of us is experiencing losses and additions.
Each family member, student, and staff member are living in a not normal and stressful time. So we need to actively and intentionally recognize that truth. Even though we know we haven't forgot, sometimes just saying it helps provide some grace and space for everyone.
I just want to close with a wide and heartfelt appreciation for the entire Lawton community! I am grateful for each of you. Have a wonderful weekend!
Kindly,
Rose Marie Callahan
Distribution again today (11/6) from 4pm-6pm (Math Journals, Art Supplies, 5th Grade Instruments)
Thanks to all the staff volunteers. You are so appreciated!
Inside ready and excited for instrument distribution
Teachers were so happy to see students
Best Wishes to Dottie Davis
In her true style of always lending a hand where needed, Ms. Davis will be supporting one of her favorite places in Ann Arbor, Huron High School, home of her beloved River Rats. Please join me in sending her gratitude from the Lawton community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SCHOOL INFORMATION
COFFEE CHATS WITH THE PRINCIPAL
Over the past few weeks I have visited every classroom and read stories to the students. In hopes of meeting and greeting family members, I am offering a series of 30 minute Coffee Chat sessions. Please stop in if you have the time to say hello and introduce yourself. This is not a presentation, it is an opportunity to say hello and meet more community members.
Click here to open Sign-up Genius. Each date is a different Zoom meeting. When you complete your selection, an email invite will be sent to the Zoom meeting.
Lawton Virtual Book Fair - Open Nov. 9th until Nov. 22nd
I am sure you saw the notice in the Lawton PTO news. Please join us in supporting our school and fostering a love a books by participating in our Virtual Book Fair.
Lawton Reads the Rainbow - Brought to you by PTO
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11, at 11:30 a.m.
I am so pleased to the first reader in the PTO series of Lawton Rainbow Reads. Join me for our first session where I will be sharing one of my all time favorite books, Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. Here is the link to join:
Ms. Callahan Reads -Too Many Tamales on Wednesday November 11, at 11:30 a.m.
You do not need to rsvp. We will also record the session and make if available for anyone who can not come to the live session.
SPIRIT WEEK AT LAWTON - November 16 - November 20
LAWTON SPIRIT WEEK is coming in two weeks. Please join in the fun when you can! The week will close with an all school dance party!
CONNECTING TOGETHER: Parent Support Groups - Offered by AAPS
Connecting Together: An AAPS Parent/Guardian Support Group
Math Support and Resources for Families
Do you want to understand more about your Elementary child’s math education? Do you struggle to help your child with their math work? Join us for a one-hour webinar that will provide you with an introduction to Elementary math instruction at AAPS, and resources and suggestions for supporting your child’s learning! Join us Monday, 11/9 at 7:30PM, or Friday 11/13 at 1:30PM. Register here for this topic.
Get Help: Community Resources for Students and Families
Looking for support or assistance with food, housing, health care and more? The AAPS Community Resource page lists free resources available to students and families. Visit the Community Resource Page today. This page is frequently updated.
HELPFUL LINKS
Technology Support for Families
Students & Families Virtual Help Desk
family_techsupport@aaps.k12.mi.us
734-997-1222
Open M-F
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.