Alto All Star Gazette
January 21, 2022
School begins at 8:45 a.m.
24-hour attendance line: 616-987-2625
News from the desk of Principal Papes
Alto Families,
As we continue to be challenged by this pandemic and the current Omicron surge, I am so thankful for our Alto Elementary Family. While we have all been challenged in a variety of ways during this time, I am very proud of our continued efforts as a TEAM to reduce transmission in the school and maintain quality education opportunities for our students. We could not do this without the contributions from ALL. I am very grateful for the continued efforts of our entire school staff, dedicated substitutes, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students.
As you know, we utilize True Success https://truesuccesstools.org/ as a teaching tool in our classrooms. We have monthly themes, and our current theme is “Grit.” Grit can be defined as courage and resolve; strength of character. I am so pleased that we not only teach our students about Grit in the classroom, but this character trait is modeled for students at school and at home. This is evident in the behaviors and attitudes we observe every day!
An upcoming True Success theme is “Compassion.” Acknowledging that this has been a challenging time for all, I encourage everyone within our school community to continue to demonstrate compassion and extend grace to others during this challenging time. One of the greatest strengths of our Lowell community is that we help each other and care for one another.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
COVID-19 Mitigating Measures
The Kent County Health Department has released its update School Toolkit and Symptom and Testing Protocols. Please view by accessing the following links.
School Toolkit
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/pdf/COVID-19/K12-Higher-Education-School-Toolkit.pdf
Symptom and Testing Protocols
https://www.accesskent.com/Health/pdf/COVID-19/K12-Higher-Education-Symptom-Testing-Protocol.pdf
As a reminder, any one of the following symptoms is concerning for COVID-19 :
New cough
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Two or more of the following symptoms is concerning for COVID-19:
Fever (measured or subjective)
Chills
Headache
Extreme Tiredness/Fatigue
Sore Throat
New congestion or Runny nose
Body Aches
Nausea/vomiting or Diarrhea
Alto 4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee
I would like to again recognize all 4th and 5th grade students who participated in the 2021-2022 Alto Spelling Bee. We held the school bee last Friday. However, we were not able to post pictures last week (please see below). Congratulations to the winner of the Alto Spelling Bee, Alex Shaffer, and the runner-up, Peter Johnston. Both students will have an opportunity to represent Alto Elementary at the regional spelling bee.
Virtual Parent/Teacher Conference - Week of February 7th
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held the week of February 7th. All conferences will be scheduled for 15 minutes and will be held virtually. If parents are unable to hold a virtual conference, a phone conference can also be held. Each teacher will be creating a Sign Up Genius schedule with available times to sign up for. Links for all classrooms will be sent out by the office next week.
Coats and Backpacks
We have many new or like new coats and backpacks that have been donated to the school. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me (ppapes@lowellschools.com) if your child would benefit from either of these. Also, please reach out if your child is in need of winter hats and gloves as well.
Enjoy the weekend!
With Appreciation,
Paul Papes
Principal
Alto Elementary
Lowell Area Schools
Breakfast and Lunch menu
Mark your calendar!
1/26: 1R to WWC
2/08: Parent/Teacher Conferences
2/10: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is seeking committed, energetic individuals for the 8-week long 2022 spring
program at Alto Elementary. The season begins on March 14, 2022. Girls on the Run is a
nationally acclaimed empowerment program for girls in grades 3-5 that educates and prepares
preteen girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Groups of 8-15 girls meet twice a
week with volunteer coaches to discuss important life lessons while playing fun running games.
Coaches are parents, teachers, school administrators, college students, and other community
members. All curriculum and supplies are provided! No coaching experience is necessary, and
you do not have to be a runner to coach! Interested individuals should contact Carrie
Vonderheide at cevonderheide@gmail.com.
LASSO JUNIORS!
Alto Elementary School
Website: lowellschools.com
Location: 6150 Bancroft Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI, USA
Phone: 616-987-2600
Facebook: facebook.com/altoelementary