Dicken Family Newsletter
2.7.21
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
Happy February! There's quite a bit to read through in this week's newsletter, so thank you in advance for taking the time. As always, please feel free to reach out at any time with questions, concerns or needs. I'm here to support you and your children through this unique and challenging year.
NAAPID Reminder
A reminder to join us for National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID), on Monday, February 8. In addition to visiting your child(ren)'s classroom(s), you are welcome to visit special area classes as well.
For those new to AAPS, here's some info on the origins of NAAPID, founded by local legend, Joe Dulin, who passed in 2014:
https://news.a2schools.org/naapid-founder-retired-aaps-educator-joe-dulin-it-starts-with-you/
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2014/10/ann_arbor_educator_joe_dulin_p.html
Mid-Winter Break
A reminder that there will be no school on Friday, February 12 and Monday, February 15.
AAPS Elementary Hybrid Option Info Sessions
This coming week, the district will offer two community information sessions about hybrid learning. The sessions are planned for:
- Tuesday, February 9th, at 6pm
- Thursday, February 11th, at 4pm
Parents are invited to submit questions in advance, during or following the information sessions here.
Parents may view the sessions at the designated times or on your own time following each session here.
Principal-Student Lunch Chat
I'm pleased to share that we will hold a Principal-Student Lunch Chat on Thursday, February 11 from 11:45 - 12:15. All students are welcome to come to ask questions, connect with one another and enjoy conversation.
Zoom link: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/99547262113
Password: aaps123
Nominate an Excellent Dicken Teacher
Nominations are now open for the AAPS Excellence in Virtual Instruction Award, and we have truly exceptional teachers at Dicken. Sponsored by Google, the award recognizes exceptional AAPS educators during this challenging year. If you think your child’s teacher has done exceptional work during this time of virtual instruction, please consider nominating them for this honor. To learn more about the award and nominate an educator, click here. Deadline for Nominations: February 16th, 2021 at 5pm.
Facilities Update
My apologies that the document I shared last week was locked. This slideshow details the measures our Facilities department has taken to prepare the buildings for the health and safety of staff and students.
Parent/Guardian Support Groups and Workshops
Connecting Together, our Twice-a-month Drop-in support groups for parents and guardians of student's in AAPS continues in 2021.Connect with other parents to find support and get ideas about how to face the challenges of 2020. Please see dates and times and register here. We also offer parent support groups in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese. See the dates for these groups and register for bilingual groups here.
Additionally, we are excited to offer: Pandemic Parenting: Parent Self-care and Social-Emotional Learning Workshops:
In this 2-Part workshop series parents will learn self-care strategies for themselves and how to reinforce the social-emotional curriculum in school. Participants can join for one or both workshops. Learn more and register here!
AAPS Rec and Ed Programs
Rec & Ed’s Winter programs are starting! Visit aarecedonline.com to register for programs for preschoolers through senior adults. Rec & Ed also continues to offer free programs for PreK - 8th grade students on Wednesdays and Saturdays, both virtually and in-person, outside school buildings across the community. Our programs are designed to keep kids active through fun virtual and outdoor activities, providing a safe opportunity to be active and social. For dates, locations and registration, click here.
Food Pantry
For those in need, Food Gatherers offers a Food Pantry at Peace Neighborhood Center every Friday from 10:00 - 12:00. Families do not need to have children enrolled at Peace in order to participate. Peace Neighborhood Center is located at 1111 N. Maple Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48103. Please call (734) 662-3564 with any questions.
Student & Family Help Desk Live Hours
The Student & Family Help Desk is available 7:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. As always, families can leave a voicemail after hours as well as send an email to the help desk. 734-997-1222. Ayuda en Español: 734-997-1246
Helpful Links on the AAPS Website
- The AAPS Community Resource page
- Food Distribution Plan
- AAPS 2020-21 Calendar
- COVID-19 Metrics Dashboard
- COVID- 19 Cases Dashboard
All the best,
Heather
PTO News
Have an item for the blast? Email it to dolphinsblast@gmail.com. Blast items kindly requested by 5 p.m. Friday.
Dicken PTO Meeting Thursday, February 18th
If you'd like to join us, our next Dicken PTO meeting will be held Thursday, February 18th from 7-9pm. All are welcome!
Zoom link: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/91599625018?pwd=Z21SZEhwcGxsMmtNckl1QjBRZzFiUT09