January Newsletter 2024
Amy Belle Elementary
Principal's Corner- Mrs. Kohel
Happy New Year!
We welcomed back students today after our winter break. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we are looking forward to great things in 2024! I hope you had a wonderful time during the break and are ready for the second half of the school year. In January, students will complete the winter MAP assessment as well as classroom assessments to monitor their academic progress. These assessments help teachers make instructional decisions to positively impact student learning. We would appreciate if you would talk to your child about giving his/her best effort while completing these assessments. The second semester is also quickly approaching, starting on January 23rd. It is hard to believe we are already at the halfway point in the school year! A report card will be completed at the end of the month for the first semester. An email will be sent letting you know when report cards are available for you to view in Skyward.
Our character trait for January is perseverance. The definition we use is pushing yourself to work through challenges and obstacles. This ties directly into the work we do each and everyday in class. Students will also talk about ways they can show perseverance at home, in extra curricular activities and other areas of their lives. We encourage you to ask your child how they can show perseverance when you see them working through a challenge at home.
We are solidly into the winter months. Although we haven't had any significant snow yet, please make sure that your child has winter gear ready for when that first snow fall hits. We will be outside unless temperatures are dangerously cold, and we want students to be dressed appropriately to enjoy their recess time.
We always appreciate support from our families. Thank you for a great first half of the school year. We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2024!
Sincerely,
Katie Kohel
Counselor's Corner
During Classroom Guidance Lessons (Grades 5K-4) students have recently learned to identify and understand their own and others’ feelings. Students also learned how to take another’s perspective and how to show compassion. Coming up, we will be learning more about the specific skill of calming down when experiencing strong emotions such as anxiety or anger. Students who can identify their emotions tend to be more socially and emotionally competent. It is always helpful to model healthy coping strategies to our children at home as well. This can be done by talking about how you are feeling and how you cope with challenges. For example, “This is hard for me right now, I am going to take a break to cool off, so I don’t say something hurtful.” Some parents have even added ‘Calm Down’ spaces in their homes to help their children develop a plan and try strategies while they have big emotions. Feel free to check out my website to learn more about our classroom guidance lessons and find other helpful parenting resources.
Jennifer Runde, School Counselor
Food and Nutrition Department
The Food & Nutrition department has taken the pledge for the “Around the World in 80 Trays” Event. This is a state-wide event to increase global flavors in school meal programs. In January, we will offer new items such as steamed greens, curry chicken, chicken and sausage gumbo, and chipotle chicken tostadas.
Visit the online menu to see when these items, and others, will be available.
Free and Reduced applications are always available online, in the school front office, and in the Food and Nutrition office. Applications can be turned in at any time during the school year. If a family's status should change at any time, they are welcome to drop off a new application to see if they qualify.
After School Activities
Outside groups/activities are being offered for students to have the opportunity to join an after school activity. Please see the following information from the Germantown Recreation Department(link)
Destination Imagination
Our Amy Belle Destination Imagination team thanks the faculty, families and students of Amy Belle for supporting the Candy Cane Gram Sale. The team profited over $500. The money will be used for Global competition registration.
Ink cartridges and old cell phones can be turned into office to further support the team. Amy Belle Destination Imagination appreciates your support. Questions: Contact Jill North jnorth@wisconsindi.org or cell 414-881-7449
Dinner with the Arts - Coming soon!
PTA Dinner with the Arts will be held the evening of February 15, 2024 at school. Please note this is a FREE, open house event for students, families, staff, and friends of the Amy Belle School community. All purchases are optional and not required for attendance.
- · Look for order forms coming in January for those interested in dinner and raffle tickets.
- · Please consider donating items to your student’s class basket. Sign-up Genius links can be found on the PTA website.
- · Do you own a business or have connections to possible donations for raffle items? Contact the co-chairs!
- · PTA is looking for Variety Show performers! Please visit the PTA website for the Google Form to sign up.
- · Please consider donating bottled water and baked goods to DWA. Sign-up Genius links can be found at the PTA website.
More info coming soon or click here: https://amybellepta.digitalpto.com/
Please contact Co-Chairs Denise Glodoski or Tracy Leffler with questions at pta.amybelle@gmail.com
Mark Your Calendars
Welcome Back! - Classes Resume – Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Equalization Day - Follow Monday - Tuesday, January 2nd
PTA Meeting – Wednesday, January 3rd - 6:00 p.m.
Popcorn Friday – Friday, January 5th
Board Meeting – Monday, January 8th – 7:00pm - PAC
School Store - Thursday, January 11th
Amazing Animals Presentation - 4K & 5K - Friday, January 12th
No School - Martin Luther King JR. Day - Monday, January 15th
School Assembly –-Wednesday, January 17th
1st Grade to Schauer Arts– Thursday, January 18th
2nd Quarter Ends – Thursday, January 19th
No School – Teacher In-Service - Monday, January 22nd
Board Meeting – Monday, January 22nd – 7:00 pm - PAC
Equalization Day - Follow Monday - Tuesday, January 23rd
3rd Grade to Milwaukee Public Museum – Thursday, January 25th
SOUPer Bowl Challenge – Wednesday, January 31st through Friday, February 9th
- Students and staff can place a a can/box/bag of soup in the appropriate football team box outside of the cafeteria and “vote” for who you think is going to win the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 11th. On Monday, February 12th we will see how well Amy Belle School predicted the Super Bowl Champion! Watch for more information to come home.
Amy Belle Elementary
School Bell Hours - 8:46am - 3:46pm
Office Hours - 7:45am - 4:15pm
Phone #(262) 628-7825
Fax #(262) 628-7292
Email - aboffice@gsdwi.org
Principal
Katie Kohel - kkohel@gsdwi.org
Adminstrative Assistants
Melissa Lietzau - mlietzau@gsdwi.org
Kim Ubert - kubert@gsdwi.org
Health Room Aide
Breyon O'Neal - boneal@gsdwi.org