Dicken Family Newsletter
2.15.21
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
I hope this four day weekend has allowed your children some downtime and a nice break from screens. We continue to celebrate Black History Month throughout our virtual classrooms and we look forward to our all school Black History Month assembly at the end of this month!
SIgn up for Black History Month Assembly Presentation
We would love to have our Dicken Dolphins in our virtual community, once again, participate in our all school assembly celebrating Black History Month on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm.
A committee of student leaders, teachers, and administration thought it would be a wonderful idea to sprinkle the assembly with inspiring videos about African Americans who have shaped our world, yesterday and today. A video could take the form of a musical performance, poem recitation, informational presentation, artistic piece, demonstration or tribute. We are open to anything inspired by one of the people on this signup, but there are a few parameters:
1. Videos must be submitted and approved by the committee by 2/23.
2. Videos can NOT be more than 2 minutes long.
3. Materials presented must be original work, unless you are performing a specific song, poem or speech by the person.
Here is a link to a short video with former 5th graders paying tribute to several African American heros as an example.
The signup has names we brainstormed as a committee. If the person who inspired you is not on the list, please email Ms. Brogno to ask permission to add. Please help your child to sign up for one person by 2/15. Note: this is shared sign up, so please do not alter someone else's information when signing up.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Brogno at brognoj@aaps.k12.mi.us.
Peace Neighborhood Center
I want to take a moment to thank our partners at Peace Neighborhood Center for all they do to support several of our students. Every Sunday, Peace shares a YouTube link to a story read by Ann Arbor LINKS members. The LINKS is a group of African American women who are dedicated to promoting literacy in our community. Peace has partnered with the LINKS for over 10 years. Last week's story: I am Enough by Grace Byers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGu9qUgRCSk&feature=youtu.be Enjoy!
AAPS Elementary Hybrid Option Info Sessions
If you were unable to attend the district's community information sessions about hybrid learning, you may view the sessions on your own time here. The building level community meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks. I will keep you updated but in the meantime, please reach out any time with needs or questions.
Free & Fun Virtual Activities for Kids
Happy and Healthy Kids (H2) invites students K-4 to participate in weekly online activities that promote health and wellness. Activities include yoga, body part Simon Says, arts and crafts and more. Sessions are Weds. 1:30-2pm. Check out the H2 flyer for more details and to sign up
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
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
Nutty Scientists and The Creature Conservancy Program: Classes Begin February & March 2021
Intro to Zoology & Art, Science & Animals
Have an item for the blast? Email it to dolphinsblast@gmail.com. Blast items kindly requested by 5 p.m. Friday.