Start With Hello, Kindeness Campaign

Last week students built a beanstalk with a structure strong enough to support a golden egg.

Snacks in Kindergarten
Last week I posted a lot of clarifying information about snacks in our classroom.  If you weren't able to read last week's post please scroll down and read it.  A couple more notes: 

1) Thank you for all the fresh snacks that have been coming in, the students have been really enjoying them. You can use this Fresh Snack Calendar to sign up to bring something fresh like carrots or clementine oranges that I will serve to all students the day that you bring them in.

2) We have no students with nut allergies in our classroom at this time.  You need to send in a 'home snack' every day and you are welcome to send in snacks that include nuts for your child's home snack (nuts in their lunch are fine too).

Start With Hello Week
To promote kindness at school we have been participating in Start with Hello Week.  Students said 'hello' and learned the names of other students at school.  We hid kindness bracelets and made sure no one sat alone at lunch.  This week Mr. Peace, a motivational speaker from Detroit, is coming in for an assembly on kindness, empathy, and bullying.  Have students wear blue on Monday to show kindness.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Over email I sent out a sign up for late October Parent/Teacher conferences. If you can't find the time you need, no problem, just email me.

Nurse Laura Galia
We have an excellent nurse here at A2STEAM.  Last week she sent a notification about an illness in our classroom.  I also noticed that other kids had some run-of-the-mill colds and coughs.  I will be working really hard to make sure kids are: giving each other personal space, using hand sanitizer, and washing hands.  If you want to get some disinfecting wipes for our classroom it could be helpful, we have been using those regularly to clean surfaces.

Volunteer Form
If you would like to volunteer at school, or chaperone a field trip, I need you to fill out this form.  You can return it to me or the office.  If you filled out the form last year you need to fill out again but you can use last year's status while we wait for the form to be processed.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are working on a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) module on structure and function.  Structure refers to the way something is built, including shape, size, and the way the different parts work together (for example, a chair has four legs, a seat, and a back).  Function is what something does or is intended to do (the function of a chair is to give people a place to sit).  Last week students read Jack and Beanstalk and used ten pipe cleaners to try to construct a beanstalk that could support a golden egg.  This week we will read The Three Little Pigs and build houses from different materials.

Reading - This week we will be reading books and stories, both fiction and non-fiction, to support our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function (see above). 

Writing - We will be doing some writing around our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function.  This week they will also write about their hopes and dreams for the school year.

Math - Our focus this week is understanding what mathematical attributes define squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles.

Word Study - This week we will study the spelling of our names and look for similarities in our names like matching beginning sounds and spelling patterns.

Thank you so much for all of the fresh snacks!

Snacks!

Use the fresh snack calendar linked below to sign up to bring in something fresh like carrots for our group snack.

Snacks in Kindergarten
I'm not sure I've done a great job explaining how we structure snacks in Room K-3.  Each day we have 2 snacks in class.  We have a 'group snack' in the morning where everyone eats the same thing.  This is usually crackers or carrots that I pass out to students.  In the afternoon we have 'home snack' which is a snack that children bring in daily from home and eat in class.

To help with our group snack please bring in contributions.  For non-perishable snacks I suggest: Wheat Thin Originals, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, Ak Mak Crackers from Trader Joes, or Goldfish crackers.  I also really like serving fresh snacks in class during our 'group snack' time.  You can use this Fresh Snack Calendar to sign up to bring something fresh like carrots or clementine oranges that I will serve to all students the day that you bring them in.

For our 'home snack' time please make sure you pack a healthy snack for your child each day, so they can eat it in the afternoon.  You need to pack a 'home snack' every day, even if your child buys hot lunch that day.

Early Release Day
Don't forget that this Wednesday is an Early Release Day.  Students will be dismissed early at 12:52 PM.  We will still have lunch at school.  The buses will run like they do on a normal school day, just earlier.  Aftercare, however, will not be in session.

People who Love Us Wall
Thank you for sending in the those photos of family and friends.  The students really enjoyed showing and explaining the different pictures to their classmates.  I have a few pictures of students sharing their photos up in Seesaw.

ParentsLovePE Week
Our gym teacher, Mr. Willard, is hosting parents during his classes this week.  If you would like to join him and our students for gym class you can come in this Wednesday at 9:05 AM.  Please check in at the office first.

Library Books Due Tomorrow
Just a reminder, Ms. Reader would like us to return the library books students check out each Tuesday (tomorrow).

Seesaw
In addition to this website I am communicating a lot of information over Seesaw.  Thanks for signing up if you have, if you haven't I put the instructions in your student's red folder today.

Curriculum Overview
Science - This week we will start our first Project Lead The Way (PLTW) module on structure and function.  Structure refers to the way something is built, including shape, size, and the way the different parts work together (for example, a chair has four legs, a seat, and a back).  Function is what something does or is intended to do (the function of a chair is to give people a place to sit).  More information to come as this module gets going.

Reading - This week we will begin reading books and stories, both fiction and non-fiction, to support our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function (see above).  We will read Jack and Beanstalk, examine the structure of a beanstalk, and see if we can make a model of a beanstalk that can hold up a golden egg.

Writing - Students have been practicing the steps necessary to capture and communicate their experiences using drawing and writing.  This week they will also write about their hopes and dreams for the school year.

Math - Today we worked on understanding the numbers zero and one.  Our focus for the rest of this week is learning to recognize and describe two-dimensional shapes and understanding what mathematical attributes define squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles.

Word Study - This week we will study the spelling of our names and look similarities in our names like matching beginning sounds and spelling patterns.

Half Day Next Wednesday, 9/26

Students created artwork using crayons and watercolor paints when we studied what the A in STEAM stood for.

I hope you are staying cool this weekend.  At school we have been taking frequent and regular water breaks.  I also will be sending students to their special classes with their water bottles this week.  The very first week of school was warm but we seemed to do okay.

Half Day Next Wednesday, 9/26
Next Wednesday students will be dismissed early at 12:52 PM.  We will still have lunch at school.  The buses will run like they do on a normal school day just earlier.  Aftercare, however, will not be in session.

Attendance Hotline
Just a school-wide reminder, if your child will be absent please call the attendance line at 734-994-2080 (this number is different from previous years). The attendance clerks would like all absences routed through that number, not sent in over email.  It makes it easier for them if it is all in one place. 

Snacks
Thank you for sending in healthy snacks with your students, I really appreciate it and it is a school-wide goal.  Students eat their snacks in the afternoon around 1:45 PM and it is a good way for them to refuel before their specials classes.  During our early morning recess I have been giving students 4 to 5 crackers to keep them satisfied until lunch.  Our lunch is rather early, 10:54 AM, so it is working well to just hand out a few crackers around 9:45 AM during our first recess.  Please contribute some crackers to the class.  Please only bring clearly nut-free choices like Wheat Thin Originals, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, or Ak Mak Crackers from Trader Joes.  Grab them while you are already shopping, don't make a special trip, I have some stocked up. 

Volunteer Form
If you would like to volunteer at school, or chaperone a field trip, I need you to fill out this form.  You can return it to me or the office.

Seesaw Learning Portfolio
A2 STEAM uses an app called Seesaw to create a digital portfolio of some of the work we do here at school.  A flyer showing you how to access your child’s work went home in student folders a couple times last week.  When you access your child’s portfolio you will see some photos of the class throughout the week.  Items tagged with a blue folder icon were created in Room K-3.  You will also begin to see work tagged by your students specials teachers.

Materials For Ms. Wales
Ms. Wales, the coding and engineering teacher is looking for cardboard and other materials she can use to help students build and create things in her specials class.  She is looking for things like cereal boxes, shoe boxes, small plastic containers, bottle caps, egg cartons, straws, paper towel and toilet paper tubes, old fabric or clothes cut into scraps, clear packing tape & mini tape dispensers, markers, yarn, brown paper bags, bottles of glue, glue sticks, and duct tape.  Bring what you have in to the school computer lab.

Library
This is repeated from last week just to be sure everyone gets the message. Every Tuesday we visit the library and our librarian Mrs. Reader.  During this time each child will check out one book.  Bring that book back the following Tuesday or even on Monday so your child can check out a new book for the new week.  It is also possible for kids to request renewals.  If you ever forget the book, no problem, just bring it any day.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - STEAM Project - These first weeks we are working to answer the question "What does STEAM stand for?"   For every letter in STEAM we are doing an activity.  A science experiment for (S)cience.  An activity with our iPads for (T)echnology.  A building project for (E)ngineering.  An (A)rt project and a (M)ath project.

Reading - We are learning about authors and illustrators and the roles they play in creating books.  Ask your students about The Dot and The Selfish Crocodile.

Writing - Students have been practicing the steps necessary to capture and communicate their experiences using drawing and writing.  This week they will also work on some drawing and writing that shows their classmates a little bit more about their interests and who they are.

Math - We have been counting and building quantities up to 15.

Word Study - We are studying the beginning sounds of words.

Curriculum Night This Thursday

E is for Engineering.  Students built simple structures after learning about different types of engineers.

We had a great first week in Room K-3!  Here's the information I have for you today.

Picture Day
Picture day is tomorrow, Tuesday September 11th.  You can use this form to order photos, you can also order online.  A printed paper order form went home in students' red folders.  If you would like to buy school pictures you need to send in the completed order information tomorrow.

Snacks
Thank you for sending in healthy snacks with your students, I really appreciate it and it is a school-wide goal.  Students eat their snacks in the afternoon around 1:45 PM and it is a good way for them to refuel before their specials classes.  During our early morning recess I have been giving students 4 to 5 crackers to keep them satisfied until lunch.  Our lunch is rather early, 10:54 AM, so it is working well to just hand out a few crackers around 9:45 AM during our first recess.  If you would contribute some crackers to the class it would really be helpful.  Please only bring clearly nut-free choices like Wheat Thin Originals, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, or Ak Mak Crackers from Trader Joes.  Grab them while you are already shopping, don't make a special trip, I have a fair amount stocked up.  More information on how you can contribute fresh snacks like carrot sticks, will be presented at Curriculum Night.

Seesaw Learning Portfolio
A2 STEAM uses an app called Seesaw to create a digital portfolio of some of the work we do here at school.  A flyer showing you how to access your child’s work went home in students' red folders.  When you access your child’s portfolio you will see just one photo, but we hope to add more soon.  Items tagged with blue were created in Room K-3.  You will also begin to see work tagged by the teachers your students see in their specials classes.

Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is this Thursday, September 13th, beginning at 6:00 PM.  This will be a chance for you to learn about our kindergarten plan for the year, meet me, and see the classroom.  Here is the schedule for the night:

6:00 PM - 6:15 PM | ALL Kindergarten families meet in the Library for a presentation from Ms. Reader
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM | I present formally in Room K-3
6:45 PM - 7:30 PM | At this time I will repeat my presentation for any families who have students in multiple grades.

Attendance Hotline
If your child will be absent please call the main office at 734-994-2080 (this number is different from previous years). The attendance clerks would like all absences routed through that number, not sent in over email.  It makes it easier for them if it is all in one place.
 
Send In Pictures Of People From Your Child's Life
I have begun creating a wall in our classroom where students can display photos of people who love and care about them.  I emailed you an online Google document where you can add some photos.  Because they will be printed, the pictures you add needs to be high-resolution.  If you would prefer to email me some photos that's no problem.  If you need help send me an email and we'll figure it out.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - These first weeks we are working to answer the question "What does STEAM stand for?"   For every letter in STEAM we are doing an activity.  A science experiment for (S)cience.  An activity with our iPads for (T)echnology.  A building project for (E)ngineering.  An (A)rt project and a (M)ath project. 

Reading - We are learning about authors and illustrators and the roles they play in creating books.  Ask your students about I Want To Be a Ballerina and Dump Truck Dash.

Writing - Student have been learning how to capture their experiences using drawing and writing.

Math - We have been counting and building quantities up to 15 including trying to recognize small quantities quickly.

First Day of School

Today students learned about scientists and counted how many drops of water they could place on a penny.

Today was a great first day in Room K-3!  Each and every student did an excellent job.  I attached some additional pictures to the email I sent out today.
   
Pick Up Plan
    Thank you so much for filling out the A2STEAM pick up plan that was emailed to you last week.  It really, really helped dismissal go smoothly today.  If you are picking up your child under the front entrance way, make contact with me before taking them home.  I've taught the kids to say "Mr. Luxon, I see my mom" or "Mr. Luxon, I see my grandpa" etc. and then wait to be excused.
   
Current STEAM Project
    This first week we are working to answer the question "What does STEAM mean?"   For every letter in STEAM we will be doing an activity.  A science experiment for (S)cience.  An activity with our iPads for (T)echnology.  A building project for (E)ngineering.  An (A)rt project and a (M)ath project.  I will post more information and pictures next week.
   
Find Some Digital Pictures Of People From Your Child's Life
    I would like to create a wall in our classroom where students can display photos of people who love and care about them.  This week I will email you an online Google document where you can add some photos.  Because this will be printed, the pictures you add need to be high-resolution.  If you would prefer to email me some photos directly that's no problem.  If you need help just let me know and we'll figure it out.

School Specials Classes
    We are very fortunate here at STEAM to have daily extracurricular classes for students.  Each week students will go to gym, art, music, library, technology & engineering class, and Spanish language class.  On days when our class has gym your child should wear rubber-soled shoes and clothes they can be active in.  On days when our class has art your child should wear something that they can get messy.  When we visit the library your child will have the opportunity to check out a book that should be returned the next week in order to be able to choose a new book the following week.  As of right now this is the specials schedule for our classroom:
   
    Mondays: Art with Ms. Alseri, Gym with Mr. Willard
    Tuesdays: Library with Ms. Reader
    Wednesdays: Gym with Mr. Willard, Vocal Music with Mr. Campbell
    Thursdays: Vocal Music with Mr. Campbell, Technology with Ms. Wales
    Fridays: Technology with Ms. Wales

Birthdays
    We love celebrating birthdays at school, but at Ann Arbor STEAM we do not celebrate with cupcakes and sweets.  On the day of your child’s birthday I will make him or her a crown and the class will sing to, and celebrate their birthday.  If you would like to bring something to share we ask that you bring non-food items such as fun pencils, erasers, stickers etc.  Please keep it small and be sure to send in enough for every student (right now we have 24).  Also note that when you are having birthday parties outside of school and only invite some of your child’s classmates, children not invited may be upset.  For this reason, birthday invitations can only be passed out in class if all the students are receiving an invite.  You can request specific email addresses from me however. 

Beginning of the Year Survey
    I created an online survey that with a few questions about your child and family.  As the year starts having this information is helpful.  You can find the survey here, fill it out at your earliest convenience.
   
Red Homework Folders
    The red homework folders I wrote about last week have not yet arrived for me in the school office.  Hopefully they will come in soon.  In the meantime I may just use a folded red piece of paper.
   
Curriculum Night
    Curriculum Night is next Thursday, September 13th, beginning at 6:00 PM.  This will be a chance for you to learn about our plan for the year, meet me, and see the classroom. 
 
Contacting Me
    As I wrote last week, always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.  You can email me, or leave me a voice mail at 734-994-1958.  You can also approach me in person after school or send a note in the A2STEAM homework folder.  Look for regular classroom updates weekly via email and on this website.