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.