Designing Houses That Can Withstand Wind

Students work collaboratively to build a structure that can withstand wind.

Spirit Week
This week is a school-wide Spirit Week.  Here is the theme for each day:

Monday: Pajama Day (students in my class can also bring in a small stuffed animal, one that can fit into a paper grocery bag)

Tuesday: Crazy Hair or Hat Day

Wednesday:  Fashion Disaster/Mismatch Day

Thursday: Twins or Decades Day

Friday: Funky Sweater Day

Message from Mr. Willard
As we head into boot season it is critical to help your child remember to bring gym shoes to school, especially on gym days.   We have spare shoes but students often spend valuable activity time looking for the right size, match and then learning to tie. Thanks, Jason

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).  This week we will study different kinds of paintbrushes (fine tip for artists, wide brushes for house painters, rollers for painting walls) and the students will design their own paintbrush.

Reading - We are reading books and stories, both fiction and non-fiction, to support our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function.  This week students will finish reading The Three Little Pigs and build and test a structure big enough for a pig, that can resist wind.

Writing - We are writing and reflecting about our experience at Expo, what parts of our work we were happy about, and what aspects need more attention next time.

Math - We are comparing numbers and playing more than and less than games, including more than and less than poker.

Word Study - We are learning how to read and write simple words.  This week we will look at the -ing word family. 

Thanks for sending in both the snow clothes and the indoor shoes last week.

Thank You For Coming to Our School's STEAM Expo

Expo!

EXPO
Thank you for coming to Expo!  The students were excited to have you there to see their work.  I hope you had a chance to visit some of the other classrooms too, every room I went to had some really interesting projects to showcase.

Spirit Week
Next week is a school-wide Spirit Week.  Here is the theme for each day:

Monday: Pajama Day (students in my class can also bring in a small stuffed animal, one that can fit into a paper grocery bag) 

Tuesday: Crazy Hair or Hat Day
 
Wednesday:  Fashion Disaster/Mismatch Day
   
Thursday: Twins or Decades Day
  
Friday: Funky Sweater Day

Snowflakes
Last week we took some time to learn about how snow and snowflakes form from water vapor that freezes.  We watched some videos of snowflakes forming and another where a scientist explained the process to a group of kids.  In the new year we will begin a unit on weather officially but the lesson on snow seemed apt to cover now.  We also have been tracking the temperature each Friday on a huge line graph.

Winter Clothes
Unless the temperature or windchill is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, we go out for recess at least twice.  Please send in a full compliment of winter clothes with your child.  Gloves, hats, snow pants, boots, and winter jackets.  If you need help let me know.  I have a few things that have been donated by one of our teachers' aides.  If you would prefer to leave certain items in the classroom that is fine too.  In addition to the winter gear students also need a pair of regular shoes in their backpack that they can wear in the classroom.  They need the regular shoes to give their boots a chance to dry out and so they can participate in gym class.  I know as a parent that this is a lot, but all of these things really help your students stay happy, dry, and ready to learn all day long.

Curriculum Overview

Science - Today we started 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.  This week students 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 - We are writing and reflecting about our experience at Expo, what parts of our work we were happy about, and what aspects need more attention next time.

Math - We are comparing numbers and playing more than and less than games, including more than and less than poker.

Word Study - We are learning how to read and write simple words.  This week we will look at the -ing word family.

Last week we took some time to learn about how snow and snowflakes form from water vapor that freezes.

Expo This Thursday

The students are excited to present their work on Thursday night.  We have been practicing.

STEAM Expo This Thursday
The students are really excited about their presentation this Thursday.  As I wrote previously, our Fall Expo is this Thursday, December 7th from 5-7pm.  These are the grade level presentation times:

5:00 - 5:30 Grades K, 3, & 6
5:45 - 6:15 Grades 1, 4, & 7
6:30 - 7:00 Grades 2, 5, & 8 

Here is the official school Expo Annoucement. 

As I wrote before, Room K-3 has a tight presentation schedule so work on arriving on time.  Parking is tough so you will need to arrive early and/or park on the street.  I will move my car to the street to open up one more spot in the school parking lot, but plan on parking being difficult.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - We are preparing to present our work at this Thursday's Expo.

Reading - We are comparing and contrasting different versions of the wellknown Gingerbread Man story.  Ask your students about The Gingerbread Cowboy.

Writing - Students will write an invitation to Expo.

Math - This week we will continue to develop a foundation for fractions by looking at the different shapes that be made when you break up a hexagon.  Students will also continue working on organizing objects from shortest to longest.

Word Study - We are learning to recognize common word groupings.  This week we will continue to look at the -og (dog, frog, fog) and -ug (bug, rug, slug, luggage) word groupings.

Expo Next Week

Second grade students perform at the Thanksgiving assembly.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Parking & Pick Up
In her email message last week Principal Fenech asked everyone to review and follow the A2STEAM parking procedures.  I'm not sure I've ever sent out this revised document.  The school parking lots can not be used for picking up and dropping off students.

STEAM Expo Save the Date
As I wrote last week, our Fall Expo is Thursday, December 7th from 5-7pm.  These are the grade level presentation times:
5:00 - 5:30 Grades K, 3, & 6
5:45 - 6:15 Grades 1, 4, & 7
6:30 - 7:00 Grades 2, 5, & 8 

Room K-3 has a tight presentation schedule so work on arriving on time.  Parking is tough so you will need to arrive early and/or park on the street.  I will move my car to the street to open up one more spot in the school parking lot, but plan on parking being difficult.

Snacks
I am repeating this from last week too because I know Thanksgiving made it busy: Make sure the snacks you send it for your child to eat in the classroom, in the afternoon do not have nuts or peanut butter.

Mr. Luxon Out on Thrusday
This Thursday I will be out of the classroom.  Visiting teacher Ms. Goffas, who knows both A2STEAM and my classroom well, will be teaching in my absence.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - We are preparing a presentation of our work for Expo.

Reading - This week we will begin comparing and contrasting different versions of the well known Gingerbread Man story.

Writing - Students are working on making sure their writing includes ending punctuation.  Students are reviewing the writing they did that will be presented at Expo.

Math - This week we will develop a foundation for fractions by looking at the different shapes that be made when you break up a hexagon.  For instance, a hexagon can be divided into 6 equilateral triangles.  Students will also work on organizing objects from shortest to longest.

Word Study - We are learning to recognize common word groupings.  This week we will look at the -og (dog, frog, fog) and -ug (bug, rug, slug, luggage) word groupings.

Happy Thanksgiving

Students wrote about the roles of the different people at our school.

Bookfair
The bookfair was really successful for the school, thank you!   See specifics about the money we raised in a message from Ms. Reader at the bottom of this post.

Important Information About Report Cards
Report cards go home tomorrow, Tuesday, November 21st.  They will be in a 9 x 12 yellow envelope.  The envelope needs to be signed and returned to school on Monday, November 27th.  You keep the report card.  Please do not throw out the envelope, send it back to me.

STEAM Expo Save the Date
Our Fall Expo is Thursday, December 7th from 5-7pm.  These are the grade level presentation times:
5:00 - 5:30 Grades K, 3, & 6
5:45 - 6:15 Grades 1, 4, & 7
6:30 - 7:00 Grades 2, 5, & 8 

Room K-3 has a tight presentation schedule so work on arriving on time.  Parking is tough so you will need to arrive early and/or park on the street. 

Snacks
Make sure the snacks you send in for your child to eat in the afternoon, in the classroom, do not have nuts or peanut butter.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - Students completed great writing last week about the roles of the different adults at STEAM.

Reading - We will read some books about Thanksgiving and gratitude.

Writing - Students are working on writing simple letters to people in their family.

Math - Ask your students about the surveys they conducted with their classmates last week.  This week we will practice our numbers up to 30 and try to iron out the reversals that happen when we write our numbers.

Word Study - We are learning to recognize common word groupings.  So far we have looked at words contain -at (cat, flat) -it ('sit','kitten') and -ed (red, teddy bear)  This week we will look at the -og word grouping including words like 'frog', and 'jog'.

Message from Ms. Reader:

Book Fair This Week

Last week I wasn't able to post pictures from the October 31st Family Read Together.  Here's one!  More are in the gallery.

5th Grade Chicken Coop
I'm sure you have heard about the chicken coop fire that happened over the weekend.  If you haven't, this email of explanation, was sent to families.  I plan to speak with the Room K-3 students on Monday morning, discuss their concerns, and help them write a class letter of condolence to the 5th grade students.

Some of you have asked about how you can help the 5th grade class, I'm sure more information about that will come out.  One thing you can do now is sign up for Amazon Smile and set up your Amazon account to automatically donate to the Northside Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization.  There is no additional cost to you for doing this.  If you go to smile.amazon.com every time you shop at Amazon, a small portion of what you spend will be donated to the school.  I set it up this fall and have already raised $3 for the school in just a couple of months.  This may not seem like much, but if every STEAM family used Amazon Smile it will start to add up to significant amounts.  It does not cost anything extra to use Amazon Smile and you get the same prices that you would otherwise.  Once you set it up, you need to go to smile.amazon.com every time you shop for it to be counted.  I really don't like writing the paragraph above, I think public education should be free, and we shouldn't have to do all this, but getting more money to our PTO really does benefit our students directly.

Holiday Food Drive
This flyer has information on the our student council's holiday food drive.  You can bring in non-perishable food from 11/13 to 11/17.

Boots!
As the weather changes it is helpful to send students to school with snow boots or rain boots.  When you do, also send a pair of regular shoes with them in their backpack.  This is especially important on Thursday and Friday when we have gym class.  If you would like to leave an extra pair of shoes at school permanently that is fine too.

Book Fair
As Ms. Reader wrote last week, A2STEAM is having a book fair, it begins tomorrow November 14th.  Room K-3 students will visit the media center and create a wish list of books tomorrow.  I will make sure they understand that this a list of books they are hoping for, and not a list of books that they will receive.  Purchase days are Thursday and Friday.  On Friday, November 17th, Room K-3 students can bring in money and purchase books. If you would rather purchase books on your own you can do so on Wednesday afternoon.  On Wednesday, November 15th, the media center will stay open after school until 6 PM.  All purchases help raise money for the school.

Online Book Fair Open Now
The physical book fair that starts tomorrow has an online component that is open now!  If you order books online it helps our school just as much as buying books in person.  Here is the link to the online book fair.

Order A2STEAM Clothing For Your Kids and You!
You can order A2STEAM clothing at great prices by going here.  All orders need to be placed before Tuesday, November 28th at 11:59 PM.

Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school Wednesday-November 22nd, Thursday-November 23rd, and Friday-November 24th.


Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - Students completed amazing writing about either their school community or their neighborhood community last week.  We also recorded videos of exemplary school behavior that we will share at Expo and with the rest of the school.   Mark your calendars for the evening of December 7th, when we will have our fall STEAM Expo, we will start at 5:00 PM.

Reading - We have been reading books that show characters treating each other fairly and with empathy.  Ask your students about Rat and Tiger.

Writing - Students are working on editing and recopying a piece of writing to make it better.  We call this 'publishing'.

Math - The students will learn about surveys, survey their classmates and make a graph showing the favorite colors of their peers.

Word Study - We are learning to recognize common word groupings.  Last week we saw the -it grouping in words like 'sit', 'fit', 'kitten', and 'little'.  This week we will look at the -ed word grouping including words like 'bed', 'red', and 'looked'.

Book Fair November 14th-17th

Ms. Reader and A2STEAM are hosting a book fair to raise money for the school from November 14th-17th.

Annual Book Fair Message from Ms. Reader
The Scholastic Book Fair is fast approaching and will be on our doorstep November 14-17!

This is an all-school event that raises money for the library while simultaneously encouraging children to read. There is also an online component that starts November 1st. To read more about all aspects of the Fair, please click here.

We cannot hold the event without your help! Please consider volunteering by following this link.

We appreciate any time you can give to support this huge endeavor!

A Message From PBL Coordinator Mr. Hatt
Hello community members!  We want to know more about you! That's why a group of parents and educators are starting a community initiative here at A2 STEAM. We are interested in connecting our community to the good work we do here in some meaningful ways. ​Learn more ​from ​our ​website by clicking here.

Our ​first ​step ​is ​to take ​inventory ​of ​our ​community. ​We ​need ​to ​know ​what makes ​us ​special! ​If ​you ​are ​a ​community ​member interested ​in ​connecting ​to ​A2 ​STEAM, ​fill out this form.  There is no commitment necessary when you fill out this form, but we want to hear from you and learn about you! Please take 10 or 15 minutes to fill it out. Thanks!

No School Tomorrow
Tomorrow all Ann Arbor schools will be closed so they can be used as voting locations.  There will be no school tomorrow.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - Students began writing about either their school community or their neighborhood community last week.  We also recorded videos of exemplary school behavior that we will share at Expo and with the rest of the school.  This week we will begin working on our Expo presentation.  Mark your calendars for the evening of December 7th, when we have our fall STEAM Expo.

Reading - We have been reading books that show characters treating each other fairly and with empathy.

Writing - As I wrote above, last week students began writing about either their school community or their neighborhood community.  Part of our work is using the words 'community' or 'role' in our writing.

Math - We will solve and act out simple addition and subtraction word problems.

Word Study - This week we will practice reading and writing simple 3 letter words.  Last week we started with the -at family (cat, hat, rat, mat, bat).  This week we will move to the -it family.

Fall Read-In Tomorrow

Two Room K-3 students partnership read.

It was great meeting so many of you last week and listening to your thoughtful reflections on your students and their progress in class.

No School On Election Day
On Tuesday, November 7th all Ann Arbor schools will be closed so they can be used as voting locations.  There will be no school on Tuesday, November 7th.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - As we study our own school community, we will try to better understand the word 'community' as well as different 'roles' within that community.   To do this we will read non-fiction books about communities and community members.

Reading - We have been studying the differences between fiction and non-fiction books.

Writing - This week we are studying ending punctuation and how it can change the meaning of sentences.  We are also trying to 'hear' complete sentences so we know where to put our ending punctuation.

Math - We will solve and act out simple addition and subtraction word problems.

Word Study - This week we will practice reading and writing simple 3 letter words.  We will start with the -at family (cat, hat, rat, mat, bat).

Classroom Reading on October 31st

Some A2Steam students pose in the photobooth at the Fall Festival.

It was great seeing so many of you at the A2Steam Fall Festival.  There are some pictures in the Room K-3 Photo Gallery.

October 31st Family Read-In
This is repeated from last week: You are welcome to join us on October 31st for a Room K-3 family read-in at 2:20 PM!  Students and parents will read non-fiction books about pumpkins, non-fiction books about autumn, and some 'scary' stories.  If you would like to join us and read to a small group of kids please email our Room K-3 room parent at the email address I provided over email.  I have a lot of books to share but if you would like to bring a favorite from home that is fine too.  If you do not want to read but still want to join us that is possible too!  Younger siblings are welcome to come as well.  While we read the kids will enjoy snacking on healthy items like popcorn and carrot sticks.  If you are interested in bringing some simple popcorn, carrot sticks, or something similar let our Room K-3 room parent know when you email.  Please do not send in any cookies, candies, or other sweets, save that for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

No Costumes on Halloween Please
This is repeated from last week: For families new to Ann Arbor STEAM please be advised that students do not wear costumes to school on Halloween.  Also, as I wrote above, please do not send in any cookies, candies, or other sweets, save that for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

Conferences
I look forward to seeing you this week.  You can review your parent/teacher conference times here.

Half Day For Students Next Wednesday
This Wednesday, October 25th, will be a half-day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:52 PM.

No School On Election Day - Millage Renewal Information
On Tuesday, November 7th, all Ann Arbor schools will be closed so they can be used as voting locations.  There will be no school on Tuesday, November 7th.  We encourage to vote in the election.  If you would like more information on the Ann Arbor Public Schools millage renewal, which is on the ballot, click here.


Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - As we study our own school community, we will try to better understand the word 'community'.   To do this we will read non-fiction books about communities and community members.  We are also writing about the people we interviewed.

Reading - This week students will be identifying the characters and setting of fiction books.  Ask your students about Big Al, Tikki Tikki Tembo, The Snowy Day, and Library Lion.

Writing - Students have been practicing putting spaces in between the words they write.  This week we are also study ending punctuation.

Math - This week we will looking at different ways to sort and classify objects.  Ask your student about the shoe sort we did today.

Word Study - This week we will practice hearing the ending sound in words.

Kindergarteners Interviewing the A2STEAM Faculty

Two Room K-3 students head off to interview one of the A2STEAM faculty members. More photos below.

As part of our Community PBL kindergarten students are interviewing and photographing the adults at our school.  We still have a few people left to schedule this week but most kids have gone on one interview.  A couple of times I have sent our classroom aide Ms. Colden to take photos (below) but for the most part kids are conducting the interviews on their own.  They are asking everyone what name they want students to call them, what they do here at school, and whether or not they can take their picture.

October 31st Family Read-In
You are welcome to join us on October 31st for a Room K-3 family read-in at 2:20 PM!  Students and parents will read non-fiction books about pumpkins, non-fiction books about autumn, and some 'scary' stories.  If you would like to join us and read to a small group of kids please email our Room K-3 room parent at the email address I provided over email.  I have a lot of books to share but if you would like to bring a favorite from home that is fine too.  If you do not want to read but still want to join us that is possible too!  Younger siblings are welcome to come as well.  While we read the kids will enjoy snacking on healthy items like popcorn and carrot sticks.  If you are interested in bringing some simple popcorn, carrot sticks, or something similar let our Room K-3 room parent know when you email.  Please do not send in any cookies, candies, or other sweets, save that for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

No Costumes on Halloween Please
For families new to Ann Arbor STEAM please be advised that students do not wear costumes to school on Halloween.  Also, as I wrote above, please do not send in any cookies, candies, or other sweets, save that for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

Conferences
I look forward to seeing you next week.  You can review your parent/teacher conference times here.

Half Day For Students Next Wednesday
Next Wednesday, October 25th, will be a half-day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:53 PM.

No School On Election Day - Millage Renewal Information
On Tuesday, November 7th, all Ann Arbor schools will be closed so they can be used as voting locations.  There will be no school on Tuesday, November 7th.  We encourage to vote in the election.  If you would like more information on the Ann Arbor Public Schools millage renewal, which is on the ballot, click here.

Volunteering
I know many of you would like to come to the classroom to volunteer.  I am waiting for final clearance from the district and the office based on those background forms you filled out.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - Last week students were interviewing and photographing different adults here at STEAM.  This week we will write about the people we interviewed.

Reading - Last week we focused on identifying the characters of fiction books, including the main character.  This week we will also discuss the setting of fiction books.

Writing - Students are writing about a time they had a strong emotion.

Math - Last week we practiced breaking apart different numbers into parts and combining those parts back together again.  This week we will study and practice all the different ways to break apart ten (i.e. 5 + 5 = 10, 4 + 6 = 10, 3 + 7 = 10, 2 + 8 = 10, 1 + 9 = 10)

Word Study - This week we will practice hearing the beginning sound in words.

Two Room K-3 students interview assistant principal Brooke Stidham.

Two Room K-3 students interview principal Meg Fenech.

Two Room K-3 students interview our custodian, Mr. Yousuf.

The A2STEAM Community

Students created these posters about themselves.  They were sent out to you in Seesaw.  Now we are interviewing and making posters for other people at STEAM.

Kindness Challenge
Our Music teacher Ms. Huckabone, along A2STEAM as a whole, is launching a 'Kindness Challenge' this week.  This is perfect for Room K-3 because as part of our study of the A2STEAM community we have been learning about and practicing acts of kindness in class.  We have practiced compliments, helpful actions, and greetings.  I have challenged students to complete acts of kindness both at school and at home.  Ask your students what acts of kindness they have done today.  You can also ask them about the book Kindness is Cooler Ms. Ruler, you might even see if you can find that book at the Ann Arbor Public Library.

Fall Festival
The A2STEAM PTO is hosting a school-wide Fall Festival party at our school on October 20th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  This flyer has more information.  It is always a fun time for.  I plan on being there for the first hour or so.  They also need volunteers, if you are interested this is where you sign up.

Fall Conferences
If you haven't already please sign up for a Fall Parent/Teacher conference. 

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - Last week students began interviewing and photographing different adults here at STEAM.  We will do more interviews this week.

Reading - This week students will be identifying the characters of fiction books.

Writing - This week students are writing a simple opinion piece.  Students are choosing a favorite book and writing about what they like about it.

Math - Today we studied hexagons.  This week we will study and practice all the different ways to break apart ten (i.e. 5 + 5 = 10, 4 + 6 = 10, 3 + 7 = 10, 2 + 8 = 10, 1 + 9 = 10)

Word Study - This week we will practice hearing the first sound in words.

Please Sign Up for Fall Conferences

What does STEAM stand for?  A is for Artist.  A local artist visited kindergarten to teach us how to paint landscapes.

Lots of new photos this week in our photo gallery and on our twitter feed.  Both of those are linked on the upper right side of this page.

Fall Conferences
I have Fall parent teacher conferences scheduled for October 24th, 26th, and 27th.  Please use this link to sign up for a Fall parent/teacher conference.  This will be a time for us to sit down, review some of the work your child has been doing in class, and discuss goals for the next marking period.  If the times I have made available do not work for you, no problem, just email me and we will find another time that works.  It is very important that we find a time to meet.

Room Parent
Are any of you interested in being our Room K-3 Room Parent?  Primarily you would act as an online liason between the A2STEAM PTO and our classroom parents.  I will be here to help you and I don't think it ends up being tons of work.  Please email me if you are interested.

Another Half-Day
Great job planning around the half day we had last week.  I noticed that we have another half day coming up.  On Wednesday, October 25th, students will again be dismissed at 12:53 PM.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - Last week students began creating posters to teach the rest of the class about who they are.  We also finished reviewing the family photos you sent in to help each student tell their story a little bit more.  This week, students will begin going out into to the school to photograph and 'interview' adults at STEAM like Principal Fenech, Assistant Principal Stidham, and the different special area teachers.  We will take their photos and make them posters as well.  Our overall goal is for students to learn about all the people at STEAM and demonstrate how to create a safe, respectful, and responsible school community.

Reading - This week students will beginning identifying the characters in fiction books, including understanding which character would be considered the main character.

Writing - Students have been practicing the steps necessary to capture and communicate their experiences using drawing and writing.  They will also write about the adults at STEAM for our current project.

Math - Our focus 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.

Assistant Principal Mrs. Stidham met with all the A2STEAM kindergarteners and presented us with two challenges:  Challenge 1: Learn the names of all the people who are part of the A2STEAM community.  Challenge 2: create videos to teach the whole school how to be Responsible, Respectful, and Safe.

Picture Day Is Tomorrow

5th Grade Teacher Ms. Moore, along with one of her students, came in to teach us about the chickens that live by the
kindergarten playground as part of one of their 5th grade project-based learning units.

It was nice meeting so many of you at the curriculum night last Thursday.  If you have any additional questions don't hesitate to reach out to me.

iPads
We began using our classroom iPads last week.  We reviewed the proper ways to handle and use them.  Students learned:  Always carry iPads with two hands, either against your chest or like a tray.  Never use the iPad while you are walking.  Make sure the iPad is safely on your desk, not too close to the edge.  Any water bottles should be removed from the table where an iPad is being used.  Whatever app the teacher has asked you to use should be the only app you are using. 
   I will continue to review these proper and safe use guidelines with students.  If you have a chance, ask your child what they know about using iPads safely and review what I wrote above with them.

Attendance Hotline
Just to make sure everyone gets this message, I'm repeating it from last week.  If your child will be absent please call the main office at 734-994-1958. The attendance clerks would like all absences routed through that main number, not sent in over email.  It makes it easier for them if it is all in one place. 

Snacks
Please contribute some crackers for our morning snack, here are some good nut-free options: Wheat Thin Originals, Ak Mak crackers from Trader Joes, Ritz Crackers Originals,  Annie's Cheddar Bunnies.  If you want to contribute fresh snacks of raw, unprocessed, fruits or vegetables I sent a calendar out over email.

Picture Day
Picture day is tomorrow, 9/19/17.  The photographers usually pull kindergartners first thing in the morning.

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 photos to their classmates.  I have a few pictures of students sharing their photos in the Room K-3 Photo Gallery.

Library Books Due Tomorrow
Ms. Reader expects us to return the library books students check out each Tuesday.  There is also an option to renew.

Curriculum Overview

STEAM Project - At the end of this week we are transitioning to a new STEAM Project-Based Learning unit on community.  One of our overall driving questions will be "Who are all the people in the A2 STEAM community?"  The first step however is to have students share themselves and their interests with the rest of the class (this started with the pictures you sent in).  This week students will begin creating a poster about themselves to share with classmates.  Our overall goal is for students to learn about all the people at STEAM and demonstrate how to create a safe, respectful, and responsible school community.

Reading - We are learning about authors and illustrators and roles they play in creating books.  Ask your students about The Selfish Crocodile, Dump Truck Dash, and Crazy Hair Day.  Additionally, author/illustrator Barney Saltzberg will be visiting us next Monday.

Writing - Students have been practicing the steps necessary to capture and communicate their experiences using drawing and writing.  This week they will also try out writing about some of the books we have read.

Math - We have been counting and building quantities up to 20.  We are looking at how ten frames help us count and organize numbers quickly.

Word Study - We are learning to identify and make rhymes.  Additionally we will be working to better see the difference between similar letters like lowercase b and lowercase d.

If we organize these dots in a ten frame, it is easy to see that there are nine dots.

Thanks for a Great Year | Friday Dismissal at 10:50 AM

Students relaxed after completing their tie-dye shirts today.

It's been a great year, thanks for all your help and support.

Blue and Clear Book Bags
Get those book bags in so I can use the home reading books again next year.  I will reach out to you on Tuesday if they haven't yet come in.

Portfolio of Work
Look for a folder of student work, including work from both our Expos, to come home with students on Thursday.

No Backpacks or Lunchboxes This Friday
Students are not to bring anything to school on Friday.  This is a school-wide request, no backpacks, no lunchboxes.  I will provide a morning snack.

Friday Dismissal at 10:50 AM
This Friday, 6/16/17, students will be dismissed at 10:50 AM.  They will take their report cards home then as well.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are studying what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  Last week we created animal cards and this week we are sorting them by domestic vs. wild as well as learning about classifications like mammals, birds, amphibians, etc.

Math - This week I will work with different math groups to cover topics where students still could use additional support and instruction.

Literacy - We are reading books that help us understand how maps represent different locations.  The book we are reading right now focuses on the great lakes and surrounding region.

Writing - As a final assessment students are writing about a special memory they have of doing something with their family.

We had a tie dye party today in honor of our fundraising for the Color Fun Run.  After binding their shirts students chose different color dyes.

NWEA Tomorrow / Summer Kick-Off on Sunday

The vertical garden students planted is really doing well.

NWEA
The students worked hard on the NWEA last week, please thank them for their hard work. Many students will be finishing their literacy assessment tomorrow (Tuesday).  Make sure they have a healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and are ready to do their best as they finish this exam. 

Tie Dye Shirt Volunteers
To honor the amazing job we did in the Color Fun Run fundraiser we are having a tie dye t-shirt party on Monday, June 12th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.  If you would like to help kids make their shirts at this party please send me an email.  Let me know as soon as you can.

Return Books To Ms. Reader
Many, many students still have library books due.  If there is a book still out Ms. Reader sent home a note with the picture of the cover last Friday.  She does a great job keeping our library stocked and current, let’s get those books back in to the school this week.

Have Kids Wear Old Clothes
On Wednesday I believe the students will be glazing their pottery in art class again.  I am told that the materials they will use can stain clothing.  Don't send the students to school wearing something really nice.  On Monday, June 12th, we will be having our Tie Dye party (see above).  It is highly likely that students will stain their clothes on that day as well.

Summer Kickoff!
The 2017 A2 STEAM Summer Kickoff is this Sunday, June 11th from 5-7:30 p.m.  There will be free ice cream for the students and Ray's Red Hot Dogs will be available for purchase.  The PTO needs volunteers to pickup & deliver ice cream, setup the event, sign people in, sell tix, kick the ball, scoop the sweet stuff and clean-up!  Go here to volunteer.

If you have any questions about the Summer Kickoff feel free to email PTO president Robyn at emailvolunteer@a2steampto.org

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are studying what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  We are learning about how animals can be classified by their food needs (i.e. herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores). 

Math - This week I will work with different math groups to cover topics where they still could use additional support and instruction.

Literacy - We are reading books that help us understand how maps represent different locations.  The book we are reading right now focuses on the great lakes and surrounding region.

Writing - As a final assessment students are writing about a special memory they have of doing something with their family.

Word Study - This week students are reviewing syllables and other word study topics we have covered earlier this year.

NWEA This Wednesday and Thursday

When Leslie Science Center visited us last week, students learned about the habitat and needs of Madagascar cockroaches.

I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

NWEA
The students will be taking the NWEA reading and NWEA math assessment this Wednesday (tomorrow) and Thursday.  Make sure they have a healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and are ready to their best on this exam.  We will also likely be finishing things up on Friday too.

Book Swap!
Two weeks ago a pink flier went home about an end of the year book swap.  Basically you bring in old children’s books up until May 31st (tomorrow) and then kids will have a chance to choose new (to them) books to with Ms. Reader.  There is a collection box set up in our classroom.  For every book a student brings in they are able to choose a different book to take home.  Even if you can bring in just one, that is great!

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are studying what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  We are learning about how animals can be classified by their needs (i.e. herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores).

Math - This week we will review measurement and clocks.

Literacy - We are using features of nonfiction texts to learn about the needs of living things for our Project Based Learning unit.

Writing - In conjunction with our project on living things students we will be writing about our experience with the Leslie Science Center last week.

Word Study - This week students are working on understanding synonyms and antonyms.

Room K-3 students during the Leslie Science Center presentation.

Color Fun Run / Understanding Plants

As of this weekend our class raised over $800 which is an impressive amount.  Thank you.  You can still donate, even a little bit, up until 3PM, today 5/22.

Thursday and Friday
I will be out of the classroom this Thursday and Friday.  Ms. Nehlman and Ms. Maier will we teaching in my place.  Ms. N worked in our classroom extensively this past fall.  On Thursday I will be at STEAM, getting ready for next year incoming Kindergarten class.

Volunteers Needed
This week our study of living things is moving from plants to animals.  On Friday between 9:45 AM and 10:45 AM the Leslie Park science center is bringing different animals for us to learn about.  If you would like to join the class for that event, email me and let me know.  I will not be at school that day but if would be good to have parents there helping the presentation go smoothly.

Book Swap
Last week a pink flier went home about an end of the year book swap.  Basically you bring in old children’s books up until May 30th and then kids will have a chance to choose new (to them) books to with Ms. Reader.  There is a collection box set up in our classroom.  For every book a student brings in they are able to choose a different book to take home.

Memorial Day
There is no school scheduled for Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are studying what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  Last week we went into the Leslie Park forest diagrammed some wild geraniums and spotted painted turtles, American robins, frogs, ants, and other animals.  See our twitter feed for some pictures.  This week we will turn our attention to animals.

Math - This week we will review 3-dimensional shapes, fractions, and place value.

Literacy - We are using features of nonfiction texts to learn about the needs of living things for our Project Based Learning unit.

Writing - In conjunction with our project on living things students we will be writing about seeds and plants, and our experiences planting and growing vegetables.  Look for our work on Seesaw.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  Students are working on letter sounds, blends, and vowel spelling patterns.

On the field trip to Leslie Nature Park students drew and diagrammed wild geraniums.  More pictures in our twitter feed.

We Need Your Fun Run Help

The seeds we planted are seedlings now and should be ready to move to the indoor vertical garden this week.

Fun Run!
The A2STEAM Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is hosting the annual Fun Run fundraiser this Friday, May 19th. That's this Friday!  A pledge sheet went home in every student's red folder a week ago.  The money we raise helps us pay for the costs of field trips, expos, and more.  Even a little bit helps.  More information about how you can contribute can be found here and here.  There is also a paper form in the office.

Chaperones Needed
We are taking a walking field trip to the Leslie Science Center this Thursday.  We will leave the classroom room around 1:15 PM.  Students will have a snack in the forest as well as draw and diagram a plant they find on the grounds.  If you would like to chaperone please email me.

Blue Book Bags
Send in your child’s blue and clear book bag so I can send out new books to read at home!

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are studying what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  Students have planted all sorts of seeds in class.  See our twitter feed for some pictures.  This week we will look at the parts of plant and the role each part has in helping a plant survive.

Math - This week we will be focusing on computation, both story problems and direct math sentences.  We will study skip counting, how it relates to multiplication, and add that that to our understanding of different types of computation.

Literacy - We are using features of nonfiction texts to learn about the needs of living things for our Project Based Learning unit. 

Writing - In conjunction with our project on living things students will be writing about seeds and plants, and our experiences planting and growing vegetables.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  Students are working on letter sounds, blends, and vowel spelling patterns.

The Mother's Day flowers that went home have a biodegradable pot.  You can can keep them in a pottery pot (shown below) or plant the whole pot directly into the earth outside.

U of M Nuerologist / Living Things

Dr. Dayalu, neurologist from U of M, came in to teach kindergartners about the brain and how it interacts with the rest of the body.

Hello everyone, a lot exciting things happened last week.  My computer is being repaired which makes it harder to post to our photo gallery.  I have put a lot of photos on our twitter feed.

Color Fun Run
The PTO is planning the annual Fun Run, but this year with a twist - a “dash” of COLOR! This is their largest fundraiser of the year and the PTO is hoping to surpass the $20,000 goal - which helps to cover the cost of our school field trips, assemblies, grants, etc. The run is scheduled for Friday, May 19th in the afternoon and will include colorful cornstarch raining down on the students.  More information about how you can contribute can be found here and here.  There is also a paper form in the office.

Walking Field Trip to Leslie Science Center
Next Thursday, May 18th, we will be taking a walking field trip to the Leslie Science Center.  It will be a casual walk, looking for different plants and animals.  If you would like to volunteer that afternoon please let me know over email.  We will be leaving around 1:15 PM.  A permission slip will be going home tomorrow. 

Curriculum Overview
Science - In our current Project Based Learning unit we are studying the needs of plants and animals and how plants and animals adapt to and change their environment to meet those needs.  This week we will study living vs. non-living and begin to look at the parts of plant and the role each part has in helping a plant survive.

Math - This week we will be focusing on computation, both story problems and direct math sentences.  We will study skip counting, how it relates to multiplication, and add that that to our understanding of different types of computation.

Literacy - We are using features of nonfiction texts to learn about the needs of living things for our Project Based Learning unit.  I mentioned this before but I highly recommend going to the library and checking out some non-fiction books--so often we read fiction books at home and it is good to give students a varied experience.  Find a topic that interests your child and use the table of contents and index to read up and learn.

Writing - In conjunction with our project on living things students will be writing about seeds and plants, and our experiences planting and growing vegetables.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  Students are working on letter sounds, blends, and vowel spelling patterns.

No School Tomorrow

During the field trip students learned about the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Wow, last week was really busy.  We had a school-wide poetry share-out on Wednesday, the concert on Thursday, and the field trip on Friday.  Pictures from each even are posted in our photo gallery, linked on the right.

No School Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2nd
There is no school tomorrow to accommodate election day.  We encourage you to vote in the Ann Arbor election which includes a Sinking Fund item for AAPS.  More information can be found on our district website.

Bike to School Day!
Wednesday, May 3rd is Bike to School Day--you can also walk!  All bikers are invited to arrive at the back of school near the MPR patio at the snack table by 7:55 am for a group photo.

Color Fun Run
The PTO is planning the annual Fun Run, but this year with a twist - a “dash” of COLOR! This is their largest fundraiser of the year and the PTO is hoping to surpass the $20,000 goal - which helps to cover the cost of our school field trips, assemblies, grants, etc. The run is scheduled for Friday, May 19th in the afternoon and will include colorful cornstarch raining down on the students.  More information about how you can contribute can be found here and here. 

Field Trip
The field trip really helped cap off our study of the human body.  A big thanks to all of you getting in your permission slips, and a big thanks to our chaperones.  I posted pictures in the photo gallery.

Yearbook
Absolute last chance to buy a yearbook.  Click here for more information.  Click here for a paper order form.  You can also go to SchoolPictures.com, click on 'Order Now', and follow the prompts.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are beginning a new project to study what living things (plants and animals) need to survive.  More information to come.

Math - This week we will primarily be working on reading analog and digital clocks.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books and carefully watching the feeling of characters and how they change across a text.  Ask you students about Big Bushy Mustache.

Writing - Last week students wrote poems for our poetry share, we will do some more work around poetry this week.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  Students are working on letter sounds, blends, and vowel spelling patterns.

Thanks for coming to the concert.

Performance Thursday, Field Trip Friday

This week we conducted an experiment to see why we have so many bones in our hands.

Field Trip
Our field trip to Saint Joe's Health Exploration Station is set for this Friday, April 28th.  Thank you for getting those permission slips in.  I sent an email to everyone who was interested in chaperoning last Friday.  If you did not get that email, and want to join us, please let me know.

Yearbook
If you are thinking about buying a yearbook, the deadline has been extended.  Click here for more information.  Click here for a paper order form.  You can also go to SchoolPictures.com, click on 'Order Now', and follow the prompts.

Kindergarten Concert
The kindergartners are preparing for their end of the year music performance!  We are excited to share songs that we have been learning throughout the year on stage!  Please join us on April 27, 2017 @ 6pm in the MPR for an evening of beautiful music!  The call time for the students is 5:50pm.  Recommended attire is similar to expo, nice clothes that are comfortable to wear on stage.  Feel free to contact Ms. Huckabone if you have an questions, huckabone@aaps.k12.mi.us

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are in the middle of a Project Lead The Way unit on the structure and function of the human body.  This week students will learn about muscles and, in a separate lesson, will design a cast to help a bone heal.  If you have extra paper towel roles at home send them in.

Math - This week we will primarily be studying fractions, equal parts, halves, thirds, and fourths.

Literacy - We are reading books about the human body to support the learning of our Project Lead The Way unit on the human body.  We are also reading fiction books and carefully watching the feeling of characters and how they change across a text.  Ask you students about The Dot.

Writing - Students are going to be doing some writing around the new Project Lead The Way unit on the Human Body.  Last week students posted writing about the bones in their hands in Seesaw.

Word Study - Students are working on the words from our human body unit: skeleton, muscles, brain, lungs, heart, protection, and communication.

In preparation for our experiment for why we have so many bones in our hands we recorded how many pegs students could put in holes (using all 27 of their hand bones) within one minute.

Field Trip Next Friday

A designer from the Ford Motor Company visited our class last week to discuss the process she uses at Ford to design new vehicles.

Field Trip
Our field trip to Saint Joe's Health Exploration Station is set for next Friday, April 28th.  Thank you for getting those permission slips in.

Yearbook
If you want to purchase a school yearbook for the end of the year the time to do it is now.  Click here for a little more information.  Click here for a paper order form.  You can also go to SchoolPictures.com, click on 'Order Now', and follow the prompts.


Kindergarten Concert
The kindergartners are preparing for their end of the year music performance!  We are excited to share songs that we have been learning throughout the year on stage!  Please join us on April 27, 2017 @ 6pm in the MPR for an evening of beautiful music!  The call time for the students is 5:50pm.  Recommended attire is similar to expo, nice clothes that are comfortable to wear on stage.  Feel free to contact Ms. Huckabone if you have an questions, huckabone@aaps.k12.mi.us

Needed Items
I updated the classroom wish list.  If you are at the store and see hand sanitizer we will put it to good use.

Curriculum Interview
Science - We are in the middle of a Project Lead The Way unit on the structure and function of the human body.  Students began assembling a miniature (and simplified) human body on paper last week.  Pictures are on Seasaw.

Math - In class this week we will study U.S. coins, their names and values, and how to add and subtract with them.

Literacy - We are reading books about the human body to support the learning of our Project Lead The Way unit on the human body.  We will also read a few fiction books and carefully watch the feeling of characters and how they change across a text.  Ask you students about Shelia Rae The Brave.

Writing - Students are going to be doing some writing around the new Project Lead The Way unit on the Human Body.  Before that begins I will be teaching the students to stretch out their stories into multiple sections and pages.

Word Study - This week students are working on the words from our human body unit: skeleton, muscles, brain, lungs, heart, protection, and communication.

Many of you sent me pictures from EXPO, thank you.  I am posting them in the Room K-3 Photo Gallery, the password was emailed out this week.