Thank you for making our STEAM EXPO so exciting for the kids!

Students share the school model during EXPO.

Thank you for making our STEAM EXPO so exciting for the kids!  Students were so thrilled to take you room to room to show you all of our work and were encourage by your enthusiasm.  I am working on posting some photos and videos up on Seesaw.

Spirit Week Next Week
This coming week is a school-wide spirit week.   I wanted to give you a heads up so you can plan accordingly.  Everything is optional:

Monday 12/17 - Monday Matching Day (dress alike!)
Tuesday 12/18 - Character Day (books, memes, movies, etc.!)
Wednesday 12/19 - Wacky Wednesday (inside out/backwards/crazy outfit and hair)
Thursday 12/20 - Decades Day (dress like you’re from the 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s)
Friday 12/21 - Ugly Sweater or Holiday Finest

Curriculum Overview
Reading - We are comparing and contrasting different versions of the well known Gingerbread Man story.  Ask your students about The Gingerbread Baby.  We will also read fiction books that feature different winter holidays.

Writing - Students have been writing about, and reflecting on, their favorite aspect of our EXPO project.  We will also write a letter home for the holidays.

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 learn about weight and attempt to build and photograph numbers up to 15.

Word Study - We will review the concept of rhyme.  

Students adding the tile floor to the school model.

Expo This Thursday Evening!

Last week students wrote about the community members they interviewed.

STEAM Expo
Our Steam EXPO is set for the evening December 13th, 2018.  The kindergarten presentation is from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.  The complete schedule is:

            5:00 - 5:30 Grades K & 3

            5:45 - 6:15 Grades 1 & 4

            6:30 - 7:00 Grades 2 & 5

Our 30 minute block from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM will be split among all three kindergarten classrooms.  You will receive a program with directions when you arrive.

On expo night students should dress up a bit in nicer clothes then they would normally wear to school.  We want them to feel the importance of their work and the presentation.  Please don't feel you need to purchase something new, just whatever you have that is a little dressy.

Snacks!
Thank you so much for all of the snacks you have been bringing in!

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We are currently finishing a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community?" and, "How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  We are working with the other kindergarten classrooms to prepare and present our work.

Reading - For the next few weeks we will be reading different versions of the well-known Gingerbread Man story.  We will be studying the similarities and differences between the different versions.  Ask your students about The Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Cowboy, and The Gingerbread Girl.

Writing - This week students will be finishing up writing about communities and the roles different community members have.

Math - We will also be dividing up hexagons as a precursor to studying fractions.

Word Study - This week we will continue to match letters to their sounds.

Making A Model of Our School

To compliment our study of the A2STEAM school community students are creating a model
of the school using recycled school milk cartons to represent the classrooms.

Snacks!
I need more group snacks for the classroom, 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.

STEAM Expo
Our Steam EXPO is set for the evening December 13th, 2018.  The kindergarten presentation is from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.  The complete schedule is:

            5:00 - 5:30 Grades K & 3

            5:45 - 6:15 Grades 1 & 4

            6:30 - 7:00 Grades 2 & 5

On expo night students should dress up a bit in nicer clothes then they would normally wear to school.  We want them to feel the importance of their work and the presentation.  Please don't feel you need to purchase something new, just whatever you have that is a little dressy.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We currently are in the middle of a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community?" and, "How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  Last week students interviewed and photographed different community members here at STEAM. This week students are writing about their interviewees.

Reading - For the next few weeks we will be reading different versions of the well-known Gingerbread Man story.  We will be studying the similarities and differences between the different versions.

Writing - This week students will be writing about the A2STEAM community members they interviewed last week.

Math - This week will be comparing numbers to determine more and less.  We will also be dividing up hexagons as a precursor to studying fractions.

Word Study - This week we will continue to match letters to their sounds.

STEAM Expo Coming Up!

Room K-3 students enjoyed the Thanksgiving assembly.

I hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating Thanksgiving!

Indoor Shoes
If your child wears snow boots or rain boots to school send them with a set of regular shoes in their backpack that they can wear in class.

STEAM Expo Save the Date
Our Steam EXPO is set for the evening December 13th, 2018.  More details and presentation times to come.  Our students will be teaching visitors about the STEAM community.

Jump with Jill Assembly
This Wednesday, Jump with Jill will visit out school for an assembly on exercise and nutrition.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We currently are in the middle of a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community?" and, "How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  This week students will begin interviewing and photographing different community members here at STEAM. 

Reading - We will be reading some non-fiction books describing the roles of different community members.

Writing - Last week students created posters about themselves and wrote about things they like and do well.  This week we will begin writing about either the Ann Arbor Community or our school community here at A2STEAM.

Math - This week will comparing numbers to determine more and less.

Word Study - This week we will continue to match letters to their sounds.

Happy Thanksgiving

Students enjoyed the snow!

Spirit Days
We have two Spirit Days this week.  Monday is wear some sort of clothing that has sports team or logo.  Tuesday is fashion disaster day-wear strange clothes or unusual color combinations.

Report Cards
Report cards go home on Tuesday.  They go home in a manilla envelope.  Please sign the envelope and send it back to me next Monday.  Just send back the envelope, you keep the report card.


Indoor Shoes
If your child wears boots to school send them with a set if shoes in their backpack.

Mr. Luxon Out of the Classroom On Monday Afternoon
I will be out of the classroom for a meeting Monday afternoon.  There is a possibility that I won't be there for dismissal.  I will prepare the students and the visiting teacher to make sure everyone knows where they are going.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We currently are in the middle of a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community?" and, "How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  Students saw that they are part of a community and thought about the different roles they have (brother, student, friend) within the community.  This week they will create a poster describing themselves for the school.

Reading - This week we will read books about Thanksgiving and gratitude.

Writing - Students have been seeing that they are members of a community and writing their community roles.

Math - We will build numbers as well as solve and act out simple addition and subtraction problems.

Word Study - This week we will match letters to their sounds.

We met members of the community at the famers' market.

Field Trip This Wednesday-Dress Warm

On Friday, to celebrate the first snow, we learned about how snowflakes are formed and made our own snowflakes out of paper.

Field Trip
On Wednesday of this week we will be taking a field trip to the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market.  Once there students will go on a scavenger hunt, led by parents, where they think about different people in the community and their different roles.  Students will also be given a dollar with which they can buy a snack.  We will be outside for about 45 minutes for the trip, so please send your child with warm clothes on Wednesday.

A2STEAM Book Fair
Ms. Reader is hosting a book fair this week to raise money for the library and school.  To help support the school you can purchase books at the book fair or online.  Ms. Reader's website has all the important details.  On Tuesday students will preview the book fair with Ms. Reader.  They will take photographs of three books they are interested in and send them to you over Seesaw.  I have already made it clear to students that taking a photograph does mean they get to purchase that book, they are just suggesting it to you as a book they are interested in.  You can often find similar books at the public library too that way.  Tuesday and Wednesday are book fair 'preview' days--just for looking.  Thursday and Friday are purchase days.  If you want to send in money to purchase a book for your child please send it by Friday morning and include tax.

Winter Clothes
Wow, that snow surprised me last week!  I want you to know that unless the temperature or windchill is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, we go out for recess at least twice each day.  Please send in a full compliment of winter clothes with your child: Gloves, hats, snow pants, boots, and winter jackets.  I have some extra items if you need them.  If you would prefer to leave certain items in the classroom that is fine.  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.

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.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We currently are in the middle of a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community?" and, "How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  Students saw that they are part of a community and thought about the different roles they have (brother, student, friend) within the community.  This week they will create a poster describing themselves for the school.

Reading - Students are identifying the setting in fiction books.  We are also using sight words like 'the', 'here' and 'see' to help us read books on our own.

Writing - Students have been seeing that they are members of a community and writing their community roles.

Math - We will build numbers as well as solve and act out simple addition and subtraction problems.

Word Study - This week we will match letters to their sounds.

Field Trip Next Wednesday, November 14th

The Fall Family Reading Party was a success!  I have posted additional pictures on Seesaw.

No School this Tuesday
Because our campus is used as an election site there is no school for students this Tuesday, November 6th.  Ann Arbor Public Schools and A2STEAM encourages everyone in the school community to vote in this election.

Field Trip
Kindergarten will be taking it's first field trip to the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market on Wednesday, November 14th.  We are going to the market to see how resources from all around the community can come together in one place.  I put a lot of important information about the trip in the email I sent out Sunday night.  Please review the email.

Curriculum Overview
STEAM Project - We currently are in the middle of a project attempting to answer these driving questions: "What is a community? and, How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"  Students saw that they are part of a community and thought about the characteristics that make them unique.  This week we will learn about the different roles community members have.

Reading - Students are identifying the characters in fiction books.  We are also using sight words like 'the', 'here' and 'see' to help us read books on our own.

Writing - Students have been seeing that they are members of a community and writing about the characteristics that make them unique.

Math - We are examining the different ways numbers can be broken up.  For example 5 can be broken up into 2 and 3, 1 and 4, 3 and 2, or 4 and 1. 

Word Study - This week we will examine fonts again and see the different ways in which the letters 'b' and 'd' are written in books.

The Fall Family Reading Party was a success!  I have posted additional pictures on Seesaw.

Evaluating Our Paintbrushes

Today most students tested their paintbrushes.  In addition to just trying them to see what design was created, they also painted-in a sign for the classroom.

Mr. Luxon Not At School on Tuesday
I will out of the classroom on Tuesday (tomorrow).  I was not able to tell the students that there would be a visiting teacher coming in my place, please tell them.

Please Send In Extra Clothes
Please send in a gallon ziploc bag with spare clothes in it this week.  This is useful not just for bathroom accidents but also in cases of bloody noses or muddy falls.  Write your child's name on the bag (i.e.  "Mary Jackson - Change of Clothes").  Students can keep the clothing in their backpacks which is good if they go to any after school classes.  If you would prefer for me to keep the bag in the classroom email me and I will pull it out and keep it in the classroom.

October 31st Family Read-In
Please join us on October 31st for a Room K-3 family read-in at 2:30 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 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.

Conferences
It was great meeting you last week.  Thank you for coming in!

Curriculum Overview
Science - This week students will test the paintbrushes they designed and constructed last week.  Many students tried out their paintbrushes today, others will test later in the week.

STEAM Project - Last week students began learning about what a community is.  They began to see that they are part of the Ann Arbor community.  This week I will ask them to think more about who they are as individuals and what their role in our community is.  Eventually we will see that just like we have the community in Ann Arbor we also have a smaller school community.  Our overall goal is for students to learn about all the people at A2STEAM.  The questions driving our learning are "What is a community?  How can we teach visitors about the A2STEAM community?"

Reading - Students are identifying the characters in fiction books.  We will also be discussing the difference between fiction and non-fiction books.

Writing - Students have been writing stories from their lives and taken responsibility for keeping their writing organized in their writing folder.

Math - We are building and counting numbers up to 12.  Ask your students about the game 'Build a City'.

Word Study - This week we will think about fonts and see the different ways in which the letter 'b' and 'd' are written in books.

Designing Paintbrushes

Students are designing paintbrushes that can paint in a unique way. 
Students drew different designs on paper last week, some students began the building stage today.

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 2:30 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 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 Too: 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.

Sharing Bag
I will start to send home a sharing bag with students who want to bring in something to share with the class.  The bag is blue and has a white STEAM logo on it.  It also has a yellow tag that reads 'Room K-3 Sharing Bag'.  When your child brings home the bag they can choose up to three things to place in it to share with the class (no more than three please).  Anything your child chooses to share must be able to fit into the bag.

Bring in Extra Clothes
In class we have been having some bathroom accidents.  I will make sure the students know all their available bathroom choices when they are at there special classes and at recess.  I would also like every family to send in a gallon ziploc bag with spare clothes in it.  This is useful not just for bathroom accidents but also in cases of bloody noses or muddy falls.  Write your child's name on the bag (i.e.  "Mary Jackson - Change of Clothes").  Students can keep the clothing in their backpacks which is good if they go to any after school classes.  If you would prefer for me to keep the bag in the classroom just write 'Please keep in the Classroom' on the label too.

Snacks
If you haven't already, please bring in some group snacks for the class.  You can use the fresh snack calendar or bring in crackers like: Cheddar Goldfish, Wheat Thin Originals, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies.

Conferences
Thank you for signing up, you can review your times on the document I sent out today over email.  If you need to bring your students to the conference that is okay.  We can set them up on an iPad while we talk, or have them play outside.

Half Day For Students This Wednesday
Wednesday, October 24th, will be a half-day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:52 PM.

Curriculum Overview
Science - This week students are taking what they learned about structure and function and using that knowledge to design a paintbrush that can paint in a unique way.  Students have drawn their paintbrush designs, some students have begun the actual building phase.

Reading - Students are identifying the characters in fiction books.  We will also be discussing the difference between fiction and non-fiction books.

Writing - Students have been writing stories from their lives and taken responsibility for keeping their writing organized in their writing folder.

Math - We are building and counting numbers up to 12.  Ask your students about the game 'Build a City'.

Word Study - This week we will think about fonts and see the different ways in which the letter 't' and 'j' are written in books.

I forgot to post this photo a couple weeks ago.  We tested the houses the students designed to see how well they were able to withstand wind.  The fan is on high.

Join us on October 31st

This past week we finished writing our classroom agreement.  More information on SeeSaw.

October 31st Family Read-In
You are welcome to join us on October 31st for a Room K-3 family read-in at 2:30 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 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
Thank you for signing up, you can review your times on the document I sent out today over email.

Half Day For Students Next Wednesday
Wednesday, October 24th, will be a half-day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:52 PM.

Farmers' Market for Kids Coming To A2STEAM
This Thursday, as part of the Healthy Foods Initiative, we will be having a farmers' for kids on our playground.  Students will get a chance to choose one or two pieces of healthy produce.  Look for that produce to come home with students on Thursday.

Fall Festival
The A2STEAM Fall Festival is this Friday.  More information can be found here.

Curriculum Overview
Science - This week students are taking what they learned about structure and function and using that knowledge to design a paintbrush that can paint in a unique way.  More information to come through SeeSaw.

Reading - Students will be identifying the characters in fiction books.  Ask your kids about A Letter To Amy, Tikki Tikki Tembo, and Snowy Day.  We will also be discussing the difference between fiction and non-fiction books.

Writing - We will be doing some writing around our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function. Students will be writing about their experience building houses and will plan out different designs for a unique paintbrush.

Math - We will be studying graphs and working with numbers up to 12.

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.  We will also be sorting word pictures into different categories.

Family Reading Event on October 31st

To celebrate a good behavior milestone we had a 'Spark Party' where students made and flew paper airplanes. We will earn other 'Spark Parties'
throughout the year where students will get to do things like: make bracelets, bounce bouncy balls, or bring in stuffed animals to school.

October 31st Family Reading Event
I am working with our room parent to put together a fun reading event in class on the afternoon of the 31st, around 2:30 PM.  More details to come.

Another Half Day For Students Coming Up
Wednesday, October 24th, will be a half-day for students.  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, will not be in session.

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

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are working on a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) module on structure and function.  Last week we read The Three Little Pigs and students began building houses that can withstand wind.  Towards the end of this week students will begin to imagine and build a unique kind of paintbrush that serves a specific function--more information to come over SeeSaw.

Reading - This week students will begin identifying the characters in fiction books.  Ask your kids about A Letter To Amy.

Writing - We will be doing some writing around our Project Lead The Way unit on structure and function. 

Math - At the beginning of the week we will study hexagons.  Later in the week we will make some simple graphs showing data about ourselves (like our birth months) and our classroom.

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.  We will also begin sorting word pictures into different categories.

We have been reading simple books with patterned text.  We are practicing pointing to words as we read them.

I often have students read together in partners.

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.

Room K-3 Welcome Letter!

This is our classroom!

Dear Room K-3 Families,

    Welcome to kindergarten and welcome to A2STEAM!  I am excited to be starting my fourth year here at STEAM and I look forward to getting to know you and your children.
    As the school year begins the students and I will focus on learning about our school and classroom routines.  Our first big STEAM project is scheduled to start in a couple of weeks and involves photographing and interviewing all the different people at A2STEAM so we can learn their names and roles.  The project will also teach students how we create a safe and respectful school community.
    Below I have outlined important information that will be helpful the first week of school.  Other questions will be addressed as they arise and many more details about school will be presented on Curriculum Night, which is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th at 6:00 PM.  Additionally, the primary way I communicate school information is here on our classroom website.

Bell Times and Pick Up Plan
    The first bell now rings at 8:14 AM, school ends at 3:22 PM.  The school office has sent you a link to an online A2STEAM Pick-Up Plan form.  It is crucial that this online form is filled out by the first day of school so I know where to send your child at the end of the school day.  If your child goes home after school I will be waiting to hand them off to you under the covered entranceway in front of the building.  A teacher, or teacher’s assistant will make sure children who ride the bus, and children who go to afterschool daycare, get to where they need to go.  A2STEAM has specific pick up and drop off procedures, you can view a parking map and full explanation here.  Because kindergarteners are so young it is important to have any temporary or permanent changes to the Pick Up Plan in writing from an adult.  If you ever need to make a last minute adjustment please call the school and the office staff will inform me of the change.

Homework Folder and Backpack
    Every student will be provided with a red plastic A2STEAM homework folder.  These folders need to come to school every day with your child.  My hope is for each student to have this folder for the rest of the year so homework and other information can make it home safely.  There is no homework at this time, but I will have information to send home.  Your student also needs a backpack big enough to carry this folder without bending it.

Kindergarten Lunch and Snack
    Kindergartners eat lunch every day at 10:55 AM and have time allocated each morning and each afternoon for a snack.  The morning snack I will serve, it will be a few quick nut-free crackers or carrot sticks.  Our lunch time is rather early (10:55 AM) so the morning snack is just enough to hold the students over until then.  In the afternoon I will allot time for students to eat a snack that is brought from home.  Please pack a small snack for your student to eat each afternoon.  Focus on healthy foods and avoid things that are sweet like cookies or fruit chews.  At lunchtime, it helps students if they know whether they are purchasing a hot lunch from the cafeteria or eating a lunch brought from home. 

Contacting Me
    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 at school or send in a note.  It is best to try to not ask me important questions right when school starts because my mind is usually focused on the school day.  Look for regular classroom updates via email and on this website.

Beginning of the Year Survey
    I know you've already filled out a lot of forms to get your students inputted into the school system and enrolled here at our school.  I have one more, short one, for you.  It is an online survey with a few questions about your child and family.  As the year starts having this information is helpful to me.  You can find the survey here, fill it out at your earliest convenience, no rush.
  
About Me
    I have been a teacher for fourteen years, mostly in kindergarten but also 2nd grade.  Before coming to Michigan I lived and worked in San Diego, CA.  My wife is a professor at U of M-Dearborn in Political Science.  Together we have a five-year-old son who is beginning kindergarten at STEAM this year too!

    Thanks for reading and I look forward to working with you this year!

Sincerely,

James Luxon

If your child goes home after school I will be waiting to hand them off to you under this covered entranceway in front of the school.

No Backpacks At School on Friday

Students enjoyed their ice cream party last Friday.

Ziploc Book Bags
Thank you for sending in your home reading book bags, I really appreciate it!

Final Day of School
The last day of school is Friday, June 15th.  That day is a very short day, students will be dismissed at 10:54 AM.  All backpacks for all students, grades K-8, need to stay at home.  Do not send in any backpacks, lunches, or snacks.  Report cards will come home on that day in the manila folder.  I do not need the manila folder back this time.

Student Work
Look for a large folder of student work to go home with students on Wednesday.

Yearbooks
Students whose family purchased a yearbook earlier in the year will receive their yearbooks on Wednesday.  Students who did not purchase a yearbook will get a signing sheet they can use to collect the 'signatures' of their friends.

Curriculum Overview
Science - Students will be studying and learning how to read maps.  We will look at and interpret maps of our school, the Northside neighborhood, Ann Arbor, the State of Michigan, the United States, and the world.

Math - This week we will be playing subtraction poker and doing some assessment around 2D and 3D shapes.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books, analyzing the feelings of characters, and seeing how those feelings change across the story.  Ask your students about Julius the Baby of the World.

Writing - We will be revising our letters to dad for Father's day this week.

Word Study - This week we will work on the vocabulary we need for reading maps: key, scale, north, south, east, and west.

Where Am I? Students to begin studying maps this week!

Students have been building with these unique blocks at recess.  We tried to stay in the shade.

Temperatures
It is supposed to be a cooler this week! 

Color Fun Run
Because we were one of the top three classes, we will have our ice cream party this Friday.

Ziploc Book Bags
Please bring back your Home Reading book bags so I can use them with students next year. 

Final Day of School
The last day of school is Friday, June 15th.  That day is a very short day, students will be dismissed at 10:54 AM.  All backpacks for all students, grades K-8, need to stay at home.  Do not send in any backpacks, lunches, or snacks.  Report cards will come home on that day in the manila folder.  I do not need the manila folder back this time.

Curriculum Overview
Science - Students will be studying and learning how to read maps.  We will look at and interpret maps of our school, the Northside Neighborhood, Ann Arbor, the State of Michigan, the United States, and the world.

Math - This week we will be playing subtraction poker and doing some assessment around 2D and 3D shapes.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books, analyzing the feelings of characters, and seeing how those feelings change across the story.  Ask your students about The Dot and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.

Writing - We will be writing letters to dad for Father's day this week.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  The sorts they are working on include plural words (leaf to leaves) strong r words (i.e. star, car), and blends like sk- (i.e. skeleton).

Ice Cream Social on Friday

Students explain the cast they designed to help a broken bone heal.

Temperatures This Week
It is supposed to be a hot this week.  Our classroom does okay and tends to get less direct sunlight through the windows this time of year.  Send students wearing clothing that can help them stay cool.  I have been making sure students stay hydrated, especially right after we come in from a recess.

Ice Cream Social
The A2STEAM Ice Cream Social is this Friday.  It is a good time and the ice cream is free.  They need volunteers!

NWEA Testing
Students will be taking the NWEA Reading and NWEA Math assessments this week.  We will do a little bit each morning, in the classroom, on student iPads.  Try to make sure students have a healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and are ready to do their best on this exam each day.

Color Fun Run
Wow!  Our class is one of the top three classes which means we get our own ice party.  Amazing. 

Curriculum Overview
Science - We just finished up a Project Lead The Way unit on the structure and function of the human body.  Last week students designed a cast collaboratively in groups of four.  We met as a group to discuss their collaboration successes and areas for improvement and then students worked again as a team to prepare a quick presentation on the design of their cast (see photo above).

Math - This week we will review addition and subtraction concepts.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books, analyzing the feelings of characters, and seeing how those feelings change across the story.  Ask your students about Big Bushy Mustache.

Writing - We will be finishing up and perfecting some of the poems we worked on last week.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps. 

Color Fun Run Update

Students enjoyed the field day and Color Fun Run.

Color Fun Run
Thank you for all your support for the Color Fun Run.  The kids had an amazing day.  I hope you were able to see the pictures and video I posted on Seesaw.  Full tallies are not in yet but the school has raised more the $20,000 in all.  If you would still like to donate you have a couple more days.  You can create an online fundraising page here, or you can bring any donations in an enclosed envelope to the PTO drop box. Please include your child's name and write ROOM K-3/LUXON on the envelope. Make checks payable to A2 STEAM at Northside PTO.

Spirit Week
This week is Spirit Week at A2STEAM.  Here are the themes for each day:
Tuesday: Dress like your favorite character
Wednesday: Wear your favorite color or red to support teachers
Thursday: Wacky Day
Friday: Dress for Success/Career Day
This handout has more information

Half Day This Wednesday
This Wednesday, May 23rd, will be a half-day for students.  Students will be dismissed at 12:52 PM.

Mr. Luxon Out This Thursday
I will be out of the classroom this Thursday, visiting teacher Ms. Pace will be teaching in my absence.  I will be at school on Thursday, but I will be meeting with next year's incoming Kindergarten students.

No School Monday, May 28th
There will be no school Monday, May 28th in honor of Memorial Day.

NWEA Testing
Students will be taking the NWEA Reading and NWEA Math assessments next week.  We will do a little bit each morning, in the classroom, on student iPads.  Try to make sure students have a healthy breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and are ready to do their best on this exam.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are currently in the middle of a Project Lead The Way unit on the structure and function of the human body.  This week I am reviewing with students how to collaborate effectively so they can work in groups to design a cast that can support a broken bone.

Math - Today we reviewed the idea of symmetry.  The rest of the week will review addition and subtraction concepts.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books, analyzing the feelings of characters, and seeing how those feelings change across the story.  Ask your students about Shelia Rae the Brave where the main character, Shelia Rae, felt fearless, worried, frightened, and relieved throughout the story.


Writing - We are finishing up and perfecting some of the poems we worked on last week.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps. 

On the field trip students hold up a model of our intestinal tract.

Color Fun Run This Friday

Students used the flower pens they made to write to their mothers for Mother's Day.

Color Fun Run
The second annual Color Fun Run fundraiser is scheduled for this Friday, May 18th.  The Color Fun Run is a mini-marathon for students where they can run laps to earn money for the school's Parent Teacher Organization.  While they run, colorful cornstarch is thrown in the air marking their laps.  If you would like to donate you can create an online fundraising page here.  If you would not like to create an online fundraising page, please bring any donations in an enclosed envelope to the PTO drop box. Please include your child's name and write ROOM K-3/LUXON on the envelope. Make checks payable to: A2 STEAM at Northside PTO.  If you would like to volunteer and help out with this event please sign up here. 

The money raised is used for many great things that directly benefit students.  One example is our upcoming field trip to the Health Exploration Station--admission and transportation for students is completely funded by the PTO.

Color Fun Run Clothes
Make sure your students wear clothes and shoes they can run in this Friday.

Field Trip on Thursday, May 17th
If you inquired about chaperoning I sent you an email last night.

Book Bags
Bring in your Home Reading ziploc book bags this week so I can send some fresh books home.

Curriculum Overview
Science - We are currently in the middle of a Project Lead The Way unit on the structure and function of the human body.  This week we will study how broken bones heal.

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 the idea of multiples and multiplication, and add that that to our understanding of different types of computation.

Literacy - We are reading fiction books, analyzing the feelings of characters, and seeing how those feelings change across the story.  Ask your students about Knuffle Bunny.

Writing - This week we will study poetry and write more simple poems.  We will also do some writing about the bones in our hand on Seesaw.

Word Study - This week students are working on different word sorts aligned with their academic next steps.  

Making our flower pens.

Making our flower pens.

Students writing to their mothers for Mother's Day.