Coming soon to Arno… 

June 3

NWEA Reward Picnic 11:15-12:30

5th Grade Rehearsal 12:45

June 4

5th Grade Graduation 9:15 Center for the Arts

June 5

3rd grade to Greenfield Village

June 6

SPED to APMS

2nd Grade to Barney Park

4th grade Greenfield Village

5th Grade picnic

Final Super Cougar lunch 11:15

Honor Choir Concert Center for the Arts 6:30

June 7

APHS Graduate Walk @Arno approx 1:30

June 10

3rd grade to Boccabella

Eskew to Barney Park

ER 11:30 Dismiss

June 11

3rd grade to Pretty Family Park

Y5/Kindergarten Picnic to Barney Park

ER 11:30 Dismiss

June 12 

3rd Grade to Barney Park

Last Day of School!

ER 11:30 Dismiss

June 13

Summer School meeting 9:00

Summer School lunch meeting 11:30

June 17

Report Cards Released

Summer School Begins (June 17-July 25)

June 19 

Regular School Office Hours End (Summer School Office Continues)

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• ACADEMICS ARE STUDENT-CENTERED, WHICH ALLOW FOR VARIOUS LEARNING STYLES TO SHOWCASE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.

• WE WILL DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A POSITIVE, RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH STUDENT BY USING FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

• WE WILL FOSTER SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A GROWTH MINDSET

Safety Reminders:

The backlot of the building is for staff parking only.  Please do not park or stand in the lot before or after school.  This has created some situations that were dangerous to people walking.  Also, if using the area to cut through the back of the building, please use the playground to connect the two sides so that there are not any students walking through the staff lot. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

Testing season is complete!

I wanted to say thank you to all of our families for supporting your children through the end of the year testing season.  As principal, I could not be prouder of their accomplishments throughout the year, and their incredible endurance in completing all of their work and assessments!  Great work Cougars!

5th Grade Graduation

It’s hard to believe that we are already upon the end of the year.  That always means celebrations, picnics, and special activities.  The biggest event that takes us into the summer, though, is 5th Grade Graduation.  We will be hosting the celebration on June 4 starting at 9:15 at the Allen Park Center for the Arts adjacent to the high school.  This year’s 5th grade picnic will take place on Thursday of next week (students only).  Please mark your calendars

 

Are you ready?

Attention 5th grade parents- you can get some middle school swag right now to be ready for the fall!

http://www.allenparkspiritwear.com/

Tearful Goodbyes…

Arno is losing three of our best as Ms. Higgins (5th Grade teacher), Mrs. Mantua (Media Center) and Mrs. Dowd (Student Advocate) have decided to retire this school year.  They have all left an immeasurable mark on our staff and students, bringing their positive energy into our building everyday.  We will miss them immensely and wish them the best in retirement!

Ms. Higgins

Ms. Higgins has been our 5th grade expert teacher and it will be hard to say goodbye as she makes her way to Allen Park Middle School in a new position.  She has been an invaluable leader for all of our 5th grade activities including camp, safeties, and graduation.  She has inspired many of our students over the years and will be sorely missed.  We wish her nothing but the best in her new post and adventures at the middle school.

 

Mrs. Mantua

There are many spaces in which she will be missed like outside before the bell greeting our first graders (they love it when she brings out the music!), the breakfast and lunch room where she brings her special brand of energy, but of course her impact will be felt most in the media center where Mrs. Mantua has been a staple for many years.  We wish Mrs. Mantua a BIG Congratulations and the very best in retirement! We will surely miss your presence at Arno every day!

Mrs. Dowd

Mrs. Dowd is one of the first faces many of student see when coming into Arno in the morning. Her positive demeanor and nurturing way with our students will leave her position as student advocate hard to fill.  She has cared for so many of our Cougars when they are not feeling well, or have a scrape from the playground- and she has always managed to make them all feel better.  Caring and Compassion is what Mrs. Dowd is all about, and she will be missed immensely. Congratulations on your retirement as you enter your next adventure!

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated on May 6-10 this year!

Coming soon to Arno…

May 2

Cougar Cash Lunch

6th Grade Orientation 10:30

ALICE Final drill (Lock down, evac walking to and past the church) 1:30

PTA Meeting 6:30

May 3

ER 11:30 Teacher PD

May 6-10

Teacher Appreciation Week!

May 7 

3/4 ELA M-STEP

Super Cougar Lunch

May 9 

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunch 11:00-12:00

May 10

2nd Grade Metro Parks

May 13

Kindergarten Roundup 6:30

May 15

3rd grade Metro Parks

May 17

4th Grade Metro Parks

May 21

Knudsen Cougar Lunch 11:15

May 22

5th Grade HIV Lesson

Kindergarten Metro Parks

May 23

1st Grade Metro Parks

5th Grade Puberty Lesson

May 24-27

No School- Memorial Day

May 29

5th Grade Metro Parks

Cougar Cash Lunch

Warneck/Harrison to Roosevelt Lanes

May 31

Kindergarten to Zoo

Mentor Celebration

NWEA Celebration Assembly

Ways you can show appreciation for your child’s teacher

Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching and will take place this year the week of May 6.  The PTA has some wonderful things planned for our staff, and there are also other ways you can show appreciation for your child’s teacher:

• Write a thank you/appreciation note

• Make a special “Thank you” art project

• Record a personal thank you video

• Send them a digital or ecard

• Send them flowers

• Tell your child’s teacher what they love about school

• Give a special note

Kindergarten Roundup

We will be hosting Kindergarten Roundup for all of our incoming kindergarten families on May 13, starting at 6:30pm.  This is an informational evening for parents, and a time for students to visit an actual kindergarten classroom and enjoy exploring some activities.  We will also share some dates for kindergarten screening, an assessment that will allow us to better know your child and their needs.

Moving?

If your family will be moving out of the district after school is over, please let the office know as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Kindergarten Registration

Kinder2024-25 (2) 

M-STEP

The M-STEP is nearing completion!  The upcoming schedule is below, please make every effort to have your child present on testing dates.  Thank you!

Please mark your calendars if you have a child in 3rd and 4th grade.  The remaining schedule is as follows:

April 30/May 1- 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Math

May 7/8- 3rd and 4th grade ELA

Parent MSTEP Letter 2024.doc

5th Grade Celebration

Attention 5th grade parents, please be sure to mark your calendars for June 4th as we will be celebrating our 5th grade students moving on to the middle school.  The event will take place at the APAC at 9:15am.  The students will be bussed in from Arno, and we will then reboard and head back after the celebration is over.

Classlists

The Arno teaching staff carefully makes classlists in the spring for the next school year, and considers many factors such as academics and social/emotional needs.  If you would like us to consider certain strengths or weakness of your child for placement next year, please send me an email or letter regarding your child.  Unfortunately, we do not take specific requests for teachers.

Mr. Zielinski

Attendance Matters!

Our program to help boost the importance is underway!  We are getting ready to deliver the round of popcorn for those classes that reached their milestone.

Arno Dress Code

The weather has certainly started to get warmer as winter has finally gone away.  The warmer weather also brings some thoughts to different clothes- so this is a great time for a reminder on the dress code:

STUDENT DRESS CODE
The staff of the Elementary schools expect all students to be neatly and appropriately dressed and groomed at all times while in school and at all school functions. Clothing and general appearance of all students shall be in keeping with the intent of this policy. The spirit of the Allen Park dress and grooming regulations are best reflected in the following two excerpts from the Allen Park Board of Education policy:

“Students are expected to determine their patterns of dress and grooming, provided that such
dress and grooming do not interfere with the health and safety of themselves or others and does
not interfere with the educational process of the school.”

In order to assist students and parents to comply with this provision, the following guidelines have been developed. The school administrator and staff will uphold the following regulations:

1. Clothing should not be so torn or so loose fitting as to be inappropriate or immodest.

2. Students are not to wear items of clothing which have obscene or vulgar statements or
pictures, which promote alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. Shirts that convey a
negative attitude should not be worn to school. Also, students should not wear clothing
that promotes violence or fighting; such as “wrestling t-shirts”.

3. Shoes or footwear must be worn at all times. Sandals must be worn with socks. Flip-flops do
not make good shoes for children to wear to school, especially for gym and recess.

4. Hats are not to be worn in the building and must be kept in the student’s
cubby or locker during the school day, except during a designated Hat Day.

5. Makeup and all other cosmetic products are prohibited. This includes fake fingernails and
“tattoos”.

6. No bare midriffs, “fishnet” shirts, bare backs, halter tops, spandex, spaghetti straps, low
cut or loose fitting tank shirts or transparent clothing are permitted at any time. However,
sleeveless tops that fit tightly around both the shoulder and the neck will be permitted. In
general, school clothing should be age appropriate and modest.

7. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be at least fingertip length when one’s arms are extended
straight at one’s sides.

8. Coats and jackets, and other outerwear should not be worn in class. Hoodies are not allowed over the head during the school day, except for recess outside.

9. Cross Body bags should not be brought to school and will not be permitted during the school day.

Exceptions to the above for “special” days may be declared by the administration.

These guidelines are offered as general statements so that students and parents can select and purchase clothing appropriate to the school environment. As in most other things, good judgment and common sense are the ultimate standards.

Students who arrive at school inappropriately dressed will be referred to the principal and asked to remedy the problem. This may involve being sent home to change a particular article of clothing.

5th Grade End of Year

The 23-24 school year is flying by!  For planning purposes, here some important dates for 5th grade:

May 22/23        HIV/Maturation Video

June 4                5th Grade Graduation AP Center for the Arts 9:15am

June 6                5th Grade Picnic @Boccabella Park

Volunteer I-CHAT

The district has launched a new I-Chat form for anyone interested in volunteering for either a field trip, an event, or even in the classroom.  I-Chat is a background check form that has now been made easy to use. Simply follow the link, fill out the form and submit.

I-Chat Form

Need to leave an item?

Please leave any items (lunches, books) that you need to drop off for your child in the responsibility cabinet (grey cabinet by the main office doors); there are post it notes and pencils in there to label items and the secretary will check it in the morning.  This helps to reduce congestion in the office area, especially to start the day.  Thanks!

Facebook

Be sure to check in on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary

Coming soon to Arno…

March 2

Spring fever

March 7

Spring Picture Day

Super Cougar Lunch

PTA Meeting 6:30pm

March 8

End of 2nd Trimester

March 11

Magic of Stories Assembly

March 14

Bingo for Books

March 15

No School- Teacher PD

Report Cards Released

March 17

March 18

1st grade to Dearborn

March 19

Officer Knudsen Cougar Lunch 11:00

March 20

Mr. Peace Assembly

Tornado/Severe Weather Drill 1:20

March 21

Fire Drill 2:40

March 23-March 31

Spring Break

March 31

Happy Easter!

April 1

Class resumes

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

YEARBOOK SALES
Yearbook sales are now ready, please click the link if you are interested in purchasing a yearbook.

Yearbook sale information:

https://inter-state.com/YearbookEntry/83981H

Spring Picture Day

Spring picture day will be coming up on March 7. The code is below if you would like to order pictures.

This event’s Order Code is 85382PF.

https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry

March is Reading Month

Reading Month at Arno started on Feb 26! This is an exciting time for us to celebrate the joys and benefits of reading with our students.

Throughout March, we have a variety of engaging activities and events planned to foster a love for reading among our students. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

1. March Reading Around the World: Our entire school will be “reading around the world”, by reading books that take place on the various continents or books that teach us about the continents.  

2. Read Around the World at Home: Read around the world with us at home using the travel itinerary below.  Each week, find a book about or from each of the continents below.

3. Travel Itinerary

4. Feb. 26- March 1: South America

5. March 2-8: Asia

6. March 11-14: Europe 

7. March 18-22: Africa and Australia

8. Track Your Travels at Home: Keep track of all of your reading at home using a map that will be sent home. For each book you read at home, color in a piece of a continent.

9. Guest Readers: We will be inviting special guest readers to share their favorite stories with our students. This provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to see reading as a lifelong passion and a valuable skill.

10. Bingo for Books: Come in and enjoy some friendly Bingo on March 14 for a night of competing for a great prize- a free book!

11. Unplugged Thursdays: Turn off electronics and turn on your imagination!  Every Thursday throughout March (2/29, 3/7.3/14.3/21)

12. Wear it Wednesdays: Each Wednesday dress up to celebrate March is Reading Month! See flier

13. Penny Wars: Save your spare change to bring to school on Feb 27, March 5,12, and 19. The class with highest total wins!

We believe that instilling a love for reading in our students is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. By immersing themselves in books, our children not only enhance their literacy skills but also expand their imagination, empathy, and understanding of the world around them.

I encourage you to join us in celebrating March is Reading Month by supporting your child’s reading journey at home. Whether it’s reading together before bedtime, visiting the local library, or simply having conversations about books, every effort counts in nurturing a lifelong reader.

Thank you for your continued support in making literacy a priority at Arno. Together, we can empower our students to become passionate, confident, and lifelong readers.

MIRM Parents 2024

Bingo for Books 

ARNO BINGO FOR BOOKS FLYER – Google Docs

Kindergarten Registration

Kinder2024-25 (2)

Literacy Website

Mrs. Wesley, our Literacy Coach at Arno, has a blog that contains great information and resources for families in the area of literacy . Please check it out and take advantage of all the great information.

https://readwesley.edublogs.org/

Congratulations to all of our 2023-2024 Founder’s Day Winners at Arno!

PTSA Spring Fever Coming Up!

Attention 5th Grade Parents

Make a Family Media Plan

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx#/family

M-STEP

The M-STEP is fast approaching again!  The schedule is below, please make every effort to have your child present on testing dates.  Thank you!

Please mark your calendars if you have a child in 3rd,4th,5th grade.  The M-Step window opens up for 5th grade following Spring Break, then runs through early May.  The schedules is as follows:

April 16- 5th grade Science

April 17- 5th grade Social Studies

April 23/24- 5th grade ELA

April 30/May 1- 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Math

May 7/8- 3rd and 4th grade ELA

Coming soon to Arno…

April 1

Class resumes

April 4

Cougar Cash Lunch

Fire Drill

PTA meeting 6:30pm

April 11

Super Cougar Lunch

Knudsen Cougar Lunch

April 16

5th Grade M-STEP -science

April 18

5th Grade M-STEP S.S.

Fire Drill

April 22

Earth day 

April 23

5th Grade M-STEP ELA

K-1 Spring Concert 6:30

April 26

PTA Daddy/Daughter Dance

April 30

3,4,5 M-STEP Math

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

Arno Dress Code

The weather has certainly started to get warmer as winter has finally gone away.  The warmer weather also brings some thoughts to different clothes- so this is a great time for a reminder on the dress code:

STUDENT DRESS CODE
The staff of the Elementary schools expect all students to be neatly and appropriately dressed and groomed at all times while in school and at all school functions. Clothing and general appearance of all students shall be in keeping with the intent of this policy. The spirit of the Allen Park dress and grooming regulations are best reflected in the following two excerpts from the Allen Park Board of Education policy:

“Students are expected to determine their patterns of dress and grooming, provided that such
dress and grooming do not interfere with the health and safety of themselves or others and does
not interfere with the educational process of the school.”

In order to assist students and parents to comply with this provision, the following guidelines have been developed. The school administrator and staff will uphold the following regulations:

1. Clothing should not be so torn or so loose fitting as to be inappropriate or immodest.

2. Students are not to wear items of clothing which have obscene or vulgar statements or
pictures, which promote alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. Shirts that convey a
negative attitude should not be worn to school. Also, students should not wear clothing
that promotes violence or fighting; such as “wrestling t-shirts”.

3. Shoes or footwear must be worn at all times. Sandals must be worn with socks. Flip-flops do
not make good shoes for children to wear to school, especially for gym and recess.

4. Hats are not to be worn in the building and must be kept in the student’s
cubby or locker during the school day, except during a designated Hat Day.

5. Makeup and all other cosmetic products are prohibited. This includes fake fingernails and
“tattoos”.

6. No bare midriffs, “fishnet” shirts, bare backs, halter tops, spandex, spaghetti straps, low
cut or loose fitting tank shirts or transparent clothing are permitted at any time. However,
sleeveless tops that fit tightly around both the shoulder and the neck will be permitted. In
general, school clothing should be age appropriate and modest.

7. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be at least fingertip length when one’s arms are extended
straight at one’s sides.

8. Coats and jackets, and other outerwear should not be worn in class. Hoodies are not allowed over the head during the school day, except for recess outside.

9. Cross Body bags should not be brought to school and will not be permitted during the school day.

Exceptions to the above for “special” days may be declared by the administration.

These guidelines are offered as general statements so that students and parents can select and purchase clothing appropriate to the school environment. As in most other things, good judgment and common sense are the ultimate standards.

Students who arrive at school inappropriately dressed will be referred to the principal and asked to remedy the problem. This may involve being sent home to change a particular article of clothing.

M-STEP

The M-STEP starts in April.  Please try and have your child for testing dates.  Students will start testing in their classrooms around 9:15 on each date, they will also have a snack provided just prior to the test starting.

Dates:

April 16- 5th grade Science

April 18- 5th grade Social Studies

April 23/24- 5th grade ELA

April 30/May 1- 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Math

May 7/8- 3rd and 4th grade ELA-

M-STEP Parent Letter

Hello Arno Families,

The Green Team has once again earned Arno Elementary an Evergreen Designated School, which is the highest honor among Michigan Green School recipients. Each year, we provide students with the knowledge necessary to become environmental experts. Continue to stay up to date with our latest tips to recycling responsibility as Earth Day is approaching.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

It is that magical time of year- the Daddy/Daughter Dance is fast approaching!  Please stay tuned for all of the magical information from the PTA on this special night, Friday, April 26. 

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

We are pleased to be having our kindergarten round up this spring for all incoming kindergarteners. This year’s event will be on May 13 starting at 6:30 p.m. Parents will attend in the gym, all future Cougars will attend within the 3 different classrooms.  Remember that Kindergarten registration is now open at Riley.

Spring Concert

We are excited to invite you the upcoming concert for grades kindergarten-first grade!  The event will take place at the Allen Park Center for the Arts on April 23 @6:30pm.  Hope to see you there!

5th Grade End of Year

The 23-24 school year is flying by!  For planning purposes, here some important dates for 5th grade:

May 22/23        HIV/Maturation Video

June 4                5th Grade Graduation AP Center for the Arts 9:15am

June 6                5th Grade Picnic @Boccabella Park

Volunteer I-CHAT

The district has launched a new I-Chat form for anyone interested in volunteering for either a field trip, an event, or even in the classroom.  I-Chat is a background check form that has now been made easy to use. Simply follow the link, fill out the form and submit.

I-Chat Form

Congratulations to all of March’s Super Cougars!

Mr. Peace Visits Arno

Kindergarten Registration

Kinder2024-25 (2) 

Need to leave an item?

Please leave any items (lunches, books) that you need to drop off for your child in the responsibility cabinet (grey cabinet by the main office doors); there are post it notes and pencils in there to label items and the secretary will check it in the morning.  This helps to reduce congestion in the office area, especially to start the day.  Thanks!

Coming soon to Arno…

Feb. 1

Cougar Cash Lunch

NWEA Rewards Assembly

Middle School Band visit (5th grade)

PTA Meeting 6:30pm

Feb. 2

Cougar Cash Lunch w/Officer Knudsen

Feb. 7

NWEA recess- weather permitting

Feb. 8

American Heart Association Assembly

Super Cougar Lunch

NWEA reward movie

PTA Family Fun Night

Feb. 9

No School- Teacher PD

Feb. 12

Allen Park Schools Wellness Week

Feb. 14

Valentines Day

Feb. 19 & 20

No School- President’s Day Break

Feb. 21-23

5th Grade Camp

Feb. 21 

Founder’s Day Dinner

Feb 23

Kindergarten to Ann Arbor

Feb 27

1st Grade to Dearborn

Feb. 29

Cougar Cash Lunch

March 2

PTSA Spring Fever

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION

The annual Founder’s Day awards celebration takes place on Feb. 21 as our amazing winners get to shine!  Congratulations to all of our award winners this year- you represent the very best of our Arno Cougars!!

2023-24 PTA Founders Day Winners

Olympic Greatness

Congratulations to all of our Medal winners from the Arno Olympics! We hope everyone had a fun night competing in the games!

NWEA Awards

Congratulations to all of our students who met their grade level norm, or met their growth for the Winter 2024 NWEA Assessment!

NWEA presentation 2024

PTA Reflections

Awesome job to all of our Cougars who participated in this year’s PTSA Reflection contest!

M-STEP 

The M-STEP is fast approaching again!  The schedule is below, please make every effort to have your child present on testing dates.  Thank you!

Please mark your calendars if you have a child in 3rd,4th,5th grade.  The M-Step window opens up for 5th grade following Spring Break, then runs through early May.  The schedules is as follows:

April 16- 5th grade Science

April 17- 5th grade Social Studies

April 23/24- 5th grade ELA

April 30/May 1- 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Math

May 7/8- 3rd and 4th grade ELA

Literacy Website

Mrs. Wesley, our Literacy Coach at Arno, created a blog that contains great information and resources for families in the area of literacy . Please check it out and take advantage of all the great information.

https://readwesley.edublogs.org/

Keep Your Child Learning After You Close the Book

Some of the best reading times take place after you’ve closed the book. After you finish reading a book together, ask your child to:

• Retell the story. Let your child choose the words—they don’t have to match the author’s.

• Imagine being in the story. What would your child do?

• Make personal connections. Has your child ever felt the way one of the characters in the book does?

• Think about different points of view. How would Little Red Riding Hood be different if it were told from the wolf’s side?

• Discuss pros and cons about the book—and explain opinions. You might even challenge your student to write a review of a book.

• Talk about lessons. What did your child learn from the book?

• Find locations. If the book was set in the real world, get out maps or a globe. Find the countries or cities mentioned.

Thinking and talking about books enriches your child’s reading experience.

Brought to you by:

Allen Park Public Schools
Title I Program

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the impact of African American heritage, culture, and achievement in our country. While most K–12 schools incorporate Black history activities into their curriculum, Black History Month offers a wonderful opportunity to extend your child’s learning at home or enhance your homeschool curriculum. Here are 10 ways your student can learn about Black history and culture. You don’t have to wait until February—these activities and resources can be used throughout the year!

1. Celebrate with Cross-Curricular Activities

Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, has developed 13 cross-curricular activities for teachers to celebrate Black History Month, broken down by elementary, middle, and high school. While these ideas are intended to be done in a traditional classroom, they can all be adapted to online school or homeschool students. While you’re on the Scholastic website, check out their reading list of young adult books written by African American authors.

2. Read a Book About the African American Experience, History, and Culture

Educators recommend that students spend at least 20 minutes a day reading. Celebrate Black History Month by having your student read a book that features African American culture, shares the story of a great African American figure, or brings the African American experience to life. For inspiration, here are 10 terrific books for students in elementary school.

3. Watch a Documentary

Documentaries bring the past to life, connecting us to significant times in history. PBS offers this list of powerful documentaries exploring Black history and culture in America. Relive iconic moments, like the 1963 March on Washington, or join the Freedom Riders on their journey through the Jim Crow South. These documentaries are appropriate for middle or high school students.

4. Plan a Full Lesson on Historical Topics

PBS also offers their Learning Media series, with several lessons that honor Black History Month, including lessons on the Emancipation Proclamation, the Great Migration, and the civil rights movement. These lessons are designed to support teachers and homeschool families but are an excellent resource for parents looking to help their student have a deeper understanding of these important topics.

5. Virtually Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is part of the Smithsonian Institute and devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. They have a wealth of online learning resources to help you enrich your student’s learning experience, including recommended reading resources for elementary, middle, and high school students and Smithsonian Learning Labs, which are free, interactive lessons where students can explore both well-known and not so well-known moments in history.

6. Watch a Movie Showcasing African American History or Experiences

Celebrate Black History Month with family movie night, watching movies that celebrate the African American experience or that highlight historical events. Movie casts have become more diverse in recent years, so choosing films that feature actors of color is a way to celebrate achievements. Need inspiration? Check out this list of 50 African American children’s movies for a special family movie night.

7. Honor African American Veterans

Did you know that nearly 200,000 African Americans served in the US Army from 1863 to 1865, making up nearly 10 percent of the American soldiers who served in the US Army during the Civil War? It all started with the formation of the 54th Massachusetts regiment. From service in the Civil War to the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen, African American men and women have a long history of serving in the United States military. Your student can honor their contributions in both times of war and peace by learning more about their service.

8. Learn About African American Inventors

The first African American to be awarded a US patent was Thomas Jennings, who in 1821 invented a way to dry-clean clothes. The first African American woman to receive a patent was Judy Reed for her dough kneader and roller in 1884. Have your student research other African American inventors who made contributions to science, industry, business, agriculture, transportation, and communications.

9. Listen to a TED Talk

If your high school student walks around with earbuds in all day, have them spend some time listening to TED Talks that celebrate Black History Month. TED Talks are designed to share knowledge through short talks and presentations. Their Black History Month playlist includes talks about the migration of African Americans out of the Jim Crow South, an introduction of the woman Martin Luther King Jr. called “the architect of the civil rights movement,” and how speaking openly about race makes for better business and society.

10. Explore African American Musical Influencers

Celebrate Black History Month by listening to the great African American musicians. Have your student read about the 50 most important African American musical artists and learn more about their lives and music. Use this opportunity to introduce your student to musical genres that were heavily influenced by these talented artists, including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, gospel, doo-wop, and hip-hop.

Activities and Resources for Preschool to Third Grade

Audio and Stories for Preschool to Third Grade

• Listen along as James Earl Jones reads “To Be a Drum,” a story of rhythm, history, and freedom.
• Enjoy the African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo podcast to hear stories that originated in Africa and were passed down through generations.

Videos for Preschool to Third Grade

• Let this mother-daughter team, the hosts of Kids Black History on YouTube, teach some facts about Africa in a video that’s sure to make you smile. (Grades pre-K-1)
• Watch this YouTube video from Nickelodeon to find out how Suzan-Lori Parks became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for writing dramatic plays.
• Learn about the first Black pilots in this YouTube video from Sesame Studios. What would it be like to build and fly your own plane?
• Find out about the inventor of the modern traffic light and what else he created in this YouTube video from Kids Black History.
• Check out Craig Thompson’s alphabet of amazing Black inventors to revisit some who are familiar and discover others you didn’t know.
• This YouTube video from Nickelodeon highlights the brilliant and driven Alexa Canady, the first Black woman to become a neurosurgeon in 1981.

Hands-On Activities for Preschool to Third Grade

• Follow along with this YouTube video and use your body to play the Hambone — an African drumming technique with historical significance.
• Try this George Washington Carver-inspired craft that just requires a paper plate, paper, and some paint!

Activities and Resources for Third to Fifth Grade

Audio and Stories for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Listen to this episode from The Past and the Curious podcast about blues and folk musician Elizabeth Cotten, whose catchy songs traveled all over the world and even influenced the Beatles.
• Journey into the world of Latin American music with this podcast episode (via YouTube) from Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and learn about the life of Celia Cruz, the Cuban Afro-Latina singer known as the Queen of Salsa.
• Hey Black Child: The Podcast features lesser-known African American Heroes and is hosted by kids!

Videos for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

• Find out about the African American inventor Lewis Latimer, who contributed to the creation of the light bulb, telephone, and more in this YouTube video from the Fab Lab.
• Check out this video and article on Dorothy Vaughan, the supervisor of a group of boundary-breaking African American women whose calculations got astronauts into space.
• Through this Smithsonian video and article, get a feel for the sounds and movements, and a sense of the rich history, behind Afro-Peruvian music, a unique result of the African diaspora.
• Let Flocabulary introduce George Washington Carver’s life, the challenges he faced, and his accomplishments as an inventor and innovator. Then, ask students to consider how his ideas changed life for us all today.
• From The Kid Should See This, learn about science educator and graduate student Adania Flemming, who studies marine life at the University of Florida. Or discover the trailblazing accomplishments of Matthew Henson, who broke boundaries as an Arctic explorer and African American.
• Listen as the kids from Global Citizen share what they know about Black history.

ARNO FACEBOOK

“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!

HERE IS THE LINK!  

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary/

Coming soon to Arno…

Jan 8

Welcome Back! Happy New Year!

Jan. 11

Super Cougar Lunch

5th Grade PARENT CAMP MEETING 6:39 Center for the Arts

Jan. 15

NO SCHOOL- MLK Observed

Jan 17

PTSA Reflections Celebration Center for the Arts 6:00

Jan 18

2nd grade to DIA

Grades 3-5 to Center for Arts Drama Performance

ALICE Drill 2:30pm (No evacuation)

Mother/Son Night

Jan 19

No School- Teacher PD

Jan 24

Metro Parks Presentation 3rd Grade

Jan 25

Arno Olympics 6:30

February 1

Cougar Cash Lunch

NWEA Celebration Assembly

PTA Meeting 6:30

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

Parent Surveys

It’s that time of year already in our school improvement planning where we need to send out surveys to our Arno stakeholders.  You will have the opportunity to take a brief survey from the Arno School Improvement Team rating some of your experiences here at Arno.  The survey will be available  Jan 8 to Jan 17.  We will be providing the link to it via a Parent Square blast on that day, as well as posting it in the blog below.  If you are unable to access via computer, we will also have a computer set up in the office if you wish to take it there.  Giving us good feedback helps us plan better to meet the needs of every Cougar stakeholder.  In addition, students and staff also take a similar survey during the school day.

All of the feedback you provide is then summarized and becomes part of our school improvement plan for the 2024-25 school year.  Thank you very much, please click on the link to start the survey:

https://forms.gle/urZRB3fgYuBjcgMUA

January Assessments

The month of January brings back our second round of testing. During this month, students will be given the NWEA, FAST reading, and most grades will be assessing reading levels for targeted students.  Student performance on these tests give us a good gauge on their strengths and weaknesses, and helps us identify those students who may qualify for additional help-  please encourage your child to perform their very best so their teacher gets an accurate picture of their skills.  NWEA parent reports will go home later this month. Thank you for your support!

Building to Kindergarten Part 2 at Bennie

Building Up to Kindergarten Part 1 1-18-24

Arno Olympics

It’s January, and it’s Olympic time!  All of the fun starts on January 25, at 6:00 pm.  Please see the flyer for more details.

Arno Olympics Flyer 2024

Reflections Celebration

For those student that participated, the district celebration will be on Jan. 17, and we are doing our own sponsored by PTA (ice cream party) on Jan. 17

ALICE Drill

This month we will be conducting our second ALICE drill of the year.  During this drill, classes will be practicing HIDE OUT/KEEP OUT where students will find numerous places in the room to hide (not in one big group) and the teacher will assist in discussing the new lockout system in place.  This May we will be practicing GET OUT where the whole school will mock evacuate to our rendezvous point at the Presbyterian church on Park.

BOARD APPRECIATION

A big THANK YOU to our Allen Park Board of Education members during School Board Appreciation Month.  We are honored to have such a supportive Board of Education who keep the arts and education alive in Allen Park!

Literacy Website

Mrs. Wesley, our Literacy Coach at Arno, has a blog that contains great information and resources for families in the area of literacy . Please check it out and take advantage of all the great information.

https://readwesley.edublogs.org/

Turn words into action to improve writing

Writers carefully choose verbs that paint a picture of the action they want to convey. To help your child practice, play the Name That Action game. On slips of paper, write verbs that describe a precise action, like skip, hop, stomp, tiptoe, limp and crawl. Take turns drawing a slip and acting out the word. Whoever guesses the word goes next. Encourage your child to remember this game when writing. Choosing the right descriptive verb will make your child’s writing come alive.

https://tpitip.com/?13lH5051

MLK Observance January 15- No School

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. KING

Much can be learned from leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The leadership lessons he gave the world are as important today as they were during Dr. King’s life. Click here now to download this poster in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Picture Books that Teach about Kindness

In celebration of MLK’s positive messages about how to treat one another, here are some resources to use for your home library…

1. Boo Who? by Ben Clanton (PreK-1)

It can be hard to find ways to include someone new –especially when that someone is invisible– but it’s worth the effort. Simple and sweet, it’s easy for kids to “see” the possible connections between this story and their own lives.

2. What Does It Mean To Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio (PreK-1)

Concrete but engaging, this title answers an essential question.

3. Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller (PreK-2)

Who better to teach kids the nitty-gritty details of being nice than…otters? Trust us, it works.

4. The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates (PreK-2)

Being kind means making space for everyone, as this “big, friendly umbrella” shows. Read it, and then leave an umbrella propped by your classroom door as a reminder to be inclusive.

5. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller (PreK-2)

A girl tries to follow her mother’s advice to “be kind” when others tease a classmate, but her attempt doesn’t help…at first. Talk with students about how kindness can gain momentum over time.

6. Most People by Michael Leannah (PreK-3)

This title is a lovely tool for reassuring children that the world is full of kind people with good intentions. Diverse illustrations highlight the kindness of “most people.”

7. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney (PreK-3)

Teach children that no one is too small to be kind with this timeless fable, re-imagined by a masterful illustrator.

8. The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (PreK-2)

A simple assignment leads to a school-wide kindness-fest.

9. Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler (K-2)

Mrs. Ruler is to kindness what Ms. Frizzle is to science. Instead of punishing kids who act up in class, she challenges them to find opportunities to be kind.

10. I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About A Simple Act of Kindnessby Kerascoet (K-4)

This wordless story of how one child wrestles with the decision to become an ally, and her eventual impact, is a powerful one.

11. Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss (K–4)

How could we leave out this Dr. Seuss classic, which taught us the adage “a person’s a person, no matter how small?”

12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

And speaking of Dr. Seuss, this holiday favorite is a great reminder of the importance of friendship and giving back.

13. The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness With The Worldby Maria Dismondy (K-3)

Twins Dexter and Leah enjoy the back-and-forth nature of kindness when they decide to reach out to their elderly neighbor.

14. How To Heal A Broken Wing by Bob Graham (PreK-3)

No one notices a hurt pigeon except young Will, who takes it home and tenderly nurses it back to health. This story celebrates the capacity of children to provide kind, gentle care.

15. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (K-5)

Coming soon to Arno…

Dec. 1

Game Truck/fundraiser

End of 1st Trimester

Dec. 4

Assembly- Let’s be Inclusive

Dec. 7

PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8

Report Cards sent home

Dec. 12

Cookie Dough Fundraiser Delivery

Dec. 14

PTA Snowball Dance

Dec. 18

Christmas Sing A-Long 2:30

Dec. 19

4th/5th Grade Concert 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

Cougar Cash Lunch

Dec. 22

First Grade to Henry Ford

Christmas Break begins End of Day

Dec. 23-Jan 7

Christmas Break

Jan 8

School Resumes

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a Merry Christmas from the entire Arno Staff!

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

Cookie Dough Sale

Thank you to all of our families that participated in the cookie dough sale this year!  The Game Truck, for those who sold 20 items or more, is here on Dec. 1 and the students have been notified.  The delivery of items is still scheduled for December 12 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.   Please make plans to stop in and pick up your items as we do not have a lot of freezer space for items not taken home.  Thank you again for your support!

Gear Up for Holiday Spirit Week!

Building to Kindergarten

Our annual fall Building to Kindergarten presentation was a huge success!  We had a huge crowd that packed the cafeteria to learn about what it takes to be an entering kindergarten student next fall.  If you have a preschool child entering in the Fall of 2024, but were unable to attend, please contact the office for the materials.  Thanks to our kinder team including Cassie Harrison, Nickie Roller, Cristina Mercer, Megan Johnson, our reading coach Beth Wesley, student teacher Angela Sammut, and all our reading intervention paras for creating a great program!

New Elementary Media Center Facebook Page

Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551390500534

COMMUNICATING THE IMPORTANCE OF READING AT HOME…

Parent Etips

Boost literacy skills with fun activities at home

Students do better in school when they practice reading and writing skills at home. To boost your child’s literacy skills, incorporate fun reading and writing activities throughout the day. Reading is not just for bedtime! Keep books where your child can pick them up any time. Start a family journal. Play word games. Then, set an example and let your child see you pick up a book or write a poem in your own downtime.

https://tpitip.com/?13kF5051

Kalahari Fundraiser Dates

Support your child in three ways every day

From day to day, you may be helping your child with schoolwork in many different ways. But according to research, three things support school success every day. The first is making class attendance a priority. The second is reading with your child. The third is making time for productive, screen-free activities. When the school day is over, encourage your child to read, play board games, exercise or think.

https://tpitip.com/?13kB5051

Important Attendance Information

Please read the attitude article on the importance of student attendance, which is mandatory by the laws of the State of Michigan.  Please be aware that we are required to follow up with families either verbally, in writing, or both when absences reach the 10 full day mark.

The attendance/tardy process:

• Ten full day absences- 1st attendance letter sent home

• 5 additional absences- 2nd attendance letter sent home

• Ongoing after 15 absences- referral to our liaison officer for truancy

TARDIES

• Students are considered tardy after 8:40am

• After 8:40 am, Parents will be required to walk their student into the office to sign them into the building

• If a student has accumulated 5 tardies, the parent will need to sign an acknowledgement letter of the tardies

• After 15 tardies, a meeting will take place with the principal to discuss possible solutions.

Excessive tardy arrival/very early dismissal

• Student arrival after 9:30am will equal a half-day AM absence

• Student dismissal that takes place prior to 2:30pm with count for a half-day PM absence

• Picking up your student between 2:30 and 3:30 does not count against them

Line-up Procedures

• Students should line up at their assigned door

• The playground is always closed before school starts

• Parents will not be permitted to enter with students/stand in the halls- normal protocol to sign in with the main office does not change

• Students will enter the classroom at the 8:30 bell

Traffic Pattern

Parking/Drop-off

As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern.    We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.

** No child should never run across the street to get into a car.

**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.

**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.

BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!

Arno Facebook

“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!

HERE IS THE LINK!  

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary/

Looking for some fun things to do together over break?

1.. Magic Reindeer Food Recipe

The kids will love making food for the reindeer that will be visiting their home. They can even make extra in goodie bags for their friends in the neighborhood to enjoy as well! This site has a free printable version as well!

2. Movie Night!

You can’t go wrong with a night of some of the best Christmas movies, a bowl of popcorn, and a warm cup of hot cocoa! Here is a list of some of the most-loved holiday movies.

3. DIY Handprint Christmas Ornament

These Salt Dough Handprint Christmas Tree Ornaments are the perfect DIY project for the kids and a good keepsake. The kids will have tons of fun decorating their ornament.

4. Candy Cane Science Experiment

Candy canes are very popular this time of year. This experiment is neat way for your kids to learn a little more about candy and not just eat it! Click here to see more.

5. Play Christmas Minute to Win It

Minute To Win It is always a fun game. Click here for a list of fun Christmas games for the whole family!

6. Bake and Decorate Cookies

Baking is one of our favorite things to do this time of year, especially these gluten-free sugar cookies! It’s so fun for the kids to bake and then decorate their cookies!

7. Go on a Candy Cane Hunt

Every kid loves a good scavenger hunt! This Candy Cane Hunt is a great way for the kids to play together. They can each take turns hiding candy canes throughout the house. It will also get them thinking and using math to decide who wins the hunt!

8. Christmas Bingo

Christmas Bingo is fun for the whole family! This site has a super cute free printable version so that you and your family can play whenever you want.

9. Snowman Slam Game

This is not only a fun game for the kids, but it’s also super easy to make! Snowman Slam is a great game that will be keep the kids busy.

Take a peek at Santa’s Reindeer

https://reindeercam.com/

 Track Santa with NORAD help

https://www.noradsanta.org/

Coming soon to Arno…

Nov. 2

Cougar Cash Lunch

Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraiser Kickoff

PTA Meeting 6:30

Nov. 4 (Saturday)

PTSA Holiday Fever

Nov. 6-Nov. 10

PTA Book Fair

Nov. 7

NO SCHOOL- Teacher PD

Nov. 8

Parent-Teacher Conferences (See below) 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9

Early Release 11:30 A.M.

Parent-Teachers Conferences 12:45-3:30 p.m. and 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14

Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraiser End 

Super Cougar Lunch

Nov. 16

Mobile Dentist

Fall Picture Retakes

Building to Kindergarten 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Nov. 22-Nov. 24

Thanksgiving break

Nov. 30

3rd Grade Metro Parks Assembly

Cougar Cash Lunch

Dec. 1

End of First Trimester

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

Thank you for your support for the Arno Memorial Scholarship Fund!

Picture Retake

Picture retake day is Nov. 16.

Cookie Dough Sale

Arno will be once again doing the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough fundraiser starting  Nov. 2 to help supplement the many requests we get from staff during the school year such as assessment programs, research-based activities, special project supplies, literacy materials, tech, etc.  The last fundraiser helped us purchase many extra classroom supply requests, Super Cougar pizza lunch supplies, books, and professional development for teachers.

The PTA has been a tremendous resource for our building with all they have given, however, the many teacher requests received throughout the school year to give our students the very best experiences create a need to seek additional support.  Therefore, we have partnered with this company to offer you a choice of items should you choose to purchase any, that would support providing more resources for our teachers. The large envelope coming home on Nov. 2 and will contain all of the information needed (and there is an online order method).

Fundraiser Timeline

November 2 – November 14         Fundraiser Sale

November 17 All money and orders due (online payment option available)

Game Truck Prize for qualifying sales: TBD

**Turnover time is about 2-3 weeks, we will contact everyone when the items will be in (before Christmas)

Parent-Teacher Conferences 

Even though it feels like the year just got underway, it is time to sign up for conferences.  Please see the links below to sign up for a time with your child’s classroom teacher.  If you are unable to attend the dates, please contact your child’s teacher for other options.

    November 8th and 9th

New Elementary Media Center Facebook Page

Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551390500534

PTSA Holiday Fever

Building up to Kindergarten– Coming Soon!

Be sure to sign up in the link provided!

Registration Link: Building to Kindergarten

K-5 Device Care

Although the students have done lessons with our Technology teacher, this is great information to also sit down and discuss device care at thome.

Tips From the Parent Institute

Make bedtime reading a relaxing ritual

When your child was younger, you may have read aloud at bedtime every night. But now that your child can read, should you keep up the habit? You bet. Research shows that, in addition to building literacy skills, the sound of reading aloud can help soothe children. Make daily bedtime reading with your child a relaxing time together. You’ll be building cozy memories and reading skills for a lifetime.

https://tpitip.com/?13jT5051

Kalahari Fundraiser Dates

Tuesday, 11/21/23

Support your child in three ways every day

From day to day, you may be helping your child with schoolwork in many different ways. But according to research, three things support school success every day. The first is making class attendance a priority. The second is reading with your child. The third is making time for productive, screen-free activities. When the school day is over, encourage your child to read, play board games, exercise or think.

https://tpitip.com/?13kB5051

Important Attendance Information

Please read the attitude article on the importance of student attendance, which is mandatory by the laws of the State of Michigan.  Please be aware that we are required to follow up with families either verbally, in writing, or both when absences reach the 10 full day mark.

The attendance/tardy process:

• Ten full day absences- 1st attendance letter sent home

• 5 additional absences- 2nd attendance letter sent home

• Ongoing after 15 absences- referral to our liaison officer for truancy

TARDIES

• Students are considered tardy after 8:40am

• After 8:40 am, Parents will be required to walk their student into the office to sign them into the building

• If a student has accumulated 5 tardies, the parent will need to sign an acknowledgement letter of the tardies

• After 15 tardies, a meeting will take place with the principal to discuss possible solutions.

Excessive tardy arrival/very early dismissal

• Student arrival after 9:30am will equal a half-day AM absence

• Student dismissal that takes place prior to 2:30pm with count for a half-day PM absence

• Picking up your student between 2:30 and 3:30 does not count against them

Line-up Procedures

• Students should line up at their assigned door

• The playground is always closed before school starts

• Parents will not be permitted to enter with students/stand in the halls- normal protocol to sign in with the main office does not change

• Students will enter the classroom at the 8:30 bell

Traffic Pattern

Parking/Drop-off

As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern.    We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.

** No child should never run across the street to get into a car.

**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.

**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.

BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!

Arno Facebook

“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!

HERE IS THE LINK!  

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary/

Coming soon to Arno…

Oct. 4

Walk (Or Bike ride) to School Day!

Oct. 5

Picture Day

PTA Meeting 6:30

Oct. 6

Fire Drill 10:30 am

Oct. 17

Culver Scholarship Fundraising Night 5:00-8:00 pm

October. 31

Halloween Parade 10:00 am

Early Release 11:30 am

Looking Ahead:

Nov. 2

Cougar Cash Lunch

Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kickoff

PTA Meeting 6:30 pm

Nov. 4

Holiday Fever

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

CULVER’S

We have had tremendous support over the past 2 years for our Culver’s scholarship fundraiser, which helps to raise the funds that offer 3 scholarships to current seniors, who are former Arno students.  We invite you to come out to Culver’s on Southfield from 5:00-8:00 on October 17 to enjoy a great burger or their other yummy entrees, while mingling with Arno staff.  Many of our teachers and staff members are taking a “shift” that night, or just visiting to come out to see the students and families!  It’s a great night, for a great cause! Hope to see you there!

Picture Day is Coming!

Kalahari Fundraiser Dates

Arno PTA

 Hello Cougar Families!

Our 2023 Arno Fun Run  was a huge success! Thank you to all of those who volunteered at, donated to, and supported our event! And a huge applause to our little superstars who rocked it running in the event! ️

Our PTA Membership Drive ends October 6! The classroom with the most members wins an ice cream social! Remember, the PTA is not just for parents. Guardians, grandparents, aunts & uncles can join too!

Our next PTA Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30pm in the Arno Media Center (and every FIRST Thursday of the month thereafter). Childcare is always available, thanks to our National Junior Honor Society volunteers!

We have a Family Fun Night @ Rev’d Up in Woodhaven scheduled for Thursday, October 19 from 5pm to 9pm. Doors open at 4:30pm. A link will be posted as the event nears so that you can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. Spectators do not need a ticket for entry. For every $10 game card purchased, $5 will be donated back to Arno Elementary.  This is merely a night of fun for the entire family at a discounted rate. Registration info and a link to purchase tickets will be sent out at a later date.

Holiday Fever is Saturday, November 4 at the AP High School from 9am to 3pm. This is our annual craft & vendor show/mom to mom sale, courtesy of the PTA/PTSA Council. All funds raised go towards the PTA/PTSA scholarship fund. Every year council grants qualifying high school seniors a scholarship. More details to follow.

Our Book Fair will be held in the Arno Media Center from November 6-10. Stay tuned for details.

Our online Spirit Wear sale will take place in November too! More details to follow.

SAVE THE DATES! 

We are now on social media!

Please take a moment to fill out a survey regarding the Fun Run and the PTA by following the below links:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaqOCaYv9xwGqBP8RVgX4Z3SU2xvt1R4J-8EkWSYrwXm51BA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvpPHyNs44M4bHcg8zNRiIGizc-6NVEnjJbOPBbi7zq61e-A/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Please remember that your input/suggestions/concerns are both encouraged and appreciated so that we know how to better our events. So please reach out via email (arnopta@gmail.com) or attend our meetings! And remember, PTA members get early access to info, first dibs on volunteer events, a chance at our raffles, and can vote on events/funding/student advocacies! Please consider becoming a member this school year!  As always, we appreciate your support! 

Stay tuned for more exciting news/events/announcements/reminders from your PTA via email, memberhub and/or our social media pages!

Building to Kindergarten Coming Soon!

Registration Link: Building to Kindergarten

Halloween Parade

Time to get those costumes on the kids and come on down to Arno on Oct. 31 at 10:00 for our annual Halloween Parade.  Our route will take us out of the 5th grade doors that morning, making a loop on the inside perimeter of the playground.  Please join us around the outside perimeter of the playground for the best seats.  It is a district PD day with an 11:30 dismissal that morning.

Important Attendance Information

Please read the attitude article on the importance of student attendance, which is mandatory by the laws of the State of Michigan.  Please be aware that we are required to follow up with families either verbally, in writing, or both when absences reach the 10 full day mark.

The attendance/tardy process:

• Ten full day absences- 1st attendance letter sent home

• 5 additional absences- 2nd attendance letter sent home

• Ongoing after 15 absences- referral to our liaison officer for truancy

TARDIES

• Students are considered tardy after 8:40am

• After 8:40 am, Parents will be required to walk their student into the office to sign them into the building

• If a student has accumulated 5 tardies, the parent will need to sign an acknowledgement letter of the tardies

• After 15 tardies, a meeting will take place with the principal to discuss possible solutions.

Excessive tardy arrival/very early dismissal

• Student arrival after 9:30am will equal a half-day AM absence

• Student dismissal that takes place prior to 2:30pm with count for a half-day PM absence

• Picking up your student between 2:30 and 3:30 does not count against them

October Exercise Calendar

Line-up Procedures

• Students should line up at their assigned door

• The playground is always closed before school starts

• Parents will not be permitted to enter with students/stand in the halls- normal protocol to sign in with the main office does not change

• Students will enter the classroom at the 8:30 bell

Traffic Pattern

Parking/Drop-off

As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern.    We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.

** No child should never run across the street to get into a car.

**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.

**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.

BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!

Arno Facebook

“LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  Thank you for promoting this social media platform as a positive way to share the good news and great things happening at Arno!

HERE IS THE LINK!  

https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary/

Welcome Back to the 2023-2024 School Year!!

Coming soon to Arno…

August 31

Meet the Teacher 

Meet the Teacher (Schedule below)

• • Meet the Teacher Night will be an Open House on August 31 from 6:30-7:30pm.

  • Students are encouraged to attend Meet the Teacher Night with their family.

  • Meet the Teacher attendance will be staggered to help with parking  Please arrive and depart promptly according to the schedule below.

• Families will be divided into two groups by alphabet with 20 minute sessions (6:30-6:50 and 7:00-7:20)

• Last Names A-M — 6:30-6:50pm
• Last Names N-Z — 7:00-7:20pm
• If your family has multiple last names, please follow the schedule for your oldest child’s last name

Sept. 5

First Day of School!!

Sept. 7

First PTA Meeting 6:30

Sept. 8

Fire Drill 2:00

Sept. 14

ALICE Drill 10:00

Sept. 21

Tornado Drill 10:00

Sept. 22

PTA Fun Run!!

Sept. 27

Fire Drill 12:50

ARNO MISSION

ARNO ELEMENTARY…INSPIRING STUDENTS TOWARD ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE TO INSPIRE ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST.

Introducing Arno’s Staff Commitments!  The staff at Arno reflected on what we want our students to be able to accomplish through our Mission and Vision, and have drafted the Collective Commitments, which is what we are committed to doing to help our learners to achieve their personal best.  These will now be a regular feature in the blog. 

ARNO COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

• Academics are student-centered, which allow for various learning styles to showcase student achievement.

• We will develop and maintain a positive, respectful relationship with each student by using flexibility and adaptability to meet individual needs

• We will foster safe learning environments that allow students the opportunity to establish a growth mindset

Important Attendance Information

Please read the attitude article on the importance of student attendance, which is mandatory by the laws of the State of Michigan.  Please be aware that we are required to follow up with families either verbally, in writing, or both when absences reach the 10 full day mark.

The attendance/tardy process:

• Ten full day absences- 1st attendance letter sent home

• 5 additional absences- 2nd attendance letter sent home

• Ongoing after 15 absences- referral to our liaison officer for truancy

TARDIES

• Students are considered tardy after 8:40am

• After 8:40 am, Parents will be required to walk their student into the office to sign them into the building

• If a student has accumulated 5 tardies, the parent will need to sign an acknowledgement letter of the tardies

• After 15 tardies, a meeting will take place with the principal to discuss possible solutions.

Excessive tardy arrival/very early dismissal

• Student arrival after 9:30am will equal a half-day AM absence

• Student dismissal that takes place prior to 2:30pm with count for a half-day PM absence

• Picking up your student between 2:30 and 3:30 does not count against them

RtP_Attendance

Media Center Book Checkout

Mrs. Jensen and Mrs. Mantua do such an awesome job in the media center and would like to remind families of the following:

• All students will have a chance weekly to check out books

• All books checked out are due the following week during the student’s media center special time

• Any books that are returned damaged, or not returned at all are subject to a book fine

From the PTA

Hello Cougar Families! 

Your new 2023/2024 school year PTA Board is as follows:

President: Xina Bagger

Vice President: Meaghan Bachman

Treasurer: Kristy Varkoly

Secretary: Sarah Wald

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is an all-volunteer, parent-run, non-profit organization that works cooperatively with school administration and educators to provide opportunities for our students and families to socialize by providing fun family events and in-school opportunities. We have provided our students and families with school assemblies, Field Day, Family Fun Nights, the Daddy Daughter Dance, the Mother Son Night, Christmas events, playground and gym equipment, student technology, Staff Appreciation Week, Spirit Wear and so much more!

Meet the Teacher Night is Thursday August 31^st at 6:30pm. Please stop by our table by the main doors to meet your board members, learn about the PTA, how to become a member, and get a chance to win Detroit Tigers tickets!

Our 1st PTA Meeting will be held on Thursday September 7^th at 6:30 pm in the Arno Media Center (and every FIRST Thursday of the month thereafter). Childcare is always available, thanks to our National Junior Honor Society volunteers!  We might just have some cool giveaways, like Detroit Tiger Tickets!

A Membership Drive will run from September 6^th through October 7^th and our theme this year is “Membership is Sweet”.  The class that receives the most memberships will win an Ice Cream Social!  Forms will be sent home on the first week of school and a link will be posted on our Facebook page. You can find us on Facebook by searching @arnoelementarypta – be sure to like our page, we occasionally give away cool stuff like Detroit Tigers tickets – a member only perk! Check out the flyer below for more details on the PTA and scan the QR Code to link you directly to our Arno PTA membership page! Please consider joining – the cost is $9 and your membership helps support so much we do for your child.

We have a lot planned for the upcoming school year and are very excited to kick off the season with our annual Arno Fun Run, which will be held on Friday September 22^nd. This is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year. More details to follow.

Please remember that your input/suggestions/concerns are both encouraged and appreciated so that we know how to better our events. So please reach out via email (arnopta@gmail.com) or attend our meetings! And remember, PTA members get early access to info, first dibs on volunteer events, a chance at our raffles, and can vote on events/funding/student advocacies! Please consider becoming a member this school year!  As always, we appreciate your support! Please consider volunteering or serving as a chairperson at one of our events. If we do not have a chairperson for an event, it is at risk of being cancelled. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, please email the PTA at arnopta@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more exciting news/events/announcements/reminders from your PTA via email, memberhub and/or our Facebook page! We are so excited for the 2023/2024 school year and can’t wait to share these great experiences with our Caring Cougars!

ParentSquare

We will be continuing to try out the new communication system that requires everyone to sign up, and includes an app.  I sent out the information in June, but we resend once we get going again into the year.  The goal is to start using this system in place of the MiStar application- it allows you to see communication on your phone, and allows for signups, forms, and other features.  If you haven’t signed up yet, please consider doing so soon.  Stay tuned for more information- there is a QR code below that you can use to get the app and sign up.

Parent Connect- Student Placement Info

It’s time to complete the “Back to School Updates” located through your parent connect portal. This takes the place of school buildings sending home emergency cards/paperwork to be updated. The instructions are below along with the steps to request your PIN and password if needed.

ALL enrolled students, including new enrollments for this school year, are required to have the “Back to School Updates” completed by a parent/guardian, before their teacher placement will be available to view.

Please click on “Need Your Login Information,” on the Parent Connect Login page left tab, to access your PIN and password before emailing parentconnecthelp@appublicschools.com for assistance. (When emailing for PIN and password please include your students name, school and your name and email address.)

The 2023-24 Back to School Updates are now available to complete. You can access the Back to School Updates from your “Back to School Updates” tab found in the upper right corner of your parent connect page once you login. The link below will provide further instructions.

Back to School information – final

School Supply Lists 

This year we are continuing to use Teacherlists.com to post all of our supplies.  You can access the lists down below from the click-button.  This feature also allows you to choose a store, if you wish, which auto sets up the list for purchase and lets you finish the process without ever setting foot in a store.

https://www.teacherlists.com/schools/31210-arno-elementary-school

Arno Staff 2023-2024

Door Assignments 2023-24

*Please note we can also arrange for siblings to go to the same doors

Door Assignments

Line-up Procedures

Line-up procedures will remain the same as last year with outdoor lineup

• Students should line up at their assigned door

• Parents will not be permitted to enter with students/stand in the halls- normal protocol to sign in with the main office has not changed

• Students will enter the classroom at the 8:30 bell

General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Please report all absences to the school office by 9:00am.
• If your 6th grader still have a district-owned Chromebook from last school year (5th grade), please be sure that it’s dropped off in the office.  Please make sure the charger is included.
• All kindergartners will be issued a district-owned Chromebook during the first week of school.
• Information will be coming from your teacher on Chromebooks and chargers and if they will go back and forth from home to school daily .
• Please ensure that your child’s Chromebook is fully charged each night before coming to school.
• Students will need headphones or earbuds that will remain at school.  Label with your child’s name.
• Supply lists are on the school websites or blog, and sent to families.  Supplies are able to be dropped off during Meet the Teacher Night or brought on the first day of school.
• Individual water bottles are recommended.  Please consider a pop-top or straw-type if possible to avoid spills onto school materials or technology.  Label with your child’s name.
• Please practice independence with shoe tying, zippering, buttoning, and other clothing features with your child.
• All grades will administer the NWEA to students in person by October 1.  Your child’s teacher will provide these details to you.
• Our PTAs provide support to our schools in many ways.  Please look for upcoming information on ways to join our PTA.

VISITORS

• All visitors MUST go to the main entrance and use the doorbell to inform the office staff what you are at the building for. Office staff will let you know from there what you should do. Please do NOT enter the building when doors are open during arrival and dismissal- NO exceptions.
• Whenever possible, please refrain from bringing forgotten items to school after the start of the school day. This includes homework, classwork, textbooks, etc.  If you are dropping off something, you can leave it in the grey shelf outside and it will be given to your child.
• When picking up a child early, please ring the doorbell and let the office staff know who you are picking up.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

• Doors will open upon the morning bell at 8:30am.  Students may enter at the assigned entry door (see attachment).
• Students should not be lining up prior to 8:20am as there will not be outside supervision for students.
• All doors close at 8:35am
• Arrival beyond 8:35 am will be considered tardy and students must be buzzed in through the front doors of the school.

FOOD SERVICE PROCEDURES

• All Breakfast and Lunches are FREE this school year, provided by the State of Michigan.  We will continue to take daily counts, but you will not have to online any longer to pay. 
• Please apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits by October 1, even if you think you may not qualify.  Our schools receive additional funding for the number of students eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch.  Applications and directions are available on the Food Services page of the AP website:  Food Services Website
• Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria this school year.  Front doors will open at 8:00 and students must finish by 8:30 to be dismissed to class.
• Please avoid sending lunches with peanut butter products whenever possible.
• Please practice the process of opening food packages with your child.  Encourage your child to open food packages independently.
• Whenever weather permits, students will have outdoor recess.  When we approach winter please be aware that we go outside as long as the temperature is 20 degrees or above.
• During inclement weather, recess will be held indoors.

SPECIAL CLASSES

• All special classes (Art, Music, Phys Ed, Media Lit & Media Tech) will be held in specials classrooms.  Schedule will be provided by your child’s teacher.

Please consider the following for specials:

• Phys Ed classes require students to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.
• Media Tech classes will require headphones and Chromebooks.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

• Dismissal time is 3:30pm at assigned dismissal doors. Early Release dismissal times will be 11:30 again this year.
• Parents with multiple children: please meet your youngest child at his or her exit door first.  Make a plan with your older children about where to meet you (wait at their door, meet at a designated spot, etc.).

Lunch Times

**All breakfast and lunch is free for everyone per the State of Michigan

Grade K             10:50-11:30

Grades 1/2       11:15-11:55

Grades 4          11:40-12:20

Grade 5            12:05-12:45

Grade 3            12:30-1:10

Breakfast Times

All Grades       8:00-8:30

Breakfast and Lunch Program

We would like every family to fill out the Free and Reduced Lunch form, even though it is free.  The number of approved free and reduced applications greatly affects the amount of Title I funding from the Federal Government, which is used for our at-risk program here at Arno.  I urge everyone to fill out the form, even if you think you may not qualify.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office.

If you are not sure about the guidelines or have any other questions, please call the office @827-1050

Allen Park Public Schools Food Service Link

Field Trips

Parents, please be aware that if you volunteer to go with your child on a field trip, there is a I-Chat security form to fill out, and we do not allow any siblings to attend as part of that trip. If you are unable to find child care for a younger sibling, you would have to withdraw from the field trip.  Thank you

PBIS

Arno Cougar’s PBIS expectations are set to provide all of our learners a positive environment and include Being Safe, Being Respectful, and Being Ready.  We will be working on these expectations during the first week of school with all grade levels as we implement stations throughout the building that each class will tour and hear from a speaker about expectations for each area.  Students will hear about the bus, the hallway, the cafeteria, assemblies, and the main office.  In addition, we are looking forward to the Super Cougar lunch with the principal (monthly), Cougar cash, Cougar Store, and Monthly Rewards.

This year is going to be awesome!

Traffic Pattern

Parking/Drop-off

As we all need to get our children to school, safety is always the primary concern.    We will do our best to help ensure an orderly drop-off/pick-up daily, but we need your help in making that happen.

** No child should run across the street to get into a car.

**Help our traffic issues around school by parking a block or so away and WALKING your child before and after school.

**School traffic flow MUST go clockwise around the school. Make sure that your passenger door is ALWAYS closest to the curb.

BE SMART! BE PATIENT! BE CARING! BE KIND!!! BE RESPONSIBLE!!

2023-24 School Information

Office is open daily:           7:30-4:00

School day for students:  8:30-3:30

Breakfast:                               8:10-8:30

Latchkey hours:                  7:00-8:30

3:30-6:00

Student arrival time:          8:20

Half-Day dismissal             11:30

*If your child is not picked up consistently 20 minutes past dismissal, you will be required to enroll in latchkey services. 

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for October 5 for picture day, retakes will be on November 16. Information will be coming home soon.

Although we cherish every birthday here at Arno, we wanted to remind everyone that birthday food treats are not allowed and will not be brought down to the classroom.  Pencils, bookmarks, donations to the recess bin, donate a book to the classroom, etc are acceptable alternatives.  Thank you for your support!!

We do not accept deliveries on behalf of students (balloons, flowers, food items) Parents may drop off a special lunch (for their child only, not the class) or choose to take their child out to lunch on their special day. Your child’s teacher will have more information on how birthdays will be celebrated in the classroom. As educators, caregivers and loved ones we all want the best for our students. Thank you for joining us in giving students healthy opportunities to celebrate important events and achievements.