Coming soon to Arno…

Dec. 2

P/T Virtual Conferences 5:00-7:30

Dec. 3

Early Release-11:30

P/T Virtual Conferences 12:45-3:15 and 5:00-7:30

Dec. 4

Report Card Released via Parent Connect

Dec. 18-Jan 3

Christmas Vacation!!                    

On behalf of all the staff at Arno, we wish you and your family

a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Arno Vision

Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower

and inspire students to become collaborative learners

that strive for academic excellence

December Spirit Wear week coming up to wrap up 2020

Please take a look at the schedule below as we gear up for the Christmas holiday break!!

Parent/Teacher Conferences 

Please mark your calendar for Dec. 2 and 3 as parent/teacher conferences are just around the corner.  We are conducting them virtually this year, but the process isn’t much different.  As you can see on the chart below, you need to find your child’s teacher and sign up under their “Genius” link.  Then, on your day time, you click the teacher Zoom link to join the conf.  Although it’s a bit different, you will still have the same amount of time with your child’s teacher.  Please let us know of any questions you have- we are hoping for 100% attendance!

SignUpGenius Link ZOOM Link

Chromebook Pickup

Just a reminder that we are now ready to distribute the touchscreen Chromebooks to our students in grades 1-5, in both the Virtual and Remote Learning tracks.  In order to receive a new touchscreen Chromebook, we will need you to return the Chromebook your child recently received, as well as the charger.  

 Please come to Arno on Tuesday Dec 1st outside of the Arno Cafe (Thomas Street) 1-6pm by the Orange Cone.   A helper will come out to your car, take the old device, and give you the new device.  Please do not get out of your car.

PTA Fundraiser at Five Below

Be sure to bring your flier between 11/30-12/12

Facebook Holiday Reading

Be sure to check in to our Facebook page throughout December as I will be reading holiday books, which is usually what happens in the building every December.

HERE IS THE LINK!  

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

Building up to Kindergarten

This year we have a virtual version of our annual K Readiness presentation that Arno hosts every fall for all preschoolers in the area that will be entering Kindergarten next fall.  Please feel free to share the link with any families that you may know who have a child that will enter kindergarten in the fall- even those who may not be coming to Arno.  Thanks to our kindergarten team with Mrs. Roller, Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Haskin, and our Reading Coach Mrs. Wesley for an outstanding presentation that is sure to help our preschool parents!

The link: https://bit.ly/BuildingTOK

PBIS

Even though we are virtual right now, we are continuing to use our building PBIS strategies in our remote classrooms.  One of those traditions that are we will continue is lunch with the principal.  Instead of meeting up for pizza, I will be zooming in with all of our Remote super cougars over lunch so we can enjoy still being together, but in the safety of our own homes.  Each teacher will pick two Super Cougars and will be out with some invites for those students soon.

Reminder on Letters to Santa

The National Honor Society at APHS is sponsoring a letters to Santa campaign.  Please see the flyer for more information on the exciting opportunity.

Copy of Letters to Santa

Attention– Virtual NHS Tutoring Available

Resources from the Wayne County Health Department

There are many resources for the fight against Covid on the Wayne County site, along with testing site info, school recommendations, and other helpful info.- including recommendations for the holidays.  Please click the link for more info:

https://www.waynecounty.com/covid19/

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/

Remind

Please consider joining Arno Remind at:

https://www.remind.com/join/arno2020

Full directions: remind invite

Coming soon to Arno…

Nov. 2

RETURN to REMOTE learning effective today

Nov. 3

No School- Voting Day/Teacher PD

Nov. 4

No events

Nov. 5

PTA Meeting Virtual 6:30

Nov. 6

No events

Nov. 9

No events

Nov. 10

No events

Nov. 11

No events

Nov. 12

Picture Day- Will be rescheduled

Nov. 13

No events

Nov. 16

No events

Nov. 17

No events

Nov. 18

No events

Nov. 19

No events

Nov. 20

No events

Nov. 23

No events

Nov. 24

End of the first tri-mester

Nov. 25 

No School- Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 26

No School- Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 27

No School- Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 30

Dec. 1

Dec. 2

Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00-7:30 VIA Zoom

Dec. 3

Early Dismissal 11;30

Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:45-3:15/5:00-7:30 VIA Zoom

Dec. 4

No events

Wishing all of our Arno Families a Wonderful and Safe Thanksgiving!

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY WILL PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT TO EMPOWER

AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE LEARNERS

THAT STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Last Day for the Monster Dash Fundraiser!!

 LAST  DAY  TO  DONATE!!!! 

 We want to see some Monsters Running ‍ ‍ for our Monster Dash!!

 We are at 75% of our goal yet so please register your student if you haven’t!   And Share, share, share!!  https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/register?school_uuid=5d2dde700a4c3

 Post on Flipgrid a video of your kiddo running around the house, the yard, or the neighborhood!! https://flipgrid.com/943eeecb

Allen Park Public Schools Returns to Remote Learning

Please read Superintendent Mike Darga’s letter to the AP community:

Letter to School Community-RETURN TO REMOTE LEARNING (1)

Elementary Remote Schedule

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Our conferences this year will be held virtual on the days and times that they were scheduled for, Dec. 2 and 3.  In November, you will get a signupgenious form and then eventually a link to join your teacher at your time via Zoom.  More details to come…

Social Emotional

Our theme for November at Arno is Gratitude.  Please enjoy some information that you can sit down and share with your child:

Gratitude is mindful thankfulness
and the ability to be thankful
even when things in life are
challenging. When you practice
gratitude you feel thankful and
want to share that feeling with
others. Research has shown that
the benefits of gratitude include
better sleep, increased levels of
happiness, greater connection to
peers and community, and
decreases in stress and anxiety.

Families can use the following discussion
starters and activities with their children:
– “To me, gratitude is…”
– “I show gratitude at school/home
by…”
– “I am grateful for..”

For additional support, these stories support the Gratitude theme:

All the World – Liz Garton Scanlon
An Awesome Book of Thanks – Dallas Clayton
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are – Dr. Seuss
Just So Thankful – Mercer Mayer
The Secret of Saying Thanks – Douglas Wood
Splat Says Thank You – Rob Scotton
Thanks a Million (Poems) – Nikki Grimes
The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings – Stan Berenstain
The Giving Tree – Shel Silverstein
The Thankful Book – Todd Parr
Those Shoes – Maribeth Boelts
The Most Thankful Thing – Lisa McCourt
Gratitude Soup – Olivia Rosewood
Bear Says Thanks – Karma Wilson
It Could Always Be Worse – Margot Zemach
There’s a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me – Alice Walker
Milo Armadillo – Jan Fearnley
Last Stop on Market Street – Matt de la Pena
Flora and Ulysses : The Illuminated Adventures – Kate DiCamillo
Sorta Like a Rock Star – Matthew Quick

Picture Day 

Nov. 12 was our new picture date for Arno students.  When we have an indication of our return, we will reschedule.   When we do have it, it will of course look somewhat different in terms of lining up, but in terms of a mask-  it will be up to you and your child if you want them to take the mask off just while the picture is snapped.  We are committed to making this a safe, distanced process and look forward to Picture Day 2020!

Parent FAQ from Interstate

https://inter-state-4740283.hs-sites.com/frequently-asked-questions-1

From the Guidance Center…

CDC Thanksgiving Recommendations

Let’s all stay healthy during turkey time by knowing the CDC recommendations for the upcoming holiday season:

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.

Visitor Policy

Please be advised that per the Governors Executive Order, school buildings are to limit non-staff visitors.  If you have any needs from the office, principal, or teaching staff- please contact first via phone or email.  If the need should arise that you must come in, please scan the QR code and complete the screener BEFORE coming into the building.

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/

Remind

Please consider joining Arno Remind at:

https://www.remind.com/join/arno2020

Full directions: remind invite

Welcome Back!!!

Coming soon to Arno….

Oct. 5

Welcome back to our ECP and Categorical Special Education Program students!!

Oct. 6

Oct. 7

No school-Cleaning Day- REMOTE learning a.m. only

Oct. 8

Virtual PTA Meeting 6:30

Oct. 9

Oct. 12

Welcome Back to School for Grades Y5, K, 1, and 2!!

Oct. 13

Oct. 14

No School- Cleaning Day- REMOTE learning A.M. only

Oct. 15

Oct. 16

Oct. 19

Welcome Back to School for Grades 3, 4, and 5!!

Oct. 20

Oct. 21

No School- Cleaning Day- REMOTE learning a.m. only

Oct. 22

Oct. 23

Oct. 26

Oct. 27

Oct. 28

No School- Cleaning Day-REMOTE learning a.m. only

Oct. 29

Oct. 30

Early Dismissal 11:30

No School p.m.

Please review the following information on our return.  Please continue to monitor district and building communications regarding the Return to Learn plan as all decisions are based on state data and the safety of students and staff. When your child returns, please review the new procedures below:

Arrival Procedures

Please see the document:Arno arrival_dismissal

In order to be in compliance with the CDC and State of Michigan guidelines regarding COVID-19, Arno Elementary School has made some changes to the daily arrival and dismissal procedures for this year. Upon arrival to school, all students should report to their outdoor classroom lines in social distance proximity.  We have added Cougar paw prints on the walkway leading up to the door to help with distancing.  As students enter the building, they will have their temperature checked then report directly to their classroom to hang their coats, belongings, etc., as well as sanitize their hands.  In order to reduce students being in groups, coat rooms have been expanded to the hallway.  

• Families will complete the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Families (p. 9 of the Virtual Binder) every day prior to sending children to school.  If you answer “YES” to one or more questions, you MUST keep your child home from school that day and consult your primary care provider.

• Arrival time is between 8:30-8:45 am at your child’s assigned entry door (see attachment).

• Students should not be dropped off prior to 8:30 am as there will not be outside supervision for students.

• Upon arrival, if there is a line forming, students should wait on the painted paw prints.

• Arrival beyond 9:00 am will be considered tardy and students must be buzzed in through the front doors of the school.

• Upon arrival at the assigned entry door, students will receive a temperature check and hand sanitizer, then go directly to the classroom.

• Students with temperatures between 99.3℉ and 100.3℉ will be asked to step into a re-screening area and re-checked after 5 minutes.  Students whose temperatures normalize will be sent to class.  Students whose temperatures remain elevated will go to the office for parent contact.

• Students who arrive to school with temperatures of 100.4℉ or above will be taken to the Quarantine Room where parents will be contacted for immediate pickup.

• The beginning of the school day will be a “soft start” as students arrive during the arrival window.  Independent work and quiet activities will be provided as students arrive, prior to the day’s instruction.

Please review the map below for your child’s classroom lineup location.  Students will be shown their exact lineup spots upon arrival. 

Dismissal Procedures

• Dismissal time is between 3:20-3:30 pm at your child’s assigned dismissal door.   

• PLEASE NOTE that the dismissal door may not be the same as your child’s entry door!

• One class will exit each dismissal door at a time.  Your child’s teacher will communicate which order their class will exit the assigned door.

• 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.).

• Please leave the school grounds as soon as you connect with your child(ren) so as to promote social distancing.

• Mrs. Martinchick’s room- you will exit out of the main office doors on Fox at dismissal

• Mrs. Schultz’s room- you will exit out of the second grade doors on Thomas at dismissal

Early Dismissal

• Please send a note with your child or contact the main office at 313-827-1050 for all early dismissals specifying the time for early pick up. 

• Upon arrival, please use the outside buzzer to inform the office that you are here. 

• The office will send your child out through the main doors to you

• The staff will take care of recording your child’s dismissal 

Half-Day Dismissal

• All procedures for arrival and dismissal will be followed from above

Breakfast

• Bagged breakfast will be provided each afternoon for students to take and eat at home the next morning.

• No breakfast will be provided at school in the mornings.

Lunch 

• All students will eat lunch in classrooms.

• Bagged lunches will be provided through the Food Service Department free of charge until December 31, 2020 or until federal funding expires.  Choices will include hot lunch, soy butter sandwich, or salad kit.  All lunches will be individually packaged.

• Please apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits by October 5, even if you think you may not qualify.  Our schools receive additional funding for the number of students eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch:  https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/welcome

• Students may still bring lunches from home if desired.

• 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.

• Students will clean hands and desks before and after eating in the classroom.

• Whenever weather permits, students will have outdoor recess in designated zones by classroom.  Masks may be removed during outdoor recess.

• During inclement weather, recess will be held indoors.  Students must wear masks during indoor recess.

Schedule:

Drop off for student items

Please remember to drop off any lunches, folder, homework, etc in the cabinet that is outside of the main doors (Be sure to put a sticky note on with their information).  The secretary will then go get all of the items in there and be sure to get it to your child.  Thank you for your help!

Classroom Information

• Desks have been distanced to best spacing possible per room

• Extra furniture has been removed to maximize classroom space

• There are no carpet areas in the rooms for students to gather to maintain spacing

• Please send your child with a water bottle as drinking fountains will be closed except to fill a cup/bottle with water

• Specials will be conducted in the classroom only.  Gym will go outside as weather permits

• Recess will continue for all levels, the playground will be split and a schedule will be made to space classroom cohorts and limit classroom to classroom interaction

• Small groups will meet per the teachers programming

• Materials like manipulatives, supplies, classroom library, library books etc will have a protocol per the teacher.  Generally this will be limited- if supplies are shared at any time, those materials will be sanitized between use

• Backpacks will be permitted to transport materials and a chromebook

• High touch surfaces will be cleaned periodically throughout the day

• Instructional aides will continue to work with students in small group/individually

• All students and staff will be required to wear a mask throughout the entire day with the exception of eating snack, lunch, gym and recess outside

Technology

Please be sure that your child travels with the district chromebook (if you had one issued) back and forth daily in your child’s backpack.  We are still awaiting the shipment of chromebooks that the district ordered.

Please review all of the information and resources on the district web page at: https://www.allenparkschools.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1691412&type=d&pREC_ID=1848465

NWEA testing in October

This month we will begin our NWEA testing while we are either remote or in person depending on the grade level.  Each classroom teacher will be in contact with families with information on taking the practice test and the test when in remote.  If your child is in session in the building, testing will be conducted as normal.

Visitor Policy

Please be advised that per the Governors Executive Order, school buildings are to limit non-staff visitors.  If you have any needs from the office, principal, or teaching staff- please contact first via phone or email.  If the need should arise that you must come in, please scan the QR code and complete the screener BEFORE coming into the building.

Latchkey Information

Please find registration info regarding the Latchkey Program at the APPS elementary buildings below

COVID Latchkey Registration Letter .pdf
Latchkey Registration Form.pdf

Additional Food Service information

ALLEN PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS MEAL PROGRAM UPDATES:
GREAT NEWS FOR SCHOOL MEALS FOR FALL 2020-ALL KIDS EAT FREE!
EVEN THOUGH ALL KIDS ARE RECEIVING FREE MEALS, THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT LAST FOREVER. WE WILL
EVENTUALLY HAVE TO RETURN TO OUR REGULAR SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM PROCEDURES. THE
DISTRICT ALSO RECEIVES ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS BASED ON OUR FREE AND REDUCED NUMBERS.

SO, PLEASE FILL OUT THE ONLINE OR PAPER FREE AND REDUCED MEAL APPLICATION. IT WILL HELP YOUR FAMILY AND THE DISTRICT. APPLY ONLINE AT: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/ALLP01

ALLEN PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOOD SERVICES REMOTE AND VIRTUAL LEARNING FOOD PICK UP WILL CONTINUE ON MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 16, 2020.

PICK UP CAR SIDE TO GO MEALS AT: Allen Park High
School Back Main Door 18401 Champaign, Allen Park, MI 48101
Questions? Please contact the APPS Food Services Department if you have any questions at: 313-827-2185.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE CURBSIDE MEALS ON MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNERS
THROUGH DECEMBER 2020.
WE WILL SERVE *ALL STUDENTS FREE MEALS* FROM OUR CURBSIDE PICKUP *EVERY WEDNESDAY*. THIS WILL
HAPPEN WHEN ALL OF THE STUDENTS ARE AT HOME PARTICIPATING IN REMOTE & VIRTUAL LEARNING. THIS WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY SO BUILDING MAINTENANCE STAFF CAN DO DEEP CLEANING AT ALL OF THE BUILDINGS.

ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2020:
AT THE ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS:
● EARLY-K, K, 1, AND 2ND GRADES WILL RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING, AGAIN, ON
OCTOBER 12
TH
. WE WILL BE SERVING FREE MEALS AT THE ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS IN THE CLASSROOM

EACH DAY OF IN-PERSON LEARNING (M,T,TH,F), THROUGH DECEMBER 2020.
● THE PREPACKAGED MEALS WILL BE DELIVERED, IN SANITIZED INSULATED BAGS, TO EACH
CLASSROOM EACH DAY.
● THERE WILL BE NO ALA CARTE SALES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THIS WILL SIMPLIFY EATING
IN THE CLASSROOM FOR ALL. NO MONEY EXCHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
● SMALL CUP DISPENSERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BY EVERY DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN ALL
BUILDINGS, TO PREVENT SALIVA FROM ENTERING THE DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
● AFTER LUNCH, THE WONDERFUL LUNCH LADIES WILL THEN PACKAGE BREAKFAST BAGS FOR
THE FOLLOWING DAY. THESE BREAKFAST BAGS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE CLASSROOM, IN OUR CLEAN
SANITIZED BAGS APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES BEFORE DISMISSAL TO BE GIVEN TO THE KIDS. THIS WILL
HELP LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF EXPOSURE TIME FOR STUDENTS EATING IN THE CLASSROOMS WITHOUT A
MASK.

● THE STUDENTS CAN THEN ENJOY THEIR BREAKFAST AT HOME BEFORE COMING TO SCHOOL.
● On Wednesdays during remote learning you can come to the curbside pick-up at the HS
between 10:30 am until 12:30 pm to pick up meals.
● WE WELCOME STAFF MEMBERS TO GRAB A MEAL, TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS.

October 19, 2020
WELCOME BACK ALL STUDENTS FOR FOUR DAYS EACH WEEK IN-PERSON AND REMOTELY
ON WEDNESDAYS!!!
AT THE ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS:

● ALL GRADES WILL RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING AT THE ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS! WE
WILL BE SERVING FREE MEALS AT THE ELEMENTARY BUILDINGS IN THE CLASSROOM EACH DAY OF
IN-PERSON LEARNING (M, T, TH, F), THROUGH DECEMBER 2020.
● THE PREPACKAGED MEALS WILL BE DELIVERED, IN SANITIZED INSULATED BAGS, TO EACH
CLASSROOM EACH DAY.
● THERE WILL BE NO ALA CARTE SALES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THIS WILL SIMPLIFY EATING
IN THE CLASSROOM FOR ALL. NO MONEY EXCHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE.
● SMALL CUP DISPENSERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED BY EVERY DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN ALL
BUILDINGS, TO PREVENT SALIVA FROM ENTERING THE DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
● AFTER LUNCH, THE WONDERFUL LUNCH LADIES WILL THEN PACKAGE BREAKFAST BAGS FOR
THE FOLLOWING DAY. THESE BREAKFAST BAGS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE CLASSROOM, IN OUR CLEAN
SANITIZED BAGS APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES BEFORE DISMISSAL TO BE GIVEN TO THE KIDS. THIS WILL
HELP LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF EXPOSURE TIME FOR STUDENT IS EATING IN THE CLASSROOMS WITHOUT A
MASK.
● THE STUDENTS CAN THEN ENJOY THEIR BREAKFAST AT HOME BEFORE COMING TO SCHOOL.
● ON WEDNESDAYS, DURING REMOTE LEARNING, PLEASE COME TO THE HIGH SCHOOL
CURBSIDE PICK-UP BETWEEN 10:30-12:30 TO PICK UP MEALS FOR BOTH REMOTE AND VIRTUAL
LEARNERS. THIS WILL CONTINUE EVERY WEDNESDAY UNTIL STUDENTS COME BACK TO 5 DAY
IN-PERSON LEARNING. THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR VIRTUAL LEARNERS THROUGH DECEMBER 2020.
● WE WELCOME STAFF MEMBERS TO GRAB A MEAL, TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS.

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, or out.

**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.

**We now have some volunteers for the dropoff/pickup, but we need more.  Please contact the office if you can help out!

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/

Remind

Please consider joining Arno Remind at:

https://www.remind.com/join/arno2020

Full directions: remind invite

Welcome Back to the 2020-2021 School Year!!

Welcome back Cougars!  

We are so very excited to welcome you all to the 2020-21 school year at Arno Elementary.  Although we are starting in a different way this year, we are determined to make this the best year for all of our students!  

I am hoping that everyone found some time to relax, have lots of fun, spend quality time together- and maybe even get a tan… and now we are looking forward to fall and cider mills and getting back to some school work.  As always Arno is dedicated to providing the best education with our caring teachers who have always gone above and beyond every year.  This past summer, many of our staff, as well as parents,  were involved in focus groups that worked through the issues that the current situation has presented, and finding solutions that work best for all of our stakeholders.  We took a look at academics, student and staff safety, specials, special education, and extra curricular items.  The group provided focus and input on the district plan, as well as how we all move forward in both the in-person world- and the virtual one.   

As a result, we have a plan for all scenarios depending on the Phase our region is in, and we plan on making sure our kids don’t just tread water this year- but actually continue their movement forward in their education here at Arno.  

There have been many questions from our parents and I wanted to provide the latest information that you need to know for the upcoming school year.  

• September 2 (First Day of School- Remote learning with classroom teacher): Please save this date!  We will be holding a drive by “meet the teacher” event from 9 am-12 pm on September 2. Students will be able to drive up, say hi to their teacher and teachers will be handing out workbooks or any items that students will need to start the year. More information about this will be coming next week, but as we did in the spring, times to visit will be determined by last name.  Students whose last name starting with:

• A-H will drive by between 9-10am, 
• I-Q can drive by between 10-11am, 
• R-Z can visit between 11am-12pm.   

During the afternoon of September 2, teachers will be hosting their first video meeting to start to get to know students.  They will provide you information about this event.

• Meet the Teacher:  This evening is typically a great opportunity for families to meet their child’s teacher and get to know some of the expectations for the school year.  Since we cannot hold this event in person, teachers will be creating a video that introduces themselves to each student and family and provide a brief overview of some of the important tools students will need to get started with remote learning.  These videos will be released to families on September 2.  They will go out to families via email and will also be posted on our website for families to reference later if needed. 
• Student login information Please follow this link for student directions to log on for the first time. Student’s ID number can be found in the Parent Portal and it’s the number that starts with “2001”. 
• Tech: We are excited that this year students K-12 will all have access to a Chromebook to use in school as well as for virtual or remote learning.  Our elementary students will be getting touch screen devices that can be used as a computer and a tablet.  These have all been ordered, but we are waiting for these devices to be delivered.  
• If you have already requested a temporary device- the tech department will contact you to schedule a date to pick up this computer. The link to request a computer is no longer active but we are taking names for a waiting list.  
• Student schedules will be available August 28, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. for those families that have chosen to stay with their regular classroom assignment. ***Please be sure you have completed all of the Back to School updates that are necessary in order to access your child’s teacher.

Social Emotional Needs of our students

We recognize that the school closure and disruption to normal routines may have had an impact on many students and families.  Please review some of the resources below.  Arno’s new Social Worker, Dana Brown, can be of assistance in this area if you need to reach out to her.  You can find many resources from our district social work page at: 

http://allenparksocialworkers.weebly.com/social-emotional-learning-at-home.html

Sample Elementary Resources for social emotional at-home:

• A-Z Activities for Coping    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EXpkVw3fh0
• Sesame Street Belly Breathe   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mZbzDOpylA&feature=emb_title
• Breathe Think Do Sesame Street App   https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe-think-do-with-sesame/id721853597   
• Yoga and meditation for young elementary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYI0TPJOuGk   https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/
• Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness https://youtu.be/0ImHIWzP49M
• Therapist and Child Approved Activities to Support Kids with Anxiety (Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT)    https://familytherapybasics.com/blog/2017/10/8/10-therapist-and-child-approved-activities-to-support-kids-with-anxiety   

How Can I Help My Child at Home?

• Designate a comfortable place where your child will work independently on his/her assigned tasks.
• Be sure your child attends every online class daily and logs in on time, ready for the day’s learning experience and completes all assignments
• Remind your child to let his/her teachers know if there are questions- our teachers are there to support all of our students. 
• Monitor Google Classroom updates and be sure to check in with your child daily about learning tasks, activities and assessments they are working
• Dedicate appropriate time to learning, comparable to a school day and/or as guided by your teachers.
• Attend Zoom learning experiences that are offered by each of your teacher’s. 
• Please let your child’s teacher know if they will be absent- teachers are taking daily attendance based on in-person Zoom meetings and/or assignments turned in. 
• Help your child to understand that work will be graded this fall (appropriate to the grade level)- they will not be earning a participation grade like spring

Classroom Weekly Schedules

You may have already seen a copy of a sample elementary schedule for the first 5 weeks from the district website: https://www.allenparkschools.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1856009&type=d&pREC_ID=2007551

Please keep in mind that each teacher will be building the specifics of each “block”, which will be sent to their families in their class.  You can expect that daily assignments will be posted by each morning, and that weekly you will receive an overview of learning targets every Monday morning.  

Please click on the link below to hear a brief explanation of the daily elementary schedule:

https://youtu.be/AJZZb-lHEwE

Although these times do not feel normal, we are all in this together, as it has always been at Arno- Together we will make that difference that will make our students excel!

Welcome Back!

Arno Staff

Arno on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnoelementary

Arno Family Blog: https://arnofamily.edublogs.org/

Together we will succeed for our kids!

Coming soon to Arno…

Sept. 2

1st Day- morning “Wave In” 9-12 (Remote Plan with classroom teacher only)

Get to know you virtual afternoon with classroom teacher

AP Virtual Learning with Calvert First Day

Sept. 3

First full virtual day with classroom teacher

AP Virtual Learning with Calvert

Sept 4

Labor Day weekend- no school

Sept. 7

Labor Day- No school

Sept. 8-Oct. 2

Remote learning with classroom teacher

AP Virtual Learning with Calvert

Meet the Teacher

This year we have all of our staff on video doing a short introduction and some information on Google Classroom. The staff links will be out by Sept 2 via eblast.   Students will be getting to know their teacher more through their daily interactions on Zoom.

Online Attendance

Attendance will taken daily by your classroom teacher.  In most cases, students will be recorded as present through appearing on the classroom Zoom. There maybe some instances where your child is unable to do a Zoom that day- they can then be counted present by:

• Have a two-way conversation through email, phone, or communication app

• Turn in an assignment, exit ticket or question that day by 3:00

Assessment

Per the State of Michigan guidelines, Allen Park Schools will be required to have all students have an assessment that give us information on where our students are performing, so that we may better meet their individual needs.  Kindergarten and First grade will be taking a developmentally appropriate assessment, while grades 2-3 will be taking an online version of the NWEA they normally take in the fall.  Details, dates, and directions will come out in the coming weeks.

Welcome to Arno…

Kristi Kruger- Music (Thursdays)

“Kristi Kruger comes to us from Allen park High School where she served as vocal and instrumental music director for 22 years.  Kristi received her Bachelor and Masters degrees from Eastern Michigan University with a focus on Music education as well as Music theory and Literature.  Kristi’s career started teaching general music, spanning ages 18 months to 8 in the private sector before taking a position at Hamtramck High School for 2 years.  After that time she was recruited by Allen Park,
where her first assignments were teaching High School vocal, instrumental and music history, as well as teaching “Sing and Swing” Kindergarten music at all three elementary schools.   Kristi looks forward to sharing her passion for music with our students”

Dana Brown- Social Work (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

The Arno 2020-21 Staff

2020-21

Stephen Zielinski, Principal

Cathy Anderson, Secretary

Kim Dowd, Student Advocate

Custodial Staff:

Tim Tanksley

Joe Marcoux 

Tiffani Harper

Mike Matey

Lunch Staff/Para Professionals

Debbie Burgess-LatchKey Supervisor

Stevie Brandly

Colleen Harris

Stephanie Hauck

Kristen Melidosian

Katelyn Tourangeau

Penelope Beri

Sarah Tarmoom

Shelby Ivey

Cathy Bartholomew-Food service

Luciana Tucci-Cashier

Para Professional

Linda Mantua- Media Center

Angela Joarder- Instruct Support

Mikela Wilson- Instructional Support

Sandy Bove- Instruct Support

Kem Sheridan- Instruct Support

Carrie Vaughn- Instruct. Support

Amanda Madrigal- Instruct. Support

Missy Moore, instructional support

Diane Peyton- Special Ed.

Melissa McGrath- Special Ed. 

Antwanette Bills- Special Ed.

Kim Harrison, Special Ed. 

Stephanie Leavitt, ECP

Patty Messer, ECP

So awesome to see our Cougars at the

Summer Sendoff!!

**Be sure to check out more pics on our Face book page

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

Coming soon to Arno…

***All calendar dates are subject to change depending on the model of attendance that will be explored via CDC guidelines, State of Michigan guidelines, and Allen Park Public Schools guidelines

Sept. 1

Teachers report

Meet the Teacher (subject to change)

Sept. 2

School Begins- Full Day (Based on district model)

Sept. 3

No events

Sept. 4

No School- Labor Day recess

Sept. 7

No School- Labor Day

Sept 8

Students return (based on model)

Sept. 9

No events

Sept 10

No events

Sept. 11

No events

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY WILL PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT TO EMPOWER

AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE LEARNERS

THAT STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Happy Summer!

On behalf of the Arno staff, we wish you a fun, restful summer!  It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least, but our students and teachers stepped up and did a phenomenal job and finished the school year on a high note.  We are hoping to see everyone in the fall, until then, stay safe out there!

School Supply Lists are out and ready to go…

This year we are once again using Teacherlists.com to post all of our supplies.  You can access the lists down below from the click-button, or you can access from our Arno site off the main APPS website.  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

Quick Info…

– The district will have a plan for chromebook collection.  You will be notified by email of the details

– Google Classrooms will remain on for the summer if there is anything you need to get resource wise

– The district currently has a focus group made up of teachers from all different groups.  Our task to make the buildings safe and have a plan to prioritize learning through the school year while the pandemic continues.

– Look for more info on Meet the Teacher as we get closer, much will depend on the status of the state.

Pics of Cougars in action 2019-20

Please see below for more information on this important vote!

Coming soon to Arno… MARCH is Reading Month!

March 2

MIRM Penny Wars Day 1

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!

Kalis to University of MIchigan-Dearborn’s EIC

March 3

Unplugged Night

Guyot to University of MIchigan-Dearborn’s EIC

March 4

Wear it Wednesdays- Book Character

Warneck to University of MIchigan-Dearborn’s EIC

March 5

PTA Meeting 6:30- MOVED TO Lindemann to hear about the millage

March 6

End of 2nd Trimester

Early Release 11:30

March 9

MIRM Penny Wars

Book Exchange Week

March 10

Unplugged Night

Author’s Visit

March 11

Wear it Wednesdays- T-shirt with words

Cookie Dough Fundraiser Game truck

March 12

Spring Pictures

March 13

2nd grade/Jensen to DYPAC

Report Cards Issued on Parent Connect

March 16

MIRM Penny Wars

March 17

Unplugged Night

March 18

Wear it Wednesdays- Hat with Words

March 19

Bingo for Books

March 20

Tornado Drill

March 23

MRIM Penny Wars

March 24

Unplugged Night

March 25

Wear it Wednesdays- Dress as Humphrey

PTSA/PTA meeting at Arno 7:00

March 26

PBIS Reward

March 27

Bring your favorite book and PJs

Early Release 11:30

March 30 

MIRM Penny Wars Last Day

Honor choir Concert 6:30 APAC

March 31

5th Grade to Camp

April 1

Camp

April 2

5th Grade returns to Camp

PTA Meeting 6:30

April 3

No School- Spring Break Begins!

April 4- April 12- NO School- Spring Break

Class resumes April 13

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY WILL PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT TO EMPOWER

AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE LEARNERS

THAT STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

          

Art Exhibition Information!

BROWN AND JUANITA C. FORD ART GALLERY

DOWNRIVER CAMPUS
21000 Northline Rd., Taylor, MI 48180

OPENING RECEPTION • Wednesday, March 4, 2020 • 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

EXHIBITION • March 4 through March 30, 2020
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

artgallery@wcccd.edu

March is Reading Month News!

March is Reading Month
One Book, One School

This year to celebrate March is Reading Month, our entire school
will be reading Spring According to Humphrey. That is why our
celebration is called One Book, One School. Spring According to
Humphrey is just one book in a series about Humphrey, the class
hamster at Longfellow School.
Each student will get a book this year! Our goal is that you would
read this book together at home. The book is for your family to keep!
We hope you enjoy reading together as a family. The included pacing
guide outlines the chapters to be read each week. Your child’s teacher
will also be given a book to read and discuss the book in class.
Throughout the month of March we will have a wide variety of
reading themed activities to participate in at home and at school. Also,
attached is a calendar of all of the fun activities we have planned!
Books will be distributed on Thursday, February 27, 2020.

Pacing Guide
To celebrate March is Reading Month at home, we ask that you read Spring
According to Humphrey at home each night. To finish the book by the end of the
month please follow this suggested pacing guide.
March 2-6: Chapters 1-4
March 9-13 : Chapters 5-8
March 16-20: Chapters 9-12
March 23-27: Chapters 13-14

Book Exchange
During the week of March 3 -9, students will be participating in a book exchange on
their library day. Students can bring in up to three books to exchange with gently
used books. Students will be able to exchange the same number of books that
they bring from home, so if a student brings in one book, they will be able to pick
out one book. Look for a flyer coming home with more information.

Unplugged Night
Every Tuesday in March, we ask that you “unplug” from your electronic devices.
While you are unplugged, do fun activities together with your family like: play a
board game, read together, make dinner together, or any other unplugged activity
you can think of.

Wear it Wednesdays
Each Wednesday dress up to celebrate March is Reading Month!
March 4: Dress up as your favorite book character
March 11: Wear a t-shirt with words on it
March 18: Wear a hat with words
March 25: Dress up as Humphrey

DEAR
On Tuesdays and Thursdays each classroom will participate in D.E.A.R, which stands
for Drop Everything And Read! Students can read books from their classroom
libraries or they can bring a book from home.

Guest Readers
Throughout the month of March, Mrs. Byrne, our media specialist, will be arranging
guest readers to come into different classrooms to read. If you would like to be a
guest reader in your child’s class, contact your child’s teacher to schedule a time.

Penny Wars
Save your spare change to bring to school every Monday in March, March 2, 9, 16,
23, and 30. Give your pennies to your class and your nickels, dimes, and quarters to
other classes. Pennies add to your classes total, but other coins count against your
total. The class with the highest total wins! All proceeds will go to future March is
Reading Month events.

Bingo for Books
On March 19, students are invited to play bingo in Arno’s cafeteria. Get a bingo and
win a book! There will be two different times available. Look for more information
about Bingo for Books coming home soon.

Culminating Activity
Friday, March 27, is a half day. Help us celebrate the end of March is Reading Month
by wearing your pajamas and bringing your favorite book to school.

mirm 20

Thank you so much for all of your support for the cookie dough fundraiser.  As you know, the district does supply our building with a budget, but there are many programs, supplies, books, super cougar lunches, etc that enhance the educational experience at Arno- and this goes a long way to fund those initiatives!  All orders should be here within 2-3 weeks after Feb 21.

The gaming truck will be here on March 11 for all those who sold 20 items or more.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

fundraiser

Coming soon to Arno…

Feb. 3

Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kickoff

Community Conversation with Mike Darga- 6:30 Arno Media Center (see below)

Feb. 4

No events

Feb. 5

No events

Feb. 6

No events

Feb. 7

No events

Feb. 10

No events

Feb. 11

No events

Feb. 12

Skating Party 6:00

Feb. 13

African American Artists Assembly

PTA Meeting 6:30

Feb. 14

Early Dismissal 11:30- Teacher PD 

Happy Valentines Day!

Feb. 17

No School

Feb. 18

No School

Feb. 19

PTSA Founders Day Banquet 6:00

Feb. 20

No events

Feb. 21

No events

Feb. 24

No events

Feb. 25

No events

Feb 26

No events

Feb 27

No events

Feb. 28

PBIS Reward

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY WILL PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT TO EMPOWER

AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE LEARNERS

THAT STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

February is Black History Month!

Every day this month, the Arno Announcements are highlighting a special African American person in history – ranging from Rosa Parks to Lebron James! During these announcement videos, students are learning interesting facts and accomplishments by past and present scientists, athletes, artists, activists and more. 

In addition to this special programming, classroom teachers are extending instruction with various activities. In the school library, there is a designated area of books featuring African American characters and book pertaining to African American history.

Keep the conversation going at home! Ask your child who they learned about in each day’s announcements. Use multiple resources to do more research – like YouTube, books from the local library, and visits to museums and institutions that highlight black history, including:

Henry Ford Museum

Motown Museum

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Detroit Historical Museum

Detroit Institute of Arts

Choir Concert Brings Back the Holidays

Due to a water main break last month, the choir concert was postponed until Jan 21.  So it was wonderful to hear the holiday sounds bringing back Christmas memories from the Elementary Honor Choir.  They were outstanding and everyone was surprised with a solo performance from Mr. Hoffman, who announced to the audience that this is his final year in Allen Park.  Way to go Honor Choir- you were fantastic!

Community Conversations with Mike Darga

Please join Superintendent Michael Darga and Virginia Winters, Wayne RESA School Culture and Climate Consultant, for an opportunity to engage in dialogue on the critical issues of diversity, race and inclusion. These casual kitchen table-style discussions are designed to provide a safe environment to share and collect feedback from our PARENTS of various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences.

Purpose:
-To engage all members of the school community in dialogue.
-Deepen our understanding about diversity as a rich resource.
-Equip all Allen Park Students to become responsible and global citizens.

NHS Tutoring Info

Job Opening

Allen Park Public Schools is looking for respectful, reliable drivers to join our team.  On site shadowing and training is offered for all drivers, new or experienced.  CDL Class B Preferred

School Bus Driver’s responsibilities include ensuring proper vehicle maintenance, observing safety and traffic rules, and maintaining order among students while they are on the bus.  To be successful as a School Bus Driver you should enjoy working with children and strictly observe passenger transport regulations.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $16.00 / hour

Please email resume to bolish@appublicschools.com

Ashley Bolish, APPS Operations Assistant

Coming soon to Arno…

Jan 6

Class resumes

Jan 7

No events

Jan 8

PTSA/PTA Reflections District Tea 6:30 APAC

Jan 9

No events

Jan 10

No events

Jan 13

PTA Food Drive kickoff

Jan 14

No Events

Jan 15

No Events

Jan 16

No Events

Jan 17

Mother/Son Night 6:30

Jan 20

MLK Observance- No School- Teacher PD

Jan 21

No events

Jan 22

No events

Jan 23

Arno Olympics 6:30

Jan 24

ALICE Drill 2:00

Jan 27

No events

Jan 28

Metroparks 3rd grade

Jan 29

No events

Jan 30

PBIS Reward Day

Jan 31

No events

Arno Vision

Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower

and inspire students to become collaborative learners

that strive for academic excellence

Congrats Mrs. Schultz! Outstanding Educator

The annual Founder’s Day Awards were announced at this month’s PTA meeting.  Congratulations to all our winners!  The award winners will attend a banquet in their honor in February where they will be recognized for their accomplishments.

Congratulations to our Founder’s Day Winners!

Business Partner: Get Movin Crew (Fun Run)

Outstanding Program: Book Fair- Nicole Adkins and Jackie Brown

Distinguished Service Award: Stacy Sisson

Outstanding Educator: Megan Schultz

Coming soon…

Arno Olympics Flyer 2020

Reflections Recognition and Celebration Breakfast

Congrats to all our students who participated in the year’s PTA Reflections Contest!

Crossing Guard Positions

Please see the posting below:

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, or out.

**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.

**We now have some volunteers for the dropoff/pickup, but we need more.  Please contact the office if you can help out!

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

EXCITING NEWS

Wahoo!  Introducing Arno Elementary’s first Facebook page! “LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  This format is much easier to share photos in real time, so the blog photo gallery will now be coming to you in the form of Facebook posts!  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/

**I have learned that there is an Arno Elementary Facebook page out there with pictures- this is NOT an official school page- The real Arno Facebook page is titled “Arno Caring Cougars”.  Please check the page to make sure it has current photos before you “LIKE” it.

New Year’s Resolutions: 4 Simple Ways to Read More with your Children in 2020

Since it’s a brand new year, you may be thinking about New Year’s resolutions for your family. Does your family have a goal to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Do you think about reducing screen time? Or would you like to spend more time together?

Believe it or not, there are New Year’s resolutions that are healthy for your child’s brain, allow more time to spend with your little one, and are fun! Here’s a hint: your child’s doctor encourages you to do this activity every day. Did you guess what the New Year’s resolution is?

READ A BOOK—HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE!

Reading aloud doesn’t have to be limited to your home or only at nap time or bedtime. If you’re a parent of a young child, you know every reading experience does not look the same. Though it seems futile, your child still benefits from hearing you read aloud to them even when it seems they’re not paying attention or are distracted by their surroundings.

To make life a little easier, here’s a list of a few resolutions to help add more reading to your and your child’s day, even the days you are on the move.

New Year’s Reading Resolutions

Resolution #1 for 2020

I will fill wait time with
book time instead of screen time.

Goal: Keep some books in your car. Whether you are waiting in line at the grocery store,
a waiting room at the doctor, or preparing a meal in your kitchen, you can share the love of books and reading with your child

Resolution #2 for 2020

I will visit the local library with my children

Goal: Go to your local library and see what services they offer.  Go to story time, let your child choose the books they want to check out, ask the librarians for some good book ideas, and of course, check out a book for yourself to model being a reader.

Resolution #3 for 2020

I will make reading part of out family routine

Goal: Read aloud to your child just 15 minutes a day, start with just a few minutes at a time- build it up. Show your child that books are fun and part of what your family life and routines.  Be sure that they are also seeing your reading books too!

NHS  Tutoring- Important!

Unfortunately, due to some work at the Allen Park library, NHS tutoring will not be running.  The work at the library is expected to last from Jan 1-March 31.  The NHS advisor is working on alternate plans, an announcement will come about if and when they are able to find a new location.

Help! Volunteers needed for the classroom!

Coming soon to Arno…

Dec. 2

No events

Dec. 3

No events

Dec. 4

No events

Dec. 5

Super Cougar Pizza Lunch

PTA meeting 6:30

Dec. 6

Report Cards available after 4:00 p.m. via Parent Connect

Dec. 9

No events

Dec. 10

Reflections Breakfast

Dec. 11

No events

Dec. 12

No events

Dec. 13

Half-Day Early Dismissal 11:30

Dec. 16

Arno Christmas Sing A Long 2:30

Dec. 17

Metro Parks 3rd Grade

Honor Choir Concert APAC 6:30

Dec. 18

Kindergarten to Marquis Theater

Dec. 19

No events

Dec. 20

PBIS Reward

**Christmas Break begins at the end of the day

Christmas Break Dec. 21- Jan 5—Classes Resume Jan 6, 2020

Arno Vision

Arno Elementary will provide a system of support to empower

and inspire students to become collaborative learners

that strive for academic excellence

On behalf of all the staff at Arno, we wish you and your family

a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Celebrating being a Super Cougar at Rewards Clubs

This month we ran a second version of PBIS Clubs for our students as their monthly reward.  Lots of fun clubs for the kids to visit from Legos to book club to drawing an Elf!  Providing this incentive is a way of recognizing student effort in following all of our Arno PBIs expectations for behavior.  Way to go Cougars!

Conferences

Thank you once again for attending parent/teacher conferences.  A strong school/home connection is research proven to make a difference in a child’s education.  In addition, please consider contacting your teacher if you are available to volunteer in the building and/or interested in doing projects at home.

Congratulations…

To all of our students who entered the PTA sponsored Reflections contest on “Look Within”.  We are so very proud that so many students entered this year.  As part of that contest, winners are picked for each category and will go on to the state judging where they can earn additional recognition.  All of our  winners are below!

Photography
Makenzie Warneck

Literature
Ameria Bellinger
Cecilia Bergman

Visual Arts
Primary:  k-2
Nina Hegedus
Lainey Sisson

Intermediate:  3-5
Ameria Bellinger
Cecilia Bergman

Our breakfast for all students that participated is Dec 10

District-wide Holiday Toy Box Drive

The annual district-wide toy drive for local families, as in the past we are looking for donations of new or gently used clothing and toys.  The box for drop off is in the main office at our school until December.  Please consider donating something if you are able.

Help! Volunteers needed for the classroom!

Arno parents are encouraged to sign up and become involved in our Cougar day!  Volunteers are such an important part of being partners for your child’s education.  If you have not had the chance yet, the volunteer form is below:

Parent Volunteers Needed

Reminder-Free NHS  Tutoring is Back!

In case you missed the Facebook post…

Fourth grade had an awesome experience at the Parade Company this past month, with up close and personal tour of all the floats that were featured in the Thanksgiving Parade!

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, or out.

**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!!

Breakfast and Lunch Program

Parents can setup a free account online at https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/ . You will need their child’s student id number to setup the account and can get the id number from parent connection,  the school office or the FS office. To view your child’s meal account information and/or make payments online at https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/ (link is on our website).  There is a small transaction fee charged to make online payments.  The lunch program will continue to accept cash or check as we always have.

Parent Information:

Parent website: www.mypaymentsplus.com

Parent support line for questions: 1-877-237-0946

MyPaymentsPlus Free Mobile App available for download on IPhones, Androids and Tablets!!

**If you believe that you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, we ask that you please submit the application that went home in September or pick up a new one from the office as soon as possible. Our total count for free/reduced lunch helps the district receive federal funds to run our Title 1 program and help our at-risk students.

If you are not sure about the guidelines or have

any other questions, please call the office @827-1050

Free and Reduced Meal Application 19-20 SY (1)

Top Ten Ways to Encourage Children to Read Over Christmas Break

10. Set expectations. I expect my students to continue to read daily over break. I expect the same of my own children at home. I tell them up front that I will be checking in after break and want to know what they read. As a parent, I ask my boys what they are reading each day and talk to them about the book when they’re done. There is not a question of if they will read on a given day, but when and how much.

9. Make plans. . In my classroom we will plan out what we think we will read before we leave for break. In my home we will plan out the best time for us to read, daily. My students know I plan to read a book a day over break. I need to plan ahead so that I have enough reading material to make it over the long break. I ask them to think about the books they are reading – do they need to take more home? My own children ensure they have reading material to read each day. If they don’t, we jump down to number 8. (Or, we jump to number 8 if it is Saturday, rainy, or we’re just in the mood.)

8. Visit a library or a bookstore. Just going to either one of these places is great – you are immediately surrounded by a community of readers! Both of my boys have library cards and a trip to the library is guaranteed during winter break. I immediately head to the new picture books and plop on the floor and read as many as possible. They usually head to the non-fiction books and look for something new on their current obsession. The bookstore is just as wonderful and we could all spend hours there.

7. Connect them to an author. I’ve seen it in my classroom and I’ve seen it at home – when children connect to the authors of the books they are reading, magic happens. Luckily, in this era, this is easier than ever. Kids can tweet out their love of their books to the author who wrote them. Many authors will tweet back. At home and at school we also check out the author’s website. Sometimes you can email them, but even more than that the resources are often incredible. Watch book trailers; find out the story of why they wrote the book, and more.

6. Talk. In my classroom I make time to sit down with each child over the course of two weeks and talk about what they’re reading. This is just as important at home, if not more so. I want to know what my boys are reading and what they are connecting to. I want to be there when they read the sad/hard/scary/funny part and get to discuss the reaction they had. I want to discuss why they feel this is the best series of all time and debate it. We connect through books and the discussion around them strengthens that bond.

5. Make it fun. We hold read-a-thons in my giant bed on a regular basis on the weekends. It’s a great feeling to look up from my cozy spot and see both of my boys curled up near me reading their books. If it is cold outside, we hold our read-a-thons downstairs by the fire with hot chocolate. There are challenges to see who can read the most, book talks to try and convince family members to read the book next, and more.

4. Make it important. When we value something, we devote time to it. By doing so, we show its importance. That’s why when I heard this idea from author Linda Urban; I knew I was going to steal it. In Linda’s family they bring their books to the dinner table on Tuesday nights. Whatever you’re currently reading is welcome. Finger food is on the table for dinner and for the entire meal everyone reads. Let me say that again, everyone reads. Think of the message that sends children!

3. Give books. We give books to everyone on our list. I include my boys on the title discussions for each recipient so they can see the thought that goes into matching the perfect title with the recipient. We talk about how wonderful the gift of a book is because it gives the person we’re giving it to an experience. (For more on giving books, and Chronicle’s #givebooks campaign, check out this link: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/landing-pages/givebooks/)

2. Get books. Books are part of the gift of Christmas in our home. I can think of no better way to send the message that I want you to be a reader than to give books. My boys can tell me titles that they are looking forward to reading and I will purchase them, but I also buy some because I think they will be a good stretch. I also give them gift cards so they can go to the bookstore and pick out their own books. If you are looking for great titles this year, look no further than the Nerdy Book Club nominees for 2013: https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/our-2nd-nerdversary-and-the-2013-nerdy-award-finalists/

1. Be a role model. In the classroom I share my reading life with my students. Returning from Thanksgiving break I will tell them what I read over break and share titles. I want them to know I am a reader. I do the same with my children at home. If I don’t model it, they won’t do it. Be a reader. Magazines, novels, comics, newspapers, etc. – let them see you read. Let them see you react to books. Inspire

Katherine Sokolowski has taught for fifteen years and currently teaches fifth grade in Monticello, Illinois. She is passionate about reading both in her classroom and also with her two sons. You can find her online at http://readwriteandreflect.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter as @katsok.

Health Corner

Winter time brings some additional challenges to school aside from the cold weather.  Below are a few reminders for helping our students to stay safe and healthy at school:

• Wash hands frequently — especially after using the restroom, coughing, or sneezing.
• Cover your cough — cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
• Encourage children to put hats and gloves into coat sleeves when hanging among others’ items.

Please report all cases of communicable illnesses or circumstances to our office when reporting your child’s absence.

** Students should be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.

** Students who have been treated for head lice must have a head check in the office before returning to class, even if the head lice was discovered over the weekend.

By reporting these things to our staff, we can limit the spread of germs and other things.  The two attachments contain additional information that may be helpful to you.  Please know that information related to illnesses is kept confidential.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 LL_May_101_Parents (2)-2128vgf

flu-guide-for-parents-2018-vd5ks3

DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER

Brr!  The weather has turned chilly!  Please send your child to school with a warm coat daily.   It’s always a good idea to dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.  Please label your child’s jackets and sweaters so they can find their way back to their owners if left somewhere.  The Lost & Found is currently full of items needing to be claimed!

Take a peek at Santa’s Reindeer

https://reindeercam.com/

 Track Santa with NORAD help

https://www.noradsanta.org/

Coming soon to Arno…

November

4

No events

5

Election Day

6

No events

7

Limo/Lunch Day

PTA Meeting 6:30

8

Reflections due

District Assessment Reports go home

11

No events

12

No events

13

School improvement meeting 7:50

14

Picture Retake Day

15

Principal for the day

18

Book Fair week begins

Mr. Peace Assembly

Hearing Rescreens

19

No events

20

Parade Company 4th grade

Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00-7:30

21

Early Release 11:30

Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:45-3:15 & 5:00-7:30

22

PBIS Reward

25

No events

26

Early Release 11:30

27

No School

28

Happy Thanksgiving!

29

No School

Wishing all of our Arno Families a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

ARNO VISION

ARNO ELEMENTARY WILL PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT TO EMPOWER

AND INSPIRE STUDENTS TO BECOME COLLABORATIVE LEARNERS

THAT STRIVE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Happy Halloween!

Parent/Teacher Conferences 

Please mark your calendar for Nov. 20 & 21 as parent/teacher conferences are just around the corner.  The sign up links for your child’s teacher are below. Be sure to click the link to get a time slot.  The annual PTA Book Fair will be that same week this year with a parent night to purchase on November 20 & 21 until 7:30.

Picture Retake

Picture retake day is Nov. 14.  For those students who would like to get their picture retaken and bought a package, they MUST bring their package down to the cameras for an even exchange.  

From the District

We are excited to announce that with our most recent bulk purchase, APPS is able to offer families our educational discounted pricing on Chromebooks – Lenovo 100E Generation 2 – with 4 GB RAM for $170.  (25% savings over current Amazon price)

If you are interested in taking advantage of this offering for your student(s), please see the attached letter for more info!  (Great holiday gift!)

email contact: chromebooks@appublicschools.com

Dr. John J. Tafelski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Mr. Adam Michalak, Director of Technology

Parent Technology Letter 2019.pdf

Teacher Sites

Many of our teachers maintain educational websites or blogs- please see the list to see of your teacher has a site to access.  Some teachers also use other means of communicating such as class dojo, so there may be alternate tech piece for your teacher not listed here- you can contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Building up to Kindergarten

We had a terrific turnout for our third annual Preschool meeting with parents and their preschooler.  This is an event that is open to all of our local preschools in the area and is designed to give parents a better understanding of the skills that their child will need as they enter kindergarten next fall.   We had over 53 amazing  families from various preschools attend the event, well more than the amount over last year.

A huge thanks to our staff , Nickie Stanley, Cristina Mercer, Beth Wesley and Cassie Harrison, as well as our Bennie colleagues for an excellent job on helping our future kindergartners be better prepared for next year.

The presentation slides can be seen below- there will be Part 2 of Building up to Kindergarten in the winter.

Building Up to Kindergarten Part 1 Night Fall

Dear Moms, Dads, Grandparents and Members of the Community,

We are hiring lunchroom paraprofessionals!  Please see attached flyer for details and consider joining our team!

Thank you,

APPS-Job Opportunities-Join our team.pdf

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, or out.

**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.

**We now have some volunteers for the dropoff/pickup, but we need more.  Please contact the office if you can help out!

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

EXCITING NEWS

Wahoo!  Introducing Arno Elementary’s first Facebook page! “LIKE” us to see lots of great updates and photos from school!  This format is much easier to share photos in real time, so the blog photo gallery will now be coming to you in the form of Facebook posts!  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/

**I have learned that there is an Arno Elementary Facebook page out there with pictures- this is NOT an official school page- The real Arno Facebook page is titled “Arno Caring Cougars”.  Please check the page to make sure it has current photos before you “LIKE” it- The most recent post is on a lesson from Mrs. Byrne.

So what’s happening with the blog? 

The blog, after a post on Oct. 11, will then only be updated once monthly on the first Friday of every month.  It will still contain a calendar and other news, but will no longer contain pictures- those will be on the Facebook page.

Of course, as always, if you have a concern or question, please contact me directly by email or by calling our office.  I am here to help you in any way you need.

Free NHS  Tutoring is Back!

Help! Volunteers needed for the classroom!