Coming soon to Arno…

Oct. 31  Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween Parade 10:30

Student Half-Day- 11:40 Dismissal

Nov. 1

No events

Nov. 2

No events

Nov. 3

Roary the Lion Assembly

PTA Meeting 6:30

Nov. 4

No events

Happy Halloween!

• Monday, October 31st.
• 10:30 AM.  Halloween Parade.  Outside
• Classroom teacher will communicate with you if they are having any events to follow

Costumes:

• Students will wear their costumes to school.
• All costumes must be school appropriate
• No play guns or weapons of any kind
• Please do not allow your child to wear a mask.  Masks tend to slip causing a possible trip and fall accident / injury.

Parade Path:

• Weather permitting.  We will be outside for our parade.  Our plan is to start the parade with our Kindergarten classes.  We will walk through the building picking up each class and exit door  # 8(5th grade doors).  We will walk around the inside perimeter of the playground fence, and then down the way to enter through the office main door- the best place to stand and watch would be on the outer perimeter of the fence, and along the sidewalk to the office.    Each class will then proceed back to their classrooms

It’s beginning to look a lot like…. Halloween

From the PTA

Happy Friday, Caring Cougar Families!

Lots of skating Cougars had a great time last night!

Teacher Professional Development Dates

This year, the district calendar reflects 8 half-days of teacher PD that is required by the state.  Those PD dates feature no school in the afternoon, 11:40 dismissal.  The dates for October/November are as follows:

10/31     11/8

Enhancement Millage Information

Full Letter on millage:

regional-education-enhancement-millage-letter-to-school-community

Voice Volunteers

Arno is still in need of Voice Volunteers to work with students throughout the building.  I have attached the page below that would need to be filled out and sent in to the office.  The info sheet does have to run through the state iChat site for a background check.  After receiving approval from the district, you would be scheduled to come in and work with kids  We appreciate all of the support we receive at Arno!!

voice

CHECK THEM OUT ON THE WEB

Exciting news from the world wide web!  Check out all of our teacher blogs/sites for more information

Mrs. Watson

Mrs. Martinchick

Mrs. Schultz

Mrs. Kalis

Mrs. Warneck

Mrs. Wesley

Mrs. Higgins

Mrs. Kalis

Mrs. Jensen

Mrs. Boyer

Mrs. Bennett

Mrs. Trapani

Mrs. Solak

Mrs. Byrne

 All staff websites or blogs are listed in the Blogroll on the right side of this blog’s main page.  Keep up the great work in creating a web presence for your classrooms!

Dr. Hall Treats Our 4th Grade to some Read-Alouds… 

Fun and Educational times for our Cougars…

AP Fire Safety Assembly in action!

 3rd grade recently went the River Raisin Battle Field

4th Grade uses Kahoot, an online program, to study for Social Studies

4th graders creating circuits in science

Richard Paul presents Arno with a fun and educational anti-bullying program

Coming soon to Arno…

Oct. 24

No events

Oct. 25

3rd grade to River Raisin

Oct. 26

No events

Oct. 27

Principal’s meeting 9:00

Fire Prevention Assembly 9:00 K-3

Bully Prevention Assembly

K-2    1:30-2:15

3-5     2:30-3:15

Skating Party 6:00

Oct. 28

Welcome Back PTA rewards

From the Arno PTA

Happy Friday Cougar Families,

A few reminders:

Next Wednesday, October 26th, we have our Applebee’s Fundraiser at the Allen Park Applebee’s.  A No-Hassle way to take your family out for dinner and help support your PTA!

Thursday, October 28, from 6-8pm we have our first skating party at Skateland of Woodhaven! Come on out and skate, glide, dance, trip, and stumble through a night of fun!

Our Gumball Challenge is kicking up and almost coming to an end. It is a close race between classes. Get your Membership Forms in to add more gum to your class machines! A more detailed update will become available next week!

Our next PTA Meeting is coming up soon, Thursday, November 3rd at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria! Come check out what is going on and what we will be doing with all the Fun Run money!

We really could not be more grateful and thankful for all the hard work that went into the Fun Run! The rewards for the top performers are as follows:

Each Grade Level Winner will get a limousine ride with Mr. Zielinski to lunch at a restaurant in the area. For 3rd Grade, there was a tie, so both students will get to go out to lunch! For the overall student winner he will get to be, “Principal for the Day!” The Class Winner will receive a Pizza Party.
And without further ado….YOUR 2016 FUN RUN RESULTS AND WINNERS…..(Drumroll Please…)

Classroom Leaderboard

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!! Details about the lunch will become available in the next couple of weeks! Remember to check the Arno Elementary PTA Facebook page for updates and events, as well as, past school blog posts.

Have a Great Weekend!

Enhancement Millage Information

Full Letter on millage:

regional-education-enhancement-millage-letter-to-school-community

THANK YOU DTE Energy!

Our 4th grade students loved the presentation on ENERGY and greatly appreciated the TAKE ACTION KIT that was passed out to each student to bring home and share with their parents.

CHECK THEM OUT ON THE WEB

More happenings in Arno…

Coming soon to Arno…

Oct. 17

No events

Oct. 18

4th Grade DTE presentation 12:00

Oct. 19

School Improvement Meeting 3:45

Oct. 20

No events

Oct. 21

No events

Arno PTA

Happy Friday!!! Is it Thanksgiving yet because we have SO MUCH to be Thankful for!

http://pix.sfly.com/qRKMRA3g

Last Minute Fun Run donation directions

Click on  http://www.thegetmovincrew.com/

Vinnie is ready for the teacher match!!

Red Wing’s Share Positive Message

Arno had a special visit from the Red Wing’s Assembly Program yesterday with the positive messages of a good educations, and dedication towards exercise and healthy eating habits.  The program also passed out prizes and included an awesome hockey 1:1 shoot out between teachers and students- the students walked with victory with a 3-1 win!!!

Student Dismissal

As of Monday, October 17th, all students must exit their designated class door. This is in an effort to keep the hallways clear during dismissal time. Cougar Tracks Club will be starting soon and they meet in the hallway. This club can have up to 100 members. In turn, students with siblings must exit with their class out their designated door. Please make arrangements with your child as to whether they are going to walk outside to their sibling’s door or have a designated meeting spot.  Thank you so much in advance for your cooperation in this matter. This will hopefully alleviate hallway congestion.

Updates regarding Halloween at Arno Elementary.

• Monday, October 31st.
• 10:30 AM.  Halloween Parade.  Outside
• Classroom teacher will communicate with you if they are having any events to follow

Costumes:

• Students will wear their costumes to school.
• All costumes must be school appropriate
• No play guns or weapons of any kind
• Please do not allow your child to wear a mask.  Masks tend to slip causing a possible trip and fall accident / injury.

Parade Path:

• Weather permitting.  We will be outside for our parade.  Our plan is to start the parade with our Kindergarten classes.  We will walk through the building picking up each class and exit door  # 8(5th grade doors).  We will walk around the inside perimeter of the playground fence, and then down the way to enter through the office main door- the best place to stand and watch would be on the outer perimeter of the fence, and along the sidewalk to the office.    Each class will then proceed back to their classrooms.

Teacher Professional Development Dates

This year, the district calendar reflects 8 half-days of teacher PD that is required by the state.  Those PD dates feature no school in the afternoon, 11:40 dismissal.  The dates for October are as follows:

10/31     11/8

From Camp…

Good afternoon,

Pie Fundraiser order forms and money are due Friday, October 21st.  Please make one check payable to Arno Elementary.

Also, please send back the orange “Intent to Go to Camp” form along with the first payment of $50 by Friday, October 21st.  Checks should be made to Arno.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Mrs. Hool

Coming soon to Arno…

Oct. 10

Reflections Contest Kickoff

Oct. 11

Fire Drill 1:30

Oct. 12

Half Day- dismissal @11:40 Teacher PD

Oct. 13

Red Wings Assembly

Oct. 14

No events

From the PTA

Have a great weekend!

classroom-goal-update

Cougar Run Club News

open-house-run-club-flyer-2016

Updates regarding Halloween at Arno Elementary.

• Monday, October 31st.
• 10:30 AM.  Halloween Parade.  Outside
• Classroom teacher will communicate with you if they are having any events to follow

Costumes:

• Students will wear their costumes to school.
• All costumes must be school appropriate
• No play guns or weapons of any kind
• Please do not allow your child to wear a mask.  Masks tend to slip causing a possible trip and fall accident / injury.

Parade Path:

• Weather permitting.  We will be outside for our parade.  Our plan is to start the parade with our Kindergarten classes.  We will walk through the building picking up each class and exit door  # 8(5th grade doors).  We will walk around the inside perimeter of the playground fence, and then down the way to enter through the office main door- the best place to stand and watch would be on the outer perimeter of the fence, and along the sidewalk to the office.    Each class will then proceed back to their classrooms.

Student Attendance

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.

RtP_Attendance

Teacher Professional Development Dates

This year, the district calendar reflects 8 half-days of teacher PD that is required by the state.  Those PD dates feature no school in the afternoon, 11:40 dismissal.  The dates for October are as follows:

10/12        10/31

Coming soon to Arno,

Oct. 3

Super Cougar Lunch

Oct. 4

No events

Oct 5

State Count Day- Please try to be sure your child is in school

Oct 6

Fall Picture Day

PTA Meeting 6:30

Oct 7

PTA FUN RUN 

Congratulations!!!

What exciting news Arno received this past Monday.  Our first grade teacher, Mrs. Dawn Watson received a “Teacher of the Week” Award from WNIC after being nominated by a parent.  After finding out she won, Mrs. Watson had this to say  “I am honored that one of my students nominated me for the WNIC Teacher of the Week.  It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with the students at Arno. We get to learn, love and laugh together everyday!  I get to see their faces light up and their big smiles when they’re successful. I get to help them when they struggle, pick them up when they fall, hug them when they’re not well and guide them through learning challenges. I am a lucky teacher indeed!  In addition to working with my wonderful 1st grade classroom family I have THE BEST 1st grade teaching team and colleagues in the field. It is an honor to receive recognition for doing the work that I love and I look forward to celebrating with my colleagues and classroom family when WNIC comes to visit us on Thursday morning.”  Congratulations Mrs. Watson from the whole Arno family!!

PTA News

The Fun Run is one week away! We are hopeful more students will hit their goal in order to achieve our overall school goal. Please remind your families to donate this weekend! Donations are accepted online or by sending cash/checks into the school office clearly labeled “Fun Run” with your students name and teacher so they can get credit. Remember every student who collects a pledge will get a prize!

As of now team Martinchick is in the lead with Watson & Amonette as the closest classrooms chasing after them! We are humbly greatful for the generosity of the donations submitted so far!

Fourth Annual Arno Fun Run

The PTA and school community are excited for this event on Friday, October 7 .

On Line Donations

We hope that you are finding the Get Movin’ Crew on-line donation website easy to use and are able to share with friends and family.  We are on track to meet our goals for this year and are so grateful for all you are doing!  Go to http://www.thegetmovincrew.com/ and Click on the Star if you haven’t had a chance to register yet and share the message about our Caring Cougars Making Tracks.

PTA Mad Science Night

From the Dry Ice bubbles to Bernoulli’s Principals on air pressure, Arno students got a fun look at how science works in our world.  We had many families show up for the educational fun, and were able to enjoy cookies after the show compliments of the Arno PTA!

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 6 for picture day.  Information will be coming home soon.

Thank you for attending our Meet the Teacher Night 2016.

We are excited about the new school year and are looking forward to working together as a team!

This year,  330 students were represented by their parents!

Super Cougar Lunch

As part of our PBIS positive support this year, the principal will be having a pizza lunch with all the

Super Cougar winners each month through the year, as well giving each student a certificate.  Our first date is Oct. 3 at 11:00

Coming Soon to Arno…

Sept. 26

5th Grade Camp Parent Meeting @Performing Arts

Sept. 27

No events

Sept. 28

No events

Sept. 29

PTA Mad Science Night

Sept. 30

Tornado Drill 10:00

5th Grade Camp Meeting

If you currently have a 5th grader, please plan on attending the parent meeting on Monday, September 26 @7:00 at the Allen Park Center for the Arts. Hope to see you there! 

PTA News…

Happy Friday!

The preparation for Fourth Annual Arno Fun Run  is well underway.  The PTA and school community are excited for this event on Friday, October 7 .

On Line Donations

We hope that you are finding the Get Movin’ Crew on-line donation website easy to use and are able to share with friends and family.  We are on track to meet our goals for this year and are so grateful for all you are doing!  Go to http://www.thegetmovincrew.com/ and Click on the Star if you haven’t had a chance to register yet and share the message about our Caring Cougars Making Tracks.

Also, please remember to join us for all the fun this Thursday at the PTA Mad Science Night.  Info Below

 madsciencenight

Pop Can Tab Collection

Math In Focus

Some pics to take a look at Math in Focus across the grades- here we see our Cougars working with the new manipulative kits.

Italian Dinner 

A message from Kelly Meister,  the APHS PTSA VP.

We are hosting our annual Homecoming Italian Dinner next week, on September 30 from 5-6:30 pm at the high school.  Thank you for your support and I hope to see you at the Italian dinner!

buon-appetito

MTSS Community Letter

Please take a moment to read a letter to the community about Multi Tiered System of Support in AP.

mtss-introduction-letter-to-elementary-parents-sept-20-2016

Homework Help

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 6 for picture day.  Information will be coming home soon.

Coming Soon to Arno…

Sept. 19

Superintendent’s Forum (see below)

Sept. 20

Superintendent’s Forum

Sept. 21

Fire Drill 12:00

SIP Meeting 3:45

Sept. 22

Ne events

Sept. 23

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

Meet the Teacher

Thanks to all of our Arno families for coming out to our Open House!  It was so wonderful to see so many of families come out to hear information from your child’s classroom, we appreciate the support!  The hallways were lined with great projects and I am very proud of all of our Cougars.  If you were unable to attend, please be sure to contact your child’s teacher to receive any information that was covered that night.

PTA News

WAY TO GO CARING COUGARS!

We had a FANTASTIC turnout at Meet the Teacher Night tonight! Thank you to all of our wonderful, supportive volunteers! We could not have done it without you!

Our WelGUM back challenge is off to a good start! We are so grateful to all of the families that have turned in membership forms! If you haven’t turned yours in yet, don’t worry, you still have time! Ask your child’s teacher for one or you may also pick them up in the school office!

Mad Science night is coming up and flyers went home this week. We’re looking forward to hosting this educational family event for the first time at Arno! Turn in your RSVP to your child’s teacher soon! You won’t want to miss it!

Fun Run registrations have launched! This is the MAIN FUNdraiser for the PTA! Remember it’s free to register your student and it really only takes about 2 minutes! All registered students with donations will receive a prize encouraging healthy living, so don’t delay and get your child registered this weekend! If you have questions on this event be sure to contact the PTA at:

arnopta@gmail.com or on FB “Arno Elementary PTA”.

We have lots of exciting things planned for our Arno Caring Cougar Community this year!

From around the building….

New District Assessment 

Allen Park Schools, in trying to better identify students who may be struggling and in need of intervention will be implementing an assessment called DIBELS at all elementary buildings starting next week. The measures are designed to be short (1-3 minutes) and can be used as a universal screener, as well as a progress monitoring tool. The purpose is to identify students at-risk of not meeting grade level reading benchmarks and to provide such students targeted supports immediately.

This year, we will be administering the DIBELS in grades K-5. The number of tests per student will vary based on grade level.  A team of trained staff will be administering the DIBELS this fall, winter, and spring.  Please read the article below for more information.

dibelsparentguide

First Grade Turns Orange

Our first graders had fun this first full week reviewing colors, and wearing them!

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!!

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 6 for picture day.  Information will be coming home soon.

Dear APPS Families~

Are you or someone you know seeking employment?  If so, consider joining the APPS Team; currently we have openings for bus drivers, lunch paraprofessionals and are always in need of substitute workers in the areas of: food service staff, custodians, teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals/aides and secretarial support.

 Please note that the training required for the open bus driver positions is at no cost to the employee, and the employee will be compensated for their time during the course of the training.

Please see attached for more info about substitute employment in all areas!

Please contact Mr. Dawson, Director of Human Resources, at dawson@appublicschools.com to inquire about the open bus driver or lunch paraprofessional positions.

Thank you!

Superintendent Search- Community Forums Info

community-forum-schedule

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!!

HEALTH ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Need Help with Health Insurance Enrollment for Medicaid or CHIP

Coming up at Arno…

September 12

No events

September 13

Lockdown Drill 10:00

September 14

No events

September 15

Title 1 Parent Night 6:30

Meet the Teacher Night 7:00-8:00

September 16

No events

Meet Our New Staff 

Last week we introduced two of our staff members, Cristina DiCarlo and Erin Higgins.  This week, we are excited to share introductions from Nickie Stanley and Kristin Tillery.

Nickie Stanley

My name is Nickie Stanley, I am a new kindergarten teacher this year at Arno! I am currently seeking my master’s degree at Wayne State in Early Childhood Education/Special Education, my undergraduate degree is from the University of Detroit Mercy and I am a certified Elementary Teacher (K-5). This is my third year teaching kindergarten… I LOVE my job!  

The last two years I taught kindergarten at both Bennie and Lindemann. I am so excited for this new school year, and to get to know the students, staff and families at Arno Elementary. I am from the Dearborn area, however I went to Cabrini High School in AP. I am so happy to be in a place that myself, and that so many friends and family call home.  Thank you for welcoming me! 

Kristin Tillery

Hi Everyone! My name is Kristin Tillery and I’m excited to be joining the Arno Staff this year as part of the second grade teaching team. I graduated from Wayne State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I completed my student teaching in fifth grade at Geer Park Elem. in Dearborn and continued to substitute teach here within the Allen Park Public School District. During the 2015-2016 school year I completed a long term at Lindemann and Bennie Elem. as the Physical Education teacher. I am extremely happy and proud to work within this great community and feel very grateful to be a part of the Arno staff. I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you as the school year progresses.

First Day Off to a Great Start…

 What a great start to the school year we had!  It was wonderful to see all of our families returning to school on Wednesday, with much anticipation of all of the awesome experiences we are all going to share throughout the year.  From catching up with friends at the first lunch and recess, to our PBIS assembly in the gym, there was excitement in the air that charged everyone up for all the learning to come.  Welcome Back!

Enjoy some pics from our first week…

Meet the Teacher

Be sure to mark Sept. 15 on your calendar for our Meet the Teacher night.   This is a wonderful opportunity to come to Arno and meet your child’s teacher,  hear about grade level curriculum, classroom policies, and important classroom information.

The evening starts at 7:00 and runs until 8:00 p.m.in your child’s classroom.

Please call 313-827-1050 if you have any questions.

See you there!

PTA News

We’re Teaming Up with The Get  Movin’ Crew for the Arno Fun Run Friday, October 7, 2016

 All students will participate with their friends on the day of the

Summer Reading Program…

Our summer reading program for students, Whoooo’ s Reading had a lot of participation with many books read by students.  While our fundraiser amount is still being calculated, we are excited to announce that some students in Mrs. Pushman’s and Mrs. Solak’s class are the top summer readers and will receive a pizza party.   Those are the students that had Mrs. Pushman and Mrs. Solak last school year, not this year’s current class.  Their pizza party will be Wed. Sept 14 during lunch, a note will come home if your child is part of the lunch.  Thanks to everyone for summer reading effort!

District Elementary School 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 or headscarves are not to be worn in the building and must be kept in the student’s cubby or locker during the school 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. 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/MME Parent Report Video

Our M-STEP parent reports are in we are getting ready to send them out by September 19 by US mail, please be sure to look for those reports at that point.  For more information on how to read those reports, please see the important information below.

How To Read Student Report

Your student M-STEP report will be mailed home later this month.

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!!

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 6 for picture day.  Information will be coming home soon.

Superintendent Search- Community Forums Info

community-forum-schedule

HEALTH ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE

Need Help with Health Insurance Enrollment for Medicaid or CHIP

Welcome Back to the 2016-17 School Year!!

On behalf of the entire Arno staff, I would like to welcome all of our wonderful families back to another great school year!  I would also like to extend a warm welcome to those families who are new to our building this year, a truly remarkable year awaits you.  We are very excited to get started with much anticipation of Cougar success.  This year, students will be introduced to our new Math series- Math in Focus, also known as Singapore math.

The district chose to adopt this math series after teachers piloted several different programs and chose the one that matched best to the Common Core standards and 21st century learning.  Over the course of the year, we will provide many supports for students and parents to help build knowledge on the new series.  If it is one thing I learned in my first year here- Cougars can do anything!

Beyond the new math, we are continuing to build in new supports overall for all our kids through a multi-tiered approach to ensuring the core program for all, with interventions and enrichment where needed.  From our PTA Science night in September, to our traditional Olympics and Fun Fair- this promises to be a banner year at Arno!

—Stephen Zielinski

Proud Principal of Arno

Coming up at Arno…

Sept. 6

Teachers Report

Sept. 7

Welcome Back!!

Opening Day PBIS assemblies p.m.

Sept 8

First PTA meeting 6:30

Sept 9

Fire Drill a.m.

Next Week…

Sept 12

No events

Sept 13

Lock down Drill 10:00

Sept. 14

PBIS meeting 3:45

Sept 15

Title 1 parent meeting 6:30

Meet the Teacher 7:00 & 7:30

Sept 16

Nothing Scheduled

Staff Changes for 2016-2017

We are excited to introduce new staff members to the Arno family this year- Cristina DiCarlo (Kindergarten), Nickie Stanley (Kindergarten), Erin Higgins (Fourth grade) and Kristin Tillery (Second grade/In for Mrs. Brown).  These teachers come to us with multiple years of experience and bring with them the skills necessary to provide Arno students with an excellent education.  Please read Christina and Erin’s biographies below for more on our new additions.  Ms Stanley’s and Mrs. Tillery’s bio will be coming soon.

It is also with regret that we say goodbye to Tracy Walkup, fourth grade.  Tracy and her family followed their heart back to home in Tennessee  where she plans on getting another teaching position.  The entire Arno family wishes her well and hopes that she enjoys her new adventures.

One final change is the addition of a 5th special this school year.  Carrie Solak (former fourth grade) will be taking on a new role housed in our computer lab as Media Tech class.  This class will explore digital citizenship, collaboration, creativity and and critical thinking with technology as the spring board.  Book checkout will still occur, but will now be within the Media Literature special taught by Colleen Byrne and will be housed in the media center.

For a complete staff listing, please read further into the blog.

Meet the New Folks…

Hello! My name is Cristina DiCarlo and I will be joining the Arno staff as one of the new Kindergarten teachers. I graduated from the University of Michigan- Dearborn with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as earning my ZS Endorsement. While working toward my degree, I was a lead preschool teacher at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Early Childhood Education Center. I completed my student teaching at Bennie Elementary School and then continued to substitute teach within the Allen Park Public School district. Prior to coming to Arno Elementary, I taught 2nd grade at St. Frances Cabrini Elementary School for two years. I’m truly grateful to be a part of such an amazing community and I cannot wait to meet with you all. I look forward to an exciting school year and new adventure!

Hello!  My name is Erin Higgins.  I am very excited to join the Arno Staff as a fourth grade teacher.  My teaching experiences range from Kindergarten through 5th grade.  I graduated from Eastern Michigan University, with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 2006.  In 2010, I received an Early Childhood Endorsement from the University of Michigan – Dearborn.  I was a substitute teacher, a Title 1 teacher, and even a Library and Media Teacher before becoming a classroom teacher.  I have spent the last 3 years teaching 4th and 5th grade.

I can’t wait to work with the Arno staff, students and parents.  I am looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year at Arno Elementary!

New Line-up Procedures…

After much consideration and in unison with Bennie and Lindemann, we are instituting an indoor line-up daily policy regardless of weather.  There have been many safety issues over the course of the year throughout the district.  Moving students indoor alleviates standing cars, as well as illegally parked cars.   This should also assist in traffic flow and students will be safely inside the building.  The specifics…

• The first day of school, line-up will be OUTSIDE their assigned door.
• Indoor line-up starts September 8th
• Outside doors are closed and will be opened at 8:20 daily for students to enter for indoor lineup, not before that time, however
• Breakfast doors still open at 8:05
• Students should still report to their assigned outside door to enter the building
• Parents will not 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 after waiting in the hall

PAWS helped wrap up 2015-16

Our final PBIS reward of the year culminated in an  appearance from PAWS from the Detroit Tigers!  He was there to act alongside a reading of Casey at Bat.  The kids had a great time with PAWS showing off his silly side, and it served as a great way to say “thanks” to our students for showing what makes Cougar Pride throughout the year.

Math in Focus Parent Resources:

In addition to supporting students in our new math program, we will also focus on providing parents with additional information to better assist you at home when question arise.
Parents are encouraged to use the resources below throughout the year. The Parent Resource Videos are meant to provide a framework for success at home, as well as at school.

Parent Resource Videos:

Arno Staff 2016-2017

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!!

2016-17 School Information

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

School day for students:  8:30-3:30

Latch key hours:                  7:00-8:30

                                                      3:30-6:00

Student arrival time:          8:20

Half-Day dismissal              11:40

*If your student participates in the breakfast program, breakfast starts serving at 8:10.

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

Student Attendance

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.

RtP_Attendance

Teacher Professional Development Dates

This year, the district calendar reflects 8 half-days of teacher PD that is required by the state.  Those PD dates feature no school in the afternoon, 11:40 dismissal.  The dates for this school year are as follows:

10/12        10/31        11/8        12/7        1/18        2/1        3/8        3/22

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/ReducedApplication

Meet the Teacher

Be sure to mark Sept. 15 on your calendar for our Meet the Teacher night.   This is a wonderful opportunity to come to Arno and meet your child’s teacher,  hear about grade level curriculum, classroom policies, and important classroom information.

The evening starts at 7:00 and runs until 8:00 p.m.in your child’s classroom.   

Please call 313-827-1050 if you have any questions.

See you there!

Put On Your Smile…

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 1 for picture day.  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, etc are acceptable alternatives.  Thank you for your support!!

Coming up at Arno…

Final Week… (Final Blog Post for this school year)

June 13

Board Meeting honoring PTA presidents 7:00

Trionfi to Boccabella Park

9:45 Bowling 1st Grade

2:00 PAWS visit for PBIS

June 14

1/2 Day- Dismiss 11:40

Super Cougar Tea 9:00

June 15

1/2 Day- Dismiss 11:40

Kindergarten Picnic

Warneck and Kalis to Boccabella Park

June  16

1/2 Day- Dismiss 11:40

LAST day for students

5th Grade Celebration 9:00

June 17

Last day for teachers

June 23

Office Closes

It has been my pleasure to spend this first year at Arno as your principal.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the warm welcomes, friendly faces, and support I received from students, parents, and staff.  I am truly blessed to have been in such a place that cares so deeply about education, and each other.  As I reflect on the year, I have seen first hand the “whatever it takes” attitude throughout our halls in helping every one of our kids learn.   Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your child’s education and many blessings onto you for the next school year.

Thank you,

Stephen Zielinski, Principal 

You know its the end of the year when…

If the entire class gets 100% on any assignment, Mr Creutz made an agreement to do something fun.   This is the first class that actually cashed in on the promise when they successfully completed a social studies assignment 100% across the board.  see if you can guess what he had to do…

In case you missed it…

We had the pleasure of having current graduating students, who were also former Arno students,  march through our halls one last time to the sound of loud applause.   Some of the seniors even found a hand print on the wall that they painted so many years ago.  Congratulations to all of our AP High School graduating seniors.

No Backpacks please…

Please note that students may continue to carry backpacks through Monday, June 13.  They will no longer be allowed for the next 3 half days leading up to the last day.

Last week’s Schedule

Please remember that we have three half-days on June 14, 15, and 16.  Dismissal time is 11:40 each day, there is no lunch served on any of those days- breakfast continues as normal.  Latchkey service is available on those half-days.

5th Grade Leadership

Recently, a note went home to 4th graders asking them for 3 choices of leadership positions in the building, safety, mentor, and broadcast.  Please understand that we did our best to place kids, but it may not have been their first choice.  All of the roles are very important here, so we try to strike a balance for each area.  Thank you to everyone who opted for a position.

Arno Tentative Staff Schedule for 2016-2017

We are going to giving a big Arno welcome to Nickie Stanley, in kindergarten from Bennie.  Nickie is an excellent teacher and we are excited to bring her on staff for our kindergarten team.  On the opposite, we will be saying goodbye to Ashley Liedel and Samantha Yesh.  They have served the Arno kindergarten well over the past years and there skills will be missed.  Mrs. Liedel and Ms. Yesh are moving over to the Bennie Kindergarten program.

In addition, a new media technology special has been created by the district for students to learn 21st century literacy skills in technology.  Carrie Solak (former 4th grade) has been assigned that post.

The rest of the general and special education staff roster is below.

4th grade takes to the sea… 

Color Run Fun…

The skies were sunny and it turned out to be a perfect day to run around a get a splash of color doing.  We had a great turnout, over 200 parents and kids showed up for the fun.

Poetry Pals Field Trip