Welcome Back to the 2017-18 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 continue to work on our newer Math series- Math in Focus, also known as Singapore math, as well get many new challenges in reading, writing, science, and social studies.
We are also continuing to build our multi-tiered approach to ensuring the core program for all, with interventions and enrichment where needed. From our PTA Fun Run 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 soon to Arno…
Sept 4
Labor Day- No School
Sept 5
First Day of School
A.M. Classes only- DISMISSAL 11:40
Teacher PD in p.m.
Sept 6
Full day of school
Sept 7
PBIS stations
PTA Meeting 6:30
Sept 8
Fire Drill
And Beyond…
Sept 11
No events
Sept 12
Lockdown Drill
Sept 13
PBIS Meeting 7:45
Sept 14
Meet the Teacher 7:00
Title I Annual Meeting 6:30
Sept 15
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
Staff Changes for 2017-2018
We are excited to introduce new staff members to the Arno family this year- Andrea Alvarez (Speech) Cassie Harrison (ECP), and Sarah Andersen in 5th grade. These teachers come to us with multiple experiences and bring with them the skills necessary to provide Arno students with an excellent education. Please read Sarah’s and Andrea’s biography below for more on our new additions (Stay tuned for Cassie’s next blog).
Sarah Andersen
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Sarah Andersen, I am a new 5th grade teacher this year at Arno! My undergraduate degree is from Eastern Michigan University and I am a certified Elementary Teacher (K-5). I have had the wonderful opportunity to work for the district for the last ten years, and have spent much of my time at Lindemann over the last several years.
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 Allen Park, and am an Allen Park High School graduate. I am so happy to be working in a community that I have always called home. Thank you for welcoming me!
Andrea Alvarez
I started her career as a social worker working on life skills with youth and families in Southwest Detroit. Some time later, I furthered my education and earned a degree in speech-language pathology from Wayne State University. As a speech-language pathologist, I have worked with a variety of ages spanning from pre-school through high school. I also have experience working with students who spend most of their time in a general education setting and also students that are in a center-based program.
I am thrilled to be joining the Arno team, and to meet all the students, as well as to an outstanding school year.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
NEW FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
UPDATE MiSTAR PARENT CONNECTION – CONTACT INFORMATION
As our district continues to build towards more and more digital communications in the future, it is important that you take a moment to update your contact information in MiStar. Under the “My Information” tab at the top right, you will now be able to update:
- Email address for parents/guardians
- Phone contacts for parents/guardians
- Primary phone number – “Under Student Demographics”
o This is the phone number used for automated phone notifications.
o If you wish to receive text messages from the district, please select “SMS Cellular” as the “Telephone Type” for your primary phone number or other parent/guardian phone contacts.
- Emergency Contact Updates (Authorizing release of your student)
Info on Parent Connect from the district website:
You must have a PIN and Password to log into ParentConnection. ParentConnection is a web program that allows parents to view information about their child.
To receive a PIN and passwords for ParentConnection contact your child’s school.
If you have more than one account to view your children, please contact the school office.
Make sure to insert your email after logging into ParentConnection. Inserting your email will allow you to access the automated password reminder system.
From the PTA
Welcome Back! We hope everyone had an enjoyable Summer filled with lots of fun events!
The PTA has been planning our School Year events and here are some of the upcoming dates that you won’t want to miss!
️
August 31st we will launch our new Spiritwear design at our New Family Day! Come check out our newest design and purchase a shirt for Back To School! We will also have Membership Applications on hand and will be able to answer any of your questions about the PTA! We’re excited to see everyone!
️
September 7th at 6:30 marks our FIRST PTA Meeting of the year! All meetings are held in the Arno Cafeteria and includes free babysitting for school aged children. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
️We are looking for a few volunteers to help out with some of our first events: Welcome Back Bagels and Coffee and a few Veteran Members to help those new to our school community navigate the halls the First Day. Please contact the PTA on our Facebook Page (Arno Elementary PTA) or send us an email to:
arnopta@gmail.com. We thank you for your support!
We look forward to seeing everyone soon and meeting some new faces as well! Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Arno Staff 2017-18
| Kindergarten |
Jeanine Haskin |
| Kindergarten |
Nikki Stanley |
| Kindergarten |
Cristina DiCarlo |
| First Grade |
Julie Martinchick |
| First Grade |
Barb Pushman |
| First Grade |
Dawn Watson |
| Second Grade |
Nicole Amonette |
| Second Grade |
Jennifer Brown |
| Second Grade |
Megan Schultz |
| Third Grade |
Beth Wesley |
| Third Grade |
Renee Guyot |
| Third Grade |
Rachel Warneck |
| Fourth Grade |
Sarah Kalis |
| Fourth Grade |
Lisa Smalley |
| Fourth Grade |
Brian Trionfi |
| Fifth Grade |
Todd Creutz |
| Fifth Grade |
Melissa Hool |
| Fifth Grade |
Erin Higgins |
| Fifth Grade |
Sarah Andersen |
| Cross Categorical Classroom |
Katie Jensen |
| Cassie Harrison |
ECP Program |
| Life Skills |
Stella Boyer |
| Title 1 Arno/Bennie |
Cathy Gorski |
| Media Lit Arno/Bennie |
Colleen Bryne |
| Media Tech Arno/Bennie |
Carrie Solak |
| Art Arno/Bennie |
Elisabeth Cunningham |
| Art Arno/Lindemann |
Rachel Trapani |
| Speech |
Andrea Alvarez |
| Vocal Music |
Tracy Hoffman |
| Instrumental/Vocal Music |
Jeff Skebo |
| Physical Education Arno/Bennie |
Jenny Dalton |
| Social Work Arno/Bennie |
Sandy Bennett |
| Resource Room |
Michelle Sbonek |
| Reading Specialist |
Barb Chuby |
Principal Steve Zielinski: @szArno
3rd Grade Reading Law
This past year, the legislature passed what is known as the Third Grade Reading Law. This new law has many moving parts, see below for more info:
- K-3 parents have to be notified if their child has a reading deficiency starting this year
- Any student below grade level on reading (deficient) must have a school and home reading plan for success
- By 2019-20 school year, any 3rd grade student one year or more below grade level as measured by a state assessment will be retained. This year’s first graders will be the first group in third grade to be affected.
- There are a number of ways to exempt the student from retention ie. parent waiver, shows better results on another local assessment, etc.
We will be developing the proper forms and meeting the requirements starting this year. As always, we will provide quality instruction and interventions for all of our Arno students. If you would like more information, please visit: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/10/08/third-grade-reading-retention-bill-now-law-what-parents-need-to-know/
Line-up Procedures…
Line up procedures will remain the same as last year with indoor lineup with the exception of the first day of school– students will line up outside the grade level doors. Indoor lineup will start on the second day of school.
- The first day of school, line-up will be OUTSIDE their assigned door.
- Indoor line-up starts September 6th
- 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
5 Ways to Have a Great First Day Back to School
You’ve read other lists, but here’s the REAL advice from ACTUAL teachers on how to prepare yourself and your child for a new school year:
- Encourage a work/play balance. Most parents don’t know that teachers actually want our students to have a comfortable work/play balance at home; meaning, we don’t want your child’s entire night devoted solely to reading and homework. GASP! No, it’s the TRUTH. Run outside, join a club, play sports, try a new board game, help cook in the kitchen, make a craft, design, build, create – these activities actually help facilitate learning so leave time for them….PLEASE!
- How is your child going home? We will (frantically) ask your child 720283465 times during the 1st day of school, ‘how are you getting home?’ This is by far the most challenging part of the first day; making sure each brand new face gets to their designated place (I’m officially coining that phrase). After care, bus (including number or color and destination), bus after care, walker, car, or bike rider? Know your plan and keep it consistent for week 1. Make sure your child feels confident that they know exactly how they’re getting home, whose getting them there, whose going with them (siblings or friends), and what will change if we’re involved in a rainy day dismissal situation.
- Start a NEW back-to-school tradition. Make the first day of school more than memorable for your family. Go out for ice cream, have a picnic at your favorite park, take a walk on the beach, or enjoy dinner out. THIS is the beginning of a new year – set goals, make plans, and enjoy the newness of the fresh new year!
- Ask TARGETED questions. Instead of “How was your day?” try these questions that are more likely to solicit better conversation about your child’s school day. “What skill did you learn in math?” “What books did you read/listen to?” “What did you work on in fine arts?” “Who did you play with at recess?” Please I beg of you…never, EVER, under any circumstances, email, text, or utter the following words to your child’s teacher….”he said that you guys did nothing today”.
- Set technology boundaries. Implement a time limit (1-2 hours a day) and encourage breaks (every 30 minutes). Establish rules for who your child can message or chat with and encourage the use of the golden rule while using social media or chatting sites. You can delete, but you never fully erase the words you type to someone. Secure your child’s access by blocking inappropriate sites and using Google’s safe search. Your school district’s website will have teacher approved websites that are designed to reinforce skills taught in the classroom.
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!!
2017-18 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
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. 14 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 October 5 for picture day, retakes will be on Nov. 16. Information will be coming home soon.
Although we cherish every birthday here at Arno, we wanted to remind everyone that birthday food treats are not allowed and will not be brought down to the classroom. Pencils, bookmarks, etc are acceptable alternatives. Thank you for your support!!
