Weekly Update 11/12

 Dear Wines Families, 

We got our first taste of winter this week, though it looks like we’ll be back into the 60’s over the weekend. This is a great time to remind everyone that we go outside as long as the windchill is 0 degrees or above. This means we will go outside nearly every day this winter and so kids need to come to school ready to go outside daily. It is a great idea to label hats and gloves as those tend to fill our Lost and Found. When my mom was a principal, she recommended that instead of sending expensive gloves to school, families should consider buying multiple pairs of cheap gloves at the discount store that can go on either hand. If you buy multiple pairs of the same color, then when one goes missing, you don’t have to replace the whole pair. They aren’t quite as warm as ski gloves, but for recess they work great. When my boys were at Wines, that is what we did and it was a great decision for our family. 

Miller Construction Continues

The Miler construction project will continue at least until Nov. 22. Thank you to everyone for your patience as we are limited to one entrance/exit. Things are going about as well as we can hope for considering the amount of traffic. Please be sure to pull up as far as possible so more traffic can drop off/pick up and by this time of the school year we are hopeful that kids can exit and enter the car without adults needing to get out to support. 

Easy Ways to Support Wines  

Did you know you, friends, and family members can earn money to support Wines with everyday purchases?

• Minted.com - Use Wines’ code ‘FUNDRAISEWINES’ at minted.com and enjoy 20% off at checkout ALL YEAR , Wines PTO receives 10% of all purchases! Share the code!

• Grocery Store rewards programs - Link your Busch’s, Kroger, and Ann Arbor Farms account to Wines for community rewards. Instructions here. 

• Boxtops - Boxtops educational savings is now digital! Use the iOS or Android app to scan your receipt to earn savings for Wines PTO. 

• Corporate Matches - Double your donations with your company.Reach out to winesptotreasurer@gmail.com if you don’t see an eligible match.  

Curious what the PTO spends money on? Check out our ‘About us’ page at ptowines.org or drop by for our next PTO meeting! 

It's Time to Submit your GREAT IDEA for Wines!

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, four square court, technology for listening centers, playground balls, upgraded sandbox, ukuleles, and more! Submit your Great Idea Grants Application Form by Dec 5th! Recipients will be announced before the holiday break. 

For questions or more information contact: Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com.

Wines Equity Committee Meet & Greet 11/14

Are you interested in learning more about the Wines Equity Committee? This group of staff and community caregivers are committed to building an inclusive school environment. As a staff, we meet monthly to discuss ways to incorporate student belonging and identity into the everyday at Wines. Last year, we opened the committee to parents and caregivers who are interested in participating in this work. We welcome more interested caregivers to join us this Friday morning at 8:00 AM in the Wines Library for an informal meet and greet. Come meet the committee, hear what we're all about, and find out how you can get involved!

A large group of kids across all grade levels at Wines have been participating in an after school drama club. They are now ready to perform! See the flyer above for show times right here at Wines next weekend.

Need Family Support? 

With changes/delays in SNAP benefits and the holiday season coming up, we know that there are families in our community who could benefit from some financial support. I’m thrilled to announce that incredible PTO has made funds available to support our community. This support is completely confidential. If your family can benefit from this support, please contact me directly at deyoung@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

David