Final Blog for 2012-2013 School Year

Dear Wines Families,

It is hard to believe this is the last Weekly Blog of the year. It has been a wonderful year and while I look forward to a small bit of down time, I will miss seeing all of your children each day. This last email has a few important announcements.

Half-Day Friday
I want to remind everyone that Friday is a half-day of school with students being dismissed at 11:45 AM.

Medication Pick-Up
As you make plans for the end of your child's school year, please stop by the office to pick up any medications your child has kept at school this year. Medications may only be released to parents for pick up. If you anticipate needing medication at school next year, you may want to pick up a form from the office to have completed by your child's physician over the summer.

Country Fair Donation Acknowledgements
Thanks to the generous donations from the Wines community the Country Fair Raffle and Silent Auction were a huge success. Many of you donated time, money, and prizes. For those who donated cash or prizes directly to the raffle or silent auction the committee will be sending acknowledgement letters next week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement or if you donated to the class basket collections and would like to receive an acknowledgement for tax purposes please message winesptotreasurer@gmail.com.

From the Principal for the Day
Today Lewis McCammon is serving as Principal for the Day after winning the opportunity at the Raffle last week. As part of his tasks today, he has a message for the Weekly Blog. Here goes:

School is coming to an end. I hope we see you next year. Good luck fifth graders at your new school. Tell your kids to do their Think Stretch just a little every day. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING DURING THE SUMMER IS TO HAVE FUN!!!


Have a great summer.

David (and Lewis)

Weekly Blog 5/24

Dear Wines Families,
For those of you who frequently check this blog, I apologize that this information is a couple of days late!


Believe it or not, next week is “Country Fair and Raffle Week” with our annual year-end celebration taking place next Friday, May 31st from 6:00-8:30 (rain or shine--but we know it will be a shiny day!). Today’s message will be devoted entirely to important information about the Country Fair and Raffle. Please take a moment and read through this important information.

Ticket Sales

• Online Fair, Raffle, and food ticket sales are now available through May 26th at  winespto.org/raffle/tickets.php

• Ticket Pre-sales will also take place before and after school Tuesday through Friday of next week (May 28th -31st) at the Wines front doors. Of course, tickets will also be available the night of the Fair. Cash or Check only.

The Raffle and Silent Auction Book is Here!!!!

On Friday of this week your child will be coming home with the famous Raffle and Silent Auction Book with descriptions of all of the Raffle and Silent Auction items. I’ve had a chance to preview the book and there is certainly something for everyone this year! I also emailed everyone a PDF version of the book earlier this week.

Volunteers Still Needed

A big thanks to everyone who has already signed up! However, there are still lots of important opportunities for volunteers. We need your help to make the Fair a success! Below are links to volunteer spots by grade level.


http://vols.pt/Auf5HG
Kindergarten link

http://vols.pt/QPe4rn
1st grade link

http://vols.pt/rFFGSj
2nd grade link

http://vols.pt/zxmjG2
3rd grade link

http://vols.pt/PoV2VC
4th grade link

http://vols.pt/9Y4u1j
5th grade link

Contact Erin Telemaco 5telemaco@comcast.net if you have any questions or problems with the links.

Classroom Raffle Baskets

Classroom Raffle Basket items are due today. If you would like to donate an item you may send it in with your child. Each classroom has a collection box. The raffle committee will organize the items into baskets of goodies to be raffled off at the Country Fair on May 31. Grade level themes for baskets are:

      Kindergarten- Arts & Crafts

      1st Grade- Lego's

      2nd Grade- More Lego's

      3rd Grade- Camping, Swimming & Outdoor Fun

      4th Grade- Sports & Outdoor Fun

      5th Grade- It's A High Tech World

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions contact:

Stephanie Gensheimer- tsgensheimer@att.net

Linda Peppin- qpep@comcast.net


Thanks and enjoy a great Memorial Day Weekend!



David

Weekly Blog 5/15

Dear Wines Families,

As with most of my recent emails, this again will be a long one! As you know, our Country Fair and Raffle is coming up on May 31st and to put on a successful event, we have multiple organizing committees and we need EVERYONE’S help in some way. In today’s email you will receive information about ticket sales and sign up opportunities. In addition, please look for follow up emails this week that will be grade level specific requesting specific volunteer opportunities, donations, etc. It can be a bit confusing—particularly if you are a new family to our school. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the various organizers who are listed. (Much of the information below has been cut and pasted from various places, I apologize if the formatting doesn’t work out perfectly!)

Country Fair and Raffle Advanced and Online Ticket Sales
This year, families have the opportunity to buy food tickets, wristbands, and raffle tickets in three ways:
*Pre-Order Online with your credit card from May 15-26 at  winespto.org/raffle/tickets.php. Tickets can be picked them up at the Will Call table during advance ticket sales or the night of the fair. Please note: tickets will NOT be shipped. (Unfortunately, Google check-out is not compatible with iPads or smartphones.) Buy online at winespto.org/raffle/tickets.php.

*Advance Ticket Sales the week of the fair (May 28-31). A table will be located outside the main doors before and after school. (Cash or check only.)

*At the Fair - ticket sales tables will be set up the night of the fair outside of school. (Cash or check only.)
Note: Tickets are NOT available at the school office.
Questions about ticket sales? Contact Nicole Brittis at nicolebrittis@hotmail.com.

Wines Country Fair Volunteers Needed!
Over 150 individuals are needed to make our Wines Country Fair a success! We need adults willing to work one-hour shifts before, during, and after the fair. The opportunities vary from running a carnival-like game to selling tickets to working at the PTO run concessions stand. Please consider volunteering for one or more of these necessary jobs. Everyone will be receiving an email this Friday, May 17th. The email will include a volunteer spot link that one can use to select their volunteer opportunity. If you have multiple children at Wines you will be receiving multiple emails since they will be divided by grade level. Pick one or more jobs! A reminder email will be sent to you the week of May 28th....Some of the best jobs go fast !!! Sign up early !!! One parent from almost every Wines family is needed to work one shift to make the Country Fair successful!! Look for an email on Friday!

Raffle Donations Needed
The Country Fair Raffle will soon be here! If you would like to donate an item to the raffle, please check out our wish list at winespto.org. You can sign up for an item at winespto.org and then bring it to the office by May 17. We have a collection basket in the office workroom under the counter. No donation is too big or too small. Some items from our wish list: loose change, books/movies, Slip-N-Slide, Orbeez toys, chocolate fountain, and sporting event tickets.  If you have any questions please contact Margaret Compton - bagladycompton@yahoo.com or Kerianne Tupac - kmtupac@umich.edu.

Classroom Baskets
Later today, I will be sending out grade level specific emails requesting donations for our classroom baskets. Each grade level has a different theme. Look for the email later today!


On to non-Country Fair and Raffle information…

Wines PTO Volunteer Sign Up 2013-2014
We hope you will consider chairing, co-chairing or participating on a Wines PTO committee for the 2013-2014 school year. A sign-up sheet was attached to today's email.  If you are interested, please fill out the form and return it to the office. We look forward to working with a dynamic group of individuals, helping to make the Wines experience exceptional for our kids! Any questions, please contact Annemarie Dolan at akilburndolan@comcast.net.

School Supplies for the Philippines
Our Student Council is cooperating with the University of Michigan to collect new and used school supplies for children in the Philippines. Attached to today's email is an informational flyer about this great giving opportunity.

That’s all for now…

David

Weekly Blog 5/7

Dear Wines Families,
Since we have a special event tomorrow, this week’s message is coming out a day early.

Bike To School Day Tomorrow
A reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday May 8th, is National Bike to School Day. We will have volunteers here from Mott Children’s Hospital who will be conducting free helmet fittings, passing out free goodies, and holding a raffle for new bike helmets. The weather is looking great for a nice ride to school tomorrow!

Wines Raffle Classroom Basket Donations
Wines Raffle Classroom Basket donations are being accepted May 13-24. If you would like to donate an item you may send it in with your child. Each classroom will have a collection box. The raffle committee will organize the items into baskets of goodies to be raffles off at the Country Fair on May 31.
The themes for this year baskets are:
       Kindergarten - Arts & Crafts
       1st Grade - Legos
       2nd Grade - More Legos
       3rd Grade –Camping, Swimming, and Outdoor Fun
       4th Grade - Sports & Outdoor Fun
       5th Grade - It's a High Tech World 

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions please contact:
Stephanie Genheimer - tsgensheimer@att.net
Linda Peppin- qpep@comcast.net


Thanks!

David

Weekly Blog 4/26

Dear Wines Families,

As I mentioned in Wednesday’s email, we have a number of additional announcements that were not in the Wines Times. So here goes:

Art Night
Just a reminder that tonight is Art Night. Janice Hendrick and her excellent group of volunteers have been very busy and the school looks like an art museum. We hope to see you tonight! Art Night is from 6:30-8:00. Thanks to everyone for all of your help and willingness to volunteer. Special thanks to Sonnet Meek and her son Teddy Curtner who brought in over 35 cans that are much needed to display some of our work tonight.

Girls on the Run 5K Event at Wines
Parents we need your help in making this event a success for our Girls!Our Wines "Girls on the Run" team is holding a practice 5k event after school on Tuesday, April 30 and would like to invite you to run with us, cheer for us, or quench our thirst! We will be starting at the front of school at 4pm.  Our route takes us through the Creal Park neighborhood. Come to school at 4pm and run with us or help us out with a water stop in the neighborhood.  Sign up here if you can help: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409054DA5AE2B0-girls/1605923. We are practicing for the end of the season run with all the Girls on the Run teams in southeastern Michigan which will take place on May 19 at Eastern Michigan University. We'd love to see you there too. For more information about the event or how to sign up to run with your daughter or support your Wines team, go to http://girlsontherunsemi.org/events/GOTR-events.php.  If you would like to help with our practice 5k or for more information, contact coach Jennifer Hall at a2halls@gmail.com.

Help and Materials Needed for 2nd Grade Instrument-Making Project
The instrument-making unit is about to begin for 2nd graders, and we need families (any Wines families!) to donate these items:

Large empty oatmeal containers
Duct tape
PVC pipe, ½ inch and larger
A few clean 2 liter soda bottles
A few yards of clean garden hose
Sturdy cardboard shoe boxes with lids
Please send supplies in to the music room by May 1st. We also need parent volunteers for the project. It’s a fun project and the kids really appreciate your help. Contact Ms. McNally at mcnally@aaps.k12.mi.us if you can help during your 2nd grader’s music class. Thank you very much!

Great Ideas Grants
Turn a great idea into a program that benefits the Wines community. So far this school year, the program has funded 13 grants, including:

Portable digital storage for the library
Digital cameras for school use
Student “Be Green” club
Automatic pencil sharpeners for classrooms
 Applications due May 1st. Applications can be found in the office or on the Wines PTO Website.  If you have any questions or want help filling out an application, please email Annemarie Dolan atakilburndolan@comcast.net.

More Miller Construction Information
One thing that I did not mention related to the Miller Road construction is the fact that due to the construction, there has been an increase in traffic in the neighborhoods around our school. Please be sure to keep your speeds down and look for children walking. We have lots of walkers and we want to continue to encourage walking to school and we want to make sure they are safe!

Yearbook
Last call for pictures for the yearbook!  We are in need of photos of Halloween and group photos from the classrooms.   Please email (in high resolution format) to debbietirico@me.com and indicate which classroom teacher.  Deadline is Thursday!!

Wines Auction
It's hard to believe, but the Wines Country Fair is about 6 weeks away!  That means the auction and raffle committees are busy rounding up donations from local businesses and you, the families at Wines.  Please consider donating or sponsoring an item for the auction.  Last year we had 30 items and raised over $9000.  If you would like to donate an item or sponsor an item with a monetary donation, please contact Anna Morgan at annamorganforest@yahoo.com or Debbie Tirico at debbietirico@me.com.

Can't think of an item…. here are some from the Auction that we've seen in prior years. We would love to see these and new ideas for this year!  Can you help?

Tickets to sporting events
Wine tasting
Vacation homes
Golf Outings
Classroom Pizza Party
Local restaurants and entertainment

Have a great (and sunny!) weekend.

David

Weekly Blog 4/17

Dear Wines Families,
As we inch closer to the end of the school year, we will have lots of information to send out as we have lost of activities! So again this week, we have a long email. Please see below.

Spring Pictures
Spring pictures are being taken on Friday. You should have received a packet earlier this week or one will be coming home today. Pictures are optional and only students who have a packet or signed up online will have their picture taken.

Art Night Update
We need your 18 oz - 28 oz metal cans. We've gotten about 8 and we need a total of 65. We will use them to display some of the artwork so they need to be clean and label free. Leave them in the Art Room or contact Linda Peppin Qpep@comcast.net to make other arrangements if needed.
Thanks to all of the people who have helped out so far this week. If you can help prepare and hang the artwork for an hour or two during school hours this week, email Linda Peppin at Qpep@comcast.net to let us know. We also have time scheduled this Saturday (Science Olympiad) from 9 am – 1 pm to finish all of the hanging.

The online Art Night sign up is now posted, so you can sign up to help on the night of the event.
To sign up to volunteer:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/AyuxBh
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

We are still looking for a few more volunteers to send in snacks for Art Night as well. Below is a link to that sign up.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409044CADA92F4-artnight/1151961

Disability Awareness Workshop

Our annual 4th grade Disability Awareness Workshop is taking place on Monday. We are still in need of a couple volunteers for set up/pick up duty. If you are able, please click on the link below. A Workshop flyer is attached to today’s email.
http://tinyurl.com/bd882er

Girls on the Run 5K Event at Wines: Parents we need your help in making this event a success for our Girls!

Our Wines "Girls on the Run" team is holding a practice 5k event after school on Tuesday, April 30 and would like to invite you to run with us, cheer for us, or quench our thirst!  We will be starting at the front of school at 4pm.  Our route takes us through the Creal Park neighborhood.  It would be awesome if some families in the neighborhood could set up water tables for our runners or be in your front yards to cheer us as we run by.  Or, come to school at 4pm and run with us!  We are practicing for the end of the season run with all the Girls on the Run teams in southeastern Michigan which will take place on May 19 at Eastern Michigan University.  We'd love to see you there too.  For more information about the event or how to sign up to run with your daughter or support your Wines team, go to http://girlsontherunsemi.org/events/GOTR-events.php.  If you would like to help with our practice 5k or for more information, contact coach Jennifer Hall at a2halls@gmail.com.

Thanks,

David

Weekly Blog 4/10

Dear Wines Families,

There are lots of important announcements this week.

Science Fun Night Tomorrow

In preparation for the upcoming Science Olympiad, we are hosting Science Fun Night tomorrow (Thursday) from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM. Our young Science Olympians will showcase their events in advance of the competition on April 20th. Join us for hands on activities and demonstrations, raffle prizes, snacks, and a live water rocket launch (weather permitting). If you have ever wondered what the country’s largest Olympiad is all about, come join us to find out.

Art Night is Coming Up!

Art Night is Friday, April 26^th from 6:30-8:00. This all school event will include artwork from all Wines students. To put on this event, we have of course our wonderful Art teacher Janice Hendrick as well as a dedicated parent committee. All the plans are in place and the artwork is nearly complete. Now we just need some more volunteers to help out. The Art Night Committee needs your 18 oz - 28 oz metal cans! We need about 65 of them. Mrs. Hendrick will be using the cans to display some of the artwork so they need to be clean and the labels need to be removed. You can leave them with her at the Art Room or contact Linda Peppin to make other arrangements if needed.

The online Art Night sign up is now posted. You can sign up there to help prepare for Art Night and to help out on the night of the event. Thank you all in advance for all of your help. It is very much appreciated. 

To sign up to volunteer: 

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/AyuxBh

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 

3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

If you can help during the preparation next week on April 15, 18 or 20, but not for a whole time slot, please email Linda Peppin with your availability. We will still welcome your help. Email Linda Peppin at Qpep@comcast.net.

Another great way to help out with Art Night is to sign up to bring in treats for the event. Below is another quick sign up link to volunteer to bring in food for the evening.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CADA92F4-artnight

AAPS Budget

As I hope our community knows, our school district is again facing substantial budget reductions for the 2013-2014 school year. We are anticipating between $17-20 million in reductions. This means hard choices will need to be made that will impact Wines and our entire district. There are three more Community Dialogue sessions scheduled that I encourage parents to attend so that you are informed and providing input. The dates are as follows:

April 9, Tuesday, 7-9 pm

Slauson Middle School, Media Center

1019 West Washington, Ann Arbor

Board members expected to attend:  Christine Stead, Glenn Nelson, Deb Mexicotte

April 16, Tuesday, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Downtown Ann Arbor Public Library – 4^th Floor Conference Room (A)

343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor

Board members expected to attend:  Irene Patalan, Glenn Nelson, Deb Mexicotte

April 20, Saturday, 9-11 am

Scarlett Middle School, Media Center

3300 Lorraine Street, Ann Arbor

Board members expected to attend:  Susan Baskett, Glenn Nelson, Deb Mexicotte

Thanks,

David