Weekly Update 3/23

 Dear Wines Families, 

It’s hard to believe we are approaching Spring Break! For me, Spring Break is always the sign that we are approaching the last important stretch of the school year with lots to accomplish. It is also a time when we are busy working on plans for the fall as well. So it is a busy time, but also an exciting time. I must admit I am looking forward to a few days away to prepare for the final “sprint” of the school year. Here is the news for the week: 

Last Chance for Auction Tickets…

…Well, not really your last chance. Tickets for the April 9th Wines Auction are on sale! Buy tickets and find out all the details on the auction website. www.winesptoauction.com/tickets. We also need volunteers at the event to help everything go smoothly—don’t worry, volunteers are able to enjoy the event at well! Below is a link to a sign up to help out.

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0F4DADAA2AA7FD0-wines

News from the Library/March is Reading Month

Thanks for a wonderful month of celebrating stories this Reading Month at Wines! This week, we have one final Storycatchers prompt, Book Character Dress Up Day on Friday, March 25, and a special Zoom story time with Dr. DeYoung on Friday morning. 

Storycatchers Prompt of the Week: If I wrote a story, it would be about… Click here to record your response. 

Click here to see videos from past prompts and feel free to add your own response to those, too. Please feel free to reach out to Rachel Goldberg with any questions (goldbergr@aaps.k12.mi.us).

Wine for Wines—We Still Need More!

We need wine for Wines! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this event fun and interesting, we currently have 30 (a big thanks to those who have already donated!). Wine donations of any value can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) on March 24th.  If you have any questions, or if you need alternative arrangements for your wine donation (we are happy to pick up donations from porches through March 25th), please contact Jen Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

I hope everyone has a nice Spring Break. If you are traveling, I wish you safe travels. We’ll see you in April! 

David

Weekly Update 3/16

 

Dear Wines Families, 

As has been the case lately, there is a lot to share today. Please take a few minutes to read through the news for the week. 

Weekly Library/March is Reading Month Update

Thanks for a great first half of celebrating stories with Reading Month at Wines! The celebration continues… 

Storycatchers Prompt of the Week: Prompt of the week: What is your favorite book and why? Invite the people who live with you to respond to this prompt together and share all of your favorite books in one video. Click here to record your response. 

Click here to see videos from our last two prompts and feel free to add your own response to those, too. 

Save the date: Book Character Dress Up Day is on March 25, 2022. Below flier with more details (and special guest stars). 

Wines Auction April 9th

Tickets for the April 9th Wines Auction are on sale! Buy tickets and find out all the details on the auction website. www.winesptoauction.com/tickets. We also need volunteers at the event to help everything go smoothly—don’t worry, volunteers are able to enjoy the event at well! Below is a link to a sign up to help out. 

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20F0F4DADAA2AA7FD0-wines

Wine for Wines—We Still Need More! 

We need wine for Wines! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this event fun and interesting, we currently have 30 (a big thanks to those who have already donated!). Wine donations of any value can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) on March 17th or 24th.  If you have any questions, or if you need alternative arrangements for your wine donation (we are happy to pick up donations from porches through March 25th), please contact Jen Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

Science Olympiad is Coming!! Call for Coaches

We're preparing to send a Wines team to WESO.  A global sign up for all Wines students will be sent out in approximately 2-weeks. However, in the meantime, we still need event coaches to commit. No experience necessary, we'll provide you with all the materials, supplies and in most cases a solid curriculum to follow. Practices are typically held for 1-hour, once per week for a maximum of 10-weeks until the competition on June 5th. The event coach picks the time/day and location that is most convenient for them; PLUS, their child/children get first choice of event participation. Please think about it and send an email to scienceowines@gmail.com with questions. 

Wines Country Fair Re-Brand

As we have discussed often this year, the pandemic and our return to school has allowed us the opportunity to examine our Wines traditions and find ways to maintain our important traditions while also taking the opportunity to update them. After two years without our annual Country Fair, we have just the opportunity! This year, this important end of the year celebration will be back! Our hard-working committee has decided to re-brand the event this year and it will be called the "Wines Wildcats Outdoor ROAR!". We can expect all the fun and community building as we’ve had in the past with a few new twists! Please save the date of Friday May 20th which is slightly earlier than years past. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

David

Weekly Update 3/9

Dear Wines Families, 

Once again, there is a lot to share this week! Hopefully you can take a moment to read through this message. Thank you! 

Term 2 Report Cards

Report cards will be sent electronically on Friday afternoon. They will be password protected with directions for access in the email. The email will come from me. 

Library/March Is Reading Month Update

Thanks for a great first week of celebrating stories with Reading Month at Wines! The celebration continues… 

Storycatchers Prompt of the Week: Ask a grown up - What is a story that you remember reading when you were in elementary school and why do you think it stuck with you? Click here to record your response. 

Click here to see last week’s videos, where members of the Wines community shared their favorite stories. If you’d like to add your family’s favorite stories, click here to record your response to last week’s prompt, too. 

In the library this week, we’ve been learning about different ways to share stories: through paper collage, like Ashley Bryan (young fives, kindergarten, and first grade); through graphic novels, like Mika Song (second and third grade); and through food, like the Japanese kaiseki tradition of Chef Niki Nakayama (fourth and fifth grade). Classes have also been enjoying watching Fifth Grade Read Aloud videos that some of our fifth grade students have been filming over the course of the last few weeks. 

Don’t forget to check out the Celebration of Storytelling calendar with daily activity ideas and book lists for families. 

Science Olympiad is Coming!! Call for Coaches

We're preparing to send a Wines team to WESO.  A global sign up for all Wines students will be sent out in approximately 2-weeks. However, in the meantime, we still need event coaches to commit. No experience necessary, we'll provide you with all the materials, supplies and in most cases a solid curriculum to follow. Practices are typically held for 1-hour, once per week for a maximum of 10-weeks until the competition on June 5th. The event coach picks the time/day and location that is most convenient for them; PLUS, their child/children get first choice of event participation. Please think about it and send an email to scienceowines@gmail.com with questions. 

Parent Volunteers

As I indicated last week, we are beginning to allow visitors and volunteers into our school buildings. This is great news! I am meeting with our staff later this afternoon to discuss the parameters. I will follow up with our community, likely tomorrow, with more specifics about the opportunities available at Wines as well as the procedures for parents to be allowed to come in. Please look for a message, likely tomorrow. 

Auction Tickets Now Available!

Tickets for the April 9th Wines Auction are on sale! Buy tickets and find out all the details on the auction website. www.winesptoauction.com/tickets. 

We are still looking for auction donations and sponsorships.  Please contact winesptoauction@gmail.com if there is something you or your business can contribute.  Donations are tax deductible.

This is going to be a fun night to connect with parents, teachers and staff while raising money for our awesome local school. ADULTS ONLY.

Wine for Wines 

We need wine for Wines! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this even fun and interesting. If you are able, please donate a minimum $20 bottle of wine. It can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) for the next two Thursdays (March 10, 17). Any questions can be directed to Jennifer Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

That’s all for this week. As always, please reach out with any questions. 

David

 

Weekly Update 3/2

 Dear Wines Families, 

Apologies in advance for a lengthy message this week. I do hope you take a few minutes to read this as there is a lot going on now and over the next few weeks! 

Library/March is Reading Month Update

Happy Read Across America Day! Of course, while it is fun and exciting to join in this nationwide celebration, we delight in reading and sharing stories every day. This year, during Reading Month, we are celebrating storytelling in several ways and we hope you’ll join us at home. 

At home: 

• Wines Storycatchers is a Flipgrid site where students, families, teachers, staff members, and friends can all record video responses to weekly prompts and watch others’ video responses. This week’s prompt is: What is a story that you and your family or your friends enjoy reading, listening to, or telling together?

• Click here to join the Wines Storycatchers group. If you have any issues logging in, please email Mrs. Goldberg - goldbergr@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

• Check back regularly to view others’ responses and look forward to a new prompt each week. Prompts will be shared in the weekly email as well as on Mrs. Goldberg’s teacher page on Clever. 

• Celebrating Stories Family Calendar is a calendar of activities, discussion prompts, book lists, and video read alouds for Wines families to celebrate stories all month long. You’ll also find links to the weekly Storycatchers prompts here, too. 

In classrooms: 

• Fifth Grade Readalouds are pre-recorded video stories from our fifth grade students that will be shared by classroom teachers each week. The fifth graders are shining stars and they’re choosing the stories they want to share with the whole school. In this way, we’re continuing to build a community around storytelling even when we’re not all in the same physical space to read together. 

• Save the Date for Book Character Dress Up Day on March 25, where we’ll have a special story time with Dr. DeYoung (dressed as his favorite character, of course). 

Stay tuned for regular updates on activities in the library and across the school as well as ways to participate at home. We can’t wait to see your responses on the Wines Storycatchers site, too, as we continue to build community around storytelling.

WINES AUCTION APRIL 9th @ LIVE

Tickets are on sale now for the this adult only can’t miss event!  Find all the details and get your tickets at www.winesptoauction.com/tickets

Have something you want to donate or think your company would be a great sponsor?  Email winesptoauction@gmail.com for more information.

We still need Wine for Wines!

Speaking of the auction, we still need wine! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this event fun and interesting, we currently have 25 (a big thanks to those who have already donated!). Wine donations can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) on March 3, 10 and 17th.  If you have any questions, or if you need alternative arrangements for your wine donation, please contact Jen Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

Next Restaurant Fundraiser

Our second restaurant fundraiser is coming up at Noodles and Company on Wednesday 3/16 from 4-8pm. You don’t have to cook dinner and support our awesome school! Noodles and Company will be donating a percentage of sales to our PTO. Just be sure to mention Wines when ordering!

Country Fair Volunteers Needed

Our PTO is looking for volunteers to help with our auction and Country Fair. These events require a lot of work, and we would love your help! If you are able to volunteer in any capacity, please reach out to Jaimie Sussman at jaimiesussman@gmail.com.

Some Restrictions Lifting!! 

As you may have heard, AAPS is beginning to lift some of our COVID related restrictions. Specifically, we have begun to allow limited visitors and parent volunteers! I am still working with my supervisors and with the Wines staff to understand the parameters and limitations and I will be in contact soon with some more information on how parents can begin to return to our school in person! Please allow us a few days to get everyone on the same page so we can have consistent messages for everyone. This is exciting news! 

Another Girl Scout Drive Through

We will be hosting the K-1 Wines Girl Scout troop drive-thru cookie sale this coming Saturday, March 5 from 2-4pm. 

That’s all for this week. Thank you for reading. 

David

Weekly Update 2/23

 Dear Wines Families,

There are a lot of exciting things happening now and over the next few weeks at Wines. Please take a moment to read through this entire message!

March is Reading Month

Here is an important message about March is Reading Month from our Librarian, Mrs. Goldberg. 

Can you believe that March is just around the corner? In exciting news, that means that it’s almost time for our annual celebration of literacy - Reading Month. This year’s theme is “Playing with Stories: Wines Reading Month 2022.”

Next Wednesday, we’ll kick off with Read Across America Day here at school. In addition to our in-school activities, you’ll find a calendar of daily ideas for celebrating stories at home attached to next week's weekly update. Starting next week, you’ll find more information about how we’re celebrating stories in the library, in classrooms, around the school, and how we hope you’ll continue the celebration at home.

Of particular note is the debut of the Wines Storycatchers website. This is a Flipgrid site where all members of the community will be invited to respond to a given prompt with a short video message.  Each Wednesday, you’ll see a prompt posted on the site and there will also be a link in the weekly email update. Students, parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, staff members, and all members of the Wines community are invited to record their responses to the prompts as well as to view others’ responses. In this way, even when we’re still physically distant from one another, we’ll keep working to build community through storytelling and story sharing. Stay tuned for more details next Wednesday. Until then, happy reading!

Auction Tickets Now Available!

Tickets for the April 9th Wines Auction are on sale! Buy tickets and find out all the details on the auction website. www.winesptoauction.com/tickets. 

We are still looking for auction donations and sponsorships.  Please contact winesptoauction@gmail.com if there is something you or your business can contribute.  Donations are tax deductible.

This is going to be a fun night to connect with parents, teachers and staff while raising money for our awesome local school. ADULTS ONLY.

Science Olympiad “Key Volunteer” Needed

Wines is in need of a "Key Volunteer" to participate in Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO). This position is a requirement for our school to participate and is described on this website. While often filled by a parent, the position can be filled by non-Wines parents, i.e., grandparents / aunts / uncles. So, if anyone can help, please email scienceowines@gmail.com.  

Wine for Wines 

We need wine for Wines! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this even fun and interesting. If you are able, please donate a minimum $20 bottle of wine. It can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) for the next six Thursdays (February 10, 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17). Any questions can be directed to Jennifer Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

PTO Meeting, 1pm on 2/24 via Zoom

We're switching things up and holding the next PTO meeting during the day at 1pm on Thursday, February 24. Zoom information was sent in today's email.

(Un)learning Opportunity

"AASPIRE* invites you to join us for the first event in our series, (Un)learning. This session will unpack our first (un)learning - everyone’s school experience is the same. Faye Askew King will be facilitating a panel discussion with community members - Dr. Angela Guy-Lee, Rebecca Richardson, and Xan Morgan as stories, reflections, and hope are shared.

Honor Black History Month by joining us for (Un)learning on Wednesday, February 23rd from 7-8p via Zoom. You can RSVP through the Facebook event and "share" it as well.

*Ann Arbor School Parents Intent on Racial Equity (AASPIRE) is a multi-racial group of parents, caregivers, community leaders, and educators who are committed to advancing racial equity within Ann Arbor Public Schools."

Drive Through Girl Scout Cookie Booth

Our local Girls Scout troop will be holding a second drive through cookie booth this Saturday from 12-2 PM at the front entrance of Wines. 

David

Weekly Update 2/16

 

Dear Wines Families,

Reminder: 1:18 dismissal today. 

Pizza House Fundraiser Today/Tonight! (note: no online orders)

Today and tonight 15% of all sales at Pizza House will go to Wines! You must mention Wines when ordering and it is good for dine in, carryout, or delivery. An easy way to support our school and get out of cooking dinner! Please note, if you are doing carry out or delivery, please call the restaurant as online orders cannot be processed for our fundraiser. 

Wine for Wines 

We need wine for Wines! Our auction this year will feature a wine toss, and we are hoping to collect around 75 bottles of wine to make this even fun and interesting. If you are able, please donate a minimum $20 bottle of wine. It can be dropped off at the Wines office right after pickup (4pm) for the next six Thursdays (February 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17). Any questions can be directed to Jennifer Hofmeister at 734.355.6625. 

For The Love of Reading this Week at Nicolas

Sunday, February 13 - Sunday, February 20 @ Nicola's Books

Next week Nicola's Books will kindly donate 20% of your purchase to the Wines PTO. The 20% donation applies to books, games, toys, art supplies, puzzles, candy, stuffed animals - it all goes to support Wines. Just mention "Wines" at checkout, or shop online at www.nicolasbooks.com, and write "Wines" in the Promo code. Tell your friends and family from out of town, too!

You can also shop for the Wines Library or your classroom teacher. Check the rack in the back by the fireplace for items on their wish list and send some Valentine's literary sweetness their way.

PTO Meeting, 1pm on 2/24 via Zoom

We're switching things up and holding the next PTO meeting during the day at 1pm on Thursday, February 24. Zoom information was sent in today's email. 

Young 5’s/Kindergarten Round Up Next Tuesday

Our virtual Young 5’s/Kindergarten Round Up takes place on Feb. 22nd. If you have a child coming to Wines for Young 5’s or Kindergarten next fall or if you have friends or neighbors interested, please mark your calendars for this date and please contact Robin Moore at moorero@aaps.k12.mi.us and give her your child’s information so we can add you to our list. PLEASE NOTE: Placement in the Young 5’s program is not guaranteed and applications are accepted. The application process is open now for both neighborhood and In-District Transfer families for Young 5’s. Please go to www.a2schools.org/enroll for information and links for the application. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about Young 5’s or Kindergarten for 2022-23. The Zoom information for Round Up is: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/99001654997

Drive Through Girl Scout Cookie Booth

Our local Girls Scout troop will be holding a drive through cookie booth this Saturday from 3-5 PM at the front entrance of Wines. 

David

Weekly Update 2/9

Dear Wines Families,

In this message I have a few repeats from last week because they are still very timely. I also have a couple of new items. Sorry for the long message!

Early Release Next Wednesday

Next Wednesday is an Early Release Day. Dismissal is at 1:18. We anticipate this being an in person learning day. 

Afternoon Pick Up

I first want to thank everyone for all your patience in our longer than usual pick-up lines associated with some reductions in bus service. All in all, it is going quite well out there and most of our busses are now running. I would like to remind everyone of a traffic change we made earlier in the year that can make things even better. If you are using the main entrance from Newport, we ask that after you pick your child up that you turn towards the Forsythe north entrance rather than exit at Newport Rd. So, take a right at the stop sign upon exiting the front loop. This allows our busses to bypass the line of cars and come down the preventing a game of Chicken with oncoming traffic. In addition, it allows access for cars who wish to park in the Forsythe overflow lot to pass the waiting line and gain access to that lot. If you do use that overflow parking lot, when you leave, please exit left in the direction of Wines and proceed toward Forsythe and go left at that entry. In other words, the entry from Newport can be a two lane/one way entry until Forsythe. This may become more or less a permanent traffic flow plan moving forward. 

For The Love of Reading starts on Sunday!

Sunday, February 13 - Sunday, February 20 @ Nicola's Books

Next week Nicola's Books will kindly donate 20% of your purchase to the Wines PTO. The 20% donation applies to books, games, toys, art supplies, puzzles, candy, stuffed animals - it all goes to support Wines. Just mention "Wines" at checkout, or shop online at www.nicolasbooks.com, and write "Wines" in the Promo code. Tell your friends and family from out of town, too!

You can also shop for the Wines Library or your classroom teacher. Check the rack in the back by the fireplace for items on their wish list and send some Valentine's literary sweetness their way.

Feb. 16 Pizza House Fundraiser

We’ve scheduled our first restaurant fundraiser at Pizza House where 15% of all sales will go back to Wines on February 16. You must mention Wines when ordering and it is good for dine in, carryout, or delivery. An easy way to support our school and get out of cooking dinner!

PTO: We Need You!

The PTO needs you! We are looking for anyone and everyone that might want to get involved in our fantastic school! Please reach out to Jaimie Sussman - jaimiesussman@gmail.com.

PTO Meeting, 1pm on 2/24 via Zoom

We're switching things up and holding the next PTO meeting during the day at 1pm on Thursday, February 24. Zoom info was sent in today's email. 

Save the Date: Wines Auction April 9th

It’s back and better than ever!  Join us for the Wines PTO Auction, “Meet Me at Wines”. This year’s auction will take place at LIVE Nightclub in downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 9th from 6-9PM. Join us for food, music and the chance to meet fellow Wines parents/teachers/staff in a relaxed, festive atmosphere as we celebrate and raise money for our awesome neighborhood school. This is a great opportunity for families new and old to connect to the greater Wines community. Check out the website www.winesptoauction.com for more information. Note this is an adults only event. 

Want to help plan and meet new people at the time? Have a great donation?  Want to publicize your business? Contact Jane.lardo@gmail.com for volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

Young 5’s/Kindergarten Round Up

Our virtual Young 5’s/Kindergarten Round Up takes place on Feb. 22nd. If you have a child coming to Wines for Young 5’s or Kindergarten next fall or if you have friends or neighbors interested, please mark your calendars for this date and please contact Robin Moore at moorero@aaps.k12.mi.us and give her your child’s information so we can add you to our list. PLEASE NOTE: Placement in the Young 5’s program is not guaranteed and applications are accepted. The application process is open now for both neighborhood and In-District Transfer families for Young 5’s. Please go to www.a2schools.org/enroll for information and links for the application. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about Young 5’s or Kindergarten for 2022-23.

David