Weekly Update 1/21

 Dear Wines Families, 

We are most certainly into the heart of winter this week! I hope everyone made their way to where you need to be today safely. With the cold temperatures this week, I want to remind everyone that we go outside daily as long as the temperature or windchill is zero degrees or above. We did not go outside yesterday but today’s temperatures are warm enough to go outside. Students should come prepared to go outside daily. We will, obviously, keep our eyes on the temperature for the rest of the week. 

Parent Involvement Day RSVP

We are excited for another great day on Feb. 9th for our annual Parent Involvement Day. If you are able to join us that day, please fill out the RSVP form so we can prepare. It is especially important that you RSVP if you are staying for lunch so we can ensure we order enough food. Link below: 

https://forms.gle/peSsqskCbPyPJL6BA

Volunteers needed for Extra Specials (Lunch Recess)

It's that time of year again and 2026 is promising to be a COLD one! Extra Specials are an optional lunch recess program where students can sign up for a weekly indoor enrichment activity - and stay cozy warm! Past Extra Specials have included: Paper Airplane Folding, Magic Tricks, Math Games, Logic Puzzles, Lego, Arts and Crafts, Yoga, and Read Aloud. 

We need volunteers to lead these fun programs! Here's what we're looking for:

• Commit to leading an activity during lunch recess, once a week.

• You create and prep. the activity, or we can provide you with one.

• Offer your activity for Session I, Session II, or both Sessions (Sessions are three weeks long.)

Session I runs M-Th during the first, second, and fourth weeks of February

Session II runs M-F, the first three weeks of March

Interested? Email Liv Racine at lracine@reinhartrealtors.com

Wines Wahoo Feb. 6

The Wines Wahoo is back again this year! Join us Friday, February 6th at Forsythe Middle School from 6-8pm. This is a Wines favorite and we are so excited it's back for another year! Join your friends for music, pizza, open gym, crafts, a silent disco, and more. Younger siblings and parents are welcome. Suggested $5 donation per family at the door with pizza, drink, and snack tickets available for purchase for $1 each. Snacks and drinks will be one ticket, and pizza will be 2 tickets. This event is cash only, Venmo will be available if necessary but an additional fee will be added. This event will need LOTS of volunteers, so we need your help! Please sign up at the link below

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAA22A2F8CE9-61769552-wines#/

Great Ideas Grant Readers Needed

The Great Idea Grants Committee is looking for parent volunteers to serve on a one-time committee to review the Great Idea Grants that were submitted in November 2025. The committee will meet virtually for approximately one hour in mid-February. Come join the committee and learn about the great ideas that students, parents, and teachers submitted to enhance our school community and learn how the Great Idea Grants program works at Wines. Also, if you are interested in leading this program next school year (26-27), the PTO is looking for a 'GREAT' parent to take the lead on this fun program. Please reach out to Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com if you are interested in being on the committee and/or leading this program next school year.

Save the Date: Wines Auction April 17

Our annual adult Wines Auction will take place on April 17 at Venue by 4M. Much more information to follow, but book the babysitter now for this fantastic evening! 

David

Weekly Update 1/14

 Dear Wines Families, 

This week our school has begun our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King in advance of Monday’s holiday. We have had daily all school Zoom read alouds by guest teachers and myself reading from the book Making a Difference by Stacy Bauer. The book contains stories of young “change makers” who have made a difference in their communities and we have had corresponding class discussions on how each of us can be change makers as well. These read alouds will continue this week and Friday afternoon we will have our annual MLK assembly. 

PTO MEETING TONIGHT! 7:00 PM

Our next PTO meeting is tonight at 7:00 PM in the library. We would love to see you in person, but if you can join by Zoom, we have that option as well. The Zoom information was sent in today’s email. 

Science Olympiad Sign Up Open!

We are excited to announce that the sign-up is now open for kids to participate in this year's Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO)! If you would like your child(ren) to participate, please complete this Google form. Participation is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore science, teamwork, and fun hands-on activities. 

On the coaching side, we have filled 68% of all available events -- many thanks to those of you that have volunteered to coach an event this year!  Please click here to see the list of events that still need a coach; please add your name to the list if you are able to coach.  

Sylvia & Manori, Co-Head Coaches (contact us @ scienceowines@gmail.com)

Save the Date: Wines Auction April 17

Our annual adult Wines Auction will take place on April 17 at Venue by 4M. Much more information to follow, but book the babysitter now for this fantastic evening! 

Bob Weir 1947-2026

On a personal note, the world lost a true icon and legend Saturday with the passing of Bob Weir. Bob was a founding member of the Grateful Dead, joining the band as a 17-year-old in 1965. I first saw Bobby in 1989 when I attended my first Grateful Dead show and I’ve followed him around the country ever since seeing him play over 100 times with the Grateful Dead and various iterations of the band. While I never officially met Bob, he has been a constant “friend” my entire adult life and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him play music from the nosebleed sections of huge stadiums to just feet away at small clubs. Regardless of the venue, Bobby’s voice and presence left an impression and I always felt he was singing and playing just for me! I was fortunate to see his final three performances last summer in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco for the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. While we didn’t know it would be the last time we’d see him—his illness was never disclosed until Saturday—the shows in San Francisco were among the best I’ve seen and I’ll treasure that final weekend forever. 

In Cassidy, one of the most famous songs Bob wrote and played with the Grateful Dead, he sings “Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by its own design. Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, I'm done with mine.” I’ve always been drawn to those lyrics and they seem a perfect way to say good bye. Thank you for the memories and joy, Bob. Rest easy, Ace. 

David

PTO THRIFT FLYER

Weekly Update 1/7

 Dear Wines Families, 

I hope everyone had a nice winter break. Our family was sick most of the time (which from what I am hearing from many staff and students was the case in many houses!). But we spent most of the time up north and had a minor blizzard up there meaning we spent lots of time in our pajamas watching movies and getting well. So, it was actually pretty nice! 2026 is shaping up to be a great year at Wines with lots of things happening.

 

Parents, we are in-need of your contribution to coach at Science Olympiad 2026. Thus far, out of 48 events we only have coaches for 19. We will not be able to accommodate as many students this year if we are short on coaches. Science Olympiad is purely a volunteer-based event. We do understand the commitment as we all are parent volunteers with busy schedules. Practice sessions will start mid February with on hour sessions once a week with your preference on the day and the place. We are aiming for 6- 8 sessions if possible. The final event will be on May 9th.  (https://wesoscience.org/). Student signups will be available coming Monday. Selections are first come first serve based and kids of coach volunteers will get the priority of their choices. Sign up to coach HERE.

Show Your Support for Wines at the PTO Thrift Shop

This Saturday, January 10th, 10% of all proceeds from sales at the PTO Thrift Shop will go to Wines. The PTO Thrift Shop has LOTS of great, gently used items so please have a look and encourage your friends and neighbors as well! 

PTO MEETING January 14th 7:00 PM

Our next PTO meeting is next Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the library.

Wildcat Players Winter Production- Registration is Open!

Back to the stage we go! Our directors are back and we are offering two groups this session.

1st - 2nd graders: Rehearsals will be on Thursdays after school until 5pm, beginning January 22, 2026 and performances April 18-19th, 2026. Participation fee is $150. Registration link:  https://forms.gle/mdrfUQauL95c5jwZ9

3rd - 5th graders: Rehearsals will be on Mondays after school until 5:30pm and Fridays after school until 6pm, beginning February 2, 2026 and performances April 18-19th, 2026. Participation fee is $250. Registration link: https://forms.gle/kD6Ly4VMpn5t5wFt6

***Please note that these groups are for students who want to perform ON STAGE. Any students interested in helping behind the scenes, please email Katie.galanes14@gmail.com for more information.

Wildcat Hindustani Language Club

Dates: Mondays between 4-5pm beginning Jan 12 till June 1 (17 sessions)

Room/place @Wines: 114 at Wines

Teacher: Uwaeish Ahmed (University of Michigan)

No previous training is needed and for questions send to Upasna namaste@peerbagh.com

David

Weekly Update 12/17

Dear Wines Families, 

As we approach the end of the first part of the school year and the end of 2025, I just want to take a moment to give thanks to the Wines community. This is truly a special community, a special staff, special kids, and simply a special school. It is my sincere honor and privilege to be the leader here. I wish everyone an enjoyable holiday season and after some rest, I look forward to 2026 at Wines. 

Thank You, Lori! 

I want to thank Lori Shirilla for another outstanding Book Fair. Lori has been in charge of this Fair for about as long as I remember and with her second son finishing 5th grade at Wines this year, it is time to thank Lori for all of the years she has supported the Book Fair (and countless other events and initiatives at Wines). 

The above message is just a small plug that we will need new people to take on various roles on the PTO next year as we have a number of parents like Lori who are completing their time at Wines. You do not need any specific skills—just a can do attitude! 

PTO Direct Donations

Below is a flyer from our PTO outlining a new “theme” to our annual request for direct donations. As the holidays approach, please consider a gift to the PTO to continue to support our school!

We are excited to announce that our Science Olympiad team is gearing up for another amazing year and we need your help! The annual Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) will take place on May 9, 2026 at Pioneer High School. We are currently seeking parent coaches to help guide and mentor our students as they explore a range of fascinating topics. No prior Science Olympiad experience is needed - just a willingness to support our incredible kids! If you'd like to join a community of enthusiastic parents and students making science come alive, then please consider volunteering as a coach! Once you've signed up to volunteer we will follow up and provide more details, event overviews, and coaching resources. (Student sign-ups will begin around the second week of January).

Sign-Up Link (with slate of events & descriptions found in the "Event Slate" tab) 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to inspire curiosity and help our team shine -- Go Wines Wildcats!

Warm regards,

Sylvia & Manori, Co-Head Coaches (contact us @ scienceowines@gmail.com)

WESO FAQ’s

Wildcat Players Winter Production!

We had so much fun we are doing it again! Wildcat Players will run another theater club session from February through April 2026, ending in a weekend of performances for the community. Assuming we have enough interest, we will be splitting up into two groups, 1st-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade, with separate rehearsals. 3rd-5th grades will rehearse on Mondays until 5:30pm and Fridays until 6pm. 1st-2nd grade rehearsal day(s) still TBA.  If you have questions or want to get involved in organizing (particularly for the 1st-2nd grade group), please email Katie.galanes14@gmail.com.  Look for signups in early-mid January!

2026-27 Young 5’s Enrollment Open Now!

AAPS is currently accepting applications for Young 5’s (both for neighborhood families and In-District-Transfers). Unlike other grades, spots in Young 5’s are not guaranteed—even if you live in the Wines neighborhood. If you have a child who will be eligible for Young 5’s next year or if you have friends or neighbors who do, please visit the Young 5’s Enrollment Page. Scroll down to the GREEN button to apply for 2026-2027. The application window closes January 6th. 

David

PTO THRIFT FLYER

 

Weekly Update 12/3

 Dear Wines Families, 

Winter has arrived, Thanksgiving is behind us, and believe it or not, we have less than three weeks left of school before our winter break. I’ve always loved this time between Thanksgiving and winter break as there is just a different feel around the building each day. There is hard work being done while kids and staff are also enjoying the season together. 

Book Fair Next Week

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 9th - 12th.  Every purchase from the book fair provides fabulous resources for students, teachers, and our school library.  It’s also a great way to get some holiday shopping checked off your list! 

We will be having a Family Night on Tuesday, December 9th from 6:30-8:00.  If you cannot make it to Family Night, you are welcome to come and shop at the fair during school hours Wednesday and Thursday.  

Here is a link to the fair's website for information on eWallet, online shopping and more: Wines Scholastic Book Fair Website 

If you are interested in volunteering at the book fair, please sign up below.

Book Fair Volunteers.

Floor Hockey Begins Friday! 

Our weekly before school floor hockey game begins this Friday at 8:00 AM. Students from all grades are welcome to join. Students can be dropped off at 8:00 and all they need are dry shoes. Parents can also join the game as well. Thanks to Ms. Knoll for supporting this Wines tradition. You can read more about floor hockey and other happenings in the gym in Ms. Knolls’ Newsletter. 

2026-27 Young 5’s Enrollment Open Now!

AAPS is currently accepting applications for Young 5’s (both for neighborhood families and In-District-Transfers). Unlike other grades, spots in Young 5’s are not guaranteed—even if you live in the Wines neighborhood. If you have a child who will be eligible for Young 5’s next year or if you have friends or neighbors who do, please visit the Young 5’s Enrollment Page. Scroll down to the GREEN button to apply for 2026-2027. 

Reminder: School Begins at 8:48

As I wrote on Monday, the Miller Road construction project has been delayed and the current estimate is that Miller will re-open next week. To be honest, that seems like a very optimistic timeline. However long the project takes, it will impact our arrival and departure process. While the procedures have caused our morning drop off lineup to be longer than normal, I’m seeing large numbers of cars arriving at or after 9:00 AM—well after the lineup has shortened causing many students to arrive more than just a few minutes late to school. While we certainly understand that there will be some delays due to the construction and our corresponding revised procedures, we do ask that families do everything they can to start your mornings with enough time to get to Wines on time. As a reminder, we begin allowing students who eat breakfast to enter at 8:42 and all other students at 8:45. Instructional time for students begins at 8:48. When students are late, they miss some of the most crucial moments of the day and often cause disruptions to classroom procedures. 

David

Weekly Update 11/19

Dear Wines Families, 

As we approach the Thanksgiving recess, I just want to take a quick moment to express my thanks to this entire community. Being the leader of this school continues to bring me daily joy and this is because of this incredible community of kids, families, and staff. Thank you to everyone and I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. We won’t have a Wednesday email next week. 

Young 5’s at Wines: Apply Now!

The first window to apply for Young 5’s at Wines is open now! If you have a child who you would like to attend Young 5’s next year, you can apply now. Please go to https://www.a2schools.org/about-aaps/new-enrollment and scroll down to the application button (green) for the 2026-27 school year. Please note, if you live in the Wines neighborhood, placement in Young 5’s is not automatic as it is in other grades. Space is limited so it is crucial that families apply now to secure a spot. Please share this information with friends and neighbors. 

As you may already know, Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) 2026 will take place on May 9th next year, at Pioneer High School. This tournament provides an opportunity for students and other participants to meet and interact with peers and adults of similar interests and talents. Last year 37 schools participated in different events. As usual there will be open events with hands-on activities for all attendees. 

More information on WESO can be found here: https://wesoscience.org/

We need your support in becoming a coach so that more Wines kids have the chance to participate. No experience is necessary.  More information on events can be found : https://wesoscience.org/events/. Please sign up for coaching : Volunteer sign up for coaching

Contact us scienceowines@gmail.com.

Science Olympiad FAQ’s can be found HERE 

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.

Food and Coat Drives

Our simultaneous Food Drive and Coat Drive are going great! Thank you to everyone who has donated. If you haven’t donated yet and would like to, we will continue into next week!

David

 

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