As I wrote in my opening letter earlier this week, we are beyond thrilled with the new modular building and the opportunities it opens up for our kids and staff. At the same time, I indicated that there is a chance that the building will not be ready in time for school to start.
Unfortunately, the reality is that we do not think we will be able to move our 5th grade classrooms into the building until after our school year begins. Our Certificate of Occupancy appointment is scheduled for August 30th, which means we will be very close. However, he final touches will need to be done after that date and we have to start school!
Fortunately, as you would expect, the Wines staff has come together to solve this temporary situation. For the beginning of the school year, Mr. Duggins will be in Room 108. That is Ms. Caruso’s former classroom that will eventually become our new Special Education Resource Room when Neil moves to the modular. Ms. Spiroff’s class will start the year in the music room. Ms. Heaton’s class will start the year in the art room.
The furniture, etc. from both the art room and music room have been put into storage pods and the 5th grade classroom furniture has been placed in those classrooms. The resource room furniture is still in its former location so Mr. Duggins’s classroom furniture is now in room 108. Therefore, each of the 5th grade classes will start the year in fully functional and comfortable classroom spaces.
Mr. Wyse and Ms. Glaser will teach their classes “on a cart” and will bring their talents into the classroom teachers’ classes each day. Ms. Steuer will do the same with her 4th and 5th grade Spanish classes. This approach is not new as we already have our Project Lead the Way teacher, Sarah Schemanske, conduct her classes in the students’ homerooms so students and staff are used to this model.
We are extraordinarily thankful to our 5th grade team, Mr. Wyse, Ms. Glaser, and Ms. Steuer for their understanding and flexibility. I also want to point out that Ms. Evaldson quickly offered the Library as a possible classroom location as well. Even Ms. Wahl offered the gym! Each of these great teachers expressed a “can do,” student first attitude and we couldn’t be more thankful.
I know this will be somewhat disappointing to our 5th grade students. There are two fifth graders living in my house who are extremely excited to be in the new building and this news will be a disappointment. However, I can say unequivocally that the new building will be worth the wait and our year will get off to a great start for our 5th graders and for our entire school.
Please note that on Wednesday, August 29th, the new building will be "powered up" by DTE which requires that Wines be without power for the entire day. Wines will be closed next Wednesday. The Kindergarten/Young 5's meet the teacher will go on as planned!
Reminders about our Back to School Events:
Monday, August 27th: New Family Orientation. 6:30 PM
Tuesday, August 28th: 1st-5th Grade Popsicles and Meet the Teacher. 4:30 PM
Wednesday, August 29th: Kindergarten/Young 5’s Meet the Teacher. 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Sept. 4th. First day of school.
Thursday, Sept. 6th: Wines Family Welcome Back Picnic. 6:30 PM.
The 1st-5th grade meet the teacher will take place on the back playground. The Kindergarten/Young 5’s event will meet on the back playground as well and we will then move into the classrooms.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
David
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