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

 

Weekly Update 2/2

 Dear Wines Families,

I hope this finds you well on this snowy day. If you are like me, you may be wondering when is the real storm coming? At any rate, I hope everyone is safe and sound and though I know students certainly want a real snow day, and it doesn’t replace being in person at school, the ability to have virtual instruction does allow our kids to stay connected to school during these situations. This is a pretty “meaty” message today as I have updates on Kindergarten Round Up and Science Olympiad. In addition, our PTO is hard at work to reimagining some of our fundraising while also revving up to put on some of our traditional events after a two year hiatus. Please take some time to read through this week’s messages.

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.

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.

Science Olympiad

Calling all parents interested in Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO).  Please join us to discuss WESO in 2022.  This year, the competition returns in-person at Pioneer High School on Sunday, June 5th.  There are a few important changes to discuss.  So, if your child is interested in participating, or you are interested in volunteering with the event or being a WESO coach; please come to one of the following virtual meeting,.   

February 3rd @ 7pm (Zoom info was included in today's email)

For The Love of Reading

Sunday, February 13 - Sunday, February 20

Nicola's Books, 2509 Jackson Avenue

Support a local business, donate to the Wines PTO, and shop for your Valentine, all at the same time! From February 13-20, Nicola's Books will kindly donate 20% of your purchase to the Wines PTO. The 20% donation applies to everything except for magazines, newspapers, and Legos, so shower the ones you love with a gift of books, games, toys, art supplies, puzzles, candy, stuffed animals - it all goes to support Wines.

Just mention Wines at checkout. And if you want to shop online at www.nicolasbooks.com, just write "Wines" in the Promo code and contribute to the cause from your smartphone. That means friends and family from afar can also join in on the fun!

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!

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.

Current Young 5’s families: All neighborhood families in Young 5’s will be automatically rolled up into Kindergarten for the fall so there is nothing you need to do. There are a couple of out of neighborhood families who do need to do some paperwork for Kindergarten, and if she hasn’t already, Robin will reach out to you with details.  

Looking for One More Chess Player

Our group of chess players is looking for one more player. No experience necessary. Any student, grades K-3 can join the team and be the fourth person. Please contact Christina Wall at 734-262-0026 or acdispatch@yahool.com.

That's all for this week. Thanks for Reading! AAPS will keep everyone informed about plans for school tomorrow later today.

David