Weekly Update 12/20

 Dear Wines Families, 

As we head into the winter break, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. 2023 has been a fantastic year at Wines and I look forward to 2024 with our kids and community. I know you’ll all agree that the Wines teachers and staff have been outstanding and they are headed off to a well-deserved break and will be ready to greet the kids on January 8th! Thanks to our staff for being the best staff in AAPS and thanks to all of you for your continued support for their success.  

International Night January 18th 

Our annual International Night is less than a month away! This is your family's opportunity to choose a country you are from, have spent time in, or are simply interested in learning about and sharing with others! Your kid(s) can teach others about your country with food, information, an activity, game, craft, or anything else that is representative. We will end the night with our Parade of Nations where your child(ren) can hold a sign representing their country of choice!

Please help us prepare by signing up here for a country to represent. This helps us ensure that we have everything we need ahead of time for your family. If you are able to help volunteer, please sign up here. 

Contact Celeste Kanpurwala with any questions at CelesteLSmith@gmail.com. 

Wines Science Olympiad Team

Calling all students grades 2-5, to join the Wines Science Olympiad Team! The team will take part in a competition on April 20th at Pioneer High School, ran by the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO). WESO’s mission is to enhance the quality of science education, increase student interest and recognize outstanding achievement in STEM activities.

Our team hopes to help young scientists grow through compassionate teamwork and creative problem solving. Practices will begin the week of January 29th and run for 10 weeks (there will be no practices during spring break).

Adults, please consider coaching one of the events for our team - we need your help!

For registration or more information, check out the Wines Science Olympiad linktree.

Girls on the Run Spring Season at Wines - registration starts January 16, 2024

We're already starting to plan for our spring season of Girls on the Run - and there are some exciting changes this year! Registration will get started a bit earlier, and the system is changing...to a lottery. So, everyone will have an equal chance of getting a spot, regardless of when you register before the deadline. 

In order to have as many participants as possible, we need coaches! Any parent is welcome to help coach - you don't need to be a girl, or a runner, and you don't need to commit to the full time - part time help is welcome as well! We will practice 2 days per week from 4-5:30pm after school. We need 2 coaches for every 15 participants, so the more interest we have, the more help we need to allow everyone to participate. Please contact Sara Platte at sara.platte@gmail.com if you're interested in coaching. It's a really fun way to get to know the kids and families at Wines and to help build confidence, kindness, healthy habits and self-esteem for our upper-elementary girls.  

Important dates for this spring season:

Tuesday, January 16th: Program registration opens (lottery system)

Tuesday, January 30th: Lottery closes

Week of March 17th: Program begins

Friday, March 22nd: Registration closes

Sunday, May 19th: Girls on the Run 5K Celebration Event

Week of May 19th: End of season

Any parents with any questions can reach out to Sara Platte via email as well (sara.platte@gmail.com). Go GOTR!!

Easy ways to support Wines 

You don’t have to wait for the Auction to help support the Wines PTO ! Here are some great ways for them to earn funds from everyday purchases.

Minted.com - NEW

Creating holiday cards? Want to get a personalized gift for your family? Use Wines’ special code of ‘FUNDRAISEWINES’ at minted.com and enjoy 20% off at checkout ALL YEAR and Wines PTO will receive 15% of all purchases! Feel free to share the code with friends and family.

Boxtops

No more tops to clip, Boxtop educational savings is now digital! Download the iOS or Android app and sign up to support Wines Elementary. All you have to do is scan your receipt, savings are automatically sent to the PTO! 

Grocery Store rewards programs

The Wines PTO has signed up with Busch’s, Kroger, and Ann Arbor Farms for community awards. Once you link your account you are giving back to Wines students every time you shop!! Just log into your rewards programs and add Wines PTO. Links and instructions here. 

Curious what the PTO spends money on? Check out our ‘About us’ page at ptowines.org.

David

Weekly Update 12/13

Dear Wines Families, 

It is hard to believe that our Winter Break is just over a week away. While we aren’t quite at the halfway point of the school year, the break is the unofficial midway point of the school year and a time to take a pause from school, be with family, and gear up for a great 2024! Thanks to you and your children, it has been a wonderful first part of the year and I look forward to the rest of this school year together. 

Give Help, Get Help: AAPS Winter Giving

Help AAPS students and families in need this winter season.  Give help by supporting a school, donating a gift card, organizing a drive for winter clothing and more. Get help finding local resources for meals, winter clothing and gifts. Learn more at a2schools.org/wintergiving.

Wines Science Olympiad Team

Calling all students grades 2-5, to join the Wines Science Olympiad Team! The team will take part in a competition on April 20th at Pioneer High School, ran by the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO). WESO’s mission is to enhance the quality of science education, increase student interest and recognize outstanding achievement in STEM activities.

Our team hopes to help young scientists grow through compassionate teamwork and creative problem solving. Practices will begin the week of January 29th and run for 10 weeks (there will be no practices during spring break).

Adults, please consider coaching one of the events for our team - we need your help!

For registration or more information, check out the Wines Science Olympiad linktree.

Girls on the Run Spring Season at Wines - Registration Starts January 16, 2024

We're already starting to plan for our spring season of Girls on the Run - and there are some exciting changes this year! Registration will get started a bit earlier, and the system is changing...to a lottery. So, everyone will have an equal chance of getting a spot, regardless of when you register before the deadline. 

In order to have as many participants as possible, we need coaches! Any parent is welcome to help coach - you don't need to be a girl, or a runner, and you don't need to commit to the full time - part time help is welcome as well! We will practice 2 days per week from 4-5:30pm after school. We need 2 coaches for every 15 participants, so the more interest we have, the more help we need to allow everyone to participate. Please contact Sara Platte at sara.platte@gmail.com if you're interested in coaching. It's a really fun way to get to know the kids and families at Wines and to help build confidence, kindness, healthy habits and self-esteem for our upper-elementary girls.  

Important dates for this spring season:

Tuesday, January 16th: Program registration opens (lottery system)

Tuesday, January 30th: Lottery closes

Week of March 17th: Program begins

Friday, March 22nd: Registration closes

Sunday, May 19th: Girls on the Run 5K Celebration Event

Week of May 19th: End of season

Any parents with any questions can reach out to Sara Platte via email as well (sara.platte@gmail.com). Go GOTR!!

Easy Ways to Support Wines 

You don’t have to wait for the Auction to help support the Wines PTO ! Here are some great ways for them to earn funds from everyday purchases.

Minted.com - NEW

Creating holiday cards? Want to get a personalized gift for your family? Use Wines’ special code of ‘FUNDRAISEWINES’ at minted.com and enjoy 20% off at checkout ALL YEAR and Wines PTO will receive 15% of all purchases! Feel free to share the code with friends and family.

Boxtops

No more tops to clip, Boxtop educational savings is now digital! Download the iOS or Android app and sign up to support Wines Elementary. All you have to do is scan your receipt, savings are automatically sent to the PTO! 

Grocery Store Rewards Programs

The Wines PTO has signed up with Busch’s, Kroger, and Ann Arbor Farms for community awards. Once you link your account you are giving back to Wines students every time you shop!! Just log into your rewards programs and add Wines PTO. Links and instructions here. 

Curious what the PTO spends money on? Check out our ‘About us’ page at ptowines.org.

David

Weekly Update 12/6

 Dear Wines Families, 

Reminder: Early Release Today

Dismissal is at 1:00. There is no PM childcare. 

Last call to Submit your GREAT IDEAS! Wines students, we encourage you to apply! 

Final Deadline is December 8th!

Do you have a great idea to support Wines Elementary?

The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program to benefit the Wines community. 

Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, and technology for listening centers. 

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here: Great Ideas Grant application link

For questions or more information contact: Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com

Wines Book Fair December 12-15

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 12th - 15th.  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 12th 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

Wines Science Olympiad Team

Calling all students grades 2-5, to join the Wines Science Olympiad Team! The team will take part in a competition on April 20th at Pioneer High School, ran by the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO). WESO’s mission is to enhance the quality of science education, increase student interest and recognize outstanding achievement in STEM activities.

Our team hopes to help young scientists grow through compassionate teamwork and creative problem solving. Practices will begin the week of January 29th and run for 10 weeks (there will be no practices during spring break).

Adults, please consider coaching one of the events for our team - we need your help!

For registration or more information check out the Wines Science Olympiad linktree.

Thanks!

David

Weekly Update 11/29

 Dear Wines Families, 

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving break. Folks around Wines appear refreshed and the kids jumped back into the swing of school right away on Monday. These next four weeks before Winter Break are a busy time and we are looking forward to it! 

Friday Morning Floor Hockey is Back! 

Starting this Friday at 8:15 AM, we will host our weekly floor hockey game before school. This is open to students in all grades and no experience is necessary. Parents are welcome to play as well. However, parents do not need to stay and you can drop your child off. We only ask that students have dry shoes for the gym so if it is snowy/wet outside, please have your child bring gym shoes to change into. 

PTO Meeting Tonight

We have a PTO meeting tonight at 7:00 in the Wines library. We meet in person but there is a Zoom option as well. Zoom information was sent in today's email. Speaking of PTO, at the bottom of this note is information on various way to support our PTO! 

Winter Weather

Obviously, winter seems to have arrived this week. As we enter the winter months, I want to remind everyone that we still go outside daily as long as the temperature or windchill is zero degrees or above. Please be sure your child comes to school prepared to go outside nearly every day this winter. Speaking of winter clothes, our Lost and Found is as full as I’ve ever seen it! Please remind your child to take a look in the lost and found for lost items. Parents are welcome to come “browse” the items as well. Just check into the front office and hopefully you can find some missing items! 

Early Release Wednesday, Dec. 6

Next Wednesday, Dec. 6th, is an Early Release. Dismissal is at 1:00. Lunch will be served as normal. There is no PM childcare that day. 

Wines Book Fair December 12-15

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 12th - 15th.  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 12th 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

From the PTO: Easy Ways to Support Wines

You don’t have to wait for the Auction to help support the Wines PTO! Here are some great ways for them to earn funds from everyday purchases.

Minted.com - NEW

Creating holiday cards? Want to get a personalized gift for your family? Use Wines’ special code of ‘FUNDRAISEWINES’ at minted.com and enjoy 20% off at checkout ALL YEAR and Wines PTO will receive 15% of all purchases! Feel free to share the code with friends and family.

Boxtops

No more tops to clip, Boxtop educational savings is now digital! Download the iOS or Android app and sign up to support Wines Elementary. All you have to do is scan your receipt, savings are automatically sent to the PTO! 

Grocery Store Rewards Programs

The Wines PTO has signed up with Busch’s, Kroger, and Ann Arbor Farms for community awards. Once you link your account you are giving back to Wines students every time you shop!! Just log into your rewards programs and add Wines PTO. Links and instructions here. 

Curious what the PTO spends money on? Check out our ‘About us’ page at ptowines.org or drop by for tonight's PTO meeting!  

Thanks!

David

Weekly Update 11/21

 

Dear Wines Families, 

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and say how thankful I continue to be for our students, staff, and the Wines community. This is a special place to be and I’m incredibly thankful to be part of it. 

Report Cards Coming Out Today

Later today you will receive a secure email with your child’s report card. Kindergarten through 5th grade will receive a second email with your child’s fall NWEA assessment scores (Young 5’s does not take the NWEA). 

PTO Meeting Nov. 29

Mark your calendars for our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29th at 7:00 in the Wines library. There will also be a Zoom option as well (zoom info was sent in today’s email) 

Book Fair is Coming Up! 

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 12th - 15th.  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 12th 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

 

Great Ideas Grant Deadline Extended to Dec. 5

Do you have a great idea to support Wines Elementary? The Great ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program to benefit the Wines community. 

Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, and technology for listening centers. 

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked below:

Great Ideas Grant application link

It's the same application whether you are submitting an idea as a student or teacher/parent. You will see that you will have the option to select who you are in the form.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 5, 2023.

Don’t let a great idea go to waste! Submit now! Submit several! We look forward to hearing from you. Student submissions are highly encouraged!

For questions or more information contact: Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com

David

Weekly Update 11/15

 Dear Wines Families, 

Before we get into this week’s news, I want to be sure to thank Jen and Brad Hinesman for once again coordinating the Science and Builders Fair last week. It was another wonderful event full of great work from our students and a fun atmosphere overall. Thanks also to the many volunteers who helped make the event so great! 

Report Cards

Term 1 report cards will be sent via secure email delivery on Tuesday, Nov. 21st. Grades K-5 will also receive NWEA assessment results (Young 5’s do not take the NWEA). 

Thanksgiving Food Drive

It's time for the annual Wines Thanksgiving Food Drive! Please support Washtenaw County and Food Gatherers by bringing in non-perishable items beginning today through Tuesday, November 21st. Boxes are in the entrance of the school building. The most needed items include food such as soups, canned meats, pasta, rice, kid-friendly snacks, and baby food / formula. There is also a need for personal care items such as diapers, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.   

Show Your Support Saturday at The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop

This Saturday, November 18th, 2023, is Wines Elementary's Show Your Support Saturday at The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop! The Wines Elementary PTO will receive 10% of every purchase made on Saturday, so head over and spread the word to your friends and family to get started on their holiday shopping. 

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop

2280 S. Industrial Hwy.

Saturday, November 18

10am-5pm 

The more you shop, the more we will earn!

 

PTO Meeting Nov. 29

Mark your calendars for our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29th at 7:00 in the Wines library. There will also be a Zoom option (Zoom information will be forthcoming).

Car Line Reminder

This message is primarily to families using the Cooley/Kindergarten lot but applies to everyone. In order to keep our line moving efficiently and safely, please do not get out of your car to assist your child to enter or exit the vehicle. At this point in the school year, it is our hope that all students can do this independently. If this is not possible, please park in a designated parking spot and walk your child to or from the car. Thank you! 

No School Next Wednesday-Friday

Just a reminder that next week is a shortened Thanksgiving holiday week with no school Wednesday through Friday. 

David

Weekly Update 11/8

 Dear Wines Families, 

It certainly feels like winter this morning! Here is the news for the week. 

Science and Builders Fair Tomorrow! 

Second, we are looking forward to the Science and Builders Fair on Thursday evening. While the event is not "judged", you do need to register on our website. It's fine to not have a topic yet, just let us know you're coming! Registration is due by 5:00 PM TODAY

https://winesscienceandbuilders.weebly.com/

We are still in need of volunteers for the event on Thursday. Please click HERE to sign up to volunteer.

Picture Re-Take Day Nov. 14th

Retake Picture Day is 11/14/2023! If you're satisfied with your child's picture, no further action is required. If you purchased and were unhappy with your Picture Package, please send your Picture Package to school with your student on Retake Day. Your Retake Picture Package will be produced and shipped to the school four weeks after Retake Day. Please note, if your child is photographed on the original and Retake Picture Days, the Retake picture will replace the original picture in certain products, like the yearbook.

Students who were absent for Picture Day should come to school prepared to have their picture taken. If you have not preordered, please use the Retake Order Code 80257YF to place your order at https://inter-state.com/Order. To see your Order History, check your Inter-State Account.

Find answers to Retake Day questions here.

It's time to submit your GREAT IDEAS!

Do you have a great idea to support Wines Elementary? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program to benefit the Wines community. 

Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, and technology for listening centers. 

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Ideas Grant application link

It's the same application whether you are submitting an idea as a student or teacher/parent. You will see that you will have the option to select who you are in the form.

The deadline for applications is November 21, 2023.

Don’t let a great idea go to waste! Submit now! Submit several! We look forward to hearing from you. Student submissions are highly encouraged!

For questions or more information contact: Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com.

David

Weekly Update 11/1

Dear Wines Families,

I hope everyone had a nice Halloween yesterday. While we had to change things up a bit with the Early Release, having the parade at 9:15 AM was a big hit with great attendance by parents and at the houses in the neighborhood. Perhaps we are on to a new tradition…Here is the news for the week. 

No School Tuesday, Nov. 7

Please note there is no school next Tuesday, Nov. 7 for Election Day. 

Science + Builders Fair: Thursday, November 9 

Put your thinking caps on! Our annual Science + Builders Fair is right around the corner. The Science + Builders Fair is meant to inspire young minds to learn and innovate! This event is designed to foster a love of learning and provide an exciting environment for the kids to proudly display their work. Nothing is too simple! It is not a "judged" event–all participants receive a certificate.

 

While the event is not "judged", you do need to register on our website. It's fine to not have a topic yet, just let us know you're coming! 

https://winesscienceandbuilders.weebly.com/

Volunteers Needed for the Science and Builders Fair

We need volunteers for the Science and Builders Fair. This is another event where no experience is necessary and it is a very easy and fun way to contribute! If you are interested, please contact Jen Hinesman directly at jlhinesman@gmail.com. Jen can then send you easy instructions. 

It's time to submit your GREAT IDEAS!

Do you have a great idea to support Wines Elementary? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program to benefit the Wines community. 

Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, and technology for listening centers. 

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Ideas Grant application link

It's the same application whether you are submitting an idea as a student or teacher/parent. You will see that you will have the option to select who you are in the form.

The deadline for applications is November 21, 2023.

Don’t let a great idea go to waste! Submit now! Submit several! We look forward to hearing from you. Student submissions are highly encouraged!

For questions or more information contact: Anu Huntley at anu.agrawal.huntley@gmail.com.

David

Weekly Update 10/25

Dear Wines Families,

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of October. The fall is really flying by, but that means things are humming right along here at school and, as they say, time flies when you’re having fun! Here is the news for the week. As always, I appreciate your time in reading through the information. 

Great Movie Night!

Our first Movie Night in a very long time was a smashing success last Friday! While I didn’t count, I estimate that around 250 kids were in attendance–perhaps more. I want to thank Amy Miles for encouraging us to host the event and for all of her work organizing a really special night for the kids. I hope parents enjoyed a couple of hours doing something fun or just relaxing while the kids were here at Wines. We will most certainly continue this tradition.

Walk to School Friday

Our final “Walktober” walk to school day is this Friday. We’ve had great participation this month and we encourage everyone to walk to school on Friday. Bus riders will again be dropped off at Forsythe where I will meet them along with our students who participate in morning childcare. Thanks to everyone for participating in this year’s Walktober. 

Halloween Oct. 31st

Next Tuesday is Halloween and we will again celebrate this date at our school. Tuesday is also an Early Release Day with dismissal at 1:00 so the day will be slightly different from previous years with a compact schedule. Below is some information to help families plan: 

Costumes: If students choose to wear a costume on Halloween, they should plan on arriving at school dressed in costume as we will not be changing into costumes at school. Costumes should be friendly in nature meaning no fake blood of fake weapons. My general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t sure if the costume or prop is appropriate for school, then it probably isn’t. 

Parade: We will take our annual parade through the neighborhood beginning at 9:15 AM. Our route has us exit school onto Cooley Ave. We turn left onto Saunders Crescent, then left onto Hillridge. We will then enter the Forsythe property via cut through off of Hillridge and take the long sidewalk through the Forsythe athletic fields back to Wines. 

Parents are more than welcome to watch the parade. The best place to view the parade is anywhere along the path from Hillridge to the Wines. If you are planning on being part of the parade, please be sure that your morning drop off routine stays the same–meaning our student drop off line is moving as normal for the beginning of school. 

Classroom Celebrations: Look for information from your classroom teacher regarding if and how the students will celebrate in class. As a reminder with the Early Release this year, celebrations will be smaller than in years past. 

Science + Builders Fair: Thursday, November 9 

Put your thinking caps on! Our annual Science + Builders Fair is right around the corner. The Science + Builders Fair is meant to inspire young minds to learn and innovate! This event is designed to foster a love of learning and provide an exciting environment for the kids to proudly display their work. Nothing is too simple! It is not a "judged" event–all participants receive a certificate. 

While the event is not "judged", you do need to register on our website. It's fine to not have a topic yet, just let us know you're coming! 

https://winesscienceandbuilders.weebly.com/

Do You Love our School Libraries?

Our district librarians are looking for parents/caregivers to form a "Friends of the AAPS School Libraries" group to support and advocate for our district school libraries. Our main goal is to strive for equity across all AAPS school libraries.

Please submit this Google form if you are interested in meeting on a monthly basis at Huron Library in the evening (dates TBD to start in November) during the school year to:

• Learn more about our school library programs and how to support them

• Develop fundraising opportunities to support buying print books for all of our school libraries

• Learn about the AAPS book challenge process and how to advocate for the freedom to read

• Learn about volunteer opportunities in the school libraries

• Share your support for school libraries on social media

• Share ideas with the group on how to support and advocate for our school libraries

David

Weekly Update 10/18

 Dear Wines Families,

I hope this message finds you well on this beautiful Autumn day. There are some exciting things coming up this week and beyond, so please take a moment to read through today’s message. 

Run-a-Thon Update

Again, I want to thank our community for another successful Run-a-Thon. We have exceeded our schoolwide fundraising goal and so I will spend an evening on the roof in the spring when it warms up! We currently have two classrooms—Mrs. Middleton and Mr. Toohey—who have met the 100% participation goal and have earned the right to throw a pie in my face. I’m still hoping that all of our classes meet this goal and many are very close! We have extended the deadline for one week. Donations can be made in the cash/check or online at https://www.ptowines.org/wines-runathon. Below is the current tally of classroom participation: 

 

PTO Meeting Tomorrow

Our PTO will be meeting tomorrow evening in the Wines Library at 7:00 PM. If you are unable to attend in person, Zoom information was sent in today's email. below is the Zoom information.

Walk to School Friday

After a week off due to Fall Break, we will again celebrate “Walktober” this Friday and encourage everyone to walk to school. Bus riders will again be dropped off at Forsythe where I will meet them along with our students who participate in morning childcare. 

Movie Night Friday!

Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ first Movie Night this Friday from 6-8PM. We will have chaperones, snacks, and a fun, free movie watching experience set up in the cafeteria. Kids can wear PJs and bring sleeping bags to sit on to watch Disney’s Elementals. This event is for current Wines students only. Parents, please be sure to return to Wines no later than 8:00 to pick your child(ren) up. 

We are still looking for volunteers for set up and clean up! Click here to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AADA72DA2FA7-44657729-movie 

Science + Builders Fair: Thursday, November 9 

Put your thinking caps on! Our annual Science + Builders Fair is right around the corner. The Science + Builders Fair is meant to inspire young minds to learn and innovate! Nothing is too simple. This is not a "judged" event -- all participants receive a certificate. Sign up information will be forthcoming. 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 10/11

 Dear Wines Families,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the real fall temperatures that arrived this week. As the weather begins to change and we enter fall and winter, just a reminder that we will go outside for recess daily as long as the wind chill is above 0 degrees. We will also go outside in light rain as well so please make sure kids are sent to school prepared to be outside daily. 

Run-a-Thon Pledges

Congratulations families, we have reached our overall fundraising goal for the Run-a-Thon so I will be sleeping on the roof in the Spring! While that is wonderful, we currently do not have any classrooms with 100% participation (and subsequently, the opportunity to throw a pie at my face!). Please see below where each classroom’s participation stands.  Every little amount helps and I can honestly say that I really want all 19 classrooms to hit me with a pie! We are still accepting pledges and they can be made online via: https://www.ptowines.org/wines-runathon.

For the donation to count towards your classroom, simply put the teacher’s same in the “Child’s Name” field in the online donation form. We are also still taking cash and checks in the packets sent home as well. 

Rodriguez 83%

Kim 81%

Middleton 79%

Puente 78%

Fata 77%

Milanowski 77%

Harris     75%

Mosher 74%

Toohey 73%

Duggins 72%

Shanteau 71%

Carlin 70%

Kingkiner 70%

Suiecki 68%

Fisher 67%

Parsons 65%

Spiroff 63%

Lynch 60%

Day          52%

PTO Meeting 10/19

Our next PTO meeting is next Thursday, October 19 at 7:00 in the Library. For those wishing to join via Zoom, the meeting information came in today's email. 

Pick Up and Drop off Reminders

Now that we are fully into our seventh week of school, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of our pick up and drop off procedures. First, please be sure you are using the correct lot. Our Young 5’s, Kindergarten, and 5th grade families should be using the Cooley Lot, not the main entrance from Wines. 1st-4th grades should enter from Newport and use the main entrance to Wines. Please use the lot that corresponds to your youngest child (so 5th grade families, if you have siblings in 1st-4th grades, please use the main entry). While our system is not perfect, it is safe and efficient when everyone uses the correct entrances. 

I’ve also noticed that more and more students are being dropped off to school without supervision as early as 8:30 or earlier. Students should not be at school unsupervised until an adult staff member comes outside to greet students. This is usually about 8:35. Thank you for your attention to this. 

Movie Night October 20th

Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ first Movie Night on Friday, October 20, from 6-8PM. We will have chaperones, snacks, and a fun, free movie watching experience set up in the cafeteria. Kids can wear PJs and bring sleeping bags to sit on to watch Disney’s Elementals.

Still looking for volunteers! Click here to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AADA72DA2FA7-44657729-movie 

EduStaff Substitute Teacher Positions

As we are headed into the Winter season, which also may be known as cold/flu/COVID season, the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) is looking for substitute teachers and paraeducators to support our classrooms. If you are a passionate person who enjoys connection with students EduStaff is looking for you. Substitute positions are necessary and meaningful work that enriches the lives of students in our community. If you, your family or friends are interested in making an impact, we encourage you to support the AAPS team as a substitute teacher or paraeducator.  Start your application at https://www.edustaff.org/

Fall Break

Reminder: no school this Friday or next Monday for Fall Break. 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 10/4

 Dear Wines Families,

It has been a great Spirit Week so far as we inch closer to Friday’s Run-a-Thon. The kids have shown great spirit!

Run-a-Thon Pledges

As I’ve indicated, Run-a-Thon is our largest fundraiser of the year. We are encouraging all students to collect pledges and any amount helps. 

Last year the kids reached 100% participation and each class got to throw a pie in my face.  The kids were really thrilled to smush all those pies in my face, so we’re bringing it back this year. I also spent an evening on the roof last spring to honor the kids reaching our fundraising goal. We’ll be bringing that incentive back again this year as well. 

So....for every class that has 100% of their students participate in collecting pledges (of any amount), that class will be able to throw a pie in my face. I’m hoping to be pelted by 19 pies! And if we meet our overall fundraising goal, I’ll spend a night on the roof. 

We aim to raise $20,000 for Wines through the Run-a-thon. It is a lofty goal and works out to approximately $50/student. To reach this goal, we really need everyone to chip in! If you are not able to contribute $50, any amount will help and if you are able to solicit pledges over $50, this will be a great help to our school! Online pledges are a great way to allow out of town friends and families support our school and can be made at: https://www.ptowines.org/wines-runathon.

One of the highlights of our Run-a-Thon pep-rally was a discussion of all the wonderful things that our PTO supports via proceeds from the Run-a-Thon. We talked about field trips, our 5th grade Camp Tanuga trip, playground upgrades, our art and music programs, and others. The kids were most excited that this year, our PTO has just built new soccer goals for the playgrounds!

We still have some Run-a-Thon volunteer slots open.  Sign up here if you’re interested & we’ll see you Friday.

Here is the Run-a-Thon grade-by-grade running schedule.

Well Deserved Recognition for Mr. Mosher! 

If you haven’t read the recent A2 School News article on our own 5th grade teacher, Mr. Mosher, take a moment and click on the link below. 

https://news.a2schools.org/nick-mosher-wines-elementary-5th-grade-teacher/

Movie Night October 20th

Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ first Movie Night on Friday, October 20, from 6-8PM. We will have chaperones, snacks, and a fun, free movie watching experience set up in the cafeteria. Kids can wear PJs and bring sleeping bags to sit on to watch Disney’s Elementals.

Still looking for volunteers! Click here to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AADA72DA2FA7-44657729-movie 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 9/20

Dear Wines Families, 

As we find ourselves in our fourth week of school and our second full week, things are running smoothly and our day to day routines are firmly in place. I want to thank our entire community for all your support to help make the beginning of the year such a success. Here is the news for the week. The message is a bit long, but we have a lot going on! 

PTO Meeting Tomorrow

Our first PTO meeting is tomorrow evening at 7:00 in the Wines Library. Everyone is welcome! If you would prefer to join via Zoom, information was sent in today's email. 

Early Release Wednesday, Sept. 27th

Our first Early Release of the year is next Wednesday, Sept. 27th. Dismissal is at 1:00 PM. A few classroom teachers mistakenly alerted parents that dismissal was at 1:18 which was the the early release dismissal time last year. Please note that this is slightly earlier release time this year. Busses will run as normal—just arriving home approximately two hours and 48 minutes earlier than usual. There is no PM childcare. Lunch will be served as normal with kids eating slightly earlier than on regular school days. 

Picture Day Oct. 3rd 

Picture Day is coming up on Oct. 3rd. Online orders can be made at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/80258CF. Ordering online in advance allows for free shipping to school. 

The Wines Run-a-Thon is Friday, October 6th!

Our annual Run-a-Thon is right around the corner on Friday, Oct. 6th. The event takes place during the school day and is a great community event. All grades will run in flights between 9AM – 11:30 AM.

Run-a-thon Pledges

The Run-a-Thon is our largest fundraiser of the year with the opportunity to pledge for runners. While we are still a couple weeks away, friends and family can start supporting our students now! This is a great way for friends and family from out of town to support and pledge for kids. Information on the event and how to make a pledge for your child can be found here.

Run-a-thon Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships are tax deductible and welcome as well.  If interested – please click here send your commitment by this Friday 9/22.

To include your company logo on the Run-a-Thon T-Shirt, please send logo by Friday 9/22 to: Jourdan.ludwig@gmail.com

Run-a-thon Volunteers

The Run-a-Thon is also a fun and easy volunteer opportunity. If you are interested in helping out that day, please go to Wines Run-A-Thon Volunteers and sign up.

Online pledges can be made at the link below and this a great way to contact out of town friends and families to help contribute to the Wines community.

https://www.ptowines.org/wines-runathon

Spirit Wear

Our Spirit Wear sale is still live. The sale is live through Monday, September 25 at midnight. Items will ship directly to you starting October 10. There are a few new items this year including sweatpants! Support our school and rock your Wines gear around town! And a Wines hoodie makes a great gift! 

https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/wines-elementary-apparel-2

Wines Attendance Email 

We are moving to an email-only system to report absences. This is happening across all schools in AAPS. If your child is going to be absent or late to school, please email wines@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 9/13

 Dear Wines Families, 

It was very nice to see everyone at Curriculum Night last evening. We hope you received helpful information from your child’s teacher and got to know the how the classroom is organized. 

Wines PTO

Our PTO is busy putting together another fantastic year at Wines. In order for our PTO to be successful, we need your help! There is no shortage of opportunities to get involved and no experience is necessary! For new families to Wines, there is often a sense of “I’m going to wait to learn more about everything before I get involved.” This is understandable! But please know that we need new people, fresh ideas, and our activities are really fun and easy to be a part of. So don’t be shy!! In your weekly email today were two links to information from our PTO. The first is a list of Wines events along with a QR code to sign up to volunteer. Please note, signing up does not obligate you but it gives us a list of people who are possibly interested. The second is a link to a letter from the PTO about our Direct Donation program. Please check your email and look for these items.

Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation Champion Program

The Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation mission is to empower the youth athletic community in mental well-being and suicide prevention.  MJRF was established in August 2019 in memory of Miles Roberts, a Freshman at Skyline and former Wines student, who died by suicide at the age of 15. Miles was a youth working to balance the demands of school, family, athletics, friends, social media and more. His feeling of elation during sports was contagious and these connections with coaches and teammates helped to nourish his mental well-being. We look to help others like Miles thrive and build a safety net of trusted support through their athletic interactions

This Fall marks our fourth anniversary and we are celebrating with a gathering at German Park on Friday, September 22nd from 6 -11 pm.  The evening will include dinner, beverages, silent auction, music by the Four Roses and dancing.  Our goal is to raise funds to grow the MJRF Champions Program. 

The MJRF Champion program is a pilot program intended to be transformative in approach for engaging youth athletes through trusted adults. The Skyline pilot is a 3 year program which began in September 2022, with a goal to demonstrate evidence based outcomes and to be sustainable by Skyline/AAPS at year 4 as part of the school curriculum.  Our 10 year plan is to grow this program across all high schools in Washtenaw County. 

Please join us in person at German Park or support us through donations to MJRF on our website mjrfoundation.org

• You can learn more about MJRF Champs at https://mjrfoundation.org/mjrf-champions/ and also on social @mjrfoundation

• You can purchase tickets at https://cbo.io/tickets/mjrf/tix.  Please purchase by 9/15 to support planning.  

• You can become a sponsor for German Park event including tickets at https://cbo.io/tickets/mjrf/tix_1.  

• You can become a sponsor only for German Park event at https://cbo.io/tickets/mjrf/tix_2.  

Spirit Wear

It's that time of year for the Wines Spirit Wear Sale! This will be your only time to order spirit wear this year. The sale is live now and will be open through Monday, September 25 at midnight. Items will ship directly to you starting October 10. There are a few new items this year including sweatpants! Support our school and rock your Wines gear around town! And a Wines hoodie makes a great gift! 

https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/wines-elementary-apparel-2

Wines Attendance Email 

We are moving to an email-only system to report absences. This is happening across all schools in AAPS. If your child is going to be absent or late to school, please email wines@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

Join us in Walktober!

Students and families are encouraged to walk, bike, and scoot their way to school every Friday in October and on International Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 4th.

Walktober Dates:

Wednesday, October 4 (International Walk to School Day)

Friday, October 6

Friday, October 20

Friday, October 27

Walktober is a great way to learn about pedestrian safety and healthy habits. Collect a sticker or stamp on the way to school at the corners of Sunset & Newport, Saunders Crescent & Cooley Street, Riverwood & Newport, or at the Wines' Baseball Field (near Upper El playground) and path from Forsythe Field.

Volunteers are needed to hand out stamps. Please SIGN UP HERE.

What if my student takes the bus?

On each of the Walktober Dates, our busses will drop students off a the Forsythe main parking lot. Dr. DeYoung will meet busses there and accompany students on a walk to Wines. 

What if my student is in AM childcare?

Dr. DeYoung will pick childcare students up and walk with them to Forsythe to meet the busses. Students will then join the walk to school. 

What if we live too far away to walk?

One way to participate is to park close to the school and walk, bike, or scoot the remainder of the way.

Walktober is sponsored by the Wines PTO. 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 9/6

 Dear Wines Families, 

I hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend. We were able to spend one final weekend up north (I skipped a Michigan football game for the first time in many years). It was an excellent way to officially end our summer and we were able to spend lots of time with family and friends. We spent a lot of time on the beach and on the water listening to Jimmy Buffett music following his passing. While I’m not a true “Parrot Head”—I only saw him in concert once—his music has been part of my summer playlist since I was a teenager and despite his loss, he filled the weekend with sing a longs and memories. On to this week’s news (sorry, this week’s message is a bit longer than usual).  

M14 Town Hall Meeting Tonight!

This evening at 6:30 PM, we will be hosting a town hall meeting with State Senator Sue Shink and representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Town Hall will focus on M14 updates. I know M14 noise and other items related to the highway have been raised for many years by members of our community so please consider attending this important event. 

Back to School Picnic Tomorrow

Join us on the front (upper el) playground tomorrow night from 5:30-7:00. This is an informal gathering where you and your family can bring your own picnic dinner and spend some time socializing with friends new and old. Please note, there will not be access to inside the school building during the picnic. 

Curriculum Night: Tuesday, Sept. 12th

Our annual Curriculum Night takes place next Tuesday, Sept. 12th. Teachers will be hosting two identical sessions. The first session is from 6:00-6:30 and the second session will take place from 6:40-7:10. This is an event for parents only. 

Wines Attendance Email 

We are moving to an email-only system to report absences. This is happening across all schools in AAPS. If your child is going to be absent or late to school, please email wines@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

End of Day Changes

If your end of day arrangements change, please alert our office in advance. This will allow us time to alert teachers so students can be ready to leave early or we have had time to alert students of any other type of change (i.e. parent pick up instead of the bus). Please contact us before 2:30 PM. Also, please note that we are unable to retrieve students after 3:15 PM. Please call the school office at (734) 994-1973. Do not use the attendance email described above. 

Volunteering at Wines

Thank you to everyone who has registered to volunteer at Wines. As part of our school safety measures, we ask that all volunteers please fill out a quick form that registers you as a Wines volunteer and allows us to complete a background check. The form is linked below.

Volunteer Registration

Once you fill out the form you are all set as the background check is a very quick process on our end and we will contact you in the event that there is a problem or question. If you do not hear anything back, you can assume that you are cleared to volunteer. Teachers will alert you about the various volunteer opportunities we have.

Note: This is a yearly requirement so volunteers from last year must fill out the form again this year.

Library volunteers

Speaking of volunteers, we’re excited to welcome volunteers into the library starting in the next few weeks. If you would like to volunteer in the library, please complete this Library Volunteer form. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Rachel Goldberg, Wines librarian (goldbergr@aaps.k12.mi.us).

Join us in Walktober!

Students and families are encouraged to walk, bike, and scoot their way to school every Friday in October and on International Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 4th.

Walktober Dates:

Wednesday, October 4 (International Walk to School Day)

Friday, October 6

Friday, October 20

Friday, October 27

Walktober is a great way to learn about pedestrian safety and healthy habits. Collect a sticker or stamp on the way to school at the corners of Sunset & Newport, Saunders Crescent & Cooley Street, Riverwood & Newport, or at the Wines' Baseball Field (near Upper El playground) and path from Forsythe Field.

Volunteers are needed to hand out stamps. Please SIGN UP HERE.

What if my student takes the bus?

On each of the Walktober Dates, our busses will drop students off a the Forsythe main parking lot. Dr. DeYoung will meet busses there and accompany students on a walk to Wines. 

What if my student is in AM childcare?

Dr. DeYoung will pick childcare students up and walk with them to Forsythe to meet the busses. Students will then join the walk to school. 

What if we live too far away to walk?

One way to participate is to park close to the school and walk, bike, or scoot the remainder of the way.

Walktober is sponsored by the Wines PTO. 

Lunch and Breakfast

As I’ve announced previously, lunch and breakfast are free for all students this year. A-la-carte milk is charged. With this new law, AAPS is asking that ALL families fill out a Free and Reduced Lunch application. Even if your family will not financially qualify for free or reduced lunch and even if your child(ren) will not participate in the breakfast or lunch program, this information is used for state and federal reimbursement for school meals. Below is a link to information about the application. Thank you for completing this.

Breakfast/Lunch Application. 

Thanks! 

David

Weekly Update 8/30

 Dear Wines Families, 

Welcome to my first “Wednesday Email” of the school year. Each Wednesday I will send out a message to all families. I try to keep the message to a reasonable length and reading the weekly message is the best way to stay up to date with everything going on at Wines. 

Our delayed first day of school was fantastic yesterday. It was so great to see our returning kids and families and wonderful to welcome all of our new faces. Thanks to our PTO for sponsoring the coffee and donuts and BIG thanks to all of our families for helping make the entire day so smooth. Just a reminder for pick up and drop off: Young 5’s, Kindergarten, and 5th grade should use the Cooley lot. 1st-4th grades should use the main entrance from Newport. Please use the lot corresponding to the youngest sibling in your family. Your drop off/pick up lot may not be the closest lot to your house, but it is important that we follow this system for parking lot efficiency and, more importantly, safety. 

Volunteering at Wines

As the school year gets underway, there will be numerous opportunities for families to volunteer at our school. As part of our school safety measures, we ask that all volunteers please fill out a quick form that registers you as a Wines volunteer and allows us to complete a background check. The form is linked below. 

Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/YLf5nee9Wxf9BHwr9

Once you fill out the form you are all set as the background check is a very quick process on our end and we will contact you in the event that there is a problem or question. If you do not hear anything back, you can assume that you are cleared to volunteer. Teachers will alert you about the various volunteer opportunities we have. 

Note: This is a yearly requirement so volunteers from last year must fill out the form again this year. 

Lunch and Breakfast

As I’ve announced previously, lunch and breakfast are free for all students this year. A-la-carte milk is charged. With this new law, AAPS is asking that ALL families fill out a Free and Reduced Lunch application. Even if your family will not financially qualify for free or reduced lunch and even if your child(ren) will not participate in the breakfast or lunch program, this information is used for state and federal reimbursement for school meals. Below is a link to information about the application. Thank you for completing this. 

Breakfast/Lunch Application

Back to School Picnic: Sept. 7

Join us on the playground next Thursday night from 5:30-7:00. This is an informal where you and your family can bring your own picnic dinner and spend some time socializing with friends new and old. 

M14 Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 6

On Wednesday Sept. 6th at 6:30 PM, we will be hosting a town hall meeting with State Senator Sue Shink and representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Town Hall will focus on M14 updates. I know M14 noise and other items related to the highway have been raised for many years by members of our community so please consider attending this important event. 

Reminder: No school Friday or Monday for the extended Labor Day weekend. 

David

Weekly Update 6/7

 Dear Wines Families, 

It’s quite amazing that we have nearly reached the end of the school year. I want to thank our entire community for a fantastic year. While we began the process of getting back to normal last year, ultimately it was this 2022-2023 school year where we really found our pandemic way again as a school and a school community. All of our traditions were restored and new traditions have emerged as well. Your children have been delightful in every way and on behalf of our staff, thank you for sharing them with us and allowing us to be part of their lives. Thank you to all of our families for supporting your kids and our school. Wines is an amazing place to be and it is because of our tremendous families. As with every year, we will say goodbye to many families as you move on to middle school and beyond. It has been a pleasure having you at Wines. Now we head off to summer months and I wish everyone a joyful summer and we’ll be right back at it before you know it! 

Report Cards

Report cards will be sent Friday via secure email. Kindergarten through 5th grade families will receive three separate emails: Report Card, NWEA Scores, and Special Area Class Report Card. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to have all of these sent in a single email. Young 5’s families will receive two emails: Report Card and Special Area Class Report Card. 

5th Grade Events

If you are interested in celebrating our 5th graders, the 5th grade celebration takes place on Thursday, June 8th at 7:00 PM. In addition, our school will be clapping the 5th graders out of the building on Friday, June 9th at approximately 11:15. 5th grade families, look for more information about these events sent directly to you. 

Library update

Please return all library books by the end of the week. If your child has lost a book, you are welcome to send in a new replacement book or reach out to Ms. Goldberg (goldbergr@aaps.12.mi.us) to find out the replacement fee. 

Summer Reading

For information on the AADL summer game, links to free ebook libraries, summer reading programs from local bookstores, and more, check out the A2Schools Summer Reading Choice Board. This choice board and other useful summer reading links are also on Ms. Goldberg’s Clever page.

Last Day of School: Half Day

June 9th is the last day of school. It is a half day with dismissal at 11:28. Driveiline will begin at approximately 11:20. 

David

Weekly Update 3/31

 Dear Wines Families, 

Greetings from Camp! By the time everyone reads this, I’ll be with the 5th graders at Camp Tanuga just south of Traverse City. As with many things this year, I can’t tell you how great it feels to be able to take part in the return of this annual tradition after a three year hiatus! 

Here is all the news for this next to last weekly note of the school year!

Chromebook Return

All Y5-4th grade students will be returning their Chromebooks to allow our Technology Department to prepare them for next year. 5th grade students will be keeping their Chromebooks over the summer. Mrs. Middleton, Mr. Toohey, and Mrs. Shanteau will be collecting devices on Friday, June 2nd. Ms. Fata will be collecting her class devices on Tuesday, June 6th. Everyone else will be collecting on Wednesday, June 7th. We are collecting Chromebooks AND chargers. Again this year, there will be no charge for repairs so PLEASE let us know if there is anything wrong with your child’s Chromebook so we can repair it over the summer. Teachers will be in touch regarding procedures but most will be asking that Chromebooks come to school a day or two before collection. Students participating in summer learning opportunities will keep their devices. 

Lunches with Love Success! 

Last week, every Wines student participated in “Lunches with Love.” This Wines tradition has our kids learn about food scarcity in our community and the kids then pack lunch bags for our partners Food Gatherers. In the end, the kids packed 395 lunches and donated 451 pounds of food for those less fortunate in our community! BIG thanks to Megan Hastie for again spearheading this important community service project! 

Disability Awareness Workshop Success! 

Also last week, our 4th and 5th graders participated in the Disability Awareness Workshop. This is a traditional 4th grade opportunity but our 5th graders were not able to participate last year due to COVID restrictions. Thank you to Katharine Seagly, Amy Thudium, and Abbigail Israelsen for organizing this very large event. And thanks to the small army of parent volunteers that made the day such a success and important learning experience for our kids. 

5th Grade Events

If you are interested in celebrating our 5th graders, the 5th grade celebration takes place on Thursday, June 8th at 7:00 PM. In addition, our school will be clapping the 5th graders out of the building on Friday, June 9th at approximately 11:20. 5th grade families, look for more information about these events sent directly to you. 

Last Day of School: Half Day

June 9th is the last day of school. It is a half day with dismissal at 11:28. 

David

Weekly Update 5/24

Dear Wines Families, 

My night on the roof last night was actually quite enjoyable! The weather was perfect for an evening outside and the many visitors throughout the night (both in person and online) were really great. As I said in the live feed, the night on the roof originated as a celebration of the kids’ achievements in the fall Run-a-Thon. Now that time has passed, last night was really a way for me to celebrate our kids and our community for an entire school year of support, enthusiasm, hard work, and lots of fun! While we still have a couple weeks left of this school year, I do want to take a moment to thank everyone for one of the most memorable school years I can think of! 

ROAR Thank You!! 

Last Friday’s ROAR was another incredible success. Despite a little rain and some last minute logistical changes, the evening was a hit with everyone! Thank you to the small army of volunteers who responded to the call for help. We couldn’t have done it without you! I want to give a HUGE thank you to Lizzy Hurwitz who organized the ROAR for the second year and to Janice Guikema who organized the Raffle. Lizzy and Janice were supported by many people. In particular I want to recognize Marti Clark and Andrea Huang who were part of the yearlong planning process and were both all hands on deck last Friday afternoon and evening. And I don’t want to leave out Seth Guikema who may have set the world record for hauling tables Friday! The ROAR was a great culminating event for a great year. Thank you to everyone for all of the support. 

AAPS Registration

All AAPS families must re-register each year. You should have received an email from "AAPS Registration" last week with a link to register your child(ren). This email was sent to the email used to register your student(s) so please check all emails in your family for the message. If you have more than one student at Wines and you have multiple email addresses, there is a chance that you may have registered one student using one email and another with a second email. If this is the case, please check both emails. Most of the online registration is pre-populated so it only takes a few minutes and a few clicks to be done. 

News from the Library

Book return: This is the last week of book checkout for the school year. Please return all library books by Friday, June 2. If your child has lost a book, you are welcome to send in a new replacement book or reach out to Ms. Goldberg (goldbergr@aaps.12.mi.us) to find out the replacement fee. Thank you and happy summer reading/gaming at the Ann Arbor District Library.

AADL Summer Game update: We have your first code of the 2023 Summer Game! Huge congratulations to Hugh (Ms. Milanowski’s class) and Mateo (Ms. Carlin’s class), whose codes were combined to create our first ever Wines Summer Game Code! It is: 

WINESREADERSROCK

Codes can be redeemed for points in two ways:

1) Texting the code to 734-327-4200

2) Signing in to a player's AADL account and redeeming game codes here: https://aadl.org/summergame/player/24026/gamecode

And if you’re wondering about how to get involved in the Summer Game, you can find all of that info here: https://aadl.org/play. 

End of Year Letter from our Nurse, Mary Delis

Below is a link to a note from Mary regarding important end of the year information from our nurse. Please read, particularly if your child has medications at school. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-YW5ycOUS4hT14hU6pXXUHf4tLI-ZEUfhU135cS-cio/edit

Before and After Care Registration

Registration for Rec & Ed’s Before/After School program is open. Currently, aftercare is full but you can add your name to the waitlist. There is still room in before care and we do hope to add before school care next year. 

Registration Link is open. 

Questions? Email aapschildcare@aaps.k12.mi.us or call (734) 994-2300 ext. 53232

David

Weekly Update 5/17

 

Dear Wines Families, 

We are looking forward to the Wines ROAR!  Rain plans are ready, but we are hoping things clear up so we can have fun outdoors! THANK YOU to everyone who has signed up to volunteer. There are still a few volunteer opportunities available Sign up here to volunteer.

You can get the 2023 Wines ROAR Raffle Book here! Preview all the fabulous prizes as well as details about how the raffle works. Then you may want to buy more raffle tickets here. And THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who donated to the raffle!

Half Day of School Friday

Friday is a half day of school. Dismissal is at 11:28. Driveline will begin at approximately 11:20. Lunch is not served on Friday. However, “grab and go” lunches will be available. These lunches are to be brought home and not eaten on the bus or at school. If your child is planning on picking up a lunch, please alert their classroom teacher by the end of the day Thursday so we can prepare enough lunches. There is no aftercare on Friday. 

Before and After Care Registration

Registration for Rec & Ed’s Before/After School program is open. Currently, aftercare is full but you can add your name to the waitlist. There is still room in before care and we do hope to add before school care next year. Registration Link is open. 

Questions? Email aapschildcare@aaps.k12.mi.us or call (734) 994-2300 ext. 53232

STEAM Expo May 22nd 

Please join us for the AAPS STEAM and CTE Expo on Monday, May 22nd from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Skyline Commons.

What is the Expo?

The Expo is a great way for AAPS to showcase/show amazing work, through student work, capstone projects, and student demonstrations.  Think of it as similar to a band concert or art show.  It is also a great way for students to check out program offerings.  Additionally, it is a great way for our business partners to connect with AAPS students and families.

When is the Expo?

The 2023 AAPS STEAM and CTE Expo will be on Monday, May 22nd from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Skyline Commons.

What should I expect as an attendee?

Presenters will be showcasing student work, having student presenters, and may even integrate hands-on demonstrations.   Look forward to an opportunity to learn more about our STEAM and CTE programs offered through the districts from the students and teachers that engage in these activities daily.

Field Day May 30th 

Field Day is Tuesday, May 30th.  3rd-5th grade will be in the morning and Y5-2nd will be in the afternoon. We are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please click on the link below.    If you have any questions, please email thorpekn@aaps.k12.mi.us.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A4A629A57-field1

David

Weekly Update 5/3

 Dear Wines Families, 

I hope this message finds you well and staying warm during this, let’s face it, HORRIBLE weather! Lots of news this week: 

Final PTO Meeting and Elections May 10

The next Wines PTO meeting will be on Wednesday, May 10, from 7-8:30p in the Wines Library. If you can't attend in person, feel free to use the Zoom link sent in today's email. 

We will be voting on officers for the 2023-24 school year. Interested in getting more involved? We'd love to have you! Please contact Michael Newberry at mnewberry88@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more about PTO roles and responsibilities, and to put your hat in the ring!

Last Call For Parent Input Re: Class Placement

If you would like to provide input for us as we make class placements, please fill out the survey below. Again, we do not accept requests for certain teachers and such requests will be deleted. Please fill out this optional form no later than Friday, May 5. 

https://forms.gle/JNDfpf2MS1RJTZRX9

Art Night May 11

Mark your calendars Art Night will be happening at Wines

Thursday May 11, 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Come see the amazing work of all of the artists of Wines Elementary!

More ROAR Information

The Wines ROAR is almost here – happening Friday, May 19, 5-8pm!  We sent an email about the raffle Monday you can check out here. This end of year celebration is a great chance to see other families and have fun welcoming in summer!  To make this an exceptional event for everyone we do need your help! Three easy ways to do so are:

• Donate to Classroom baskets or contribute items for the raffle

• Volunteer for short (30 min) shifts at the event. 

• Start planning now and talk to your child about a cake for the decoration contest – the theme is ‘Song and Music.’ Your kid doesn't want to make a cake? No worries! You can also just send in store bought cookies, cupcakes, cakes or donuts to be given out as prizes for the musical cakes event. 

Volunteers Needed for Disability Awareness Workshop

The Disability Awareness Workshop is a one-day program to teach 4th and 5th graders an empathetic understanding of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities. The hands-on activity-based program is designed to help Students understand how complex daily living can be for individuals with diverse abilities. The workshop helps build a culture of understanding that is invaluable, with the goal to learn, through experience, that all individuals deserve respect no matter how they may look, act, walk or talk.

On Wednesday, May 24, 2023 students in the 4th and 5th grade classes will participate in this all day Workshop. Wines Elementary will be delivering this outstanding learning opportunity to students for the first time since 2019. 

We need your help! Please consider volunteering to help make the workshop a success. We need about 4 volunteers to help with the set up on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 3:45-5:00 PM and we need about 20 volunteers to help on Wednesday, May 24 from 8:45 am to 12:00 pm. Volunteers need only be kind and compassionate. No experience working with people with disabilities is necessary. 

Contact Amy Thudium, athudium@gmail.com, or sign up with the SignUp Genius link below.

 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DAFA62AA5FF2-disability

Sign & Go Events Still Available!

Saturday, May 13th: 1:30pm

VIP Art Museum Tour

Ever wanted a chance to explore the vast art collection at UMMA in a privately guided tour?  Now is your chance to take advantage of the variety of culture in our community for only $20!

Saturday, June 10th: 10:30am-12:30pm

Art Class at Matthei Botanical Gardens (all supplies included)

Led by Patricia Ferrer Beals, an experienced medical and scientific illustrations, spend two hours learning how to use your observational skills to make a drawing of nature.  All skill levels welcomed! $55

Reserve your spots here today!

Seeking Lunch Volunteers

As the weather gets warmer (I promise, it will get warmer!), perhaps we have more parent interest in volunteering during our lunch time. We’ve had some turnover in our paid staff and we always welcome more adults to support our kids at lunch and at lunch recess. If you are interested in volunteering, please email me and we can talk details. We are also always hiring folks who want to be paid for the position. It pays well ($16/hr) and the schedule is very flexible. If you or someone you know is interested in the paid position, please let me know. 

Field Day May 30th 

Field Day is Tuesday, May 30th.  3rd-5th grade will be in the morning and Y5-2nd will be in the afternoon. We are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please click on the link below.    If you have any questions, please email thorpekn@aaps.k12.mi.us.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A4A629A57-field1

AAPS Listen and Learn: A Community Conversation

We value the input of our students, families, staff and community members, and we are currently engaging our Ann Arbor community in a conversation as we plan for the future of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Please click on the link below for more information. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VJ4CfsKumgX3D1DoqOnw-Jf7V9nMsCZnnQ3BqB8L3jY/edit

David

Weekly Update 4/26

 Dear Wines Families, 

As I indicated last week, this is the time of year when my weekly messages get a little longer. Hopefully you can find a few minutes to read through all that is happening at Wines!

Parent Input: Class Placement

In the coming days and weeks, our staff and I will be working together to form class lists for the 2023-2024 school year. As we have done for many years, we accept parent input that you feel would help inform us as we put classes together. Below is a link to this optional input form. Please be reminded that we do not accept requests to be in a certain teacher’s classroom or to not have your child placed in a specific teacher’s classroom. Such requests will be deleted. Below is a link to the form. 

https://forms.gle/UGMB9mATPesGwnja9

Art Night May 11

Mark your calendars Art Night will be happening at Wines

Thursday May 11, 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Come see the amazing work of all of the artists of Wines Elementary!

We are also looking for a few volunteers to help hang the art work. Anyone interested can sign up here. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054CAEAF22A64-artnight

More ROAR Information

The Wines ROAR is almost here – happening Friday, May 19, 5-8pm!  There was a lengthy email sent on Monday with everything you need to know for the end of year event.  HERE is a copy of that email with detailed information. This is a great way to celebrate the year, meet other families, and just have some fun. To make this an exceptional event for everyone we do need your help! Three easy ways to do so are:

• Donate to Classroom baskets or contribute items for the raffle

• Have your child decorate a cake for the decoration contest (to be used for Musical Cakes)

• Volunteer for short (30 min) shifts at the event. 

Seeking Lunch Volunteers

As the weather gets warmer (I promise, it will get warmer!), perhaps we have more parent interest in volunteering during our lunch time. We’ve had some turnover in our paid staff and we always welcome more adults to support our kids at lunch and at lunch recess. If you are interested in volunteering, please email me and we can talk details. We are also always hiring folks who want to be paid for the position. It pays well ($16/hr) and the schedule is very flexible. If you or someone you know is interested in the paid position, please let me know. 

Sign & Go Events Still Available!

There are still a number of spots available in some of our Sign & Go Auction Events.  Please consider purchasing a spot to support the school, take part in something new, and hopefully have fun!

Sunday, April 30th: 4pm-5pm (followed by a pizza party)

Soccer Clinic with Mr. Toohey - Only 2 spots left! $35

Saturday, May 13th: 1:30pm

VIP Art Museum Tour $20

Saturday, June 10th: 10:30am-12:30pm

Art Class at Matthei Botanical Gardens (all supplies included) $55

Reserve your spots here today!

Field Day May 30th 

Field Day is Tuesday, May 30th.  3rd-5th grade will be in the morning and Y5-2nd will be in the afternoon. We are looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please click on the link below.    If you have any questions, please email thorpekn@aaps.k12.mi.us.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A4A629A57-field1

AAPS Listen and Learn

We value the input of our students, families, staff and community members, and we are currently engaging our Ann Arbor community in a conversation as we plan for the future of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Through May 26th, you can join the conversation via the online ThoughtExchange here and learn more about Listen and Learn 2023 here.

Celebrate National Drinking Water Week with us!

Come join us for a tour of the Ann Arbor Drinking Water Treatment Plant (919 Sunset Rd) and enjoy water themed activities at our open house event on May 6, 2023 from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Event will be outdoors rain or shine.  

Tours will be capped at 15 participants. We recommended you sign up in advance to reserve your tour time slot and reduce wait time. Visit https://www.a2gov.org/pages/calendar.aspx to select your May 6 tour time and register. Activities at the event will be hosted by the following organizations. For questions about the event you can reach us at water@a2gov.org or 734.794.6426.

• Ann Arbor Water

• City of Ann Arbor Urban Forestry & Natural Resources and Office of Sustainability and Innovations (with 100 trees for participants!)

• Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum

• Leslie Science and Nature Center

• Huron River Watershed Council

• University of Michigan researchers from Civil & Environmental Engineering Department

• City of Ann Arbor Public Works (with a vactor truck)

• City of Ann Arbor Fire Department (with a fire truck!)

• City of Ann Arbor Systems Planning

Picture Request: Mrs. Gibbs

As some of you may already know, Mrs. Gibbs will be retiring at the end of the school year. We are planning to send her out with a well deserved celebration. If anyone has pictures of Ms. Gibbs from years past (or even this year) please send them to Sarah Schemanske at schemanskes@aaps.k12.mi.us.

 

David