Wines Weekly Update 12/18

 Dear Wines Families, 

As we near the end of the first half of the school year and the end of 2024, I want to extend my deep gratitude for everyone in this community: kids, families, and staff. Wines is such a wonderful place to be each day and it is because of all of you! I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and hopefully some important family time over the next two weeks. Here is the final news of the week for 2024: 

Staff “Undercover” Spirit 

Your kids may have mentioned that they have noticed some interesting outfits among staff members this week. Our staff is participating in an “Undercover Spirt Week” to have a little fun before break. Monday we had Monochromatic Monday where everyone dressed in a single color. The staff loved it, but only a few kids seemed to realize something was up. Yesterday was Beach Day which the kids most certainly recognized, and today we have Denim Day and many of us are dressed in denim head to toe! Tomorrow, we have another fun day planned (it’s still a secret!). We are going to open up the spirit to the kids on Friday and everyone—adults and students—can participate in Pajama Day. Please keep it a secret until we announce it tomorrow. 

Time to Sign Up for Science Olympiad! (Grades 2-5)

Next Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) will take place on May 10th, 2025 at Pioneer High School. This tournament provides an opportunity for students in grades 2-5 to meet and interact with peers and adults of similar interests and talents. Events are interactive, hands-on, and are mainly fun!! Please click the link to sign up and for more information: 

WESO Student Sign Up

We are still looking for parent volunteers for coaching. Teams will not be formed without coaches. Please contact head coach via scienceowines@gmail.com

International Night – Wednesday, January 22 from 6:30-8:00 PM

Our annual International Night is only a month away! (Please note the date change from what was on the original school calendar.) 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! Lastly, based on last year's response, we are open to a fashion show, dance, or other talent if there is enough interest and time permits. 

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. 

TRAILS Update

Our schoolwide Social/Emotional curriculum, TRAILS, is up and running in all of our classrooms. Please check today's email for the newsletter. 

Way to Go 4th Graders!!

Our 4th Graders from Ms. Detering’s and Ms. Mable’s classrooms held a coin drive for Toys for Tots this month. The classrooms raised $340 and shopped together last evening to select presents for other children. 

Final Call for Direct Donations to the PTO

A few weeks ago, you received a card in your child’s Wednesday folder. We hope you had a chance to read this card and have already made your donation to the Wines PTO for the 2024/2025 school year. If you missed the card or have yet to make your donation, please take a moment to read below: 

Every year the PTO holds numerous fundraisers throughout the school year to bring in critical funding to support things such as; field trips, Camp Tanuga, new basketball hoops, soccer nets, additional resources and support for teachers, and so much more. This year we used some of last year's funds to purchase much needed new art tables and chairs that were just delivered!

This year, we have a goal of raising $10,000 and to date we have only secured $3,425. With your help, last year we were able to almost double that amount and raise $6,370. 

During this giving season, we hope you will consider your child's school during your gift making time. Every donation helps, small or big. And don’t forget, you can even get a fun gift for your donation such as a pint glass, tote bag and a super cool scarf. 

We know it takes a village and we have such an unwavering, supportive, and invested village here at Wines. Please make your donation today so we can continue to offer unforgettable experiences and opportunities for our children. 

Make your donation TODAY! 

Looking Ahead to 2024: Planning for a New Wines!

As many in our community may know, plans are beginning to for the construction of a new Wines. I had my first meeting with various architects and other members of the district level planning group last week. We are now organizing a staff leadership group to support the planning. Later this winter and spring and into next fall, we will hold engagements with our larger community as we plan for this exciting project. So please look for these opportunities after the new year and into the next school year After you’ve read this, you may have some questions such as: 

When will the new school be built? Answer: Construction will begin in 2027 with our tentative opening in Fall of 2029. 

Where will the new school be located? We do not have a precise location yet, but it will be somewhere on the Wines/Forsythe campus. 

Once again, I wish everyone a warm, safe, and fun holiday season. Thank you again for all of the support. 

David

Weekly Update 12/11

 Dear Wines Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are nearing mid-December and our winter break. Time is really flying by this school year and things continue to be humming along quite well here at Wines. The annual excitement about the Book Fair is quite palpable this week! 

Book Fair Ends Friday

Speaking of Book Fair, the Book Fair will run until noon on Friday. Each classroom will have time to purchase books starting today. If parents would like to come to school to browse the selections, you are more than welcome. Please stop in the front office upon entry to school. 

Welcome to Wines Rachael Varga!

I’m pleased to announce that Rachael Varga will be joining us after winter break as our new second grade teacher. Rachael takes over for Ms. Kingkiner who recently retired from AAPS. Rachael comes to us from Mitchell Elementary School where she has been a Kindergarten teacher since 2019. Prior to Mitchell, Rachael taught for eight years at South Canton Scholars in Canton, and spent a year as an intervention teacher in Flint. Clearly Rachael comes to Wines with a wealth of experience both in AAPS and beyond. I could not be more thrilled that Rachael will be joining our team! 

Attention 2nd-5th Grade Families: Science Olympiad: Coaches Needed! 

Only 14 out of 46 events are filled. 

As you may already know, Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) 2025 will take place on May 10th next year, at Pioneer High School. This tournament provides an opportunity for students and other participants to meet and interact with peers and adults of similar interests and talents. Last year 35 schools participated in different events. As usual there will be open events with hands-on activities for all attendees. More information on WESO can be found here: https://wesoscience.org/

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

Events description and available slots are in the link below:

https://shorturl.at/RBkIX

Contact us scienceowines@gmail.com or text/call @ 832-640-0547. 

Shop at Literati and Donate to AAPS Libraries

When you do your holiday shopping at Literati (a Wines family-owned business!) this season, you'll have a chance to purchase books selected for AAPS school libraries. See the attached flyer for more details, and thank you for your support. 

Easy Ways to Support Wines 

Did you know you, friends, and family members can earn money to support Wines with everyday purchases?

Grocery Store Rewards Programs

The Wines PTO has signed up with Busch’s, Kroger, and Ann Arbor Farms for community rewards. Once you, or any family member/ friend, link their account you will be giving back to Wines students every time you shop!! Just log into your rewards programs and add Wines PTO. Links and instructions here. 

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! 

Minted.com 

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.

Corporate Matches

If your company supports corporate matches to non-profits you can double your runathon or direct donations to Wines PTO! Not seeing Wines in any of the eligible matches? Reach out to winesptotreasurer@gmail.com and we will set up an account with them! 

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

That’s all for this week!

David

PTO Thrift JPEG HERE

Weekly Update 12/4

 Dear Wines Families, 

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving break. We were able to spend time with both Trish’s and my family and we had 17 people sleeping at my brother in law’s house for two nights! It was crowded but a lot of fun. Believe it or not, after today we only have 12 days of school before our winter break. We’ll be busy inside and out of the classroom during those 12 days! 

Early Release Today

Just a reminder that today is an Early Release Day. Dismissal is at 1:00. 

Book Fair Next Week!

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 10th - 13th.  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 host our annual Family Night on Tuesday, December 10th 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

AAPS Winter Giving

Thanks to this amazing and generous Wines community, the Wines PTO is able to provide resources to those in our school community in need this holiday season. If you have the means, please consider making a donation to other schools within Ann Arbor who are working to provide additional resources to their students. This is an opportunity to share and make a positive difference for families and schools who could use a little extra support this season.

All schools wish lists can be found here or donate gift cards through this form. Donations to any school are appreciated, and the Wines PTO encourages you to assist our neighbors at Forsythe (with 55 students in need) and Haisley (with 20 students in need).

Science Olympiad: Coaches Needed! 

Reminder: Crosswalk

Over the past couple days, I have seen a few students crossing the crosswalk at the front of our school. Please, for the safety of our students, students are not allowed to use that crosswalk unless they are accompanied by an adult. This is a critical safety procedure at Wines. Please share this information with anyone who picks up or drops off your child at school. 

Teachers and Staff Out Front on Friday

I wanted to alert families that many of our teachers and staff members will be gathering out at the front flagpole Friday morning before school. This is similar to the “Support Ann Arbor Teachers” gatherings that took place weekly last spring. Our staff members are not “protesting” but are being visible and simply sharing information about issues facing teachers with parents who are interested. If you have a moment to say hello, please do. 

That’s all for this week!

David

Weekly Update 11/26

 Dear Wines Families, 

Just a short message on this shortened week. I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe travels if you are traveling. 

Report Cards

In just a little while you will be receiving your child's report card and NWEA scores. These will come in two different secure emails. 

Scholastic Book Fair Dec. 10-13

The Wines Scholastic Book Fair is going to be December 10th - 13th.  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 10th from 6:30-8:00.  If you can not 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

That's all for this shortened week. See you in December! 

David

Wines Weekly Update 11/20

 Dear Wines Families,

Amazingly, we are almost to our Thanksgiving break. This marks the end of our first trimester meaning we have completed one third of our school year together! It has been a remarkable fall and while we have had a lot of “new” this year, it has been incredibly smooth and this is due to our amazing kids, families, and staff at Wines. I am thankful for all of you! As we end the trimester, next Tuesday families will receive your child’s report cards sent by me via secure email. In addition, Kindergarten through 5th grade families will receive your child’s NWEA assessment report in a second email. Look for those emails on Tuesday afternoon. 

Wines Elementary Science Olympiad

We are excited to announce that the next chapter of Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) 2025 will take place on May 10th, 2025, at Pioneer High School.  More information on WESO can be found here: https://wesoscience.org/

As the first step, we need the support from the past and present parents/college students/teachers to take the role of event coaches. This is a once a week practice session which will be carried out for 8-10 weeks starting from late February at a chosen location. Events are interactive, hands-on and are mainly fun!!. No experience is necessary. Coaches will be placed in events based on their interests and availability. Once we have coaches placed in events, we will begin recruiting students in grades 2-5. 

Below is the link to the sign up form:

https://forms.gle/rzSxTJC1wcG4Le6L6

You can also contact us via scienceowines@gmail.com

Help Support Our Kids and Our School!  

As we look back on our own school days, we remember the teachers who inspired us, the friendships that shaped us, and the lessons that stayed with us. Now it's our turn to ensure that today's students have the same opportunities to thrive.

Consider giving this holiday season to the Wines PTO to help provide essential resources, educational programs, and enrichment activities that make a real difference in the lives of our children. With your generous donations, we can enhance their learning experience and give them the tools they need to succeed. Every contribution, big or small, helps create a brighter future for the next generation.  Let’s come together as a community to support our kids!

Donate today and make an impact: 

https://checkout.square.site/buy/ROOKQXHKGO7XWCB6LYMZZVZS

As a special thank you, please find these gifts available at different support levels:

Noon Hour Volunteers and Employees Needed!

We are looking for additional volunteers and paid noon hour employees. Both options are quite flexible! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Randa Choate at choate.rj@gmail.com. If you or someone you know is interested in the paid position, please contact me directly. The paid position pays $16.50/hour and, again, is quite flexible. Why volunteer if you can get paid!! 

November Coat Drive

Wines is hosting a Coat Drive in conjunction with Reinhart Realtors during the month of November. A collection box can be found in our front lobby. The drive will support many organizations including: 

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health’s PATH/PORT Outreach 

Emmanuel Clothes Closet 

Northside Center 

Refugee Hope International 

Michigan Ability Partners 

Michigan Foster Care Closet 

Avalon Housing

Lost and Found

We have our own “coat drive” here at Wines as our Lost and Found continues to grow. Please remind your student to check the Lost and Found for missing items. Please also feel free to come to school and help your child search! We will be donating most remaining items prior to our Thanksgiving recess. 

Free Academic Support and Enrichment Classes for ALL AAPS STUDENTS 

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools! All AAPS students now have access to the Varsity Tutors learning resources around the clock and on demand such as live classes, chat tutoring, fun enrichment classes, and more.  

Everything your student needs to get started can be found HERE. 

• Academic Support - Personalized Learning Courses & Homework Help

• College Preparation - Essay writing, SAT prep and practice 

• Interest-based classes - Chess, Coding, Drawing, Online Content Creation

Check out the Varsity Tutor link in Clever!

Buy a Milkshake and Help our Friends and Former Wines Students at Forsythe

David

Wines Weekly Update 11/13

 Dear Wines Families,

There is lots of news to share this week at Wines! 

Noon Hour Volunteers and Employees Needed!

We are looking for additional volunteers and paid noon hour employees. Both options are quite flexible! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Randa Choate at choate.rj@gmail.com. If you or someone you know is interested in the paid position, please contact me directly. The paid position pays $16.50/hour and, again, is quite flexible. Why volunteer if you can get paid!! 

Science and Builders Fair Thanks!!

Our annual Science and Builders Fair last week was another incredible evening. The projects were simply wonderful and it was great to see students from Young 5’s through 5th grade participating! I want to thank Jen and Brad Hinseman for once again spearheading and planning the event. I’d also like to thank all of our parent volunteers who served as evaluators, Liea Stirling for organizing the UM Robotics Outreach group, the Skyline Robotics team, Manori Gunasekra and family for setting up the Science Olympiad demonstration (please see below for more information on Science Olympiad), and Sarah Schemanske who continues to be a yearly supporter of our kids’ participation. 

Wines Elementary Science Olympiad

We are excited to announce that the next chapter of Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) 2025 will take place on May 10th, 2025, at Pioneer High School.  More information on WESO can be found here: https://wesoscience.org/

As the first step, we need the support from the past and present parents/college students/teachers to take the role of event coaches. This is a once a week practice session which will be carried out for 8-10 weeks starting from late February at a chosen location. Events are interactive, hands-on and are mainly fun!!. No experience is necessary. Coaches will be placed in events based on their interests and availability. Once we have coaches placed in events, we will begin recruiting students in grades 2-5. 

Below is the link to the sign up form:

https://forms.gle/rzSxTJC1wcG4Le6L6

You can also contact us via scienceowines@gmail.com

Wines Rain Garden Wins Award!

Thanks to the tireless work of Angie Wolney and the support of Nick Mosher and the 5th Grade Student Council, we recently received the Washtenaw County Rain Garden Leadership Award. Angie has been a parent at Wines for many years and has spearheaded numerous gardening projects around the school (pretty much every great plan/tree/garden on our property has Angie’s hands on it!). Thank you Angie and our Student Council for your incredible work. Below is a link to more information about the recognition. 

https://www.washtenaw.org/693/Leadership-Awards.

November Coat Drive

Wines is hosting a Coat Drive in conjunction with Reinhart Realtors during the month of November. A collection box can be found in our front lobby. The drive will support many organizations including: 

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health’s PATH/PORT Outreach 

Emmanuel Clothes Closet 

Northside Center 

Refugee Hope International 

Michigan Ability Partners 

Michigan Foster Care Closet 

Avalon Housing

Lost and Found

We have our own “coat drive” here at Wines as our Lost and Found continues to grow. Please remind your student to check the Lost and Found for missing items. Please also feel free to come to school and help your child search! We will be donating most remaining items prior to our Thanksgiving recess. 

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, technology for listening centers, playground balls, yoga calm supplies, ukuleles, and more!

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Idea 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. Students may submit a grant for up to $250 and parents and teachers may submit a grant for up to $500. Grants will be selected by a Wines committee of parents and the number of grants awarded will depend on the cost of projects submitted. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024 with grant recipients announced before the winter break. 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! Teachers, kindly share this with your classrooms! We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there.

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

David

Wines Weekly Update 11/6

 Dear Wines Families,

I hope this message finds everyone well today. It was nice to see so many people at our Common Conference Night on Monday and many thanks to all parents who have already met with your child’s teacher or are planning on having your conference in the days to come. Our goal is to meet with every family and our teachers are willing to be flexible to meet the schedules of our families as best as they can. If you have not signed up for a conference, please refer to your child’s teacher’s newsletters or contact them directly to secure a time. 

Last Call for Science and Builders Fair Submissions

The deadline to register for tomorrow night’s Science and Builders Fair is today by 5:00 PM. All projects welcome. No project is too small or too simple! 

Here is the link to the registration page!

November Coat Drive

Wines is hosting a Coat Drive in conjunction with Reinhart Realtors during the month of November. A collection box can be found in our front lobby. The drive will support many organizations including: 

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health’s PATH/PORT Outreach 

Emmanuel Clothes Closet 

Northside Center 

Refugee Hope International 

Michigan Ability Partners 

Michigan Foster Care Closet 

Avalon Housing

Lost and Found

We have our own “coat drive” here at Wines as our Lost and Found continues to grow. Please remind your student to check the Lost and Found for missing items. Please also feel free to come to school and help your child search! We will be donating most remaining items prior to our Thanksgiving recess. 

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, technology for listening centers, playground balls, yoga calm supplies, ukuleles, and more!

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Idea 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. Students may submit a grant for up to $250 and parents and teachers may submit a grant for up to $500. Grants will be selected by a Wines committee of parents and the number of grants awarded will depend on the cost of projects submitted. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024 with grant recipients announced before the winter break. 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! Teachers, kindly share this with your classrooms! We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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

Pioneer Theater Guild Presents: Newsies

The Pioneer Theatre Guild (PTG) is producing Disney's NEWSIES at Pioneer High School this week! 

Show Dates: 

Thursday, November 7th @ 7:00pm

Friday, November 8th @ 7:00pm

Saturday, November 9th @ 2:00pm

Saturday, November 9th @ 7:00pm

Sunday, November 10th @ 2:00pm

TICKETS: 

$15 Students/Seniors/Pioneer Staff

$20 Adults

www.cur8.com/projects/ptg

Performances are in Schreiber Auditorium at Pioneer High School (601 W Stadium Blvd).

David

Wines Weekly Update 10/30

 Dear Wines Families,

I’m sure you join me in my enjoyment of this incredible spring/summer like weather we are having here at the end of October. While I don’t mind cold weather in general, a shorter cold season is certainly fine with me! Speaking of nice weather, it does appear that it will remain fairly warm for Halloween tomorrow and it should stay dry for our outdoor parade through our neighborhood. 

Halloween 2024

Tomorrow is Halloween! Due to the Early Release, our celebration will begin early and so if students plan on wearing costumes, they should come to school in costume. This includes all last minute arrangements. Our parade will take place beginning at 9:15AM. The parade route takes us out Cooley Ave., where we then go left onto Saunders Crescent. We will then go left onto Hillridge until we reach the cut through into the Forsythe ballfields. We will then proceed down that long sidewalk back to Wines. If parents would like to watch the parade, the best place is along that long sidewalk from Hillridge to Wines. If you live in the Crescents, please feel free to share our route with your neighbors in case they want to watch us walk by. Please alert neighbors to please refrain from handing out candy, etc. 

Costumes: We ask that costumes be friendly in nature. This means no fake weapons, fake blood, etc. Our general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t sure if a costume or a prop is appropriate for school, then it probably isn’t. 

If your child would prefer not to participate in Halloween activities, please let me know and we will have an alternate activity for them. 

Science and Builders Fair Nov. 7th

Here is the link to the registration page!

The Final Walktober is Friday, Nov. 1st

Our final morning Walktober celebration is this Friday, November 1st. Please sign up to volunteer! By popular demand, the Bike Bus returns for our last Walktober event of the year! (see flyer, please ignore the date, it is happening Nov. 1st) And, after the kids are dropped off at school, parents and caretakers are invited to the picnic tables for coffee and donuts where we will be sharing information about family biking. Come ask your questions or share what you know!  

What is Walktober? It's an event that encourages Wines families to explore greener ways to get to school and to move away from commuting alone by car. Its aim is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as bicycling, walking, and scooting, and to inspire families to give them a try! This can also include parking a little further away from campus than usual and walking, biking or scooting from there. There will be volunteers at the four entrances to the school grounds (see flyer) giving out stamps to the kids and cheering them on. 

Parent volunteers are needed ***** Check out the Sign Up Genius to join our parent morning cheer squad to hand out stamps to the kids from 8:15-8:45. We’ll have music and noise makers while we enjoy our Michigan fall and a little less car congestion. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9AF23A4FCC25-51464434-wines

What's a "bike bus"?

A bike bus is a group bike ride where kids and adults join together on a route to school for the morning commute. Skates, scooters, and all other riders are welcome to join!

How can I join?

Meet at the locations on the flyer at the time stated. Someone will be there waiting and the group will come pick you up!

It's time to submit that GREAT IDEA you have been thinking about all summer!

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, technology for listening centers, playground balls, yoga calm supplies, ukuleles, and more!

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Idea 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. Students may submit a grant for up to $250 and parents and teachers may submit a grant for up to $500. Grants will be selected by a Wines committee of parents and the number of grants awarded will depend on the cost of projects submitted. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024 with grant recipients announced before the winter break. 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! Teachers, kindly share this with your classrooms! We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there.

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

David

Wines Weekly Update 10/23

 Dear Wines Families,

Before we get into this week’s news, I want to thank everyone who participated in Movie Night last week. The event was VERY well attended and the kids had a great time. I want to extend a BIG thank you to Amy Miles who brought Movie Night out of a few year hiatus last year and made everything really special for the kids! 

Halloween 2024

Halloween is one of our favorite days here at Wines! This year, Halloween falls on an Early Release Day so our schedule is somewhat modified from years past. If students plan on wearing costumes next Thursday, they should come to school in costume. This includes all last minute arrangements. Our parade will take place beginning at 9:15AM. The parade route takes us out Cooley Ave., where we then go left onto Saunders Crescent. We will then go left onto Hillridge until we reach the cut through into the Forsythe ballfields. We will then proceed down that long sidewalk back to Wines. If parents would like to watch the parade, the best place is along that long sidewalk from Hillridge to Wines. If you live in the Crescents, please feel free to share our route with your neighbors in case they want to watch us walk by. Please alert neighbors to please refrain from handing out candy, etc. 

Costumes: We ask that costumes be friendly in nature. This means no fake weapons, fake blood, etc. Our general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t sure if a costume or a prop is appropriate for school, then it probably isn’t. 

If your child would prefer not to participate in Halloween activities, please let me know and we will have an alternate activity for them. 

Science and Builders Fair Nov. 7th

Here is the link to the registration page!

The Final Walktober is Friday, October 25th

Our final morning Walktober celebration is this Friday, October 25th! By popular demand, the Bike Bus returns for our last Walktober event of the year! (see flyer) And, after the kids are dropped off at school, parents and caretakers are invited to the picnic tables for coffee and donuts where we will be sharing information about family biking. Come ask your questions or share what you know!  

What is Walktober? It's an event that encourages Wines families to explore greener ways to get to school and to move away from commuting alone by car. Its aim is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as bicycling, walking, and scooting, and to inspire families to give them a try! This can also include parking a little further away from campus than usual and walking, biking or scooting from there. There will be volunteers at the four entrances to the school grounds (see flyer) giving out stamps to the kids and cheering them on. 

Parent volunteers are needed ***** Check out the Sign Up Genius to join our parent morning cheer squad to hand out stamps to the kids from 8:15-8:45. We’ll have music and noise makers while we enjoy our Michigan fall and a little less car congestion. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9AF23A4FCC25-51464434-wines

What's a "bike bus"?

A bike bus is a group bike ride where kids and adults join together on a route to school for the morning commute. Skates, scooters, and all other riders are welcome to join!

How can I join?

Meet at the locations on the flyer at the time stated. Someone will be there waiting and the group will come pick you up!

It's time to submit that GREAT IDEA you have been thinking about all summer!

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, technology for listening centers, playground balls, yoga calm supplies, ukuleles, and more!

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Idea 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. Students may submit a grant for up to $250 and parents and teachers may submit a grant for up to $500. Grants will be selected by a Wines committee of parents and the number of grants awarded will depend on the cost of projects submitted. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024 with grant recipients announced before the winter break. 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! Teachers, kindly share this with your classrooms! We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there.

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

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.

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 everytime 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 our next PTO meeting! 

Support Forsythe Tomorrow Night! 

Forsythe Middle School is running a Dine out Night fundraiser tomorrow, Thursday, at Panera on Zeeb road from 4-8pm. 25% of all purchases during this timeframe that mention "FUND4U" will go back to the Forsythe PTSO to fund field trips, scholarships, and support teachers. Treat yourself to dinner out all while raising money for our neighbors (and former students!) at Forsythe. 

David

Weekly Update 10/16

 Dear Wines Families,

I hope everyone had a nice fall break. It was a great opportunity for everyone—kids, staff, families—to recharge as we head into this next stretch of our school year together. This week’s note is a bit long, but I hope you can take some time to read through all of the news. 

Movie Night Drop Off Event this Friday!!

Plan to drop off your students for Wines’ Movie Night this Friday, October 18, from 6-8PM. Don’t forget- Kids can wear PJs and bring sleeping bags to sit on and their own water bottles to watch Disney’s Inside Out 2. We will have goodie bags and party favors for the kids to enjoy during the show! 

Volunteers still needed!  We are still looking for volunteers to set up before and clean up after! Click here to sign up: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/508094AADA72DA2FA7-51517548-wines

Wines Spirit Wear Sale Ends Tomorrow!

It’s time for the Wines Spirit Wear Sale! Stock up on your merch and support our school! Check out a brand NEW design by one of our own Wines parents! All of the shirts and hoodies are on super soft tees and sweatshirts. The sale will run for two weeks and ship straight to your home. The link to order is below.

https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/wines-elementary-apparel-3

All are welcome to attend the second PTO meeting of the year.  Meeting will take place in the Wines conference room or via Zoom:

Please find the agenda here.

Zoom information was sent in today's email

Science and Builders Fair Nov. 7th

Here is the link to the registration page!

The next Walktober is Friday, October 18th

What is Walktober? It's an event that encourages Wines families to explore greener ways to get to school and to move away from commuting alone by car. Its aim is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as bicycling, walking, and scooting, and to inspire families to give them a try! This can also include parking a little further away from campus than usual and walking, biking or scooting from there. There will be volunteers at the four entrances to the school grounds giving out stamps to the kids and cheering them on. 

Parent volunteers are needed *****

 Check out the Sign Up Genius to join our parent morning cheer squad to hand out stamps to the kids from 8:15-8:45. We’ll make some noise and enjoy our Michigan fall with a little less car congestion. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9AF23A4FCC25-51464434-wines

It's time to submit that GREAT IDEA you have been thinking about all summer!

Do you have a great idea to support and benefit the Wines Community? The Great Ideas Grant program is an opportunity for Wines students, parents, and staff to turn a great idea into a funded program. Examples of past funded grants include birdfeeders, grade-level sensory items, grade-level curriculum materials, technology for listening centers, playground balls, yoga calm supplies, ukuleles, and more!

Grant submissions are accepted using the Google Form linked here:

Great Idea 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. Students may submit a grant for up to $250 and parents and teachers may submit a grant for up to $500. Grants will be selected by a Wines committee of parents and the number of grants awarded will depend on the cost of projects submitted. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024 with grant recipients announced before the winter break. 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! Teachers, kindly share this with your classrooms! We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there.

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

David

Weekly Update 10/9

 Dear Wines Families,

It is hard to believe we are nearly midway through October. We head into our Fall Break this week and there is no school on Friday or next Monday. There are lots of great things happening over the next few weeks! 

Wines Student Directory

Below is a link to the Wines Student Directory. Information and permission for inclusion come directly from your registration. If you need information added or deleted, please contact Robin Moore at moorero@aaps.k12.mi.us. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N3LyXnDXoA-T5339bzoDZwOxeUlcHWP5NXfqWWHXkJ4/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Wines Spirit Wear on Sale Now!

It’s time for the Wines Spirit Wear Sale! Stock up on your merch and support our school! Check out a brand NEW design by one of our own Wines parents! All of the shirts and hoodies are on super soft tees and sweatshirts. The sale will run for two weeks and ship straight to your home. The link to order is below.

https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/wines-elementary-apparel-3

Movie Night: Inside Out 2!!

Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ Movie Night on Friday, October 18, 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 along with their own water bottles to watch Disney’s Inside Out 2.

Also- we are still looking for volunteers to set up before and clean up after! Click here to sign up: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/508094AADA72DA2FA7-51517548-wines

Science and Builders Fair Nov. 7th

The Science & Builders Fair is meant to inspire young minds to learn and to innovate! This event is intended to provide an exciting environment for students to proudly display their work. No project is too simple! It is not a "judged" event -- all participants will receive a certificate.

Thursday, November 7th

7:00pm- 8:00pm

Please arrive at 6:45pm to set up so that we can begin at 7:00pm.

Here is the link to the registration page!

Special Education Millage on November Ballot

Are you curious about the special education millage renewal on the November 5th ballot? The Washtenaw ISD will be holding in-person and virtual community information sessions and welcome all community members to attend to learn more about the millage renewal.  

•Thursday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m. at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

•Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. online virtual webinar via Zoom

•Monday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

Learn more and sign up at www.washtenawisd.org/SpecialEdRenewal!

David

Weekly Update 10/2

 Dear Wines Families,

Well, so far so good with the temporary parking lot/Driveline procedures due to the closure of our Cooley entrance. The morning drop off seems to be going quite well. During pick up yesterday afternoon it began to rain heavily just at the precise moment of our busiest pick up time, but overall, things went as smoothly as possible. For those picking up in the afternoon, please follow these instructions: 

• 3:30 PM: Families with Y5/Kindergarten students (and siblings) can be in the front for Driveline or on foot pick up. If you are on foot, please meet your Y5/Kindergarten student in the area near the picnic tables, not at the front of the school. Kids will be with their teachers. 

• 3:40 PM. Families with students in grades 1-5 can begin to enter the property. PLEASE, do not come to the property until 3:40 so we can have most or all of our Y5/Kindergarten students picked up. 

• Please arrive with patience and remain patient! 

Walktober begins Friday, October 4th!

A great way to help with traffic is to walk or bike to school. It just so happens that our annual celebration of Walktober begins on Friday! What is Walktober? It's an event that encourages Wines families to explore greener ways to get to school and to move away from commuting alone by car. Its aim is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as bicycling, walking, and scooting, and to inspire families to give them a try! This can also include parking a little further away from campus than usual and walking, biking or scooting from there. There will be volunteers at the four entrances to the school grounds giving out stamps to the kids and cheering them on. We will walk to school each Friday in October as well as on Wednesday, October 9th for International Walk to School Day. Students who ride the bus will be dropped off at the south Forsythe entrance where I will meet them and walk with them to Wines so everyone can participate. 

Parent volunteers are needed ***** Check out the Sign Up Genius to join our parent morning cheer squad to hand out stamps to the kids from 8:15-8:45. We’ll have music and noise makers while we enjoy our Michigan fall and a little less car congestion. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9AF23A4FCC25-51464434-wines

Bike Bus Oct. 9th

On Wednesday, October 9th, in addition to walking, a parent volunteer will be leading a Bike Bus. What's a "bike bus"? A bike bus is a group bike ride where kids and adults join together on a route to school for the morning commute. Skates, scooters, and all other riders are welcome to join!

How can I join?

Meet at the locations on the flyer at the time stated. Someone will be there waiting and the group will come pick you up!

Movie Night October 18th

After last year’s roaring success, we are bringing back Movie Night again! Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ Movie Night on Friday, October 18, 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 (movie to be announced next week!).

We need volunteers! Click here to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AADA72DA2FA7-51517548-wines

Wines Spirit Wear on Sale Now!

It’s time for the Wines Spirit Wear Sale! Stock up on your merch and support our school! Check out a brand NEW design by one of our own Wines parents! All of the shirts and hoodies are on super soft tees and sweatshirts. The sale will run for two weeks and ship straight to your home. The link to order is below.

https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/wines-elementary-apparel-3

Science and Builders Fair Nov. 7th

The Science & Builders Fair is meant to inspire young minds to learn and to innovate! This event is intended to provide an exciting environment for students to proudly display their work. No project is too simple! It is not a "judged" event -- all participants will receive a certificate.

Thursday, November 7th

7:00pm- 8:00pm

Please arrive at 6:45pm to set up so that we can begin at 7:00pm.

Here is the link to the registration page!

Final Run-a-Thon Pledge Collection

We are VERY close to meeting our 100% participation goal for Run-a-Thon collections. No donation is too small! I would love to announce on Friday that the kids met their goal and every classroom gets to throw a pie in my face. Online pledges can be made HERE.

David

Weekly Update 9/25

Dear Wines Families,

It has been an exciting Spirit Week this week here at Wines. The energy has been incredible! Our Run-a-Thon is Friday to conclude the festivities!

Our annual Run-a-Thon is THIS Friday, September 27th! Here is the running schedule for the kids. The Runathon is our largest fundraiser of the year. We aim for 100% pledge participation large or small - our current 'smallest but mighty' pledge is 13 cents :).  

Please get those pledges in. We are currently hovering around 50% participation. Classrooms and grades with 100% pledges participation get to throw a pie in my face!

Your child came home with a pledge envelope last week or you can make an online pledge here.

Money raised goes directly to support activities and improvements at Wines. A few examples from previous years include picnic tables, playground equipment, technology upgrades and 5th grade camp. 

A HUGE THANK YOU to the local businesses who signed on as Runathon sponsors & support Wines!

 Godiako Restaurant, McNamara Orthodontics, Papajcik Tax, Metzger’s German Restaurant, T4 Associates, DMC Real Estate, Aven Tools, Meadowlark Design & Build, Van Meerten Consulting, SBK Orthodontics, Literati Bookstore, Big Blue Swim School, Bev's Bagels, Zingerman’s Deli, Blossom Pediatrics Dentistry, Deb Odem Stern Real Estate Agent, Ann Arbor Music Therapy, Vets on the Run, Huron Dentistry, The Studio Centre, Ijara Home Finance by Texana Bank, KidoKinetics and EK Cheesecakes.

LAST CHANCE to Pre-Order Bev's Bagels for Pick Up at the Runathon!

New this year - delicious bagels for parents!  Wines parent and James Beard Rising Star chef, Max Sussman, will be onsite at the Runathon with his highly sought after bagel pop-up, Bev's Bagels, available for pre-order.

Link to pre-order your Bev's Bagels here.

Picture Day October 1st

Picture Day is coming up on 10/01/2024! Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school. Order online at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/87403ZF

“Walktober” Starts Next Week!

What is Walktober? It's an event that encourages Wines families to explore greener ways to get to school and to move away from commuting alone by car. Its aim is to bring awareness to the benefits of travel options such as bicycling, walking, and scooting, and to inspire families to give them a try! This can also include parking a little further away from campus than usual and walking, biking or scooting from there. There will be volunteers at the four entrances to the school grounds giving out stamps to the kids and cheering them on. 

Parent volunteers are needed. Check out the Sign Up Genius to join our parent morning cheer squad to hand out stamps to the kids from 8:15-8:45. We’ll have music and noise makers while we enjoy our Michigan fall and a little less car congestion. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9AF23A4FCC25-51464434-wines

Movie Night October 18th

After last year’s roaring success, we are bringing back Movie Night again! Plan on dropping off your students for Wines’ Movie Night on Friday, October 18, 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 (movie to be announced next week!).

We need volunteers! Click here to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094AADA72DA2FA7-51517548-wines

Gracie Resolution

The parties involved have agreed to end the dispute regarding the therapy dog, Gracie. While the specifics of the settlement agreement remain confidential, I can report Gracie will no longer serve as a therapy dog at Wines. I am pleased that this unfortunate situation is now resolved so that we can refocus on our collective goals and move forward as a community.

That’s all for this week. I’m looking forward to a fantastic Run-a-Thon on Friday.

David