Dear Wines Families,
As we approach the end of the first part of the school year and the end of 2025, I just want to take a moment to give thanks to the Wines community. This is truly a special community, a special staff, special kids, and simply a special school. It is my sincere honor and privilege to be the leader here. I wish everyone an enjoyable holiday season and after some rest, I look forward to 2026 at Wines.
Thank You, Lori!
I want to thank Lori Shirilla for another outstanding Book Fair. Lori has been in charge of this Fair for about as long as I remember and with her second son finishing 5th grade at Wines this year, it is time to thank Lori for all of the years she has supported the Book Fair (and countless other events and initiatives at Wines).
The above message is just a small plug that we will need new people to take on various roles on the PTO next year as we have a number of parents like Lori who are completing their time at Wines. You do not need any specific skills—just a can do attitude!
PTO Direct Donations
Below is a flyer from our PTO outlining a new “theme” to our annual request for direct donations. As the holidays approach, please consider a gift to the PTO to continue to support our school!
We are excited to announce that our Science Olympiad team is gearing up for another amazing year and we need your help! The annual Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) will take place on May 9, 2026 at Pioneer High School. We are currently seeking parent coaches to help guide and mentor our students as they explore a range of fascinating topics. No prior Science Olympiad experience is needed - just a willingness to support our incredible kids! If you'd like to join a community of enthusiastic parents and students making science come alive, then please consider volunteering as a coach! Once you've signed up to volunteer we will follow up and provide more details, event overviews, and coaching resources. (Student sign-ups will begin around the second week of January).
Sign-Up Link (with slate of events & descriptions found in the "Event Slate" tab)
Thank you for considering this opportunity to inspire curiosity and help our team shine -- Go Wines Wildcats!
Warm regards,
Sylvia & Manori, Co-Head Coaches (contact us @ scienceowines@gmail.com)
Wildcat Players Winter Production!
We had so much fun we are doing it again! Wildcat Players will run another theater club session from February through April 2026, ending in a weekend of performances for the community. Assuming we have enough interest, we will be splitting up into two groups, 1st-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade, with separate rehearsals. 3rd-5th grades will rehearse on Mondays until 5:30pm and Fridays until 6pm. 1st-2nd grade rehearsal day(s) still TBA. If you have questions or want to get involved in organizing (particularly for the 1st-2nd grade group), please email Katie.galanes14@gmail.com. Look for signups in early-mid January!
2026-27 Young 5’s Enrollment Open Now!
AAPS is currently accepting applications for Young 5’s (both for neighborhood families and In-District-Transfers). Unlike other grades, spots in Young 5’s are not guaranteed—even if you live in the Wines neighborhood. If you have a child who will be eligible for Young 5’s next year or if you have friends or neighbors who do, please visit the Young 5’s Enrollment Page. Scroll down to the GREEN button to apply for 2026-2027. The application window closes January 6th.
David
PTO THRIFT FLYER
