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Amana Elementary
Newsletter
And I quote…
Ms. Koffend (AES’ amazing school counselor) asked to meet with me regarding an idea she had around an all school SAIL-abration tied in with Global Play day (which I had never heard of). I believe she started the conversation with, and I quote, “Before you say no, just think about…” First of all, I want to be clear that most, if not all, great ideas come from the rock star staff at Amana. However, when the discussion around having a large chunk of time devoted to just kids playing, no structure, I have to admit, the principal in me thought, “wait, what?” Then Ms. Koffend shared the link for Global Play Day information, and a TED talk around the very subject (see LINK on The Decline of Play) and I had one of those moments of, “Oh my, why haven’t we been doing this all along.” Here’s a link to the full article on Global Play Day: Raising Awareness About the Necessity of Unstructured Play. I think especially now, with kids (and adults) being restricted by how many people we can interact with, need the benefits of unstructured play! Peter Gray (see TED Talk video) argues for the case that today’s kids “do not grow up playing and this has negatively impacted them in many ways. It’s time we return to gift of play to this generation.” We did take into consideration our mitigation strategies. We consulted with Nurse Kathy and the rest is history! History we plan to repeat! Ms. Colleen posted many pictures to our Facebook page. The smiles on kids (and adults) faces. Kids playing with kids without the use of technology! We played Uno, Sorry, Battleship. We had farm implements brought in (great discussion with a 5th grader regarding John Deere v. IH Farm tractors). We had an aircraft carrier brought in complete with fighter jets. Snow sculptures and sledding. AMAZING! Unstructured, 100% fun. Check out that video. Good stuff.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the day:
Mrs. Hilton: I think we started another new tradition!
Ms. Hess: If you want to get in on the super cute 5th grade play, come visit!
Mrs. Sandersfeld: Maybe it could be a monthly tradition? Since we can’t do Clipper families? My firsties had SO much fun! (many people agreed on a monthly tradition!)
Mrs. Fox: I LOVE all these pictures! It makes me happy that they are all having so much fun without using technology. I see lots of happy kids!!
Mrs. Burken: We had a blast!
Ms. Koffend: I think Global Play Day was (and will be) the perfect way to celebrate social/emotional learning!
However, my all time favorite quote comes from Wassim, in 1st grade: Wassim’s first time sledding! He said, “I could do this forever!”
And to think it started with Ms. Koffend saying, “before you say no…” Well done. It being National School Counselor week, I would be remiss not sending and extra thank you to Ms. Koffend and all her amazing work with our students, our families and our STAFF!
PEACE!
PEACE!
Ben Macumber,
Principal
Calendar of Events
Monday, March 15 - Friday, March 19 - Spring Break
Tuesday, March 23 - School Picture Day
Friday, April 16 - No School
Classroom Snacks/Birthday Treats
Classroom Snacks must follow the Healthy Snack guidelines to meet the Smart Snack Requirements as set by USDA. No soda, candy and other such items are allowed.
Daily student snacks in the classroom will be brought in by the individual student for their own consumption. While we have no control over what that snack item may be, we ask that you help to provide a healthy snack option for your child.
Due to COVID19 restrictions, we are not allowing classroom snacks for special days such as birthdays, holidays, etc. be brought from home by the parent that do not meet the following standards:
- 1. Item must be individually packaged for each student to open
- 2. Item must meet Smart Snack Guidelines
- 3. Item must not require refrigeration
- 4. If Item is brought in from another source other than the school purchasing, it must be in its original bulk purchase box.**example if purchasing individual bags of popcorn from Costco that come packaged in a box or bag, the bag or box cannot be opened before coming into the school. It must come in as purchased. This includes a purchase made from any other store or source.
Items produced or made at home and then individually wrapped are not acceptable.
A parent or teacher or PTG group may purchase items from the CCA School Food Service Department via the attached Order Guide which was updated 9/2/2020. We understand that a classroom size is much smaller than the case count of most of these products. We cannot purchase partial cases from our Distributor. Suggestions are for the classrooms to combine orders and split the case. Or a parent may purchase a case and take the rest home for what is not needed that day and allow their family to consume.
Some things to remember:
- Snacks orders need to be emailed or faxed to Debbie Klein, Food Service Director at debbieklein@ccaschools.org or 319-828-4743 (FAX)
- Snack orders need to be pre-paid before they are ordered, please write checks to "Clear Creek Amana Food Service"
- Orders are due Mondays and delivered to appropriate school on Thursdays
Click here for a link to the Snack List/Snack Order Form
BackPack Program
Through a partnership between HACAP and the CCA Community School District we are able to offer families a weekend food BackPack Program. The BackPack Program provides a small food bag of kid-friendly, non-perishable snacks for children each Friday and during school breaks. This is a FREE program, with no specific requirements that families must meet. It is also kept completely confidential – only the counselor will be aware of participating families. If the BackPack Program would be helpful for you and your children, please contact your building counselor or social worker.
Kelsey Koffend, Amana Elementary Counselor
Ronald McDonald House Can Tabs
Little things like pop tabs can make a big difference! Help support families and children through our Pop Tab program by collecting and donating the aluminum tabs you pull to open soda, soup, and other cans.
Box Tops for Education
THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOX TOPS IS HERE. Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online.
Eventually the Box Tops program will become digital-only. Participating brands are starting to change their packaging from a traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Top label.
Box Tops are still worth 10¢ each for your school. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to your school's earnings online.
Register Tapes for Education
Amana Elementaty
benmacumber@ccaschools.org
319-622-3255
Email: colleenconrad@ccaschools.org
Website: https://www.ccaschools.org/AE
Location: 3023 220th Trail, Middle Amana, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 622-3255