Amana Elementary
Newsletter
The more things change, the more things stay the same
Yeah, I have no idea who gets credit for that quote, but it certainly fits for me today. Some simple ways, such as orange slices at lunch earlier this week. In no time at all nearly all of the students had orange slice smiles going on. One 3rd grader in particular celebrated how her mouth “was finally big enough to fit one in”. The seasons will always provide endless entertainment and creativity. This week we had the PERFECT snow weather. Slick enough to slide down, sticky enough to build. Big fluffy flakes yesterday perfect for catching on tongues. I got a few groans and a couple, “Mr. Macumberrrrrrr” when I suggested they will spoil their supper if they eat too much snow. And of course, SLEDDING! The 5th grade earned a SAIL-abration and chose sledding (thank you to Amana Golf Course for allowing us on the hills). The weather was the best we have ever had and the hills were as fast as I can ever remember (from what I was able to see, I chose to only go down once). Another tried and true for our young people is the excitement generated by the first day of school and the excitement of getting a new student! This week, we get to prepare for both! I believe we are fortunate in this district to be able to offer virtual learning opportunities. And we will continue to support our students remaining virtual but I will selfishly look forward to Tuesday when we are having some students join us. Some for the very first time and few who we’ve had the pleasure of knowing for a while. I know the students in the classrooms are excited and I’ve heard from a few parents that their child is eager to get back! And for those amazing young people staying virtual, we will just eagerly wait for you to come back too!
Just a couple quick comments on weather, snow days, etc. Kids have been doing GREAT bringing snow gear back and forth. We do not have the luxury of loaning out items, but we have plenty to give out if needed. If you need anything, let me know. And, as your child grows out of something, and it’s still in good shape, we’ll take it!
And this week was a good reminder that we need to be ready for inclement weather days as they will now be virtual days. This is NEW and I believe the majority of schools across the state are taking advantage of this opportunity. I think some people love this idea (as the end of school will not be in question with snow make-up days) and I know some people are not in favor. I’m always up for feedback either way. Knock on wood, we won’t need to try it out. I don’t want to jinx us, but we did have a run of about 3 years where we didn’t have any weather related delays or cancellations. But then we had that one winter where if it wasn’t snowing it was -50.
BIG SHOUTOUT TO THE BRAU HAUS! A portion of the pretzel sales this week was donated to the Amana PTO! Our amazing PTO continues to find unique and interesting ways to do fund raising! Very much appreciated!
Have a great extended weekend. We’ll see everyone back on Tuesday.
Ben Macumber,
Principal
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