Comet Connections
Kiker Elementary Newsletter
Kiker Families and Caretakers,
Over the last week I've visited several classrooms and ended up getting the chance to see a lot of math discussions! Our students have so many opportunities to talk with their peers about their new skills. 🗣️These conversations ultimately strengthen their learning and help them problem solve together. It was so great to see the math conversations happening across the grade levels!
You may also hear your student talking about a new program called "Reflex" if they are in 2nd - 5th grade. This program supports our students with their fact fluency in just about 15 minutes each day. If your child would like to practice more at home, they can! ✖️➕➖➗The "Explore Learning" tile is now on the AISD portal. Students can quickly lose their fluency so if you have any opportunities over the break to log-in, they can keep their skills sharp. Our campus dashboard indicates that we have already mastered over 7,000 math facts!
In the spirit of giving thanks, I wanted to express my gratitude for all of the support and conversations as I get to know more and more of you each day. It is truly an honor to be your Kiker principal.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Fall Break.💙🌠
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs. Abrams, M.Ed.
Principal
November 20: Kiker/AISD Special Education Meet & Greet
November 20: Kiker General Member PTA Meeting
November 25-29: AISD Fall Break
December 10: Parent Session: Human Sexuality & Responsibility Information
December 23 - January 6: Winter Break
January 7: First day of Spring Semester
January 20: MLK Day; No School
January 29: Student Holiday/Staff Development Day/Lunar New Year
Throughout November we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month. If your child would like to submit a video or photo that we can share during our morning announcements, please email that to our counselor, Mrs. Sarah Schwartz (sarah.schwartz@austinisd.org).
VOLY is the new parent volunteer system for AISD. Please be sure to create a VOLY account if you plan on volunteering at events throughout the school year.
Our Kiker Life Skills class works on a variety of skills. One of their weekly activities includes recipe making! The kids (and teachers) have an awesome time making their recipes together. If you would like to contribute towards purchasing those ingredients and/or making a monetary donation, we have set up a system to make that easy for you to do!
Kiker Elementary collaborates with outside vendors to bring a variety of experiences to our after school program. They are all individual businesses. For that reason, specific questions about clubs, schedules, etc. should be directed towards them before contacting Kiker staff as they will have the most detailed information. You can click on the title or the graphic to the right to find out all of the details!
*A link to this document will also stay in "Popular Links" at the end of this newsletter throughout the year.
Submitting An Absence Note
Please visit the Austin ISD website's Attendance FAQs or contact the Kiker front office if you have additional questions.
- You will need your student's first and last name, student ID#, date of absence(s), reason for absence and parent/guardian name to ensure proper documentation.
- If one note covers MULTIPLE DATES, please make sure documentation specifies date range. You're not required to fill out the form multiple times.
- This form can be used to submit documentation note or picture of a note with appropriate information, signature, etc.
- Please allow 72 hours (3 business days) for attendance to be corrected. Thank you!
November
Monarch Butterfly Book Series: Discover, Learn, Soar
November is National Native American Heritage month. This month honors the rich tapestry of Native American tribes, traditions, and the enduring spirit of indigenous communities. Our books this month celebrate the wisdom of ancestors, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of caring for our planet.
There are more than 574 individual indigenous tribes in the United States. How many different tribes or tribal groups can you find in your stories? What tribes are from where you live? Go to https://native-land.ca/ to find out.
The books listed below can be found at the Austin Public Library and online through AISD MackinVIA audio app. Read Alouds can also be found on youtube or at the Austin Public Library. Stolen Words & The First Blade of Sweetgrass are NOT available at the Kiker Library, please use the read aloud hyperlink provided.
Kindergarten - Second Grade Book List
All Around Us: Xelena Gonzalez (Author), Adriana Garcia (Illustrator)
My Powerful Hair: Carole Lindstrom (Author)
Stolen Words: by Melanie Florence (Author), Gabrielle Grimard (Illustrator)
Reflection Questions:
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In My Powerful Hair, the main character feels proud of their hair and what it represents about their family and culture. What makes you proud of who you are? How can we show pride in our own cultures, traditions, and family stories?
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All Around Us shows how elders share important lessons with younger generations. Do you have any special stories or lessons that your parents, grandparents, or someone in your family has shared with you? How do those stories help you understand the world around you?
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The story in Stolen Words talks about how healing happens when we find ways to reconnect with things that were lost. How do you think it would feel to lose the language you speak with your family? How do you think we can heal or feel better when we lose something important to us? What are some ways you help others feel better when they are sad?
Third - Fifth Grade Book List
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker: Robbie Robertson (Author), David Shannon (Illustrator)
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story: Danielle Greendeer (Author), Anthony Perry (Author), Alexis Bunten (Author), Garry Meeches Sr. (Illustrator)
The First Blade of Sweetgrass: A Native American Story: by Suzanne Greenlaw and Nancy C. P. Sorel
Reflection Questions:
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Keepunumuk shares the story of the Wampanoag people and their role in the first Thanksgiving, offering a perspective on sharing and cooperation. Why do you think it’s important to learn about the true history behind holidays like Thanksgiving? What are some ways we can honor and respect the contributions of Indigenous peoples during this time?
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In Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, the Peacemaker teaches the importance of peace and coming together even when groups have disagreements. Can you think of a situation where you or someone you know helped bring people together to solve a problem or make peace? Why do you think peace is so important, and how can we practice it in our daily lives?
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These stories pass down important lessons and history. Why do you think storytelling is such an important part of Native American cultures? Can you think of a story from your own family or culture that has taught you a valuable lesson? How do stories help us understand the world better?
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In The First Blade of Sweetgrass, the young girl learns about the sacred practice of harvesting sweetgrass, which holds deep cultural significance for the Penobscot people. Why do you think sweetgrass is so important to Native American communities, and what role does nature play in their traditions? How can we show respect for the natural world and the traditions that help people connect with it? Can you think of a time when something in nature made you feel connected to your family or your own heritage?
Track Progress: Students who read every month will be acknowledged and celebrated at the end of the semester and year. To track your student’s progress please complete this form.
