Hikers' Headlines
Alamo Elementary - April 22, 2024
Important Dates
- 22 - Public Forum: Health Curriculum Proposals (see below)
- 23 - Mileage Club @ lunch recess
- 23 - Destination Imagination
- 24 - Kindergarten Screening
- 24 - Delayed Start, school starts @ 10:00 a.m.
- 25 - Inflatable Frenzy Fun Run
- 25 - Destination Imagination
- 26 - Mileage Club @ lunch recess
- 26 - Popcorn Friday
Public Forum Notice
Two proposed changes to the 6th grade reproductive unit will be the topic of public forums on April 22, 2024.
The Otsego Public schools Reproductive Health and wellness team is proposing two changes to the 6th grade reproductive health unit. The State of Michigan requires Reproductive Health be taught but allows parents to opt out of that unit of Health class before it happens. Parents can review the unit in its entirety before deciding.
The proposed changes are:
1) to replace a video on puberty, that is over 20 years old, with a newer, more up-to-date video.
2) to add four new definitions to the unit.
Check out the district website for additional info: https://www.otsegops.org/news/~board/district-news/post/public-forum-notice
Kindergarten Screening is Next Week
Kindergarten screening begins next week! Be sure to get your little Bulldog registered for the 2024-25 school year! Screening takes place during a morning or evening session on April 23rd. (The registration form will take you to the sign-up form.) Please note: Learn 'n Grow students will be screened by our teachers during their current class time.
Inflatable Frenzy Fun Run
Alamo’s one and only fundraiser takes place on Thursday, April 27th. Our goal is to raise $15,000. As students collect pledges, many contributors (and parents too!) want to know “How are these funds used?” Funds raised by the PTO are used to provide enrichment activities, rewards, recognition celebrations, building needs, playground equipment, technology, assemblies and library books. All we need is for each student to get 10 people to sponsor them $10 each to meet our goal.
Fun Run packets can be turned in anytime. The deadline to turn them in to be eligible for prizes is Friday, April 28th.
Prizes Include:
- $15: Slushie
- $50: Extra Recess
- $100: GLOW Dance Party
- $175: Ice Cream Party
- $250: Airbourne
Parent are welcome to join the frenzy. Below is the schedule:
- 9:30-10:00 - 3rd Grade
- 10:15-10:45 - 5th Grade
- 11:00-11:30 - 4th Grade
- 1:30-2:00 - 2nd Grade
- 2:15-2:45 - K
- 3:00-3:30 - 1st Grade
FUN RUN Online Donation
We now have an online donation link! You can now give people the option to make their donation online! This is a quick and easy way to make a donation. Please make sure they put the student’s name in the box so that the student gets credit!
Staff Sponsorship - Teacher Appreciation Week
M-STEP Snacks Needed
Students in grades 3-5 will be taking the M-STEP beginning the week of April 22nd. We like to provide a healthy snack and some candy for students on test days. Please see the link below to sign up and donate if you are able!
Please note that all items except for the donut holes are due to school by 4/19 at 4PM. The donut holes have separate due dates which are listed on the sign up genius. Please let me know if you have any questions.
M-STEP
Students in grades 3 – 8 and 11 will be assessed on Michigan’s current content standards in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and social studies. This year, the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) will be given from April 10th through May 26th in an online format.
The following is important information regarding this test and your child’s participation.
All components of the test will be given online. It is a computer-based test.
- Grades 3, 4, and 5 will be tested in ELA (reading, writing & listening comprehension) and Mathematics.
- Grade 5 will be tested in Science and in Social Studies.
Testing will consist of an online test and will be administered within the following guidelines:
- The Online Test Session may be administered in 1 session with a scheduled break (not to exceed 20 minutes) or in 2 separate sessions of equal length (45 minutes each for grades 3‐5) on the same day.
- Breaks may be provided during test sessions using the software’s pause feature.
- Although the Online Test Session is not timed, schools should allow about 1.5 hours of testing time for students in grades 3‐5.
State Testing Window for M-Step is as follows:
- The 5th-grade Science assessment will consist of one 45-minute session.
- The 5th-grade Social Studies assessment will consist of two 30-minute sections.
- Each school is scheduling these assessments individually; a schedule for WSE is as follows:
ELA
- 5th Grade - 4/23
- 4th Grade - 4/30
- 3rd Grade - 4/30
Math
- 5th Grade - 5/7
- 4th Grade - 5/7
- 3rd Grade - 5/9
Science
- 5th Grade - 4/30
Social Studies
- 5th Grade - 4/25
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT STUDENTS ARE IN ATTENDANCE ON THE DAYS OF TESTING!
If you would like to view sample questions please click on the link below. Then follow these steps:
- M-STEP Online Training Tools
- Sample Item Sets
- Grade of Choice
- Subject Area
How Will You Show Your P.R.I.D.E. Today?
P - Positive Attitude
- Jonathon Bilyk
- Zechariah Barck
- Kaliyah Guritz
- Finnlie Klimp
- Jaxon Smith
- Everett Rose
- Elliott Jager
- Zoey Bronsink
- Mara Garrett
- Henry Triemstra
Field Day - Save the Date
Alamo Elementary's annual field day at Bulldog Stadium will take place on Friday, June 7th from 10:00-2:00 p.m. More information to come......
Alamo Career Fair Needs You!
Please come share your career with us!
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 9:00-11:40 a.m. or 1:00-3:40 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to do
15 minute presentations about their
careers. Students will rotate through
different presentations so your total time
commitment would be approximately 3 hours
If you would like to volunteer:
Contact Katherine Busscher
kbusscher@otsegops.org 269-694-7623
2024-25 Class Placements
Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year. Placement of children in classes is a part of that planning and a most difficult task. Responsible placement decisions take time and many consultations among staff members. Our goal is to make the best match between student, teacher, and learning environment. Many factors must be considered such as gender ratios, academic ranges, social behavior, personalities, special needs, and learning styles. If you feel you have special insights regarding your child that could assist with our selection, it is certainly welcome. We ask parents to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Provide information about your child’s needs.
• Do NOT request a specific teacher or friendship group. A detailed description of your child’s learning style and individual needs is more helpful.
• Information must be in writing and submitted by May 3rd, please email Mrs. Knight-Lucas at nknight-lucas@otsegops.org
Remember that due to the many factors involved, we are unable to make any guarantees, other than the fact that we will put much thought, consideration, and individual attention into each and every placement. We hope you will rely on our expertise and know that the best possible placement will be made for your child.
Social Work Scoop - Power Struggle
Have you ever found yourself arguing with your child and thought, “why am I doing this?” I have often found myself in the midst of a power struggle before I even know that it is happening. Power struggles happen due to both individuals' need for control. We need to be in control of our child and they need to feel in control as well. It is easy to fall into the mindset that our child is bad or arguing just to argue. Their need for control and autonomy is actually a normal part of their development. As they are growing and becoming more independent, they are also testing boundaries to see what is acceptable and what is not. Giving your child control over little things can help lessen the amount of power struggles you may be experiencing over the big things. Here are some tips for the next power struggle you have:
Give your child safe and reasonable choices so they feel a sense of control. You can let them know if they refuse to choose, you will choose for them.
Ex) It is bedtime and you need them to take a bath and brush their teeth. You could give the choice of bath or brushing teeth first.
Stop the struggle by saying something like, “I care too much about you to argue with you.” They will likely continue to argue and if you do not participate, they will eventually understand that this will not work to meet their need for control.
Plan one on one play time with your child where they do get to make all the choices about how and what to play(as long as it is safe and reasonable).
Praise them for decision making and cooperation.
Big Dawg Sports Camp
Order Your Yearbook Now!
CKH Character Trait - Perserverance
What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is the willingness and ability to keep going when things are tough. People who persevere show steadfastness and give the extra effort needed to do something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.
Why focus on Perseverance?
- Perseverance encourages positive self-talk and thinking. When faced with difficult tasks, perseverance helps students reframe with positive thoughts, such as: "I'm not good at this YET!"
- Perseverance develops empathy. Students gain a better understanding of who they are and develop more empathy and compassion for others who may struggle to reach a goal.
- Perseverance sparks personal growth. Pushing through complex tasks builds resilience and helps students discover how capable they are.
Alamo WatchD.O.G.S.
Our WatchD.O.G.S. program is in full swing. “Dads” (or dad-like figures) who are interested in signing up to volunteer for a full or half day should contact Natalie Trumley (ntrumley@otsegops.org) or Nicole Knight-Lucas (nknight-lucas@otsegops.org) via email to schedule a date.
When you volunteer, you will receive a schedule for the day that allows you to help out in different classrooms doing a wide range of activities (reading a story, working with a child 1:1 on work, playing a game with a small group). You will also have scheduled time on the playground and lunchroom to interact with students and be a positive role model for them. We need a current background check on file before you are able to volunteer.
Alamo PTO - Make A Difference
Alamo PTO needs you! The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is a wonderful way to become involved in your child's education and to get to know other parents and teachers. The PTO has many activities throughout the school year that you can help with by volunteering. The PTO meets once a month at 4:00 p.m. in the Alamo Media Center. Listed below are the dates for this year's meetings. We would love for you to attend!
Meeting Dates
May 13th
June 10th
Mileage Club
Here are the recess times for each grade level.
- K @ 11:35 a.m.
- 1st @ 11:45 a.m.
- 2nd @ 12:05 p.m.
- 4th @12:15 p.m.
- 3rd @ 12:35 p.m.
- 5th @ 12:45 p.m.
Attendance Matters
Emergency Contact
It is extremely important to have up-to-date contact information available for each student. When emergencies arise, we need to be able to contact parents/guardians. This is also the contact information that is used for school closures and district updates.
Please log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check that your contact information is current and to make any necessary changes. All families received a letter with parent login information and instructions from the technology department soon. If you need assistance or login information for the Parent Portal, please contact the Alamo Elementary Office. Thank You!
Have you filled out your Free/Reduced Lunch App?
Have you filled out the Free/Reduced Meal Application yet? Another round of PEBT cards will be coming out, you must qualify for free or reduced meals to receive this benefit. Applying is easy! It takes less than 10 minutes and you only need one form per family. Click here to get started: https://www.otsegops.org/departments/food-service
Alamo Elementary
Email: nknight-lucas@otsegops.org
Website: https://alamo.otsegops.org/
Location: 8184 North 6th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
Phone: (269) 694-7600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/415538888654020
Twitter: @otsegoschools