Burns Park Family Newsletter

I look forward to seeing you and all of your family at Popsicles on the Playground on Thursday, August 22nd. This will be a fun opportunity for families to meet our Burns Park staff and see some old and new friends.

I know how exciting it is to learn about your student’s placement for the 2024-2025 school year! The date to check your email for this information is Thursday, August 22nd. Placements will be sent in the morning before our Popsicles on the Playground event.

The Burns Park office is now open. You may email your registration paperwork to Natalie Konarske at konarsken@aaps.k12.mi.us. If you would prefer to come in person Natalie will be in the office starting Thursday, August 15th. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Natalie Konarske at 734-994-1919 or via email.

Bus Routes are now available online using this link.

Our bell schedule is 8:45 AM - 3:48 PM. (PLEASE know that timely arrival is important for students and teachers. We thank you in advance for getting your child to school on time each and every day.)

School meals are free for all students for the 2024-2025 school year. Students must receive an item from each food category in order for your student’s account not to be charged. A la carte items will be charged to your student’s account. The district has asked that every family complete this Child Nutrition & Education Benefits Application.

Please welcome our newest Penguins to Burns Park!

Natalie Konarske- Secretary to the Principal

My name is Natalie Konarske (the kids are welcome to call me Mrs. K, or Mrs. Natalie) and I am so excited to join the Burns Park Community as a permanent staff member. Many of you may remember me from last year, filling in all over the building, including as the temporary secretary at the end of last year. I have two school-aged boys joining Burns Park this year as well, in 5th and 3rd grade. I've spent the last two decades working in the airline industry, and have been working as a substitute teacher for the past two years. I love to sing, travel, all things Disney, cats, chickens, and squirrels. I also enjoy doing puzzles and painting with my husband.

Justin Hammis- Band Teacher

Hello Burns Park Families, my name is Mr. Hammis. I am very excited to start teaching band

class at Burns Park Elementary School with your 5 th grade students. Your students will have a

creative and enjoyable experience in band class this upcoming school year. We will learn the

history of composers, instrumental techniques, reading music notes, expression, instruments,

and the appreciation of music. I graduated with a bachelor of music degree from the University

of Michigan in 2003 and a master of music degree from Central Michigan University in 2011. I

am beginning my 22nd year of teaching music and my third year of teaching in AAPS this

upcoming school year. This will be a special year for my students and me. I have taught

instrumental music throughout my career and really enjoy teaching the students the

instruments. They have such enthusiasm for band class. I love Ann Arbor, and I am an ardent

alum of UM. It’s nice to get to know parents and community members, so feel free to say hi. I

look forward to seeing you soon!

The weekly Burns Park Family Newsletter will continue to be sent on Sunday of each week. If you have a question, comment, or concern, please feel free to email Mrs. Bullock at jonesl@aaps.k12.mi.us or contact us in the main office at 734-994-1919. Phone messages will be checked daily. Please check your email daily, particularly during the first week of school, when much important information will be communicated.