Comet Connections
Kiker Elementary Newsletter
Kiker Families and Caretakers,
As we continue to navigate this exciting school year, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your unwavering support and partnership in fostering a positive learning environment for our students. This week many of our classes are engaging in activities for Random Acts of Kindness Week. It serves as a time when we have the opportunity to teach the next generation about how small acts of kindness can go a long way!
Additionally, we are excited to announce the return of the annual "Gifts of Time" campus event and fundraiser. During this event, students will have the opportunity to spend time with their chosen Kiker staff member after school hours with a few friends and lots of fun! Be sure to check out the flyer in this newsletter for details on how to sign up. The slots will go quickly so chat with your student(s) and see who they would like to spend some time with. Lots of teachers and even your campus administrative team are options to pick from! (LINK HERE for DETAILS) All funds raised will go directly back to our campus.
Throughout February we will also continue to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of activities that will include a guest speaker, library read-alouds, and morning announcements. You can also check out the Austin ISD webpage for more information and events around the city! LINK
Let’s make this a month full of learning, growth, and kindness. Here’s to an incredible month ahead!
Hope you all have a wonderful week,
Mrs. Abrams, M.Ed.
Principal
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!
Monarch Butterfly Book Series: Discover, Learn, Soar
February is Black History Month: a month celebrating and honoring the legacy of African American resistance that led to liberation, triumphs, cultural enrichment and contributions to America and the world. There are a plethora of books and resources available to our kids to help engage them in reflective discussions about the importance of this month. We encourage you to engage further outside of this book series. Check out the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin which hosts events, education series, summer camps, and tours.
The Day you Begin & Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! can be found in the Kiker Library. Other books listed 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.
Kindergarten - Second Grade Book List
Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations: Kelly Starling Lyons (author), Keith Mallet (illustrator)
The Day You Begin: Jacqueline Woodson (author), Rafael Lopez (illustrator)
Your Name is a Song: Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow (author), Luisa Uribe (illustrator)
Reflection Questions
-
In “Sing a Song”, in what types of situations do the characters sing? How does singing this song make them feel?
-
In “The Day You Begin”, the characters feel different because of their names, what they did over the summer, their lunch food, and other things that make them unique. How can we celebrate our differences and the ways we are alike?
-
In “Your Name is a Song”, the girl’s teachers and classmates have trouble saying her name and some make fun of her. How do you think that made her feel? How did she help them learn how to say her name?
-
What does it mean to find your voice? How can we use our voices to stand up for people and to create change?
Third - Fifth Grade Book List
Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote: Dinah Johnson (author), Jerry Jordan (illustrator)
A Day for Rememberin’: Leah Henderson (author), Floyd Cooper (illustrator)
Shirley Chisholm is a Verb!: Veronica Chambers (author), Rachelle Baker (Illustrator)
Reflection Questions
-
Ida B. Wells was known for always doing the right thing. What things did she do that remind you of stories of other famous Black historical figures?
-
Have you ever heard this story or a similar story of the first Memorial Day? In the back of “A Day of Rememberin’” the author lists other cities besides Charleston with claims of being the birthplace of Memorial Day. Research one of these other cities and their ties to Memorial Day with your grownup.
-
Shirley Chisolm was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black person to run for president. Her “Papa said everybody should be treated the same - poor, rich, Black, White.” How did those words impact her career as a politician? What do you think/feel when you read those words?
-
Black History Month is a celebration of the contributions of African Americans to the United States and around the world. Our books highlight the challenges Black Americans faced while fighting for liberation and equal rights. In what ways are people still fighting for these rights?
Want more?! Here are some additional books to read:
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race: Megan Madison (author), Jessica Ralli (author), Isabel Roxas (illustrator)
Mae Among the Stars: Roda Ahmed (author), Stasia Burrington (illustrator)
Carter Reads the Newspaper: Deborah Hopkinson (author), Don Tate (illustrator)
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?: Patrice McLaurin (author), Dian Wang (illustrator)
Undefeated: Kwame Alexander (author), Kadir Nelson (illustrator)
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World: Charles R. Smith (author), Shane W. Evans (illustrator)
