

Jetliner
January 2025 News From The Elementary Office
A MESSAGE FROM THE ELEMENTARY OFFICE
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe we’ve already stepped into January! This season is always a time of reflection and renewal, and we are excited to continue the school year with a focus on learning, growth, and connection.
Today, I had the privilege of joining our students during Guidance to talk about goal setting. Wow—what incredible goals they’ve set for 2025! Our students have big dreams, and together as a community, we can help them achieve them..
As we settle back into routines after the winter break, we look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and creativity our students bring into the classroom each day. Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it truly makes our school community special. Wishing you and your family a year filled with joy, health, and meaningful moments!
Warm regards,
Mary McCullough, Elementary Principal
LIBRARY BOOKS DUE
As we return from winter break, please look for overdue books and return them to the library. Thank you for your support with this.
Mrs. Acord and Mrs. Isch
FREE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN NEWBORN TO FIVE
Attention Families of Younger Readers!!
The Decatur Public Library has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring children FREE books straight to your home! The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends books to registered children ages newborn to five through the mail every month. Funded locally through sponsorships and supported by the State of Indiana this program is newly available in Adams County. You do NOT need to be a member of the Decatur Library to register. You do HAVE to be a resident of Adams County.
Parents may register their children here… https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
Almost every book comes with questions on the inside flap to assist parents in conversation with the story. This also helps with comprehension skills in children. The first book you receive can take 8-12 weeks and for every child – regardless of age - the book will be “The Little Engine That Could” the last book will be “The Night Before Kindergarten”
For more information about the program please email Kelly Ehinger at the Decatur Library at ehinger@apls.lib.in.us
SCIENCE OF READING
What is the Science of Reading?
The "Science of Reading" is research that helps us understand how children learn to read. It highlights five key skills—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—that work together to build strong reading abilities. Our teachers are learning from this research to improve how we teach reading, ensuring every child becomes a confident reader.
The Five Building Blocks of Reading
Here are the essential skills your child will develop:
- Phonemic Awareness: Hearing and working with individual sounds in words.
- Phonics: Connecting letters to their sounds to read words.
- Fluency: Reading smoothly and with expression.
- Vocabulary: Learning and understanding new words.
- Comprehension: Making sense of what they read.
How You Can Help at Home
- Read Together: Read books aloud to your child, use expression, and talk about the story.
- Play Sound Games: Try rhyming, clapping syllables, or other fun activities to practice sounds.
- Practice Phonics: Point out letter sounds in books and help your child sound out words.
- Grow Their Vocabulary: Talk about new words from books and use them in conversations.
- Ask Questions: After reading, ask your child questions like, “Why do you think that happened?” or “What might happen next?”
Why This is Important
- Early Help Matters: Catching reading challenges early can make a big difference.
- Proven Methods Work: The Science of Reading shows us the best ways to teach reading.
- You Can Make a Difference: By understanding these skills, you can help your child grow as a reader and partner with their teachers to support their learning.
Together, we can build strong readers for life!
NEWS FROM MRS. KING AND THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
If you have gently used AC apparel that no longer fits your students, I will gladly recycle it to an other family in our district! You may send items to the elementary office.
Thanks a ton!
Mrs. King
COUNSELOR CORNER
FREE Winter Coats:
Please let the Counseling Department know if you need a winter coat for your child. We have access to winter coats along with hats and gloves.
As always please reach out if you have any needs we are here to serve!
Sarah Rhymer- School Counselor
260-692-6629 Ext 1012
Megan Ross-Espinosa- School Social Worker
NEWLY APPROVED CALENDAR FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Looking Ahead...
Upcoming Elementary events are as follows & subject to changes.
Monday, January 13: PTO Meeting, 3:30 PM, Elementary Library
Monday, January 20: MLK Day, ACCS will be in Session
Saturday, February 1: PTO Tall and Small Ball, 6:30 PM, Cafeteria
Thursday, February 13: Class Valentine’s Parties
Friday, February 14: 1003 Waiver Day; No School For Students; Staff PD Day
Monday, February 17: Presidents' Day, No School (possible make-up day)
March 5-6: IREAD-3 Testing for 2nd and 3rd grade (3rd graders who passed last year do not retest)
Monday, March 3: PTO Meeting, 6:30 PM, Elementary Library
March 21-28: Spring Break, No School. School resumes Monday, March 31
Wednesday, April 9: PTO Donuts with Dad
Thursday, April 17: Kindergarten Screening
Friday, April 18: Good Friday, No School
Thursday, April 24: 4th Grade Indiana History Program, 7:00 PM
Friday, April 25: PTO Basketball Bash, Auction, Dinner
Monday, May 5: PTO Meeting, 3:30 PM, Elementary Library
Thursday, May 8: KDG Program, 6:30 PM
Friday, May 16: Grade 4 Gene Stratton Porter Field Trip
Tuesday, May 20: PreSchool Graduation; 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 22: 5th-Grade Graduation Program, 7:00 PM
Friday, May 23: Last Student Day
Principal
Email: mccullom@accs.k12.in.us
Website: accs.k12.in.us
Location: 222 West Washington Street, Monroe, IN, USA
Phone: 260-692-6629