Dear Pine Avenue parents,

Mastering multiplication and division facts is a fundamental milestone in a child's math education. These skills are not just about rote memorization but form the building blocks for more complex mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities. Pine teachers know why these facts are crucial, and working together to support your child will ensure students master them. Why is it so important?

Multiplication and division are the core operations that underpin higher-level math topics such as fractions, algebra, and geometry. A firm grasp of these facts makes it easier for students to tackle more advanced problems confidently. When students know their multiplication and division facts by heart, they can solve problems more quickly and efficiently. This fluency frees up mental resources, enabling them to focus on understanding and applying complex concepts rather than getting bogged down by basic calculations. In addition, math skills are used in everyday activities, from calculating the total cost of items when shopping to determining the correct portion sizes in recipes. Multiplication and division are essential for practical, real-life problem-solving.

Teachers need parental support to help ensure students are learning their facts. Parents can help with consistent daily practice of these math skills, which are used in everyday activities, from calculating the total cost of items when shopping to determining the correct portion sizes in recipes. Multiplication and division are essential for practical, real-life problem-solving. Parents can also use games, flashcards, and apps to make learning multiplication and division enjoyable. Interactive tools can turn practice sessions into engaging activities your child looks forward to. Celebrate your child's progress and efforts, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation to keep learning.

Learning multiplication and division facts is essential for your child's academic success and problem-solving abilities. By making practice fun and integrating math into daily activities, you can help your child master these critical skills. Your support and encouragement are invaluable in building a solid mathematical foundation for their future.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

School districts across the state will be required to upgrade their school water fountains to a filtered system. This is due to a new law that will take effect in 2025/2026. All water at APS is safe to drink. We are ahead of other school districts thanks to the excellent maintenance director. Pine Avenue students received its first grant-funded filtered water station. Students can fill their water bottles or get a drink. Thank you, Mr. Clark, APS Maintenance Direct, for all your efforts toward this project, and Mr. Williams, for your excellent work installing the fountain.

From the desk of Pine Avenue’s K-5 Counselor

Greetings parents and caregivers of Pine Avenue students. We enjoyed seeing and meeting some of you at our Donuts with Grown Ups event this past Friday. The success of your child’s education is dependent on many moving parts, including your connection with the amazing teachers and support staff at Pine. Thank you for coming if you were able to make it.

Our school year has transitioned from new beginnings, and is now settling into the daily grind. Students are working so hard academically, while also becoming model citizens and bonded peers. Every day I’m at Pine, I witness kids assisting one another in the classroom, hallways, and connecting at lunch and recess. We seem to have grown a culture of mutual respect and tolerance for diversity at Pine Avenue. It’s an amazing sight, and for me, a privilege to be here.

This week I intended to write about ADHD, and remarkably I did not get distracted and lose my notes (no pun intended), rather, I decided a little bragging and celebration was in order. Your children are truly remarkable and I thank you for all you do to make their school days successful. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me any time. Best wishes for a safe and wonderful week.

I can be reached at Pine Avenue Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. My phone extension is #6526, and my email is aswan@almaschools.net Have a wonderful weekend.

Please see the Google link for our new Drop off/Pick-up Procedures below.

November 8 Early Release, end of the trimester

November 13 Late Start

November 15 Trimester Awards; Report Cards go home

November 27-29 Thanksgiving Break

December 4-6 Pine PTO Book Fair

December 11 Late Start

December 23-January 3 Winter Break

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

September 11-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at 11:43 am

October 11-Friday-Early Release-End at 11:43 am

November 8-Friday-Early Release-End at 11:43 am

November 13-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at 11:43 am

December 11-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at 11:43 am

January 10-Friday-Early Release-End at 11:43 am

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at 11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at 11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at 11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at 11:43 am

Thank you in advance for planning transportation for your students.

1. Always show your ROARS.

2. Look ahead, not back. Each moment and day are a new beginning.

3. Meet high expectations and goals for yourself, and always display GRIT.

4. Build positive relationships with everyone. Care about each person, and make sure they know you care.

5. Follow directions, procedures, and always do your best.

6. Respect yourself and others.

7. Always play fair, include others, and use words to resolve problems and conflicts.

8. Take responsibility for your actions, accept consequences, and the word no.

9. Do not spend time engaging in rumors or making fun of someone, and always remember words can hurt.

Pine Panther Paws are used as an incentive to promote positive school behaviors throughout the school setting. Students earn Panther Paws when they are caught displaying their ROARS behaviors. As students acquire Panther Paws, they turn them to enter Panther Paw drawing every Friday. Ms. Jaeck or Mrs. Stahl draws Panther Paws and announces the winner over the loudspeaker. Panther Paw winners pick a prize from the Panther Paw Prize Cart.

Each week, one student per class will receive the teacher-selected Student-of-the-Week. Teacher-selection is based on students consistently displaying their ROARS, PAES Behavior Norms, and learning grit. Student-of-Week winner will receive a mini certificate and will have the class Student-of-the-Week trophy sit on their desk for the week.

We look forward to celebrating all of our students and their accomplishments. Please know that each week we attempt to get all the pictures of our winners, student pictures are updated regularly.

Volume levels are being taught and reinforced in classrooms and buildings with K-5 students. This structure allows students to be mindful of their voice level across the various school settings when interacting with others throughout the school day. Volume levels are being taught and reinforced in classrooms and buildings with K-5 students, and this structure teaches students to be mindful of their voice level when interacting with their peers across various school settings. Throughout the school day, students utilize the appropriate level based on the learning activity they are engaged in based on the direction of the teacher.

ROARS stands for Respect Others, Act Responsibly, and be Safe. These are district-wide behavior expectations that all staff members reference as they provide instruction in the classroom and move throughout the school setting. ROARS is the anchor to all school procedures and routines.

Please make sure you are using and checking the APS app, Rooms. Using APS APP-Rooms is how your child's teacher will communicate with you throughout the year. Studies show that parent involvement in a child's education increases the student's education. Your partnership with this program is essential. Each week, you will learn about what is happening in class and the many excellent learning opportunities the teacher provides for your child. Remember to turn on the notifications.

Ensuring student safety before and after school is a high priority. We are asking all parents and guardians to support Pine Avenue during school drop off and pick up by adhering to the following procedures:

Campus supervision for students begins at 7:35 a.m.

MORNING Drop Off:

• Pull all the way forward to the light post to drop off students.

• Keep students in the vehicle until you are past the overhang at the entrance.
  
  

AFTERNOON Pick Up:

• Pull all the way forward until you are asked to stop by an adult. This is usually 2 car lengths past the light post.

• For student safety, students will enter vehicles when told to do so by an adult.

• This occurs when the vehicle is past the light post.
• ID checks will be requested as needed. (Please make sure all adults who will pickup your child are on your pickup list.)

Parents are asked to refrain from making left hand turns into the parking lot. This vehicle maneuver will cause the traffic to backup on Pine preventing a smooth flow of traffic.

Parents/guardians who are choosing to park in the parking lot and pick up their student afterschool:

• To ensure students' safety , please use the school's crosswalk which is located outside our main doors, by the overhang. This is the only location people should be crossing the parking lot for safety. We have a paraprofessional assigned to assist students in crossing upon seeing their parent/adult.

We appreciate your support in assisting us to ensure a safe student drop off and pick up.

We understand that events come up for parents, and changes must be made to students' dismissal plans. Parents are asked to please make sure to call in any transportation changes before 2 pm. The end of the day is hectic at an elementary school, and we must be aware of any changes before then. In addition, we also encourage you to send a note to your child's teacher or the office on the day of a transportation change. Students will not be dismissed to anyone not on a student's pickup list. Parents who have given us permisson to release to an adult through a change of dismissal plan, the person picking up the student must present a valid picture ID.

Parents: A medication authorization form must be completed each school when a student requires medications to be distributed at school. Should you need a form, don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Bailey or Mrs. Quiroz in the office at 989-466-7651.

The listed titles below are also direct links to the desired information.

Pine Avenue Elementary

1025 Pine Ave.

Alma, MI 48801

Phone:

989-466-7651

Principal:

Dr. Kathy Konowalow

Administrative Assistant:

Mrs. Carrie Bailey

Start Time: 8:03 am

End Time: 3:10 pm

Late Start/Early Release: 11:43 am