Comet Connections
Kiker Elementary Newsletter
Kiker Families and Caretakers,
The last week of October was so much fun! Thank you to everyone who came out to volunteer or be a part of classroom celebrations. I know the kids had a great time. This week we begin the second nine weeks of school. Report cards for the first nine weeks will be posted to your AISD portal this Wednesday, November 6th so be sure to log in and check those out. This is also a great time to set realistic goals with your children as they start a new reporting period and help them celebrate their progress along the way!
The annual Kiker Art Fundraiser is back! Please look for your child's art fundraiser brochures this week. If brochures are lost, please contact danielle.swint@austinisd.org
Thank you for supporting the arts!
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs. Abrams, M.Ed.
Principal
November: National Native American Heritage Month
November 5: Spirit Night at Mangierie's
November 7: Spirit Night at The Art Garage
November 7: Sprit Day (Wear Blue!)
November 10: Kiker Fall Festival (2:00*-5:00PM)
November 11: Veteran's Day Assembly @ 8:45AM
November 20: Kiker/AISD Special Education Meet & Greet
November 20: Kiker General Member PTA Meeting
November 25-29: AISD Fall Break
Throughout November we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month. If your child would like to submit a video or photo that we can share during our morning announcements, please email that to our counselor, Mrs. Sarah Schwartz (sarah.schwartz@austinisd.org).
VOLY is the new parent volunteer system for AISD. Please be sure to create a VOLY account if you plan on volunteering at events throughout the school year.
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
October is Honoring All Abilities Month. This month we celebrate the wonderful minds and bodies that make up our community. We’ll explore stories that help us understand how neurodiversity and physical differences are a part of life and being human. All minds and bodies are good and have strengths and needs we can accommodate and celebrate.
The books listed below can be found at the Kiker library, 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
My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful (Author) and Geeta Ladi (Illustrator)
Ninja Nate by Markette Sheppard (Author) and Robert Paul Jr (Illustrator)
Song in the City By: Daniel Bernstrom (Author) and Jenin Mohammed (Illustrator)
This Is How We Play By: Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp
Reflection Questions:
Your “senses” are the ways you take in information about the world around you. Touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste are all examples of your senses. Take a moment and think about how all your senses work together. What if some of your senses were different (maybe too strong or not there at all)? How would you experience things like eating, dancinging, singing, etc. differently? How did the characters in your book experience the world around them?
Our bodies and our brains are all ‘unique’ because no two bodies or brains are exactly the same. Sometimes we may see someone whose body looks different from ours, or who behaves in a way we didn’t expect because of their unique self. Think about your books, and talk with your grownup about ways you could be a friend to the characters in these stories, and to the people in your school community too.
Asking questions and being curious are both good qualities to have. If you have a question about someone who seems different to you, what should you do? Watch this video and then talk with your grown up about how you can be kind, curious, and learn more about the people around you in an appropriate way.
Third - Fifth Grade Book List
Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity By: Samara Cole Doyon (Author) Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator)
Included By: Jayneen Sanders (author) Camilla Carrossine (illustrator)
By: (Author)
Wonder By: RJ Palacio
Reflection Questions:
Being “included” in a community means that we are supported, understood, and appreciated for who we are. Everyone wants to feel like they belong with the people and in the places they go! Think about your school, classroom, or extracurricular activities- are there people who might find it hard to be included in those spaces or activities? Think about the people and characters in the books you read. What about these places/activities would be difficult for them? How could you make your class/school/etc. a place where they feel like they belong too?
Neurodiversity means that there is a difference/variety in how our brains process information. Some friends might be startled at loud sounds or bright lights (too much information), others might need to move their bodies more often, or struggle to find a way to communicate. Do you ever feel like your brain and body need help precessing what’s happening around you? How would you like to be treated in these situations? How might you "level yourself up" in showing kindness to a friend who is having a difficult time processing information or an activity in class or on the playground?
Asking questions and being curious are both good qualities to have. If you have a question about someone who seems different to you, what should you do? Watch this video and then talk with your grown up about how you can be kind, curious, and learn more about the people around you in an appropriate way.
Track Progress: Students who read every month will be acknowledged and celebrated at the end of the semester and year. To track your student’s progress please complete this form.
Want more?! Here are some additional books to read:
My Brain Is A Racecar By: Nell Harris
What Happened To You? By: James Catchpole and Karen George
Come Over To My House By: Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin
