Dear Pine Avenue parents,

Is your child reading on grade level? During Parent Teacher Connection Time on September 24 and October 1, 2024, teachers met with parents to review NWEA, DIBELS, and Math Acadience and discussed the goals and progress students will need to make this school year. As stated in previous articles, when a student is behind one grade level, it will take a school two years to catch the student up when the student and parents are working together. When a student is behind two grade levels, it will take four years to catch up with the student in the subject they are behind. Pine has 39% of their fourth-grade students and 44% of fifth-grade students are one or more years behind in Reading. We are pleased to share that we were able to decrease the number of students in fifth grade who were behind in fourth grade, a testament to the collective efforts of our teachers, students, and parents. However, we still have a long way to go, and we need continued support from our parents.

Reading fluency is a cornerstone of essential reading skills, enabling children to read smoothly and understand their Reading. Students in fourth and fifth grade should be able to read for 45 minutes uninterrupted. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in helping your child develop this crucial skill. Your involvement and support are key to your child's reading success. Here are some strategies to support your child's reading fluency journey:

1. Encourage daily Reading to build consistency. Set aside a specific time each day for your child toread. Reading could be a bedtime story or a quiet time after school. Regular practice will help build their fluency over time.
2. Reading aloud with your child can significantly improve their reading fluency. Take turns reading paragraphs or pages. Hearing you read can model proper pacing, expression, and intonation, which they can mimic.
3. Select books that match your child's reading level. Communicate with your child's teacher to know your child's reading level. If a book is too challenging, it can lead to frustration. Conversely, it won't provide enough challenge if it's too easy. Look for books that are engaging and slightly above their current reading level.
4. Have your child read the same book or passage multiple times. Repeated Reading helps improve speed, accuracy, and expression. It also builds confidence as they become more familiar with the text.
5. There are many apps and online resources designed to improve reading fluency. These can provide interactive and engaging ways for your child to practice Reading. However, it's important to balance screen time with reading a physical book. This ensures that your child not only improves their reading fluency but also develops a love for reading in its traditional form.
6. Ask your child to retell stories they've read. Retelling helps reinforce comprehension and allows them to practice speaking skills closely linked to reading fluency. Another way to support understanding of a story is by asking wh questions.

• Who: "Who is the main character in the story?" or "Who did the main character meet in this chapter?"
• What: "What is happening in this part of the book?" or "What do you think will happen next?"
• When: "When did the story occur?" or "When did the main event occur?"
• Where: "Where is the story set?" or "Where did the characters go?"
• Why: "Why did the character choose?" or "Why do you think this happened?"
• How: "How did the character solve the problem?" or "How do you think the story will end?"

Celebrate your child's progress and make reading a fun activity. Praise their efforts and achievements to build their confidence and foster a love of Reading.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help your child build the reading fluency they need to succeed in school and beyond. Remember, your support and encouragement are criticalto their success.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

All parents are encourage to review the Title I information regarding the Title I program, policies, curriculumn for students Pre K through fifth grade. Please sign-in using the QR code or the link on page two. Please contact the school for any questions or assistance needed.

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

Greetings parents and caregivers of Pine Avenue Students. We have successfully completed our seventh week of school and are beginning to settle into healthy routines. I too am learning so much, as are your children. It feels good to have purpose, stretch, and feel the early stages of growth. You can see this on the faces of our students in class, hallways, and even on the playground. Of course there is still plenty of struggle, but it’s beginning to look more like “productive struggle,” something we are embracing as a part of learning. My biggest takeaway when reflecting on where we are in this moment of time, is that connection and engagement seem to be profound, if not essential factors in our success here at school. I hope your children are feeling the connections and sharing their experiences with you, if not, ask them. I hope you are hearing positive things. Please continue to connect and engage with us as well, as we know you are truly the experts when it comes to your children. We love to hear from you.

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.

October 7, 2024 Picture Retakes

October 11, 2024 Early Release Day, Students dismissed at 11:43

October 15, 2024 Title I Family Engagement Night at Hillcrest Elementary 5-7 p.m.

October 25, 2024 Donuts with Grown Ups

October 31 Halloween

Greetings parents and caregivers from the desk of your Alma Public Schools K-5 Counselor,

It’s been quite a start to the school year! My Congratulations to you all as I remember the days

well, the effort it takes to get your child to school, fully clothed, and in one piece, carrying

ginormous backpacks containing everything but a kitchen sink. Many of you are accomplishing

this superhero task for more than one child who also attend different schools spread throughout

our community. Traffic lights are not friendly to busy caregivers and bus drivers navigating the

highways and byways to school. And yet you’ve gotten them here in one piece, with snacks,

kleenex, homework assignments, and a clean driving record thanks to our reminder speed limit

signs that now light up when we may be a smidge over the limit. You do this day in and day out

and we appreciate you! Some day your children will too. As Dr. Konowolo shared in her

Message from the Principal, there exists volumes of data supporting the connection between

school success and regular attendance. This is not only tied to academic performance, but also

positive social, emotional adjustment which promotes a sense of belonging, purpose and future.

This is the culture we are building at Pine, one SEL (social emotional learning) lesson at a time,

one lunch buddy, one game of ball with a new student on the playground who hasn’t made

friends yet...we are making progress together. Recently I’ve decided to hang my son’s

Columbia University Diploma in my Counselor office at Pine. It’s written in Latin and I cannot

understand what it says, but my hope is that our curious Pine students will ask about it. Then I

can share the fact that their Pine Avenue Math Coach, Mrs. Andrea Oswald, was my son’s first

math teacher at the DPMS. She explained things in a way no one else could, which eventually

led to his full scholarship and degree in mathematics. That gift is priceless, and that is the

caliber of staff you have here at Pine Avenue, dedicated, brilliant people, full of heart, just like

your kids, our students! So please never hesitate to reach out, ask questions or inform us about

the ways we can continue to best support your children along this journey. We look forward to

hearing from you. It’s going to be a great year..

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.

PPanther 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. Mr. Nevins 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