Comet Connections
Kiker Elementary Newsletter
Kiker Families and Caretakers,
We made it to 2025! Today as I was visiting classrooms, I quickly noticed that no time was waisted in getting back to our routines. I saw students writing their goals for the new year and sharing their activities from the break with classmates. 💙 It was a great first day back!
You should have received or soon be receiving the results of your child's MAP testing from December for students in Kinder-5th grade. We use this data to help set new goals, target our instruction even more, and celebrate all the growth along the way! As students settle back into their school schedules, we look forward to helping each child reach their full potential.
📢A few reminders for 2025!
*As the colder days are upon us, I wanted to send an additional reminder to write student names in any new jackets or hats that students may be bringing. 🥶
*If you pick up your child at Kiker after school, please wait on the "flag pole" side of the street. It is difficult for kids to see their cars when too many adults are sitting on the benches. 🚩
*School begins at 7:40AM. If your child is having any challenges getting here in the morning that we can help with, please be sure to reach out. We are happy to help! ⏱️
Happy New Year!
Mrs. Abrams, M.Ed.
Principal
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!
December
December
Monarch Butterfly Book Series: Discover, Learn, Soar
December is the time of year that many are celebrating Christmas and the New Year. Holidays are about family, tradition, and love. It's important to note that holidays do not look the same for everyone. What do holidays look like for you? What do you celebrate? Do you have friends who celebrate something different? This month we honor the beauty of various holidays celebrated across cultures, religions, and regions.
The books listed below 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. “Too Many Tamales” & “Hanukkah Bear” can be found in the Kiker Library.
Kindergarten - Second Grade Book List
The Most Exciting Eid Zeba Talkhani (Author) , Abeeha Tariq (Illustrator)
Two New Years Richard Ho (Author), Lynn Scurfield (Illustrator)
Hanukkah Bear: Eric Kimmel (Author), Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)
Kevin's Kwanzaa: Lisa Bullard (Author) , Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator)
Too Many Tamales: Gary Soto (Author) , Ed Martinez (Illustrator)
Reflection Questions:
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Many holidays include special foods in the celebration. Was there any food included in your book? What is your favorite special holiday food?
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What did you learn about generosity and hospitality from your story? How do you and your family show hospitality to your friends and family during the holidays?
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Does your family have any special holiday traditions like making tamales? What are they?
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What holiday traditions in your family do you look forward to? Are any of your holiday traditions different from your friends' holiday traditions?
Third - Fifth Grade Book List
The Seven Days of Kwanzaa Angela Shelf Medearis (Author)
If you lived during the Plimoth Thanksgiving Chris Newall (Author)
Freedom Soup Tami Charles (Author), Jacqueline Alcantara (Illustrator)
Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama: by Selina Alko
Reflection Questions:
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Many holidays have a central theme, for example- giving, goodness, and hope. Do you see any similarities between the holiday in your book and holidays that you or your friends celebrate?
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Traditions are acts, behaviors, or customs performed by individuals/communities to celebrate a certain holiday. What are some traditions you perform with your family? List one tradition of the character of your book. Discuss with your adult how traditions look different across families, cultures, and the world.
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How can we make sure everyone feels included and welcome during the holiday season, no matter which holiday they celebrate?
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.
*Information from these google forms
