East In Action
May 2024 Newsletter
EAST BEAST FUN RUN
Guidance
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The next guidance unit will focus on personal safety. We will talk about how our bodies belong to us and how to keep ourselves safe. Students have the right to decline touch – no matter how innocent. Allowing students to decline any touch that makes them uncomfortable gives them the power and confidence that they may need in the future. The goals of these lessons are as follows:
Children will…
Identify safe adults who they can go to for help
Understand the Touching Rule (no one should touch your private parts unless it is to keep you clean and healthy, like changing a baby’s diaper)
Understand the difference between good secrets (make us feel good, like a birthday present) and bad secrets (make us feel bad)
Demonstrate a personal safety plan (how to say “no,” get away, and tell someone).
Practice problem-solving skills, safety rules, and assertiveness.
This can be a sensitive issue; however, it is important for children to be able to recognize signals, know right from wrong, and know what to do to keep themselves safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at school.
Ms. Nisius
K-5 Professional School Counseling Team
Band
East Elementary Band put on an amazing performance on Thursday night. The audience enjoyed music from our 5th graders, clapped along, and sometimes laughed along! A special shout out to our guest soloist, Mrs. Staples for her "expertise" on the triangle!
It is always wonderful to bring people together to experience the joy of music and celebrate our students' hard work in learning an instrument. East band students, you should be proud of yourselves!
Band students will continue to have early morning band with the last practice being on Thursday, May 16th. Band lessons will also continue, and will be offered during the last week of school. See Mrs. Meinen's May Band Newsletter for more information!
Questions? Email Mrs. Meinen at tara.meinen@ankenyschools.org
PE
On Wednesday, May 8th our fifth grade students will take part in the 5th Grade Track Meet at Northview Middle School from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on their students. Make sure your child wears appropriate footwear.
As the year gets closer to the end, please remind your child to wear socks and appropriate shoes to PE so we can finish strong!
Cole Ashman
East PE Teacher
Media News
Students in grades K-5 have been learning, reviewing and using computer science terms like algorithm, sequence, debugging, conditionals and loops. In May, they will communicate with a robot using coding. Logical thinking is required for the coding of robots. In this phase of computer science, students use step by step sequences to solve problems. They practice real-life testing and fixing errors in their code. This fixing of errors is called debugging. The process builds perseverance and problem solving skills.
May also signals the end of the school year with important due dates to keep in mind. All Library Books are Due on Friday, May 17, 2024!
Continue your child’s passion for libraries by visiting the Ankeny Kirkendall Public library this summer. Public libraries are filled with a variety of opportunities and services that are sure to appeal to your entire family. Visit the Kirkendall Public Library website to learn more about the Summer Reading Program (special events, reading logs, and prizes) and the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass (to explore area attractions at a discounted rate).
Enjoy your summer reading adventures!
Sheryl Dales
East Elementary, K-5 Digital Learning Teacher
The East Family Tree
In this school collaboration project students made leaves in art to create our family tree. Our 1st-5th graders put a word on their leaf that they chose as a part of the One Word Challenge they did in class at the beginning of the year. The 'one word' they chose was to help guide them throughout the year in making decisions, pursuing their goals, and becoming the person they want to be. Our kindergarteners created fun line and color designs on their leaves to help bring our tree together.
3rd Grade Field Trip to the Science Center
2nd Grade Field Trip to the Zoo
5th Grade Celebration
Friday, May 24th: Clap out for the 5th grade students (2 hour early release 12:55pm).
Look for more details about end of the year events coming from your 5th grade teachers.
Congrats to the Class of 2031
East PTO News
2024-2025 SCHOOL SUPPLY ORDERS
Don't forget to order your 2024-2025 School Supplies. Ordering will take place online only. Orders are due by June 2nd. School supplies will be on the student's desk for Meet the Teacher Night.
- Click here
- Enter the school ID: EAS098
- Follow the directions to complete the order.
- Keep your online confirmation as your receipt.
If you have any questions please contact East PTO at: East.PTO.News@gmail.com
NEXT MEETING: May 7th (6:30pm in Media Center)
Teacher Appreciation Week: Teacher Appreciation week is May 6th through the 10th. We would like to honor, celebrate and thank all of the teachers at East for their continued dedication. You are truly the BEST!
Save the Date: East Pool Party at Prairie Ridge July 28th!
AELP Tech Fair
Ankeny Hawks Summer Camp Registrations Now Open
Registrations are now open for Ankeny Hawks Summer Camps. Visit www.ankenycamps.com for more information and to register your student. Questions, regarding registration can be directed to Ryzer at 515-598-9540.
Be sure to check out...
2024-2025 Registration Reminder
All existing families are required to complete the annual update for each student in their household using the Infinite Campus portal. This is also where existing families can add a child who is new to the district, such as incoming preschool or kindergarten students.
Families can now view the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.
Moving
LOST and FOUND
Summer Camps
Ankeny Hawks Summer Camp Registrations Now Open
Calendar of Events for May
May 6 - No School (Professional Learning Day for staff)
May 7 - PTO Meeting 6:30pm
May 8 - 5th Grade Track Meet
May 9 - 4th Grade Wax Museum
May 10 - 5th Grade Capitol Field Trip
May 10 - Unified Centennial Track Meet
May 15 - East's Field Day
May 17 - East Talent Show
May 20 & 21st - Teachers will collect bus passes from students. If your student was issued a bus pass it must be returned.
May 23 - 5th Grade Picnic
May 24 - Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Release
* Report cards sent home with students and "Clap Out" 5th graders
Virtual Backpack
East Elementary
Email: ea.office@ankenyschools.org
Website: East.ankenyschools.org
Location: 710 Southeast 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA, USA
Phone: 515-965-9600
Twitter: @AnkenyEast