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#harvestlearn

Week of January 30th – February 3rd

A Note from Ms. Sickler

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats – Tyger Tale

  • I hope like Peter in The Snowy Day, you and your family were able to have some snowy adventures this past week.  We know that winter adventures are most fun when you are warm and dry.  If your family is in need of coats, boots, hats, or mittens for your child, please reach out to our school social worker, Mrs. Pickett (pickettt@salineschools.org) or myself (sicklere@salineschools.org).

 

  • Last week I shared that our school is about to take part in a special, community-wide shared reading event that will occur in March. Every student, regardless if you order a book or not, will receive a copy of the same book and will be asked to read it together at home.  Order your book HERE.  Remember, the book will be a surprise until March 1st when we have a school-wide reveal.

Emily

Updated Specials Schedule

PTA Points

District Notes

We are so grateful for the community support that was exemplified by the passing of the 2022 Bond in November of 2022. The time has now come to begin designing the Phase 1 projects! The District is seeking individuals who are interested in participating on one of the SAS Bond Project Design Committees.  There are a total of four committees:

  • K-12 STEAM Spaces (Lead: Kara Davis)

  • Liberty Recreation Complex (Lead: Anna Britnell)

  • HS Weight Room (Lead: Rex Clary)

  • K-5 Playgrounds (Lead: Kara Davis)

If you are interested in participating on one of the design committees, please complete this application.  Space on committees is limited to ~20 participants. Preference will be given to applicants who have

  • a vested interest in the space/project,

  • background knowledge on the focus/content area of the space, and

  • represent a wider range of perspectives/uses.

We will communicate with everyone who completes the application, regardless if you are selected or not. The project lead will contact you regarding committee approval and specific dates will be provided at that time.  These will be scheduled very quickly (early February) and will include ~2-3 in-person meetings.

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

Register HERE for the Mother & Son Magic Show

 

 

Click HERE to get support World Down Syndrome Day with a $1.00 Rock Your Socks Kit

Did You Know?

Did you know Heritage has its transition night on March 2nd?

Join Zoom HERE

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of January 23rd – January 27th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Our school is about to take part in a special, community-wide shared reading event that will occur in March. Every student will receive a copy of the same book and will be asked to read it together at home.  Order your book HERE.  Remember, the book will be a surprise until March 1st when we have a school-wide reveal.

 

Emily

PTA Points

We had a blast at our winter STEM event last week!

District Notes

Saline Area Schools | School Cancellation FAQ

This document provides parents and employees with information related to the decision-making process and communication strategy associated with school cancellations.  There are essentially two (2) winter weather situations that can result in the closure of school.

  • Extreme Cold –

    • If the ambient air temperature is -25° F school will be closed

    • If the wind-chill is sustained at -25° F  or below school will be closed

  • Poor Road Conditions  –

    • On days when the weather and/or road conditions make travel potentially unsafe the following takes place:

      • A team of administrators begins driving a variety of roads starting at approximately 4:30 AM, (including known trouble-spots) within Saline Area School District boundaries to assess road conditions. Each member of the road crew reports back to the Superintendent, (or designee) with the road conditions no later than 5:00 AM.

      • The Superintendent, (or designee) consults with area meteorologists to obtain the latest weather forecast data.

      • The Superintendent, (or designee) consults with other Washtenaw County Superintendents.

Once the Superintendent, (or designee) makes the decision to close school, the following takes place:

  • The Detroit Media School Closing Alliance is immediately notified. The Alliance reports school closings via the following media outlets:

    • Fox 2 Detroit, Local 4, WXYZ Channel 7, Channel 62, CW50 Detroit, WWJ 950 News Radio, and News/Talk WJR AM 760

  • Saline Area Schools will send a mass text message to all families and staff via the Remind App

  • Saline Area Schools Facebook page is updated

  • The Saline Area Schools Twitter page is updated

  • The Superintendent will place one phone message that will be sent to parents (who have a contact number loaded into our school database, Powerschool) early in the morning to alert them of the school closing.

  • There are times when closings will take place the evening prior to school being closed IF the roads and conditions warrant it.

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

SMS Career Day Registration Link

Did You Know?

Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan | United Way of Washtenaw County Volunteer Center

Did you know Harvest Girls on the Run seeks volunteer coaches and a site leader?  Girls on the Run provides all curriculum, materials, and training in an easy-to-follow format – no experience necessary (you don’t even have to be a runner!). 

Want more information?  Contact info@girlsontherunsemi.org or Joyce Mueller (joycemueller@gmail.com / 734-972-7389) with any questions.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of January 16th – January 20th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

  • Our Harvest Hornets have been learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. this past week and understanding why we have tomorrow off to celebrate his work to promote justice, kindness, and peace.  I listened to conversations across grade levels of students thinking about ways they can continue to honor the work of Dr. King.  There are a number of family-friendly events in Ann Arbor for Martin Luther King Jr Day and Black History Month in February.  Check them out HERE.

  • Our PTA Winter Family Event is THIS THURSDAY.  RSVP HERE.  There will be no food/beverages at the event, but families are welcome to bring their own to the event. 45+ Easy Toilet Paper Roll DIY Games, Toys and Crafts for Kids | Finding Myself Young
  • Mr. Sherman and Innovation Lab are in need of cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and newspapers for future projects.  If you have any at home, please feel free to bring them to him!

Emily

January Specials Calendar

PTA Points

District Notes

MLK Jr. Day Symposium – January 16th

Although we do not have school on January 16th, if you are available, we would like to invite our SAS Community to attend, along with myself and a number of SAS administrators, the 37th annual MLK Jr. Symposium at the University of Michigan (10 AM at Hill Auditorium). Click HERE for more information.

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that Saline District Library allows you to learn how to produce a short story podcast?

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of January 9th – January 13th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Easy New Year Drawing Tutorial and New Year Coloring Page

Happy New Year!  I hope your family was able to enjoy time with your family over break relaxing and celebrating.  Sometimes, we see after breaks, students struggle to return to the routine of school after being home for two weeks.  Here are some sentence starters that may help if your child is expressing not wanting to go to school.

Please note that this Friday is an Early Release Day, with dismissal at 1:10pm and Monday there is no school.

Emily

Save The Dates

  • January 13th – Early Release – Dismissal @ 1:10pm (lunch served)
  • January 16th – No School
  • January 19th – PTA Winter Family Fun STEM Building Event (6:30-7:30pm)

PTA Points

  • PTA Winter Family Event –  RSVP HERE!
    When: Thursday, 1/19/23 6:30-7:30 PM

    Where: Harvest Cafeteria
    Contact: harvestptapresident@gmail.com
    Please join us for a STEM-based winter scene-building event. This is NOT a drop-off event-all kids must be accompanied by an adult!
    Each group will receive a building kit (including bag of mini marshmallows, a box of Graham crackers, a can of frosting, and a base). The kits are $10, cash only, paid at the event. If you wish, you can bring other materials for building. Some suggestions are candies, extra frosting, sprinkles, or non-perishable items like Styrofoam, toothpicks, cotton balls, etc.
    *The first 40 kits reserved are guaranteed a space in the cafeteria. Any additional kits may have to be taken home for building due to space limitations.
    Ideas for event: Build an Igloo https://pin.it/NpWjc9G, Build a Bear Den https://pin.it/7wexV2s, Build a Ski lift https://pin.it/AeiKRvQ, Build a Snowman https://pin.it/3g9x6l1

  • Lunch Help (through 1/20)

  • Harvest PTA Website

District Notes

 

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know there are a number of family-friendly events in Ann Arbor for Martin Luther King Jr Day and Black History Month in February?  Check them out HERE.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of December 19th – December 23rd

A Note from Ms. Sickler

To all our Harvest Hornets and their families who celebrate,

Amazon.com: Happy Hanukkah: 2022 Large monthly and weekly planner | Hanukkah and Jewish Holiday gift book | Menorah, Hanukkah Candles, Torah, Stars Of David, ... and Much ... Holiday Gift for Everyone

Remember, this week we have a school-wide pajama day on Thursday and no school on Friday.  I hope everyone enjoys their winter break celebrating traditions with their loved ones.  See you back in the New Year!

Emily

Save The Dates

  • December 20th – Kindergarten Concert @ Saline High School auditorium (9:30am; doors open at 9:00am)
  • December 23rd – January 8th – No School
  • January 13th – Early Release – Dismissal @ 1:10pm (lunch served)
  • January 16th – No School
  • January 19th – PTA Winter Family Fun STEM Building Event (6:30-7:30pm)

PTA Points

District Notes

As we are seeing increased levels of COVID, influenza and other communicable illnesses in the community, we are in turn seeing increased illness activity within the school setting as well. Our district continues to follow the Managing Communicable Diseases in Schools guidance developed by the MDHHS and the Department of Education. For individuals testing positive for COVID-19, please refer to the quick reference information posted on the district website. Individuals with influenza or influenza-like illness should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and until their cough subsides (improves and becomes less frequent). For general guidance regarding when to keep your student home, please refer to page 7 of the linked guidance document. If your child is sick and has an underlying illness that places them at high risk of a severe respiratory illness, please talk with their primary care provider for their recommendations.

Vaccines and antivirals:  Both influenza and COVID have vaccines that are readily available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices. Antiviral treatments are also available for those at high-risk of severe illness. Please contact your provider for more information.

Seek medical care immediately if your child experiences any of the following symptoms: 

  • Illness lasting longer than a week
  • Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids or not urinating
  • Not waking up or not interacting with others as they normally do
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held 
  • Symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse coughing

We encourage parents to emphasize the importance of handwashing and covering your cough and we will encourage this in the school setting as well. 

Please note: The district has a large supply of at-home COVID tests that were provided to schools by the MDHSS. These are available in all of our school offices free of charge to our staff and families. Please feel free to pick up a test kit or 2 prior to heading into the holiday break!

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that if you were unable to make the community forums related to grant funding (school safety and mental health), you can still provide feedback to SAS by completing this form?

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of December 12th – December 16th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

  • Saline Area Schools (SAS) has been awarded grant funding of approximately $500,000 for mental health resources and $500,000 for safety and security resources.  We will host two community forums to allow all stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback on how these funds should support SAS. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP by clicking HERE.
  • FYI: Lost & Found Items will be donated to at the end of 2022!

Emily

Save The Dates

  • December 20th – Kindergarten Concert @ Saline High School auditorium (9:30am; doors open at 9:00am)
  • December 23rd – January 8th – No School
  • January 13th – Early Release – Dismissal @ 1:10pm (lunch served)
  • January 16th – No School
  • January 19th – PTA Winter Family Fun STEM Building Event (6:30-7:30pm)

PTA Points

District Notes

Important Safety Message from Superintendent Laatsch

Due to student actions, several school districts in Washtenaw County have had to place individual buildings on lockdown over the course of this school year. Although Saline Area Schools (SAS) has yet to take this safety precaution this year, please take time to talk to your students about the seriousness of making threats against an individual student, a group of students, or a building.  Please help your student explore ways of resolving conflict that are peaceful and productive.  Our school handbooks and Board Policies detail very clear student expectations regarding threats.  Gross misconduct by students involving threats will be addressed with discipline up to and including permanent expulsion from Saline Area Schools. While there are many factors considered when disciplining a student, disciplinary actions are usually more severe when the threat includes the use of a weapon.  The administration and Board of Education take all threats very seriously.  Consequences will be issued by administrators and the Board when students make threats.  Board Policy 5772 specifically addresses weapons in school and the severe actions that can occur for any threats or possession of weapons in school. Further, there are many other policies that address school safety and the dire consequences that can occur when our schools, students and staff are subject to false threats. These consequences often require suspension and/or expulsion.

Please clarify to your students that all threats are taken seriously.  Every act, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has consequences. In today’s world, there is never a time that a threat against an individual student, a group of students, or a building is a joke.

Please also share with your student the importance of reporting concerns/notifying a trusted adult if a classmate is showing any alarming signs or makes disturbing comments. We have actually already witnessed a number of instances where students, parents and community members have reported concerns that they have seen (primarily through social media) to a trusted adult. In addition to reporting to a trusted adult, students can also use OK2SAY, a confidential digital platform.

The law enforcement community also takes these threats seriously, and the Attorney General and prosecuting attorneys are holding offenders accountable.  If you are ever in doubt of who to contact about a threat, especially when school is not in session, call 911 to report your concern.

School violence is a community problem, and it is going to take a community effort to solve.

Thank You.

Stephen D. Laatsch, PhD.
Superintendent, Saline Area Schools

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Climbing wall child Vectors & Illustrations for Free Download | Freepik

Did you know that during the week of December 12th – December 16th all students will be using the climbing wall in PE?  They will be following many safety procedures to ensure this is a safe and fun activity for all. One safety procedure is wearing closed-toed tennis shoes. It is imperative that students have proper shoes to wear – no booties, crocs, boots, etc. on their PE days.

 

 

Week of December 5th – December 9th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

  • As the weather gets colder, please ensure your child comes to school prepared to go outside for recess.  We go outside for recess daily unless it is raining or colder than 10 degrees with the windchill.  The photo below is used around our school to help remember the order of how to put on outside clothes because we all know trying to zip up your coat after you have put on your gloves can be tricky! Additionally, an extra set of winter clothes in your child’s locker is also great for accidents or if clothes get wet at recess.

  • As we begin trimester two, please review our drop-off/pick-up procedures.  If we all work together, we can make sure that drop-off/pick-up runs safely for all our students.  If a new adult is picking up your child at Harvest, please let them know of the procedures ahead of time.
    • Do not leave your car unattended at any time in the pick-up loop or the drive into and out of the school.
    • A student may not walk into the pick-up loop to enter a vehicle.  They may only enter the vehicle at the curb and enter on the passenger side of the car.
    • The pick-up loop is a single loop, DO NOT wait for two abreast and have your child walk between cars to your car on the inside lane.
    • DO NOT use the bus loop to pick up your child or park your car.
  • This week I will be out of the building from Tuesday afternoon – Friday attending the MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principal’s Association) Annual Conference where I will be proud to share our Harvest story and honored to receive the Region 2 Principal of the Year award.  When asked to write my biography for the award, I was able to write about the resiliency, joy, and creativity I witness from the entire staff at Harvest.  I shared about the partnership, the positivity, and the thoughtfulness of our Harvest families.  And I shared that our Harvest Hornets are the most amazing, fun, and inspiring kids around which makes it easy to show up to work hard each and every day.  While I am gone, central administrators will be at Harvest covering my absence.

Emily

Save The Dates

  • December 7th – Community Education Winter & Spring Program Registration Begins
  • December 14th – PTA Community Conversation @ Harvest Cafeteria (6:30-7:00pm)
  • December 23rd – January 8th – No School
  • January 13th – Early Release – Dismissal @ 1:10pm (lunch served)
  • January 16th – No School
  • January 19th – PTA Winter Family Fun STEM Building Event (6:30-7:30pm)

PTA Points

District Notes

Click HERE to access the official SAS school calendar for the remainder of the 2022/23 school year.

In addition, we often get asked about future calendar dates, beyond the current school year. Saline Area Schools collaborates with the rest of the school districts in Washtenaw County and schedules the same Winter and Spring Break Dates as established by the Washtenaw County Intermediate School District. Below is the chart that outlines both Winter and Spring Break Dates for the County through 2026:

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Did You Know?

Did you know that December 12th is the last chance for fall portraits?

Ms. Sickler Reads!

 

Week of November 28th – December 2nd

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Bee on the look out! – Shopper News Note

BEE on the lookout, your child’s report card will be arriving via email this Thursday, December 1st. If you do not receive a digital report card by Friday, December 2nd, please email harvestoffice@salineschools.org so we can help.  If you need a report card printed and sent home, please email harvestoffice@salineschools.org and we can make accommodations for you.

Emily

December Specials Calendar

Save The Dates

PTA Points

District Notes

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

First Grade Thanksgiving Parade Video Link

Did You Know?

Did you know that Saturday, December 17 at 4 PM the Michigan Men’s Basketball team will be hosting its fifth annual Education Day?  You can purchase tickets at a discount by visiting THIS LINK and using the promo STEM. Go Blue!

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Enjoy author Peter H. Reynolds sharing the story Our Table.  I hope you and your loved ones got to share and create memories together this past weekend.

Week of November 21st – November 25th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Parent-Teacher Conferences 2/27 and 2/28 – Cornerstone Academy

A positive parent-teacher partnership can be a powerful way to support a child’s growth throughout the school year. At conferences, you can expect that your child’s teacher will share strengths within different subjects as well as areas that students are working to develop.  You can also expect teachers to share how things are going socially, as well as how students are developing independence and work habits in the classroom.  Often teachers will share student work so you can see examples of your child’s progress.  In the past, teachers may have shared a child’s specific reading level, but as a district we’re moving away from that practice to focus more on the specific reading behaviors your child is working on in order to become a strong, independent reader.  

Check out this PBS KIDS webinar featuring parents and educators and find out how they support the children in their lives. Family experts share ideas on how to come together to build a parent-teacher relationship, communicate to help your child learn and grow, and celebrate when your child thrives.

Remember, Monday and Tuesday are half-days (12:10 dismissal, no lunch is served) and NO SCHOOL Wednesday – Friday.  Enjoy the Thanksgiving Break!

Emily

Save The Dates

PTA Points

  • Conference Dinner Snack Sign Up
    • Please join us in providing snacks for the Harvest Teachers and staff during conferences!  Please send in donations no later than the morning of Monday, November 21st.  Thanks!

District Notes

Saline Area Fire Department is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive for Saline Area Social Service now through Thursday, Dec. 22nd! All the toys collected will stay within the Saline community. Please drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Saline Fire Station (205 E. Michigan Ave).

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know the Saline District Library has a book club for students in grades 1-4?

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of November 14th – November 18th

A Note from Ms. Sickler

  • Parent-teacher conferences are coming up on November 21st and 22nd.  Students will be dismissed at 12:10 pm each day and lunch is not provided during 1/2 days. If you haven’t yet scheduled a conference, please reach out to your child’s teacher to schedule a time. 
  • Join us this TUESDAY anytime between 5:30-7:30pm for Pancakes and PJs with Bedtime Book Shopping.

Emily

Save The Dates

PTA Points

  • Book Fair Sign Up
    • Help during the day when students are shopping for books with the class.  Students will need help determining if they have enough money – especially determining tax!
  • Conference Dinner Snack Sign Up
    • Please join us in providing snacks for the Harvest Teachers and staff during conferences!  Please send in donations no later than the morning of Monday, November 21st.  Thanks!

District Notes

  • The Saline Area Schools 2022 Bond Proposal has PASSED. Thank you, Saline, for supporting Hornets of the past, present, and future!

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Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that Friday, November 18th is an EL Reading and Movie Night?

   

Ms. Sickler Reads!

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