Author: Emily Sickler

Week of December 11th – December 15th

Emily Sickler

  • This Wednesday…

 

  • Happy Hanukkah to all of our Hornets who celebrate! May this season be filled with love and light.
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Emily

  • Thursday, December 14th – Kindergarten Concert (9:30am, Saline High School)
  • Monday, December 25th – Friday, January 5th – No School
  • Thursday, February 1st – New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. Interested participants can RSVP here.kon   

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room for December HERE

Did you know that registration (2nd & 3rd graders) for the upcoming 2024 Science Olympiad season is now open? Click HERE for more information.

District

Harvest

Week of December 4th – December 8th

Emily Sickler

  • BEE on the lookout, your child’s report card should have arrived via email on Friday, December 1st. If you did not receive a digital report card, 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.

  • 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.

 

  • 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 with principals and administrators around the state of Michigan.  Central administrators will be at Harvest covering for me in my absence.
  • Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. We’re thankful for students of all abilities that are part of our Harvest and Saline Schools community.  The book Just Ask is one of many books that highlights some of the visible and non-visible disabilities that Harvest Hornets may come across on a daily basis as a community member and reminds all of us to just ask!
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Emily

December Specials Calendar

  • THIS TUESDAY – School and Family Partnership Series session focusing on early literacy.   Families discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. RSVP at http://bit.ly/44D74a9
  • Wednesday, December 13th – Red Robin Fundraiser (pick-up or dine in at the State Street location, 20% goes to our PTA)
  • Monday, December 25th – Friday, January 5th – No School
  • Thursday, February 1st – New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. Interested participants can RSVP here.

  • Order your Saline Spirit beanie HERE

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room for December HERE

  • Our next session in the School and Family Partnership Series focuses on Early Literacy Development and will be held THIS TUESDAY at the Liberty School Board Room. Join SAS team members to discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required to attend.

Did you know that our Harvest PTA has many passive fundraisers?  Check them out HERE.

District

Harvest

Week of November 27th – December 1st

Emily Sickler

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Break.  A few notes as we return…
  • Harvest Kindness Squad is starting this year with a building-wide kindness calendar for the next month.  Learn more HERE.

 

  • Our Harvest Hornets will begin their wall climbing unit in PE.  Please remember to have your student wear proper shoes (tennis shoes, sneakers, etc.) and socks in order to climb. No boots (winter, cowboy, booties, etc.), or crocs.
    • Climbing dates: November 28, 29, 30 and December 19, 20, 21 (day 1,2,3)
  • TODAY – Harvest Winter Gear order closes (shop HERE)

Emily

  • Wednesday, December 13th – Red Robin Fundraiser (pick-up or dine in at the State Street location, 20% goes to our PTA)
  • Tuesday, December 5 – School and Family Partnership Series session focusing on early literacy.   Families discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. RSVP at http://bit.ly/44D74a9
  • Monday, December 25th – Friday, January 5th – No School
  • Thursday, February 1st – New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. Interested participants can RSVP here.

Save the Date:

  • There are NO scheduled bus route cancellations the week of November 16th!

Did you know that our SEL coach, Kathryn Irfan, has now taught a lesson in all our of classrooms?  Please take a moment to read a note from her HERE.

District

Harvest

Week of November 20th – November 24th

Emily Sickler

During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude for being such an important part of our children’s lives.  From supporting your Hornets at home so they can come learn and have fun at school, to participating in family events, to volunteering your time and resources, we are so grateful for your support to make Harvest a wonderful place for all.   I hope you find time this week to celebrate and be thankful for all the wonderful people in your life.  On behalf of the Harvest staff, I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

THIS MONDAY  – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)

THIS TUESDAY – 1/2 Day, (12:10 dismissal, no lunch served)

THIS WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY  – N0 School

Emily

  • Sunday, November 26th – Harvest Winter Gear order closes (shop HERE)
  • Wednesday, December 13th – Red Robin Fundraiser (pick-up or dine in at the State Street location, 20% goes to our PTA)
  • Monday, December 25th – Friday, January 5th – No School
  • Tuesday, December 5 – School and Family Partnership Series session focusing on early literacy.   Families discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. RSVP at http://bit.ly/44D74a9
  • Thursday, February 1st – New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. Interested participants can RSVP here.

Check out our new Harvest Swag linked HERE!

 

Save the Date:

  • We are currently supporting two organizations, Toys for Tots and the Reinhart Winter Coat Drive.  If so inclined, feel free to drop off new toys and/or new or gently used coats to support our community this season.

 

 

  • There are NO scheduled bus route cancellations the week of November 16th!

District

Harvest

Week of November 12th – November 16th

Emily Sickler

A positive parent-teacher partnership can be a powerful way to support a child’s growth throughout the school year. At conferences, you will get to see your child’s school work, peak in their lockers, and hear about assessments.  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.   
All this information can be overwhelming, especially if your child has academic, social, or emotional struggles.  Remember, your child is more than a test score (and your teacher knows this too).  View this time as a way to sync up with your child’s teacher and get a chance to get a window into your child’s world.  Amazing things happen inside of Harvest!  

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, Friday (11/17), Monday (11/20), and Tuesday (11/21) are half-days (12:10 dismissal, no lunch is served) and NO SCHOOL Wednesday – Friday.  Enjoy the Thanksgiving Break!

 

To our Harvest Hornets celebrating, have a fun and festive Diwali!

Emily

November Specials Calendar

  • THIS TUESDAY – PTA Pancake & PJ Event
  • Thursday, November 16th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
  • Friday, November 17th – 1/2 Day (12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Monday, November 20th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Tuesday, November 21st – 1/2 Day, (12:10 dismissal, no lunch served)
  • Wednesday, November 22nd – Friday, November 24th – N0 School
  • Monday, December 25th – Friday, January 5th – No School
  • Tuesday, December 5 – School and Family Partnership Series session focusing on early literacy.   Families discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. RSVP at http://bit.ly/44D74a9
  • Thursday, February 1st – New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. Interested participants can RSVP here.

  • Join us on TUESDAY anytime between 5:30-7:30pm for our Pancakes and PJs with Bedtime Book Shopping event!  Payment (cash preferred) will be taken at the event.

  • Our Scholastic Book Fair starts THIS WEEK.  Click HERE to learn more about our Scholastic Book Fair.
    • Check out book choices and put money in your child’s eWallet HERE
    • Want to volunteer at the book fair?  Sign up HERE

 

  • PTA is purchasing entrees for 11/16 and 11/20, please join us in providing drinks, snacks, salads, and desserts for our hardworking Harvest Teachers and Staff during conferences.
    • ​​​​​​​Sign Up to donate HERE
    • ​​​​​​​Unable to donate an item but still want to contribute?  PTA Board Members will use funds to purchase needed items for conference dinners
      • ​​​​​​​Paypal – @HarvestPTA
      • “Round Up”/Donate cash at the Pancakes and PJs with Bedtime Book Shopping Event on 11/14
      • Donate online HERE

  • There are NO scheduled bus route cancellations the week of November 13. The Transportation Department and many supporting staff from other departments are using all available drivers to cover bus routes. Due to our continued need for bus drivers, unplanned route cancellations due to illness/injury are still possible. The Ride 360 app will be used to communicate unplanned cancellations. Please make sure you have enabled notifications on the app. Instructions to install and use the Ride 360 app are available on the Saline Area Schools Transportation website. 

 

Did you know about My Future Fund? It’s never too early to think about college & career – even for elementary students! My Future Fund gives 2nd-6th graders a jump-start on saving by opening a FREE account for college and career training costs! Your student might even be eligible to claim up to $500! Take action here: https://bit.ly/StartMyFutureFund

Please reach out to Sara Saylor, ssaylor@washtenawisd.org to explore more.

District

Harvest

Week of November 6th – November 10th

Emily Sickler

Saline Area Schools follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidance to manage communicable disease in the school setting.  As a school community, we attempt to minimize the spread of communicable disease by encouraging frequent hand washing and through the regular cleaning of community surfaces. Families and school staff can also help by keeping students home or sending students home if they exhibit symptoms as outlined by the Washtenaw County Public Health Department.

Managing and preventing the spread of communicable disease in the school setting is a partnership between school and families.  Please refer to the following resources for more information regarding communicable disease in the school setting:

Families are required to report illness to the school office when a child is absent. Please report symptoms, especially respiratory concerns, fever, and vomiting as well as any confirmed diagnosis (strep throat, pink eye, impetigo, etc.) to the office. This helps us know when to notify other families about illness and also aids us in tracking illness trends at school and in the greater community. For additional information regarding managing communicable disease in the school setting or for other questions, please contact Harvest nurse, Wendy Portwood (portwoow@salineschools.org).

  • Email – harvestoffice@salineschools.org
  • Phone – 734.401.4500

On Saturday, we salute all veterans for their courage, dedication, and service to our country! 

Emily

  • THIS WEDNESDAY – For 2nd and 3rd graders: 2024 Science Olympiad season kick–off meeting, 7-8pm in Heritage Cafeteria
  • Tuesday, November 14th – PTA Pancake & PJ Event
  • Thursday, November 16th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
  • Friday, November 17th – 1/2 Day (12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Monday, November 20th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Tuesday, November 21st – 1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal, no lunch served
  • Wednesday, November 22nd – Friday, November 24th – N0 School

 

  • Click HERE to learn more about our Scholastic Book Fair

 

  • Please join us in providing food for our Harvest Teachers and Staff during conferences. Please send in your donations no later than November 16th at 3:45pm for conferences on Thursday and no later than November 20th at 12:30pm for conferences on Monday.

    CONFERENCE FOOD & HELP SIGN-UP LINK

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room HERE (10/30 – 11/17)

  • The next session in the School and Family Partnership Series focuses on Early Literacy Development and will be held Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Liberty School Board Room. Join SAS team members to discover fun and effective ways to enhance early literacy skills at home and gain confidence in understanding your child’s literacy progress. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required to attend.

  • Please save the date for the next session in the series featuring New York Times Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes speaking on topics from her book, How to Raise an Adult. The session is funded in partnership with the Foundation for Saline Area Schools and is scheduled for Thursday, February 1 at 6 p.m., location TBD. Interested participants can RSVP here.

  • WDIV/Local 4 News Reporter Paula Tutman visited the District this week to interview Dr. Laatsch and talk about bus driver shortages (watch the video HERE). There are no planned bus route cancellations the week of November 6. While we recognize the hardship any cancellation creates for our families, we are thankful we’ve cancelled less than 2% of our routes since the start of the school year. We’re lucky to have many great folks in the driver’s seat this school year!

Did you know that this Friday is the last day for FREE SHIPPING for our display my art fundraiser?  Last week you received a custom brochure, please visit www.displaymyart.com Click on “SHOP” and enter the order number on the back of your brochure. Harvest Elementary School’s discount is already applied to your child’s order number, so no need to enter a discount code.

District

Harvest

Week of October 30th – November 3rd

Emily Sickler

In celebrating the season, Halloween does come to mind for many.  Your student’s classroom teacher will have more specifics on fall classroom celebrations.  However, if costumes are a part of classroom activities around October 31st, I would like to remind everyone of how cultural appropriation in costumes can be harmful to other students.
​
What is cultural appropriation?  Cultural appropriation is the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from marginalized cultures.  Examples of cultural appropriation include, but are not limited to, unauthorized use of another culture’s dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. (Papalo & DeWald, 2016).

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Some other costume guidelines include:

Picture

This time of year is exciting for students and families.  Thank you in advance for being sensitive to all members of our Harvest and Saline community, while honoring and affirming diverse cultures.

Emily

  • November 8th – For 2nd and 3rd graders: 2024 Science Olympiad season kick–off meeting, 7-8pm in Heritage Cafeteria
  • Tuesday, November 14th – PTA Pancake & PJ Event
  • Thursday, November 16th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
  • Friday, November 17th – 1/2 Day (12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Monday, November 20th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Tuesday, November 21st – 1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal, no lunch served
  • Wednesday, November 22nd – Friday, November 24th – N0 School

 

  • We hope everyone enjoyed our Fall Family Night! Thanks to Coleman’s Farm for showing us a great time!  SAVE THE DATE to join us at our next event, Pancakes & PJs, at Harvest Elementary School Cafeteria on Tuesday, November 14th from 5:30-7:30pm!

 

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room HERE (10/30 – 11/10)

  • There are NO scheduled bus route cancellations the week of October 30th. The Transportation Department and many supporting staff from other departments are using all available drivers to cover bus routes. Due to our continued need for bus drivers, unplanned route cancellations due to illness/injury are still possible. The Ride 360 app will be used to communicate unplanned cancellations. Please make sure you have enabled notifications on the app. Instructions to install and use the Ride 360 app are available on the Saline Area Schools Transportation website.

Did you know that you can order many items through our program Display My Art?  In the Everyday Folders last week, you will find an art project the students completed earlier in the year for a company called Display My Art. There is a great variety of things you can order with the artwork proudly displayed on them that will be shipped directly to your home. Directions for ordering are on the front of the brochure.  If you have any questions, please email harvestoffice@salineschools.org

District

Harvest

Week of October 23rd – October 27th

Emily Sickler

  • I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing fall break!  We are so lucky to live in an area with many apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and community events to celebrate fall.  If you need a list of activities in the area, check out THIS LINK.
  • As a friendly reminder, if your student is interested in participating in our free breakfast program this year, please know that breakfast begins at 8:30am.  Students can walk into the building to get breakfast at this time.

 

  • This TUESDAY, join us at Coleman’s Farm!  Pay via RevTrack HERE.

Emily

  • THIS TUESDAY – Harvest Fall Family Night
  • Saturday, October 28th – EL Apple Orchard Event (RSVP HERE)
  • November 8th – For 2nd and 3rd graders: 2024 Science Olympiad season kick–off meeting, 7-8pm in Heritage Cafeteria
  • Thursday, November 16th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
  • Friday, November 17th – 1/2 Day (12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Monday, November 20th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Tuesday, November 21st – 1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal, no lunch served
  • Wednesday, November 22nd – Friday, November 24th – N0 School

Pay via RevTrack 

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room HERE (10/23 – 11/3)

  • Unfortunately, we will need to cancel two bus routes for next Monday, October 23rd ONLY. These route cancellations are NOT planned to continue through the remainder of the week. Please review the details below to determine if your family is impacted. Impacted families will also be notified via the Ride360 app. We continue to recognize the disruption this causes for our families and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
    • Bus #72 (Impacts students at the High School, Middle School, Harvest, and Heritage)

    An additional route cancellation is possible for Friday, October 27. We are exhausting all possible avenues to avoid a cancellation and will communicate details to families as soon as we are able.

Did you know Girl Scout Brownie Troop 40833 is collecting donations for the Humane Society of Huron Valley?  If you are interested in participating they would appreciate donations of the following items:

  • New or gently used towels or wash clothes (no hand towels please)
  • Small blankets and pet beds that can be laundered in a normal washing machine
  • Pet food in the original bag/can up to 3 months after expiration date
  • Canned dog or cat food
  • Waterless pet shampoo (must be 70% clear alcohol and unscented)
  • Liquid Vick’s solution (for steam vaporizers)
  • Yards of fleece
  • Ziploc bages – gallon or quart size
  • Scoopable cat litter

We will be collecting donations through November 3rd. You can leave any items in the labeled box in the Harvest Office. Thank you!

District

Harvest

Week of October 16th – October 20th

Emily Sickler

Our thoughts are with our Harvest community members especially impacted by the violence in Israel and Gaza. All families are invited to review the resources sent from Dr. Laatsch on Friday, October 13th to help support conversations at home. Our school counseling staff, social workers, teachers, and administrators are always available to assist students who need additional support.

Remember, this Thursday is an Early Release Day (1:10 dismissal, lunch is served) and NO SCHOOL on Friday.

Emily

  • THIS THURSDAY – PICTURE RETAKE DAY. If your student is having retakes taken, please send in the envelope you received, either with the packet you ordered or the proof, to be returned to the photographer. If your student has their picture taken for the first time, the teacher will be aware of this and the volunteers will have a list to pull those students. If you have any questions please contact harvestoffice@salineschools.org
  • THIS THURSDAY – Early Release #2 (1:10pm dismissal; lunch served)
  • THIS FRIDAY – No School (Fall Break)
  • Saturday, October 28th – EL Apple Orchard Event (RSVP HERE)
  • Thursday, November 16th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (evening)
  • Friday, November 17th – 1/2 Day (12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Monday, November 20th – Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal; no lunch served)
  • Tuesday, November 21st – 1/2 Day, 12:10 dismissal, no lunch served
  • Wednesday, November 22nd – Friday, November 24th – N0 School

Pay via RevTrack starting 10/17

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room HERE (10/16 – 10/27)

FROM THE SAS ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

With the safety of all students, parents, and other spectators in mind, the SAS Administration and the Athletic Department are requiring all students not in high school to be accompanied by their guardians or adult chaperones to attend home Varsity Football games. Guardians and adult chaperones are responsible for their students and are required to stay for the entire time their students are in attendance at the game. Children under the age of 12 should not be left unattended at games.
Athletic equipment, especially footballs, will not be allowed in Hornet Stadium while games are going on. Rough housing/aggressive play by children is not allowed in Hornet Stadium; children under the age of 12 should not be left unattended at games. We appreciate you coming to games to watch and cheer on your Hornets!

  • Unfortunately, we will need to cancel two bus routes for next Monday, October 16 ONLY. These route cancellations are NOT planned to continue through the remainder of the week. Please review the details below to determine if your family is impacted. Impacted families will also be notified via the Ride360 app. We continue to recognize the disruption this causes for our families, and apologize for the inconvenience.Monday, October 16 ONLY
    • Bus #73 (Elementary and Secondary routes)
    • Bus #76 (Elementary and Secondary routes)

Did you know our Lost and Found is growing quite full? If you notice your child is missing something please have them check the lost and found as it might be there. If you are in the building helping out at any point or during drop off/pick up and you’d like to take a look yourself please feel free to check it out! We donate clothing items at the end of each trimester so please keep this in mind as all this will be donated at the end of November. If you have any questions please reach out to harvestoffice@salineschools.org.

District

Harvest

Week of October 9th – October 13th

Emily Sickler

THANK YOU to all families who donated their time and/or money to help make Friday’s fun run such a success.  We had SO MUCH FUN with perfect weather!  A special thank you to the PTA Board for all their work to make this a wonderful event for all our Harvest Hornets. 

The fundraiser ends on Friday, October 13th. Donating any amount will help Harvest sustain its commitment to excellence for all our students. Every bit counts and we are currently at 98% of our goal… we KNOW we can make it!  (click HERE to make a donation)

Here is the October Specials Calendar & rotation schedule!

Emily

Please join us at Marsh View Park for a free play date on October 13th from 4:30-5:30pm to meet other Harvest Hornets.

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room HERE

  • On Tuesday, 9/26 the SAS Sex Ed Advisory Board and the Washtenaw Area Council for Children presented the Body Safety Training program at a public hearing to the School Board. The SEAB is recommending that the School Board approves the program to be implemented in K-3 buildings to promote student safety. More information on the Body Safety program can be found here and here. Please submit any questions or feedback regarding the proposed implementation of the Body Safety Talks through this survey. Form submissions will be accepted through mid-October.

 

  • We’ve been fortunate to make it six weeks into the school year only needing to cancel one bus route, while continuing to struggle with bus driver shortages. In spite of our best efforts, we will need to cancel a different route next week, the week of October 9. Please review the details below to determine if your family is impacted. Impacted families will also be notified via the Ride360 app.Week of October 9:
    • Bus #75: Route cancelled for Elementary students in the morning only.
    • Bus #81: Route cancelled for Elementary students in the afternoon only.

Did you know that on October 14th our EL department has a fall event?

REGISTER HERE

District

Harvest