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Week of February 14th – February 18th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. SicklerBU Community Shares Valentine's Day Messages of Love, Friendship, Thanks | BU Today | Boston University

We are excited to share kindness with others this week as we enter Week 3 of our Kindness Olympics!  What I often tell Harvest students and families is what I LOVE most about Harvest is who I get to share it with. 

Please note the upcoming events below, including our Early Release day this Friday and No School on Monday.

Ms. Sickler

Upcoming Events

  • February 18th – Early Release Day 
    • Lunch served
    • 1:10pm dismissal
  • February 21st – No School
  • March 3 – Heritage School will be hosting a virtual transition night for incoming 4th graders
    • 6:30 PM via Zoom

  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting

Harvest Science Fair

The Harvest Science Fair is back!

We will be having the 2022 Harvest Science Fair in-person on Tuesday, March 1st. If your student is interested in participating, please complete the registration form either electronically via this form or by returning the paper tear-off section to your teacher or the office by Tuesday, February 22nd.

The goal of the science fair is to encourage students to explore and enjoy science. The science fair is completely optional. There will be no judging of projects and all participating students will receive a certificate and ribbon. If students decide to work within a team, please register each participant separately.

This year the science fair will be in-person after school from 5 to 7 pm, with a short set-up time allowed beforehand. Participants can expect to present their project to one of our circulating high school interviewers. More information will be sent to registered participants in a follow-up email.

PTA Points

 

Get Help Buying Food While Schools Are Closed | Dedham School

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

However, with this sudden change from the WCHD in dropping their mask mandate, District administration and local health officials from SAS are going to be reviewing this action early next week. We will then report back to the SAS Community with our masking plan moving forward with an opportunity for community discussion available prior to any changes in this policy.  

Therefore, as mentioned in the section above, we will be requiring masks in school on Monday, February 14th and until further notice.

Please note that masks will continue to be required on buses, per federal requirements for transportation.  SAS does not have any legal authority to consider changing the mask requirement on buses.  

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can start to register your incoming Young 5s, Kindergartener, or 1st-grade student for Safety Town beginning March 7th?

Week of February 7th – February 11th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

How did Black History Month come to be? | Explore | Awesome Activities & Fun Facts | CBC KidsAs we enter February and recognize Black History Month, there are a number of occasions throughout the month to learn about ourselves and others, to grow intellectually, and to uplift.

I hope that you are able to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas to engage in activities centered around Black History Month.

We would also like to wish our Harvest community members celebrating the Lunar New Year a Happy New Year on February 1st!

Ms. Sickler

Harvest Science Fair

The Harvest Science Fair is back!

We will be having the 2022 Harvest Science Fair in-person on Tuesday, March 1st. If your student is interested in participating, please complete the registration form either electronically via this form or by returning the paper tear-off section to your teacher or the office by Tuesday, February 22nd. 

The goal of the science fair is to encourage students to explore and enjoy science. The science fair is completely optional. There will be no judging of projects and all participating students will receive a certificate and ribbon. If students decide to work within a team, please register each participant separately.

This year the science fair will be in-person after school from 5 to 7 pm, with a short set-up time allowed beforehand. Participants can expect to present their project to one of our circulating high school interviewers. More information will be sent to registered participants in a follow-up email.

If your student has an IEP, please read below

The student services department will be running Extended School Year (ESY) during the dates listed below. Your student’s case manager will send more details regarding registration and locations this spring.

  • Week 1 6/27-6/30
  • Week 2  7/11-7/14
  • Week 3  7/18-7/21
  • Week 4  7/25-7/28
  • Week 5  8/1-8/4

Upcoming Events

  • March 3 – Heritage School will be hosting a virtual transition night for incoming 4th graders
    • 6:30 PM via Zoom

  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting
    • 6:00 PM via Zoom

PTA Points

 

Get Help Buying Food While Schools Are Closed | Dedham School

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

NEWS & NOTES

Click HERE for the News and Notes for additional events and activities happening in the Saline Area Schools.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that coaches are needed for 2022 GIrls on the Run!

Girls on the Run is excited to bring this program to Harvest for another great year.  The program has been modified to accommodate COVID recommendations for 2022.  We are a few volunteer coaches (we have some great high schoolers ready to help you)!  You don’t have to be a runner, just enthusiastic about building confidence in our 3rd-5th grade girls!  Girls on the Run provides all of the materials and training – we just need a few energetic people to deliver this great program.

Girls on the Run is an 8 week program for girls in grades 3rd through 5th that combines training for a non-competitive 5k event with a dynamic life skills curriculum. Twice weekly lessons and interactive activities are led by volunteer coaches who create a positive and safe environment for girls to learn about themselves, connect with their peers and contribute to the community. The program culminates in a non-competitive, celebratory 5k event (local to each site for 2021) that allows the girls a chance to shine with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment!   Participant registration will open February 22.

No prior experience necessary- we provide the training, supplies, support and inspiration! Contact info@girlsontherunsemi.org or site liaison Joyce Mueller (joycemueller@gmail.com / 734-972-7389) for more information.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

A read-aloud from February 2nd’s National Read Aloud Day!

Week of January 31st – February 4th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

The Harvest PTA is proud to present our first-ever Kindness Olympics during the month of February.  Each week, Harvest families will have the chance to participate in a series of Kindness events designed to encourage everyone to practice kindness in a variety of ways.  Kindness is always a choice and the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes.  More information below in “PTA Points”!

Ms. Sickler

February Specials Schedule

Upcoming Events

  • March 3 – Heritage School will be hosting a virtual transition night for incoming 4th graders
    • 6:30 PM via Zoom

  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting
    • 6:00 PM via Zoom

PTA Points

 

Get Help Buying Food While Schools Are Closed | Dedham School

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

Inclement Weather – District Procedures

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 and Poor Road Conditions.

Save the Dates

February 7 – Special Board of Education Meeting (Trustee Vacancy Interviews)

  • 5:30 pm at Liberty School BOE Room

February 8 – Board of Education Meeting

  • 6:30 PM at Liberty School BOE Room|

February 18 – Early Release Day

February 21 – President’s Day – NO SCHOOL

February 22 – Board of Education Meeting

  • 6:30 PM at Liberty School BOE Room|

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Link to Grant Update from Foundation of Saline Area Schools

Did You Know?

Did you know that individuals, classrooms, athletic teams, clubs, businesses, and families are invited to thematically design, decorate and fill a gift basket for our annual Spring Gift Basket Contest! All baskets and proceeds raised from this event benefit Saline Area Social Service.

On Saturday, March 19th, from 8 AM – 2 PM, baskets will compete in a creativity contest at the Saline Spring Craft Show. People at the show are encouraged to vote for their favorite basket by placing money in a voting box. All baskets and money received from this event go directly to Saline Area Social Services.

More information found HERE.

Week of January 24th – January 28th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. SicklerWinter Kids Vector Art, Icons, and Graphics for Free Download

With the snow falling, families have asked about our recess guidelines, included in our Harvest Handbook.  I have also included them below:

It is important that students go outside for recess.  Fresh air and an opportunity for exercise and unstructured play complement curriculum and daily activities.  Be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.  When the weather is extremely cold, we refer to current temperature and wind chill factor.  Students will go outside for recess if the temperature is 10 degrees F or above including wind chill.

Ms. Sickler

Upcoming Events

  • January 25 – Board of Education Meeting
    • 6:30 PM at Liberty School in the BOE Room
    • Link to watch the meeting virtually
  • March 3 – Heritage School will be hosting a virtual transition night for incoming 4th graders
    • 6:30 PM via Zoom

PTA Points

  • A shout out to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for the amazing presentation and demonstrations to our 2nd graders.  And a thank you all for supporting the PTA that we could make this happen.

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

Health Insurance companies are now required to cover the costs of at-home Covid tests

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/01/10/biden-harris-administration-requires-insurance-companies-group-health-plans-to-cover-cost-at-home-covid-19-tests-increasing-access-free-tests.html

Access to free Covid tests can be found below:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/18/us/politics/government-website-covid-tests.html

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that Harvest has a Girls on the Run team?  Girls on the Run is excited to bring this program to Harvest for another great year.  The program has been modified to accommodate COVID recommendations for 2021.  We are in need of coaches!  You don’t have to be a runner, just enthusiastic about building confidence in our 3rd-5th grade girls!  Girls on the Run provides all of the materials and training – we just need a few energetic people to deliver this great program.

Girls on the Run is an 8 week program for girls in grades 3rd through 5th that combines training for a non-competitive 5k event with a dynamic life skills curriculum. Twice weekly lessons and interactive activities are led by volunteer coaches who create a positive and safe environment for girls to learn about themselves, connect with their peers and contribute to the community. The program culminates in a non-competitive, celebratory 5k event (local to each site for 2021) that allows the girls a chance to shine with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment! Participant registration will open February 22.

No prior experience necessary- we provide the training, supplies, support and inspiration! Contact info@girlsontherunsemi.org or site liaison Joyce Mueller (joycemueller@gmail.com / 734-972-7389) for more information.

Week of January 17th – January 21st

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Smedley CLOSED January 20th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Denver Online

Many Harvest Hornets have learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. this past week.  The University of Michigan hosts an annual event for children and youth.  This year it will be a virtual event.  Learn more and register HERE.

Ms. Sickler

Upcoming Events

  • January 20 – Safety Community Conversation

  • January 25 – Board of Education Meeting
    • 6:30 PM at Liberty School in the BOE Room
    • Link to watch the meeting virtually

PTA PointsPandemic EBT program will help more than 350K Oregon children cover missing school meals | Local News | kptv.com

Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

HERE is a link to last week’s guidance if you want to review any of the updated changes regarding mitigation strategies and various protocols.

HERE is a link to the presentation from the January 11th Board of Education regarding Covid-19 Updates.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that our specials calendar changes based on changes to the SAS calendar?  Due to Friday, January 14th being a no school day, we have adjusted our specials calendar.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

January 10th – January 14th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Dr. Laatsch shared important information in his Friday’s Community Message including NO SCHOOL on Friday, January 14th and updated COVID-19 Protocols.  Read his entire message HERE.

Ms. Sickler

Upcoming Events

  • January 11 – Board of Education Meeting
    • 6:30 PM at Liberty School in the BOE Room (or through livestream link listed below)
    • Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl4RFR3Ykp0
    • NOTE: Due to the more contagious nature of this latest COVID-19 variant, mask usage will be strictly enforced. In addition, spacing will be limited in order to provide greater distancing between participants).
  • January 14 – No School for Students
    • SAS Staff Professional Development (A.M.) / SAS Staff Virtual/Asynchronous Learning Prep (P.M.)
  • January 17 – No School for Students and Staff
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • January 20 – Safety and Security Community Conversation
    • 6:30-8:00 PM at Liberty School in the BOE Room
  • January 25 – Board of Education Meeting
    • 6:30 PM at Liberty School in the BOE Room

PTA PointsPandemic EBT program will help more than 350K Oregon children cover missing school meals | Local News | kptv.com

Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

The district is preparing IF there ever is a need for a “quick pivot” shift to virtual learning (6-12 grade students only) IF we ever need to execute this plan.

The plan would involve grades 6-12 students going virtual (remote) for a particular day. Secondary teachers would deliver real-time instruction to students on this day using Zoom. Each student has a District issued device already that they can use to access this content. By shifting grades 6-12 students to virtual instruction for this day, this would free up some of our staff (administrators, custodial staff, bus drivers, some paraeducators, substitutes and premier substitutes) to shift down and help the elementary staff operationalize the day. These roles are essential to ensuring that elementary instruction can take place in-person. This will allow the elementary students to stay in-person for this particular day.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know there are lots of opportunities for our Harvest Hornets to participate in extracurricular activities?

Guide

Online Registration

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Enjoy the story Little Snowflake

January 3rd – January 7th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

A few reminders as we get back to our routines on Monday:

Ms. Sickler

Specials Schedule

Note: Mr. Glennie retired at the end of the 2021 year.  We currently are lucky to have retired Saline Area Schools PE teacher, Ms. Seegert, joining our Harvest family until we can fill Mr. Glennie’s position.  We wish Mr. Glennie all the best in his retirement.

PTA Points

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

Monitoring Student Illness

The next part of this communication is extremely important at this time as we return to school after winter break:

  1. If your child has any symptoms of illness (including cold-like or allergy-type symptoms), keep them home and contact their medical provider for assessment and/or possible COVID-19 testing.
  2. If your child is waiting on a COVID-19 test result for ANY reason (they have symptoms, need a test for a scheduled medical procedure, have had an exposure to someone who has COVID-19, etc) keep them home until results are available.

This is a critical time coming off winter break. We are aware that a lot of travel, family gatherings, and group events took place. This doesn’t mean we can’t continue with the safe operation of our district, but it will only happen with a great deal of cooperation from the community.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that January 14th is an Early Release Day and on January 17th there is no school?

See entire calendar HERE.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

December 13th – December 17th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

I can’t believe that we have just one week before Winter Break.  Winter Break begins at the conclusion of the day on Friday, December 17th with classes resuming on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.  On Friday, we will be having a building-wide Pajama Day!

SPIRIT DAY - 12/15 | Reynolds School District - Oregon

Ms. Sickler

PTA Points

  • Demember 9th Board of Directors Recap
    • Harvest PTA is committed to organizing a fun and safe family event this year.  At this time, we are planning for an outdoor event in the spring and welcome any ideas.  Please share to President Wendy Evans (harvestptapresident@gmail.com)
  • SAS Staff Shout-Out – LAST WEEK!

  • Harvest Helping Hands – Toys for Tots
    • Harvest Helping Hands and Miss Saline are collecting toys for Toys for Tots.  You may find a donation box at Harvest or other various SAS buildings or Saline businesses.  Please donate a new unwrapped toy by December 16th. Thank you!
  • Lunch Help
    • Sign up to volunteer as a Y5 – 3rd Grade lunch helper HERE (dates through 12/17)

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

On Tuesday, December 14th, at the Board of Education meeting, I will be presenting on School Safety. This will provide an overview about what we have done over the last several years to make our buildings safer, discuss the types of security drills and training that we do in SAS, and discuss the ways in which students, staff and community members can help keep our District safer.

This will be followed up with a Community Conversation on January 20th at 6:30 PM (Location TBA).  More details will be coming out in the near future about specific location and format.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can sign up for a vaccine appointment through the Washtenaw County Health Department?

For ages 5-17: Schedule an appointment at https://bit.ly/kidvaxwchd 

Ms. Sickler Reads!

December 6th – December 10th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

I know I can speak for the entire Harvest staff that we were all shocked and saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Oxford High School last week. Our thoughts are with all affected, and we acknowledge the bravery of staff, students, and community partners who immediately reacted.  I recognize the impact events like this can have on each of us varies from person to person.  Whatever you feel is okay. Here are some tips that may help you support your children and family at this time:

  • Recognize that children may become concerned that something bad will happen to themselves, family or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.
  • If your child is not focused on the tragedy, do not dwell on it. Try to avoid having detailed adult conversations regarding the tragedy in front of children. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.
  • Limit exposure to media coverage. Images of a disaster or crisis can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young children in particular may not be able to distinguish between images on television and their personal reality. Older children may choose to watch the news—be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective.
  • Maintain normal family routines as much as possible. Routine family activities, classes and friends can help children feel more secure.
  • Be aware of your own needs. Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety, grief and anger. Talking to friends, family members, faith leaders and mental health counsellors can help. Let your children know you are sad. You will be better able to support them if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner.
  • Resource: How to Talk to Kids About Tragic Events

As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of each Harvest Hornet. This is a responsibility myself and the Harvest staff take very seriously.  If your student or family needs additional support, please let me know.  I am here to answer questions or concerns that you have. We're In This Together - Daily Dodge

Ms. Sickler

PTA Points

  • PTA Board Meeting
    • Thursday, December 9th @ 9am
    • Have questions/concerns/ideas and can’t make the meeting?  Feel free to share via email (harvestptapresident@gmail.com)
  • SAS Staff Shout-Out

  • Harvest Helping Hands – Toys for Tots
    • Harvest Helping Hands and Miss Saline are collecting toys for Toys for Tots.  You may find a donation box at Harvest or other various SAS buildings or Saline businesses.  Please donate a new unwrapped toy by December 16th. Thank you!
  • Lunch Help
    • Sign up to volunteer as a Y5 – 3rd Grade lunch helper HERE (dates through 12/17)

Specials Update

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

Parents and community members have asked about our own safety procedures within the Saline Area Schools. Here is a recap of many of the safety enhancements that we have put in place over the last several years.

As you may recall, the theme of our 2016 Bond was “Safe, Secure, Warm and Dry” and with the support of our voters we were able to secure our schools and install buzzer systems and safety glass in each building. In addition, we are currently using a visitor management system (RAPTOR) to screen visitors. Finally, we have strengthened our relationships with the Saline Police Department, the Pittsfield Department of Public Safety and the FBI to monitor and assess potential threats. 

The State of Michigan also requires several school safety drills each year. The number and type of drills are specified and must be performed in every school building. Schools may conduct additional drills, and Saline does add two additional drills for cardiac/medical emergencies.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that all 2nd and 3rd graders are able to join Saline Heritage Science Olympiad?  Learn more and sign up HERE.

November 29th – December 3rd

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

I hope your family had a restful break and were able to spend time with loved ones.  This week we welcome December and the winter weather that accompanies it!  At Harvest, all students go outside each day unless it is colder than 10 degrees.  Please make sure your child has winter gear to allow them to safely and warmly have fun at recess.  If you need any winter gear (coats, boats, hats, gloves), please let our Harvest social worker, Mrs. Pickett, or myself know.  We want each Harvest Hornet to be able to enjoy recess.

Happy Hanukkah to our Harvest families that are celebrating this week!Wishing campus a happy Hanukkah 2021 | @theU

Ms. Sickler

PTA Points

  • Harvest Helping Hands – Toys for Tots
    • Harvest Helping Hands and Miss Saline are collecting toys for Toys for Tots.  You may find a donation box at Harvest or other various SAS buildings or Saline businesses.  Please donate a new unwrapped toy by December 16th. Thank you!
  • Lunch Help
    • Sign up to volunteer as a Y5 – 3rd Grade lunch helper HERE (dates through 12/10)

Quick Links

District

Harvest

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can register for Saline Community Education Winter Programs starting December 6th? Register HERE.