Week of February 8th – February 12th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

 

 

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” – Aristotle

 

 

 

 

I hope you and your family were able to appreciate the snow this weekend.  If your family is in need of any winter gear, we can help.  Please reach out to me or our Harvest school social worker, Mrs. Pickett (pickettt@salineschools.org).

Important Upcoming Dates

  • February 12th- Early Release Day
  • February 15th- Presidents’ Day- No School for students and staff
  • March 4th- Heritage School 3rd to 4th Transition Night
  • March 22nd- Saline Area Schools Kindergarten Info Night  

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation

In-Person Students: Here is the schedule and rotation for the days that you are in school.

On the days that you are not in school, check out these enrichment activities.  This will also be shared via SeeSaw on Monday.

Virtual StudentsYou will be back following your daily special schedule.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

District Notes

Calendar linked HERE.


PTA Points

Sign Up Registration closes on Friday 2/12
Student projects complete and videos uploaded to FlipGrid by Wednesday 2/24
FlipGrid video shared with school community on Friday 2/26

Sign up HERE.


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s FREE Virtual Caregiver Bootcamp series can be your guide to formulating a plan! This comprehensive training for parents and caregivers provides valuable information to better understand how to navigate the life of autism.

The training series covers the topics of: special education basics, autism insurance coverage, communication and behavior strategies, community inclusion, and safety considerations just to name a few! 

Please reach out to Trainings@aaomi.org for more information on how to register!

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/free-virtual-caregiver-bootcamp/

Autism Alliance Facebook post


Ms. Sickler Reads!

Lots of Harvest staff joined together to share a story this week!

Week of February 1st – February 5th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

  • This month Harvest will be finding ways in our learning spaces to celebrate Black History Month.  At Harvest, we often remind each other of the concept of both/and thinking that was shared in a social justice training that took place this summer.  We realize that Black history is American history and should be taught all year long AND we hope to find opportunities to highlight and celebrate the many contributions of Black Americans throughout this month.

  • If you have been keeping track of the Saline Schools COVID-19 Dashboard you may have noticed that we had an uptick of positive cases and students/staff in quarantine.  Please continue to be vigilant in screening for symptoms prior to sending your child to school each day.

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation

In-Person Students: Here is the schedule and rotation for the days that you are in school.

On the days that you are not in school, check out these enrichment activities.  This will also be shared via SeeSaw on Monday.

Virtual StudentsYou will be back following your daily special schedule.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

District Notes

From Interim Superintendent Laatsch’s January 27th message:

There continue to be a number of primary factors that we are analyzing to determine how much in-person time we feel is appropriate for our students. These factors include Covid-19 data trends, mitigation strategies, the vaccination process and now, the Covid variant that we are monitoring closely. The information graphic below summarizes these factors and provides a current progress report.  

Read the entire message HERE.


PTA Points


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that Girls on the Run is getting organized for its spring season?  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!

Enjoy the story Just Ask from Ms. Sickler’s principal friend Mr. Wennstrom!

Week of January 25th – January 29th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

Although much of our school year has looked different from last year, dealing with winter weather remains the same.  A few winter weather reminders:

  • We believe in the importance of outdoor play.  Students go outside for recess every day provided the wind chill is 10 degrees or above.  Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor play (coat, hat, boots, gloves).
  • Find out information about school cancellations HERE.

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation

In-Person Students: Here is the schedule and rotation for the days that you are in school.

On the days that you are not in school, check out these enrichment activities.  This will also be shared via SeeSaw on Monday.

Virtual StudentsYou will be back following your daily special schedule.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

District Notes

Save the dates!


PTA Points


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that there are coding classes for even our youngest learners?  This course was developed for the youngest learners as a guide to the vast world of coding. Using a platform developed by Computer Science researchers at MIT called “Scratch”, students will be introduced to fundamental concepts of programming such as data, conditionals, and loops through draggable, intuitive premade code blocks. Each class, using their newfound knowledge, students will apply what they have learned to create practical projects and games.

Check it out HERE.


Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of January 18th – January 22nd

A Note From Ms. Sickler

Saline Area Schools has compiled a list of virtual resources for families to explore over the extended holiday weekend, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.  Click HERE to view the list.

Additionally, the University of Michigan’s yearly Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King children’s symposium is virtual this year! If you’re looking for something for your child to do in honor of Martin Luther King day, click HERE for the activities taking place.  There’s a Zoom event from 9-11am or an invitation to do some art in celebration of Martin Luther King.

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation

In-Person Students: Here is the schedule and rotation for the days that you are in school.

On the days that you are not in school, check out these enrichment activities.  This will also be shared via SeeSaw on Monday.

Virtual StudentsYou will be back following your daily special schedule.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

District Notes

Federal grants have provided free breakfast and lunch for our students for the remainder of the school year.  Students still need money in their account to purchase a la carte items, like milk or juice, as the grant is for “full meals” only.

Saline Area Schools is also supporting families by providing meals for families to pick up each week.  Click HERE to register, pick up takes place on Tuesdays at Saline High School.


PTA Points

Harvest PTA, with the support of Underground Printing, was able to donate one string Harvest bag to each student this year!  For our in-person students, bags will be kept in lockers to help safely transport individual supplies when students go to their specials classes.  Virtual students can use these bags at home to keep track of their learning materials.


Sweet Tweets of the Week

 


Did You Know?

Did you know that Saline’s K-8 Language Arts Curriculum (Teachers College Reading Writing Project) has a free Parent & Caregiver Workshop on Thursday, January 28th?

Join expert Teachers College Reading and Writing Project staff at our upcoming workshop day for parents and caregivers of students in grades K-8. Learn more about ways to support your child’s literacy education at home, what or how they are learning in school, how to best engage in home literacy projects, and more.

These days are typically 2-3 hours long, composed of a series of 15-minute small-group presentations. Parents and caregivers can choose the workshops that match their needs and are free to come for one workshop or many. The schedule of workshops will be made available prior to the event. These sessions are offered live and are not recorded for later viewing.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of January 11th – January 15th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

We are looking forward to welcoming our hybrid learners back to school this week.  A few reminders to make the transition back to school run smoothly:

  •  It essential that families report the following to the Harvest Elementary Office (harvestoffice@salineschools.org):
    • If your child is currently in quarantine for testing positive or having symptoms within the past 10 days or are awaiting test results
    • If your child has been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive within the past 10-14 days
  • Morning Drop-Off
    • Please refrain from dropping off earlier than 8:30am
    • Please use the cross-walk on the east side parking lot
  • Afternoon Dismissal
    • Staggered dismissal time
      • Y5/K – 3:30pm
      • 1st Grade – 3:35pm
      • 2nd Grade – 3:40pm
      • 3rd Grade – 3:44pm
    • Please stay on the grass away from the teacher pick-up spot until your child is in their spot with their teacher.
    • Once you have picked up your child, please immediately head to your car so we have enough space to socially distance.
  • Winter Clothes
    • Many of you brought a change of clothes to keep in your child’s locker at the beginning of school.  Please pack a new set of winter clothes that we can keep in your child’s locker.  We often see an uptick in needing a change of clothes coming in after winter recess… dry socks always make learning easier!

I read an article last week about parenting when you are not OK in response to the violence at the Capitol.  The author noted, “Being the grown-up in the room means making space for my girls’ confusion and their questions.”  Making space to process feelings and answer questions can be challenging for both parents and educators with our little learners.  I shared this resource with my staff last week to support them as both educators and parents.  I also found this article about What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary.  If you need any support this week, please reach out.

Reminder:

  • This Friday, 1/15, is an Early Release Day where our staff is participating in district-wide professional development.  Live instruction times may be adjusted based on this
  • Next Monday, 1/18, there is no school due to the observance of MLK Day

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation

In-Person Students: Here is the schedule and rotation for the days that you are in school.

On the days that you are not in school, check out these enrichment activities.  This will also be shared via SeeSaw on Monday.

Virtual StudentsYou will be back following your daily special schedule.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

District Notes

SALINE 2020 PROJECT GOOD CHEER – extended through 2/1! Saline Area Schools is partnering with the Saline community to give back and pass along good cheer. Help Saline area businesses while thanking someone who has gone above and beyond during this difficult time by purchasing special discount offers on gifts and gift cards from area retailers.


PTA Points

 


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that registration for flag football starts now?


Ms. Sickler Reads!

January 6th Update

Superintendent Graden’s Community Message

Yesterday Superintendent Graden announced that we will be going back to hybrid in-person learning starting next Monday, January 11th.  You can read his entire message HERE.  We look forward to seeing our “BLUE” students on Monday and Wednesday and our “GOLD” students on Tuesday and Thursday.  Fridays will continue like they did prior to the closure, with hybrid in-person students receiving live instruction in the morning and our virtual students having an asynchronous day.

A few reminders as we prepare to welcome students back on Monday:

  •  It essential that families report the following to the Harvest Elementary Office (harvestoffice@salineschools.org):
    • If your child is currently in quarantine for testing positive or having symptoms within the past 10 days or are awaiting test results
    • If your child has been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive within the past 10-14 days
  • Morning Drop-Off
    • Please refrain from dropping off earlier than 8:30am
    • Please use the cross-walk on the east side parking lot
  • Afternoon Dismissal
    • Staggered dismissal time
      • Y5/K – 3:30pm
      • 1st Grade – 3:35pm
      • 2nd Grade – 3:40pm
      • 3rd Grade – 3:44pm
    • Please stay on the grass away from the teacher pick-up spot until your child is in their spot with their teacher.
    • Once you have picked up your child, please immediately head to your car so we have enough space to socially distance.

Week of December 14th – December 18th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

As we enter this last week of school before winter break, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude for each Harvest family and your dedication to supporting your Harvest learners these past weeks.  From picking up materials, to sharing successes and sticky points with us, together we continue to provide a special year full of love and learning to all our students.

We are sensitive that students may be experiencing big feelings this holiday season when traditions may look different. Our school Social Worker, Terri Pickett, has provided some great resources about coping with big feelings in the presentation linked below.

Kids and Big Feelings Presentation

If there is anything your family needs this holiday season, please reach out to me or Mrs. Pickett and we can help.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation


District Notes

The CDC updated the quarantine guidance for close contacts of COVID-19 positive individuals last week. The major change is that the 14-day quarantine can be reduced to 10 days in situations when the close contact remains asymptomatic. The isolation period/guidance for positive individuals has NOT changed. On Friday, the Washtenaw County Health Department adopted these updates for the school setting and issued an updated visual for the new guidance.


PTA Points

Order your Harvest Spirit Wear online and pick up at the School.  We will email you when your order is ready for pick-up at Harvest!

Click HERE to order!


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that if your child did not get their picture taken for any reason, you can upload a photo of your own?  We want to make sure ALL students are included in our yearbook this year.   Please read the attached pdf and follow all photo parameters to be included.  

LINK TO pdf of photo parameters


Ms. Sickler Reads!

To celebrate Hanukkah, please enjoy this story, Queen of the Hanukkah Dosa

Learn more about Hanukkah HERE.

Week of December 7th – December 11th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials Rotation


District Notes

From Superintendent Graden’s December 4th Message:

All Saline Y5-12th grade students will continue in the remote learning model through Friday, January 8th, 2021. This decision is based on the local community spread and our ability to operate the in-person school day. In addition, our leadership team believes that the best thing we can do for students at this time is to provide a consistent instructional model. 

Read Superintendent Graden’s entire message HERE.


A Note from our Social Work Team…

Dear SAS Families,

As we head into the holiday season and the global pandemic continues, we know that the needs of our families continue to be significant.  We are continuing our partnering with Saline Area Social Services to offer assistance to struggling families.

Similar to Thanksgiving, Saline Area Schools families (including school of choice students and employee children) are eligible to receive bags of supplies for a Winter Break meal from Saline Area Social Services (SASS).

List of items:

  • Two packs of macaroni and cheese
  • a can of cream of mushroom soup
  • turkey gravy
  • two cans of peas
  • two cans of tuna
  • egg noodles
  • peanut butter
  • a pack of mashed potatoes
  • either pistachios or dried blueberries
  • cake mix

Please note that similar to SASS Thanksgiving bags, they will add fresh produce into the bags as well.  Depending on availability, they may also have turkeys as well.

Please call Saline Social Services at 734-429-4570 by Thursday, December 17th.  When you call, let them know that you are a Saline Area Schools family.

Saline residents may also apply with Saline Social Services for on-going assistance including:

  • A weekly food pantry that includes fresh, frozen, canned and boxed goods, diapers, toiletries and paper products.  We also provide special items, like laundry soap, dish soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products to our clients monthly.
  • Referrals to government agencies and additional resources that can help our clients with specific needs.
  • Limited assistance with rent, energy bills, car repair, and prescription co-pays.
    • Rent assistance, in emergency situations only.
    • Utility must be in client’s name.  Client must be on a budget plan or payment protection plan or have a shut-off notice. In shut-off situation, client must go to Department of Human Services first and get verification of what DHS will pay.
    • We can assist with co-pays for prescriptions filled at our partner pharmacy (Saline Pharmacy) once the client enrolls in the Washtenaw County Prescription Plan, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, or a private insurance carrier.
  • Personal items — such as eyeglasses, backpacks, children’s musical instruments, and supplies.
  • Back-to-School backpacks and supplies, including new shoes.
  • Birthday gifts for children under the age of 18.
  • The Holiday Meal Program, providing a complete holiday meal for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
  • Adopt-a-Family Program, which matches our families with generous adopters for gifts during the Christmas season.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your building’s School Social Worker.  Contact info can be found here.

Thank you and take care,

SAS School Social Work Team


PTA Points

Directions for ordering here:  How to Order from Original Works.

Be sure to enter our school code: HARV (it is case sensitive) so we get the credit for it.  Money raised from this goes directly to classroom teachers to buy things like books that can be used in the classroom.

Thank you for supporting our school in this way!

Have ?s: Contact Amanda Ledy at ledymail@yahoo.com


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad will be holding a virtual Science Olympiad in 2021 starting in January and running through May?


Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of November 30th – December 4th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

I hope you had a restful and relaxing break.  I spent time during our break looking at ways to continue to support the students and staff at Harvest.  One thing I found was this graphic with suggestions of ways to support an anxious child.  If you or your family is in need of support or resources, please reach out to me or our school social worker, Terri Pickett.

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials

Check out a video with your Harvest specials teachers to give some tips and reminders for virtual specials this week!

Young 5s Lab Art PE Music Media
Kindergarten Media Lab Art PE Music
1st Grade Music Media Lab Art PE
2nd Grade PE Music Media Lab Art
3rd Grade Art PE Music Media Lab

 


District Notes

Please consider helping out our district FFA by filling out THIS SURVEY.

What Does A Farmer Look Like? – Social Experiment

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to fill out our survey! If you could please fill out all of the questions below and attach your drawings that would be great!!! Your response will be used for research purposes only and all research results will be presented anonymously. Please do not hesitate to email Annie Rothfuss (annierothfus@gmail.com) or Hailey Malinczak (malinczh@salinehornets.org) if you have any questions!

PTA Points

Due to the interest level and volume of orders currently being submitted through the Original Works At Home program that Harvest Elementary School and schools around the country are running, we plan to keep the program open for ordering indefinitely. We will continue to process and ship orders to the homes as they arrive throughout the season. This approach will provide families who have not yet placed orders the chance to order.

Directions for ordering here:  How to Order from Original Works.

Be sure to enter our school code: HARV (it is case sensitive) so we get the credit for it.  Money raised from this goes directly to classroom teachers to buy things like books that can be used in the classroom.

Thank you for supporting our school in this way!

Have ?s: Contact Amanda Ledy at ledymail@yahoo.com


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that our community has a variety of resources for families that are food insecure?  Check out this document that shares food distribution by day and location.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xbU3TaTpFQ1SLGV_i4PcBLzvMYTCs54TFGdxy5zEal4/edit?usp=sharing


Ms. Sickler Reads!

From the archives… Who Will Carve The Turkey This Thanksgiving

Week of November 23rd – November 27th

A Note From Ms. Sickler

  • During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude and thank you for being such an important part of our children’s lives.  We have asked you to take on roles in your children’s education in ways unlike any other year.  We are so very grateful for your patience, flexibility, and grace as we all navigate these trying times.  On behalf of the entire Harvest staff, I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
  • In conjunction with our current model of 100% remote learning, our Saline Elementary staff has put together a Learning at Home Toolkit.  We were able to use tips and strategies from teachers and families who have been in this learning model all trimester to create the toolkit.

Ms. Sickler

Here are your “home school” updates:


Harvest Specials

ALL Harvest students, please complete the following activities while at home on Monday and Tuesday.


District Notes

  • Superintendent Graden’s 11/16 Community Message
  • SAS Free Meal Program
  • Due to changes, for the next 3 weeks, devices from students that are having tech challenges will be swapped out during the day, by appointment, by the Tech Team.  The swap will be with a Tech Team member, outdoors, in the HS bus loop.  Please have families call 401-4999, to leave a message, or fill out this form and a tech team member will happily work through any issues they are having or set up an appointment to get the device swapped out.

Upcoming Events

Monday, November 23rd

  • Remote Learning Day

Tuesday, November 24th

  • Asynchronous Learning Day

Wednesday, November 25th

  • NO SCHOOL

Thursday, November 26th

  • NO SCHOOL

Friday, November 27th

  • NO SCHOOL

Save the Dates


PTA Points

Original Works – Deadline Extended!

Due to the interest level and volume of orders currently being submitted through the Original Works At Home program that Harvest Elementary School and schools around the country are running, we plan to keep the program open for ordering indefinitely. We will continue to process and ship orders to the homes as they arrive throughout the season. This approach will provide families who have not yet placed orders the chance to order.

Directions for ordering here:  How to Order from Original Works.

Be sure to enter our school code: HARV (it is case sensitive) so we get the credit for it.  Money raised from this goes directly to classroom teachers to buy things like books that can be used in the classroom.

Thank you for supporting our school in this way!

Have ?s: Contact Amanda Ledy at ledymail@yahoo.com


Sweet Tweets of the Week


Did You Know?

Did you know that Washtenaw County Health Department is announcing plans with LynxDx and the 2|42 Community Center to offer a new drive-thru COVID19 testing site in Ann Arbor opening on Wednesday, November 18?

“This new testing site will benefit our entire community,” says Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director at WCHD. “We’re grateful to partner with Lynx and the 2|42 Community Center in bringing more accessible, faster testing to our county. Additionally, we know there has been a lot of interest in saliva testing. We’re excited to bring this no-contact saliva testing option to our community members.”

Learn more HERE.


Ms. Sickler Reads!

Ms. Sickler (and her sister) read a family favorite story together.

Also, check out Ms. Sickler’s sister Elizabeth and her dog dressed as characters from The Paperbag Princess