Week of January 8th – January 12th

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Happy New Year to all our Harvest Hornets who celebrate! May 2024 be filled with memorable moments, new discoveries, and success in all your endeavors.
If you are looking for an activity to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, University of Michigan has a Children and Youth program, more information linked HERE.
Emily

  • THIS FRIDAY – Early Release (lunch served, 1:10pm dismissal)
  • Monday, January 12th – 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.

  • Sign up to help in the lunch room in January HERE

There are no planned bus route cancellations for the week of 1/8!


Did you know that if we all work together we can keep our Harvest Hornets safe before/after school in the parking lots & drop-off loop by following these simple rules?

Morning Drop-Off

  • Do not park anywhere in the drop-off loop or anywhere in the drive leading into the loop.  If you need to enter the building, please park in the lot adjacent to the drop-off loop and come into the building.
  • Traffic will begin to back up into the parking areas.  As always, you may choose to park in either lot and walk your child to the front door.  If you park in the west lot, please do not walk between school buses, it is not safe, as our drivers cannot see you passing there.
  • Please only park in a parking spot, if parking lots are full, feel free to use the Saline High School parking lot and walk over.

Dismissal

  • If your child needs to be released during the course of the school day, please sign out in the kiosk to the school office and sign him/her out.  Your child will be called to the office at this time.
  • If someone who is not listed on your child’s emergency card will be picking your child up, a note should be sent to school with the child and the adult should come prepared to show identification.

Afternoon Pick-Up

  • Do not leave your car unattended at anytime in the pick-up loop or the drive into and out of the school!
  • When parking in either parking lot please walk to the sidewalk and meet your child there.  Students may not walk into a parking lot unattended at anytime!
  • The pick-up loop is a single loop, DO NOT wait two abreast and have your child walk between cars to your car on the inside lane.  This land at the end of the day is only for cars moving out of the pick-up line to exit the parking lot.
  • The parking lot on the west end of the building, off of Suncrest Drive is one way only.  You must make the right into the parking lot and drive around to enter the parking lot, please do not drive straight through into the lot.  There is a sign clearly identifying ONE WAY.


Week of December 18th – December 22nd

With the energy and excitement of the holidays among us, please continue to have conversations with your students about the Harvest 4 (We are responsible for what I say, what I do, how I act, and how I listen) at Harvest.  We want to make certain that everyone at Harvest feels safe and welcome and by following our “Harvest Four”, we can assure an environment that is optimal for learning.
Additionally, please remember to keep our Harvest Hornets safe before/after school in the parking lots & drop-off loop by following these simple rules:

Morning Drop-Off

  • Do not park anywhere in the drop-off loop or anywhere in the drive leading into the loop.  If you need to enter the building, please park in the lot adjacent to the drop-off loop and come into the building.
  • Traffic will begin to back up into the parking areas.  As always, you may choose to park in either lot and walk your child to the front door.  If you park in the west lot, please do not walk between school buses, it is not safe, as our drivers cannot see you passing there.
  • Please only park in a parking spot, if parking lots are full, feel free to use the Saline High School parking lot and walk over.

Dismissal

  • If your child needs to be released during the course of the school day, please sign out in the kiosk to the school office and sign him/her out.  Your child will be called to the office at this time.
  • If someone who is not listed on your child’s emergency card will be picking your child up, a note should be sent to school with the child and the adult should come prepared to show identification.

Afternoon Pick-Up

  • Do not leave your car unattended at anytime in the pick-up loop or the drive into and out of the school!
  • When parking in either parking lot please walk to the sidewalk and meet your child there.  Students may not walk into a parking lot unattended at anytime!
  • The pick-up loop is a single loop, DO NOT wait two abreast and have your child walk between cars to your car on the inside lane.  This land at the end of the day is only for cars moving out of the pick-up line to exit the parking lot.
  • The parking lot on the west end of the building, off of Suncrest Drive is one way only.  You must make the right into the parking lot and drive around to enter the parking lot, please do not drive straight through into the lot.  There is a sign clearly identifying ONE WAY.

Emily


  • 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.

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

There are no planned bus route cancellations for the week of 12/18!


Did you know the HelpMeGrowWashtenaw.org parent resource guide has been updated this quarter?  Please visit to see the new updates and remember to subscribe to the calendar.



Week of December 11th – December 15th

  • 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.



Week of December 4th – December 8th

  • 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!
    May be an image of text

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.



Week of November 27th – December 1st

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.



Week of November 20th – November 24th

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!



Week of November 12th – November 16th

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 WEEKClick 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.



Week of November 6th – November 10th

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 kickoff 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.



Week of October 30th – November 3rd

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).


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 kickoff 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


Week of October 23rd – October 27th

  • 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 kickoff 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!