Week of May 9th – May 13th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

For those celebrating today, Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank You Everyone! – Wood Chip Chatter

On behalf of the entire Harvest staff, we are so appreciative of all the kindness this past week as we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week.  Our staff is grateful for the treats last week and the ongoing support all year!

The SAS Wellness Committee is partnering with Still Waters Counseling to offer a Parent Webinar with Q&A Session focused on anxiety. The session is hosted by Smita Nagpal, Ph.D., Co-owner and Director of Programs Development at Still Waters Counseling. She will discuss why anxiety happens and physiological responses to anxiety, and she will offer tips and resources for parents to support their children. Finally, the session will conclude with a Q & A portion.

This event will take place on May 11th, 2022, via Zoom. There are two opportunities for you to attend. One is at 12:30 pm and the second is at 6:30 pm. Both sessions will cover the same information, so you do not need to attend both.

The Zoom link and codes for the May 11th, 12:30 pm session are:

The Zoom link and codes for the May 11th, 6:30 pm session are:

Ms. Sickler

May/June Specials Calendar

PTA PointsClip Art of the coming soon sign

  • Be on the lookout, we will be sending out more information this week about volunteers for our Field Day on Friday, May 27th!

 

Lunch & Meals Info - Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE (through May 20th).

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s May 6th Community Message:

Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, May 10th at 6:30 PM, Liberty School
Zoom Link  

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that we continue to follow the Washtenaw County Health Department guidance regarding COVID-19 (linked here)? Page 4 has specific guidance regarding returning to school after a positive test including:

  • Students and staff must isolate for at least 5 days after symptom onset (considered day “0”). They should not return to school unless symptoms have significantly improved and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
  • At this time, we are requiring students and staff to have a negative rapid test (NOT a PCR test) prior to returning to school. This will determine if the individual is still contagious. We can offer a test at school or provide free at-home test kits for use at home if needed.
  • Students and staff must continue to wear a fitted mask through day 10 after symptom onset (which is day “0”). KN95 masks are available in the office for all students and staff returning after a COVID infection if needed.

Please reach out to one of our district nurses if you have any questions regarding this guidance:

Thank you for your continued partnership as we continue to navigate COVID-19 in the school setting!

Week of May 2nd – May 6th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Harvest PTA has created a wonderful week to make all our Harvest staff feel special for Teacher Appreciation.  Want to make your teachers’ day extra special this week?  Check out their favorite things HERE.

  • Monday: small gift and note
  • Tuesday: small gift and note
  • Wednesday: Breakfast treats before school
  • Thursday: small gift and note
  • Friday: special gift bag

 

Additionally, please take a look at our most recent guidance about returning to school after a COVID infection (linked HERE).  As someone who recently tested positive for COVID, I too will be following this guidance, ensuring I come back only after a negative rapid test and wearing a KN95 mask through day 10.  Thank you for your continued partnership as we continue to navigate COVID-19 in the school setting.

Ms. Sickler

The SAS Wellness Committee is partnering with Still Waters Counseling to offer a Parent Webinar with Q&A Session focused on anxiety. The session is hosted by Smita Nagpal, Ph.D., Co-owner and Director of Programs Development at Still Waters Counseling. She will discuss why anxiety happens and physiological responses to anxiety, and she will offer tips and resources for parents to support their children. Finally, the session will conclude with a Q & A portion.

This event will take place on May 11th, 2022, via Zoom. There are two opportunities for you to attend. One is at 12:30 pm and the second is at 6:30 pm. Both sessions will cover the same information, so you do not need to attend both.

The Zoom link and codes for the May 11th, 12:30 pm session are:

The Zoom link and codes for the May 11th, 6:30 pm session are:

PTA Points

  • Our Harvest Field Day is Friday, May 27th!  If you are interested in having your child(ren) have a field day t-shirt, order HERE.  All orders are due by May 1st.

Musical Instruments Clipart - dj-with-music-system-big-speakers-clipart-2 - Classroom Clipart

  • In Search Of: Large Speakers and adult to play music at the 2022 Harvest Field Day (Friday, May 27th, 9-11am and 1-3pm).  Contact harvestptapresident@gmail.com.

 

Lunch & Meals Info - Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE (through May 13th).

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s April 29th Community Message:

COVID-19 Outbreaks

As shared earlier this week, after reviewing the data from last weekend and Monday, we observed a definite uptick in COVID activity compared to previous weeks. Review of the data identified clusters/outbreak activity mostly in the elementary setting and some situations tied to school trips (5th grade camp and the Washington DC trip). We continue to work with the WCHD in these situations and will continue to follow the WCHD guidance regarding outbreak management and notification. An outbreak/cluster is defined by the WCHD as 3 or more cases within a classroom/group or 10% or more of the class.

Update from Tuesday’s message:  We identified outbreaks in 11 classrooms over the course of this week, primarily in the elementary school setting. In addition and as previously reported, we identified outbreak situations tied to the Washington DC trip.  We are providing notification to all classrooms/groups involved and following the WCHD guidance around testing and masking in these situations. Our nursing staff has worked hard administering COVID tests throughout the district over the past week related to these situations. In addition, approximately 800 free home tests have been distributed to families. This work will continue until the end of the school year.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that our third-grade families can walk through Heritage on May 26th?

Week of April 25th – April 29th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Our Harvest Field Day is Friday, May 27th!  If you are interested in having your child(ren) have a field day t-shirt, order HERE.  All orders are due by May 1st.

Additionally, our third graders are taking a state assessment, MSTEP, on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (MSTEP) assessment is administered to all Michigan students in grades 3-8. The assessment is untimed, and administered in an online format. Third-grade students at Harvest will take the ELA (English Language Arts) portion on Tuesday, April 26th and Math on Wednesday, April 27th.We expect our students to do their very best on these tests and therefore will work hard to establish the proper conditions inside our school buildings on the days that these assessments are administered.  On these days, our grades will be swapping specials times to allow uninterrupted testing time in the morning for our third graders. 
Ms. Sickler

PTA Points

  • We need your help!  Please consider signing up to help make Staff Appreciation Week (May 2-6) AMAZING for all our Harvest staff members.  Sign up HERE.

Musical Instruments Clipart - dj-with-music-system-big-speakers-clipart-2 - Classroom Clipart

  • In Search Of: Large Speakers and adult to play music at the 2022 Harvest Field Day (Friday, May 27th, 9-11am and 1-3pm).  Contact harvestptapresident@gmail.com.

 

Lunch & Meals Info - Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE (through May 6th).

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s April 22nd Community Message:

One of the key reasons that I have been communicating with the SAS Community every week on Fridays is to provide weekly Covid-19 updates. Now that we are learning how to operationalize Covid-19 within our schools, it is not necessary for me to communicate as frequently about this topic. Therefore, starting this week, my Community Message (including News & Notes) will now be sent on an “every other week” basis through the end of the school year.

So, the next Community Message (including News & Notes) will be sent out on May 6th.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know about 35+ fun things you can do to celebrate Earth Day?  Check them out HERE.

Week of April 18th – April 22nd

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

To all our Harvest Hornets celebrating, Happy Passover and Happy Easter!

Happy Passover and Happy Easter from ARC - Austin Regional Clinic

Ms. Sickler

PTA Points

Musical Instruments Clipart - dj-with-music-system-big-speakers-clipart-2 - Classroom Clipart

  • In Search Of: Large Speakers and adult to play music at the 2022 Harvest Field Day (Friday, May 27th, 9-11am and 1-3pm).  Contact harvestptapresident@gmail.com.

 

Lunch & Meals Info - Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

Register HERE!

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that our 3rd-grade classes are preparing to visit Weber Blaess this spring! Please watch this quick video to help your student prepare for an authentic visit to our one-room schoolhouse.
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Week of April 11th – April 15th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Free Locker Clipart in AI, SVG, EPS or PSD

As we move into the spring season in Michigan we are encountering lots of muddy/wet clothes after recess!  Please make sure your child has an extra set of clothes in their locker, including an extra set of socks.
We are in need of some additional clothes for our office clothes closet.  We will happily take donations of size 5-10 sweatpants/leggings!

**Reminder – No School on Friday, April 15th

Ms. Sickler

This is your opportunity to share your thoughts regarding your child as we begin the placement process for the 2022-2023 school year.

PTA Points

  • PTA Coffee & Conversation – April 13th
    • 9:15am at Brewed Awakenings

 

Musical Instruments Clipart - dj-with-music-system-big-speakers-clipart-2 - Classroom Clipart

  • In Search Of: Large Speakers and adult to play music at the 2022 Harvest Field Day (Friday, May 27th, 9-11am and 1-3pm).  Contact harvestptapresident@gmail.com.

 

Lunch & Meals Info - Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

April Specials Calendar

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

Free At-home COVID-19 Tests! 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has made free tests available through their MI Backpack At-Home COVID-19 Testing Program for K–12 schools. These free, at-home COVID antigen tests are available to all staff and students enrolled in Michigan schools. Every person opting into the program will receive one at-home iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test kit which includes 2 tests. For families opting to participate, test kits will be sent home directly with students and participants can test any family member right at home. There is no obligation to participate and no reporting of results is required for this program. 

The iHealth tests are very easy to use. Click here for written guidance for using the at-home test and here for a how-to video. Click here to participate in an OPTIONAL survey from MDHHS.

To opt-in to the program, please complete the Google Form here. Tests will be distributed next week. Parents may also stop in at any building to pick up a test kit. 

We appreciate your continued partnership in trying to keep our school community healthy!

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that the EL Potluck is on April 28th?

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run  – Last Chance Registration through April 15
Join the Harvest Girls on the Run team for fun, fitness, community and confidence building!  Girls on the run meets every Tues/Thu right after school in the Media Center – all abilities are welcome.
The program integrates fun, games and fitness into a research-based curriculum designed to build confidence and community among 3rd – 5th graders.  Late registration is open until April 15 and scholarships are available.
Want to learn more?  Visit girlsontherunsemi.org or contact site leader Joyce Mueller joycemueller@gmail.com

Week of April 4th – April 8th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

To our Harvest families celebrating, Ramadan Mubarak.  If your child is fasting and needs any accommodations during the school day, please reach out to your child’s teacher or myself.  We are happy to work with your family to support your child.

This is your opportunity to share your thoughts regarding your child as we begin the placement process for the 2022-2023 school year.

Many factors are taken into account when creating classroom assignments. Our primary concern is creating well-balanced classrooms that create optimal learning opportunities for all children.

This is NOT an opportunity to choose your child’s teacher for the upcoming school year. This is, however, an opportunity for you to provide us with information about your child so we may make every effort to appropriately place your child where he or she will have the greatest success.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Ms. Sickler

Yearbook Sales!

PTA Points

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

April Specials Calendar

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

  • SAS Releases Calendar for 2022/23 School Year

    • Click HERE to access the SAS Calendar (2022/23)

    • NOTE: Calendar subject to change

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that only incoming students need to register for next year?  If you know of any neighbors, friends, or family who have an incoming student for the 2022-2023 school year, please share this link and have them contact me with any questions!  Determining sections and placement is easiest when registration is completed prior to mid-August.

2022-2023 Registration Information and Links

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Learn about Ramadan with the read aloud My First Ramadan

Week of March 21st – March 25th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

Our Saline community has many opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities, coming up this spring and summer.  Take a look at some opportunities below:

Ms. Sickler

Yearbook Sales!

PTA Points

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

 

  • Registration is now OPEN for incoming Young5s and Kindergarten students (linked HERE)
  • Questions about registration?  Email Mandy Rucky (ruckym@salineschools.org)

Sweet Tweets of the Week

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Did You Know?

Did you know that this Spring our 3rd graders will be taking the M-Step Assessment?  Our Harvest 3rd graders will be testing on April 26th and April 27th.  Learn more from the state superintendent in THIS LETTER.

Ms. Sickler Reads!

To our families who celebrate, happy Holi!  Enjoy learning more about Holi with the read-aloud Festival of Colors

Week of March 14th – March 18th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. SicklerReport Card Information

Please note that second-trimester report cards will be sent digitally on Wednesday, March 16th.  If you do not receive your child’s report card by Thursday, March 17th, please reach out to our Harvest office team (harvestoffice@salineschools.org) so we can help!

Our PE teacher, Mr. Palka, got exciting news this week.  He was drafted to the USFL’s Houston Gamblers and is headed to start training next week.  We will miss Mr. Palka at Harvest and are excited that Mr. Palazzolo will be joining us for the remainder of the school year.  Mr. Palazzolo joins us from SHS and also coaches wrestling at Saline High School with Mr. Sherman!

Ms. Sickler

Yearbook Sales!

Upcoming Events

  • March 12 – Story Time with Miss Saline
    • Time: 10:00 – 10:45am
    • Location: Liberty Board Room

  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom Webinar (Virtual)
    • Event Link: Click here to join the Zoom call
    • Questions? Please email us at registration@salineschools.org

PTA Points

  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

SAS Calendar 

HERE is the link to the get to our current school year calendar (last day of school is June 

This also included information regarding the “common calendar” for Washtenaw County which included FUTURE winter and spring break dates.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Work & Play Cafe is opening March 17th in Ypsilanti, Michigan?  Work & Play Cafe is committed to being an inclusive, family-friendly establishment that welcomes children and adults of all abilities, with offerings to meet our community’s unique and diverse needs and interests!  While some members may look for a quiet space in the Work Room, kids, teens and even adults will have a fantastic time in our Game Room or Play Room, complete with board games, card games, video games, art supplies, magnatiles, a train table and other interactive toys.

Our cafe features a variety of local food a drink offerings, including:

  • RoosRoast coffee
  • Cookie and the Crumb bakery treats
  • One Mean Team granola

 

If you’re looking for a cozy venue to host your next event, then look no further!  Work & Play Cafe has a variety of options available for event rentals too!  Come on by to learn more, become a member, and discover the many ways you can connect with family, friends and your inclusive community at Work & Play Cafe!

Ms. Sickler Reads!

Week of March 7th – March 11th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

  • We are continuing to celebrate March is Reading Month with All-Star Day this Friday.  We encourage students to dress as their favorite character or athlete.

 

  • Please note that both Thursday and Friday are half days of school, with no lunch served and a 12:10 dismissal.

 

 

Ms. Sickler

Yearbook Sales!

Upcoming Events

  • March 10th – 1/2 Day; Parent-Teacher Conferences
    • 12:10pm Dismissal
    • NO LUNCH SERVED
  • March 11th – 1/2 Day
    • 12:10pm Dismissal
    • NO LUNCH SERVED
  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom Webinar (Virtual)
    • Event Link: Click here to join the Zoom call
    • Questions? Please email us at registration@salineschools.org

March Specials Calendar

PTA Points

  • Click HERE to help provide snacks for our Harvest teachers during conferences this week.  Please send in your donations no later than March 9th.
  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

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

As most of you are aware, this was our first week in the District for this school year where masks are highly recommended, but not required. I have visited many buildings throughout the week and the students and staff are doing an excellent job creating an environment where it is fine to wear or not wear a mask.

We will continue to follow the guidance of the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD). 

HERE is a link to WCHD’s latest school guidance

HERE is the link to the SAS daily Covid-Dashboard

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

 

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can listen to Miss Saline and her court read on Saturdays this month?

Ms. Sickler Reads!

To celebrate Women’s History Month, please enjoy learning more about one of Ms. Sickler’s favorite people, Jane Goodall!

Week of February 28th – March 4th

Emily Sickler

A Note from Ms. Sickler

We had such a wonderful turnout for our first annual Kindness Olympics.  If your child still has Week Four Slip, please turn it into the media center this week.  We will be sharing more information about our Kindness Squad once we have all slips turned in.

We will be starting a celebration of March is Reading Month on Tuesday with an All-School Reading time!  On Friday, students will create a gold medal to wear throughout the day!

 

Ms. Sickler

Yearbook Sales!

Upcoming Events

  • March 1st – Harvest Science Fair
    • 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.  Questions? email harvestptapresident@gmail.com
  • March 3 – Heritage School will be hosting a virtual transition night for incoming 4th graders
    • 6:30 PM via Zoom

  • March 4th – 1/2 Day
    • 12:10pm Dismissal
    • NO LUNCH SERVED
  • March 10th – 1/2 Day; Parent-Teacher Conferences
    • 12:10pm Dismissal
    • NO LUNCH SERVED
  • March 11th – 1/2 Day
    • 12:10pm Dismissal
    • NO LUNCH SERVED
  • March 16 – 2022/2023 Young 5s & Kindergarten Round-Up Informational Meeting
    • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Location: Zoom Webinar (Virtual)
    • Event Link: Click here to join the Zoom call
    • Questions? Please email us at registration@salineschools.org

March Specials Calendar

PTA Points

  • Science Fair – this TUESDAY!
  • Sign up for lunch help HERE.

Quick Links

District

Harvest

District Notes

From Dr. Laatsch’s Community Message:

The CDC just updated their guidance regarding the previous mask mandate on school transportation: 

“Effective February 25, 2022, CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems.”

The Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) will be following the CDC guidance around masking on buses.

Based on this information, Saline Area Schools will be highly recommending masking on school buses, but not requiring them, effective on Monday, February 28th.

Read entire message HERE.

Sweet Tweets of the Week

Did You Know?

Did you know that registration is now open for the Girls on the Run program at Harvest!! By using a research-based curriculum that creatively integrates physical activity with valuable life lessons, Girls on the Run empowers girls to develop the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy leaders in our community. Through smaller team sizes and physical distancing modifications, Girls on the Run is able to bring critical social-emotional programming to the girls at Harvest.

Starting the week of March 20th, our team will meet every Tue/Thu right after school until 5:30. The standard program fee is $185 and includes 16 lessons/practices, a t-shirt, water bottle, cinch sack, journal, a beautiful 5K medal and more! Girls on the Run is committed to ensuring that program cost is never a barrier to participation. A financial aid application along with payment plan options are included in the online program registration form at www.girlsontherunsemi.org. If you do not have internet access please call (734) 712-5640.
Spots on the teams are limited, so register soon!