General Information

School Hours
School starts at 8:47 a.m. and is dismissed at 3:50 p.m.  When the first bell rings at 8:44 students are allowed to enter the building and walk to their classrooms.  When the second bell rings we begin our work day.  Please remember that if a student is not in the classroom by the second bell, 8:47, they will be marked tardy.  Our school day continues until 3:50 p.m. when the final bell rings.  If you must pick-up your child early, please go to the office to sign your child out.

Drop off and pick up: Please find a designated spot to meet your child.  For the safety of the students please wait for your child outside the school or near the main office.  Students who walk to school or are driven to school should enter and exit the building through the front doors.  Bus riders will exit and enter the building through the back doors.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Learning Cottage (Modular) Classroom Safety
If you need to pick up your child before the dismissal bell, it is most efficient if you contact me the day before, if possible, by phone: (734) 997-1216 or email: padgensa@aaps.k12.mi.us.  The modular building is a secure building and it's required that a staff member escort students from the modular to the office for early pick-up.  If you are unable to contact me or the office prior to pick-up, we will do our best to get your child to the office as efficiently as possible. 

Parental Involvement
It is very important that parents and other adults are active in the education of our children.  There are many ways in which you can become involved in your children’s education.
-Read with your child daily. The benefits of children reading everyday are crucial to success as readers.
-Help your child with their homework.  Work sent home can be challenging and will sometimes need the assistance of an adult.
-Check your child’s backpack daily.  Student work is returned on a daily basis and many important notes and letters come home with your child as well.  Please remind them to show you what is in their backpack everyday so that you stay informed and so that your child knows that you are interested in what they are doing.
-Ask about school.  Becoming involved with your children’s education means talking with them about what they are learning at school.
-Volunteer your time at school.  We can always use a helping hand.  Whether you are willing to do some work at home, spend sometime in the classroom, or share a special interest with the class your time will be greatly appreciated.

Snack
Students many bring a healthy snack to eat in the classroom.  Healthy snacks include such things as pretzels, crackers and cheese, fruits and vegetables.  Due to allergies please do not send snacks with peanuts or tree nuts.  If your child would like to bring a water bottle to school we have a spot in our classroom to put them.  Please do not send juice or other beverages.

Birthday Treats
It is wonderful for students to share their birthday with their classmates.  Please consider sending in a healthy treat.  Simple treats are best!  Please contact me either with a note or an email regarding the date and type of treat you will be sending.

Expectations and Procedures
Over the past weeks we’ve been spending time getting to know each other and establishing many classroom procedures and routines.  Building positive relationships with the students and among the students is my goal in the upcoming weeks in order to establish a positive learning environment.  Fifth grade can be a big transition year for many children as they build their responsibility, independence, ownership of their learning, and strong work habits in order to prepare for middle school.

Homework


Contact Information
I feel a partnership in your child’s education is very important.  Please stay in touch with me about any concerns or questions you may have.  You may write a note, send an email, or call the school and I will get back with you as quickly as I can.  I’m hoping that email can be an effective communication tool between your family and myself.  Please don’t hesitate to reach me at padgensa@aaps.k12.mi.us or by phone at 997-1216.