Adams Update May 1, 2024

Every day is a great day at Adams!

Bi-weekly Newsletter

MPS District Vision

The MPS District Vision: Lead with respect, trust and courage. Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture. Enable all to achieve success. At Adams Elementary we follow the vision and the work the district is doing with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by introducing a vocabulary word to students each month. The word is introduced and defined at the morning meeting at least once each week of the month. We also include PYP Learner Profile Attributes. There will be no new vocabulary in May, as we will review the words from the year. Be sure and ask your student about the words shared at morning meeting.

Attention 2024-25 4th and 5th Graders: Join the Adams Robotics Team!

If you will be in the 4th or 5th grade in the upcoming 2024-25 school year, we're looking for you! We have openings for interested students to participate in the Adams First Lego League (FLL) Robotics program next year. This program will start up in the fall, right after school starts.

You can learn more about FLL at their website: https://www.firstlegoleague.org/season.

Is your child interested? If so, please fill out the form below and let us know. We will also need parent mentors--teams cannot participate without parent mentors! If you are interested in filling that role, please note that on the form, as well.

PLTW - Energy Exploration

Fourth graders in Mrs. Washabaugh’s class are studying Energy Exploration in their current PLTW module. Students learned about potential and kinetic energy by making ramps and rolling marbles down them. They used their scientific knowledge to measure speed and distance while eventually making one large class ramp to test their hypothesis.

We are rounding out the school year by focusing on the SEL CASEL Competency of Responsible Decision-Making. This competency focuses on an individual’s ability to make caring and constructive choices about their behavior as well as their social interactions. When we practice self and social awareness and utilize self-management and relationship skills we equip ourselves to make responsible choices!

Congratulations to the following students for being recognized for their ongoing responsible decision-making in April:

  • K: Natalie Rau
  • 1: Malachi Adams, Hannah Zimmerman
  • 3: Brook Ireland, Lexi Wood
  • 4: Phoenix Horonzy, Haley Kret
  • 5: Savanah Sweebe

Adams 5th Grade Culture Club

Holi, the Hindu Festival of Color that celebrates the beginning of spring, was celebrated on March 25th in India and Nepal. Since it was spring break for Midland Public Schools, the Adams 5th Grade Culture Club learned about India and the Holi Festival a little late, on April 12th. Dow High students Tara and Shree Singh (of the DHS Dear Asian Youth) presented the history of the Holi Festival and how it is celebrated today, with the throwing of color and water. They also shared more about India, including dance, specifically Odissi dance, which they study with local teacher Sangeeta Kar. The 5th graders even tried some dance moves, learning how difficult it is to maintain balance.

On April 25th, Culture Club took a field trip to further their learning of Indian culture. Selvan Alphonse, owner of the local Indian restaurant Veedu, hosted the Culture Club. “Veedu” is the word for “home” in Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages still used in India today, and was chosen to represent what the restaurant will offer - a place where people feel at home. Mr. Alphonse, an Adams’ parent, was kind enough to provide a private room and discounted buffet with many different Indian dishes for the students to sample. Culture Club members, their parents and their siblings were invited and enjoyed the delicious food, some trying Indian food for the first time! We are thankful to Veedu and to the Singh twins for sharing their culture with us!

Arbor Day - 4th Grade

On Friday, April 26th, some Dow Gardens staff came and taught our fourth grade classes about Arbor Day. Students got to enjoy three stations. One station was with an Arborist who taught students about their job and showed their equipment. At another station, students learned Shanty Boy (lumberjack lingo). They then learned about the history of Arbor Day and planted a white spruce tree to take home.

Field Trip to MBS Airport

Mr. Curtis's third grade class had a wonderful trip to the airport to see a few Dow Chemical airplanes. They toured the office where all flights get organized, explored two executive airplanes, watched a plane take off, learned about flight mechanics, and saw the fire truck. Mr. Howson and the other employees were great and welcomed students onto the airplanes.

Picture Parent

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) Wright was a sought-after architect of the 20th century. His “prairie style” designs were very modern-day, with wide low roofs, windows that wrapped corners, and spacious open-concept interiors. Wright had over 30 homes that he designed just in Michigan alone. His style greatly influenced our own, Alden B. Dow.

Mrs. Washabaugh’s fourth grade students designed their own “dream bedrooms.” Some of which included an attached soccer field, stalls for horses, spa bathrooms, fireplaces, and a wrap-around pool. They learned how to draw in plan view, 1/4” scale, and certain guild lines to construct a bedroom.

It was so much fun watching the students turn into little architects!

Katie Truemner Bruessow

You’re Invited! Mark your calendar for our Adams Family Picnic Lunch on May 28 from 11:45-12:30

We are inviting families to come and have a picnic lunch with your children. Simply bring a picnic lunch, grab a pizza, or even pick up fast food and join us. There is no need to check in at the office; just head to the playground at 11:45.

You are welcome to bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a pop-up umbrella, whatever makes you comfortable. Please set up a meeting spot with your child(ren) as all students will be released to the playground for lunch. We ask that you walk to school, if possible, due to limited parking.

We look forward to seeing you then. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Renfro with any questions that arise. If the weather decides not to cooperate, this event will be cancelled.

Save the Day - Adams Senior Grad Walk

Graduating Seniors who attended Adams Elementary—you are invited to a graduation walk at Adams. Wear your cap and gown and meet in front of Adams promptly at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24th, to walk the halls in celebration of your accomplishment. A group picture will immediately follow.

Midland Public Schools Flyer Boards

Schools receive many requests to share flyers about summer camps, basketball camps, volleyball camps, and other community activities. Midland Public Schools maintains two flyer boards to share this information with families. Please follow the links below to access the flyer boards.

Parking Lot Reminders

  • The entrance to the parking lot is two lanes. There is not a middle passing lane.
  • Pull forward as far as possible (just not into the bus lane by the flagpole) when you are along the drop-off/pick-up lane.
  • Have your children enter/exit the car on the passenger side directly onto the sidewalk.
  • Do not park and get out of your vehicle on the road or in the pick-up/drop-off line. If you are walking your child to the school, please park in the parking lot first.
  • Continue to give each other grace and patience in the parking lot. It models patience, care, and leadership for our students and helps to keep everyone safe. Thank you!

Lost and Found

Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each semester.

Students should check the lost and found periodically. We have accumulated many misplaced items such as jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, and other personal belongings. Please label your child's belongings to help us quickly return them to their owners.

Link to the PTO e-newsletter: https://adamsatomsptoupdate.my.canva.site

Adams Staff Appreciation Week is Next Week, May 6-10:

We would like to show our staff some extra love and appreciation each day of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Please donate items through the Sign Up Genius link below:

As always, we appreciate your incredible generosity!

In addition, this year, we would like our students to show the staff a little extra gratitude each day of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Please encourage your student(s) to participate in one or more of the following days.

Many Thanks Monday- Bring your teachers and paraprofessionals a flower 🌷 (bought, hand-picked, paper, or drawn)

Treat Tuesday- Bring a sweet treat 🍫 to give!

Writing Wednesday- Write them a note or draw a picture thanking them for all their hard work. ✉️

Supply Thursday- Bring a school supply to help restock the room. 🖍️

Favorite Friday- Wear your teacher's favorite color or Adams gear! 👕

We are grateful for your support!

💙 Emma Palmiter and The Adams Elementary PTO

Panda Express Restaurant Give Back on Friday, May 3 (all day):

Show Panda Express this flyer (electronically or paper flier from your student's folder), or if ordering online, enter the code 372725 in the fundraiser box, and 20% of the sales will be donated to the Adams PTO. Thank you for your support - every order makes an impact!

The 2024 Walk-a-thon on May 24:

The Adams Walk-a-thon kicked off this week! Walk-a-thon Pledge Forms went home with students and can be sent back at any time. The final deadline is Friday, May 24, the day of the Walk-a-thon.

Spring Book Fair Thank YOU!

We had a successful Spring Book Fair - thank you to all the students and families who shopped at the fair and to the parents who volunteered! Adams' families surpassed our goal of 1,400 books sold at the Spring Book Fair - we sold 1635 books -- that is $12,354 in sales! Adams PTO earns a percentage back from the book fair that we then use to help purchase books for our classroom libraries, weekly scholastic readers for every classroom and additional funds to support our yearly PTO budget. Thank you to everyone who shopped at our spring fair. We hope everyone found a book they loved!

We look forward to you coming back in October for the next Adams Book Fair. Additionally, on Family Night, Kona Ice donated back $195 to Adams PTO - we very much appreciate your support!

If you missed the fair and want to shop online, there is still time. Adams PTO will still earn a percentage of all online sales! https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/adamselementary

Upcoming Key Dates and Times

  • May 3, Panda Express Restaurant Day (Code: 372725)
  • May 6-10, Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 9, 5th Grade Orchestra Concert 6:00 PM
  • May 9, 5th Grade Choir Concert 6:30 PM
  • May 9, 5th Grade Band Concert 7:00 PM
  • May 10, Library Closing (Past due books must be returned by May 17)
  • May 13, Last PTO Meeting of the School Year 6:00 PM (all welcome)
  • May 14, Papa Johns Pizza Night (Code: Adams20)
  • May 17, Adams Spirit Day - Twin Day
  • May 23, 5th Grade PYP Exhibition
  • May 24, Senior Grad Walk 10:00 AM
  • May 24, Walk-a-thon
  • May 27 No School
  • May 28, Field Day
  • May 28, Family Picnic (11:45 AM-12:30 PM)
  • May 28, Skate Night 6-8 PM (No entry fee, only pay for skate rentals)
  • May 31, Last Day of School (1/2 day)

Want to connect with more families from Adams Elementary?

Join the Friends of Adams Elementary PTO Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/midlandadamselementary/, or follow on Instagram @friendsofadamspto.

PTO President - Emma Palmiter - PTOPresidentAdams@gmail.com

Daily Schedule

  • 8:35 am First Bell, students may enter the building, head to their classroom
  • 8:40 am Second Bell, school starts
  • 11:30 am - 12:19 pm Lunchtime (1st & 3rd - Eat/Play)
  • 11:55 am - 12:44 pm Lunchtime (KDG & 5th - Eat/Play)
  • 11:55 am - 12:44 pm Lunchtime (2nd & 4th - Play/Eat)
  • 3:40 pm Final Bell, students dismissed

Reporting Absences Through ParentVUE

Parents/Guardians can report student(s) absent via ParentVUE. This feature appears as a blue button titled "Report Absences" on the app's main page or website.

  • Parents/guardians can report absences for a single day or multiple days.
  • Report each student individually. Do not enter additional students in the notes section.
  • For each absence reported, parents/guardians must provide a detailed note explaining the reason. If you report your student as sick, please list the symptoms your student is experiencing. The note will help school attendance staff select the correct attendance code.
  • If you have a legal or medical document, please upload it with the absence, or provide it to the school attendance staff upon your student's return. Parents/guardians can still call to report an absence at 989-923-6037.

Tracy Renfro

Principal

renfrotd@midlandps.org

Wendy Sekely

Administrative Assistant

sekelywj@midlandps.org

Adams Elementary School

Office (989) 923-6037

Fax (989) 923-6035

1005 Adams Dr.

Midland, MI 48642

If you are not currently receiving text messages with information such as phone or power outages, weather closures or other MPS information, you can opt in to receive text messages from MPS by texting Y to 68453.