Technology Difficulties

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We were just informed by our Technology Department that the software responsible for our report card database has crashed. The system will be down this weekend and likely into next week.

I want up to date marks on the report cards, and therefore, I typically use this weekend to finalize scores (especially because in the past have lost all of the data that I entered early due to server errors). I never print them ahead of time because your children often change from initial enteries and a reassess weekly.  Of course, when I  found out that I could not access my report cards—and will not be able to share the report card with you during conferences this coming week…nightmares from previous server errors came back to haunt me.  As you can imagine, this has been a very stressful Saturday morning.

Once the Powerschool software is repaired, report cards will be completed and sent home.  During conferences, I will be highlighting strengths and areas for growth and sharing work samples.  Thank you for understanding this technical difficulty at a most unfortunate crunch time!


Social Studies Project

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On Monday, a Social Studies project went home. In class we identified the Landforms, Bodies of Water, and Human characteristics of Michigan we have learned about in class. We looked at a map to see where they are in Michigan.

As part of the project your child should place these places on the map and label them. Don’t forget to make it neat and color it. There is a checklist that also goes with the project to make sure you get the full points.

We have identified these places in class, however, your child may need some guidance from parents to label correctly and find specific locations. You may also use any notes from class.

This project is due Friday, October 30.

Have fun with your map! Let me know if you have any questions!


Science

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We have been working on animal adaptations. Please ask your child if he/she finished the mystery animal adaptations. They needed to research an animal and determine five adaptations that help it survive. We will then type them up and post them for other students to guess.

We have completed a science experiment talking about rigid and flexible spines in which the children made models of each. They also had the opportunity to collect and analyze data for the different types of bird beaks. I am hoping to give them a test next Thursday. They will need to know the different adaptations of a deer and tiger.




Superintedent Message: H1N1 Protocol

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I hope this letter finds you all healthy. I am writing to give you an update on the H1N1 influenza and to inform you of how we will proceed with flu outbreaks within the district. We are working very closely with the Ottawa County Health Department (OCHD) to monitor the health and safety of our students. If you suspect your child has the flu, please see your health care provider.

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. If your child is sick with these symptoms, please keep them home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (The fever should be gone without the use of a feverreducing medicine.) This will help prevent the spread of this illness to others.

This school year, the school closure protocol from the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Department is different from last year. Schools will not be closed due to a single confirmed case of H1N1. We know that we already have illness likely caused by the H1N1 virus throughout Ottawa County, therefore the decision to close a school will be based on the number and severity of illnesses. We continue to monitor the attendance at each building carefully. If a building’s attendance drops below 75 percent, we may consider closing the school but will make this decision in consultation with the Health Department.

The OCHD anticipates widespread illness attributed to the H1N1 virus, some of which will be confirmed but much more will be undiagnosed with symptoms. Neither the Health Department nor the District will be able to send a letter home each time we receive notification of a confirmed case. We will update you as needed, putting the safety and well-being of your children first. We are hoping that the H1N1 influenza does not spread as expected, but we all need to follow the guidelines from the Health Department to keep our community safe. These guidelines include:

  • get a seasonal flu vaccination and the H1N1 vaccine for your child when it becomes available
  • advise children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze
  • wash hands often
  • have children avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth
  • keep your child home when sick with flu like symptoms

Sincerely,
Mr. Nicholas Ceglarek, Superintendent


Hobby Scavenger Hunt

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Photography is a hobby of mine as is investigating nature. Long ago, I could even develop my own black and white photos at home. I love to spend time walking in the woods, taking pictures of things in nature. It is very relaxing and I often stumble upon some very interesting animals. I like to take my time by walking off of the path and quietly observing flowers, bugs, new growth and animals. There are times when you need to be extremely careful and watch where you step. I almost stepped on this newborn fawn. Did you know that a fawn is born without a scent so that preditors cannot easily locate it? Their cry sounds much like that of a baby. This was one of two fawns that I found during my walk. I also have pictures of a nymph as the dragonfly is hatching. Did you know that in the life cycle of a dragonfly the nymph stage can last for four years?

I hope that you have a wonderful time looking at everyone’s hobbies. Happy Hobby Hunting!

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