Flickinger Elementary Nancy Brunetz, Principal 45400 Vanker, Utica, MI 48317 Flickinger E-Mail: [email protected]586-797-4900 Phone / 586-797-4999 Attendance Line / 586-797-4901 Fax http://flickingerelementary.com Utica Community Schools Website: http://www.uticak12.org Table of Contents Food Drive -2 Toy Drive -2 Mitten Tree Donation - 2 Parent Portal info-2 Thank You-2 Library-2 Snowflake Shop –3 Party Information -3 Fun with Flags-4 Honor Roll Students –5 Turkey Feathers-6 Fun at Flickinger-6 Coding-7 Government-8 Parent Group-9 Principal’s All Stars-10 Sharing Assembly-11 Spirit Week-12 Mindset-13 Hands on Engineers-13 Feeding the Need-14 December Calendar –15 Dates to Remember 12/12&13 Snowflake Shop 12/15 Food Drive Ends Toy Drive Ends Mitten Tree Ends 12/19 Parent Group Mting 12/20 Sharing Assembly 12/23 No School to 1/2 No School 1/3 Classes Resume 1-15 NO School—MLK Day 1-25 1/2 day dismiss 11:29 1-26 1/2 day dismiss 11:29 2-19 to 2-23 Mid-Winter Break Flickinger Falcon December 2017 A Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence Dear Flickinger Families, Thank you for attending Parent/Teacher Conferences last month. The staff and I appreciate your continued partnership in developing an academic foundation that will lead our students to success in their futures. Please remember to obtain and set -up your Parent PowerSchool account if you have not already. Report cards will continue to be sent out electronically for the remaining quarters of the school year. Parents sometimes ask us about ways to help their child since the strategies we are using with them differ from when they learned the content in school. This comes up often times in mathematics. What’s not new in math are the topics students are learning about such as number sense, geometry, probability and algebra. What is different is the expectation that students understand what they are doing within a math process so they can apply their math knowledge outside the classroom. For example, many of us learned to multiply numbers by using the standard algorithm (traditional method): lining the numbers up vertically and begin multiplying with the numbers in the ones place. Placing the zero in the second row of our solution became second nature to us as we continued multiplying the first number by the second number’s digit in the tens place. One challenge our students experience is understanding why zeros are being recorded and why we are making separate rows within our solution. Our curriculum explores learn- ing alternate strategies which helps students understand how place value plays an important role in solving the problem. Students who learn math without understanding why we do what we do, have a harder time solving problems especially when questions are posed in a new way or uses different models. One way our staff is supporting student learning in mathematics is through the use of Interactive Math Notebooks. Students record their learning using this unique form of note -taking. Your child’s teacher guides her students through creating pages of notes containing drawings, diagrams and example problems. Math vocabulary is not only defined but embedded within the topic the students are learning so they can make meaningful connections. Because of their creative-nature, interactive math notebooks allow students to be active participants in their own learning. I encourage you to ask your child to bring their notebook home periodically to see what they are learning about in math. Notebooks are great resources that can be used both in and outside of the classroom. They are especially helpful when completing homework. On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to wish you and your family many happy moments during this Winter Break. I thank you for your generous donations of toys, hats, mittens and canned foods. It was a wonderful way for Flickinger to support the families within our community. Enjoy the time off with your family and we look forward to seeing you in 2018! Sincerely, Nancy Brunetz, Proud Flickinger Principal
586-797-4900 Phone / 586-797-4999 Attendance Line / 586-797-4901 Fax http://flickingerelementary.com
Utica Community Schools Website: http://www.uticak12.org
Table of Contents
Food Drive -2 Toy Drive -2 Mitten Tree Donation - 2 Parent Portal info-2 Thank You-2 Library-2 Snowflake Shop –3 Party Information -3 Fun with Flags-4 Honor Roll Students –5 Turkey Feathers-6 Fun at Flickinger-6 Coding-7 Government-8 Parent Group-9 Principal’s All Stars-10 Sharing Assembly-11 Spirit Week-12 Mindset-13 Hands on Engineers-13 Feeding the Need-14 December Calendar –15
Dates to Remember 12/12&13 Snowflake Shop 12/15 Food Drive Ends Toy Drive Ends Mitten Tree Ends 12/19 Parent Group Mting 12/20 Sharing Assembly 12/23 No School to 1/2 No School 1/3 Classes Resume 1-15 NO School—MLK Day 1-25 1/2 day dismiss 11:29 1-26 1/2 day dismiss 11:29 2-19 to 2-23 Mid-Winter Break
Flickinger Falcon
December 2017
A Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence
Dear Flickinger Families,
Thank you for attending Parent/Teacher Conferences last month. The staff and I appreciate your
continued partnership in developing an academic foundation that will lead our students to success in their
futures. Please remember to obtain and set-up your Parent PowerSchool account if you have not already.
Report cards will continue to be sent out electronically for the remaining quarters of the school year.
Parents sometimes ask us about ways to help their child since the strategies we are using with
them differ from when they learned the content in school. This comes up often times in mathematics.
What’s not new in math are the topics students are learning about such as number sense, geometry,
probability and algebra. What is different is the expectation that students understand what they are doing
within a math process so they can apply their math knowledge outside the classroom. For example, many
of us learned to multiply numbers by using the standard algorithm (traditional method): lining the numbers
up vertically and begin multiplying with the numbers in the ones place. Placing the zero in the second row
of our solution became second nature to us as we continued multiplying the first number by the second
number’s digit in the tens place. One challenge our students experience is understanding why zeros are
being recorded and why we are making separate rows within our solution. Our curriculum explores learn-
ing alternate strategies which helps students understand how place value plays an important role in solving
the problem. Students who learn math without understanding why we do what we do, have a harder time
solving problems especially when questions are posed in a new way or uses different models.
One way our staff is supporting student learning in mathematics is through the use of Interactive
Math Notebooks. Students record their learning using this unique form of note-taking. Your child’s
teacher guides her students through creating pages of notes containing drawings, diagrams and example
problems. Math vocabulary is not only defined but embedded within the topic the students are learning so
they can make meaningful connections. Because of their creative-nature, interactive math notebooks
allow students to be active participants in their own learning. I encourage you to ask your child to bring
their notebook home periodically to see what they are learning about in math. Notebooks are great
resources that can be used both in and outside of the classroom. They are especially helpful when
completing homework.
On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to wish you and your family many happy moments
during this Winter Break. I thank you for your generous donations of toys, hats, mittens and canned foods.
It was a wonderful way for Flickinger to support the families within our community.
Enjoy the time off with your family and we look forward to seeing you in 2018!
Flickinger Elementary, along with Utica Lions Club, is having a food drive for the families in our area. We will be collecting non-perishable items through Friday, December 15th. In the Media Center you will find boxes for your Donations. Thank You for all you do! Please make sure all food items are brought to school by December 15th.
Toy Drive
Flickinger Elementary along with the Salvation Army is having a toy drive.
We will be collecting new and un-used toys in their original packaging through
Friday, December 15th. Look for the toy barrel to place your unwrapped toys in the Media Center or in front of the school office. Please help make a child’s Christmas special this year.
Mitten Tree Donations
It is that time of year again! In the Media Center you will find our Mitten tree. We are asking for donations of mittens, gloves, scarves and hats
to be placed on the tree. If you are able to make a donation, please do so through December 15th. Your donations will be given to children in need to use during the cold Michigan winter.
We Need Your Help!
Flickinger students are in need of someone to chair the Annual Variety Show. If you are interested in organizing this event please call the school office at 586-797-4900 or email the school Parent Group at [email protected]
From the Library
We are in need of wipes and tissue in the library. We are trying to keep all the books clean by washing them after every use to help cut down on the passing of germs and to help keep our books in better shape. If you could donate wipes please send them with your child to the library. We are also seeing many runny noses so Kleenex would also be helpful! Thank you for your support.
Thank You Lunch Supervisors and Volunteers
Flickinger students and staff would like to thank our wonderful helpers that take the time to come in and volunteer at our school . We would not be able to do the great things here at Flickinger without your help.
A BIG THANK YOU !
Attention Parents: A message from the Office
Parents can only view your students report card on the districts website in Powerschool.
Please make every effort to activate your Parent Portal in Powerschool. If you did not
sign out your Parent Portal ID number and password come to the school office to do so.
Thank You
Healthy Party Snacks
When a snack is part of the party, think healthy. Low fat and low sugar snacks help students get through the day without losing focus or feeling tired when the sugar burns off. Here are a few ideas.
• Fruit Smoothies: 1/2 cup fruit, 1 cup yogurt,
• 1/2 cup juice or milk, 4 ice cubes. Blend together and serve.
• Freshly popped popcorn. Use an air popper for a change.
• Low-fat pudding cups.
• Fruit slices with dip.
• Fruit Kabobs: use different kinds of fruit or let the kids make their own.
• Please keep in mind Peanut Free classrooms.
Healthy Party Ideas
From birthday parties to classroom celebrations are a frequent activity in elementary schools. Cupcakes, juice, pizza, donuts, and ice cream don’t have to be the main menu items at these parties. Below are some ideas for making those celebrations fun, active, and healthier.
• Donate a classroom gift. Wrap a game or a book that can be donated to the classroom for indoor recess or free time. Don’t tell your child what it is so that it is a surprise to them too!
• Gift bags with school supplies! The gift that keeps on giving every time they use that pencil or eraser.
• Bring in a craft for the students to do together, arrange a game, or extra recess.
• Be a guest reader for your child’s birthday (or ask another very special person).
SNOWFLAKE SHOP Our Annual Snowflake Shop is on the way. It will be open during the school day on Tuesday, and Wednesday December 12 & 13 from 8:25-3:00.
All the gifts available for purchase are $2.00. All items were purchased at Fun Services.
We realize that the holiday season is a busy time, but we would appreciate your help. Parent volunteers are needed to help run the shop, setup and return any remaining items. If you are able to help please call or email Mrs. Cooke at 810-824-0401 ,or [email protected] or Mrs. Spiegel at 248-420-8258 or [email protected] or Mrs. Stricklen at 586-303-7643 or [email protected] Thank you for all your help!
HOLIDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
NO SCHOOL: December 23, 2017 - January 2, 2018 CLASSES RESUME: Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Fun with Flags
Second Graders learn about different flags
around the world.
FLICKINGER
HONOR ROLL STUDENTS
3RD GRADE 4TH GRADE 5TH GRADE 6TH GRADE
Mrs.Thompson Colton C.
Victoria C.
Carley D.
Danika D.
Matthew Gj.
Sara G.
Gabby H.
Lauren K.
Aurora L.
Norah L.
Makayla L.
Jackson L.
Aidan M.
Dawson P.
Noelle P.
Zak S.
Alex Y.
Mrs. Mackenzie Lily B.
Garry B.
Nolan D.
Katelyn D.
Elise D.
Brennan H.
Brooklyn H.
Sarah H.
Jaden J.
Merrick K.
Luke M.
Travis N.
Shane P.
Karleigh R.
Sameed U.
Sophia W.
Nathan W.
Evan W.
Holden W.
Sophia Z.
Mrs.Horwood Brody A.
Kylee B.
Addison C.
Noah D.
Addison G.
Andrew G.
Farah H.
Nicole J.
Tommy M.
Mihajlo M.
Jayden N.
Riya P.
Amilian P.
Jacob R.
Valeria S.
Alex S.
Elizabeth S.
Carter S.
Tyler S.
Hannah U.
Jhulian V.
Mrs. Kish John A.
Rosell A.
Carter A.
Jada A.
Kylie B.
Shyla C.
Travis C.
Carter C.
Dante D.
Nathan E.
Leila E.
Mark G.
Adam H.
Gabriella K.
Leona L.
Andrew M.
Mavlyn M.
Audrey V.
Drew W.
Aaliyah W.
Lillian W.
Ms. Gibbons Revan B.
Alyssa C.
Andrew C.
Garett C.
Jacob C.
Emma C.
James D.
Chloe F.
Elyssa F.
Jorges J.
Jordan J.
Regan K.
Joseph L.
Jaden M.
Jayden P.
Emma P.
Sydnee R.
Annalia R.
Gjon S.
Anatolie T.
Madilyn W.
Mrs. Harwood Bianca B.
Alaina D.
Zachary N.
Alex R.
Lena V.
Ava Z.
Mrs. DeCumen Madison A.
Kamela B.
Jordyn B.
Hadley B.
Sofia C.
Jacob H.
Shelby K.
Elijah M.
Sean M.
Dante S.
Misty T.
Lucas W.
Mr. DeMarti Bradley B.
Gabriela B.
Breanna B.
Adiaelizabeth C.
Braden C.
Katie C.
Brent C.
Kaley E.
Natalia G.
Joshua G.
Grace J.
Breanna K.
Joshua M.
Hussein N.
Jayden N.
Emily N.
Ellison R.
Raymond S.
Alaina S.
Jake S.
Carly S.
Brynn W.
Mrs. Lantzy Alexis A.
Lucia B.
Rihanna B.
Oscar C.
Ahmantae' C.
Davin G.
Shila L.
Caleb M.
Madeline P.
Ashly R.
Avelina R.
Morgan S.
Noah S.
Maura T.
Gabriella W.
Savannah W.
Cooper W.
Joseph Z.
Mr. Osmond Isabelle B.
Alivia B.
Jade B.
Robert B.
Carolyn C.
Landon C.
Anthony F.
Morgan H.
Olivia I.
Luis J.
Macy M.
Anna M.
Alma N.
Akash P.
Yug P
Daniel P.
Allisson R.
Lily R.
Isabela R.
Savannah S.
Adam S.
Brendan S.
Alayna S.
Sawyer S.
Sydney W.
Max W.
Turkey Contest A big Thank You to everyone who donated for the turkey feather contest.
Here are the top three winners :
Mr. DeMarti’s 6th grade class, Mrs. Mackenzie 3rd grade class
and Mr. Osmond’s 4th grade class.
Making the grand total of 686.00 Wow great work.
We are proud of our school!
Spirit Week Fun Continues….
The classroom that raised the most money for Caps for Kids was Mrs. Kish class. Mrs.
Kish’s class chose the costume for Ms. Diskin .Second place was Mr. DeMarti’s class.
They chose a costume for Mrs. Adams . Ms. Diskin and Mrs. Adams wore their costumes
on Friday, November 10th. What a great sense of humor these ladies have. Nice job ladies.
Flickinger students raised $425.00. Great work Flickinger !
All proceeds go to “Caps for Kids” Childhood Leukemia. Thank you to all who donated.
Future dates of interest
NO SCHOOL January 15
Martin Luther King Day
January 25 1/2 day dismiss at 11:29
January 26 1/2 day dismiss at 11:29
Mid-Winter Break February 19-23
Coding in Our Flickinger Media Center and Classrooms
Code.org offers an elementary school curriculum that allows even the youngest
students to explore the limitless world of computing. Each of the courses blend online,
self-guided and self-paced tutorials with “unplugged” activities. By the end of each
course, students can create interactive games, stories, and art that they can share with
anyone. Built on the online Code Studio learning platform, these courses are available in dozens of languages,
and already used by millions of students in tens of thousands of classrooms.
Flickinger students in grades 1-6 each have a personal login so the program can keep track of their growth
and learning while allowing a student to return to the spot he/she left off from. Ask your child to login at
home and show you the neat things he or she is learning! Stay tuned for updates on how our coding is
extending beyond the computer and including tablets and robots! Ask your child about his or her coding
experience and what our robots can do!
Each grade level has a specific page to visit to login:
First Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/BYJHKW Second Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/PFJDBC Third Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/BHMXVB Fourth Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/GPUPTT Fifth Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/AXIZUD Sixth Grade: http://studio.code.org/sections/ZZYYTV
Flickingers 5th and 6th Grade Debate 2017/2018
Flickingers 5th and 6th grade students are learning about the structure and process of the federal government.
The students have selected their top candidates and those top candidates squared off in their first debate! Past presidents
took time from their busy schedule to attend this event! Candidates had to answer some tough questions from the
moderators and voters in the audience. The voters will go to the polls and decide the 2017 /2018 President and
Vice President of Flickinger Elementary.
President and Vice President of Flickinger Elementary 2017/2018
Vice President Lila N. and President Carly S. Congratulations
Students showing Gratitude
for the month of November
Flickinger Third Graders are Hands On Engineers
As part of third grade science curriculum, third graders explored the concepts of force and motion. In order to help students connect to
force and motion in a meaningful way, Flickinger teachers are integrating science, engineering, math, and technology.
Students participated in motion stations that included Discovery Education virtual experiments, hands on exploration of
magnets, and reading expository text . Third graders applied this information through "Gadget Works, " a distance learning with COSI,
the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus. During the distance learning, each student had a defined job in an experiment with
simple machines. Students applied the scientific method.
"I liked sharing my hypothesis about how the crab robot worked with the presenter, " commented third grader Aaliyah W.
"I was the mechanical engineer who got to take the crab apart," included third grade student, Carter A.
Students are excited to participate in more hands on engineering and science experiments throughout the year.
