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Dearest Parents,

If you haven’t already heard the sad news, our governing board met and unanimously voted to close AISU on or before August 15, 2019. Our hearts are broken. We will do everything we can to help keep normalcy these next 4 weeks we have left together.

The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is putting together a school recruitment fair at AISU on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. The charter schools in the area that are still enrolling students will be here to help you determine if they would be a good fit for your child’s continued academic success.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Hard to believe, but OUR THIRD AND FINAL student-led, parent/teacher conferences are upon us!

Due to the scheduling of the school's recruitment fair I must move appointments that were in place from 5-6pm on that same day. I have opened up additional slots on Monday and Wednesday, but I would be happy to arrange for any other time that would suit your schedule, please just let me know what you prefer. Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/70a0f4fa5ad22a3fc1-final

Read-A-Thon

This is an annual tradition in the elementary program and it is always a huge success. The children ask family and friends to "sponsor" them for reading during the Read-A-Thon. Friends or family can sponsor a student $5 to read for 1 hour during the Read-A-Thon, for example, and then your child tracks their reading, (with your help,) and collects the money from that sponsor.

When your child brings back the money they raised in the envelope, we turn it in for a Book Fair coupon. The best part, this book fair is a BOGO (buy one get one free,) so your child gets double the books for the money they raise.

Enclosed you will find the Elementary Pledge and Minute tracker forms. I sent home hard copies of the flyer and envelopes for each student last week, but just in case, now you have the digital format too. On June 2nd we will total all the pledges received by students and issue certificates for them to use to shop at the book fair June 3-6th.

Book Fair: June 3rd-6th

Come and spend your money you collected during the Read-A-Thon. It's a BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) on all books!

THIRD GRADE GRADUATION: MAY 30th at 10:00am

PAC (Performing Arts Center) All students attend.

**Updated: Carnival Field Day will be on Thursday, June 6th!

All students will attend! Our time on the field will be 1:00-2:00pm! We welcome any parents (not required) to come and have fun with their child during field day!

Last Day of School will be on Friday, June 7th

Yearbooks will be passed out on the last day of school. This is a big clean up day, take everything home if you haven't already!

Thank you for your support and participation, let's make the last few weeks unforgettable!

May 14th-17th: Elementary Student Led Conferences

May 24th: NO SCHOOL

May 27th: NO SCHOOL

May 30th: 3rd Grade Graduation-10am in the PAC

June 4th: Directors and Donuts 8:30

June 6th: CARNIVALE!

June 7th: Last Day of School

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This trimester has been a whirlwind. We have had so many special events on our schedule, leading off with a busy end to 2nd trimester.

Following last trimester's Celebration of Learning and our short plays performance we also enjoyed the afternoon in high school's science lab, a magic show presented by middle school, a fashion show presented by the high school design team.

We are still working to wrap up with two units from earlier this year, so expect to finish out these last few weeks of school by completing several project-based assignments, including our Enigma project and our personal timelines.

If you can contribute anything more to your child's timeline project, such as by providing photos for your student to use in his or her final timeline, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone that has already provided photos to be used in this assignment!

In conjunction with the timeline study, we have also been discussing the Big Bang Theory and world history, starting with evolution through prehistoric humans.

This is a bridge to the Level 2 curriculum we have been covering on ancient civilizations. We wrapped up with our units on Ancient China, Greece, Egypt and Rome, and we will continue with these lessons through to the end of the year.

Additionally, I assigned every student a new book to read at home, we will be doing a book report on these books, and I have also sent home a worksheet for the kids to make notes as they read, so as to prepare the book report.

By the end of last trimester we completed our social studies unit on South America, moving right along into the Africa unit. This will be really fun for the kiddos, lots of learning to be had, with fun games and activities to supplement that learning. The Dolphins have a particular passion for all things animals, so this unit speaks to that collective passion.

Coincidentally, the transition into Africa perfectly coincides with our class progress on learning about the climate crisis.

Last month we will completed our unit on botany, using the Red Butte Garden Botany Bin and pulling from field experience from our field trip to Red Butte. We will continue with more hands-on activity this month by visiting the nearby nature reserves to catch and study insects, flora and fauna.

We are currently in the midst of round 2 of raising butterflies to observe their lifecycle, our five new catapillars have already transformed into chrysalides and should be presenting  as butterflies any day now. This time, in addition to the butterflies we have also created a ladybug habitat with the same observational and learning objectives in mind. The lady bugs are still in the larva phase. Much to my surprise, they look nothing like ladybugs... and as you can glean, even teacher benefits from real-world learning!

In conjunction with the above lessons we have been working outside to revamp the planter boxes by the playground, with the objective of planting new life where there was none and doing something positive for the environment to combat the climate crisis.

On a related note, the kids seem to be taking our empathy and action learning to heart, and have demonstrated their sense of empowerment by taking action for causes that mean something to them. Our little students have transformed into change-makers, and the world better step aside and make room for this Dolphin class, as these amazing kids find and embrace their "voice."

Case-in-point, last week the kiddos orchestrated a new and upcoming event "The Great AISU Cleanup," a day dedicated to cleaning up litter in and around our school while at the same time participating in a friendly class-on-class competition to see which class collects the most trash. We have tentatively marked our calendars to have this event one day next week, but I will update you on the confirmed date once determined.

To read more about our class lessons and activities, please be sure to visit our "Living History" bulletin board available through the padlet.
https://padlet.com/msjessicaaisu/history

Expect a very busy, content-filled month ahead, as we close in on the end our year. As always, your support and participation is welcomed and greatly appreciated!

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PLEASE NOTE: I have absolutely NO photos or video from our evening of short plays during the Celebration of Learning...

If anyone has some you’re willing to share with me I would be most appreciative! Please send them via email, if you can. Thanks!

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https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f4fa5ad22a3fc1-final

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world kids global unity love peace children gathering schools educational

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FINAL Parent-Teacher Conferences with Miss Jessica FOR LOWER EL 6

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Hard to believe, but OUR THIRD AND FINAL student-led, parent/teacher conferences are upon us! Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday & Thursday, May 14th & 16th, from 3pm-6pm. AISU's lower elementary team always strives for 100% attendance for these conferences, I hope you can make this a priority for you and your child to attend.

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Wednesday after-School Request for Participation

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Wednesday after-School Request for Participation

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Wednesday afternoon — Are you coming to sing “Don’t Give Up On Me” with your AISU friends? It's in the Music Hall after school. We'll start at around 3:15pm and we hope to be done by 4:15pm, or sooner, if we're awesome.

Be prepared to sing the song several times. This is a recording session.

Rehearsal tracks, sheet music, lyrics pages, and the original song we’re covering on YouTube is still available in our Facebook Group, on DOJO and below this email, but we have been practicing in music class all week. Hopefully you've had a chance to practice at home, but not to worry if that's not the case, there will be printed copies of the lyrics and managing the parts will be instructor-led, so the kids should be able to follow along without any trouble. We just need them to SHOW UP FOR AISU, ready with energy and the confidence to sing with their heart.

I don’t know who will come. We might have many, maybe even too many, or we might have just a few. The kids have asked me to reach out to the parents tonight so as to encourage your approval in allowing them to participate, alongside their peers, in this special gesture for our community.

Ms. Marsden has suggested having your student wear AISU colors tomorrow: red, white, blue, and light blue, (or AISU-branded clothing works too.)

Feel free to reply to this email or send me a message to let me know whether or not your child can attend. Any responses to help with planning and coordination tomorrow will be very helpful.

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Listen very closely to the children's parts on the video, which are slightly different from the lead singer's part. The children are singing in two parts. Pick up and sing whichever one you want. Grownups and older students, please learn the same parts the children are singing on the video, in the range of the children's voices, or down an octave if necessary. (Extra hint: If you know how triads or part singing work, pick a note in between that fits your high range if you are men, and middle-to-low range if you are women.)

We'll meet in the choir room next Wednesday after school to video record it. If there are a lot of people, we'll just pack in like sardines. We'll project the words of the song on the screen, but try to be completely memorized!

Matt Huntley, our choir director, will sing lead and we will all sing back up. We'll probably have younger children back up the first verse, and everyone plus younger children back up the second verse and the end.

We are excited to see what we can pull off in this short time! Let your passion shine!

Andy Grammer - “Don’t Give Up On Me”

Verse 1:

I will fight

I will fight for you

I always do until my heart

Is black and blue

And I will stay

I will stay with you

We'll make it to the other side

Like lovers do

I'll reach my hands out in the dark

And wait for yours to interlock

I'll wait for you

I'll wait for you

CHORUS:

'Cause I'm not givin' up

I'm not givin' up, givin' up

No, not yet

Even when I'm down to my last breath

Even when they say there's nothin' left

So don't give up on —

I'm not givin' up

I'm not givin' up, givin' up

No, not me

Even when nobody else believes

I'm not goin' down that easily

So don't give up on me

Verse 2:

And I will hold

I'll hold onto you

No matter what this world'll throw

It won't shake me loose

I'll reach my hands out in the dark

And wait for yours to interloc

I'll wait for you

I'll wait for you

CHORUS:

'Cause I'm not givin' up

I'm not givin' up, givin' up

No, not yet

Even when I'm down to my last breath

Even when they say there's nothin' left

So don't give up on —

I'm not givin' up

I'm not givin' up, givin' up

No, not me

Even when nobody else believes

I'm not goin' down that easily

So don't give up on me

Whoa, whoa

Whoa, whoa

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah

I will fight

I will fight for you

I always do until my heart

Is black and blue

Thanks wonderful parents!

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"Don't Give Up On Me" Andy Grammer ft. PS22 Chorus

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From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you that contributed to and participated in Friday night's class fundraiser. The fundraiser was a huge success, and we raised the second highest amount all year, second only to the Halloween movie night, which was shared by two teachers.

I was depending on the proceeds from this event to help pay off the remainder of the balance I owe on the purchase of our computer kits. I am thrilled to announce that balance is now paid off, thanks to your incredible support.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I have the BEST parents in my class, and my successes are a result of our collaborative efforts. Thank you everyone!!!

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Many of you may have already heard or even seen the special project we have been busy creating over the last month. We managed to complete all but a few remaining details prior to Desi's departure on Friday's movie night. Now the "proof is in the paint" for all to enjoy.

Our class was invited to pitch ideas to the school's art director, Trevor Huisch, for re-vamping the wall mural, located in the grand hallway of the atrium.

He wanted the mural to have value and meaning behind it, and was looking for the new mural to send a positive message.

The students drafted ideas and finalized their pitches to present to Trevor. In the end, the winning idea was inspired by the "Saving our Tomorrow" unit I have been teaching in class this Spring. The concept was conceived of by fellow Dolphin Paul Rivas, WAY TO GO PAUL!

Check out the mural next time you're on campus, located at the entrance to the Grand Marble Hallway.

The photo doesn't do it justice!

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The Rest of the School Year and Homework

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The Rest of the School Year and Homework

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We have great momentum built up from weeks of hard work. I recommend parents keep that momentum going by occasionally completing assignments and homework at home.

If your student has access to a computer or borrows a chromebook from class, you have easy access to our digital classroom featuring a slew of assignments and activities your student can complete on his own. You will find several assignments posted in the google classroom folders for your student. Level Two kids will see several assignments pertaining to our continued study of Ancient Civilizations and namely, Egypt.

I have also posted math assignments per group in the google classroom folders. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly via text if you have any questions or concerns relating to these assignments. I will frequently be available after hours every week to provide chromebooks, should you wish to pick one up for your student.

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I  Lots of Reasons to Mark Your Calendars!

Since the start of our last trimester we have already completed several of our highly-anticipated field trips, including our trip to Red Butte Gardens, our Level Two trip to The Leonardo, our adventure to Kingsbury Hall to see the steampunk puppet production of "Alice," last week our 3rd Graders attended the symphony, followed by a celebratory lunch at the Grand America, and most recently our 2nd Graders were treated to an in-house field trip,"The Rainforest van," presented by Loveland Living Planet.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to chaperone for these trips, they were all a success, thanks to you!

DON'T FORGET
MAY 9th- ALL GRADES
Hill Aerospace Museum

THIRD GRADE TESTING SCHEDULE
The long-awaited dates are upon us, RISE testing IS UNDERWAY. I have been working very hard to prepare our students for the big tests, both in terms of content as well as in terms of software fluency. PLEASE help prepare your 3rd Grader for testing by making sure they get a good night's rest, and by making sure they eat a nutritious breakfast before school!
The test schedule is as follows:
May 8th- RISE/ELA 9am
May 9th- RISE/Math 9am
May 10th- DIBELS TESTING/ Literacy and Fluency [ALL GRADES]

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Please be advised:

I have altered the way in which I give digital assignments. This new update allows the students to access google classroom at anytime and select their own folder from the list of "classes," titled by first names, and /or by level, (see Level One Bulletin and Level Two Bulletin Board, respectively.

The assignments in these folders are hand-selected, based on the student and individual progress. To access, simply log in to google classroom from any computer using the credentials:

Username:
Lowerel6@aisutah.org
Password:
aisutah2019

Once logged in, select your child's folder from the list.  Once inside the folder, you can click switch between pages using the header tabs near the top of the page. Click on the title of an assignment and you'll find a link to the actual assignment.

Once an assignment is completed, you can "submit" the assignment within google classroom to get it off the schedule for the day/mark completed tasks.

We use these folders daily in school, and it's a great way to continue working from home. Please see the related section of this newsletter on "Homework" to begin using this program.

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Field Trip Information for Thursday, May 9th

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Field Trip Information for Thursday, May 9th

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Chaperones for tomorrow's field trip: Please review the guidelines below. My records indicate that we have the following chaperones for tomorrow: Tristin Duncan, Ruchi Jain, and Emily Putnam, along with Andrew England and Casey Wright, assisting, and myself. If I have left someone off the list, please send me a text message to let me know ASAP. Otherwise, plan to be to our classroom tomorrow around 10:45am to get your group assignment. Thanks for your help, it is most appreciated!

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MAY
8 Board Meeting
10 Boys Basketball Banquet
11 Prom
14 Orchestra & Band Concert
14 & 16 EL Student-Led Conferences
16 Senior Breakfast
16 Graduation Practice
16 Community Council Meeting
16 Improv Show
20-23 Senior Week
20 Senior Dinner
21 Board Meeting
21 Choir Concert
22 Senior Lagoon Day
22 Blood Drive
23 MS Spring Party
23 Senior Sunset Hike
23 Last Day of the Term
24 PD Day - No School
27 Memorial Day - No School
28 Intensives Begin
JUNE
5 Kindergarten Graduation
5 5th Grade Graduation
6 Celebration Assembly
6 Celebration of Learning
6 Middle School Musical Review
6 Middle School Graduation
6 Senior Awards Ceremony
7 Last Day of School
7 Elementary Field Day
7 High School Graduation
AISU Events Calendar