One More Day!

We only have one more day!!!

FYI ­ Makerspace Grant! When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!

It's Time for Scholastic Book Orders!

Tomorrow, Monday September 12th, three Scholastic book orders will be coming home in their Yellow Communication Folders.

Class Code - HB47X

Order Due Date - 09/23/2016

Dear Families,

This month’s Scholastic Reading Club flyers are now available! Please take a few moments to explore the selection together and let your child help choose books he or she is excited to read.

You can order online at scholastic.com/readingclub, where you’ll find a wide selection of quality children’s books that are just right for your child’s reading level and interests. Or return your paper order form to me with a check made out to “Scholastic Reading Club.”

Remember, you help our class earn FREE Books and supplies with every order. Thank you for supporting your child’s reading both at home and in the classroom!

PS: Please let me know if your order includes a gift for your child, and I will contact you when it arrives!

First Time Ordering Online?

Go to scholastic.com/readingclub

Enter our one-time Class Activation Code.

Shop and submit your child's book order.

Your books will be delivered directly to the classroom. 

It is Almost Time!

I can't believe that in a few short days we will begin our 2016-17 journey together.  There are a few important things to note.  I'll try to be brief.  :)

Ticonderoga Pencils
At the beginning of the year, families often ask what they can do to help the year get started.  We have all of the supplies that we need to get going.  If your son/daughter would like to bring their own things, they are more than welcome.  If you want to do something for us, send in some Ticonderoga pencils.  They last longer and sharpen better.  No worries if you are not able to send them in.  Every month, I will ask for something specific that will meet our classroom needs.

Pick Up Plan
It is very important to us to know how your child will get home at the end of each day.  If you have not filled out the pick up plan, do so here.

Parent Survey
If you have not had a chance to fill out the parent survey, please do.  I get a lot of beginning of the year information from this form.  Thank you in advance.  It is often helpful to sit with your child as they may have some insight.  They will also be filling out a similar form for me.  This form is also embedded below in our blog.

Birthday T-Shirts
Our school district is very concerned about the amount of sweets that our students encounter every day.  Because of this, we have a no sweets policy at A2 STEAM.  We would like to begin a new 4th grade tradition this year.  Each student should bring in a white t-shirt on their birthday.  Students will sign that shirt and your son or daughter can keep it as a reminder of their special day.  If you would like to send it pencils, gift bags, or something else, please feel free.

Curriculum Night
STEAM Curriculum night is Thursday, September 15th.  Please come to learn about the exciting opportunities your family will have this year and the dynamic curriculum that has been created over the past few years.

Last But Certainly Not Least...
Please donate what you can to our makerspace.  Read below from more information from Ms. Reader and Ms. Jensen...

When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!

Take a moment to fill out the parent survey!

We Need Your Help!

When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace. Click this link to donate now!

Welcome to 4th Grade!

Dear Students and Parents,

My Name is Mrs. Bertelson and I would like to welcome you to 4th grade at Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside. I am honored to be your teacher for the 2016-2017 school year and look forward to an incredible year of learning and growing. I look forward to meeting you at our Meet and Greet on August 31st from 4 to 5!

I am entering my 13th year teaching and specifically, my third year here at A2 STEAM at Northside.  I’ve taught 4th grade for the majority of my career and it is absolutely my favorite!  Prior to teaching in Ann Arbor, I taught at a STEM school in Battle Creek for 10 years.  I have two beautiful children and a fantastic husband.  My son, Jude, is four and my daughter Luci is 6 and is entering 1st grade here at STEAM.

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On Thursday, September 15th there will be a formal parent only informational meeting. At this meeting, I will go over the specifics of the curriculum, daily schedule, homework expectations and other important information. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure a great working relationship between everyone and to make this school year the most successful ever.

I strongly encourage you to visit and bookmark this page because I use the blog as my primary form of communication throughout the year.  I check email often but do limit it to before school, planning times, and after school.  My own family keeps me pretty busy throughout the evenings, but I will always respond to nightly emails the next morning.  

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone very soon!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions at : bertelson@aaps.k12.mi.us

Kind Regards,

Heather Bertelson

Please click on the link below or copy/paste it in your URL to take an important parent survey:

https://goo.gl/forms/ZJgp5pKjrsfF14UK2

Can you help?

When 500+ students get ready to present their ideas at biannual Expos for the school community, you can imagine the flurry of activity and excitement that ensues. The main problem we have, and the reason why this grant is so essential, is they need to have a solid library of consumable materials for “making.” How many emails go out in the two weeks before Expo to the effect of, "Does anyone have any...?" 

One of the newer trends in schools and libraries are Makerspaces. A Makerspace is a "creative, DIY space where people can gather to create, invent, and learn." In our case, we will be supporting our student projects by having a room full of supplies they can access whenever the need arises. The worst thing we can say to students caught up in the verve of an idea is, “No, you can’t create that, we don’t have the supplies for it.” Help us keep their excitement fueled by providing the basis for a starter Makerspace.

Here is the link to the grant.