Harwood Elementary School 4900 Southlawn, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (586) 825-2650
Warren Consolidated School District…….Where Children Succeed!
NCA Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Dr. Robert D. Livernois PhD, Superintendent
Mr. Kerry Keener Ed. S., Principal
Mrs. Kristina Constantino, Secretary
Ms. Janet Donahue, Clerk
April, 2012
HARWOOD’S MISSION STATEMENT:
The Mission of Harwood Elementary School in Partnership with Staff, Parents,
Students, and Community is to provide an exemplary educational program that will
provide maximum achievement for its students. This program will promote Academic
Excellence, Responsibility, Self-Discipline, Self-Esteem and a Life-Long Love of Learning
for every child.
HARWOOD’S VISION STATEMENT:
At Harwood, we Honor our Diversity and Challenge our Students to Succeed.
Calendar of Events
OFFICE HOURS: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
April 2-9
April 10
April 11
April 12-18
April 12
April 13
April 17
April 18
April 20
April 21
April 22-23
April 25
April 30
Spring Break 4/2thru 4/9 – No School – School resumes 4/10/2012
Classes Resume
4th Card Marking begins
PTO Meeting, 6:30, Media Center
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 12:15-1:15
Scholastic Book Fair
Spring Pictures
Karate Demonstration, Gr. 3, 9:00
Spring Sucker pull, PTO
SOAR Assembly, 3:00
Grade 5 Parents visit Grissom, 7:00pm
Ice Cream Social with Book Fair, 6:00pm
Grissom and Beer Counselors visit Harwood, 1:15, Grade 5
PTO Bowling Party, Bowl One Lanes, 11:30 check-in, 12:00 Bowling
Mobile Dentist visits
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 12:15-1:15
5th Grade to the Morley Candy Factory, 9:00-1:00
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Principal’s Corner
It’s that time of year when parents begin to ask about student placement for
next year. The procedures we use here at Harwood are based upon WCS Board
Policy. To help you understand these procedures, I will answer the most
frequently answered questions:
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When are students placed in classes for next year?
o During the month of May teachers will meet together, and with me, to make
preliminary placements for the next school year.
How are students placed in classes?
o Students are placed in classes to accomplish as much balance as possible.
Consideration is given to academic ability, social behavior, leadership qualities,
individual needs and gender. Using this and other criteria, all attempts will be
made to balance classes. It is the current classroom teacher who is most
familiar with your child’s learning style and individual needs. Using this
knowledge, the staff will be able to make the best recommendation for your
child.
When will these placements be finalized?
o Sometimes events occur over the summer which may make it necessary to
add/delete a classroom or change teaching personnel. Therefore, it may be
necessary to change class placement through the end of August.
Can parents request placement in a particular classroom?
o Parents who have special considerations should submit a letter to Mr. Keener
explaining the educational circumstances that they would like to have
reviewed by the placement team. Specific requests for a particular teacher
cannot be made. There are no guarantees in regards to placement. Letters of
consideration need to be submitted to the Main Office no later than May 4th
Teachers will not accept these letters.
Harwood is a Michigan GREEN School
We are happy to announce that Harwood is again part of the
Michigan’s Green School Program. Spearheaded by 2nd Grade teacher
Whitney Marshall and supported by our Staff, we do our very best to
protect our resources. We have about 15 activities on-going that help to
protect our environment and teach our kids the importance of recycling. Stay
Green!!
Operation Kid Equip Partnership
We are proud to continue a partnership that we have with Operation Kid Equip
which is a non-profit organization that supports teachers and schools with school
supplies to help their learners in school and at home. Teachers and Staff will have the
opportunity to visit the Operation Kid Equip Annex monthly to pick up supplies for their
learners. Please feel free to check out their website at operationkidequip.org
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SEVERE WEATHER
Tornado Watch: Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible.
Harwood’s Response: Keep weather radio on so we are posted of situation.
Staff is notified so they are prepared if situation worsens.
Tornado Warning: Tornado has actually been reported in the “watch” area.
Harwood’s Response: Shelter alarm is given. Students and all staff proceed
to sheltered area.
Releasing Students: Do not come to school during a tornado warning.
Take shelter. Students are not to be released when they are taking shelter during a tornado
warning. Once the warning is cancelled and everything is back to normal, a student may be
released. Also, we cannot release a student to another parent unless that parent’s name is
on the emergency card. Even though a parent is part of the car pool, we cannot release a
child to him/her if his/her name is not on the emergency card.
Proper Dress/Proper Attitude
Research has shown that the way children dress for school reflects
their attitude toward learning. Wearing play clothes reflects an attitude
towards play. Wearing school clothes encourages an attitude towards
learning. We ask you to take this into consideration when selecting the
clothing your child will wear to school. Clothing that is not acceptable
includes: mid-thigh or short shorts, short skirts/skorts, bicycle shorts, tank tops,
and
crop tops that expose bare midriffs and beach attire. T-shirts with
inappropriate logos and/or sayings also are not acceptable. Shorts and
sandals worn at outdoor recess can be a danger. Students often fall and scrape their legs
especially the knees.
On days of unseasonable heat , the children will be allowed to wear, for their comfort,
near knee length shorts, skorts, and culottes, no sandals or flip-flops.
Children coming to school with inappropriate dress will be asked to call home for a
change of clothing. This is for the safety of your child and a distraction free learning
environment for all students.
Attention Bike Riders
If you are in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade and you would like to ride your bike to
school, you must pick up a bike registration form in the office. In order to ride
your bike, you must live within walking distance. Bus kids cannot ride their
bike.
Your bike must be locked up at the bike rack during the day. For
good safety, we would like you to always wear a helmet.
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The following students earned S.O.A.R. cards in all four areas (Stay Safe,
Outstanding Attitude, Always Respectful, Ready to be Responsible) during the
month of February. These students were recognized at an All School Assembly and
received a SOAR Pencil.
We are so proud of Angelina Mate, Antonio Matlob, Gage Schaffer, Lourd
Seman, Anyssa Fadak, Franco De Leon, Martina Signorelli, Janelle Souro.
Jaqulynn Johnston, Abbigayle Mika, Fernanda Youkhana, Ealana Ateyah, David Radbita,
Christopher Hendo, Riveen Abed, Mara Alexander, Tyla Davis, Frans Hirmiz, Darrin
Johnson, Malik Joyner, Marcilina Kourie, Marcella Maroghi, Allison Mary, Onilla Solaimo,
Melessa Essa, Nathan Lipka, Kayla Thomas, Natali Eeilea, Nicole Gunn, Ameri Kuzemka,
Mathew Baqah, Deni Redzic, Isaiah Foster, Destiny Najjar (Kdg.) Elizabeth Prenkocevic,
Kristen Abro, Teagan Barndollar, Timmy Brunetz, E.J. Dart, Victoria Fowler, Dominic
Gagliardi, Albeer Hazim, Nicholas Kassawa, Madalyn Kistou, Alivia Koralewski, Ranya
Muayad, Isabella Nierman, Ioana Pushani, Eric Rogowski, Dylan Spangler, Muyassar
Turapov, Maria Aghos, Sara Orlando, Angelina Doan, Esha Hussain, Rila Leka, Logan
Northrup, Nicholas Smith, Karri-Ann Taylor, Bradley Teeple, Merna Toma, Najeeb Abo,
Armeen Butrus, Hailey Cholagh, Andrew Gorgees, Antonio Hanna, Angela Kachal, Selena
Kiryakos, Lauren Marshall, David Moore, Aaron Doan, Tierra Miller, Mohaimin Ahmed,
Revina Tobia, Marc Marogi, Emma Lefever (1st) Omer Cengiz, Stephanie Estephan,
Madison Harnphanich, Madison Kasak, Delanie Lavoy, Hannah Podsiadlik, Emma Rubino,
Aiwen Yu, Tyler Koralewski, David Prifti, Christin Jarjees, Arafat Muthanna, Mariam
Nasser, Gabrielle Newton, Matthew Shinko, Ayla Jusic, David Zwolinski, Harry Noland,
Tori Danyluk, Dania Khairi, Veronica Hendo, Julia Redmond, Leone Namo(2nd) Devin
Funches, Elissa Hesano, David Kasmikha, Isaac Naji, Danielle Nano, Emily Prenkocevic,
Chris Rogowski, Fadi Slaiwa, Brandi Spangler, Vanessa Meka, Isabella Misiewicz, Joseph
Hanna, April Poles, Reem Ahmed, Alana Asmar, Haval Batnawe, Wedad Dallo, Kaelyn
Dart, Tanya David, Julian Delly, Ryan Detkowski, Maline Kajy, Michael Kakos, Miray
Noeel, Jeanine Northrup, Julius Patto, Ella Peters, Alessia Signorelli, Ali Al-Samaria,
Kevin Agolli, Dylan Brown, Ayisha Spencer, Novica Trajkovic(3rd) Alana Matlob,
Christopher Schumacher, Dylan Smith, Autumn Bradford, Salma
Brunetz, Marcus Kakos, Angela Zaitouna, Katie Auberle, Molly Ferencz,
Isabelle Mary, Samantha Mate, Savyou Sagmani, Renaldo Schmidt,
Katelyn Lam, Isiah Spencer, Donovan Johns, Kamyla Anderson, Ryan
Connelly, Emily Dolecki, Nemanja Pantelic (4th)Alessandra Artusi, Kaira
Castro, Kelsey Slack, Tayeba Ahmed, Alessio Artusi, Iciana Campbell, Kani Ceric, LaJuan
Dawson, Santoos Esho, Amani Fadak, Iya Fadak, Kenneth Huddleston, Hailey Kowalik,
Justin Sawyer, Simon Seman, Salvatore Signorelli, Zack Simmons, Amandah Youkhanna,
Tim’ayra Franklin, Kendell Goodman, Nathan Houser (5th)
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Student of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their teachers
for accomplishments during the month of March! These students will be recognized as part
of our “Life Skills Program” for doing their Personal Best and honored by the PTO at a special
Ice Cream Sundae Social in April!
Kindergarten: Deni Redzic, Abbigayle Mika, Darrin Johnson, Isaiah Foster
Grade 1:
Najeeb Abo, Bradley Teeple, Elizabeth Prenkocevic, Emma Lefever
Grade 2:
Antonio Seman, Zachary Pritchard
Grade 3:
Fadi Slaiwa, Kaylee Gagliardi, Wedad Dallo, Brandon Garrett
Grade 4:
Savyou Sagmani, Christopher Schumacher, Autumn Bradford, Ryan Connelly
Grade 5:
Knicko Mojica, Simon Seman
Children in Videos/Newspaper Articles
Occasionally your child(ren) may be videotaped/photographed throughout the school
year at various school activities. This video may be replayed on the school channel –
Channel 6 in Sterling Heights or Channel 9 in Warren. Also, pictures may be put in
local newspapers. Please indicate in writing to Mr. Keener if you do not want your
child viewed on our educational channels or their picture put in
newsletters/newspapers.
Parking Lot Behavior
Your child’s safety is Harwood’s primary concern; therefore, we need your
cooperation in the parking lot. Like most elementary schools, the parking
lot can be a problem if the rules are not followed. We need all parents,
students and bus drivers to practice good safety habits so that students
are safe at all times. Busses Only will use the front circle drive at arrival
and dismissal. Thank you for your cooperation and support!!
April Showers
April skies are weeping
Tears of silver rain
On the buds still sleeping
In the verdant lane.
Now the clouds which lower
Clear in dazzling light.
And the sudden shower
Yields to sunbeams bright!
April’s merely chaffing!
First, the raindrops cool;
Then the bright skies laughing—
Playing April Fool!
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PARENTS
We need to address the issue of “early arrival” to school. Unless your child
requires “Latch Key” services, they are not to arrive to school any earlier than
8:30 a.m. (on PLC Mondays, no earlier than 9:20 a.m.); this is when
supervision is available. If it is necessary that your child be dropped off
earlier, you need to register for Latch Key services or make other
arrangements for your child. Regarding days your child will not be in
school due to illness, doctor appointments, vacation, etc., you must call
in the absence. Calls need to be in the office by 9:00 am that school day.
Mrs. Franklin’s Media Center News
Dear Parents,
It’s time for our spring Scholastic Book Fair! The Harwood Book Fair will
open Thursday, April 12th and will run until Wednesday, April 18th. Come to
the media center on the evening of April 18th for an Ice Cream Social and
shop for books. Keep the momentum of March Reading going into April and
support the media center at the same time by giving the gift of books to your
children. As always, your generous support of our library is greatly appreciated!
Proceeds from the Book Fair are used to purchase much needed new books for
the collection.
In honor of National Poetry Month, April will be devoted to exploring poetry for all grade levels
in Media. In 1996, The Academy of American Poets established April as the month to celebrate
poetry and encourage the reading of poetry year round.
HOMEWORK MACHINE
The Homework Machine, oh the Homework Machine,
Most perfect contraption that’s ever been seen.
Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime,
Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds’ time,
Your homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.
Here it is—“nine plus four?” and the answer is “three.”
Three?
Oh me…
I guess it’s not as perfect
As I thought it would be.
Shel Silverstein
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Congratulations to our WCS Writing
Celebration Award Winners!
The following students were recognized at the district
writing celebration on Thursday, March 22nd at the
Warren Mott High School Annex:
Antonio Matlob (Kdg.)
Madisen Minard (1st)
Hannah Podsiadlik (2nd)
Noah Renock (3rd)
Wafa Mirza (4th)
Skylar Rogers (5th)
Hannah was our School Reader
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Sophia Hirmiz and Maksim Mladenovski
They, along with 5th grade & 8th grade
students from other schools, were recipients of the “Just 4 Kids”
Award presented by the Sterling Heights/Warren Optimist Club at
Sterling Heights High School in March!
Students and their parents were invited to attend a breakfast given
in honor of our March if Reading Month campaign.
WA R R E N C O N S O L I D A T E D S C H O O L S
31300 Anita | Warren, Michigan 48093 | 1-888-4WCS-KIDS | www.wcskids.net
Student Achievement
A focus on measurable student achievement in our
Professional Learning Communities.
2011-12 Board of Education
I. Susan Kattula, President
Brian White, Vice President
Elaine Martin, Secretary
Susan M. Jozwik, Treasurer
Loretta A. Crow, Trustee
Megan E. Papasian-Broadwell, Trustee
Clifford Terry, Trustee
Dr. Robert D. Livernois, Superintendent
Clear Expectations
Clear expectations for every stakeholder,
including students, staff and parents.
Strong Relationships
Strong relationships among all stakeholders, including:
teacher-student, parent-teacher, principal-teacher, and
superintendent-board member.
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with
Disability Act of 1990, and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977,
it is the policy of the Warren Consolidated Schools that no person shall,
on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender,
age, disability, age, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to,
discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment.
Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Human Resource Officer,
31300 Anita, Warren, Michigan 48093,
(586) 825-2400, ext 63110.