Ames banner
Print View
If You Are a Family of an Ames Elementary Student and Haven't Picked Up Your Thanksgiving Basket, by Thursday, November 19th, Call the Ames School Office to Arrange Your Pickup!
th_thanksgiving_basket-comment
Thanksgiving Baskets were donated by the AndreaMillerFoundation.com and Tanya (Kirby) Puckett's Family! Thank YOU SO Much!!!!
Current Happenings at Ames:

  • Thursday, Nov. 19th Conferences: 5:00 - 8:00      and         THANKSGIVING BASKETS!!! Every Family that has a student going to Ames Elementary will receive a Thanksgiving Basket and a $15.00 gift card to buy a turkey, which has been donated by the Andrea Miller Foundation,  andreamillerfoundation.com and the Tanya (Kirby) Puckett Family. You can pick up your basket TODAY, Thursday, November 19th from 8:30 - 12:00 or 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Baskets will NOT be given to students. A parent/guardian must come in and sign for the basket and gift card. If you have any questions, call Nancy Spack @ 651-293-8970.
  • Saturday, November  21  7:30 - 11:45 (15 min. later than usual)
  • Monday, November 23   12:30 - The Battle Creek Girl's Chorus and the Bucket Crew will be performing at our school.
  • Tuesday, November 24   11:00 - 12:00   Parent/Grandparent Luncheon, visit classrooms. Funded by Title I.
  • Thursday, November 26th, Friday, November 27th and Saturday, November 28th  -  NO SCHOOL IN SESSION
  • Wednesday, December 2      12:35       EARLY RELEASE    No Pre-K Classes (AM or PM) .  No After-School Classes
  • Hmong New Year: The dinner was GREAT and the students did a GREAT job performing. THANK YOU to all who made this such a special event. A Special Thank You to Mr. Veu Thor


Monday, November 2nd's Site Council Meeting was very well attended! Thanks for coming and participating in supporting and shaping your child's education parents, and thanks to those staff that stayed those extra hours so that we can all work towards the same common goal: our children. Some of the more important information revealed through last meeting's minutes included:
  • Title 1 Meeting was a success.
  • We're excited to have been chosen to be one of the schools included in the Breakfast to Go (B2G) program. Students are eating and performing better... we're assessing and having the data drive our instruction as staff. We want each and every child to succeed, achieving high standards of learning based on the student's learning style and multiple intelligence/s.
  • Parents: turn off tvs and play educational games with your children! You'll marvel at the results! AND READING EVERY NIGHT IS MANDATORY OF EACH AND EVERY AMES STUDENTS!!! Ames aims high!
  • Students must learn accountable
    images_12
    Every Ames Family will receive a Thanksgiving Basket donated by AndreaMillerFoundation.com and the Tanya Puckett Family (Kirby Puckett)
    talk... making them "accountable" of their learning and better communicating their thoughts and ideas.
  • We could fill our school building to capacity if we had bussing!!! Right now enrollment is 292.
  • look for more postings here in the near future...

The Education Minnesota
Professional Conference, the state's largest professional development event for educators, took place Oct. 15-16th. The 2009 Professional Conference had exciting speakers, dozens of workshops to help teachers in their work with students. There were also hundreds of exhibits on display. Teachers found opportunities to learn more.

Ames School Curriculum Night and "Supper in a Bag" was Tuesday, October 13th from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. What a great event. Parents learned what their child/ren are learning and will be learning this school year at Curriculum Night.\ Funded by Title 1.

The Ames Annual Title 1 Dinner and Meeting/ Open House, on Tuesday evening, September 29th, was Awesome!
Tuesday evening, September 29th, Ames' hallways were filled with the busy sounds of parents and students and staff and community and friends visiting classrooms, conversing with teachers. A powerpoint presentation about Title 1 and how Title 1 benefits Ames families was shown. Immediately following the presentation, a delicious dinner of Mostacholi and Meatballs was served. Dinner is always a delight when it comes from the Little Oven Restaurant. Scroll down to view the photo gallery...

News you need to know right now...

Attention: Parents!!! You will need to fill out a new lunch application again, a requirement every year (even if you qualified last year).

Ames follows the policies of our of St. Paul Public Schools by believing in Mission Statement set forth by our District.  We: Imagine every student inspired, challenged, and cared for by exceptional  educators. Imagine your family welcomed, respected and valued by exceptional school. Imagine our community united, strengthened, and prepared for an exceptional future.  "Saint Paul Public Schools:  Where imagination meets destination"! What Does Ames Have to Offer?
  1. Our four year old program and all-day Kindergarten
  2. Free daily After School Program
  3. We are a uniform school (Red, white, blue or yellow shirt or blouses -tucked in, belts, and nave blue pants or skirt or jumper).
  4. Excellent Teachers, Staff and Administration
  5. Small class sizes
  6. Specialists who specialize integrating Science, Art, and Technology, and Spanish (gr. K-2), and Gifted and Talented (in which we view each and every student to be) in all parts of the curriculum.
  7. Focus on Multiple Intelligences, Blooms Taxonomy, Williams Flexible Thinking and Creative Thinking
  8. Safe School with a KID-Friendly Atmosphere.
  9. Teaching students to be focused and to be college bound
  10. Free Saturday School
  11. School Hours: 8:05 - 2:35. After School Program: 2:35 - 4:25 and Saturday School: 7:30 for a home cooked breakfast 8:00 - 11:25
(Call Nancy Spack, Parent Liaison @ 651-293-8970 to schedule a tour.)
 



 Andrea Miller Foundation  
 Mr. Kellar-Long's Costa Rican Blog  
 Websites for Talent Development  
 Multiple Intelligence Immersion   Online Experiences in Each of the Intelligences - updated 2007
  The_2009_3rd_Grade_MLK_Rap.AVI
  2009_Rap_MLK.AVI
  Ames_School_Song.MPG
  Third Grade Raps about Martin Luther King
  Spring Concert- 3rd Grade - "Flat Foot Floogie"
  Spring Concert - 3rd Grade - "Shim Sham Dance"
  Spring Concert - 3rd Grade - "Straighten Up and Fly Right"
  ocean_mammals.MOV
An Original Claymation Film, "Ocean Mammals" by 3rd Grade Rdg Group, being presented at the 2008 Student Technology Showcase, May 28th
 Creed_-_With_Arms_Wide_Open_2.mp3  

Image Gallery: Oct. 31 - Anoka-Hennepin Teachers Come to Ames School to Learn About Urban Learners from Dr. Henderson


Image Gallery: Oct. 30th, Ames Book Character Parade

See all 140 images.


Image Gallery: Ames After School Program is Educationally Fun!


Image Gallery: October 15th - Some Photos Taken at the Teacher's Convention

See all 26 images.


Image Gallery: Sept. 29th = Ames Title 1 Meeting and Dinner

See all 22 images.


Image Gallery: Ames Family Barbeque

See all 60 images.



 


2009 - 2010 Saturday School is Well Underway!!! Come and Join Us!!!
DSC08964Click on the title bar above to view photo galleries of Ames Saturday School listed chronologically. Saturday School meets approximately 3 out of four Saturdays per month from 7:30 am - 11:30 am. The program was designed to help all students, especially students in grades 3rd - 6th who are below grade level in math, reading writing, etc. to gain extra practice in a fun way.
We start with homemade breakfast for kids and their drivers from 7:30 - 8:00 am. From 8 - 8:30 students have a Tai Chi Class with Master Jose`. Then usually their are three classes that rotate from 8:30 - 11:00 in reading/writing, math, and science. The half hour before dismissal, students are offered a free choice period which may include: gym, computer, creative movement and more. One to several times a month a fun learning experience is incorporated through a field trip somewhere out in the 'unknown'. There is no fee to attend, eat, or go on field trips.
Also joining us are students from St. John University and St. Ben's College students as mentors. They provide a variety of mental and physical rigorous exercises! Please sign up for this event... We have a few more spots for other members to join. Please contact your child's teacher, Debbie or Lori in the Office or of course Nancy Spack, our parent liason to help you sign your children up. We have begun taking students under the 3rd grade. PLEASE tell a friend and join us.

Pippi is Invited to Ames Elementary to begin a musical group with Ames students, Musical Moments...
IMG_7216Yes, it's all about the Musical Moment! Without a Music Specialist this year at Ames Elementary, Dr. Delores Henderson went out and searched for the best... "Pippi" to form an after school music group that will will perform for the student body, Parents, Friends and Community Members.

The Student Body of Ames Elementary Chose new Student Council Officers
DSC08830Many Qualified student in Grade 4 - 6th tried out for the office of their choice by first making signs, addressed the Student Body to reach out for their support... The project has been run by Mrs. Mae Schunk, former Lieutenant Governor... and Literacy and Math Content Coach at Ames...

Community Partnerships
civicnetworks-tinyAccording to a journal excerpt, "School/family/community Partnerships: Caring for the Children We Share" by Joyce L. Epstein:
" The way schools care about children is reflected in the way schools care about the childrens' families. If educators view children simply as students, they are likely to see the family as separate from the school. ...
Click on the title above to read more.

Citizenship
togetherThe question us educators responsible for preparing this generation of global citizens is how to translate the principles of social justice into effective practice. In this school setting, we will be instructing our Ames'  learners of the impact and importance of social justice.

Schoolwide Thematic Emphasis
globalkidsOur schoolwide theme this year will be "Cultivating Our Strengths". Integrated curricular themes will be utilized at Ames to unify instruction, provide opportunities for students to generalize, and increase interaction within and between classes. We are looking forward to arranging presentations, speakers, and field trips around our specific theme.

Bloom's Taxonomy? Higher Order Thinking Skills... HOTS... USE IT EVERYDAY, we do.
brain_4Greetings Parents and Guardians!
Have you heard of Bloom's Taxonomy? We are instructing your children to get the best from their education as they can. We are teaching students to think about their thinking. Another Acronym we use is HOTS. It means Higher Order Thinking Skills. Click on the title and you can read an article taking you in depth in the subject of thinking...

WE Would Like a Donation of VIOLINS for Violin Exploration and Instruction !!!
images-1We would like to begin instructing students in first grade, and then so on up the grade levels as we can. If you know of anybody willing to donate a violin they aren't using any more, would you please call us at 651-293-8970? PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT! WE NEED VIOLINS! Click on the title above to read more.

Ames Students Now Recycling Uneaten Food at Lunch!!!
DSC01746_5We began reducing the tons of garbage our school throws out every year, and feeding as much as possible of what's left to local pigs. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the costs we are required to pay for dumpster hauling.

Principal:
100_1457_4
Dr. Delores Henderson
Ames Elementary
1760 Ames Place
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: 651-293-8970
Fax: 651-293-8976

Andrea Miller Foundation Sustains Life at Ames!
beating_heart_2
The Andrea Miller Foundation has made all the difference in the world to families at Ames. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!

Saturday School (7:30 - 11:30 am) is in Full Swing for 3rd - 6th Graders... Come Join in On the Fun!
happy_5
Please join us!!! Homemade Breakfast, Tai Chi, Field Trips, Creative and Intuitive Reading/Writing, Math, and Science Classes PLUS Free Choice Time... AND it's all FREE! Call the Office at 651-293-8970 to sign up NOW!!! (click photo to go to gallery)

About William L. Ames, One of Our School's Founders
William_L._Ames
William L. Ames was born on January 10, 1846. Being interested in children and their education, he was one of the founders of this school. To learn more about this rich and interesting history, click on the picture to view a small gallery of photos located on our 2nd floor walls at Ames.

ATTENDANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT!
attendance
Call Nancy Spack at 651-293-8970 if your child is going to be absent or late to school. Breakfast starts at 7:30 am and children are expected to be in their desks, ready to learn by 8:05.

Important Information for Parents and Guardians!!!
images-1_9
Ames After School Program is in full swing. (Parents, please be on time when picking up your child. After School Program's students are dismissed at 4:25. Please DO NOT have your child run across the street to get in the car... please get out of the car and walk your children there safely.) Thank You!

B 2 G: Breakfast to Go
images_10
Every morning, beginning at 7:40 am, students get in the cafeteria line and grab a disposable, biodegradable bag and fill it with delicious things offered by our St. Paul School District Cafeteria. Students then are dismissed at 7:50 to enjoy "Breakfast to Go" in their classrooms.
P.S. Do NOT drop off your child before 7:30am. The building will be locked and the children will have to wait outside until the building is opened at 7:30. Thank you very much!

Nature Photo Gallery at Valley Branch Nature Center
images-4_4
Mrs. Vang and Ms. Johnson's third graders learned about classification at Valley Branch Nature Center. View the photo gallery taken by Mr. Weimholt and his group of students by clicking on the chickadee...

From the Cafeteria
images-1_8
All families must fill out a lunch application so your child or children can continue getting free or reduced hot lunches. Questions or concerns? Call Jody at 651-293-8970.

Wednesday Folders
images-2_6
Every Wednesday your child will bring home a "Wednesday Folder" with very important information. Folders need to be returned the next day with any signed papers. Thank You for your cooperation!

Our School Patrols
patrol
Our patrols do a wonderful job making sure your children are safe as they walk to and from school daily. Please support them by making sure your children understand how important it is for them to listen to the patrols direction. If you see a problem, please call Nancy at 651-293-8970.

Calendar
< November 09 >
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
Click on the bolded dates to see the events for that day.


Saturday School
11/21/2009





Leadership Meeting
11/30/2009 3:00 PM




Saturday School
12/5/2009 7:30 AM

Site Council
12/7/2009

PLC's /Staff
12/8/2009 3:00 PM



All School Winter Concert
12/17/2009 6:00 PM


Saturday School
12/19/2009 7:30 AM

Think Tank Meeting @ 3:00
12/21/2009 3:00 PM



Merry Christmas
12/25/2009

Kwanzaa Begins
12/26/2009