AUCTION REBIDS

While our Auction was quite successful this year, there are always a few items left over, and we would like to offer them again at a reduced price, first come first served. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Roder at jroder@steppingstoneschool.org.

B-03: Spa Basket ($35.00)

Includes essential oil bath salts, a lavender sugar scrub, lavender chamomile face wash, a blueberry lemon sour candle, cherry blossom hand cream, two cotton coasters, and an olive oil dispenser.

B-15: Powerful Women Books ($25.00)

Recommended by our own Shari Dudek. Includes: 200 Women, Brave New Girl, In the Company of Women, and Rad American Women A-Z Postcards.

C-11: Four Weeks of Gym Class ($45.00)

The Michigan Academy of Gymnastics is offering classes in Adaptive Gymnastics, Recreational Gymnastics, Karate, Ninja (at their Ann Arbor location only) or Tumbling, and this certificate will give you up to $110 towards those classes, with the registration fee waived for the first 4 weeks of class. The certificate expires 12/31/24, so don't dawdle.

C-15: International Dinner Party Basket ($40.00)

Includes all kinds of supplies for that dinner party you've been planning: gourmet home fry seasoning, a Bestamma container set from Ikea, a Nestle Toll House cookie mix and cast-iron skillet for home-made cookies, vanilla concentrate from Vila Vanilla, Silk Route brand Himalayan rock salt, a food scale from the Martha Stewart collection to way out supplies, and last but not least, three items from the Helen's Asian Kitchen collection: an 11-inch steaming ring, a set of mini steamer baskets, and a set of parchment steamer liners.

C-21: Prelude Music Studio Gift Certificate ($30.00)

A $100 gift certificate for classes or sessions at Prelude Music Studio, right here in the PARC. Expires 5/1/2025.

C-43: Introduction to Fencing Group Class for Adults ($20.00)

A certificate for four sessions with the Plymouth/Ann Arbor Fencing Academy (the same instructors we use, and their room is right next door to us), with monthly classes on Thursdays from 7:45 to 9:15 pm. Equipment is provided.

IN THE WILD

and ON THE FARM

PHS Campers were joined by a new addition to the “flock on the farm” in Allegan this year. Below are PHS campers Felix (left) & Jax (right) with the mallard that joined the hens on our hostess’ farm in the woods of Allegan.

In this photo, Felix and Jax are preparing dinner over an open fire for themselves, Dr. & Mrs. Morse, the hostess and 2 daughters while the mallard observed from Jax’s arms. On the menu on this Friday night was Spicy Italian Sausage Soup w/ Rolls. S’mores were scheduled for the Bonfire that evening.

This is all part of the Wilderness Survival field trip camping experience where the students affirm that they can take care of themselves without the amenities of civilization. It’s a challenge that they relish and value, especially in subsequent years.

We met recently with an alum student from 15+ years ago who said, in remembrance, “The Wilderness Survival Camping Trip shaped my life! After sleeping through a thunder and lightning storm, I knew I could handle anything!"

KAYAKING ON THE KALAMAZOO!

Below are our 2 student Kayakers Jax (left) and Felix (right) to the right of the hostess’ 2 daughters: 

Below, Felix made it back to dock on his own.

After capsizing his kayak and losing his oars, Jax was towed back to the dock by Dr. Morse.

COME JOIN THE BONFIRE!

Jax builds the evening Bonfire with hostess’ daughter watching. The goal was to acquire the coals necessary for making it easy to roast marshmallows for the s’mores.

BUZZING FOR BEE DAYS!

Last Week of School

Mon., June 10th & Tue., June 11th

Tuesday, June 11th is our day for whole-school bees (spelling, math facts, language arts). The only items students need for these days are themselves, their brains, lunch, and a Power Reading book!

Certificates will be awarded to each of the Bee winners at the Awards Ceremony and Potluck, so don’t miss it! There will be one winner for each level (K-1, and 5-8th) for Foreign Languages.  For the Social Studies, Science, Spelling, Math Facts, Language Arts, and Math Concepts bees, there will be winners for K-1, 5th, and 6-8th levels.

There will be one additional whole-school winner for the Language Arts, Math Facts, and Spelling Bees.

Good luck to all of the students!

HOWELL NATURE CENTER

Last Week of School

Wednesday, June 12th

Wednesday, June 12th will be spent at Howell Nature Center!  We will enjoy a presentation on Skins and Skulls followed by Predator & Prey games.  After lunch, older students will use the Zip Line while younger students will do Games Galore.  Lastly, we will visit the Wild Rehab center and learn about our native wildlife and how injured animals are rescued and rehabilitated.

WHO: Whole school

WHEN: Meet at Howell Nature Center at 9:15 AM.  Please note that there is construction on the route and be sure to give yourself plenty of extra time to travel during morning "rush-hour" traffic. If your child will ride with Mrs. Dudek or Dr. Morse, please arrive at school by 7:45 AM. If you would like to caravan with the teachers, you are welcome to do so.

GPS: 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell 48843

LUNCH: Bring your own lunch.  There are no concessions available, so be sure to pack a substantial lunch with extra protein.  This will be a physically active day and the kids will be very hungry!  Two filled water bottles are recommended.

APPAREL: Dress in layers!  Be prepared for both the coolest and warmest temperatures of the day.  Programs run rain or shine, so a raincoat is recommended if the forecast looks like rain.  Wear STURDY CLOSED-TOE SHOES like sport shoes or hiking boots that can get dirty.  Sandals SHOULD NOT be worn.

Suggested Packing List:

- sunscreen

- bug spray

- lip balm

- hat and sunglasses

- a small backpack to carry your belongings

GAMES & READ-A-THON

Last Week of School

Thursday, June 13th

On Thursday, June 13th, our last day of school, our students will spend the morning playing board games and card games. We may even have a chess tournament if there is enough interest. We have plenty of games at school but if your child has a favorite they'd like to bring, they are welcome to do so. Please be sure to label with your last name

The afternoon will be a relaxing time with a Read-a-Thon. Students need to bring plenty of books to read. They may choose any books to read throughout the afternoon, but please no magazines, comics, or graphic novels.

Students may bring in sleeping bags, blankets, and/or pillows. They may bring one SMALL stuffed animal if they choose. Please make sure that all belongings are clearly labeled with your child’s name so we can be sure all items get back to their owners. Please do not send in more items than your child can carry in one trip.

4PM Dismissal ... NO EXTENDED AFTERNOON PROGRAM

YEAR-END PICNIC & AWARDS

Thursday, June 13th 6 PM

CLASSROOM and/or TEACHER: Whole school

ACTIVITIES & HOW THEY ENRICH THE CURRICULUM: Year-end potluck is a chance for families to have a meal together while celebrating student achievement. The Awards Ceremony will follow the potluck and students will receive recognition for their contributions and hard work this year. Bee winners will receive their certificates, and students will be performing some final songs.

DATE: Thursday, 6-13-24

ARRIVAL TIME: 6 pm (although families are welcome to come earlier to play)

DEPARTURE TIME: 9 pm

ADDRESS: 46640 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI 48170

DIRECTIONS: Located on Ann Arbor Trail between Beck and Sheldon Roads and directly across from McClumpha Road.

SHELTER: We have reserved the main shelter, Shelter 2, which is the second parking lot on the right and closest to the large wooden playscape.

CONTACT: David Liou

PHONE: 248-894-5655

APPAREL: There is a Splash Park so if you’d like to play in that, swimwear, towels, sunscreen may be suitable. However, students will also be performing so should bring a cover up or change of clothes as well. There is also a playscape, play structure, bike and hike trail and a stream that runs through the park so play clothes and close-toed shoes are appropriate.

POTLUCK ARRANGEMENTS: Thank you to everyone who submitted their dish!

OTHER NEEDS: Parents are responsible for the safety and chaperoning of their own children at the park, especially the Playscape. Teachers will be focused on events and program. Bathrooms are available throughout the park.

PARK RULES: No pets are allowed at the park or in the shelters, no adhesive attachments (to put up signs), glitter, streamers, confetti, silly string or any items that contain glitter and/or confetti. No bull horns, radios, PA systems, alcohol, or smoking are allowed.