Academic Games
Academic Games (AG) is a fun way to learn through playing games in serveral different subject areas. Students use math, language, etc. creatively to outsmart their opponents. Students have fun testing their problem-solving skills with, other smart, motivated students from across the state and (at Nationals) across the country! Ann Arbor Public Schools has strong AG teams through 12th grade so AG is an extracirricular activity that students can build on through high school. All 4th and 5th graders may join. Practices are in the evening twice per week, usually Tues & Thurs from 7 – 8:30pm) from September to March. Regional tournaments are once per month on Saturday morings from September through Februrary and the State Tournament is in March.
Disability Awareness Workshops
The Disability Awareness Workshop is a one day program to teach 4th graders an empathetic understanding of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities. The hands-on-activity based program is designed to help student’s understand how difficulty and complex daily living cna be for individuals with disabilities. At the same time, the workshop’s, “I can” message challanges cultural stereotypes that marginalize people with disabilities. Where others see adversity, challenge and problems we see opportunities, possibilities and potential. The workshops help to build a cultture of understanding that is invaluable, with the goal to learn, through experience. Students learn that given the right tools and adaptations individuals with disabilities can accomplish everyday tasks, be successful and live happy lives. Volunteers are needed to assist our 4th grade students with hands-on activities to simulate disabilities.
Learning Garden
The King Learning Garden is a place for children to learn and experience hands-on the importance of locally grown food, sustainability and the biodiversity that exsists in our schoolyeard. Our vision is that the King Learning Garden provides a source of locally grown organic food for our school community and offeres a connection to the earth that inspires new ways of to think, learn and live. The King Learning Garden committee is lead by a group of parents working with teachers to help teachersguide students to care for the learning garden and outdoor classroom. Committee members work with classes in the garden during the school day throughthe entire planting process – seed to serving. We’ve extended our growing season with the addition of a Solar Passive Greenhouse.
Math Club
The Math Club is focused on building problem-solving skills and reinforcing math concepts. Students apply math concepts that they have already learned at school to solve a wide variety of problems. We foster enthusiasm in math, help students build good work habits, and develope their creativity in problem solving. Any 1st to 5th grade student who enjoys math and seeks a challenge is welcome. We meet once a week starting roughly in October until March. We ask parent volunteers to coach, provide in-class assistance, to monitor student behavior during classes, make copies of the class materials, etc. We encourage the students to participate in the annual mathematics competition called Math Kangaroo, which happens in mid-March.
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is a fun, friendly competition between Washtenaw County Schools. We are able to send over 120 King students in grades 2-5 to compete annually. The competition typically happens in May or June for the school year. Practices start in January or February (depending on the date of competition). We are volunteer driven and need 25-40 adults to coach events. As an event coach, you will spend about 2-3 hours per week in coaching activities from Jan/Feb through the competition in May/June. You can pick your own practice day and time to make it convenient for your schedule. It is very rewarding to watch your students learn and master materials!