Trojan Weekly 11/16/2026

Dear AME Families,

Rumor has it the local wild turkeys are stretching, carb loading, and running wind sprints this week, since they know Friday’sTurkey Trotathon is no joke.Yes, you heard it right! Our Trojans hit the track for the Turkey Trot a Thon, and I’ve seen these kids run at recess, so I’m not sure any gobbler stands a chance. This is a great week to ask your child how many laps they’re aiming for and cheer them on at breakfast that morning. We’ll wrap up the day with our Top Trojan Assembly, where we celebrate the students who’ve been showing real confidence this month. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m grateful to be part of a school community that hustles this hard and cares this much.

This Week at AME

Monday, November 16
Good News Club 2:20 to 4:00

Tuesday, November 17
Regular school day

Wednesday, November 18
Minimum Day, dismissal at [time]
Lockdown Drill 9:30 am
Dinner with a Scientist for 4th and 5th grade, Calaveras County Fairgrounds 4:00 to 7:30
VUSD Board Meeting, Avery Middle School 5:30

Thursday, November 19
Regular school day

Friday, November 20
Turkey Trot a Thon at the track 8:15 to 9:40

Turkey Trot a Thon Schedule

• Grades 4 and 5 run 8:15 to 8:35
• Grades 2 and 3 run 8:50 to 9:10
• TK, K, and 1st run 9:20 to 9:40

Top Trojan Assembly 1:45 to 2:15

Families, we’d love to see you trackside on Friday morning for the Turkey Trotathon! Nothing makes a Trojan run faster than hearing their name shouted from the sidelines, so bring your loudest cheers, your best homemade signs, and maybe even a cowbell or two. Each grade group runs at a different time, so check the schedule on the flyer to see when your runner hits the track. Grab a coffee, find a spot along the fence, and help us make some noise as our Trojans leave those wild turkeys in the dust!

We know many families count on our Hub programs, so we’re sorry to share that Hawks Hub and Hazel’s Hub will not be open over Thanksgiving Break. We worked hard to find enough staff for those full days, but we weren’t able to cover them safely.

We are working on Hub coverage for a few days of Winter Break after Christmas. As soon as those dates are set, we’ll share them with you so you have plenty of time to plan.

This week, we're shining our spotlight on one of our amazing paraeducators, Miss Shannon Simpson!

Shannon has been part of the Michelson family for a year and a half, and she's been totally rockin' it! When asked what her favorite part of working at Michelson is, she said it's getting to watch the children grow. And we couldn't agree more that she's a wonderful part of that journey!

When she's not at school, Shannon enjoys taking her kids to the lake, playing cards, and trying new foods. One day, she'd love to visit Mexico again!

Shannon says she absolutely loves working at Michelson and feels lucky to be surrounded by such amazing families, students, and staff.

We're pretty lucky to have you, too, Shannon! Thank you for all the heart, energy, and care you bring to Michelson each day. Keep on rockin'!

Your Library, You Park is coming back to the Murphys Branch library this month. Join interpretive staff from Calaveras Big Trees State Park every 3rd Wednesday, November-March, 2:15-3:15 for a Junior Ranger program. Yes, you do get a badge from your first program! Remember you can check out a day pass to visit the park for free while you're there!"

Wednesday, 11/18

Minimum Day, 12:20 Dismissal
Lockdown Drill, 9:30
Dinner with a Scientist (Invite Only) Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 4:00–7:30
VUSD Board Meeting, Avery Middle School, 5:30

Friday, 11/20
Leadership Jog-a-Thon and Turkey Trot, 8:00–11:30
Top Trojan Assembly, 1:00–2:00

Monday, 11/23 through Friday, 11/27
No School, Thanksgiving Break

Monday, 11/30
Spirit Wear Orders Due

Thank you for reading along with our ALICE series these past few weeks. Now that families know the basics, I’ll be visiting each grade level to teach our students the same ideas in a calm, age appropriate way. Our TK and kindergarten students will learn through simple stories. Our 1st and 2nd graders will learn the basics of each option. Our 3rd through 5th graders will go a little deeper and talk through what each option looks like at school.

Emergencies like this are very unlikely, and our goal is for every Trojan to feel safe, prepared, and confident about who to listen to. As always, if you have questions, my door is always open.

August 2026 – Friendships

September 2026 – Respect

October 2026 – Leadership

November 2026 – Confidence - 😁😀😃🥲🤪😍🤩😘🤣😇

December 2026 – Belonging

January 2027 – Goal Setting

February 2027 – Kindness

March 2027 – Community

April 2027 – Resilience

May 2027 – Reflection

At many schools drop off and pickup is directly linked to confusion and frustration. However, at AME we have a safe and usually smooth process. This year a staff member will be posted at the Feeney Parking Lot to help with drop off. To see the designated traffic flow, please take a look at the map below depicting our procedure for dropping off and picking up at Feeney Park. In addition, please remember the upper lot is for staff and students with disabilities not for dropping off or picking up. Lastly, please never park adjacent to the red curb. This area is solely for the buses. Thanks so much for keeping our children safe.

The Vallecito Union School District and its schools do not endorse any advertised products or services referenced in this publication.