Cougar Courier
January 5th, 2026
🎉 Happy New Year!🎉
AMI Packets
On Tuesday, 1/6/25, your child will be bringing home their AMI (Alternative Method of Learning) packets. This is the first year that our learning community will be using AMI days. Please keep these packets at home for your child to access in the event of AMI days. You can read our AMI plan below. If you have any questions please reach out to the office or your child's teacher.
East Lynne 40 AMI PLAN
East Lynne 40 School District
AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) Plan
1. LESSONS / MATERIALS / ASSIGNMENTS
East Lynne 40 will utilize pre-prepared, paper-based instructional packets for all students (grades K–8) on AMI days. These packets are:
Standards-aligned and grade-specific
Designed to provide review, reinforcement, and practice of previously taught content in core subjects: ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies
Hands-on and diverse, including worksheets, reading passages, writing prompts, problem-solving tasks, graphic organizers, and creative response opportunities
Each AMI packet will also include a 15-minute activity from the specials team. Students will be encouraged to choose and complete one activity per AMI day from a rotation of Art, Music, PE, STEAM, Band, or Choir. These activities are designed to support creativity, movement, and whole-child engagement while keeping students connected to their full educational experience—even on days when school is not in session.
Each packet includes:
A cover sheet with daily instructions and objectives
A checklist of completed work
Clear guidance on estimated time per subject (see Age-Specific Guidance below)
Optional enrichment and movement activities
Instructional Methods
Instructional content reinforces current curriculum goals through:
Repetition and practice of familiar content
Reading comprehension tasks
Writing responses or reflections
Problem-solving with application of math skills
Paper-based manipulatives or sorting/matching activities
Special Education & IEP Students
Modified packets are prepared for students with IEPs, based on accommodations and modifications from their plans
Special Education staff will collaborate with general education teachers to ensure packets are appropriate
Upon return, SPED staff will provide follow-up support as needed
2. ATTENDANCE
Attendance for AMI days will be based on work completion:
Students will return completed packets within 5 days of returning to school
Teachers will log completion in the SIS system to count students as present and communicate to the registrar who needs to be counted present and absent.
Incomplete packets may trigger follow-up communication with families or require completion during school hours
This method ensures compliance with DESE attendance guidance and maintains accountability while allowing flexibility.
3. EQUITABLE ACCESS TO MATERIALS
All students will receive equal access to instructional content via paper packets:
Packets are distributed in advance (at the start of winter season or when closures are anticipated)
Additional copies are available for pick-up at the school office
For students who join midyear or misplace materials, packets will be reissued
All content in the packets is equivalent to what would be delivered virtually, ensuring no student is disadvantaged due to lack of internet or device access
4. COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS
Teachers will be available to students and families on AMI days to offer support and answer questions. Communication options include:
Email
Remind Message
Office hours set by grade level staff (communicated in advance)
SPED staff and support services will also be available for students with additional needs
All contact information and teacher availability will be included in the AMI packet for easy reference.
5. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTINUITY & GENERAL GUIDELINES
Instructional Continuity
The goal of our AMI days is to minimize learning disruption by keeping students engaged in review and practice of essential skills.
Reinforcement, Not New Learning
All AMI assignments focus on previously taught content, allowing students to reinforce skills and apply knowledge independently.
Age-Specific Guidance
Grades K–2:
10–15 minutes per subject (ELA, Math, Science or SS)
Activities include phonics, sight words, short reading passages, math facts, and drawing or labeling exercises
Grades 3–8:
15–20 minutes per subject
Activities include extended reading, writing tasks, math problem-solving, science vocabulary or short experiments, and social studies review
Flexibility
Families are encouraged to structure their day in a way that works best for their child. Work may be broken into manageable chunks or completed at a different time during the AMI window. We understand that students may need assistance, parents may be working, and every household has different routines and resources. Our goal is not to add stress to families. If completing AMI work presents a challenge, we will work collaboratively with families to create a feasible plan that supports the student’s learning while honoring each family’s circumstances.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY & SUPPORT
Students are expected to return packets to receive credit
Teachers will provide feedback, reteach as necessary, and track participation
SPED and intervention staff will provide additional review and small group reteaching as needed
Students who need extra time or support will receive it without penalty
Conclusion:
The East Lynne 40 AMI plan is grounded in equity, continuity, and flexibility. Through high-quality, accessible paper-based instruction, we ensure all students remain engaged, supported, and accountable during AMI days—regardless of internet access.
Inclement Weather Reminders
We are in that season of the school year where we might have to close our school due to inclement weather. We will announce these closings as soon as we can so that families can make the necessary arrangements.
- The district will send out both text messages and emails to all those in our system.
- The district will post closings on our social media pages and website.
Typically we do not typically implement 2 hour delays as the conditions often do not change during those two hours. If we do choose to do a 2 hour delay it would be to help with transportation and to allow more sunlight on the roads.
We will not close unless it is necessary. When we do close our high school buses will also NOT run.
Please make sure your contact information is up to date.
Welcome Back!
We look forward to welcoming everyone back and to finishing out the year strong!
January 5 - Parent Booster Meeting
January 13 - STUCO Meeting
January 14 - ART CLUB (Grades 1-4)
January 15- February 5 - Trash Bag Sales Begin
January 21 - Cougar Cheer Club
January 23 - Family Dance
February 2 - Parent Booster Meeting
February 4 - Cougar Cheer Club
February 10 - STUCO
February 11 - ART CLUB (Grades 1-4)
February 13 - Classroom Valentine Parties (Grades PK-5)
March 2 - Parent Booster Meeting
March 8 - Center Stage Drama Production
March 9-13 - SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
March 10 - STUCO
March 10 - VIP Breakfast
March 11 - ART CLUB (Grades 1-4)
March 13 - Grandparents' Day
March 16- 20 - SPRING BREAK
March 25 - Cougar Cheer Club
March 26 - March Madness Band & Choir Concert
March 28 - Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast/Touch a Truck
March 30 - MONDAY SCHOOL IN SESSION
March 31 - 5/6 Honor Band
April 2 - Spring Pics
April 3 - GOOD FRIDAY -- NO SCHOOL
April 6 - Parent Booster Meeting
April 7 - STUCO
April 8 - ART CLUB (Grades 1-4)
April 11 - Solo and small ensemble contest (6-8 choir)
April 14 - Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate
April 17 - Preschool Spring Play Date
April 29 - Cougar Cheer Club
May 4 - Parent Booster Meeting
May 5 - STUCO
May 6 - ART CLUB (Grades 1-4)
May 7 - 4th-8th Band & Choir Spring Concert
May 14 - Preschool Graduation (9:00 AM)
May 14 - 8th Grade Graduation
May 15 - Kindergarten Graduation (9:00 AM)
May 15 - Grades 1-7 Academic Assembly (10:00AM)
May 15 - LAST DAY of SCHOOL (early dismissal 12:00 PM)