A. F. Ames Elementary School

Hannah is very cozy with her stuffed animals reading the Bad Guys Series, Volume 18 “Look Who’s Talking” by: Aaron Blabey! Do you have a favorite summer read? Send it to collinsc@district96.org!

Nolan M. (Kindergarten) has been spotted reading Fly Guy presents Dinosaurs! 🦕🦖

Vinny (3rd grade) is enjoying reading lots of books about Minecraft this summer! This one is the first in a new series, and it’s called Secrets of an Overworld Survivor: Lost in the Jungle by Greyson Mann. Share your favorite summer read with the Ames community by sending your picture to collinsc@district96.org!

Incoming 2nd grader Adeline has been spotted reading! She loves reading everyday and they visit the library every week! One of the books she is reading is Love Puppies! This book is about a new puppy named Samnang who is learning to deal with bullying at puppy school. Want to share your favorite book with the Ames community? Take a picture and send it to collinsc@district96.org.

This adorable Dolphin Duo has been spotted reading! Brothers Clark and Archie spent some time this morning reading together. They are reading a household favorite, Bathe The Cat by Alice B McGinty. If your child has been spotted reading this summer, please send your picture to collinsc@district96.org.

Elementary students will have slightly adjusted school hours starting with the 2025/26 school year. The elementary school day will begin at 8:10 AM and end at 3:00 PM. Supervised drop off begins at 7:50 am; students should be in their classroom when the bell rings at 8:10 am. Dismissal is promptly at 3:00 pm. If needed, before and after care is available through Riverside Parks and Recreation.

This change allows us more instructional time for reading, writing, and physical education throughout the week, while also improving lunch, recess, and transition times. The updated elementary lunch hour is 11:20 AM–12:20 PM.

Building principals will send a more detailed welcome email the first week of August. Early Learner and Hauser schedules remain the same.

Aibhlinn was spotted reading her 12th book of the summer! She is currently reading “Emmy and The Incredible Shrinking Rat” by Lynne Jonell. If you'd like to be spotted reading please send your picture to collinsc@district96.org.

Josie T. has been spotted reading! She decided to take a reading break while on a bike ride by the DesPlaines River. She's reading "Demon Dentist" by David Walliams. His writing is reminiscent of Roald Dahl, and Josie says this particular book is "kind of funny, but mostly creepy." Did you know that reading outside has been proven to be beneficial for your brain? A recent study found that, "reading outside can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. In addition, reading in nature can help to boost your memory and attention span. These findings suggest that spending time outdoors reading is a great way to improve your cognitive health" (Portal, 2022).

Ollin has been spotted reading! He is revisiting old favorites this summer. His current read is DogMan: The Scarlet Shredder. Rereading texts is a great way to enhance fluency and deepen comprehension! Way to go, Ollin! If you'd like to be featured in our "Spotted Reading" summer initiative send your picture to collinsc@district96.org.

The Seif family has been spotted reading this summer! They're reading "Redwall" by Brian Jacques. Did you know that reading every day is one of the BEST ways to prevent the "summer slide" and prepare for the next grade level? If you'd like to participate in our "spotted reading" social media feature, please take a picture of your family reading and then send it in an email to Mrs. Collins (collinsc@district96.org). We can't wait to see all the fabulous books our Ames Dolphins are reading this summer! #amesdolphins

Congratulations to the Ames Class of 2025! We're so proud of everything you've accomplished this year! #amesdolphins

Field Day Fun part 4️⃣ ! #amesdolphins

Field Day Fun part 3️⃣ ! #amesdolphins

Field Day Fun part ✌️ ! #amesdolphins

Field Day Fun part 1! #amesdolphins

Happy graduation day to our Early Learners! Our littlest dolphins are on their way to kindergarten! #amesdolphins

W is for Walk and Wildlife! Early Learners had a special visit from the Reptile Guy today, and students in grades 1-5 took a walk outside! #amesdolphins

V is for Visit! 2nd graders visited the 3rd grade classrooms to get a glimpse into their future next school year. #amesdolphins

U is for U.S.A. and Unicorns! #amesdolphins

Ames Scouts and Student Council led a touching Memorial Day flag raising for the entire school on Friday morning. As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, May 26th in memory of those who gave all for our country. #amesdolphins