Mukilteo Elementary Falcon Spirit
From the Principal
When I grew up the bar for “cool” technology was pretty low – an Atari system where the controller could be used to move a line or “paddle” up and down to play tennis or “pong” on the screen. Now students are able to creatively generate their own 3D worlds!
It’s an exciting time for students in the world of technology these days. Here at school, our community (YOU, your neighbors) has voted to approve technology integration to support student learning, as well. In our school and district, we have added 1:1 student computers, ActivePanels, and other devices to support this work as we help prepare our students for the real world of the 22nd Century work. It is a great time to be a student with information readily at their fingertips!
At the same time, we have talked to many parents and staff recently that are concerned by the amount of screen time that our elementary students are exposed to and the communication that is happening via Social Media Apps and text group chats. With this increase in things being brought to our attention here at school, I thought I would share some ideas about screen time and cell phone use that I have gathered from sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and Common Sense Media, a resource we use here to teach students about digital citizenship.
Some of the key ideas these resources ask families of elementary students to consider when thinking about these topics include:
1. Consider limits on time spent using media devices as well as the types of media that students are using
2. Make sure that media use does not take the place of sleep, physical activities, or activities that engage students in social interaction with siblings or peers
3. Designate media free times such as during meals or while driving. (These are great times for family conversations!)
4. Designate media free areas within your home such as bedrooms and dining rooms
5. Choose age appropriate, quality content for when students are accessing their media devices
6. Be knowledgeable about the content your student is accessing by co-viewing, playing along, and talking with them about the media or Apps they are accessing. (We are seeing an uptick of students mimicking behaviors they are seeing on Youtube and TikTok.)
7. Be a media role model and make rules around when and where texting or the use of devices will be limited (Put your device away during family time at home.)
8. Students at younger ages, including many elementary students, are engaging in text messaging.
While monitoring can seem like “snooping” it is an important aspect of making sure communications are responsible and safe. (This is especially important for “group texts” that anyone can access unlike Social Media Apps that not all families may have downloaded.)
Here at school we know that technology and screen time is something that is going to be a part of our student’s future and success. We also know that students being able to engage in positive social interaction is essential for their future success in future grades, college, work, and life. I encourage you to think about these topics and be in tune with the content your student is accessing while remembering that providing a balance is key! We have included some resources below that might be helpful as well.
Have a wonderful month of May. Let’s all get outside and enjoy the warmer weather while leaving the technology devices behind!!
SBA Testing Starts May 9th
During May, all students at Mukilteo Elementary in grades 3-5 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, and students in grade 5 will also take a science test (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science, or WCAS). We use these state assessments as some of the ways to know how students are doing at meeting grade level standards and expectations in these areas. This newsletter provides information about when our school plans to give the tests and general information about these tests.
1. WHEN WILL MY CHILD TAKE THE TESTS?
2. HOW LONG ARE THE TESTS?
The ELA test takes about 3-4 hours to complete all of its parts and is usually spread out over 3 days. The math test takes about 2-3 hours and is typically given over a 2-day period. The science test lasts about 2-3 hours and usually completed during the course of one school day. To avoid test fatigue, students take the tests over a series of short sessions, and breaks are given to keep the students fresh. For example, students may work for 45 minutes and then stop until the next scheduled session, picking up where they left off. These tests are not timed, so we make arrangements for students who need more time to complete the test to continue testing in another room or on another day.
3. HOW ARE THE TESTS GIVEN?
Most students will take all the tests on a computer. Scratch paper is available to be used during some parts of the tests. Calculators and other tools needed for students to respond to test items are included within the test itself or are provided by the school.
4. DO STUDENTS NEED HEADPHONES FOR THE TEST?
Yes. Some parts of the test require student to listen to a passage and chose from several options that are written within the test itself. Students also click on videos, recordings, and graphics within the exam. We will provide a set of headphones to all students. However, if your child has a set of headphones or earbuds, please consider sending them with your child to use during testing. The set should not be expensive because we will not be able to replace them if they are lost or damaged.
5. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THESE ASSESSMENTS?
Students should be well rested and eat a good breakfast before school starts on the day of a test. (Students are able to get free breakfast at school daily.) Be sure your child is at school on time each day as we start testing in the morning and prompt attendance helps students feel comfortable and not rushed.
Encourage your student to try their best and to keep working hard when a question is more difficult. Each test has items that range in difficulty, and the test may get harder for some students toward the end because it adapts, based on how well a student is performing. When the test gets harder, it’s a sign the student is doing well, as more challenging test questions are presented when students have answered many questions correctly. Some items may even include concepts that a student has never seen before, probably because the concepts are covered in a higher grade. If students understand this, they are more likely to try hard. But don’t put too much pressure on your child – higher anxiety interferes with our best thinking and performance.
6. HOW DOES THE SCHOOL PREPARE STUDENTS TO PERFORM WELL ON THE TESTS?
These assessments measure students’ progress on meeting the state standards in the subjects being tested. During the year, students learn the material related to these standards that are covered by the test and students sometimes take similar tests. They also practice ahead of time to understand how the testing system works, such as, signing in, how to use the tools in the test, and scrolling through answer options. All the tests are structured the same way they have been in the past, and most students above grade 3 have taken the ELA and math tests in a previous grade, so they will be familiar with how the tests work. Teachers also discuss simple test-taking strategies with their students, such as, making sure to read the instructions carefully for each question. We are confident our students are well-prepared for the upcoming SBA tests, and are going to perform well - putting forth their best effort each day. Our teachers and staff have worked to ensure each student is working toward grade level proficiency in the academic areas of reading, writing, math and science, and our students all continue to show growth in these areas.
7. HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE TESTING IN WASHINGTON?
You can learn more about each test by visiting the following websites:
Class Placements for Next Year
During May & June, our teaching staff will be cooperatively working to place students entering Grades 1-5 in classes for the 2023-2024 school year. We work to create the best community of learning for each classroom by looking at creating an equitable distribution of students of different abilities, talents, personalities and approaches to learning. Student placement is a complex task and the list below gives you a sampling of some of the things that are taken into consideration by staff through the placement process:
- Academic Achievement
- Behavior & Social Skills
- Learning Styles
- Class Size
- Relationships
Due to the variables and complexity of placements, we are asking parents to trust our process and allow our teachers to make placement decisions. Also, due to withdrawals and additional registrations that occur during the summer, classroom rosters are not completed until the end of summer. We will notify you of your child’s tentative assignment for the 2023-20234 school year in late August.
All student assignments are tentative until a determination is made after the 4th day of school in September. At that time, adjustments may be made based on final enrollment and staffing numbers.
While parent requests for particular teachers are not accepted, if you desire to provide input about your child’s learning needs and learning style, please fill out the electronic Parent Input Form at the link below by Friday, May, 12th at 4:00 p.m.
Save the Date May 18th
Kindergarten Playdate 5 PM
Kindergarten Orientation 6 PM
Register for Kindergarten
Do you have a child who will be at least 5 years old by August 31, 2023? Will they attend kindergarten in the Mukilteo School District next fall? Registration for kindergarten classes in the 2023-24 school year is underway! Visit https://www.mukilteoschools.org/kindergarten to learn more.
Lost and Found will be Donated
As summer approaches and the temperature rises, many students arrive in the morning with jackets and sweaters and leave for the day without them. We are in that spring stage where it's chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon. After every recess, we see many coats left behind. Any remaining unclaimed after Friday, May 12th, will be donated.
Chalk Walk for Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week - May 7th
Chalk Walk: You're invited to help the PTSA kick off Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, May 8th - 12th, by decorating the sidewalks around the school on Sunday, May 7th from 3-5 PM!
Chalk will be provided.
Dessert Day for Teachers & Staff Appreciation - May 12th
There’s nothing sweeter than a great teacher!
Please consider sharing a dessert with the teachers/staff. This can be homemade or store bought (a batch of cookies, banana bread, pie, etc). No need to go overboard in quantity; we are hoping to have a generous variety from many families so teachers can enjoy a sweet treat during the day and take home leftovers to family and friends for the weekend.
If you are able to share a treat, please sign up through Sign-Up Genius. Plan to bring the donation to the main office between 9-10 AM on Friday, May 12th. Please either plan to pick up your pans/platters after school or pack something disposable. Thank you in advance!
Attendance
For attendance and absence related questions or comments, please email us the following information: child's name, dates absent, reason for absence by clicking here.
If you are planning an absence, a Prearranged Absence form must be filled out and returned. Download the Pre-Arranged Absence Form and email it to the Main office.
Help your Child Succeed in School: Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early
Did you know that if your child misses more than 18 days in a given school year that this is chronic absenteeism? Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Here are some tips to increase your child’s attendance:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Try scheduling medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours because this is when students are most attentive. Students who are tardy miss the beginning of their morning classes, and they also cause a distraction when they arrive late to class. Please ensure that your student is on time for class every day. At Mukilteo Elementary, school starts promptly at 9:00am. Any student arriving after 9:00am will be marked tardy. Remember you can drop your child off as early as 8:45am for them to eat breakfast or go to walk n talk. Studies have shown that students who are frequently tardy have lower GPAs, lower scores on standardized assessments, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is also linked to failure in high school. We want all students to be successful at Mukilteo Elementary and it starts with making sure you are ready to learn at 9:00am
As the weather gets nicer, we are seeing an increase in families walking to school with their dogs. We want to remind families that dogs are not allowed on campus when students are present. This is for our student's safety as well as your pets. Please leave your furry friends at home for arrival and dismissal. Please see our ME Student-Family Handbook for more information.
A Reminder about our Dress Code
Spring is here and it is time to remind students and parents of appropriate school attire. It is our goal to maintain an academic atmosphere at all times. Please dress your child in clothing that is safe and appropriate for school.
The following rules apply:
- Shorts, skorts, and skirts must reach the end of the fingertip when arms are extended down at their side. No spaghetti strap shirts or shirts that expose the tummy. Sleeveless shirts are ok.
- Tennis shoes for PE. Shoes need to be appropriate for playing safely on the playground, therefore no flip flops. If a student forgets or wears inappropriate clothing, that student will be asked to go to the office, change clothes (as available), or call home to notify the parents to request clothing if needed.
4th and 5th Grade Concert
Earth Month DEI Books
May is AAPI month and at M.E. this month we are featuring picture books from a variety of Asian and Pacific Island cultures.
Selected books will be delivered to each classroom along with maps showing countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands and a set of picture book stickers. After sharing a book with the class, the picture book sticker can be placed on the map in the location that matches the setting, characters, or theme of the story.
There are 20 books in our circulating collection spotlighting stories from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, Pakistan, Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. And there are many, many more books and stories from Asia and the Pacific Islands in our M.E. Library collection that interested students from all grades can check-out on their own.
Recommendations from our Library:
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
Imaginative Omar goes through the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends with the help of his wonderful Muslim family. Reading Level: 4th-5th Interest Level: 2nd-5th
Stargazing
How to Solve a Problem
Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible. Reading Level: 3rd-4th Interest K-5
Original Works Fundraiser - Order for Your Special Occasion Today!
ME PTSA has partnered with Original Works to turn your student's original work of art into a custom keepsake. Families can order merchandise from April 21st-May 10th. A percentage of your purchases funds PTSA programs and grants for our amazing ME students!
If your student is in one of the fifteen classes who participated, you can view their artwork now and place an order! (Richard, Heinitz, Mitchell, Stewart, Brown, Kapetonov, Shogren, Baker, Olson, Rickey, Rohrich, Singh, Beckman, Greaves, Greer)
To order click link:
https://store.originalworks.com/gallerylogin
Type in the school code MUK
View your student's artwork.
Students of classes who did not participate can still order with a manual order form during this period.
*If you experience any issues in ordering, please reach out to the Original Works Customer Service Team:
518.584.9278 or cs@originalworks.com. Please note, they are based in NY and are available 6am-1:30pm Pacific Time.
With tons of affordable products to choose from (starting at just $6!), you are sure to find something wonderful! These items make perfect gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, grandparents, graduation, and holidays!
Packs for Kids provides a food supplement for children and families living in food-insecure households. Each Friday, students receive a bag filled of non-perishable food to support their families food needs through the weekend.
Food for Thought Donations
Food For Thought is a donation driven program, and has helped provide students in need with classroom snacks for the past 5 years! Snacking in a healthy way improves energy levels and mental clarity. Smart snacking can assist in maintaining your blood sugar levels throughout the day. If you would like to help donate to the cause, please check out the link below to see what snacks are needed:
Food for Thought Sign up - New Openings
You can bring donations to the front office any time. Thank you for supporting this program and ensuring our students in need have an available snack!
Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Simone Neal (425-356-1319), nealsr@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), pitschla@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.