STAR GAZER GAZETTE
January 2023 Star Lake Newsletter
Greetings Star Lake Families,
Happy New Year and welcome back to school! I hope your family had a fun and restful break! We always like to take the time after a break to revisit our classroom expectations, check in with students and see if we need to make any revisions, and “reboot” that energy and excitement needed to be active, engaged learners! This week we have been discussing and practicing our common area behavior expectations: hallway, classroom, lunchroom, playground and bus expectations and what it means to be “Kind, Safe and Productive” at school. So far, our scholars are doing a great job! As always, we appreciate the continued support from family members at home.
In addition to restarting and reviewing expectations, January is a month in which we spend a good deal of time assessing student progress. Students will be taking the iReady reading and math diagnostic to measure growth and teachers will be conferring with students to assess reading growth using our Independent Reading Level Assessment (IRLA.) Teachers will also be assessing standards to ensure scores on report cards are accurate.
Students’ progress will be documented on report cards, which your family will receive the first week of February. On the report card you will see your child’s current reading level and descriptor. Their current iReady assessment scores will also populate. Students are assessed on their progress toward meeting the requirements for ELA, math, science, social studies, music and PE standards for each grade level. The report card lists broad, overall standards and skills that each priority standard feeds into. This format makes the report card more user friendly for parents to read and understand than listing each specific priority standard. Students will receive a 4,3,2, or 1 for standards assessed.
We are looking forward to continuing our learning journey with our students as we move through the rest of this school year.
I wish your family joy, health and happiness in the coming year!
Best Regards,
Kris Rennie, principal
253-945-4007
Mark Your Calendars
JANUARY
10 - Last Day to Apply for Highly Capable Program
11 - Early Release - School ends at 1:35
16 - NO SCHOOL - MLK Day
17 - Kindergarten Registration Begins
19 - Coffee With The Principal, 8:45-9:45am
20 - Disney Spirit Day
25 - Early Release -- School ends at 1:35
30 - NO SCHOOL - Semester Break
FEBRUARY
1 - Choice Enrollment Begins
8 - Early Release - School ends at 1:35
14 - Coffee With The Principal, 2-3:00pm
20 - NO SCHOOL - Mid Winter Break
22 - Early Release - School ends at 1:35
Coffee With The Principal
We hope to see you then!
Please Dress Warmly
As we are in the winter months and it’s cold outside, please remember to dress for the weather, wearing layers. Gloves and hats are recommended for going outside.
Weather Updates
Families will receive messages by voice call, email alert and/or push notification to FWPS Mobile App subscribers if weather conditions cause changes in school operations such as delayed opening, early dismissal, or closure.
Limited bus routes snow schedule can be found here: https://www.fwps.org/Page/592
For the most up-to-date information go to: https://www.fwps.org/Page/1 or call 253-945-2000 for a recorded message.
Scholar Placement Information
The Highly Capable Program referral window is December 1, 2022 to January 10, 2023. This program provides services to identified scholars (both Math and/or English Language Arts) within the general education classroom at their current home school.
FWPS staff, families, community members and scholars may refer a K–11 scholar for consideration for the 2023-2024 school year.
For more information, and to complete a digital referral visit: www.fwps.org/highlycapable
CHOICE ENROLLMENT WINDOW OPENS:
CHOICE Enrollment is an opportunity for families to choose the school their child will attend the following school year. Choice Enrollment Applications will be available for residents of FWPS on February 1. This application process will be available only online. If you have questions or would like more information regarding FWPS Choice Enrollment click here: Choice
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten registration begins January 17th. Registration will be online. If you have a child or know of a friend turning 5 by August 31st, 2023, please have them begin the registration process after January 17th. All immunizations will need to be completed by Aug 31st as well. For more information go to: https://www.fwps.org/Page/7199
Counselor's Corner
Through our Second Step curriculum, we have been focusing on the concept of empathy. This includes reminding students to have empathy, identify their own and others’ feelings, notice and respect same and different feelings, and show compassion. Compassion involves saying kind words or doing something helpful to show you care how another person feels. When students can identify, understand, and respond in a caring way to how someone else is feeling, it helps create a positive and accepting school climate.
Second Step lessons specifically teach about empathy. You’ll be receiving Home Links describing why empathy is important and including fun activities to do with your child to help him or her identify feelings and practice showing empathy and compassion. We hope you find them helpful.
Please tell your child’s teacher if you have any questions about how you can help your child learn to identify feelings and show empathy and compassion at home.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Williams
School Counselor
(253) 945-4005
Ideas For Supporting Your Child in Being Ready For School Each Morning On Time!
- Develop a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Help your child lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Avoid missing school unless a child is truly sick, or is COVID-19 positive, and seek help if a chronic illness is a challenge.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselor, or other families for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Reach out to a family member, a neighbor, or another parent if you are having trouble getting your student to school.
- Arrange medical appointments when school is not in session.
- Avoid extended vacations when school is in session.
Every Day Counts and Every Day Matters.
Library Learning
Happy reading!!
Jennifer Nelson, Librarian
Nurses News:
FLU SEASON
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. Until then, you should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
CDC also recommends that children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have flu or are suspected to have flu should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause a rare, very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.
Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
PBIS: SAFE, KIND AND PRODUCTIVE!
Our students are doing so well at following school rules. Since we have been gone on vacation for 2 weeks Mr. Geving and Mrs. Rennie are going to visit all classes to revisit our school-wide expectations to help students continue their success at being Safe, Kind, and Productive.
Great Assistance Resources Available For Our Families
Assistance Resources
- Affordable Connectivity Program- The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Find out if you qualify and apply online at https://www.fcc.gov/acp
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington- Offers a variety of programs including Senior & in-home care, mental health services, addiction recovery, housing, & youth and family services. CCS/CHS serves people in need, regardless of religious affiliation, race or economic status. 253-893-7895
- Multi Service Center- Services include supplemental food and assistance with completing applications for Basic Food Benefits, housing assistance, utility bill assistance, job search and job readiness assistance, education assistance including GED/High School/College enrollment assistance. https://mschelps.org/connect/ . Federal Way Office: (253) 838-6810 Kent Office: (253) 854-4406
- Lifeline Free Government Phone Program- Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline is a government assistance program. The Assurance Wireless offer provides eligible low-income customers free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes. Plus a free phone. Limit one line per household. https://www.assurancewireless.com/
- El Centro De La Raza - -This organization provides assistance for various types of housing emergencies. (http://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/get-help/housing-economic-development/)
- Washington Homeownership Hotline - (877) 894-4663 - If you have any questions related to homeownership during this crisis, you can call this number. For information on mortgages during the pandemic, visit their website. (https://dfi.wa.gov/homeownership)
- Saint Vincent de Paul Financial Assistance - (206) 767-6449 - This non-profit offers personal assistance with food, clothing, gasoline, medicine, rent, utilities, and transportation to people facing economic or emotional crises. People of all backgrounds and religions can get assistance. (https://svdpseattle.org/get-help/online-help-request-form/)
- World Relief Seattle - (253) 277-1121 - This organization provides assistance for refugees and immigrants new to the United States. (https://worldreliefseattle.org/)
- King County Women’s Winter shelter - YWCA Angeline’s 2030 3rd Ave Seattle (between Lenora and Virginia). Women register at the Women’s Referral Center between 6 PM - 9 PM daily. After 9 PM, drop in or call (206) 436-8650.
- REACH Center- Day shelter (some overnight shelter for families) for women and children 1055 S Grady Way- P2, (425) 277-7594, day shelter only 8 PM - 5 PM Monday-Friday. REACH provides meals, clothing, laundry and shower facility. (https://www.reachrenton.org)
Rental Assistance
Hope Line 425-869-6000
Hope link (Eastside) 425-943-7555
Solid Ground Tenant Services 206-694-6767
Community Information 206-461-3200
Housing & Essential Needs Programs 206-328-5755
County Crisis Clinic 1800-621-4636 or 206-461-3222
King Supportive Services for Veteran Families 206-545-2344
For more information on resources in King County please access the Community and Small Business Resource Guide
STEM With The Superintendent
The first STEM with the Superintendent event is anticipated in January 2023, and scholars are encouraged to sign up for the chance to participate. The video recap will then be published on the FWPS YouTube channel, FWPS website, and FWPS social media channels after the events.
To learn more about STEM with the Superintendent, visit www.fwps.org/STEMwithSuperintendent.
Does Your Scholar Need Extra Support Academically?
We are happy to announce the FREE availability of Tutor.com for all scholars in grades 4-12. For your scholar's success, Tutor.com will:
· Provide one-to-one FREE tutoring help
· Provide access to SAT and PSAT prep
· Available 24/7
· Scholars may access through Launchpad to Learning
For more information and to access this vital service go to: https://www.fwps.org/Page/8221. It will also be explained in various languages.
Mentor & Me Program
Make a different in a young person's life: Become a Mentor.
Federal Way Public Schools invites community members to be a mentor for the 2022-23 school year!
Mentors nurture, advocate, support, and share the responsibility to ensure their scholars have multiple opportunities to set and meet goals.
To learn more, click here to provide your contact information.
Because of You
Scholars in grades 3–12 have a chance to nominate any Federal Way Public Schools staff member in the district they believe has positively influenced them, their school, and/or their community with the Because of You award.
The Superintendent’s Scholar Advisory team reviews these nominations, and each month selects recipients to be recognized at a board meeting.
Students may fill out a nomination form at: https://www.fwps.org/becauseofyou. All nomination forms are due by the end of the month.
PTA Updates
Star Lake Parents and Guardians,
We hope everyone had a wonderful Winter Break! So glad to have the students back for more fun this month.
Holiday Smencils were a hit! We hope the kids were happy with their delicious smelling pencils and used them over break working on homework right?
Please join us for our next PTA Meeting January 18th at 6pm in the school library
***Grab lunch or dinner at MOD Pizza Kent Station Januray 26th- Mention Star Lake PTA and a portion of the proceeds will support Star Lake
PTA SPIRIT DAYS:
January 20th- Disney Day
February 17th- Tie Dye/ Rainbow Day
Join our Facebook page to keep up with the Star Lake PTA 9.4.55: https://www.facebook.com/groups/StarLakeElementary
Star Lake PTA is always looking for volunteers to help with Fundraisers, Popcorn Fridays, and Book Fair! If you are interested please email us at starlakepta@gmail.com
* Remember that a successful PTA needs your participation. We appreciate your support! If you have any questions, please email us at: starlakepta@gmail.com
Staff List:
Volunteer Applications:
Star Lake Elementary
Email: comments@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/starlake
Location: 26812B 40th Ave S , Kent, WA, USA
Phone: 253-945-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarLakeFWPS