Sea Otter Updates!
Serene Lake Elementary - January 13rd 2023
Serene Lake Elementary
Lori Bumstead, Principal
Jessica Kelley, Dean
Susan Ditri, Administrative Assistant
Jamie Groshong, Registrar and Attendance
Alison Lang, Behavior Specialist
Website: www.mukilteoschools.org
Location: 4709 Picnic Point Rd, Edmonds, WA, USA
Phone: 425.366.3500
NO SCHOOL - MONDAY, JAN. 16th!

Important Dates!
Jan. 19th: Orchestra Concert @Picnic Point Elementary 7pm
Jan. 20th: Dino O'Dell Family Concert 6pm
Jan. 26th: PTSA Movie Night
Jan. 31st: Kids Heart Challenge Assembly - During School Hours
Feb. 3rd: NO SCHOOL
Feb. 8th: Dine Out Night @ Papa Murphy's
Feb. 16th: Multi Cultural Night 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ SL Gym
Feb. 17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Feb. 20th - 24th: NO SCHOOL - Mid Winter Break
Dino O'Dell Family Concert!
Attendance Matters To Us!
- Did you know that just TWO absent days a month can make it hard for students to stay on track with their classwork?
- Did you know every time your student arrives LATE to school you disrupt an entire classroom of instruction?
If your student will be absent or late please call (425) 366-3500
We will need you to include:
- Student First and Last Name
- Date of absence
- Reason for absence.
We will only return your call or voicemail if we have questions.
Any absence not specifically covered, such as family vacations or other extended absence, must have an approved pre-arranged absence form in order to be excused. This form must be completed and submitted to the school office one week prior to the scheduled absence.
PTSA Fun For The Entire Family!

Multicultural Night - Sign Up!
Multicultural Night
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16th 6-8PM
SERENE LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM
One of our favorite events is back and we need YOUR help to make it great! We are looking for families, individuals, and community groups who would like to share their culture in a variety of ways.
Your culture is your own, so you decide how to represent it. It could be your family's heritage, your birthplace, someplace you have lived, or whatever culture you identify with.
This is a night to celebrate our diverse community and learn from each other.
Click here to participate in Multicultural Night
Congratulations Mrs. Dolan and Mrs. Bumstead!
Food, Fun, Family and Fundraising!
Girls On The Run- Spring 2023
Serene Lake is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a Girls On The Run program starting March 20th thanks to Ms. Dodson (PE Teacher) and our staff volunteers. The program is for girls 3rd - 5th grade only and there are 15 spots available. Watch for more information to come.
The program will be held March - June every Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-5:00pm
Girls on the Run is a fun, evidence-based programs that inspire girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.
Things You Should Know!
What time should my child arrive at school? If you drive your child to school, please arrive between 8:35-8:55 a.m. No children should arrive prior to 8:35 as supervision is not provided until that time. Children who arrive after 9:00 a.m. are tardy and need to stop by the office for a tardy slip before reporting to class.
What should I do if I need to change end of the day dismissal arrangements? To maximize student safety and eliminate confusion, please have students go home the same way (bus or parent pick-up) each day. If it is necessary for you to make a change for a particular day, please send an email to the classroom teacher. If an emergency arises and you are unable to send a note in the morning, please call the office before 2:00 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and before 1:00 p.m. on Fridays at 425-366-3500 and we will get a message to the teacher.
When can parents be in the building? Parents are welcome to stop in the office for support or questions between the hours of 8:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. We do not allow visitors beyond the office during the school day unless they are scheduled to volunteer and have done their volunteer requirements or have a scheduled meeting. If you are interested in volunteering, please refer to the volunteer section of this newsletter for more information.
What should I do if my child is absent? Call the attendance line before 9:30 a.m. to report absences (425-366-3500). Your message should include your child’s name, teacher’s name, date of absence, reason for absence, and parent name.
What are good reasons for staying home from school? Regular attendance is critical to success. Students should only stay home for valid reasons including: contagious illness or symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Children should not come to school if they experience vomiting or diarrhea, or a fever of 100 degrees or higher, or a consistent cough within the last 24 hours. Other excused absences include religious or cultural observances, court proceedings, or true emergencies, like a death in the family. Appointments and family vacations should be scheduled on non-school days or outside school hours whenever possible to prevent loss of instructional time.
What will happen if a child gets sick or injured while at school? We have a health room to be able to treat students with minor injuries or sickness. We have a nurse and a health room support member who manage our health room 5 days a week. If your child is ill or becomes ill at school, they will need to be picked up immediately.
Will parents be notified if a classmate or teacher goes home sick? We notify everyone in our school community when we have a confirmed positive COVID case in our building. Please note that this does not mean you have specifically been determined to have had close contact with that individual. Because contact tracing efforts are no longer required, this notice is intended as broad notification for your use in determining your next steps.
What happens to lost items? Our lost and found is located inside the door of the gym. Glasses, keys, and other valuable items can be claimed in the office. To make it easier to return items to students, please be sure to write your child’s name (in permanent ink) on backpacks, jackets, gloves, lunch boxes, and all personal items your child brings to school. Unclaimed items are donated to a local charity in December and June.
How does parent drop off and pick up work? If you drive your child, here’s what you need to know. The drop-off/pick-up loop for parents is behind the gym. There is a loop that you follow and an adult will assist at getting your students in or out of the car. Do not get out of your car in the Parent Pick Up line. The front of the school drive is for buses only. Bring your patience and expect a line and potentially long wait time. Teach your child to buckle and unbuckle independently to speed up the process.
ARRIVAL: use the Parent Drop off/Pick Up loop behind the school. Please remain in your car. When you reach the safe unloading zone have your child unbuckle. A staff member will come to your vehicle and assist your child to safely move away from the traffic area.