Cheetah Newsletter
Cooperative - Accountable - Respectful - Enthusiastic - Safe
May 14, 2020
Mark Your Calendars!
In honor of the Memorial Day holiday, there will be NO SCHOOL next Friday, May 22nd and Monday, May 25th. School will resume on Tuesday, May 26th. Although teachers will not be adding any new content, students will still be able to access iReady and additional optional educational resources through Canvas. We hope you get a chance to pay tribute to our fallen heroes this Memorial Day. Thank you to those men and women that have bravely served our country. Enjoy the holiday weekend and unofficial start to the summer season!
Message From the Principal
Dear Families,
We have completed another week of online learning, and I am hearing from teachers so many amazing stories about the work they are receiving from students and the connections that are continuing to be made. Thank you for all the hard work you’re doing at home to support student learning!
A few highlights from district communication that has been sent out recently:
Attendance: Even now during our continuous learning, attendance matters. Student attendance is recorded on a weekly basis. If students are not engaging in online learning or another agreed-upon method with your child’s teacher, they will be marked as "not engaged" (absent). We track engagement in learning (attendance) when students engage in lessons/activities in Canvas, i-Ready and/or Raz-kids as well as their attendance at Zoom meetings. We may also use emails from families or phone conferences to check in on student engagement (attendance) and learning. We are working toward 100% engagement, and we appreciate your help in getting us there! If you have questions or are having trouble engaging each week, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or to me.
Grading: The #1 priority for the state is that we will do no harm to our students' second semester grades due to the COVID-19 closure. Given this guidance, Monroe School District has decided on a two-tiered approach to elementary school report cards. First, subjects fully taught and assessed from January 31st to March 13th will be graded just as we typically do (4 = above standard, 3 = at standard, 2 = approaching standard, 1 = not at standard). For the time period of March 13 to June 19th during our on-site closure, teacher feedback will be noted in the comment section of the report card, and reading, writing, and math only will be assessed as Proficient or Not Proficient.
We know that families have a wide range of circumstances right now and that everyone is facing many challenges and pressures. We are so appreciative of all the work you’re doing with your children! Please know that with the above attendance and grading practices, there is a lot of grace and understanding for individual circumstances, and our teachers will continue to reach out to families with any questions or concerns. We are here for you; please let us know if we can help in any other way.
Warmly,
Ana
Input Forms for 2020-2021
The goal of a careful and thoughtful placement process is to provide all students with an equal opportunity for a positive and strong educational experience. In determining placement we consider what we know about individual students, student groups that work well together, parent/guardian input, and issues of classroom balance. Our paramount duty during the placement process is to create well-balanced classrooms that provide the best instructional setting for all students.
Your input is an important aspect of the placement process. If you have input you would like us to consider, please fill out this form by Thursday, May 21, 2020. Please keep in mind that this form is not for requesting a specific teacher.
1. Completion of this form is optional. All students will be given careful consideration for classroom placement, whether or not parent/guardian input is provided.
2. The information you provide will be shared with the appropriate faculty involved with your child’s placement – it is not confidential.
3. Please understand that we likely will not be able to create classrooms that honor all requests, especially requests to separate children and/or requests regarding combination classrooms.
Our student placement process is guided by the following beliefs and principles:
- Every child’s placement is important and deserves careful consideration.
- Every Chain Lake teacher is dedicated to high academic standards and meeting the learning and social needs of each child.
- Students benefit from new experiences.
- Balanced classrooms should reflect our diverse society.
Thank you for your support in helping us place your child in the learning environment that supports him or her the most. Chain Lake Elementary remains dedicated to providing your child with a quality and enriching learning experience.
REgister now for kindergarten
Online kindergarten registration is currently open for the 2020-2021 school year for children that will turn 5 years old by August 31, 2020. In order to register, parents will need to their child’s immunization records, proof of age (birth certificate, passport, an adoption record, etc.), and proof of address (property tax statement, utility bill, etc.). Click on the link below to get started.
https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/about/register-for-school
If you have an incoming kindergarten student or know of a neighbor or family member who may have incoming kindergarteners, please register as soon as possible so that we can appropriately staff our kindergarten classes for next school year.
We know that many families are having difficulties obtaining immunization records during this difficult time, so if you are not able to register online at this time due to that, please call our school office and let us know you plan to register your child for next year.
**Paper packets are available for pick-up in front of the school between the hours of 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Please call the school office at (360) 804-3100 if you have any questions.
5th Grade Health Lessons
You will be receiving a district communication this week regarding 5th grade health lessons. Please read the letter when it comes.
This year, to minimize the educational burden on families, the district is utilizing short videos approved by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in place of our comprehensive human growth and development curriculum. Please consider that in the absence of this curriculum, the medically and scientifically accurate information presented in these videos, although age-appropriate, may introduce terms or concepts your student may not have had the opportunity to learn about yet.
We encourage you to review the video, as you have the right to opt your child out of participating. Please select the website link below to review the content:
5th grade: Marissa’s Story | Discussion Guide
By law, parents must attest to reviewing this content before they can excuse their child from HIV prevention education. If, after reviewing the content, you intend to excuse your child from viewing the HIV prevention education videos, please fill out the opt-out form and return it to your child’s teacher via email no later than May 29, 2020 or call our school office for assistance (360) 804-3100.
Due to social distancing requirements, this online review of content takes the place of our annual parent preview night. If you opted your student out of the HIV Prevention Education curriculum in the Fall, you will still need to review and opt-out of this content because it is different from the full curriculum material you previously reviewed.
Yearbook Sale Ends Tomorrow
TOMORROW, Friday, May 15th, is the last day to purchase the 2019-2020 yearbook. Don’t miss this year’s memories printed in FULL COLOR for the low price of $15.00! You can pay for your yearbook by going to www.monroe.wednet.edu. Scroll down and click on the ‘Online Payments’ button. Once you sign in, click on your student’s name and select 'Items at Student’s School.' Select ‘CLE,' select the type of yearbook you would like to purchase and the quantity, click on ‘Buy,' and checkout. Can’t remember if you have purchased a yearbook or not? Give our school office a call between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM or send the office an email, and we can look up your yearbook info. Don't miss out on this memorable school year!
CLE Night at Tuscano's
We have exciting news! On behalf of the Chain Lake PTA, Tuscano's has generously offered to keep our May school fundraiser!! Please join us Wednesday, May 20th, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM for this great opportunity! Tuscano's will donate 15% of each order to our school. As a reminder, orders are for take-out only. Please try and call your order in early - preferably a day ahead - so they can have enough staff on hand. The link for their menu is included below. The flyer is required at time of pick-up in order to be counted for our school, so be sure to print the flyer or have it on your phone. And don't forget to pass it on to your family members or neighbors!!
Thank you for supporting a wonderful local business while also supporting the school.
5th Grade T-Shirts
Class of 2027?? Don't miss out on your commemorative 5th Grade Class shirts now available to order!
Follow the link below to get your order in. The first order went out last Friday, and another order is being put together. It's a fun way to celebrate our graduating Cheetahs!
If you need financial assistance, please contact the CLE PTA.
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Mitchell
In last week's newsletter, we discussed some ways to support children who are feeling worried. These feelings are completely normal, especially at this time. The strategies listed in the handout below are some other ways to help children who are feeling worried to feel more calm.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Heather Mitchell at mithcellh@monroe.wednet.edu or by phone at 360.804.3103.
SECOND STEP
During this time away from in-person school we want to continue to support your child’s Social-Emotional Learning using our Second Step curriculum. In order for you to access videos and lesson resources for your student, you can set up a (FREE!) family account through the second step website. To do this:
Go to www.secondstep.org
Click the upper left link that says “Log In or Create Account”
Look for the blue “Create Account” button under the email input box
Enter your email address, choose a password, and enter your information
Use your child’s grade’s activation key (you are able to add additional grade’s activation keys once you have an account):
Kindergarten: SSPK FAMI LY70
1st Grade: SSP1 FAMI LY71
2nd Grade: SSP2 FAMI LY72
3rd Grade: SSP3 FAMI LY73
4th Grade: SSP4 FAMI LY74
5th Grade: SSP5 FAMI LY75
Here For You
Even though our school office is not open to families right now, we are still here for you! If you have any questions or need help, you can reach us by phone at (360) 804-3100. If we don't answer, we have stepped away from our desk, but please leave a message and your call will be returned. You can also email us at kirschenmannk@monroe.wednet.edu. Our office hours are 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Technical Difficulties?
If you are having issues connecting to our online continuous learning, trouble with your Chromebook or have questions about how to navigate Canvas, you can call our technology hotline at (360) 804-2520.
Slow internet? Click on this link for some great tips for troubleshooting!
Internet Resources
AT&T - will provide internet for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the AT&T discount internet program. We’ve expanded eligibility to access the program from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, we’re offering new access from AT&T customers, two months of free service and then $10 thereafter. Includes free installation. Please call 855.220.5211 (English) or 855.220.5225 (Spanish).
Comcast Xfinity: Internet Essentials is providing new qualified, low-income customers with two months of free service and then $9.95 each month for continued service. Includes free installation. Please call 1-855-846-8376.
Frontier: Lifeline provides monthly internet service for $9.25 per month for qualifying low-income families. To receive additional information about Frontier’s Lifeline discount, please call 1800 921 8101. Here is the Lifeline form to determine if you qualify: English version | Spanish Versio
- Families who qualify for Free and Reduced meals can get discounted internet rates from some carriers. If you have already qualified but need your confirmation letter, please email Tammy Gregory gregoryt@monroe.wednet.edu and she will send you your letter via email.
- No Email? Find how to set-up a Gmail email address here.
PTA Corner
CONTACT US!!
2019 – 2020 PTA Board Members
President - Sarah Wicks sarahmwicks@gmail.com
Vice President - Crystal Blakely crystalblakely@gmail.com
Treasurer - Lindsey Perdomo lindseyperdomo@comcast.net
Secretary - Megan Gieger megangieger@gmail.com
Communications - Hannah Huber hannahtwedt@yahoo.com and
Corrie Swalwell corrieandpaul@comcast.net
Fundraising/Events - Hannah Huber hannahtwedt@yahoo.com
Get connected! https://www.facebook.com/chainlakeparents
Email: chainlakepta@gmail.com
Ways to Donate
- DonorsChoose: Founded in 2000 by a high school teacher in the Bronx, http://www.donorschoose.org empowers public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials and experiences for their students. Right now there are thousands of classroom requests that you can help bring to life with a gift of any amount.
- Amazon Smiles: Do you shop at Amazon? Did you know that you can help our school by shopping through AmazonSmile? We have an account that each time you purchase on the site, our school will earn 0.5% of funds back on your purchase! Charity Name: Chain Lake Elementary PTA 7 6 2. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. They will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
- Benevity Causes: Does your company partner with Benevity Causes to give back? Did you know that you can choose our school to receive funds? Search for Chain Lake Elementary School at www.benevity.com. Our unique ID # is: NCES12_530513002316
- Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program: a local community source of rewards for schools http://www.fredmeyer.com/topic/community-rewards-4
- Target: Throughout the year, Target stores provide education grants to local K-12 schools to support educational field trips, early childhood reading programs and participation in the arts. http://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/community/philanthropy
- Walmart Foundation: The Walmart Foundation meets the needs of the under-served by directing charitable giving toward our core areas of focus. http://giving.walmart.com/foundation
- Monroe Public Schools Foundation (community based non-profit to support local schools): Award grants to staff and students; Reward and honor outstanding teachers and staff; Promote charitable and planned giving to benefit our public schools; Provide students with expanded learning opportunities and materials; Seek scholarship and program funds from public and private sources; Honor the efforts and achievements of students, staff, and community members; Build an endowment fund to provide a permanent source of supplemental funding. http://www.monroepsf.org/donate/
About Us
Principal - Ana Apter
Assistant Principal - Jordan Radke
Guidance Counselor - Heather Mitchell
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Office Manager - Kim Kirschenmann
Secretary - Sherry Carswell
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24 Hour Attendance Hotline - (360) 804-3101
FAX - (360) 804-3199
Health Room - (360) 804-3132
Kitchen - (360) 804-3135
Transportation - (360) 804-2650
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Website: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/chain-lake-elementary
Location: 12125 Chain Lake Rd, Snohomish, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 804-3100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChainLakeElementary/
Monroe School District's Tip Reporting Service
Safety is our top priority. That is why we use SafeSchools Alert, a tip reporting system that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration in four different ways:
Phone: 360-799-5419
Text: Text your tip to 360-799-5419
Email: 1003@alert1.us
Report tips on bullying, intimidation, harassment, safety issues, fighting, safety concerns, or other issues of concern.
And now 'there's an app for that!' Open the attachment below to learn more about the new app feature.
Anyone may easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue of concern. Tips may be submitted anonymously, too. Thanks in advance for helping to keep our school community a safe place to work and learn! Together we do make a difference.
District Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Monroe School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its program and activities, 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:
Title IX Coordinator: Joanne Dickinson, dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu, 360.804.2539
Compliance Coordinator for 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW: Joanne Dickinson, dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu, 260.804.2539
Section 504/ADA Coordinator: David Paratore, paratored@monroe.wednet.edu, 360.804.2609
The Monroe School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact Kim Whitworth, whitworthk@monroe.wednet.edu, 360.804.2558.