VFE Falcon Family Newsletter

October 2022

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Principal's Message

Dear Falcon Families,


Can you believe it? We just completed the first month of school! Thank you for partnering with us as we re-established our community and routines. We are off to a great start! We will be leveraging our relationships and routines to dig deeper academically this month. By the end of the first week of October, all students will have completed their benchmark assessments in reading and math. We will use this information to create plans to ensure each student has the support they need to succeed. You will hear more about your student's results in the coming weeks.


You will also notice that October is full of fun events. From the kick-off events for Art Docents and Watch DOGS to the Walkathon there will be numerous opportunities for you to be part of our campus community. We encourage each of you to take part in the events as you are able. If you haven't yet, please complete your volunteer application today!



Make it a great day to be a Falcon!

Wade Jerdee, Assistant Principal & Adam Uhler, Principal

Picture Day 10/7

Our picture day is scheduled for Friday, 10/7. Picture forms were sent home Friday, 9/23.


Pictures can also be ordered online through the Dorian Website.

Walk A Thon

Our annual Walk A Thon is coming up! Forms and information went home on 9/30. Please check your student's backpack. Students will collect donations from family and friends between Saturday, October 1st and Friday, October 21st. Students will need to turn in their donation sheet by October 21st.


The Walk A Thon will be held Friday, October 21st.

Books and Beyond

Victor the Falcon and Mr. Payne created this fun video to promote the Books and Beyond Program!


https://youtu.be/pZERNveCYBw

Watch DOGS

Our Watch DOGS kick-off meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5th from 5:30-6:30 pm at Victor Falls. We encourage Fathers and Father Figures to get involved! There will be pizza, activities and a presentation about Watch DOGS at the meeting. We already have about 50 Watch DOGS signed up!
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PurposeFull Family

This month VFE students will be talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. This will be an exciting month of learning and growing responsibly. For activities you can do with your family regarding Responsibility, please click on one of the following links: Kindergarten Responsibility Newsletter, 1st Grade Responsibility Newsletter, 2nd Grade Responsibility Newsletter, 3rd Grade Responsibility Newsletter, 4th Grade Responsibility Newsletter, 5th Grade Responsibility Newsletter.

October’s Monthly Highlight: Down Syndrome Awareness Month

The CDC states that each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies.


5 Ways to show love and respect to someone with Down Syndrome:

1. Do not assume they do not understand you.

2. Always speak directly to the person, not the person with them.

3. Be kind with your words and body language.

4. Be inclusive.

5. Know that every person with Down syndrome is unique, with their individual personality, strengths and support needs.

Attendance

Did you know? Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school - and themselves. Start building this habit in elementary school so that they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. This includes planning as best as you can for appointments and vacations to minimize the impact on your student’s learning.
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School Supplies Fee

THANK YOU to the parents who have already made their school supply donations.! It is extremely important that we collect the school supply fee from every student if possible. These funds help us supply school supplie that the students will need throughout the school year.


We have collected about of the school supply donations. If you haven't yet made your donation for school supplies, please send your $25 Fee in the following ways:


  • Make an online payment

Directions for paying online:

  1. Log on to SBLSD at www.sumnersd.org (not Family Access)

  2. Hover over SCHOOLS on the top banner

  3. Click on grades K-12

  4. Scroll down to elementary schools and click on your school

  5. Click on the dollar bill icon “Online Payments”

  6. Click on the link “Direct payment Link Here”

  7. Log in with your username and password (same as Family Access).

  8. Click on your student that you would like to make a payment for

  9. Click on “Shop”

  10. Click on “Items at Student School”

  11. Click on item you would like to pay

  12. “School Supplies” “Grade Level” “Donation”


  • Call the office to make your donation over the phone
  • Send it with your student to school (ask them to drop it off in the office or give it to their teacher).

Car Pick Up Dismissal Reminders

Thank you for all of your help and cooperation during dismissal time! We are working toward our goal of being finished with dismissal by 3:25 and keeping the traffic flowing. We are almost there! Here are a few ways that you can help us reach our goal:


We would like to remind you about implementing a staggered release based on dismissal tag numbers. The staggered release should allow fewer cars to arrive on campus at the same time and keep traffic flowing. When the right cars are here at the right time, we can load 16 cars every minute. We are requesting that families maintain the following schedule.

  • Car tags 0-90 arrive on campus between 2:50-3:10

  • Car tags 91-181 get in line at 3:15

  • Car tags 182+ and any one-off requests get in line at 3:20 PM


To make the dismissal process more efficient, all students with a dismissal tag will get a corresponding tag for their backpacks.


Keeping students safe is our highest priority! Please have your dismissal tag hanging on your rear view mirror or your ID ready during dismissal so that we can ensure the safety of our students.


We appreciate your perseverance and patience!

Family Assistance

We have resources to help families in need. Would a weekend food bag, clothing, or meal support during the holidays for your student be helpful? Please send an email to the school counselor at courtney_arbaugh@sumnersd.org to assist you with getting support.

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Family Technology Agreement Forms

Reminder: Please have your student turn in their Technology agreement forms!


The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (SBLSD) provides Chromebooks for all students to use at school and at home for educational purposes. Classroom teachers will review classroom and school rules for technology use appropriate to each grade level. It is required that every student has this form signed by a parent and on file. The forms were handed out Friday 9/16. Please return them as soon as possible.

Job Fair Oct. 6th

Come join the Sumner-Bonney Lake family! We are currently hiring classified staff for the 2022-23 school year, including:

  • School Paraprofessionals
  • Child Nutrition: Kitchen Assistants, Substitutes
  • Transportation: Bus Drivers, Substitute Drivers
  • Maintenance: Electricians, Custodians, Custodian Substitutes, HVAC Technician

We will be hosting a Classified Hiring Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Lakeridge Middle School, 5909 Myers Rd E in Bonney Lake. Come hear about the different jobs and their benefits.

This will be a chance to meet with principals and directors, and even interview onsite. If you are interested in interviewing for one of our open positions, submit your résumé to jobs@sumnersd.org, with the position you are interested in by Monday, Oct. 3. Please reach out if you have any questions to jobs@sumnersd.org.

To view more open positions, visit sumnersd.org/jobs or click here.

We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 6!

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Vision and Hearing Screening 11/2

Vision and Hearing will take place on November 2nd. If your student wears glasses, please remember to send them with their glasses to ensure accurate results. This is state mandated testing for K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade. If you have plans for your student on November 1st and they will not be at school, please let the office staff know.

Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.


This year's theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." You can read more information here: The National Council Hispanic Employment Program Managers.


We’d love to share how your building or department is recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month on our social media, newsletters and website. Tell us how you’re celebrating by emailing us at communications@sumnersd.org.

Please Return Register for Kindergarten Signs

Please return the Register for Kindergarten signs if you had one in your yard. We appreciate your help and support with our registration process!

Key Dates

Please check our website for updates.

10/03-Late Start: School Starts at 10am

10/7-Picture Day

10/10-Late Start: School Starts at 10am

10/14- No SCHOOL -Staff Training Day

10/17-Late Start: School Starts at 10am

10/24-Late Start: School Starts at 10am


For other key dates, check your mailbox soon for the 2021-22 school year calendar.
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