STAR GAZER GAZETTE
January 2021 Star Lake Newsletter
Greetings Star Lake Families,
Happy New Year! Our staff sure has enjoyed reconnecting with our students over the past two weeks. 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! As always, we appreciate the continued support from family members at home.
Students will be receiving report cards the first week of February. Parents will access the report cards through their ParentVue account, and I will share more detailed information for access the first week of February. Teachers are currently reviewing student assessments, checking in with students to review skill levels, and meeting in small groups to assess current IRLA levels. The report card will look a little bit different than last year’s. You will see your child’s current reading level and descriptor. Their current iReady assessment scores will also populate (so please get those completed!) In the past, each standard assessed was listed on the report card with a score. The report card has now been revised to list broader, overall standards and skills that each priority standard feeds into. I feel the report card is easier for parents to read and understand. Please note that students will not receive scores for science and social studies, as these subjects are being covered asynchronously. Students will receive a 4,3,2, or 1 for standards assessed.
If your child has not completed assignments or assessments, their teachers may not have adequate information to provide them with a score. Instead, you will see “IE” or “insufficient evidence” populate on the report card. Here are some questions to consider in relation to the “IE.” Is my child not attending class regularly? Is their camera off and they don’t respond to teachers’ questions or participate in class assessments? Are they not completing assigned work or not attending small group instruction? It is very important for families to notice the “IE” and talk with their children about a plan to complete assignments and assessments or increase attendance. In order to grow and build skills, students need to be active participants in their learning. We are here to help facilitate this conversation and planning; your child’s teacher will provide contact information and ideas for next steps in the comment section on the report card.
Thank you to those of you who completed the survey asking if you prefer hybrid or remote instruction for your children. This week, staff are calling all families who did not respond as we need this important information from all of our families so that we can construct schedule, safety, and transportation plans.
Please be watching for more information coming from the district and me. Be assured that you will have everything you need to know about the hybrid structure, schedules, safety protocols, transportation and many opportunities to have your questions answered, well before you child’s grade level makes the transition to offering the hybrid option. At this time the tentative plans are to have our youngest scholars in grades PreK-1st grade start hybrid on an AM/PM schedule in late February or early March.
I just keep reminding our staff that FLEXIBILITY is the name of the game right now! Please don’t hesitate to email or call me with any questions you may have.
Best Regards,
Kris Rennie, Principal
Calendar
Jan 22: Favorite Sport Spirit Day
Jan 29: NO SCHOOL, Semester Break
Feb 3: Parent Zoom Meeting, 6:00pm
Feb 15: NO SCHOOL, Presidents Day
Feb 18: Parent Zoom Meeting, 6:00pm
Feb 19: Rainbow Spirit Day
STAR LAKE MOVED!!
New Location: 3600 S. 344th Way, Federal Way, WA 98001
Mrs. Rennie's new home
We've rolled out the welcome mat
Business as usual in our office
Virtual School Picture Information
This school year, Federal Way Public Schools will be using the SelfieID™ Photo & ID Tools by CampusLinx to remotely and safely collect images to be used for student identification and school pictures. The free SelfieID™ App and Desktop Tools will be supported locally by Class Act Portraits.
All parents/students have received an email from CampusLinx with instructions to download and begin using the SelfieID App or desktop tools. If you cannot locate that email, please contact: mailto:info@classactportraits.com If you need additional information or support, go to: https://www.fwps.org/Page/7997.
Please upload your student's photo today! We would like new pictures for ALL students, but we need pictures especially for 5th graders (we hope to create a 5th grade memory book) and for students new to Star Lake this year. Deadline for photos has been extended to February 1st.
Parent Zoom Meetings:
February 3rd & 18th
We look forward to seeing you!
School Meals
Federal Way Public Schools is dedicated to helping ensure students are well fed, so they are ready to learn.
· There will be multiple meal pick up times; the earliest starting at 9:30 a.m. and the latest ending at 6:00 p.m.
· Grab and go meal kits include: 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches. Scholars will have a choice between a microwavable kit or ready-to-eat kit.
· Parents may pick up for their children ages 18 or younger. Child does not need to be present.
For additional information visit: www.fwps.org/schoolmeals. If you have questions, please call 253-945-5561 or email nutrition@fwps.org.
Pick Up Locations Near Star Lake
Appian Way Apartments 25818 26th Pl S, Kent, WA 98032, 9:30 AM—10:30 AM
Apex Apartments 24810 45th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, 1:30 PM—2:30 PM
Totem Middle School 26630 40th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032, 9:30 AM—11:30 AM
Thomas Jefferson High School 4248 S 288th St, Auburn, WA 98001, 4:00 PM—6:00 PM
Choice Enrollment Available Jan 4—Feb 12, Lottery Open for all Grades
Parents of students living within the boundaries of Federal Way Public Schools may apply to “choice” their child into a school other than their resident area school for the 2021-22 school year.
The Choice Enrollment Lottery is available for all grades Jan 4 – Feb 12. The application is only done online now. For more information and to submit your online application visit: https://www.fwps.org/choice . All Choice Applications are due by 4:30 pm, Feb 12. Existing Choice families are not required to reapply.
For students living out of the district: applications accompanied by a Choice Transfer Request (release) from the student’s resident school district may be submitted to the ESC August 1-31, 2021.
Non-resident applicants will be placed on the wait list for the requested school and grade level, and will be accepted on a space-available basis after in-district applicants are placed.
For additional assistance: email choice@fwps.org or call 253-945-2098.
**Please remember that all Choice students provide their own transportation. For Jan. 2021 - Sept. 2022 we will be in our temporary location: 3600 S. 344th Way, Federal Way, WA 98001.
Kindergarten Registration Has Begun
Attendance Update: Scholars Set a New Record!
198 scholars had perfect attendance for the month of December! That is a new record. That’s right, these scholars attended all zoom classes AND logged in on WEDNESDAY for small group time or to complete their asynchronous work. Way to go Eagles! Let’s set a new record in January. All 198 scholars will receive 10 Star Lake Way tickets deposited to their totals in our PBIS Bank!
Parents please call our office if your scholar is sick and unable to attend class OR if the power is out or you are having internet problems. We need to be able to code your child's absence correctly. Also if your scholar has an appointment and can't attend their regular scheduled class time, remember that they can still join their class at the other Zoom session that day.
EVERY DAY COUNTS AND EVERY DAY MATTERS!
To assure attendance is recorded properly, please be sure to log out of Launchpad every day. Then log in to learn.fwps.org to begin learning again the next day.
Let’s Meet That Bus Scholars!
Every Thursday is Star Lake’s School To You delivery day. Critical curriculum from our teachers is being delivered to our scholars. Please make every attempt to get into the Thursday routine to meet the bus. Remember to listen to the weekly School To You callouts to keep you informed on what is going home. Please click the School To You icon on the launchpad for bus times and location.
We will still have our curbside pick up days on Jan 27, Feb 10 & 24, but remember that we will be in our temporary school and picking up at our school will be a much longer drive. Pick up times are 9:00-3:00pm. Items from the previous week will be available. Pull up to the main office, you will see a sign, and honk or call and a staff member will be there to assist you.
Let’s meet that bus scholars!
If you have any questions please call our office.
Consider Enrolling In A FWPS Preschool Program
LIBRARY LEARNING:
Battle of the Books 2021
Students in grades third, fourth and fifth may participate in the Battle of the Books competition that will take place later in the spring. Ms. Nelson, librarian, will be signing students up this month for Battle Teams. There are four students on each team. There are 12 fiction titles including one graphic novel. Students may read the books from: KCLS ebooks; check them out from KCLS by placing holds on the titles and pick them up curbside at Woodmont library; buying the books from Amazon or Barnes and Noble; reading Star Lake ebook copies (available soon) and checking out hardback copies from Star Lake library (coming soon).
Students who would like to participate on a Battle team need to start reading the books very soon. The books listed here in the newsletter for the Battle are in white, black and orange colored reading levels. The competition will happen either in the school gym when we are back to school or via Zoom.
If you have any questions about Battle of the Books, please email Ms. Nelson at jnelson@fwps.org.
Sign up for Battle! Read, Read, Read!
Nurses News:
With the option of hybrid school coming up, if your child will be attending school in person, all medications need to be given to the office with doctor’s orders before they will be allowed to begin school. All vaccinations need to be current as well. Please contact the school if you have questions.
Becky Dorsett, MSN, RN
253-945-4047
Getting Your Child to Wear a Mask
First the good news: compared to adults, children are less likely to get severely ill from the coronavirus. Now the bad news: kids can still contract it, get sick from it, and spread it to others. Masks are one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and our community—including our children—against the coronavirus. Pediatricians recommend children ages 2 and older be masked when going out of the house to public places. Here are ways to explain the importance of wearing a mask to your children of all ages.
Children Ages 2 – 4 Years
At this age, your child may be resistant to wearing a mask. Help them understand that by wearing a mask they’re protecting themselves against germs and helping others around them to stay healthy. Parents need to make this topic non-negotiable—just like wearing a bicycle helmet. Your 2 to 4-year-old will be more receptive to wearing a mask if they can feel empowered by choosing one that comes in their favorite color or pattern. Cloth masks are perfect for this age group. Make sure they have an adjustable nose bridge and ear straps, so they fit snugly over the nose, mouth, and under the chin.
Children Ages 5 – 12 Years
It’s important that parents choose to role-model healthy behaviors. When kids of this age see their parents and family members wearing masks, they will too. If they’re resistant, try using positive reinforcement. For now, wearing a mask needs to continue to be our new normal.
Children in their Teens
This is the age where young people believe they’re invincible. If they don’t personally know someone who has gotten sick from COVID, they may not believe that this virus is really a threat. Help your teen understand that they’re part of a larger community. Data have shown that teens want to do the right thing for their community—and that includes wearing a mask to protect others. You can also encourage your teen to do their own research about the coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and our local and state health departments are excellent resources.
All Ages
Keep in mind that taking other preventive measures are important too: frequent hand-washing, keeping 6 feet away from others when outside of your home, and limiting gatherings to fewer than 5 people not living in your household.
Keep up the good work! As the song goes, “We’re all in this together!”
written by: Vivian Shields, MS, BSN, RN
https://www.pedsnw.net/covid-19/wearing-a-mask/
https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/safer-gatherings
Counselor's Corner
Here is some information about our 'What's Up Wednesdays'. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Tiffany Williams, School Counselor
tiwillia@fwps.org, (619) 618-0711 (call or text)
Middle School Information Nights For 5th Graders & Parents
Woodmont Middle School Info
The time is quickly coming to begin planning for our middle school transition. If you intend on having your child participate in our middle school program at Woodmont K-8, you must complete the choice application online. Go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUupt00FAhvI1bvHo54-XIbMy08ajPWHNaU4R8CERiSDehEQ/viewform by February 12th at 4:30 p.m., no exceptions. Also, if there are more than 33 choice applications, the district office will hold a lottery for placement.
At Woodmont K-8, our 6th – 8th graders have 1:1 technology and engage in a project based approach to their coursework. We integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and each scholar participates in Physical Education, STEM Lab, Library, and Music electives. Woodmont’s unique program offers smaller class sizes, more personalized learning, and extension of classroom learning through field trips and onsite guest speakers. If interested in sports, Woodmont students can participate at Sacajawea Middle School.
Principal Shawn Kocher will have a zoom meeting on Thursday, January 21st at 6:00 p.m. to share information about out Middle School program and answer any of your questions. Join Zoom Meeting: https://fwps.zoom.us/j/95199911649.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Woodmont K-8 office at 253-945-4500.
Federal Way Public Academy Info
Our annual information night is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 pm via Zoom. 5th grade families should have received an email with the information and Zoom link. If you have additional questions, please contact us at 253-945-3271.
PBIS: SAFE, KIND AND PRODUCTIVE!
Happy New Year! With a new year and new resolutions being made our students are reviewing schoolwide expectations this month to be Safe, Kind and Productive! Our Star Lake scholars have earned over 42,148 Star Lake Way tickets through January 9th. ,2021. We’ve moved to our temporary building and our EagleMart store is set up! Check it out!
Our PBIS Team is working on ways for our scholars to redeem their tickets in a remote Eagle Mart. More information about this coming your way soon! Mrs. Stroud with 4177, Mrs. Baker with 3653 and Mrs. Blair with 3814 total tickets have led the school with the most tickets banked.
Thank you for supporting our PBIS program here at Star Lake.
Katherine Hinkle
PBIS Incentives Chair
KCLS Has A Math Study Zone:
Because Of You
Calling all scholars in grades 3-12: Nominate a staff member for the "Because of You" Award! Students in grades 3-12 are invited to nominate any Federal Way Public Schools staff member in the district they believe has positively impacted them, their school, and/or their community for the “Because of You” award!
Please go to the district's website for more information: http://www.fwps.org/BecauseOfYou or click on the button below for the nomination form.
Stay tuned as we highlight these extraordinary educators who make a difference each day in our schools!
PTA Updates
Check out our website for info on meetings, events and membership!
* Virtual Spirit Days:
Jan 22 Favorite Sport Spirit Day
Feb 19 Rainbow Spirit Day
* Interested in our Spirit Wear store? Go to:
starlakeelementary.itemorder.com
* Remember that a successful PTA needs your participation. We appreciate your support!
If you have any questions please email us at:
Or check out our Facebook page at:
Saying Good-Bye To Star Lake
Star Lake Elementary
Email: comments@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/starlake
Location: 4014 South 270th Street, Kent, WA, USA
Phone: 253-945-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarLakeFWPS