Columbia Elementary Newsletter
December 2022
Columbia Elementary School
Developing Confident, Competent and Compassionate People.
Principal: Bruce Denton
24 Hours Attendance Line: (425) 366-2605
Email: sierraan@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Domain/104
Location: 10520 Harbour Pointe Boulevard, Mukilteo, WA, USA
Phone: 425-366-2600
Principal's Message
Dear Columbia Families,
Wow! Students and teachers have sure had a busy fall and so much learning and growth has already taken place. I hope that you saw evidence of this learning and growth on your child’s progress report and during parent-teacher conferences. After all of this hard work, the approaching winter break is much needed and well-deserved! On behalf of the Columbia staff, thank you for all you do to support your child’s learning, the teachers and the entire school.
To our families who are celebrating holidays this month, whether Hannukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, I wish you happy holidays. We extend our heartfelt wishes to each of you for a most enjoyable winter break and spending time with family and friends.
Warm wishes,
Bruce Denton
Important Dates!
Dec 2 Popcorn Friday
Dec 2 Dismissal (2:10 PM)
Dec 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 6 St. Nicholas' Day
Dec 8 Diversity Night (6:30 - 8:00 PM)
Dec 8 Bodhi Day
Dec 9 Dismissal (2:10 PM)
Dec 10 Human Rights Day
Dec 12 School Board Mtg. (6:00 PM)
Dec 16 Early Dismissal (12:55 PM)
Dec 16-24 Las Posadas
Dec 18-26 Hanukkah
Dec 19-30 Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
Dec 21 Yule
Dec 24 Christmas Eve/Nochebuena
Dec 25 Christmas
Dec 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa
Free Skiing for 5th Graders
Many ski resorts around the area offer FREE ski/snowboard options for 5th graders. This is a great opportunity for kids to try out skiing for the first time to see if it’s something they want to pursue further.
Here are some website for some additional information.
https://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/free-skiing-for-5th-graders-in-washington-idaho-more/
https://skinwrockies.com/5th-grade-ski-passport/
https://www.mtbaker.us/tickets-and-passes/5th-graders-free/
You will want to get started sooner rather than later as it can take up to 10 business days to acquire the ticket/pass. Some of the ski resorts might even have specials for parents and siblings of the 5th grader, too!
From the Nurse's Office
During this winter break, it will be a good time to schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor for his/her medical checkup, if you have not already done so. The visits typically include a physical exam, as well as growth monitoring, developmental screening, immunizations, expert guidance, and other screenings based on age.
These checkups can be used for enrollment in daycare centers, schools, Head Start, and sports programs.
Elementary students well child exams are recommended at the following ages:
* 3 years * 4 years * 5 years *6 years * 8 years * 10 years
There’s no greater peace of mind than knowing that your child is thriving and healthy.
Parties, Holidays and Celebrations
Traditions and celebrations are a part of American culture and heritage; they help students understand the seasonal calendar and their place in a larger community. We are sensitive to the diverse cultures of our Columbia community and will seek to include learning about the cultures represented by our students. In the event your child will not participate in school or classroom planned activities, we will provide alternate learning activities in the library.
Sorry, no home-prepared goodies should be served. We need to be able to read ingredient lists on packaging to ensure the safety of students with allergies. Check with your child’s teacher regarding possible food allergies in the classroom. In some cases, no food items are allowed in classrooms; as a result, treats may be served in the lunchroom during lunch time.
- All baked goods must be store bought and in original wrappers
- All juices must be canned or bottled and unopened
- All candy should be individually wrapped
- Healthy treats are strongly encouraged
Your cooperation is appreciated!
Fitness and Health Corner
Snacking is absolutely necessary for children. However, we want to make sure they are getting snacks that curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. Let work together (synergize) to encourage your children to make good choice about snacking; this will lead to them making good choice all the time.
Here are five tips for quick and healthy snacks.
1. Keep junk food out of the house – if they are not available they will not eat them.
2. Go for grain – whole grains provide energy to help get through the day.
3. Mix and match – veggies with a protein or fruit with a dairy. (celery and peanut butter)
4. Broaden the menu – offer up foods they don’t normally eat. (peppers, humus and crackers)
5. Sweeten it up – offer fat-free pudding, Jello, frozen yogurt or frozen fruit bars.
Do not forget to exercise; you should be getting at least 60 minutes of activity every day. Get out there and play, walk the dog, or go for a bike ride.
Winter Walking – Tips to Remember
Winter is a time when you occasionally have to ditch your favorite stylish boots to make sure you have footwear with proper grip that is designed to provide better traction on icy or wet surfaces.
- Wear a heavy, bulky coat that will provide cushion should you fall.
- Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to ensure drivers can identify you while walking.
- Always use handrails when walking on stairs or any type of angled surface.
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Determine the safest path to get to your destination and take it. Do not attempt a short cut to save time.
- Shuffle your feet and take short steps – it reduces your chances of falling.
- Walk like a penguin – knees bent slightly, and feet pointed out slightly.
- Use the wipe off mats at entrances to remove moisture from your shoes.
- Report potentially hazardous areas/unsafe conditions immediately so action can be taken to correct the issue or keep pedestrians out of the area (i.e., slick areas, wet floors, etc.)
PTA Sponsored Events
Diversity Night CANCELED
The PTA has decided to postpone Celebrate Diversity Night on Thursday, December 8th due to coinciding schools events.
We look forward to celebrating another time this school year.
Teacher wish lists are now online!
Looking for ways to say thank you or show appreciation to a staff member at Columbia? Check out our teacher and staff wishlist page. If you are making a purchase from a teacher's Amazon wishlist, don't forget to register with Amazon Smiles. Columbia earns money with every purchase!
School General Information
Weather Alert
If weather causes the district to delay or cancel school, you will receive a phone message and email from the district. This helps ensure we reach everyone, including those without an email address on file, before students stand outside at a bus stop, and before parents leave for work. If you have a mobile phone number on file with your child’s school, you should also receive a text message.
As usual, it will also be posted on the district website and posted through FlashAlert, which also feeds into mainstream local news feeds.
If your child rides the bus, it’s helpful to know your bus route’s alternative pick-up and drop-off location ahead of time. Find limited bus route information on the transportation website.
You can sign up for FlashAlert notifications at www.flashalert.net, click on the link and create an account by following this steps:
- For “region” select Seattle/Western Wash
- Click on Island and Snohomish County Schools
- Select Mukilteo School District
Holiday Attendance Reminder
This holiday season, the best gift you can give your child is a good education. And the best place to get an education is in school. It's tempting to extend your vacation by a few days, but remember, those days count as absences.
If a travel must occur while school is in session, it must be prearranged. Please fill the PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCE FORM (Elementary) and submitted it 1 week before planned absence. Completion and submission of this form will assure that your child's absence is properly documented.
Free Meals for all Students!
his year all children are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch. If your child has dietary restrictions, or you don’t want your child to eat the school-provided meals, please tell your child’s teacher. If you send lunch from home, please make sure your child can independently open all items and that you send healthy foods your child will eat.
Breakfast is served from 8:35-8:50 AM daily.
Lunch is served by grade level at their designated lunch time.
Parent Engagement Liaison
Hi Columbia Families,
My name is Sydney Ross, and I am the Family Engagement Liaison here at Columbia. My role is to help support families so your students can better succeed in school.
Some of the ways I can help:
- Get families connected with resources for basic needs such as food & clothing.
- Help families navigate school district processes and systems.
- Connect families with community resources.
- Connect families with school programs such as the PTA.
- Answer any other questions that may arise for your family.
My hours are Monday-Wednesday 11:45-3:45 and Thursday-Friday 8:45-12:45.
Pease don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to partnering with you and your family.
Sydney Ross
425-366-2629
Disclaimer
Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal 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: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Simone Neal (425-356-1319), nealsr@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), pitschla@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.