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June, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Woodside Families:
We are in our final month of school! Hats off to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and our wonderful staff for facilitating a very smooth SBA (Smarter Balance Assessment) month! Our students worked hard all year – I am so proud of their work and accomplishments they have made this year. State testing should never be the sole judge of a student’s academic skills and knowledge. A student’s entire performance should always be considered. Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students, no matter where they go to school, receive a quality education. Washington students are regularly tested by the state to assess their progress as they move through elementary and middle school. In high school, students are tested on their proficiency of basic skills and must pass specific assessments to be eligible for graduation.
We are celebrating our work on three of the goals from our School Improvement Plan.
- Implement high leverage instructional practices to strengthen language acquisition skills of students, with an emphasis on multi-lingual learners.
- Identify strategies to assess the independent and group work of student learning.
- Strengthen our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for students.
We have a major focus in the areas of ELA, math, and science for planning curriculum units and lessons that align with standards and assessments. In addition, the staff works collaboratively to identify students not making adequate progress in their learning, set specific goals, provide explicit instruction, implement interventions as needed, and monitor student progress through regular assessments. Teacher preparation and training time takes place during extended staff meetings, Learning Improvement Fridays, Professional Learning Community meetings (PLC), and release time for professional development. Our work is making a difference in the teaching and learning program for students. We will continue to work on improving the instructional program through these learning cycles to further increase student achievement. Another area of need is REGULAR, ON TIME ATTENDANCE for students. This will be a big focus next year, as we work with families on strategies to improve school attendance.
Thank you, parents/guardians, for your participation and support of our school program and the Woodside staff. I want to also thank you for your presence at parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and the many family events that you have attended this year. It is a pleasure to partner with you for academics, family fun, and celebrations of learning.
With summer vacation around the corner, don’t forget along with baseball, playing in the park, swimming, etc., reading is also a summertime enjoyment! Books are magic! Crack open a book and you will be instantly transported into the past, propelled into the future or, if you choose, escape into a world of fantasy. The options are endless.
But while history, science fiction, mysteries, and romance provide a wealth of diversion, reading provides far more than just an escape. The greatest ideas of our most gifted thinkers lie between the covers of books waiting for you to discover them. And don’t be put off if the books are labeled “classics.” That word means only that they have been enjoyed by every single generation who has read them.
Reading is a vital skill. In addition to expanding your mind it can also be your transport to a successful future. And there is no more effective way to learn to write than by reading. Parents remember, “There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.”
Enjoy your children during the summer break and remember the time you give them is a priceless gift of time and the endless gift of happy memories. Thank you for another wonderful year at Woodside!
Sincerely,
Dr. Betty J. Cobbs
Save the Dates
○ August 31, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Back to School Night at Woodside
○ September 6 - First Day of School
○ September 11 - First Day of School for Kindergarten
Attention all parents/guardians!
Assistant Principal Message
Dear Woodside Families,
Happy June! I would like to take a moment to congratulate you on a phenomenal year of growth in learning.
A special congratulations to our fifth grade students who are graduating and stepping into the next milestone of middle school.
Remember that once you are a Toucan, you are always a Toucan and welcome to visit again.
Over the last four years, it has been an incredible honor to serve as your assistant principal in this wonderful Woodside community where I have created so many positive connections and endearing memories with students, staff, and families.
Before I leave Woodside at the end of this 2022-2023 school year and begin my next journey, I would like to thank everyone who has walked alongside me.
Thank you to our extraordinary Woodside Toucans for bringing laughter and smiles to my days.
I am so proud of you, encourage you to dream big and never give up. You can achieve any goal that you set your mind to.
Thank you to our remarkable staff for your dedication to teaching.
You have made a positive impact in the lives of many students.
Thank you to our incredible families for your partnerships.
We couldn’t have completed in-person and virtual learning without your continued home support.
Thank you to our amazing PTA for showering staff with kindness throughout the year.
Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
We never truly know what tomorrow will bring, but I wish you all the best for your future!
Enjoy a safe and fabulous summer!
Warmly,
Christine Vo
Assistant Principal, Woodside Elementary
cvo@everettsd.org, 425-385-7891
Counselor's Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the school year comes to a close, it's time to embrace the warmth and excitement of summer vacation! While this season brings endless opportunities for adventure and fun, it's essential to keep our children safe and protected. I have been speaking to your students about Summer Safety and I would like to share some valuable summer safety tips to ensure that our Woodside students have a memorable and secure break.
Encourage the use of sunscreen with a high SPF rating whenever your child spends time outdoors. Teach them the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours.
Schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to avoid the peak sun hours when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Teach your child the importance of never swimming alone and always having a designated adult present.
Ensure that your child wears appropriate floatation devices when in or near water if they are not yet proficient swimmers.
Remind your child to always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.
Teach your child hand signals for turning and the importance of using them to communicate their intentions to others.
Reinforce the importance of not talking to or accepting anything from strangers without a trusted adult present.
Establish a clear plan with your child on what to do in case they feel uncomfortable or encounter a stranger while outside.
Remind your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when engaging in physical activities or spending time outdoors.
Inspect playground equipment for any potential hazards, such as loose screws or broken parts, before allowing your child to play.
Remind them to be mindful of younger children and help them if they are in need.
Discuss the importance of responsible internet usage with your child. Teach them about online privacy, the risks of sharing personal information, and the importance of being respectful online.
Remember, our children's safety is a shared responsibility. By implementing these summer safety tips and having open conversations with our children about potential risks, we can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.
Wishing you and your family a fantastic summer filled with fun, growth, and cherished memories!
Warm regards,
Stacy Story, School Counselor
Let's go CAMPING in music this JUNE!
All Grades will be camping in music class the first 2 weeks of June as we learn a variety of camp songs and games. If you would like to hear our Camp Woodside Songs, follow the link or scan the QR code: https://bit.ly/WOECampSongs
5th Grade is working hard on their graduation song The Best Day of My Life. The song will be performed at the 5th Grade Celebration on Wednesday, June 14th at 1:00PM in the Gym. All families are encouraged to attend! If you would like to practice our 5th Grade song, follow the link or scan the QR code: https://bit.ly/WOEBestDayofMyLife
The Kindergarteners are getting ready for their end of the year concert, Now I Know My ABC’s. The concert will be on Thursday, June 8th at 2:00PM in the Woodside cafeteria. All families are encouraged to attend! If you would like to practice our kindergarten songs, follow the link or scan the QR code: https://bit.ly/WOEMyABCs
Thanks for a wonderful year of music making at Woodside! Have a wonderful summer and I’ll see you next year!
-Mrs. Hill 😊
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Hill at: thill@everettsd.org
Shelf Talk from the Library
A huge thank you for your support of the spring book fair. The Woodside Library will be able to add more books to our collection, and purchase second copies of popular books. Thank you!!!!
As this school year comes to an end, we will be sending out overdue book notices to families. These are not fines, these are notices that students still have library materials out. Please search for these items. Rarely are they lost forever. Most of the time they are hiding under beds, on bookshelves, or mixed in with other books. Library materials that are not returned by June 12th will turn into a fine. Fines follow students from school to school.
Third, fourth, and fifth grade students have been working on digital citizenship, informational text features, and voting on their favorite nominee for the Towner Award. The Towner Award is sponsored by the Washington Library Association and the information can be found here.
Kindergarten, first, and second grade students have been learning about fiction, non-fiction (informational), digital citizenship, and voting on their favorite nominee for the Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award. The WCCPBA is sponsored by the Washington Library Association and information can be found here.
Summer learning opportunities will be announced during library time in the month of June. The information will also be available beginning May 26th on the district website here. The Woodside library will not be open during the summer of 2023.
Any questions? Please email aruotsala@everettsd.org
Amy Ruotsala (RUT-sa-la)
Teacher Librarian
What is happening in Physical Education?
On May 19th, we celebrated our first annual Woodside Family Health and Fitness Night, and it was a tremendous success! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Molina Healthcare for their generous support in providing a delicious spaghetti dinner and exciting prizes for the event.
The evening featured an impressive lineup of 25 stations representing various sectors of the health and fitness industry. We would like to express our gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who attended and contributed to the event. Their presence allowed us to learn more about their organizations while engaging in fun games and activities at each station. It was a fantastic opportunity for families to gather, bond, and gain valuable insights into health and wellness.
Looking ahead, we are already eagerly anticipating the next Woodside Family Health and Fitness Night, which is scheduled to take place in May 2024. We are committed to making it an even more memorable and engaging experience for all participants.
Upcoming 5th Grade District Physical Education Exam
As the end of the school year approaches, we would like to inform you that all 5th-grade classes will be taking the Everett Public Schools District PE written exam during the week of June 12th. This exam serves as a basic assessment of students' understanding of the five components of fitness, as well as other essential skills and concepts that will prepare them for their transition to middle school. We encourage students to review their class materials and engage in any necessary preparation to ensure a successful performance on the exam.
Fitness Testing Results for Grades 3-5
We are pleased to announce the completion of fitness testing for grades 3-5. Students participated in various exercises, including sit-ups, burpees, sit and reach, and the pacer test. The effort and dedication shown by our Woodside students were truly remarkable. The top three performers in each category for males and females will have their names proudly displayed on the "record board." We will be posting the spring winners on the board in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to celebrate their achievements!
Fun Games to Wrap Up the School Year
As the school year comes to a close, we believe it's essential to reward our hardworking students with some well-deserved fun. We have planned several exciting games for them to enjoy, including Cross the River, Hula Hut Throwdown, Castle Ball, and a Nutrition game. These activities will not only bring joy but also reinforce the importance of teamwork, physical activity, and healthy eating habits.
A Look Ahead
We want to express our sincere gratitude for allowing us the opportunity to teach and guide your children this year. It has been a pleasure witnessing their growth, both physically and mentally, in our physical education classes. We eagerly anticipate returning next year with fresh ideas, new games, and updated equipment to enhance their learning experience.
As we approach the summer months, we encourage all students to stay healthy and active. Engage in outdoor activities, spend time with family and friends, and make the most of this well-deserved break. We eagerly await the return of our students in September, ready to embark on another exciting year of learning and physical fitness.
Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer!
Respectfully,
Craig Langley
Multilingual/English Learners
-Ms. Ashley
STEM & Robotics
May Memories and Celebrations
We are thrilled to share the joyous celebration of Multicultural Night that took place on May 4th at Woodside. The event was a resounding success, bringing together families and staff to honor the diverse cultures within our community. It was a captivating evening filled with remarkable performances and stunning artistic displays. Witnessing the multitude of cultures showcased was a true delight, reminding us of the beauty and richness that exists within our community. We are grateful to all those who participated and contributed to making this event a memorable experience. Woodside takes pride in being a part of such a vibrant and inclusive community.