Leopard Pride Newsletter
December 2022
Lockwood Mission
We provide a learning community that recognizes all students as capable learners. We promote high standards, expect accountability, and celebrate success. Cooperation, responsibility, and confidence promote our goals of life-long learning and responsible citizenship.
School Information
In This Issue
- Principal Message
- School Information and Dates
- PACE and PTA Information
- District News
Principal's Message
Dear Lockwood Families,
Is it really December? It feels like this school year is flying by. As it is December and it's the time of year where individuals tend to show gratitude and appreciation for those they love and care about, I'd like to share some of my appreciations. I appreciate the hard working, student centered Lockwood staff that go out of their way to support students every day. I appreciate my family and friends for giving me purpose and happy memories. Finally, I appreciate the amazing Lockwood community for always supporting and partnering with Lockwood staff in support of our students.
As we think about moving into 2023, our PBIS focus for January will be around goal setting and acting responsibly. One way you can support your child at home in this work would be to help them set goals. When thinking about setting goals with your child, please consider the 4 following tips:
1. figure out what is important to your child(ren): When it's important to them, they are more likely to stick with it and achieve the goal.
2. encourage short-term goals vs. long-term goals: Setting short-term goals can help motivate students along the way. Short-term goals help students achieve their long-term goals. Help them think about what they can accomplish this week. And, don’t forget to check back in with them in a week!
3. write down and track goals: Writing down goals makes them more real for everyone, even for young students. Getting their goals onto paper can serve as a reminder each time they look back in their notebook.
4. reward your child(ren) for their hard work: Any and every goal achieved should be acknowledged and rewarded in some way.
One goal I have for myself and family in the new year is to spend more time being active outdoors. What goals can you set for your family? One goal I have for Lockwood is that every student and staff member feels cared for, seen, and heard. My final goal is to continue nurturing the partnership between Lockwood and the community. I want to thank all the parents/guardians for your partnership - our success would not be what it is without you!
I would like to leave you with one final well wish -- regardless of the celebrations you engage in during the winter holidays, I wish you the very best and hope that each celebration brings joy and laughter into your life.
In partnership,
Tamorah Redshaw
Proud Principal
School Dates and Information
Winter Holidays & Celebrations
Knowing that Lockwood embraces diversity, we wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge some winter traditions from around the world. We’ll start with the winter solstice. Did you know that this time of year is celebrated differently around the world and that after this date, days just get longer!
Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and lands on December 21st this year. In Scandinavia, this day is called St. Lucia Day and is on December 13th (per the old calendar) and marks the start of the Christmas season. In Dongzhi, China, they have a thousands-years-old tradition on December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd where they have a family gathering and a big meal that has its roots in yin and yang. At Stonehenge, in England, people gather at Stonehenge early in the morning after the longest night to celebrate the rising of the sun as it filters through the stones. In Shab-e-Yalda, Iran, there is a Persian festival celebrating the end of shorter days and the victory of light over darkness marked by family gatherings, candles, poetry readings, and a feast.
In addition to winter solstice celebrations, we have other winter celebrations I would like to acknowledge. We have Christmas Eve/Day (Christian), Kwanzaa (Cultural), Hanukkah (Jewish), Bodhi Day (Buddhism), Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christian), Vasant Panchami (Hinduism), Epiphany (Christian), Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian), Guru Gobind Singh Birthday (Sikh), Dia de los Reyes Day (Cultural), Maghi (Sikh), World of Religion Day (Baha’i), Mahayana New Year (Buddhism), Chinese New Year (Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist), Nirvana Day (Parinirvana)(Buddhist), and Intercalary Day (Buddhist). To those who celebrate one of these days and others I may not know about, I wish you and your family all the best.
Lost and Found at Lockwood
The lost and found at Lockwood is at capacity. From now until December 16th, we are asking families to come and comb through the lost and found to claim anything that belongs to your child. During the break, anything left will be bagged and donated to a local shelter.
Taking a Vacation on a School Day?
We understand that things come up on occasion (doctor/dental visits, weddings, funerals, birthdays, etc.). However, your child is expected to attend school every school day that school is in session. Some absences are "excused" (such as medical appointments, cultural/religious observances, school events, etc.) and some are "unexcused" (such as family vacations). This doesn’t mean you can’t take a family vacation—just that you should try to avoid taking them during school days.
In addition, your child’s teacher is not obligated to provide advance homework packets, and catching them up with the class can be difficult. That said, if there happens to be some overlap of your vacation and a school day, you’ll just get a letter reminding you that you shouldn’t take unexcused absences. After three unexcused absences, parents/guardians will be asked to meet with the principal to make sure this is not going to become a regular occurrence. If your child continues to have unexcused absences (5+), families will be asked to sign an attendance plan and only after that fails will next steps be taken.
Did you know Champions hosts an all day Camp during school break times? You do not have to attend before and after care on campus in order to participate in break time programs. Keep reading for more details...
Winter Champ Camp Theme | Inspiring Change
Dates | Monday, December 19 - Thursday, December 22
Hours | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Locations | Canyon Creek & Arrowhead* Elementary
*Location availability may shift to Canyon Creek only, pending enrollment numbers for Arrowhead
LAST DAY TO SIGN UP: Friday, December 9
Interested families can sign up on our website, discoverchampions.com,
and/or connect with Lockwood Champions Site Director, Alex Hubbard
(425) 485 - 1999
ch001086@discoverchampions.comLibrary Corner
December 5-9, Lockwood will be participating in Hour of Code, the international week celebrating computer engineering. Every Lockwood student will have the opportunity to participate in this fun coding experience during their library time. They have a space theme this year using newly released activities so it should be an out-of-this-world experience for all! Students in 2nd-5th grade will be using code.org and K and 1st will use Kodable. They will all have accounts that they can continue to use after the week. Looking forward to a super week! Mrs. Avery-Fig, Mrs. McFarlane, and Mrs. Gardino
There are a few important dates and events you will want to mark on your calendar in preparation for the upcoming months:
PACE and PTA Information
Parents Active in Cooperative Education (PACE) at Lockwood is an elective program located at Lockwood Elementary that provides an enriched educational experience for students in grades 1-5. PACE students benefit from additional support in the classroom provided by parent volunteers who assist with small group instruction and a variety of enrichment opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about PACE at Lockwood, join us for a virtual tour. Please use the link below to sign up for a tour. Contact tours@paceatlockwood.org or membership@paceatlockwood.org for questions.
Tours are a requirement to apply for PACE.
Lockwood PTA Events, Reminders, & Sign-Ups
Leopard Leaders' Holiday Drive (Dec 1-9) - sign-up to contribute here.
PTA Movie Night - "Toy Story 4" (Fri, Dec 2 @ 6:30pm) - sign-up to volunteer here.
Snapdoodle Fundraiser Night (Thu, Dec 8 @ 5-8pm) - 20% back to the PTA!
Lost & Found Pick-up Deadline (Fri, Dec 9)
"Baking Spirits Bright" - Staff Appreciation (Dec 12/13) - sign-up to bake/bring treats here.
Third Thursday @ MOD Dine-Out (Thu, Dec 15) - Code is MODF9592
District News
Share your Thoughts on the Desired Qualities of Our Next Superintendent
You are invited and encouraged to share your feedback on the next superintendent’s experience and qualifications through an online survey. The translated online survey will ask respondents to rate the importance of various qualifications for the position. The survey will be open until 2 p.m. on December 11, 2022.
Once you click on the superintendent survey link below, you will be provided with language options. The survey will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete, is confidential, and provides an opportunity to share additional comments.
Survey Access: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/NorthshoreSearchSurvey
The survey results will be used to create a Northshore Superintendent profile and to attract the most qualified candidates for our District.
Emergency Notification
Emergencies such as inclement weather, power outages and hazardous road conditions can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation. The decision to close or delay schools is made by the superintendent as early as possible, usually around 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals will occur only if a delay in dismissal significantly increases hazards.