Olympic Hills Family Newsletter
11-19-2020
We are looking forward to connecting with each of you at family conferences next week. Thank you for all you are doing to support your children with learning at home. We are partners in this work, and our teachers are looking forward to engaging in a collaborative conversation with you about your child's learning.
I hope you all have a restful Thanksgiving break. Although many of us will not spend the holidays with our whole family and loved ones this year, I hope you can still find ways to make this time meaningful for your immediate family. I am grateful for all of you and our community.
Below is our assembly video celebrating Native American Heritage Month!
Upcoming Dates
11/20 School-Wide Asynchronous Day
11/23-11/24 Elementary Conference Days (No School)
11/25 -11/27 Thanksgiving Break
12/3 PTA Night 6:30pm-7:30pm
School-Wide Asynchronous Day Tomorrow, 11/20
- Read on Raz Kids/Epic/or a paper book
- Catch up on Zearn lessons
- Catch up on SeeSaw activities
- Complete additional teacher activities, if assigned
- Play outside, help with chores, or spend time as a family
Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences 11/23 & 11/24
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up Monday 11/23 and Tuesday 11/24! At conferences, you will have an opportunity to check in about your child's academic, social, and emotional progress, and have a conversation together about their learning. You may also have an opportunity to look together at their progress report, which is more of a general guide this year on their progress since we have fewer data points than in years past. The most important focus will be on the conversation and how you can work together to support your child.
Introducing Huey Chin Doo
Please join me in welcoming Huey Chin Doo as our new special education instructional assistant. Here are some words from Huey Chin: "Hi, I am Huey Chin Doo. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I came to San Francisco for my undergraduate school. I got my BA in Economic and minor in Management Information System. When I have free time, I will bake bread, scones or cakes. I also enjoy sewing and gardening. My husband and I started family in Bloomington, Indiana. We have a daughter who is going to turn 13 next month and a set of twin boys who are 9 years old. During summer, we like to go camping and exploring beaches."
Want to put library books on hold for curbside checkout?
All students are invited to put up to 4 library books on hold for pick-up during curbside checkout. Students can log into the Olympic Hills Library Catalog through the Clever portal. Here is a link to a video and step by step instructions in multiple languages.
When the books are ready, Ms. Rahmn will email you to let you know!
And remember, library curbside checkout next week is Tuesday 11/24 from 11:15am-1:15pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Advanced Learning Referrals Due 12/7
If you are interested in referring your child for advanced learning, go to the Advanced Learning website and click "Refer Your Student Here." You can also email advlearn@seattleschools.org.
Social Group Opportunities During Lunch!
In the family survey, many of you shared that your children would benefit from more social group opportunities. We are working on adding these during lunchtime. Our first ones are below!
1. Dance Recess Classes! Mondays for PreK-2nd and Fridays for 3rd-5th starting 11/30, led by volunteer Fiona Thomas! There is an 11:30am and 12:10pm option depending on each teacher's schedule. Teachers will share the time/links with their class.
2. Heritage Language Storytelling with Mr. Alberto!
YOU are Invited…
WHO: 4th and 5th grade students and families
WHAT: Are you interested in sharing more about your culture through storytelling?
WHEN: Coming soon in December
WHERE: Virtually on Teams with Mr. Alberto and peers
HOW: By joining Mr. Alberto to share and listen to stories in our heritage language that tell about our culture and identity.
If interested, please e-mail Mr. Alberto at jaramirez@seattleschools.org.
Scheduling Team Updates
Thank you so much for your feedback on the Family Survey. One of our next steps has been forming a Scheduling Committee. I want to thank two of our parents who are on the scheduling committee: Munira Teklu and Teresa Solis.
The district has shared they may provide a little more flexibility with the current schedule guidelines. As such, we want to consider revising our master schedule. We do not want to make quick decisions that will unintentionally cause stress to families as you have developed routines at home with the current schedule. However, we want to consider making some changes to reflect your feedback. We are prioritizing learning for students of color furthest from educational justice, maximizing student engagement, minimizing screen time in the afternoon, and reducing SeeSaw assignments. We will continue to share updates as our scheduling team meets throughout December.
We are considering doing regular asynchronous days as a school, and we would love your feedback! Look for a short survey next week. Thank you!
Information and Resources
Technology Resource Center at Nathan Hale: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 6:00pm, lunch from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Still first come, first served. No appointments can be made.
Family Works at Nathan Hale: Wednesdays 12:45pm-3:00pm. An organization called FamilyWorks is providing Family Support Services to help families navigate various services and resources. They will be staffed with individuals who speak Somali, Spanish and English.
Virtual Volunteering: Are you interested in becoming a virtual volunteer to help support in breakout sessions or tutor students? Please reach out to Danielle Vaillancourt at olympichills.volunteer@seattleschools.org or call (425) 616-2516.
Olympic Hills Elementary School
School Office Hours and Contact Information:
Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm
- For attendance and technology support, contact Danielle Vaillancourt at (425) 616-2516 or drvaillancourt@seattleschools.org.
- For all other questions, call the main office at (206) 413-2200 or email Joyce Phitts at jophitts@seattleschools.org.
Email: ecdebell@seattleschools.org
Website: www.olympichillses.seattleschools.org
Location: 13018 20th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, USA
Phone: 206-556-6296