Kenmore Elementary
December 2022
In This Issue
- Principal's Message
- Important Dates
- Celebrations & Observations
- Capital Projects - Modernization
- Winter Concert
- Drum & Gyil Xylophone Club
- Bus Passes
- Student-Parent Compact
- Early Childhood Education
- KEPTA News
- District News
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
I am still wrapping my head around the pace in which I landed here. It’s December, and a new year awaits us in 31 days! As I reflect on 2022 I am filled with appreciation and gratitude for the many humans who make this life meaningful. Thank you for being part of this amazing community in my life.
This month, I would like to start with a special request from our school bus drivers. When arriving for dismissal please keep the section between the “No Idling” sign on NE 191st and two car lengths past the lower parking lot gate clear. Unfortunately, we’ve had instances where buses cannot make the turn or come close to clipping the edge of a car. We have requested our maintenance team to paint this section off, however, due to cold weather this will not happen soon.
If you are the first to arrive for dismissal, you can help this cause by waiting at the “No Idling” sign. This will help us a great deal. Always assume the buses are coming as they do not arrive at the same time everyday. Please share this information with your family or friends who assist with student pick up. See map attached.
Finally, we ask to please turn off your ignitions while waiting for drop off or dismissal.
To our frequent volunteers at KE, thank you to all of you who generously support staff and students with your time. From substituting, breakfast supervision, Cut and Chat, library volunteers, art docents, staff room treats, themed lunches, Popcorn Thursdays, field trip chaperones, social services outreach, to event planners (Bingo Night, Bake Sale, 5th grade party). We the staff and faculty at KE are very thankful for YOU! These past few months have been filled with all of the above activities and more because of your generosity.
Lastly, in my home we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. We light the "Dora Menorah" in honor of my husband’s grandmother Dora. For me personally, I will celebrate any holiday I am invited to. With that, I wish you the joyous of seasons in whatever way you choose to celebrate!
Cheers and may your days be merry!
Geetha
Principal
Important Dates
Tues, Dec. 6th - PTA General Meeting, 7:00-8:30pm
Wed, Dec. 7th - Early Release @ 2:10pm
Wed, Dec. 7th - Band/String Winter Concert, Kenmore Middle School Gym, 5:30-6:15pm
Thurs, Dec. 8th - Popcorn Thursday (during long recess)
Fri, Dec. 9th - Emergency Drill
Fri, Dec. 9th - Drum & Gyil Xylophone Club (Grades 4 & 5), Music Room, 10:45-11:30am
Tues, Dec. 13th - KE Choir, Music Room, 3:45-4:30pm
Wed, Dec. 14th - Early Release @ 2:10pm
Fri, Dec. 16th - KE Spirit Day: Candy Cane Day!
Fri, Dec. 16th - Drum & Gyil Xylophone Club (Grades 4 & 5), Music Room, 10:45-11:30pm
Mon, Dec. 19th - Mon, Jan. 2nd - NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK!!
Tues, Jan. 3rd - Welcome Back!!
Celebration & Observations
Dec. 3rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec. 8th Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)
Dec. 8th - Dec 26 Hanukkah
Dec. 10th Human RIghts Day
Dec. 21st Winter Solstice
Dec. 25th Christmas
Dec. 26th - Jan1 Kwanzaa
Dec. 26th Wounded Knee Day
Dec. 31st New Year's Eve
Capital Projects—Modernization
The Northshore School District is meeting and reviewing Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to determine shortlist proposers to enter into the next phase: Request for Proposals (RFP). The applicants will submit proposals and the shortlisted finalists will be posted by December 7th. The process of reviewing proposals and deliberating will continue with a consensus scoring meeting in mid-January to secure a contract with a selected Design-Builder by the end of March.
Winter Concert
Drum and Gyil Xylophone Club
Drum and Gyil Xylophone Club begins December 9 for 5th and 4th graders, in the Music room. This will be offered each Friday at long recess (10:45-11:30) through April 7th. We have room for about 35 students - so first come first serve. Mrs. Sandusky will be leading the group. We are hoping to have at least two performances in the spring. Questions? jsandusky@nsd.org
Bus Passes
Bus Passes allowed per day:
Bus 165 - 2
Bus T38 - 2
Bus 142 - 4
Bus 169 -1
School-Parent Compact
Please take a look at the Kenmore Elementary School-Parent Compact. This contract summarizes expectations for school staff, parents/guardians, and students at Kenmore Elementary.
If you have any questions regarding this document or if you have input on wording or additional bullet points, please contact Darcia Myers at dmyers@nsd.org.
https://kenmore.nsd.org/academics/title-one-support/parent-and-family-engagement-policy
Early Childhood Education
NSD Families that have children ages 3-4 years old can contact Stephanie Gonwa at 425-408-4829, or Emily Birchman at 425-408-4862 to receive program information and help with applications.
Thank You!!
Thank you to our PTA for the generous staff appreciation lunch that you provided us with on November 3rd. All of the soups, drinks and desserts were delicious and put a pep in our step for sure!
Thank you to our PTA parent who treated the staff to Krispy Kreme doughnuts to start of Monday of conference week! What a treat!
Thank you to the KE family who surprised our staff with cookies all the way from London! Thank you for remembering us while you were on your trip! Yum!
KEPTA News
KEPTA Website: https://kenmorepta.org/
District News
READY START PRESCHOOL
The Ready Start program is a blended multi-age, inclusive model, serving students, ages 3 – 5.
We are currently enrolling at both locations (Sorenson and Woodmoor Elementary) for the 22/23 school year. Classrooms are taught and supported by a general education teacher, a special education teacher, and a para-professional. Inclusive classrooms create a dynamic learning environment for all students. The average class size is 16 students, with class make-up of 8 students with Individual Education Program, 4 students who pay tuition, and 4 students who are income eligible. Classrooms utilize The Creative Curriculum & Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Tool. The staff is committed to fostering student learning and cultivating friendships while creating a sense of community for our students. Utilizing developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to support a whole child approach to learning an inclusive environment, fosters high levels of student learning and social and emotional growth for all students.
The application can be found on the Northshore School District website at https://www1.nsd.org/schools/programs-services/early-childhood/ready-start-tuition-program or contact Sorenson at (425) 408-5570
Return all forms including deposit to:
Sorenson Early Childhood Center
19705 88th Ave NE Bothell, WA 98011
Sessions times:
o 8:00 am - 10:30 am
o 11:45 am -2:15 pm
Requirements:
· Children must be 3.5 by August 31st
· Toilet Trained
· Parent Transportation
· Birth Certificate
· Certificate of Immunization
· No Kindergarten Eligible Students
Tuition Cost:
$300 per month