Fernwood Elementary
3933 Jewell Rd
Bothell, WA 98021
425.408.4500
Hello Fernwood Families,
Although it is not quite December yet, the weather sure feels and looks wintery! We are sending out our Panther Pride early. We want to make sure you have information related to school and district news and events connected to these three weeks before Winter Break.
As the New Year approaches, now is a time that we often take pause, reflect on the positives and challenges of the year behind us, and make goals for the year to come. Here at Fernwood, we use this cycle of thinking on a regular basis as we strive for ongoing improvement in the ways we carry out our school-wide mission. Our mission states that we are a “learning community”. Within this phrase, we believe the word “community” refers more to our shared interests and goals more than our physical location.
There are so many factors that impact the way we grow together as a learning community. I have been reflecting a lot about one factor - communication. In referencing communication, I am referring to how the school learns about families and students as well as how families learn about school. At Fernwood, we believe having strong two-way communication is essential in us working in partnership to support our shared goals for students.
During conferences, your teacher shared how we want to provide families with ongoing opportunities to have their voices heard through our parent cards that were distributed. You still have the opportunity to turn in your card through Winter Break. We will continue to place our box outside the office. You can also send it to school with your child if preferred. In addition, we would like to hear from you about how you would like to receive school-based ongoing communication such as the information and events shared in our Panther Pride. Please let us know your preference by completing this ONE QUESTION Survey. Options for ongoing communication include:
Continue to receive newsletters from Fernwood on a monthly basis ONLY.
Continue to receive newsletters from Fernwood each month AND receive weekly updates each Monday reminding me of the information relevant to that week.
No longer receive newsletters from Fernwood on a monthly basis. INSTEAD, receive a shorter weekly newsletter/updates each Monday providing the information relevant to that week.
Please note, this is referring to ongoing communication only. We will continue to communicate if an unanticipated event occurs such as a Safe Inside. We appreciate you sharing your input by no later than Friday, December 9th. We will share the results with families before we go to Winter Break. We want families to know what to expect, related to school-wide ongoing communication, in the new year.
Have a safe and joyous New Year and holiday season!
Kind regards,
Kate Eicher, Proud Principal
For the month of December, all students are having their fourth classroom lesson with their school counselors. Students in grades K - 2 have learned about the differences between small problems and BIG problems. Students are hearing the mantra: We are smart enough and strong enough to solve small problems. For big problems, we go to a trusted adult right away for help because big problems can be scary, dangerous and someone could get hurt. In December, students are learning more about Kelso's Choices (wheel) and the verbal ways to solve small problems. The five verbal ways are talk it out, apologize, tell them to stop, make a deal and share and take turns.
For students in grades 3 - 5, the learning about the three R’s continues. Recognize (is this bullying or a conflict, a misunderstanding or a small problem?), Report (tell an adult that I trust) and Refuse (assertively tell the person to STOP). Students will learn more about Bystander Power and ways they can be a supportive bystander. The final lesson for grades 4 and 5 will include examples related to the 3R’s to help prevent cyberbullying.
Lastly, some holidays are quickly approaching. With this in mind, please reach out if your family could benefit from some community services and support. If you have any questions or would like to request any additional support for your student, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are here for your student’s success!
Best Regards,
Jennifer Brisbine (Grades 1, 3, & 5) jbrisbine@nsd.org and 425-408-4570
Sarah Cue (Grades K, 2, & 4) scue@nsd.org and 425-408-4572
Thank You PTSA
We would like to sincerely thank all the families that donated pies for our staff the day before Thanksgiving and all of the volunteers that collected and hand delivered them to staff. We appreciate the PTSA continuing the special “Pie Day'' tradition.
