Kokanee Elementary
Kodiak Monthly News - April 2024
SCHOOL NEWS
- April 2 - PTA General Meeting, 6:30pm, Library
- April 3 - WA State Senator - John Lovick - Visit 5th Grade
- April 3 - Kindergarten - Sheriff Department Visit Kindergarten
- April 8-12 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
- April 15 - Fun Run Kick Off Day!
- April 15 - First Track & Field Practice 4pm
- April 15 - GOTR 4:15pm
- April 16 - Track & Field Practice 4pm
- April 17 - End of 3rd Quarter Assembly
- April 17 - GOTR 2:45pm
- April 18 - ASB Multiples Day!
- April 18 - STEM Academy 4pm
- April 22 - Track & Field Practice 4pm
- April 22 - GOTR 4:15pm
- April 23 - Track & Field Practice 4pm
- April 23 - 5th grade camp chaperone Information night - 6pm-7pm, Library
- April 23 - Kokanee Choir Concert 6:30pm - Inglemoor Concert Hall
- April 24 - GOTR 2:45pm
- April 25 - STEM Academy 4pm
- April 25 - 2nd Grade Field Trip - Storybook Theater
- April 25 - PTA Fun Run Event!
- April 29 - Kindergarten - Firefighter Visit
- April 29 - Track & Field Practice 4pm
- April 29 - GOTR 4:15pm
- April 30 - Track & Field MEET #1 @ KO - 4:45pm
Kokanee Elementary Family Input Form for 2024 – 2025 Classroom Assignment
At Kokanee, we employ a strong and diverse teaching staff that provides a variety of learning experiences and styles for the students. The Kokanee staff realizes that your child’s classroom placement is important to you and that all students have different learning styles and needs. All staff members work hard to meet the needs of all children. We also know that children respond differently at home and at school to learning situations. In an effort to give you an opportunity to make us aware of any exceptional needs or conditions that your child may have, we are providing this input form.
All students at Kokanee will have equal opportunity for a positive and strong educational experience. In determining placement, we will consider student learning data, classroom balance, social interactions, our observations at school and any additional information you may share through this form.
Completion of this form is optional.
Please note the following:
- This information is NOT confidential and will be shared with the staff as classes are being formed.
- We DO NOT accept specific teacher requests or guarantee placement in any specific classroom.
- ALL STUDENTS will be given the same consideration when being placed, whether or not parent input is given.
Placement is an important decision for you and your child. We are committed to working carefully and with care toward productive matches and balanced classroom placements.
DUE: May 21st
MOVING?
If you're family is moving and will not be attending Kokanee Elementary next year, please help us plan for the 2024-25 school year by notifying our Registrar, Jenny Unruh at 425-408-4903 / junruh@nsd.org
If you are moving within the Northshore School District, please complete the change of address form. Thank you in advance for keeping the school information up to date.
Kindergarten Registration - Pass it on!
HELP SPREAD THE WORD! Schools are now tracking numbers to determine how many Kindergarten classrooms / teachers are needed for the 2024-25 school year. If you or someone you know has a kindergarten age student looking to start next fall, please register as soon as possible by going online to https://www.nsd.org/schools/get-started/kindergarten.
Last Call for Yearbooks!!!
The presale for yearbooks has ended, but you can still place an order online using the link below. It will remain open through most of April but we cannot give you an exact deadline as that is determined by our publisher and changes due to production volumes, so don't wait... get your book ordered today if you haven't already done so! Yearbooks will be go home with students the last week of school. Questions please contact FireFly images directly at 206-790-3696
Class Photos - Online Purchase Link
Thank you to our Volunteers that helped on Class Picture Day!
If you were not able to purchase a classroom group photo and would like to, here is the
CLASSROOM GROUP LINK https://fs4.formsite.com/FireFly/form15/index.html (NOT FOR YEARBOOKS)
Questions please contact FireFly images directly at 206-790-3696
From the Office...
PLEASE SLOW DOWN
PLEASE LIMIT CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONES
We've witnessed near misses between cars and kids and we are encouraging ALL drivers to go slow when entering the parking lot. Often, drivers are on their phones...please limit the use of your cell phone when entering the school zones. Thank you!
ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN
There has been an up-tick in adults bypassing the office and going to the classrooms without checking in. ALL Adults on campus MUST check in and wear a visitor badge. Thank you for respecting this safety protocol!
Thank you!
Monday, April 15th - Track & Field Begins
Track & Field Signups are on! All 3rd - 5th grade students are encouraged to join. Practices are held Mondays & Tuesdays, 4-5pm beginning with Tuesday, April 15th. To register, view practice and meet schedules, attendance requirements, attire and team jersey details please visit the Track & Field Web Page.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
1. Practice Volunteers:
We are looking for parents who are available to help with timing runners and assist at some of our field events.
2. Home Meet:
We will need about 30 adults to help us host our home meets at Kokanee on Tuesday, April 30th and Tuesday, May 7th. Set up will begin at 4pm.
3. Junior Olympics:
Tuesday, May 21st @ North Creek HS 5:30-7:00pm
We will need between 10 and 20 volunteers to help out at Junior Olympics. Plan to arrive at 4pm to help with set-up.
To volunteer, please email Mr. Martin gmartin@nsd.org and Ms. Olson molson@nsd.org with the following information:
*Parent Name *Student Name
*Classroom Teacher *Parent Email
April 18 - ASB Spirit Day - Multiples Day!
The next ASB Spirit Day is Multiples Day on Thursday, April 18th! Like twin day, but match as many people as you can.
HOW will you match with others? Colors? Outfits? Socks? Hair?. Be creative and have fun. If you have school colors, wear those! MANY of our staff members and students will be in school colors.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment Information
In Washington students take state and federal tests to assess their progress as well as the progress of the educational system. At Kokanee, our 3rd-5th grade Kodiaks will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment in May (testing calendar below).
Spring 2024 Testing
In spring 2024, students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are expected to take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), and students in grades 3-8 and 10 are expected to take the Smarter Balanced ELA and math assessments.
Smarter Balanced ELA & Math
The spring 2023 Smarter Balanced math and ELA tests will include both Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and Performance Task (PT) components. The CAT portion for both subject areas will be the same length as it was for Spring 2023. The PT is also the same length and design as it was for Spring 2023 with up to six questions for the math PT and two parts, including a Full Write, for the ELA PT. The specific test blueprints that will be used are posted to the Smarter Balanced Test Development & Design webpage(link is external) and are referred to as the "adjusted" blueprints.
Resources
- Assessment Resources for Families
- Washington State Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
- Practice and Training Tests(link is external) are available to support student familiarity with the test format and tools.
- For information about the status of state tests, timelines, and administration windows, please visit the Timelines & Calendar page.
Kokanee Choir Concert - April 23rd
Kokanee Choir Concert
All Choirs, Grade 3 and 4/5 will perform.
April 23rd - 6:30 pm at Inglemoor Concert Hall
5th Grade Camp Cedar Springs
We are excited that our 5th grade students will have the opportunity to go to Camp Cedar Springs May 13, 14 & 15th! Camp Cedar Springs is a wonderful camping facility just off of Highway 92 on the way to Granite Falls. Your child will be participating in a highly structured program that aligns with the state outdoor education standards. This experience will be both educational and fun!
Some background for those new to Northshore, since the mid 1970's, fifth graders have had a camp-based outdoor education experience. In a non-pandemic world, it is a three-day, two-night adventure. Over the two days, students take part in educational and recreational activities including:
- Wildlife education
- Watershed protection
- Hiking
- Forestry history and skills
- Rock climbing
- Wilderness survival skills
- Archery
- and more!
Cost for camp is $160.00 per camper and can be paid online at https://wa-northshore.intouchreceipting.com/ Scholarships may be available for families unable to pay the entire cost of camp. Please contact our school counselor, Sophie Nelson (snelson@nsd.org) to request a scholarship.
PTA NEWS
FUN RUN KICKS OFF 4/1!
You can register starting 4/1 for our Kokanee Fun Run!
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for teacher support grants, field trips, and community events. Registering is easy and free!
⭐️ Register Now On MYBOOSTER.COM ⭐️
Be sure to check out the easy sharing functions on MYBOOSTER.COM to let others know how they can help support our school.
Thank you for working with us to make our school stronger.
We are grateful for your support!
PTA General Meeting - April 2nd
Save the date! Our next general meeting will be held on April 2nd at 6:30pm in the Kokanee Library. Join us at 6:15pm if you'd like to chat with us first.
While membership is not required to attend, we recommend joining or renewing your membership prior to the meeting in order to vote and be counted toward quorum. We will be discussing PTA Spring events, advocacy initiatives, and hearing from NSD parent, Nicole Dibble, who will share her efforts regarding art education in our district.
New 2024-25 PTA Officers Needed
New PTA officers are elected after their two-year term. The PTA will need to fill these mandatory roles for the 2024-2025 school year. Without these two roles filled, the PTA is not allowed to function or be recognized by the district:
- President
- Treasurer
To make the transition between officers as seamless as possible, we ask for volunteers starting now to help! If there is interest in learning more, please email contact@kokaneepta.com. We are always looking for additional officers to assist to lead specific events or programs. With more volunteers, the time commitment can be spread out, and additional events & activities at Kokanee are feasible.
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Events
We have a lot of fun activities planned for 2024! We need volunteers to assist with planning and/or day of coordinators. Please see the below sign ups if you are interested in learning more. We look forward to seeing you there!
5/17 - CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD:
We are looking to share the coordination responsibilities between two groups or individuals: one to oversee the booths and the other to manage the performances. Allison Mitchell, as the event chair, will supervise the logistics and ensure the components are brought together smoothly.
SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER
6/7 - CARNIVAL:
Sarah Kosenski has been a driving force behind the success of the Kokanee Carnivals for 7 YEARS! With her youngest moving up to middle school this is her final Carnival. We're looking for enthusiastic parents or volunteers ready to step up and continue the tradition. Join the planning committee and work alongside Sarah this year to help with a smooth transition.
SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER
JUNE (Date TBD) - 5TH GRADE GRADUATION CELEBRATION:
It's time to make those final elementary school memories unforgettable. Get involved in planning the celebration! Help organize party games, lunch and dessert, and decorations. This is a Kokanee PTA sponsored event, but planned by 5th grade parents/volunteers.
SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER
Mark Your Calendars!
4/2: PTA General Meeting, 6:30pm
4/15: Fun Run Kick Off
4/25: Fun Run Event Day
5/6-5/10: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
5/17: Celebration of the World
6/7: Carnival
JUNE (DATE TBD): 5th Grade Graduation