STAR GAZER GAZETTE
December 2021 Star Lake Newsletter
Greetings Star Lake Families,
Here we are at the beginning of December, with winter break right around the corner. I would like to take this time to acknowledge the fabulous work that our students, staff and families have done during this first part of the school year! We have all been engaging in a continuous state of learning and implementation…always looking for a better, more efficient, or more engaging way to instruct and support our students. I am extremely proud of the dedication, persistence, and positivity our staff has demonstrated. They are an amazing team that goes above and beyond every day in service of students and families. We could not provide this high level of support and instruction to our students without the continued partnership from our families. We deeply thank you for all you are doing at home! Our staff enjoyed sharing student progress and goals with you at Scholar-Led Conferences!
I am proud of how our students are interacting with each other and demonstrating kind, safe and productive behaviors daily at school. Our Eagle Mart is filled with rewards and students sure have been enjoying spending the tickets they are earning. Our staff loves being able to reward great choices and behavior. Our routines, environment, bussing and playground are all different this year, with being housed at ES24, and our students have adapted very well to these changes. Evergreen Middle School students (former Totem) will be moving in to the new school over winter break, and they will be using the Star Lake parking lot while the old Totem building is demolished and their parking lot is built. I just wanted to share this as a reminder, that while you may see school buses and students in the new school in January, Star Lake will not be moving in until the fall, we will remain here at ES24 through the remainder of this school year.
And, we are excited to welcome Olympic View to ES24 in January because their school is beginning new construction! We will be sharing the building but will be on different bell schedules so our students and Olympic View students will have separate bus, recess, classroom and lunch areas and times.
I wish all of our families a relaxing and healthy winter break! I hope you find ways to have fun with your families, watch some great movies, and read some great books…that sure is my plan!
Best Regards,
Kris Rennie, Principal
krennie@fwps.org 253-945-4007
Mark Your Calendars
DECEMBER
6 - Parent Zoom Meeting at 5:30
15 - Early Release - School ends at 1:45
17 - Holiday Spirit Wear
20 - Jan 2 Winter Break - No School
JANUARY
3 - Back to School
5 - Early Release - School ends at 1:45
17 - MLK Day - No School
19 - Early Release - School ends at 1:45
21 - Career Spirit Day
28 - End of Semester - No School
Holiday Help
Hello, Star Lake Families!
The holidays are quickly approaching and after the difficulties we have all faced this past year I know that we have scholars and families in need of support. We have a few spots available with local community partners as well as contact information for other holiday assistance programs within King County. To be included in the Holiday Help list please contact me by email at jhilderbrand@fwps.org or by phone at 253-945-4020.
Best wishes,
Jessica Hilderbrand
Family Liaison Star Lake Elementary
253-945-4020
Donate Books For Scholars Today
Visit Barnes & Noble at 31325 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003 to donate a book today.
Parent Zoom Meeting Dec 6th
Hope you can all join us!
Housing Instability?
HIGHLY CAPABLE REFERRAL WINDOW OPENS 12/1/21 - 1/10/22
The FWPS Highly Capable program identifies scholars who many need additional support in their classroom through Highly Capable services. These services are provided at each school site, typically in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, or both through differentiation, extension, or acceleration opportunities.
This year, the HCP referral process is completely digital, and will be collecting formative data about every scholar referred, reviewed in conjunction with assessment data, for a whole-child approach to the identification process.
FWPS families, teachers, staff, scholars, and community members may refer a K-11 scholar for consideration during Dec. 1, 2021 - Jan. 10, 2022 for the 2022–23 school year.
For more information, visit the website at https://www.fwps.org/Page/8215
To make a referral visit: https://www.fwps.org/Page/8219
Are You Interested in Working as a Paraeducator Here at Star Lake?
Families, we have two 6 hour general paraeducator positions open here at Star Lake to support students in classrooms, on the playground, and in the lunchroom.
What a great opportunity to work in a job that has benefits and pays between $21-23 an hour. You work the same hours and days that your children are at school, and you get to hang out with great students!
If you are interested please follow this link to apply, or email Mrs. Rennie (krennie@fwps.org) for more information. https://www.applitrack.com/federalway/onlineapp/ click on “locations” under “vacancies” and then choose “Star Lake”.
"Test to Stay" Program
Through our partnership with King County Health and the “Test to Stay” program Federal Way Public School scholars can receive optional on-site school COVID-10 testing with consent from parents and guardians.
There are two testing options available: Close Contact Screening to “Test to Stay,” for scholars who test negative after a confirmed exposure, and Diagnostic Testing for symptomatic scholars.
To learn more about the “Test to Stay” program, how to give consent for testing, and register your scholar, visit: https://www.fwps.org/TestToStay.
Available Scholar Resources
Federal Way Public Schools now offers two new services to support our scholars – Tutor.com and Talkspace.
Tutor.com
Scholars in grades 4-12 can access Tutor.com for online tutoring, homework, test prep, and more from expert tutors in over 200 subject areas! They can access this service through Launchpad to Learning.
Talkspace
To support social-emotional health of our scholars, they can take advantage of virtual therapy through Talkspace. The service is completely confidential and allows registered users unlimited therapy support through text, voice, video messages, along with two live video sessions per month. Eligible scholars can access Talkspace through Launchpad to Learning, by speaking with their school counselor, or visiting: http://www.talkspace.com/fwps
2022 Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and Tech Levy
Tech levy
Supports student learning in 3 key areas:
- Continued student technology access
- Teacher devices and professional development
- Infrastructure and software maintenance upgrades
EP&O Levy
The EP&O levy is approximately 8% of the district's overall budget, and funds essential programs and staff beyond what the state provides:
- Staff: Nurses, Counselors, and Social Workers, Career College Specialists, Curriculum Support Specialists, Paraeducators, Clerical, Security Staff, and Custodians
- Services: Special Education and English Language Learner Services
- Activities: Music, Athletics and Activities, and After School Programs
Please remember to vote by February 8, 2022!
For more information visit: http://www.fwps.org/Levies2022, email levy@fwps.org, call 253-945-2000.
Attendance Update: By the Numbers!
Thank you, families, for modeling the importance of being at school each day! It’s important your scholars have every opportunity to learn, grow and to develop positive attendance patterns. Our attendance team meets monthly to analyze our attendance patterns. Included below are a few graphs describing our current attendance trends. While the COVID protocols and temporary school location are a couple of challenges we are presented with this year and have negatively impacted our attendance, overall our attendance numbers are looking strong. Remember: Every Day Counts AND Every Day Matters!
Bus Rider Expectations
With so many of our scholars riding the bus this year to our temporary location, our bus drivers are asking we share the common expectations we are using to teach our scholars about the expectations for riding the bus.
Please take a couple of minutes to review with your scholar the importance of a safe bus ride. These expectations are right out of our PBIS common expectations matrix. If you want to know more about our PBIS structures at school please email Mrs. Robinson tbiles@fwps.org or Mr. Geving tgeving@fwps.org
Library Learning
Click below for the list of Battle Books. Read, read, read over the holidays!!
Ms. Nelson
253-945-4010
Counselor's Corner
Hello Star Lake Families!
This month, we will begin to focus on the concept of empathy. We’ll be reminding students to have empathy, identify their own and others’ feelings, notice and respect same and different feelings, and show compassion. Compassion involves saying kind words or doing something helpful to show you care how another person feels. When students can identify, understand, and respond in a caring way to how someone else is feeling, it helps create a positive and accepting school climate.
Second Step lessons specifically teach about empathy. You’ll be receiving Home Links describing why empathy is important and including fun activities to do with your child to help him or her identify feelings and practice showing empathy and compassion. We hope you find them helpful.
Please tell your child’s teacher if you have any questions about how you can help your child learn to identify feelings and show empathy and compassion at home.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Williams
School Counselor
(253) 945-4005
Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, Dec. 4, 11 & 12
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) is partnering with two local organizations to offer free COVID-19 vaccines to staff, families, and students ages 5 and older. Both mobile clinics can administer the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Mark your calendar to attend one of the upcoming mobile clinics:
OmLife Health Clinic:
- Saturday, December 4, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is full!
Todd Beamer High School
35999 16th Ave S
Federal Way, 98003 - Saturday, December 11, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Todd Beamer High School
35999 16th Ave S
Federal Way, 98003
Registration link coming soon!
Vaccinations require pre-registration.
WA Department of Health/Public Health - Seattle & King County:
- Sunday, December 12, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Federal Way High School
30611 16th Ave S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Pre-registration link coming soon! - Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is preferred.
- Free MMR, Tdap, Polio, and Varicella routine childhood vaccines are also available.
- No insurance is required
FEMA Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic:
- Opens December 20 - TBD
Federal Way Performing Arts Center
31510 Pete Von Reichbauer Way S.
Federal Way, WA 98003 - Will offer pediatric, adult, and booster doses
For more information, go to: https://www.fwps.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=9&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=269918&PageID=1
Nurses News:
As families are making choices about vaccinating their children, we would sure appreciate it if you would notify our school nurse if your child has received the Covid-19 vaccination. Please call Sybel Johnson at 253-945-4009 or email syjohnso@fwps.org Thank you!
COVID-19 TESTING SITES AT FWPS
FWPS Educational Service Center Parking Lot
· Located at 33330 8th Ave S. Federal Way, 98003
· Open to staff, scholars, families & community members
· Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
· No appointment needed
· PCR testing for all ages
· Results usually available in about 48 hours
Sacajawea Middle School Parking Lot
· Located at 1101 S. Dash Point Rd. Federal Way, 98003
· Open to staff, scholars, families & community members
· Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
· No appointment needed
· PCR testing for all ages
· Results usually available in about 48 hours
· Those visiting the testing site will not have access to the school campus
People visiting these sites can pre-register for appointments in addition to walking up:
PBIS: SAFE, KIND AND PRODUCTIVE!
As we close out 2021, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate our students! When whole classes show their Eagle Pride by being Safe, Kind, and Productive, they can earn Eagle Wings! Here are our classroom Eagle Wing counts to date, along with November celebrations:
- Mrs. Baisch: 17
- Mrs. Baune: 13
- Mrs. Gregory: 12 – Students celebrated with a Pajama Day
- Mrs. Clark: 28
- Ms. Thomason: 20 – Students celebrated with a Science Day
- Mrs. Hall: 32 – Students celebrated with a Pajama Day
- Mrs. Richards: 22 – Students celebrated with Pajama Day
- Mrs. Catabay: 12 – Students are voting on how they want to celebrate this Friday
- Mrs. Baker: 28 - Students celebrated with Pajama Day and Pixton
- Mr. Friedman: 23
- Ms. Jamison: 23 – Students celebrated with a Fidget Party
- Mrs. Decker: 30 – Students celebrated with a Slime Day and they are still deciding on their next celebration
- Mrs. Nelson: 30 – Students celebrated with a Slime Day
- Mrs. Blair: 32
- Mrs. Robinson: 36 – Students celebrated with a Mix and Mingle Party and snack
- Mrs. Withrow: 18
Wow! Look at those numbers! Let’s end this 2021 year off great and keep earning those Eagle Wings!
PTA Updates
The month of November the Star Lake PTA hosted a membership drive. The winners of the drawing are listed below:
*Members receiving the signed Seahawks Footballs:
Elizabeth Stubblefield, Rita North
*New Member receiving $25 Ladro Coffee Card:
Mamaya Trawally
Sign up for membership on our website at: starlakepta.memberplanet.com
In lieu of our traditional fundraising such as catalogs, cookie dough, bake sales we are asking for donations to continue enriching the students and staff at Star Lake. Please continue to send in donations made out to Star Lake PTA in an envelope. Thank you!
Next PTA meeting will be on Wednesday, January 19 at 6 pm on Zoom. Zoom link will be sent out closer to the date.
The Executive Board is still looking for a Secretary. If you are interested please email us at starlakepta@gmail.com
Reflections Art Contest forms were due November 29th. Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page and next month's newsletter!
PTA SPIRIT DAYS:
December 17th - Holiday Spirit Wear
January 21st - Career day
February 25th - Tie-dye/Rainbow day
Join our Facebook page to keep up with the Star Lake PTA: https://www.facebook.com/groups/StarLakeElementary
* Remember that a successful PTA needs your participation. We appreciate your support! If you have any questions, please email us at: starlakepta@gmail.com
Star Lake Building Progress
Staff List:
Language Access
English
Dear Federal Way Public Schools Parents and Guardians,
Did you know Federal Way Public Schools offers language services for families whose home language is not English? These services can be accessed in a variety of ways:
· By calling or emailing the school, teacher, school leader or district office
· Through district mailings, Synergy email, Remind, notices, and the district website
· Leaving a voicemail message on the district’s designated language hotline, 253-945-2198.
· Schools and the district office offer live interpreter services through a language services provider
If you have any questions about language access, please contact the Multilingual Services Department at 253-945-2094.
Spanish
Estimados Padres y Tutores de las Escuelas Públicas de Federal Way,
¿Sabía que las Escuelas Públicas de Federal Way ofrecen servicios de idiomas para familias cuyo idioma materno no es el inglés? Se puede acceder a estos servicios de varias formas:
· Llamando o enviando un correo electrónico a la escuela, al maestro, el líder de la escuela o la oficina del distrito
· A través de correos del distrito, correo electrónico de Synergy, Remind, avisos y el sitio web del distrito
· Dejar un mensaje de voz en la línea directa de idiomas designada por el distrito al 253-945-2198.
· Las escuelas y la oficina del distrito ofrecen servicios de interpretación en vivo a través de un proveedor de servicios de idiomas.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el acceso a idiomas, comuníquese con el Departamento de Servicios Multilingües al 253-945-2094.
Russian
Уважаемые родители и опекуны учащихся школьного округа “Federal Way”,
Знаете ли Вы, что школьный округ “Federal Way” предлагает переводческие услуги для тех кому английский язык не является родным языком? Воспользоваться эти услугами можно следующим образом:
• Позвонив или отправив сообщение по эл. почте в школу, преподавателю, администрации или в офис школьного округа
• Через почту школьного округа, эл.почту “Synergy”, используя “Remind, notices” и веб-сайт школьного округа
• Оставив голосовое сообщение на “горячей линии” по тел. 253-945-2198.
• Школы и офисы школьного округа предлагают переводческие услуги в живую, пользуясь услуги переводчиков.
Если у Вас есть какие-либо вопросы, относительно помощи с переводом, пожалуйста, обратитесь в отдел “Multilingual Services”(языковые услуги) по тел. 253-945-2094.
Ukrainian
Шановні батьки та опікуни загальноосвітніх шкіл м. Federal Way!
Чи знаєте Ви, що загальноосвітніх школи м. Federal Way пропонують мовні послуги для сімей, яких не є англійська рідною мовою? Доступ до цих послуг можливий різними способами:
· Зателефонуйте або надішліть електронний лист у школу, вчителю, керівнику школи чи у офіс райвно.
· Через розсилки, електронну пошту Synergy, нагадування, повідомлення та веб-сайт райвно
· Залиште голосове повідомлення на гарячій лінії призначеній райвно 253-945-2198.
· Школи та офіс райвно пропонують послуги синхронного перекладача через мовні послуги.
Якщо у Вас є запитання щодо доступу до мови, зверніться до відділу багатомовних послуг за номером 253-945-2094.
Somali
Waalidiinta iyo Masuuliyiinta Dugsiyada Dadweynaha ee Federal Way,
Ma ogtahay in Federal Way Public Schools ay u fidiyaan adeegyo luqadeed qoysaska aan afkooda hooyo ahayn Ingiriis? Adeegyadan siyaabo kala duwan ayaa loo heli karaa:
Adigoo wacaya ama email u diraya dugsiga, macallinka, hoggaamiyaha dugsiga ama xafiiska degmada
Boostada degmada, emaylka Synergy, Xusuusin, ogeysiisyada, iyo websiteyada degmada
Ku reebista farriin cod-bixin ah khadka taleefanka ee loogu talagalay degmada, 253-945-2198.
Dugsiyada iyo xafiiska degmadu waxay bixiyaan adeegyo turjubaan toos ah iyada oo loo marayo bixiyaha adeegyada luqadda
Haddii aad qabtid wax su'aalo ah oo ku saabsan helitaanka luqadda, fadlan kala xiriir Waaxda Adeegyada Luqadaha-badan oo ah 253-945-2094.
Dari
والدین و سرپرستان گرامی مدارس دولتی فدرال وی ،
آیا می دانید مدارس دولتی فدرال وی
خدمات زبانی را برای خانواده هایی که زبان خانه آنها انگلیسی نیست ارائه می دهد؟ دسترسی به این خدمات به روشهای مختلف امکان پذیر است:
با تماس یا ایمیل به مدرسه ، معلم ، سرپرست مدرسه یا دفتر منطق•
از طریق نامه های منطقه ای ، ایمیل همکاری ، یادآوری ، اطلاعیه ها و وب سایت منطقه•
گذاشتن پیام پست صوتی در خط تلفن ویژه منطقه ۲۵۳۹۴۵۲۱۹۸.•
مدارس و دفتر منطقه خدمات مترجم زنده را از طریق ارائه دهنده خدمات زبان ارائه می دهند•
اگر در مورد دسترسی به زبان سؤالی دارید ، لطفاً با بخش خدمات چند زبانه با شماره۲۵۳۹۴۵۲۰۹۴ تماس بگیرید.
Korean:
페더럴웨이 공립학교 학부모와 보호자 여러분,
페더럴웨이 공립학교가 영어가 모국어가 아닌 가정에게 언어 서비스를 제공하는 것을 알고 계십니까? 이 서비스는 다음과 같은 다양한 방법으로 이용할 수 있습니다.
· 학교, 교사, 학교장 또는 교육구에 전화하거나 이메일로 전송
· 교육구 메일, 시너지 이메일, 리마인드(Remind), 통지 그리고 교육구 웹 사이트를 통해 제공
· 교육구의 지정 언어 핫라인, 253-945-2198에 음성 메일 메시지를 남기기.
· 학교 및 교육구 사무실에서 언어 서비스 제공업체를 통해 실시간 통역 서비스 제공
언어 서비스에 대한 질문이 있는 경우 253-945-2094로 다국어 서비스 부서에 문의하십시오.
Star Lake Elementary
Email: comments@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/starlake
Location: 3600 South 344th Way, Federal Way, WA, USA
Phone: 253-945-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarLakeFWPS