Panther Pride
August 2021
We create and maintain a safe and consistent learning community by establishing positive behavioral supports and a culture where all students achieve social, emotional and academic success.
Fernwood Elementary
3933 Jewell Rd
Bothell, WA98021
425.408.4500
In this issue:
- Principal Message
- Back-to-School Dates and Information
- Information about our 2021-22 Fernwood Staff
- Ongoing Communication
Principal Message
I hope this note finds everyone safe and well while away from school. It seems like the months of summer always go by so quickly. It may be hard to believe the 2021-22 school year is just around the corner!
While you and your family continue to make the most of your time together, our staff here at Fernwood are busy preparing for the year ahead. While the physical and social and emotional well-being of students has always been our focus, we are being extra diligent in our planning as we prepare to welcome back students for five days a week of in-person instruction. We recognize this will be a big transition for students and families whether you are new, remained remote all year, or attended in the hybrid model. As we approach the start of this school year, we recognize it may take some extra time to regain the stamina of being on campus five days a week, we could not be more excited to feel our Panther Pride throughout campus as all staff, students, and families return.
Please know I understand many families have questions around what a typical school day will look like as we return. Please mark your calendar for Monday, August 30th from 5:00-6:00pm. Our Fernwood administrative team will be holding a Back-to-School Night via Zoom (the link to be shared at a later date) to provide more information about safety protocols and procedures in place and to answer other general questions. This event will be recorded and shared for those that are not able to attend.
To support our preparation and planning of the physical and social and emotional safety of students and families, we would like to hear from you as we value your input. Please click on the "2021-22 Fernwood Back to School Family Survey" button below to share your thoughts and feelings around the following four questions:
- What makes your child feel welcome at Fernwood/school?
- What makes you feel welcome at Fernwood/school?
- If any, what is your greatest concern around safety as your child(ren) return to campus?
- What is your greatest hope for your child(ren) this year?
Between now and our Back-to-School Night, you can stay updated on the return to school this fall by visiting Northshore's website. The link to this information is included in a button below. In addition, while we are excited for the return of all our students, we do understand some families may be interested in a virtual school option. To learn more about the Northshore Virtual Program, please click on the button below.
Please see the rest of this newsletter for more information on back-to-school dates and events as well as for information about our amazing 2021-22 Fernwood staff. We look forward to another great year of working in partnership around supporting our students to be their best selves! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Kind regards,
Kate (Bradshaw) Eicher
Proud Principal
Back to School Dates and Information
New Bell Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday schedule:
- 9:00 - Campus supervision begins (students may arrive)
- 9:20 – School begins
- 3:50 – Dismissal
Wednesday Schedule:
- 9:00 - Campus supervision begins (students may arrive)
- 9:20- School Begins
- 2:20 - Dismissal
Important Dates for August and September
*PTSA New Family Tours: New families will have the opportunity to see the Fernwood campus and learn more about our school community while being guided by one of our returning families. Visits to classrooms will not occur until our Supply Drop Off event. All families and students participating must wear a mask while on campus. A big thank you to PTSA for providing this opportunity.
Curriculum Nights
Please make it a priority to attend your child’s curriculum night. This is an important opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, find out about the instructional focus for your child’s grade level, and learn about our school-wide focus and goals. All Curriculum Nights this year will be virtual. We appreciate your attendance in our shared efforts to form a strong home-school partnership in support of each child achieving their greatest potential.
Community Serve Day
What is it: Community Serve Day is an opportunity to come together with your community to help schools get ready for the new school year by preparing classrooms and school grounds to become a premier learning environment for our kids. Projects include helping teachers set up classrooms, as well as improving the campuses through painting, repairs, beautification, and more.
When is it: Sunday, August 22nd from 9:00am – 1:00pm
How do I get involved: Register at http://www.communityserveday.org/signup/
Information About our 2021-22 Fernwood Staff
Welcome New Staff
We are fortunate to welcome several new highly qualified staff members this year. Here is a little bit about each new individual’s previous experience:
Jennifer Brisbine, Counselor - Mrs. Brisbine will be serving as our fulltime school counselor. She most recently served in this position at Hollywood Hills and Sunrise Elementary School. We are grateful to have her expertise as well as a fulltime staff member within this role!
Teresa Catone, Kindergarten Teacher - Ms. Catone comes to us from Shelton View where she taught kindergarten for the past three years.
Sarah Cho, 5th Grade Teacher - Mrs. Cho served as a long-term substitute in kindergarten last year during remote learning. Prior to this, she also taught intermediate grades in local private schools.
Kyleen Ellingsen, 4/5 Combination Teacher - Ms. Ellingsen comes to us from Frank Love where she previously taught 4th grade. Ms. Ellingsen also has experience teaching outdoor education at Islandwood as well as grades 5th and 6th within the Snohomish School DIstrict.
Kari Hopper, 3rd Grade EAP Job Share Teacher - Mrs. Hopper also comes to us from Frank Love where she worked within special education.
- Stephanie Prichard, 4th Grade EAP - Mrs. Prichard joins us having had previous experience teaching EAP at various schools throughout Northshore.
Donia Webb, .2 Music Teacher - Ms. Webb will be sharing her time this year between Fernwood and Shelton View.
Callie White, Kindergarten Teacher - Ms. White comes us after five years of teaching primary grades in her home state of Michigan
New Registration Secretary
Our previous Registration Secretary, Carla Gamman, recently retired after providing twenty-nine years of service to the Fernwood Community. While we are sad to lose Ms. Gamman in this position, we are ecstatic to announce our previous Dean of Students, Tracy Bickhaus, will be serving in this role. We feel fortunate to still have her as part of the Fernwood community.
New Assistant Principal
Over the summer, I also shared we are welcoming a new assistant principal. You may remember that our previous assistant principal, Mrs. Tamorah Redshaw, was recently named the new principal of Lockwood Elementary here in the Northshore School District. Today I am reaching out to announce Fernwood's new assistant principal, Ms. Cassie Morton. Ms. Morton joins us from the Edmond's School District with experience in teacher leadership at the school and district level. We feel fortunate to welcome Ms. Morton to Fernwood as her values and experience align to our school-wide work in a variety of ways. As an educator, she understands the importance of learning about the strengths and needs of students to best serve each child in making academic growth. She also believes in a proactive, positive, and collaborative approach to supporting student behavior. In addition, she understands the importance of a strong home-school partnership to ensure each child and family feel valued and a sense of belonging. Below Ms. Morton shared a bit about herself as a person and a professional.
Dear Fernwood Families and Community,
I am so excited and honored to be named as Fernwood’s new assistant principal. I have heard so much about this remarkable community and the wonderful learning environment at Fernwood. Fernwood’s inclusive focus on the social-emotional learning as well as academic success of students align with my own beliefs in the importance of educating the whole child. I am so happy to join this supportive community and promise to do my utmost each day to support our students, families, and each of you as we continue our learning and growth together.
I have been an educator in the Edmonds School District for twenty years. Over the course of my career, I have taught grades 3 through 6, been a teacher leader, and a member of the Washington State Fellows’ Program for ELA. I hold endorsements for elementary K-8 and secondary English and Anthropology. I hold a Bachelors in Liberal Studies from the University of Washington-Bothell, Teacher’s Certification from Western Washington University, a Masters in Education from Lesley University and my Principal’s Certification from Eastern Washington University.
On a personal note, I am proud to be a graduate of the Northshore School District myself. Having moved from Maine with my family when I was 8 years old, my family settled in Bothell where I completed my education at Westhill Elementary, Canyon Park Junior High, and Bothell High School. It is amazing to see how Bothell and the surrounding areas have grown over the years. While the changes are incredible, coming back to Northshore feels like coming home.
I have three amazing adult children, two daughters and a son. My son and his fiance recently blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter. My middle daughter finally was able to marry (amidst the delays of Covid) this last May. And my oldest daughter is following in my footsteps in education, completing her student teaching this year. When time allows, my partner and I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, gardening and walking our 100 pound yellow lab (yes, he is trying to lose weight).
I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of you. As this school year approaches, I know there will be new challenges and celebrations we will experience together. I am excited to collaborate with and support Mrs. Eicher as we prepare for the return of our staff, students and families. Hearing the laughter and voices of children learning brings such joy to a school. I can’t wait to begin this journey with you!
With Gratitude,
Cassie Morton, Assistant Principal
Please join me in welcoming Cassie and all of our new staff.
Staff Going by New Names
Myself and formerly Ms. Miyauchi will now be going by our married names. I will share out when emails are adjusted to match.
Ms. Kate Bradshaw is now Mrs. Kate Eicher
Ms. Charlynn Miyauchi is now Mrs. Charlynn Pierce
Teaching Assignments for 2021-22
EAP: Elementary Advanced Placement Program
EL: English Language Teacher
LAP: Learning Assistance Program Teacher (Reading Support Teacher)
LC: Learning Center Teacher (Special Education)
Ongoing School-Wide Communication
The Panther Pride Newsletter will be sent out on the first Tuesday of each month. If you need to add or update your email, or if you would prefer a hard copy be sent to your household, please reach out to our friendly office staff.