MTE Family Newsletter
January 8, 2021
Mountlake Terrace Elementary Little Hawks
Attendance Line: (425) 431-3364
ECEAP Preschool Office: (425) 431-3339
Edmonds School District : (425) 431-7000
Welcome to 2021!
In this issue:
- Message from Principal Mary Williams
- Upcoming Family Chats with the principal. Please join!
- Changes to Packet Pick-up Schedule
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Assembly - Hosted by the MTE 6th Grade
- Lunch Bunch
- Spirit Wear T-shirts
- More opportunities to take school photos. (Free if just taking photo for yearbook.)
- 1st Semester Report Card Information (Semester ends on 2/2/21)
- 1st Semester Report Card Information in Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Korean, and Amharic
- SAVE THE DATE – Kick Off to Kindergarten – Feb. 8, 2021
- PUD Electricity and Water Income-Qualified Assistance Programs
- Message from Clothes for Kids
- Student and Family Self Referral Form (in newsletter every week)
- MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- Community eFliers via Peachjar
- Helpful Links
Hello Mountlake Terrace Elementary Community,
Dear Mountlake Terrace Community,
Coming up with the right words to express my thoughts and feelings about the events this week has been difficult. I am grateful to some of my other principal friends that shared their words to help me articulate all that was going on, with my staff. I am writing to you after having some time, space, and collaborative support; feeling as though I may better be able to put my thoughts and feelings into words.
This week has been one of ups and downs, varied emotions and great hope. I do not want to let this week go by without remembering that some momentous things happened. Remembering Georgia; the same state that Martin Luther King Jr talked about in his I Have a Dream speech saying; “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.” Right there in Georgia a black pastor who was the son of sharecroppers and a young Jewish man were elected to our United States Senate. Elected to go work in Washington and be part of an elite brother/sisterhood. Regardless of your politics, that is an amazing thing to see happen in a state and a country where people of color, Jewish people, LBGTQ+ people, disabled people, have struggled and been mistreated.
Yet, in the midst of such a historic moment, the attention quickly shifted to what happened Wednesday at the United States Capital; security was breached in an attempt to stop what has always been a peaceful transition of power. What happened Wednesday was difficult for those of us who are adults to process, let alone for our children. The attack on “The People's House” has left many of us fearful, asking questions and thinking about how we move forward from here. As educators, the staff at MTE have been given resources to use to support conversations with students. We are working to help students understand the history behind the election process in our country and give them the language and factual information about what occurred. We do this while respecting our duty to keep our own political beliefs out of the conversation. Our primary focus is your children; reminding them they are safe, helping them understand and creating a safe space for them to ask questions. Below you will find resources from OSPI and the office of the State Superintendent, as well as some resources from our school counselor Mr. Cali. Please use them as needed. They are intended to be guides for you and your children to help navigate such a horrific event.
Even after all that has gone on in the past 48 hours, I still find myself turning towards hope. This community, your children, my own children, and this amazing staff give me hope. The collaborative way we work together reminds me of the collaboration that happened in Georgia. Many people worked together to register voters, help monitor the polls, get people to the polls and empower those who had once felt their voices/votes didn’t matter. I see and feel that same energy in our community. We work together to make sure all children and families are supported; adjust as needed to make a new way of learning work for our children; provide food and other resources for those in need; create experiences that bring us closer together or expand student horizons; and work to empower all voices of students, families and staff.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope in a dark time. Thank you for the way you support your children. Thank you for your support of each other and us as educators. Thank you for taking time to talk with your children about the difficult things they have seen and heard this week and for the past year. I believe in the strength and resilience of this country and our community. I look forward to continuing to create a safe community space together.
With respect, gratitude, and hope.
Resources:
Upcoming Family Chats with the principal. Please join!
January 12th at 11:30 AM or 6:00 PM: (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/84328361047?pwd=LzJQZjBVYXErZ000WjU3SDNRYUZ4UT09
Meeting ID: 843 2836 1047
Passcode: 046216
January 19th with SPANISH interpretation at 10:00 AM or 6:00 PM:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/81916357948?pwd=dDQ2RHJQVk1uM2E2L21jZm5XVExMdz09
Meeting ID: 819 1635 7948
Passcode: 591827
Changes to K-6 Packet Pick-up Schedule (does not apply to ECEAP Preschool)
For the foreseeable future, packet pick-up will be about twice a month on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Please mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:
January 13
January 27
February 10
February 24
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Assembly - Hosted by the MTE 6th Grade
When: Jan 15, 2021 10:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: MTE MLK assembly
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/87099391474?pwd=WEltWkpxaHh4ZEl3b29vOC9WbHVtZz09
Passcode: 654608
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +12532158782,,87099391474#,,,,*654608# or +13462487799,,87099391474#,,,,*654608#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 870 9939 1474
Passcode: 654608
International numbers available: https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/u/kAcc4t1SC
Lunch Bunch
Come have a fun social zoom with your favorite staff and friends.
Mrs. Nakkour and Ms. Kelly will be joining you to have fun, play games, and introduce special guests!
Time: 11:45 - 12:15
Zoom link: https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/s/81208370779
MTE Spirit Wear T-shirts
In order to make sure every student has a spirit wear shirt this year, that is the correct size, we are asking families to take a minute and fill out this MTE Spirit Wear Form . This way we can purchase the correct sizes, print and distribute to the students that have yet to receive a shirt or that have an incorrect size. We appreciate your patience as we adjust our processes this year due to remote learning.
Please reach out to erin@mtepto.org with any questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you from your MTE-PTO
More opportunities to take school photos. (Free if just taking photo for yearbook.)
We are still hoping to be able to schedule a photo day at school this year but until then, Kid's Photography is offering photos by appointment at their office in Lynnwood again. They are doing students, siblings, family groups...all of it. You do not need to purchase photos, you can just be photographed for school records and yearbook if you wish.
Here are the details again:
Photos by appointment only. Appointment times are spaced to allow for social distancing and cleaning in between sessions. Here is a link to sign up:
link to sign up for 2020-2021 KIDS Photography school photos
or paste this into your browser if the above link isn't working:
https://fs27.formsite.com/Silkd0/2020SchoolPhotos/index.html
Location: Photos will be taken at 4114 198th Street S.W., Suite #4, Lynnwood, WA 98036. This is near the Alderwood Mall, next to the Anytime Fitness and across the street from the Goodwill
1st Semester K-6 Report Card Information (Semester ends on 2/2/21)
Dear families,
During this time of remote learning, not only does teaching and learning look different, but the ways in which we are reporting semester grades is slightly different as well (semester ends on 2/2/21). Ultimately, the goal is to keep our students and a strong home-school connection at the center of what we do. We understand you want to know what your student learned this semester and what progress they are making. Our teachers are working very thoughtfully to ensure you have the most accurate and complete understanding of your child’s progress that they can provide.
Important Notification: Switch to Online Report Cards for First Semester;
Can Opt-In to Receive Paper Copy
In a typical school year, we would be sending first semester report cards home with students. This year, they will be delivered to your online Skyward account only. If you would like to receive a printed copy of your child’s report card in addition to the digital copy, please log into Skyward and select the “Paper Report Card” option in “Student/Family Information Update” section. (See image below.) You may also notify the office staff at your child’s school to select that option for your family.
Report Card Grades or Marks:
A note about marks:
IE, Insufficient Evidence (IE) in the past, this may have meant the student was present but was not producing work while at school. In this remote learning situation, the IE could mean the teacher has just begun the unit or content was covered but the teacher is still assessing or gathering data. Expect specific comments as to why the teacher doesn’t have evidence at this time and when to expect information regarding that content/skill.
NF, Not a Focus, means the standard that was not taught for this semester (for example, in 3rd grade fractions is taught in second semester= NF for this semester).
Standard-based grades (1-4): standards-based grading is about a student's understanding of the standard and growth over time, not about the number of assignments completed or the percent they got correct on a task. It is expected that most students will be 2-approaching or 3-meeting grade levels standards at this time of year.
Effort: If students are showing any effort to participate in remote learning, however they can, it should be noted as effort.
Missing assignments in Canvas and Seesaw should not be counted against students’ effort marks if they are showing effort in other ways.
We recognize effort can be shown many different ways, and while we love it when we can see children's faces over Zoom, they won't be penalized for having their camera off.
We know families are navigating multiple stresses during this time and this report card is intended to update you on your child’s education. It is not a report on your support at home. We trust you are doing the very best you can at this time and we appreciate your partnership.
SAVE THE DATE – Kick Off to Kindergarten – Feb. 8, 2021
Please share with family and friends who have future learners!
You are invited to join us virtually for a special Kick Off to Kindergarten from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.
You will have an opportunity to learn about kindergarten in the Edmonds School District, meet our elementary principals and get a glimpse of our new online registration process.
What school will my child attend? Students are assigned to schools by their home address, so please visit the Neighborhood School Finder website and enter your residential address to find your school.
*Students need to be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2021, to be eligible for kindergarten.
PUD Electricity and Water Income-Qualified Assistance Programs
The PUD offers year-round income qualified rate discounts of 25 or 50 percent off of PUD electric and water bills to customers based on income. Please see the link below.
https://www.snopud.com/account/discounts.ashx?p=1188Message from Clothes for Kids
Give the Gift of Hope to Local Students
Once you choose hope, anything's possible.
~ Christopher Reeve
For the past 36 years, Clothes For Kids has provided thousands of school wardrobes to local students each year. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, nearly 5,000 students will get their school wardrobes at Clothes For Kids this school year at no cost to their families, and we are not slowing down! That's why we need your help.
The pandemic made it necessary for us to cancel all in-person fundraising events this year, putting extreme strain on our budget. The need for clothing resources in our community is high – more children need your help this year than ever before. Your gift can empower a local student for success in school – and open up a world of opportunities.
Please consider giving generously this year. It costs approximately $100 to provide one complete wardrobe to a student. Or $20 per month could supply 15 students with new shoes this year--there are a number of ways to give! Please click here to make your donation online today.
If you prefer to mail in your gift, please make checks payable to Clothes For Kids: 16725 52nd Avenue West, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98037.
While so many things are in flux due to COVID, our mission remains clear. On behalf of the Clothes For Kids board, volunteers, staff and, of course, the students and families we serve, thank you for helping us to put smiles on the kids’ faces and looks of relief and hope on those of their parents. We cannot do it without you!
A donation of $1,000 will
provide complete school wardrobes for 10 students.
A donation of $500 will buy at least 25 warm winter coats.
A donation of $100 will cover the cost of 15 pairs of shoes.
A donation of $50 will provide 50 pairs of new socks.
Student and Family Self Referral Form
Mark your calendars:
JANUARY 2021
12 Family Chat with Principal Mary Williams 11:30AM or 6:00PM (note time change)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/84328361047?pwd=LzJQZjBVYXErZ000WjU3SDNRYUZ4UT09
13 K-6 Packet and Library Book pick-up 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
13 Digital Library office hours for students/families 1:30-3:00 p.m.
15 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly Webinar 10:30 AM
18 No School – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
19 Family Chat with Principal Mary Williams with SPANISH Interpretation 11:30AM or 6:00PM (note time change)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/81916357948 pwd=dDQ2RHJQVk1uM2E2L21jZm5XVExMdz09
27 K-6 Packet and Library Book pick-up 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
27 K-6 Half Day - Early Release
FEBRUARY
1 Move 60! Equipment Distribution 4 - 6 PM
3 No School for students
8 Kick Off to Kindergarten
10 K-6 Packet and Library Book pick-up 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
15 Presidents' Day - No School
16 No School
23 PTO Saturday Meeting 11 - 12:30 AM
24 K-6 Packet and Library Book pick-up 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
24 K-6 Half Day - Early Release
26 PTO Meeting 7 - 8:30 PM
Community eFliers via Peachjar
Peachjar is an app that streamlines the way you find out about different events, opportunities, etc. that are happening in the community and our school district.
You will receive periodic emails from Peachjar with events and activities related to your school community.
You can also always go to the Peachjar Quick Link on our school website.