Silver Lake Elementary
FEBRUARY 2023, VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6
Wednesday, February 1- 2nd and 3rd grade Recognition Assembly
- Spirit Wear Orders Begin
- Candy Gram Sales Begin
Thursday, February 2
- 4th and 5th grade Recognition Assembly
Friday, February 3 -
- First Semester Ends
- Mustang Milers - 8:30 a.m. Gym
- Learning Improvement Friday, Student Dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
Monday, February 6
- NO School, Teacher Work Day
Monday - Friday 6-10
Wednesday, February 8
Friday, February 10
- Mustang Milers - 8:30 a.m. Gym
- Learning Improvement Friday, Student Dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
Thursday, February 16
Friday, February 17
- Mustang Milers - 8:30 a.m. Gym
- Learning Improvement Friday, Student Dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
- Progress Reports Distributed
Monday, February 20 - Tudsday, February 21
- No School, Mid Winter Break
Thursday, February 23
- PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. Cafeteria
Friday, February 24
- Mustang Milers - 8:30 a.m. Gym
- Learning Improvement Friday, Student Dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
Monday, February 27
- Reading Night 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Library
a look ahead
- Monday, March 6 - Kindergarten Enrollment Begins for the 2023-2024 School Year
- Thursday and Friday March 23-24 - Lion King Evening Performance 6:30 - 7:30, SLE Cafeteria
- Monday - Friday, March 27-31 - Conference Week 1:00 p.m. Dismissal
February 1, 2023
Greetings!
January was a busy month of learning, growing, and showcasing our unique talents.
We are super proud of our SLE Robotics teams and coaches who represented us in competitions this winter. One of our two teams, the Silver Lake Robo Mustangs (in the black t-shirts), advanced to the semifinals and competed at Jackson High School on January 21st. The countless hours of practice with coaches, Anastasia Bekris and Cerra Sand, really paid off.
In mid-January, we were treated to a special performance by the Taproots Theater Company. Taproot is a local theater who presents an anti-bullying curriculum based on the Second Step curriculum we use in our classrooms. The group presented a short play for our students with goals in bullying prevention, celebrating differences and welcoming newcomers, as well as, a 15-minute Discussion/Q&A following the performance!
Throughout the month of January, students at Silver Lake completed the iReady Math and Reading diagnostic tests online to determine how much growth they have made since testing in the fall. This is an important assessment for students because the scores determine the content and readiness level of lessons the iReady program will provide to support them. You can help your child be more successful in reading and math by having them utilize the iReady learning program at home as well. Ask your child’s teacher about login information and how they can access this learning from home.
This month, February, we are celebrating students in grades K-5 who were outstanding in exemplifying 21st century skills (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, growth mindset, creativity, and citizenship) for the second quarter.
As we finish up the semester and move into the second half of the school year, we will have many opportunities for parent/family engagement. This includes a Family Reading Night, Multi-cultural Night, STEAM Night, and Spring Play. Please watch for upcoming dates and details about when and where.
Finally, some of the photos below are a representation of student artwork you might see around the halls of Silver Lake Elementary. As I travel through the buildings visiting classrooms, these are some of my favorite sights in the hallways. Our students of all ages show their understanding and what they have learned in many ways, often including drawings and art.
Enjoy!
In partnership,
Silver Lake Principal, Theresa Campbell
THE MUSTANG BEAT FROM DR. K
School Board Appreciation Month
In the month of January we marked the annual observance of School Board Recognition – it was a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education. You can learn more about board members online. You can also watch past school board meetings on the district’s YouTube channel. The Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) honors exemplary school boards that improve student learning and follow best practices of governance. Everett Public Schools Board of Directors has earned this honor for the seventh time this year for presenting exemplary evidence of ongoing professional development, addressing opportunity gaps and practicing governance that reflects the Washington School Board Standards.
SAFETY
SLE PARKING LOT SAFETY
Please, help our school to keep everyone safe by following the directions of the staff members in the parking lot. The parking lot next to the covered area is only for the use by the staff members and buses.
SAFETY TIP LINE
Do you or your student have a concern about someone experiencing bullying or harassment? Report it! You can talk directly with your school’s office, or you can call, text or email your concern.
If there is reason for concern about safety on a designated walkway to school, call 9-1-1 immediately for authorized, quick help. We have strong partnerships with local law enforcement who share our interest in safe schools and neighborhoods. Student safety is a priority for all of us. Working together, we can help make our neighborhoods and schools nurturing places for students to safely learn and grow.
DELAYED START OR CLOSED SCHOOLS
If we must cancel school or delay the start of school, we will use our parent communication system to call in the morning, typically around 5:00 a.m., with a brief message about the reason for closure or delay. We will also use local media and post the message on our website. If there is no announcement about Everett Public Schools, school is on the regular schedule. More information and resources for school closures or delays is on the district website under the Parents tab.
In cases of inclement weather or other emergencies, please:
• • check your email or phone for district messages
• • listen for media announcements
• • view the district’s website at www.everettsd.org
• • watch district Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts
SNOW ROUTES ARE ONLINE
School drop off and pick up locations may change in an emergency situation. If your child rides a bus to school, please become familiar with the snow route information on the district’s website.
State Testing at SLE
We would like to notify you about the testing window for the upcoming WIDA assessment in February-March 2023. The World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment is a test to measure English language proficiency in English learners (MLs).
You can help your child be ready for testing by:
- Marking the testing dates on your calendar (see the calendar below) and planning your preparations;
- Ensuring your child gets a good amount of sleep the night before the test;
- Having your student eat a nutritious and filling breakfast;
- Ensuring your student is on time on the day of testing;
- Setting a backup alarm to avoid the possibility of oversleeping;
- Contacting the school right away if your child is sick on the day of testing.
Мы хотели бы уведомить наши семьи, что в феврале-марте 2023 ученики, изучающие англиский как иностранный язык, будут сдавать гос экзамен на знание английского языка (WIDA).
Вы можете помочь вашему ребенку следующим образом:
- Знать даты тестирования вашего ребенка;
- Убедиться, чтобы ребенок хорошо отдохнул и выспался накануне теста;
- Накормить плотным завтраком;
- Привезти детей во время в школу;
- Сообщить в школу, если будет ребенок отсутствовать.
Nos gustaría informarle sobre el calendario de exámenes para la próxima evaluación WIDA en febrero et marzo de 2023. La Evaluación de la competencia en el idioma inglés (WIDA) es una prueba para medir la competencia en el idioma inglés en estudiantes de inglés (ML).
Puede ayudar a su hijo/hija prepararse para los exámenes de la siguiente manera:
- Marque las fechas de las pruebas en su calendario (vea el calendario preparado a continuación) y planifique sus preparativos;
- Asegúrese de que su hijo duerma bien la noche anterior a la prueba;
- Hacer que su estudiante coma un desayuno nutritivo y abundante;
- Asegurarse de que su estudiante llegue a tiempo el día de la prueba;
- Configurar una alarma de respaldo para evitar la posibilidad de quedarse dormido;
- Comunicarse con la escuela de inmediato si su hijo está enfermo el día de la prueba.
Feedback from the families
Screen Time Essentials
Many students here at Silver Lake were buzzing about their fun screen time they enjoyed over winter break. This is the time of the year when students are diving into media more than usual. Managing this can be difficult as a family member and can bring anxiety for some.
Studies show that screen time increases as kids get older, and there are risks to overexposure. Changing your approach to screen time management before the tween and teen years will increase the chances that the things they are interacting with are good for them. Daily amount of screen time for children has not changed much in the last six years. This is good news because as long as you have basic limits, you can focus on choosing quality screen time and technology to make screen time really count.
- Choose the good stuff (and not too much!). When your kids ask to see, play, or download something do not just take their word for it – check up on it. Read product reviews from independent sources (like Common Sense Media). Say no if you are not comfortable with it.
- Do not use screens right before bed, and keep them out of the bedroom overnight. Kids really need their sleep. Screens in the bedroom – especially in the hour before bedtime – interfere with the entire process of winding down, preparing for rest, and waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
- Turn off the TV if no one is watching. Background TV has been shown to get in the way of parents talking and interacting with their kids.
- Make time for enjoying media with your kids, especially reading. Reading to your child is one of the best things you can do – period. It is great for bonding, but it also sets the stage for learning. Product labels, signs, packaging copy – anything with words is fine.
- Practice what you preach. Remember, your kids are watching you. Create a screen time/media time plan with your family to help you balance all the things that are important to you. Schedule in downtime, chores, homework, outdoor fun, reading, meals, etc. Try to carve out times and locations that are “screen-free zones” and hold yourself to them.
Kids learn more from what we do than what we say, so make sure you are role-modeling the right habits.
Carrie Surowiec
School Counselor, M. Ed., ESA
Silver Lake Elementary
425-385-6900
csurowiec@everettsd.org
SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS NOW AVAILABLE!
The Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Silver Lake Elementary Library on Monday, 3/27 from 1:30-6:30 and Tuesday-Thursday, 3/28-3/30 from 1:30-4:30. No Book Fair on Friday.
Mrs. Sand is looking for support during the Spring Scholastic Book Fair.
Volunteers needed to:
- Help "set up" the Fair on 3/24 after school (1:30pm)
- Help run the cash register during the book fair.
- Help students find books during the book fair.
· No experience necessary.
· Earn a free book for every hour worked!
- Help “tear” down the Book Fair on 3/30 after the fair is closed (4:30pm)
- Contact Cerra Sand at csand@everettsd.org or (425) 385-6908
Mustang Milers is starting for the 2022-2023 school year! Mustang Milers is a running club organized around the activity of running, with a focus on promoting the wellbeing of our students at Silver Lake. The club encourages fitness, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude!
We meet every Friday morning from 8:25-8:55 in the gym, or weather permitting, in the undercover area. Students need to wear appropriate footwear and a permission slip needs to be signed by family and returned prior to joining Mustang Milers. AM transportation is not provided, however families can drop off students in the back parking lot at 8:25. Any questions or concerns can be shared with Mrs. Farrell (afarrell@everettsd.org) or Ms. Cleland (eclealnd@everettsd.org). We hope to see your student there!
The Silver Lake Robotics program is offered to 4th and 5th graders at Silver Lake Elementary both in the fall and in the spring. Students must apply to the club and commit to attend regular practices, and even some additional times, to code missions and solve problems. Teamwork and communication are two skills critical to the success of a Robotics Team.
Silver Lake Elementary had two teams, made up of nineteen students, participate in the First Lego League Robotics Qualifying Competition on December 10 at Evergreen Middle School. Coaches, Mrs. Bekris and Mrs. Sand, were very proud of both teams for all their hard work and the skills they acquired leading up to the competition. At the competition, one of SLE's teams, the Robo Mustangs, moved onto the Semifinal Competition. SLE's other team, Brick Busters, did not advance, but they represented Silver Lake Elementary well!
On January 21, ten students from the Robo Mustangs competed at the State Semifinals held at Jackson High School in Mill Creek. Thirty teams competed, only twelve could advance, and sadly, Silver Lake did not move forward to the next round of competition. State Finals were held on January 29. Even though our SLE students did not advance to the next round of competition, all students enjoyed their time together and gained a lot of coding knowledge and presentation skills.
If your student will be in 4th grade in Spring 2023, and would like to join the Robotics team, look for information about how to apply later in February!
