Principal's Corner
January
Message from Mrs. Sivadasan
Greetings Endeavour Families,
Happy New Year! The month of January is typically a great month for observing student achievement and maturity. All the great instruction and learning experiences from the first few months of school seems to make sense to students and the results are wonderful to see! I am very proud of our Jaguars.
Construction is moving forward at a rapid pace (see pictures below) and I am excited to soon see the fruition of much needed improvements to our school. Our students have handled the construction well and the small hiccups we have experienced along the way will be well worth it in the end.
As a staff we have continued to focus our professional learning around reading and cultural competency. Staff have been excited to re-energize their instructional practices around guided reading groups/strategy groups, word work, phonics, and independent reading skills.
We aslo had a panel of Endeavour parents speak with us about what it has been like for them to navigate the American school system and the dialogue around this was insightful and will help us bridge cultural and communication gaps within our system.
I am looking forward to all the great work and learning that will take place as we enter into the second half of the year.
-Mrs. Sivadasan
Endeavour has received a Kateri Brow Grant from the Issaquah Schools Foundation!
Thank you Issaquah Schools Foundation!
Counseling Tip of the Month, brought to you by our School Counselor--Ms. Hillary Harris:
10 Habits to Strengthen a Parent-Child Relationship
1. Aim for 12 hugs (or physical connections) every day.
2. Play!
3. Turn off technology when you interact.
4. Connect before transitions.
5. Make time for one-on-one time (15 minutes of 1:1 time) every day.
6. Welcome emotions and talking about emotions without shaming them.
7. Listen, and Empathize.
8. Slow down and savor the moment.
9. Bedtime snuggle and chat.
10. Show up! Be present with your child.
Source for further information:
ELL Tip of the Month, brought to you by our ELL Teacher--Mrs. Carol Jacobs
ELL Tip of the Month, brought to you by our ELL Teacher--Mrs. Carol Jacobs:
A great way to connect with your child is to read to them, or with them every day. If your child prefers reading to themselves (for older students), make sure you talk to your child about what they are reading. You may want to ask some probing questions, for example:
· Do you like the story? What is your favorite part? Can you give me an example of your favorite part?
· What do you think will happen next? What evidence do you have for your prediction?
· Does this story or book remind you of something else you have seen or heard?
· Who else do you think would enjoy this book? Why?
Remember, interesting reading and conversations about books can be done in any language. If English is not your first language, you can read and discuss books with your child in your home language.
Most importantly, enjoy the time with your child sharing ideas and experiences!
Happy Reading!
Family Partnership Tip of the Month, brought to you by our Family Liaison--Mrs. Wenli Mit
Give time to listen to your child.
Often times parents feel busy with life obligations and thus will say to their child(ren) “ I am busy now, later,” so that parents can finish their task before they connect with their student. Remember to come back to your child and ask your child what they want to talk about. Your child(ren) will remember you said you would reconnect later, and will likely be disappointed or frustrated if you forget.
It is always important to communicate with your child, so your child knows that they can always count on you.
Winter Weather is Coming – Snow Day, Snow Stops, and Emergency
School closures and delays are announced early in the morning, usually between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. If you anticipate emergency transportation conditions, please check for an announcement on TV, radio, or the Internet.
To receive closure information straight from the district:
- Make sure you are receiving District eNews. Sign up on our website. Weather delay notifications will NOT be sent via individual school eNews.
- Check the ISD homepage, www.issaquah.wednet.edu.
- Subscribe to receive ISD emergency news at www.FlashAlert.net (for weather emergencies only)
- Check the recorded messages at (425) 837- 7000 (Administration) or (425) 837-6333 (Transportation).
Equity and Cultural Competency
Construction Update:
The framing of our new wing is well under way and the concrete has been poured for the new portion of the cafeteria. I am excited to see so much progress taking place! We have also purchased additional playground equipment to help offer a variety of fun activities for students during recess and we are offering a weekly indoor recess option as well. The YMCA also continues to come out and offer fun recess games/activities twice a week.