Weekly Bulletin 4/11/11

Upcoming Events Calendar:

APRIL

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Dear Salmon Bay Families:

I want to wish you all a wonderful spring break! Whether you will be traveling, or just taking a little time to relax with your children here in Seattle, I hope your break is also a time of learning and ideas for your student.

I was reminded last week, when we honored students who had demonstrated amazing learning (winning a national video contest, and a state geography bee) how important the idea is that learning is something that happens all the time, everywhere. It is not confined to the rigor and standards of a classroom. 

As you know, a strong principle of our Salmon Bay School is to provide students a sense of learning that is connected to the world in as many ways as we can.  We also strive to bring that world into the school building, and to take students out to the community and natural world.

We will continue to work alongside you, and your family, to develop the deep understanding that important learning is everywhere!

See you bright and early on April 25.

Take care,

Jodee

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Did you know…..

Tidbits that may be of interest to you……

Michelle Ota

PIE Game Night:

Thank you to the PIE committee for such a fun night of games and pizza.  My son is dying for the Ninja game and my daughter beat me at 7 ate 9 with ease. My brain and my reflexes just don’t work like they used to.

DANCE…The middle school students will be having a Spring Dance on April 15 from about 1:00-2:40 if you feel like dancing…please contact Jessica Phillips to join in the fun.

Tween Time/5th and 8th gradeitis: I’m certainly noticing 5th graders who are prepping to spread their wings, and 8th graders who are ready to flee the nest. Now is the time of year where we start to see students’ testing their independence, pushing that envelope, and so if you are seeing a little more attitude at home know that it is par for the course. If you haven’t seen the eye rolling or heard the “whatever” mumblings…enjoy. We are reminding students that they still have about two more months left of school and so they need to make good choices, any reminders you can do at home would be greatly appreciated.

Sneak Peeks:

I spent a day at West Seattle High School where I observed Math classes. I am confident that Salmon Bay Math students are prepared for high school Math. The importance of the group process and the exploration piece that are done in 6th and 7th grade helps lay the foundation for students to be able to have engaged, rich discourse about their thinking in 8th grade.

I observed two support classes where students were learning to prioritize what assignments they should do first and then working in small groups or individually on their assignments. The peer sharing and helping is something you always love to see.

In 6th grade science it has been  nice to see so many students rising to the occasion of Current Events and seeing science in current, every day life.

ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR’S NOTE

Lots of info for you all this week called Make a note, We need you and thank you much

MAKE A NOTE:

*FOSB Meeting/Playground Committee Meeting – Thursday 6:00 – 7:00 and 7:00 – 9:00

*Elementary Class Photo – Tomorrow, April 12th – Tuesday will be our spring time all elementary class photo .  Time to dress like you mean it.  Bring the smiles.  Bring the color.  Bring the great toothless grins.  Classroom photos are paid for by enrichment funds, so every student will receive a copy.

*Garden Committee Spring Weed Party – Saturday April 16th – Some of the nicest people you ever did meet will be descending upon Salmon Bay weeds this Saturday.  Would you like to join them?  If so, thank you, if no, perhaps the next time around

*Lost and Found will be finding another home at spring break.  Now is your time for you to find what has been lost.  All items will be donated to our ASB clothing drive.  See below for more info

*Unicycling Training – Parade training for all one wheelers will begin when we return from spring break in anticipation of the Ballard parade on May 17th.  If you were part of Mr. G’s fall time unicycle training and would like to continue to enhance your skills for your grand showing at the parade, come to Mr. G’s gym at 7:30 on Monday April 25th.  Remember what Mr. G says?  If you are early, you’re on time.  If you’re on time, you’re late.

*Open enrollment ends this Friday, April 15th,  so if your family has a sibling that you would like to attend Salmon Bay, you must go through open enrollment with the district and choose Salmon Bay as an option.  Families of 5th graders who are just moving up to our middle school program, DO NOT need to go through open enrollment.   Your student is automatically enrolled in our middle school.  Go to the district website or email me if you have questions.

WE NEED YOU:

*Our annual Elementary Science Fair is Thursday May 5th and we need someone to lead it.  Could it be you?  Please could it be you?  Contact me at mcratcliffe@seattleschools.org or 252-1730

*Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2nd – May 6th and we are looking for someone who would be interested in catering a lunch one day, with help.  We will continue to offer a potluck but we also have been able to offer a catered lunch in the past and would like to continue to do so.  Contact me if you can.  Thanks in advance.

THANK YOU MUCH:

*To all the members of PIE who hosted game night.  Sounded fun and challenging.  Thank you. 

*To all the folks who attended the FOSB Board retreat.  Thank you for contributing your Saturday to helping discuss, craft and plan for our next year.  Thanks to Robin Lofstrom and her family for sharing their home.

Lastly, for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to be impressed by the recent collaborative effort by Jonah Falk and Mary K McNeill, a recent news article was written about them.  Here is the link.

http://ballard.komonews.com/news/people/inspired-music-teacher-former-student-helps-raise-her-salary/632795

Whew! That was too much info…. So sorry.  Enjoy the much needed break.  Thank you for you.
Megan

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR’S NOTE

DANCE:  The Middle School Dance is scheduled for this Friday, April, 15th from 1 – 2:30pm.  Thank you volunteers!  We have plenty of chaperones and just enough snacks and supplies!

LOST AND FOUND:  Will be donated to our ASB clothing drive this Friday, April 15th.  Please be sure to check for any lost items before Friday!

SPRING BREAK:  Is next week!  There is no school from Monday 4/18 – Friday 4/22.  Have great week off!

THANK YOU!!!!  This Friday, April 15th will be my official last day as the Middle School Volunteer Coordinator!  L I have really enjoyed my time here at Salmon Bay!  And I will miss working with all of the parents, students and staff!  You have all been wonderfully supportive, committed and fun to work with!  Thank you for all of your volunteered time and energy.  This is a wonderful community and my children have had such a great experience for their middle school years.  My son will graduate in June and our family will move on, with both kids in high school.  I can’t say enough about how well my kids have been prepared for the high school years.  Salmon Bay does an amazing job of helping kids find their way in middle school and really jump into high school confident and academically prepared.   So, I am really saying good-bye as the Volunteer Coordinator, but also as a parent and family.  Thank you all so much for making my job so fun!  And Welcome Caitlin Racey!  You will begin receiving emails from Caitlin after spring break.  I will be a parent volunteer over the next several weeks helping Caitlin to settle in, and I will be sure to continue to check my emails and forward information to her as needed.  Thanks again!  I will miss you all very much! - Jessica

ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION

Salmon Bay School Clothing Drive

It’s time for spring cleaning! Donate any gently used clothes (for any season) to help benefit Northwest Center. As part of our school’s ASB fundraiser, the ASB gets funds for Northwest Center based on the number of pounds of clothes raised. The clothing drive will end Wednesday, June 1. Donations will be collected in your student’s first period class, if you’re a middle school student or parent; if you’re an elementary student or parent, you may leave your donations in the office and Keith will pick them up and take care of them. Thank you for helping our school and our community.

Sincerely,  Jamie Smith, on behalf of the Salmon Bay Associated Student Body (ASB)

BEDBUGS! – Notes from Nurse Julie

Yes, bedbugs. Because of the increase of bedbugs throughout the nation, we are now starting to see bedbugs being brought into some buildings around our district. Although there have been no cases identified here at Salmon Bay, the district now has a procedure for dealing with them (identification, contact custodian, work order goes in for pest control treatment, etc). The other recommendation for prevention from the district administrators is to limit anything brought in from home such as pillows and stuffed animals, especially on “pajama days”.  That was specifically how the latest case got into a classroom.  ~Interesting topics as always,

Nurse Julie

FRIENDS OF SALMON BAY PARENT INFORMATION

FRIENDS OF SALMON BAY PARENT MEETING THIS THURS – APRIL 14th 7:00

FOSB's monthly meeting occurs this Thursday, April 14th at 7pm in the Library.  YOU are especially encouraged to attend this month as we are planning to share information about a proposal Jodee Reed sent to the Seattle School District requesting that Salmon Bay's Elementary program EXPAND TO TWO FULL-DAY K and TWO FULL FIRST GRADE CLASSES for 2011-12.  Jodee will provide historical background on the idea as well as the latest information on the proposal, some (not all) teachers will be on hand to provide their perspective, and parents will have an opportunity to participate in a community conversation about the proposal. 

Additionally, we will also discuss the latest developments in Salmon Bay's playground replacement project.  Next-phase planning and funding efforts are close at hand; come hear how you can help turn the fabulous playground design into a reality for our school.

OTHER FOSB NEWS:

Tuesday Morning Coffee Chats!
Kill several birds with one stone....buy your scrip, have a cup of joe, buy a sweatshirt, and visit with other Salmon Bay parents (including Kelly and Jane, co-chairs of FOSB). It is a fun way to hear what is going on in and around school and get to know other parents.....and get your caffeine!  Every Tuesday morning around 8:30am in the lobby of school.

Playground Committee News: Join us Thurs at 6:00 PM prior to the parent meeting

We’re here!  The Salmon Bay School playground renovation is slated to begin in the summer of 2012.  What will Phase 1 and Phase 2 include?  What is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) playground, and how does it serve all children?  How will we raise money and conduct outreach over the coming months? 

This Thursday at 6pm in our library, the playground steering committee will answer these questions and more, and stakeholders (that’s you!) are invited to attend, as well as stay for the 7pm meeting to follow.  At that meeting, our parent group will approve how the project will proceed in the coming months.  Background materials are posted online, and include the proposed budget, Phase 1 and Phase 2 images, an outline of fundraising strategies and potential grants, and an outline of the outreach efforts we’ll be doing next fall:  http://sites.google.com/site/letsplaysalmonbay/

Please join us, and help spread the word about this exciting project!  Thank you!

Robin Wise Lofstrom

Project Manager | Salmon Bay Playground Renovation

ROCK FER FOSB 10 – APRIL 30th -  BALLARD EAGLES

Mark your calendars for another semi-annual evening of Salmon Bay parents rockin' the joint: Rock Fer FOSB 10, Saturday night, April 30th at the Ballard Eagles! To celebrate this milestone we're shaking it up a little by having the first ever Salmon Bay Rock-A-Roke. What does that mean? It's a chance for all you closet and shower singers to share your talents with a live back-up band. The RFF House Band is putting together a book of favorite rock and roll songs so that you can step up to the mic and get your fifteen minutes of fame. There will also be a chance for guitar players to sit in on a few songs. If you're interested in participating and you like to plan ahead, send an email to vida@seanet.com and we'll get you the list of songs in advance. If there's a song you're dying to sing, let us know. Or just show up that night and pick a song from the book, just like karaoke, but live.

We'd like to open the evening with a few sets from musicians who have yet to play at Rock fer FOSB. There are so many talented folks at Salmon Bay. Any bands, duos, solos ready for prime time? We'd love to have you play. Let us know.

Your Rock fer FOSB team--Cameron, Alan, Penny and Michael

CHILDREN AND FAMILY OPPORTUNITY TO SING WITH MARY K MCNEIL    

Dear Parents,

Your children have been invited to sing at an International Children's Festival at Town Hall on Saturday April 23rd.  The festival will take place on the stage downstairs.  We will sing our peace songs and Jonah Falk will join us to perform his original composition with us.

If your family is interested in participating, please email me at mkmcneill@mac.com and let me know. 

I will send more details as soon as I have them.

Thanks,

Mary K.

SALMON BAY SWEATSHIRTS have arrived!

They will keep your family warm and toasty for years to come... that is, if you remember to write your name on the tag!  Sweatshirts can be purchased in the lobby during Tuesday coffee hour and Friday mornings before school.  Or you can buy them from Megan if you can track her down. Adults sizes M-XXL in black, royal & red and cost $25.  Kids sizes S-XL in black, royal, red and purple and cost $20.  Email me with any questions - Jen Busch jbusch9@gmail.com

Robotics Team starting up!   (4th-8th graders)                                                                      

ROBOTICS TEAM
(4th-8th graders)

Robotics team has started and still available for sign up.

We will meet on Wednesday in room 214 after school until 4:30.  (Note: There is no after school activity bus on Wednesdays).

The robotics team will be associated with FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL).  The team will design, build and program robots using the LEGO MINDSTORMS® Robotics kit.  Each year FIRST put's out a challenge to the teams in the league.   The challenge is released in September and the teams have about 2 months to create their robot and put together a presentation on a current science topic.  In December, teams will go to state qualifying competitions to participate in the Robot Game and to show their presentation.

We are forming the team now so that we can get some familiarity with what it takes to build and program robots. For this spring we will be meeting once a week on Wednesday after school for 2 hours.  In the fall, when we get to the regular season, we will probably need to meet twice a week for 2 hours, and maybe a couple of Saturdays.

Middle schooler's please sign up using OST forms.  Grade schooler's please sign up using after school activities forms (found outside Megan's office).

For more information, or if you would like to help, email the Robotics Team Coordinator tomkolar@comcast.net.

For more details on FLL see:  http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll

SCRIP NEWS –

Did you know that by buying gift cards and using them for your weekly shopping, you help raise money for our wonderful school?  Scrip brings in about $5,000 a year.  That's money that could be used to buy classroom supplies!  And all you have to do is spend your money differently.  Easy as pie!  

I'm at the table in the front of the building every day, Tracy is there on Thursday afternoons and I bring the box to FOSB meetings.  If you don't normally come in to the building, feel free to e-mail me and we'll figure out a way to connect.

We currently have Fred Meyer/QFC cards for $50, $100, $200 and $300.  Safeway for $100, PCC for $20, Starbucks for $10 and $25.

Have a great week!  Suzanne Waller suzaroo@gmail.com

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Middle School Sports Team Sweats Orders         

The Track, Boys’ Soccer, Gymnastics and Ultimate Frisbee teams should have all received order forms last week to order team sweatshirts (and/or sweat pants).  Completed order form and payment is due this Friday, 4/15 so that orders can be placed during spring break.  Sweatshirts will have the team logo on the front (for $27) and for an additional fee, their name could be added on the back.  The sweatshirt is optional and is not required to participate in the sport.  If you have any questions, please contact Rae Keyes at 522.1326 or seattlekeyes@comcast.net.

Photographers & Photos Needed for 8th Grade Slide show      

Flash your camera skills for a fun event - parent or student photographers are needed for the the 8th grade slide show/end-of-year celebration. If you can take pictures at school and/or school events, or have photos from earlier in the year, please contact Ben Goldarb @  bengoldfarb@gmail.com or

(206) 313-2649 for details.

Assistance League of Seattle Summer Scholarship

If you are looking for a summer activity for your child, but may not be able to afford it, please go to www.seattle.assistanceleague.org or more information.  Applications are on-line.  The April 1st deadline is quickly approaching so please look into this scholarship.  Please refer to the website for the programs restrictions.  Thanks, Anthony Malaki, Counselor

Ecology Youth Corps

Will your child be turning 14 years old by July 5th or July 29th, then they may be hired to be a part of the Ecology Youth Corps.  The EYC is responsible for cleaning up our community green spaces, while getting paid for it.  You can go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eyc/nwro.html or talk with Anthony for more information and an application.  The application deadline is April 5th.

DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Open Enrollment extended two weeks through April 15

The new dates for Open Enrollment are March 15 - April 15. Significant changes in transportation service for next year are under consideration, with a decision expected at the Feb. 16 School Board meeting. The Transportation Department will be sending out letters notifying families about students' transportation eligibility for next year. Open Enrollment is being extended to give families more time to consider whether these proposed changes will impact their choices for next year.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hoopaholics Spring Break Basketball Camp - Details                                               

Details

Hoopaholics spring break camp is an opportunity for players to learn more about the game and have fun in a great environment.  Players will learn and work on: Shooting, footwork, ball handling, triple threat, and will play in game situations. Players should bring water and a snack.

Go to www.hoopaholics.com for registration

Positive Parenting of School Age Children

Would you like to learn about communicating more effectively with your children, have a better understanding of their behavior, and help build their self-esteem? You can in this free six-week parenting class designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 5-12. We will also talk about positive discipline techniques. The class facilitator will be Kim Buehlman, MA, LMHC.  Limited, free childcare is available only for children aged 5-12. 

Registration is required

for class and childcare. The parenting book for this class is $10 (scholarships are available). 

Please call 206-694-6727 to register

When:  Six Wednesdays, May 4 to June 8, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: at BF Day Elementary School, 3921 Linden Ave N.  98103 This class is free but donations are greatly appreciated.

Positive Discipline: The Early Years – Julietta Skoog

Hello parents!

I still have room in my Positive Discipline: The Early Years workshop happening this Saturday, April 2nd at the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Association (9:30-12:30). Contact me for more info

If you are interested in delving even further, my 7 week Positive Discipline, Parenting from the Heart begins May 3rd and registration is also open for that (Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30.)  

Please feel free to forward to anyone you think may be interested.

Happy parenting!

Julietta Skoog

www.juliettaskoog.com

Space to Create    www.spacetocreate.net    1414 NW 70th Street  784.0401

2011 Classes/Events Coming Up:

• Bookmaking for Kids - Monday 3.28-4.11 from 3:45-5:15
• Pajama Pants, Thursdays, April 7 and 14 from 3:45-5:30
• Ukrainian Egg Workshop
  Two different sessions:
  Adults:  April 7th 7-10pm
  Parent + Child:  April 9th 9am-noon
• Kids Night Out Friday, April 1 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
•  

SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES

** Fayezart Summer 2011 Day Camps! **

Camp 1: Art for Arts Sake I - $350 
July 18th - 22nd, 9:30am - 2:30pm (Recommended age 9 - 13 year olds)

Camp 2: Art for Arts Sake II - $350 
July 25th - 29th, 9:30am - 2:30pm (Recommended age 9 - 13 year olds)

Designed for the young Artist who is serious about his/her personal artistic growth. Campers will make real art using professional art mediums, focusing on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Faye will lead the students through step by step detailed techniques creating Illusion of Depth and Illusion of Form. Because of the extra hours of the camp there will also be plenty of time for campers to explore there own favorite mediums and creative expression. Examples of available mediums include: clay/pottery, watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel, chalk pastel, print making and more.

• A light snack will be provided around 10:45 & a lunch break at 12:15. (Please bring your own water bottle.)
• After the last day of camp we will host a mini opening gallery exhibit for family & friends. Enjoy refreshments while mingling and discussing the young artists's creations!
• Campers will pick up finished pottery the following week.

Send $175 deposit along with the completed registration / liability form to Faye Baker.

COHO KIDS TIME SUMMER  CAMP INFORMATION - 2011

Summer Camp 2010 registration starts on March 28th.

Registration for next school year is also open now.

All registration materials are available online this year, and only online.

Here are the steps:

Go to: www.ballard-bgc.org

- click on “child care” tab (top) then Coho (left)

-all forms must be completed and signed (including immunization forms)

- turn completed forms into Coho Kids Time, with $25/week deposit to reserve space starting on March 26th.

Call 297-7764 or email coho@positiveplace.org with any questions

We hope to see you soon!

Be sure to check out the Summer Youth Programs at the University of Washington.  

UW Summer Youth Programs offer 2 and 3 week full-day programs for both elementary and middle school students.  In addition, middle school students also have the option of enrolling 2 week ½ day short courses on a variety of topics (e.g., Robotics, Computer Game Design, Young Writers Workshop, Dance).  Registration is now open.  We encourage parents and students to visit our website at: www.summeryouth.washington.edu for more information.  

Summer Camps at the Burke Museum!  Registration now open

Little Dinos!
For kids entering Kindergarten or 1st grade
July 5 – 8, 9 am – 12 pm

Little Explorers!
For kids entering Kindergarten or 1st grade
July 5 – 8, 1 – 4 pm

Dinos!
For students entering 2nd or 3rd grades
Session 1: June 27 – July 1, 9:30 am – 4 pm
Session 2: July 11 – July 15, 9:30 am – 4 pm

Dr. Mossbreath's Mystery
For students entering 4th, 5th, or 6th grades 
July 25 – July 29, 9:30 am – 4 pm

Girls in Science
For girls entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grades
July 18 – July 22, 9:30 am – 4 pm

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!

To register or for more information about Burke Summer Programs, contact Burke Education.
Phone: 206-543-9681
E-mail: burked@u.washington.edu