Weekly Bulletin 12/5/11
SALMONBAYK-8 WEEKLY BULLETIN
“Building small learning communities – connecting every child”
Main Office phone: 252-1720, Attendance: 252-1728, Fax: 252-1721
Website: www.salmonbayschool.org
Elementary Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Ratcliffe 252-1730 mcratcliffe@seattleschools.org
Middle school Volunteer Coordinator: Caitlin Racey 252-1731
Monday December 5th, 2011
Upcoming Events Calendar:
DECEMBER
6th Tuesday MS 8Th Grade Project Meeting – Cafeteria 7:00 PM
6th Tuesday AS Transportation Meeting with Tom Bishop at Thornton Creek –info below
7th Wednesday AS Banking Window Open – Family Room Window – 8:00 AM
8th Thursday AS Alternative School Coalition Meeting TOPS – 6:30 PM
8th Thursday AS "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" All school play- Auditorium 7:00PM
9th Friday AS "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" All school play- Auditorium 7:00 PM
10th Saturday AS "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" All school play- Auditorium 2:00 PM
10th Saturday AS Rock Fer FOSB- Ballard Eagles, 7 PM
14th Wednesday AS Purl and Unfurl 7:00 PM15th Thursday MS Geography Bee- 5th and 6th periods-Salmon Bay Auditorium
15th Thursday AS Friends of Salmon Bay Parent meeting- 7:30 Library
16th Friday MS Rollerskating Party - Daytime
16th Friday ES Lantern Daytime Celebration 8:30 AM Stage area
16th Friday AS 1 Hour Early Dismissal
16th Friday ES Lantern Evening Celebration 6:30 Salmon Bay Park
19th- January 2nd AS Winter Break!
JANUARY
3rd Tuesday AS First day back to school!
PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
DearSalmon BayFamilies:
As we approach the holiday break,I want to thank you, as always, for supporting the teachers in their work with students. Especially at this time, teachers try to give students strong academic challenges and projects, as well as a balance of fun and special projects. Your support helps them pull off that balance. In other words, keep checking the homework! And keep everyone reading at home… And read the bulletin to take advantage of all the great things happening: lantern festival, geography bee, roller-skating, Tom Sawyer….
8th Grade Project Information Night- Tuesday December 6th 7-8pm Cafeteria- This is a meeting for parents and students to get information about how the 8th grade projects will go this year.
Update on district Capacity Management:the revised district proposal for next year does NOT recommend any portables at Salmon Bay. It does recognize classrooms we will add (elementary expansion). They may change our geo-zone boundary to include more residences in the Adams Elementary attendance area.
Thank you to FOSB: We want to thank our amazing parent group, Friends of Salmon Bay, who have concluded their annual Mini Grant process. These grants will provide:
- New stage curtains! They are gorgeous!
- Support for showing Finding Kind, as well as a school bullying curriculum
- Classroom emergency supplies
- Class supplies for Japanese class, Spanish Class, Making History Project, 7/8th grade novel project, kindergarten expansion, reading program,
- Technology projects: earphones, ipods for audiobooks, audio book library
It is gratifying to have a community of teachers and parents who work and collaborate so arduously to support the learning of their children, and all children at Salmon Bay.
Take care,
Jodee
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
Sneak Peeks December 2, 2011
I had the opportunity to just peek into an intermediate class to see students working on geometry.
6th-8th graders experienced “Finding Kind” it was an amazing experience to see students be authentic with each other and able to take steps to apologize to one another. Kudos to Anthony and Dana for the background work to make this happen.
6th graders were engaged in the library and LA classes gaining important research skills to build that foundation as a researchers by learning to evaluate reference books on Egypt.
7th graders were exploring scale factor and ratios demonstrating their knowledge by sharing their work to the class. The mantra in the class is U.S.A. does the student’s answer show “Understanding”, a “Strategy”, and do you have an “Answer”.
It was wonderful to hear the hallways with pitter pattering feet and student voices after a week break.
ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR’S NOTE
A full week of December business for you…
Three events for you –
- Tom Sawyer– the second all school play performance that we have ever had. Come enjoy the youngest to the oldests in the classic Twain tale. Performances are at standing room only for Fri and Sat. Thursday night is a good option for a seat.
- ROCK fer FOSB– the 11th rock event that showcases our talented Salmon Bay parents as you have never seen before. This year for the first time, two alumni students – Alice Strassburger and Jonah Falk, who attended Salmon Bay their complete and early formative rock and roll years, will be beginning the program with some original works. How cool to see our kids shine and flourish. Doors open at 7:00 PM, music begins at 8:00, fun begins right away. The Salmon Bay Eagles Club is south of Market street, on 20th. Cover charge is a recommended $10. Proceeds support our parent group general fund. Don’t miss it.
- LANTERN FESTIVAL – The dark days of December are made more beautiful and bright with the lights and sounds of Mary K McNeill, our kids and delicately crafted lanterns, which fill the room on Friday morning, December 16th at 8:30 AM. Please join us for this magical morning. If you would like to help me set up, email me.
Two meetings for you –
- Tomorrow night, Tuesday 12/6 at 7:00 PM, Thornton Creek Elementary is hosting an evening with Tom Bishop, the director of transportation, to discuss possible busing options for next year in regards to the NE quadrant of the transportation zone and Salmon Bay families. Address is below
- Thursday night, 12/8 at 6:30 PM, TOPS K-8 is hosting an opportunity to discuss the innovation school/creative approach school application process and how it will affect alternative schools in Seattle. Caleb Banta Green, SB parent and co chair of the Alternative Schools Coalition, has worked hard to foster the discussion of what this application process will mean for our future and the future of alternative schools in Seattle.
Way to go’s
- Chess club– To all the Kings and Queens of the Salmon Bay Chess Club. Way to go, placing in your tournaments.
- Robotics club– Look below for all of the accolades for all of the all school Robotics team members. Great showing of talent and commitment
- OUR BOOK FAIR- Thanks to ALL who helped bring in almost $2000 towards the purchasing power of Linda and our library, to buy more popular, fun and current books.
Thank you all - Enjoy your week - Megan
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR’S NOTE
HelloMiddle SchoolFamilies-
8th Grade Project Information Night, Tuesday 12/6 from 7-8 PM in the Cafeteria
Come hear background information on how the 8th grade project is going to work this year, from topic choice journals to rubric folders. There will be time for questions at the end of the session.
Does anyone work near Tukwila? Or just love driving there? We order our team sweats and school shirts from a place in Tukwila and are looking for someone to pick them up. Let me know if this is something you would be interested in.
Donation Opportunities for Middle School Classes- Both Melanie Shelton and Katie Hayes are asking for donations to help with classes. Look below in the Middle School section to see how you can help out these fabulous teachers.
Alternative Education Coalition Meeting-Thursday 12/8 at 7PM at TOPS K-8 there will a meeting with teachers and alternative school representatives to discuss the upcoming application process to become an innovation/creative approach school and what it means for the alternative school community. See below for more information.
Transportation Meeting-Tuesday Dec. 6th Thornton Creek Elementary, 7PM-Families who live in the NE quadrant and the Eckstein M.S. attendance area are encouraged to come and talk with Tom Bishop, SPS director of transportation to hear about proposed transportation cuts for next year and what we can do about them. See message below to get more details.
December FOSB Meeting Date Change/Time change- New Date is Thursday December 15th- Salmon Bay Library at 7:30 pm (for December only). So that our FOSB meeting isn't competing with the fabulous all school production of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" we have a new meeting date.
All School Production of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Thursday December 8th @ 7pm
Friday December 9th @ 7pm
Saturday December 10th @ 2pm
The Friday and Saturday show have all the chairs already reserved and the Thursday night show is filling up quick. There is still room to sit on the floor in front or stand in the back at all the shows.
Rock Fer FOSB-Saturday December 10th at the Ballard Eagles- doors open at 7pm. Come listen to fellow parents and their bands rock out! We will also be treated to the musical styling's of two Salmon Bay alumni, Alice Strassburger and Jonah Falk! Have fun listening to great music and raise money for our wonderful school.
WEP Ski/Snowboard volunteers needed! I will be sending out an email this week with details of all the volunteers needed on those 6 WEP Friday's so you can start planning accordingly.
Congratulations to the Chess and Robotics clubs on your impressive seasons!
Our amazing bookfair raised almost $2000 for our school library! Great job!
Thanks and have a great week! Caitlin
ALL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Hear ye hear ye! Upcoming Tom Sawyer Performance Update
Friday night and Sat performances to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are now sold out - meaning, we have 130 seats and those are all reserved.
There is still room for standing in the back, sitting in the front and (possibly) sitting at a table in the back in the cafeteria...
Still some chairs left for Thursday night but they're going fast!
ROBOTICS TEAM - Last Meeting This Wednesday, Dec7th
Last meeting this Wednesday in the multipurpose room.
We will celebrate our successes from the robotics season and do a couple of team challenges!
Note: "The Winners" will continue to meet to prepare for the State Championships. The time and place is still to be determined.
ROBOTICS TEAM NEWS
The Salmon Bay Robotics club participated in the FLL Washington State Regional Qualifiers this weekend, and had a really great time. This was our first year competing in a tournament and the kids did fantastic!
We fielded 3 teams for the competition: The Winners (#405), Firebots (#407), and Techno Tigers (#408).
The qualifiers consisted of 3 team interviews (FLL Core Values, Robot Design, and Science Project) as well as the robot game. We (the coaches) were really impressed with the great job the kids did in their interviews. The teams also scored well in the robot game. The Winners also qualified for the State Championships by winning the "Gracious Professionalism" award.
Here are some of the highlights and great comments our teams got for their interviews:
The Winners
Louis F., Spencer H., Kaspar H., Gabe H., Myele J.,
Jonah K., Henry L., Nolan L., Sabrina M.
Coach: Darlene Soellner
Robot Game Score: 116 points
FLL Core Values
- High marks for Inspiration, Teamwork and Gracious Professionalism.
- Won Gracious Professionalism award with Exemplary marks for Inclusion
of all team members, Respect for other team members, and Accomplished
marks for Cooperation.
Robot Design
- High marks for Mechanical Design and Programming
- "Good robot design, really liked the tread design"
- "Quite innovative to use single attachment for all of the missions"
Firebots
Owen A., Shamus B., Max B., Philip C., Sally H., Alan O.,
Clayton S., Claire S., Owen S., Alex V.L.,
Coach: Jeff Coleman
Robot Game Score: 115 points
Robot Design
- High Marks for Mechanical Design and Strategy & Innovation
- "Attachments that could transform into other attachment was a great idea
and an efficient use of parts"
- "Programming seemed well understood and iteratively improved"
- "Moveable computer for easy access was great"
Techno Tigers
Jordan A., Saia D., Paul F., John L., Bjorn M.,
Jack P., Theo S., Riley S., Beth T.
Coach: Sarab Mattes
Robot Game Score: 86 points
Core Values
- High Marks for Kids Do The Work, Respect for other team members, and
Cooperation amongst the team
Robot Design
- High Marks for Strategy & Innovation, and Mechanical Design
- Recommended for "Rising Star" award for accomplished ratings in Mission Strategy
and Innovation
- "Claw device was innovative and seemed to address team's well defined goals"
FRIENDS OF SALMON BAY PARENT/FAMILY INFORMATIONB
FOSB NEWS: December FOSB meeting – Thursday December 15th 7:30 PM Library
Please note the FOSB meeting has been moved to next Thursday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m. By rescheduling our meeting, we were able to avoid a conflict with the all school play (and it is going to be great--please join us for a performance!). We are currently finalizing the FOSB meeting agenda and ask that anyone with agenda items contact Jodi Russell (reddsell@comcast.net) or Sarah Kopf (kopfpatterson@earthlink.net )
Budget discussions are starting for next school year. If you are interested in joining this conversation, please plan to attend the finance committee meeting on January 9th at 7p.m.
We are seeking a few volunteers who are interested in helping host FOSB coffee time. Coffee time is generally held after drop-off in the morning. Host duties include preparing coffee and assisting with set
-up/clean-up. If you are able to help for a time or two, please contact Jodi Russell or Sarah Kopf.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION COALITION MTG THIS THURSDAY –
7:00 PM TOPS K-8
We would like to convene a meeting with teachers, administrators and parent representatives from all 7 alternative schools to discuss:
* what the "creative approach schools" process is about and the possible implications
* the pros and cons of different decision paths
* determine whether and how we might coordinate our efforts.
Feel free to join us at TOPS, at 7:00 PM in the library.
Attention: Salmon Bay Families who live in the NE quadrant and the Eckstein Middle School Attendance area! Transportation meeting tomorrow night.
A group of NE parents have quickly put together a meeting for all parents of Salmon Bay students without guaranteed transportation next year (2012/2013) and beyond, to meet with Tom Bishop the Director of Transportation for Seattle Public Schools.
Tuesday, Dec 6th 7PM
Thornton Creek Elementary
7711 43rd AvenueNE Seattle, WA 98115
Due the State's education budget cost, Transportation has been given a mandate to dramatically cut bussing costs next year! There will be a city wide cut in bussing services, including discontinuing bussing our kids from outside the Salmon Bay assignment zone, which is the combined Hamilton and Whitman Middle School Attendance Areas. (The grandfathered clause for busing is scheduled to end May 2012) The goal of this community meeting is to brainstorm and advocate for transportation solutions with Tom that would make it possible for our children and other NE students to continue to attend Salmon Bay.
The timing of this meeting is important as Tom needs to turn in his bussing plan for the 2012/2013 school year in January.
Please send at least one parent to the meeting, we need to demonstrate that this is an important issue for us as a community.
Auction News! MARCH 31st 2012 – Saturday 5:00 – 10:00 North Seattle Comm College
Auction News!
Things are moving right along. If you are interested in helping out still, we can find you something to do! There are donation forms in the front of the school under the Auction Sign up poster, feel free to grab one for yourself and someone else any time. You can also find them on our school website: http://www.salmonbayschool.org/parents/fundraising/auction/donor_form
"Like" Salmon Bay School Annual Auction on facebook to be in on the most current happenings!
Stay tuned for more information and for a call for decoration meetings!
Suzanne
DIRECT GIVING COMMITTEE UPDATE
Have you seen those new curtains on the stage? Did you know that YOU purchased them? That's right, they were purchased with money raised by this Annual Giving campaign!!!! There are lots of other amazing projects, just waiting for our dollars.
It's not too late to give! We still need $5,000 to make our goal of $25,000. Lost your letter? No worries - you can donate online at http://www.salmonbayschool.org/giving.
Have questions? Contact Kate Banta-Green at bantagreen@gmail.com
Thanks for choosing Salmon Bay!
PIE NEWS:
Coming up: P.I.E. Book Club Nights!
Friday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted in the homes of P.I.E. members Zara Kublin and Karine Dammer
The February book will be “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” and the March book will be “Free-Range Kids” Please come to one or both! These books were chosen for their ability to spark lively discussion of hot-button parenting issues.
“Tiger Mother” raises questions about how to parent in our high-pressure times: when to give a push and when to step back; how to know the difference between encouraging our children and pressuring them; how do we step out of this rat race without worrying that we might be "leaving our children behind?”
“Free-Range Kids” focuses on the child’s physical independence: how to balance our fears for our children’s safety with our urge to protect them; how overprotection can keep them from becoming confident and independent; what are real risks and what are perceived risks?
Bring your wisdom, your anxiety, and your total cluelessness!
Snacks and drinks provided.
Contact Zara Kublin zkublin@hotmail.com
NEW SCRIP NEWS!
If you haven't managed to get all of your holiday shopping done just yet, come on down to the scrip table! We might just have something for you! You could use a gift card to shop, or buy one to give away. Either way, we all win. Yay for winning!
Here are the cards we have at the moment: Fred Meyer/QFC, Safeway, Amazon, Little Caesars, Claire's, JcPenny, Big 5, Gymboree, LL Bean, Jiffy Lube, Groupon, Shutterfly, AMC, Regal, PCC
Scrip table is personed M-F 8:15-8:45am and M/W 2:15-2:45pm.
:) Suzanne, Amy and Teresa
PURL & UNFURL 7pm, Wednesday, December 14
Knitters unite and steal away to work among friends on some of those holiday presents you may need to finish. The word is getting out about this fun group! ...come relax, knit and get to know better some fellow parents. New knitters, crafters of all kinds and holiday card writers are all welcome. Purl and Unfurl will always be the 2nd Wednesday of the month so jot future months on your calendar if you cannot make this one.
meet at: Karine's house (5 houses north of Salmon Bay park)
7029 20th Ave NW
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHESS CLUB NEWS
The Salmon Bay Chess Club participated in the Bryant Fall Classic chess tournament this weekend and had a great time! We had 16 kids who played in the tournament. Our 1st-3rd grade team took home the 4th place team trophy and our 4th-6th grade team took home the 7th place team trophy. Nice job chess players!
Kindergarten Team
Isa A.W., Saul D., Chase M.
Highlights
- Saul - First Tournament! - 3 points - Qualified for State Championships
- Isa - Second Tournament
- Chase - Second Tournament - 3 points - Qualified for State Championships
1st - 3rd Grade Team
Sophia A.W., Blanca K., Jackson K., Jackson M., Fritz M., Julian M., Keegan P, Milo P., Asher S., Gabe T.
Highlights
- 4th Place Team Trophy
- Jackson M. - First Tournament!
- Julian - Second Tournament
- Jackson K. - 7th Place 3rd Grade - 4 out of 5 games won
- Fritz - 2nd Place 2nd Grade - 4 out of 5 games won
- Keegan - 3 wins - Qualified for State Championships
4th - 6th Grade Team
Jackson B., Julie K., Cian M.
Highlights
- 7th Place Team Trophy
- Cian - 3 wins - Qualified for State Championships
MIDDLE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE PROJECT UPDATE:
8th Grade Project Information Night, Tuesday 12/6 at 7- 8 PM in the Cafeteria
Come hear background information on how the 8th grade project is going to work this year, from topic choice journals to rubric folders. There will be time for questions at the end of the session. If you have any questions please reply to Caitlin Racey at caracey@seattleschools.org
6th GRADE TEACHER NEEDS YOUR HELP :
DearSalmon BayParents and Community Members!
I am hoping to offer a new exploratory class about Food, Cultures, Healthy Eating and Cooking this spring. The class would allow students to explore the politics of food, how to pick healthy choices when it comes to food, how and what people in cultures around the world eat and some cooking basics. In order to make this class a success, I need your help! I am hoping to gather any old (but still functioning and safe!) small cooking appliances such as Electric Frying Pans, Crock Pots, George Forman Grills, Hot Plates, Electric Kettles, etc. If you have any of these items way back in your kitchen cabinets, or down in the basement, and would like to donate them for the semester--or permanently--please email me at knhayes@seattleschools.org to let me know what you have.
Thanks!
Katie Hayes . 6th Grade LA/SS
8th GRADE TEACHER NEEDS YOUR HELP:
Cleaning out your closets? Please send any old beading/jewelry materials to Melanie in room 317 for our WEP class; we appreciate any donations!
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Violin Lessons-
Interested in violin/fiddle lessons for yourself or your child? Elizabeth Lovelace is a Salmon Bay mom and a certified Suzuki violin teacher. She has been teaching violin fro 20 years for ages 6- adult. She also loves to teach fiddling. For more information please call (206)351-3307. website- whidbeymusic-Elizabeth Lovelace
A GREAT WAYto SPEND your SCHOOLS OUT Days!
December 26th-30th there is NO SCHOOL which means it's time for ALL HOOPS!
Who: Boys and Girls, Grades 2-8
What: Join Husky legend Donald Watts, Sonic's great Slick Watts and the world-class Watts Basketball trainers for a camp full of skills, drills, games and prizes! Whether you are just starting out or trying to take your game to the next level, our coaches will help you reach your full potential all while having fun! *Late registration does not guarantee t-shirt*
Where: Sound Mind and Body
When: Monday-Friday, December 26-30, 9am-4pm
Cost: 3 Days: $165.00 / 4 Days: $195.00 / 5 Days: $225.00 (t-shirt included)
Register: https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=756&GroupID=79878
More information: www.wattsbasketball.com
SNOW SPORT OPPORTUNITY
Interested in getting your kids cross-country skiing -- and getting in some ski time yourself? Three, four and eight week programs offered at Summit East's Nordic Center are fun for everyone, ages 4 and up through teen racers. Each year the eight-week classes have an adventure theme and this year the elementary - middle school young skiers will be on a "Beyonders" quest. For more info, see: http://home.comcast.net/~karelzikan/JP/ (This page also has information for the Snoqualmie Nordic Club ski swap coming up this Friday, 12/2)
Salmon Bay Alumna Helen Miller (Ballard High, '13) will be instructing in this program for her third year (following eight years as a student).
Salmon Bay Mom’s Kickball
Come have fun with Salmon Bay moms playing kickball! No experience
necessary- everyone welcome.
Second Saturday (12/10) every month 10 AM @ Greenwood Elementary playground (80th N & 1st Ave N) Just show up or contact Lisa Crozier for more information. 784.7563.
SPACE TO CREATE NEWS: www.spacetocreate.net
Space to Create- Winter Schedule now online
Studio Holiday Sale: Dec. 9, 10 and 11 - One of a kind gifts for the holiday
Friday from 5 - 8 pm
Saturday from 10 - 5 pm
Sunday from noon - 5 pm
School Break open studio time:
December 19 - 23 from 9:30 - 1 pm
(sign up for one or more days)
Space limited. Pre-registration required.
