02/09 McMicken Family Connection

Dear Families,

It has been so great to welcome our families back in person over the last two weeks for our second round of APTTs (Academic Parent Teacher Teams.) APTT survey data shows that families feel empowered and appreciate the opportunity to have a stronger collaboration with teachers in service of their Cougars’ success here at McMicken. Highlights from the events include families connecting more with each other during ice breakers and sharing ideas about how essential skills and standards being taught have relevance in the real world—through careers and beyond. We have one more round of APTTs this coming spring and hope to have even more of a turnout!

In collaboration,

😄 Principal Haas

Click the picture of the book cover for a read aloud by the author!

When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, "Who are your people?" and "Where are you from?"

Children are shaped by their ancestors, and this book celebrates the village it takes to raise a child.

This powerful picture book with beautiful illustrations by Reggie Brown is a joyful recognition of the people and places that help define young readers and adults alike.

The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program is kicking off on Thursday, February 16th! Your child will choose a heart healthy challenge to Move More or Be Kind and earn a FREE Be The Torch Wristband! We encourage every student and family to register online and learn Hands-Only CPR as a family through FINN’S MISSION.

Register today on the FREE Kids Heart Challenge App or at http://www2.heart.org/goto/McMicken

Special School Incentives:

• When we raise $500, Ms. Wilson will get pied in the face!
• When we raise $1,000, Mr. Jungblom will get silly stringed!
• When we raise $1,500, something silly will happen to Ms. Haas!
• When you raise $50, you will instantly earn a Be The Torch wristband, 4 Heart Heroes, and a Mystery Gift!!

Have you been following McMicken Heights on social media? If so, you might have noticed our weekly Thursday feature, #McMThankYouThursday! Once a week, we spotlight a staff member to show our appreciation for all the work they do.

You are invited to share your appreciation for our staff members by completing this form. Your comments may be shared on social media, but they will also be shared directly with the staff member you compliment.

Volunteers contribute greatly to the success of our students and schools. If you would like to go on a field trip or help during a PTA event, for example, a volunteer form needs to be on file with the school office. You can download and print a volunteer form from the volunteer page on the district website, or you can pick up a printed copy from the school office. Volunteer status is good for two school years. If you fill out one today, it will not expire until August 31, 2024. Thank you so much for taking the time to help our McMicken community!

Thank you to everyone that volunteered and helped make the PTA’s first Fun Friday a super success! We could not have done it without our wonderful family support. We made a whopping $850.35!! This money will be used to help organize future fun events for our students.

We are looking for volunteers to help run February's Fun Friday on February 24. February's Fun Friday specialty item is space-themed slap bracelets.

If you are interested, please fill out the sign up form at bit.ly/40zaWrR. If you have any questions or suggestions for the PTA, please email mcmh.pta@gmail.com. Thank you!

McMicken Heights' Environmental Club, known as the Earth Angels, has been working on a campaign to reduce cafeteria trash in the landfill. They are reminding students to recycle correctly. Unfortunately, if food or other trash ends up in the milk carton recycling bin, it goes to the landfill and doesn't get recycled.

Ways to help at home include:

• Discuss how recycling and composting helps the Earth.
• Make a plan for recycling and compost at your home to help reduce trash in the landfill.

February's Monthly Focus: We are GROWING.

Weekly Focus (Feb. 13-17): Celebrate stamina.

A quote to think about: "Look back at where you came from and let yourself feel proud about your progress." -Anonymous

When we celebrate stamina, it looks like:

• Reflecting on your goals and the hard work it took to get there

When we celebrate stamina, it sounds like:

• "I am proud of how hard I worked."

When we celebrate stamina, it feels like:

• Accomplishment
• Pride
• Perseverance

February's Monthly Focus: We are GROWING.

Weekly Focus (Feb. 21-24): Take pride in your work.

A quote to think about: "You do it because making yourself proud is one of the best feelings in the world." -Anonymous

When we take pride in our work, it looks like:

• Reflecting on what you did well

• Celebrating your success

When we take pride in our work, it sounds like:

• "I worked really hard on this."

• "I did it!"

• "I'm proud of my work because..."

• "Before, I... Now, I..." (Recognizing growth in work.)

When we take pride in our work, it feels like:

• Accomplishment

• Confidence

• Pride

Friday, February 17 - Monday, February 20: Mid-Winter Break, No School

Friday, March 10: No School

Monday, April 3-Friday, April 7: Spring Break, No School

Do you know a child who will be 5 years old on or before August 31? Maybe it's a current student's sibling, your neighbor, family friend or even your own child. Help us spread the word: families can enroll their incoming kindergarten student for the 2023-24 school year now.

We encourage new students to enroll as early as possible. This helps us to connect with students early and ensures we hire the right number of staff at each school. Kindergarten Jump Start is offered August 23-25 to all registered incoming kindergarten students.

What Do Families Need?

Families should have the following ready:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of address (rental agreement, purchase agreement, or utility bill)
• Immunization records

Families can upload all these documents to our registration system. (Tip: Scan or take a photo with a mobile phone to upload.)

If the documents aren't readily available, families can start registration and email the documents to their school to complete their enrollment application.

For more information, please see this website.

See the full year's Heritage Month calendar and think about how you can continue to celebrate these groups and holidays at home. In addition, you can access the Heritage Month calendar in Spanish, Somali, or Vietnamese.

Explore resources, events, book lists, and more for February's Heritage Months in English or Spanish.

February is African American/Black History month, a time to celebrate the achievements made by African American/Black individuals and recognize the central role they have played in U.S. History.

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) provides an intentional day for African/African American families to be involved in their child’s education. The goal of this day is also to address the serious achievement gap facing African American students and promote and provide strategies for families to take advantage of educational opportunities.

World Day of Social Justice recognizes that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights, and opportunities. It is a time to bring awareness to the need for us to put forth efforts to deal with issues such as discrimination, poverty, gender equity, and access to justice for all.

International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion. It is a day to promote awareness of language and cultural diversity around the world and the importance of preserving indigenous and local languages. Learn about International Mother Language Day from the United Nations.

Contact us for support or with questions.

McMicken Heights Elementary School

https://mcmicken.highlineschools.org

Phone: (206) 631-4300

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